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Discount Profile: Sweets from the Earth

Sweets from the Earth is one of the longest standing vegan bakeries in the GTA and is famous for its delicious, well, sweets of course! Since social distancing became the norm in the GTA, they’ve added some savoury and bread items to their online store, and I couldn’t wait to take advantage of the opportunity to try them out! If the incredibly delicious quality of their caramel pecan bars or apple pie squares, that I’ve become accustomed to, was a sign of what to expect from their breads, I knew I was in for a treat. I ordered a sandwich loaf, dinner rolls, hamburger buns, and mini bagels, all of them in whole wheat. The sandwich loaf was surprisingly large, more slices than a typical loaf you’d buy in the grocery store. It had a nice slightly crunchy crust, but the bread itself was very light, soft, and fluffy. The mini bagels were nice and dense and chewy, just like you want a bagel to be. Next time I might give the apple cinnamon version a try! The hamburger buns were also very fresh and soft. In addition to using them as a hamburger bun, I absolutely loved simply toasting… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Kale Caesar

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com  Kale is the king of salad greens. It is among the most nutrient-dense foods out there, with one cup containing around 200% of your daily Vitamin A levels, and about 700% of your daily vitamin K levels. This cruciferous vegetable belongs to the same family as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, all which are known to have powerful health benefits. Kale is packed full of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin C. These antioxidants bind to free radicals to reduce oxidative damage. Essentially, they can prevent cancer cells from forming, reduce the risk of many diseases, and reduce the signs of aging. Additionally, the abundance of fibre in kale has many benefits to our health. The fibre in kale can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugars, thus reducing the risk of many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. That pungent, sulphuric taste and smell that cruciferous vegetables are known for come from a compound called sulforaphane, which in many studies has been seen to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. So, if you or anyone you know is fighting cancer, increasing their kale intake may not be a bad idea. Read More

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TVA Discounts Available During COVID-19

Here is a list of businesses that offer the TVA discount who are still operating to some extent during the COVID-19 crisis and social distancing measures. When you can do so safely, we recommend phoning and ordering take-out directly from the business to minimize the fees they pay for using delivery apps. This information was current as of Wednesday, May 20th. If you have any updates please email admin@veg.ca. Restaurants and Bakeries 852 Curbside Collective:  A collective of over 10 small Toronto food businesses, including Sausage Party and Chau, who have banded together to offer ready to heat meals. They are offering TVA members 10% off, using the Promo code: TVA2020. The discount applies to all prepared food, and guests can also order other groceries like pantry items and produce. Pick up is available Wednesday to Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm, with Toronto delivery included for orders over $80. https://852cc.square.site/ Bloomer’s: Delivery through Doordash. Walk-in take out orders on Bloor Street or Queen Street. Hours of operation vary by location. Baked goods only (breakfast and lunch menu not available). Boon Burger Café: Offering take-out and delivery via Skip the Dishes and Doordash. Cinnaholic: Offering take-out in person or online, delivery through Breeds, Doordash,… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com  With Spring on the horizon and buds beginning to grow, local asparagus is the perfect April vegetable to have in your fridge. Grilling, steaming, or roasting, this vegetable is so versatile and can be prepared with a variety of meals. Asparagus is known for its bright green colour and crunchy texture. This green colour is from a pigment called chlorophyll, which is a phytonutrient with abilities to reduce inflammation and stop free-radical damage. This means it can reduce cancer cell formation, heal wounds and tissue damage, as well as increase energy levels. Additionally, that crunch from asparagus is from their high fibre and water content. Studies show that a diet rich in fibre can help with a variety of comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It makes us feel full longer, reduces blood sugar and blood pressure, and improves overall well-being. Although blanching asparagus is the healthiest way to cook it, they can be prepared in just about any way. Try this Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus recipe to serve at your next dinner party. Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus – 1 bunch asparagus – 1 lemon, juice and zest… Read More

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Vegan Meal Ideas for People Who Can’t (or just don’t want to) Cook

A lot of people have been talking about how the extra time at home in social isolation due to the Coronavirus has given them an opportunity to cook and bake. There has been no shortage of exchanges of recipes or online cooking classes going on. But what if you truly don’t know how to cook, or you just plain hate it, and suddenly you are cut off from the world of vegan restaurants and coffee shops you usually frequent? We’re here to help with some ideas for meals you can throw together right now without having to learn any new skills. Breakfast cereal with soy, almond, or oat milk toast with peanut butter (or your favourite other nut or seed butter), topped with some sliced bananas and hemp seeds for extra nutrition giant fruit salad: slice up oranges and apples and sprinkle with some nuts and/or seeds, and cinnamon already flavoured instant oats can be bought so that all you need to do is add boiling water or, if you don’t even know how to use your kettle, there are usually instructions for microwaving too! Thaw some frozen berries and mix those in for added nutrition, and/or add in some peanut or… Read More

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Discount Profile: Vegan Danish Bakery

Being from Thornhill, I’ve been a patron of the Vegan Danish Bakery’s Yonge Street location since they opened, and have many fond memories of swinging by to pick up the most delicious pastries, birthday cakes, and of going for a gigantic plate of waffles for brunch. Last weekend I went for my first visit to their Parkdale location on Queen Street West, and was delighted to walk in and find the same beautiful, elegant atmosphere, with plenty of seating under crystal chandeliers. The case was stocked full of a wide variety of vegan pastries I have never seen anywhere else in Toronto, ones that I have never even heard of! The name is now escaping me, but I was mesmerized as the server described to me some kind of treat that was filled with layers of marzipan and marshmallow and coated in chocolate. I tried something labelled Weinerbread, but no, it wasn’t a veggie piggie in a blanket. It was a pastry stuffed with an almond flavoured custard and topped with a bit of melted chocolate. Continuing with the pastry and chocolate theme, I also opted for a chocolate croissant. The layers of flaky pastry were perfectly buttery and slightly… Read More

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March Veg Guide Updates!

Recent snow aside, spring is definitely on its way! We have a bunch of great new places for you to visit in between warm spring walks, with plenty of options in both Toronto and outside of the city. Conspiracy Pizza 176 Wicksteed Ave. & 28 Bathurst St. (Inside Belgian Moon Brewery at Stackt Market) East or West end, Conspiracy Pizza has your back for wood-fired pizzas that can be subbed with vegan cheese and sausage! Substitute in Earth Island cheese or Beyond Meat sausage, and if you’re in the East End, you can even get it delivered!    Evviva 25 Lower Simcoe St., Toronto 3175 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan Doug McNish has partnered with Evviva restaurants in Toronto and Vaughan to offer diners an all-vegan brunch menu, and we hear it’s awesome! In addition to Doug’s signature vegan eggs, find vegan bacon, sausages, french toast, waffles, burgers, lattes, and more!    Fairly Frosted 811 King St, E., Hamilton In addition to finding Fairly Frosted’s amazing treats and ice cream at markets and cafes west… Read More

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March 2020 Social Groups

Vegetarians in Their Twenties Vegetarians in Their Twenties are going swing dancing on Saturday, March 21st at 7 pm at the Dovercourt House! Come throw down some dance moves with like-minded friends! Meet at 7:00 or 8:00 for dance lessons, come for the dance party, or dance the night away with all of the above! Full details at https://www.facebook.com/events/799024563916376/ or email vitt@veg.ca. Toronto Veg Fitness Enjoy a winter walk on the Crothers Woods Trail on Saturday, March 21st from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Meet at Loblaws at Redway and Millwood. Details and to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1533319566826742/ or email fitness@veg.ca. Veggies of Hamilton-Burlington On Sunday, March 29th at 12:30 pm, join the Veggies of Hamilton-Burlington for lunch at Beertown Public House (2050 Appleby Line in Burlington). This restaurant has launched a plant-based brunch menu, and in addition, they have an extensive regular vegan menu, vegan kids menu, vegan dessert options, and gluten-free options. RSVP to hamiltonburlington@veg.ca. Read More

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Magnificent Mushrooms: Tofu & Mushroom Ramen

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com This year-round (fun)gi and the life of the dinner party is an ingredient everyone should have in their kitchens. Mushrooms are versatile and have the best seasonality due to their growing environment being in a greenhouse. Their famous umami flavour makes them a great addition to just about any savoury dish. Another bonus, they’re jam-packed full of a variety of nutrients. Mushrooms are well known for being a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin, especially those living in the Northern hemisphere, like Canadians. This vitamin aids in bone strength and repair, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, studies show that adequate dietary vitamin D intake appears to reduce the risk of dying from certain cancers, including breast and colon. Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, which are known to have protective factors for the heart, red blood cell production, and maintaining healthy skin. Mushrooms can be used as a meat replacement due to their chewy and tender texture. Try them in veggie burgers, mushroom loaves, or in this savoury tofu and mushroom ramen recipe. Tofu and Mushroom Ramen Ingredients: – 1L vegetable… Read More

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Caribbean Veg Restaurants!

V’s Caribbean Restaurant Address: 1221 Weston Rd, York, ON M6M 4P7   One Love Address: 854 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G2   Ital Vital Address: 741 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1L 3J4 14 St Andrew, St Toronto, ON M5T 1K6 Veggie D’light Address: 160 Baldwin St #1, Toronto, ON M5T 3K7   Celebrity Pure Vegetarian Address: 1474 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6E 2G5 Irie Veggie Takeout Address: 2593 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6M 1T3   Vegan Jerk Address: The Pickering Markets 1400 Squires Beach Rd, Pickering, ON L1W 4B9 Shola Vegan I Thali Address: 2768 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1L7                     Rendez-Vous Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant Address: 1408 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON CATERING/MEAL PREP SERVICES Chic Peas Veg… Read More

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