PLANT-BASED SWOPS TO ADOPT NEWSLETTERS
Refresh and edit your pantry and recipe box to include plant-based ingredients, nourishing meals,
and explore some healthy swops to adopt. Check back for regular updates and Plant based news.
If you enjoy our content, please help us grow by sharing and subscribing—for free.
Chef Anne Callaghan
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
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Our September newsletter is here! Click to read and enjoy a few fresh favorites, including Spicy Zucchini Pasta that comes together in minutes and a delicious Caramelized Peach Upside Down Cake for a sweet finish.
You’ll also find an engaging conversation with Farmer Lee Jones of The Chef’s Garden on regenerative farming, featured on the Food, News & Views Podcast. Take a look, share it with a friend, and subscribe for free so you never miss an issue!
END OF SEASON BOUNTY
READY IN MINUTES - SPICY ZUCCHINI PASTA
READY IN MINUTES SPICY ZUCCHINI PASTA
With minimal ingredients, this simple dish is delicious and ready in minutes. Inspired by a traditional Italian dish from the Amalfi Coast, the addition of chili flakes gives a punch of flavor. The starchy cooking water emulsifies with the zucchini and cheese to create a silky-smooth sauce without any added cream. Recipe . . .
END OF SUMMER PEACHES
CARAMELIZED PEACH UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
CARAMELIZED PEACH UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
End-of-season peaches with concentrated flavors and firmer flesh are the perfect choice for this caramelized peach-sliced, moist upside-down cake. Juicy, sweet, and caramelized with butter, brown sugar, and bourbon vanilla peaches.
For an added punch of peach, this quick bourbon vanilla-infused peach sauce is the perfect match for this caramelized peach-topped cake. Recipe . . .
SMOOTH SKINLESS PEACHES
EASY AS 1-2-3: BLANCH, SHOCK & PEEL
Peach skins are edible and nutritious, but if you need them skinless, try this quick and easy method.
SCORE: Use a paring knife to make a ½” X-shaped slice on the bottom of each peach.
BLANCH: Pour boiling water up to the rim of a large bowl; transfer the peaches and submerge for 45 seconds.
SHOCK: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the blanched peaches to an ice bath for 30 seconds. Transfer to a clean towel to remove excess water.
PEEL: Use the dull side of a knife, start at the ‘x’ and carefully peel back the skin from the flesh to reveal a smooth, skinless peach
CHECK OUT THESE QUALITY INGREDIENTS
FLATIRON PEPPER CO
FOUR PEPPER BLEND
2.0 oz/56.69 g
Four Pepper Blend -100% premium chile pepper flakes. The bottle contains a blend of Habanero, Jalapeno, Arbol, and Ghost pepper. No salt or additives!
Great on pizza, stir-fry, pasta, stews, or any dish that needs a boost of flavor.
FLATIRON PEPPER CO
HATCH VALLEY GREEN
2.2 oz/62.37 g
Premium Green Chile Flakes. Bottle contains a blend of Hatch Valley Big Jim, Hatch Valley Sandia, Jalapeno, and Habanero - 100% premium chile pepper flakes. Never any salt or additives!
Great on pizza, stir-fry, pasta, stews, or any dish that needs a boost of flavor.
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BOURBON VANILLA
BEAN PASTE
4oz/113 Pack of 2
Made from 100% Bourbon vanilla beans grown on designated islands in the Indian Ocean (such as Mauritius or Réunion). It contains a blend of invert sugar syrup, concentrated bourbon vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and xanthan gum as a thickener.
Can be used in a straight 1:1 ratio as a substitute for vanilla extract
Plant Forward Views
FOOD, NEWS & VIEWS PODCAST
Farmer Lee Jones of The Chef’s Garden joined the
Food, News &Views Podcast with Linda Gassenheimer
and Sunny on the Scene to discuss regenerative farming
and the innovative techniques we’re exploring to grow
flavor-forward vegetables.
Learn more about Farmer Lee Jones, The Chef’s Garden, and the Culinary Vegetable Institute.
Order fresh chef vegetables directly to your home.
AUGUST NEWSLETTER
CLASSIC TOMATO GAZPACHO + SPIN-OFF
SUMMERTIME WATERMELON GAZPACHO
Beat the summer heat with this no-cook, Andalusian-style classic that needs only a knife and a blender. For maximum flavor and freshness, make these refreshing soups during peak tomato, watermelon, and vegetable season using the freshest ingredients, Spanish extra-virgin olive oil, and sherry vinegar. Produced exclusively in Spain’s Jerez region, sherry vinegar is barrel-aged, with a nutty, mellow flavor and balanced acidity that adds a bright, slight tang to this traditional Spanish dish.
CLASSIC TOMATO GAZPACHO
Prepare this Andalusian-style classic during peak tomato and vegetable season using the freshest produce, Spanish extra-virgin olive oil, and sherry vinegar. Start with a ratio of three-quarters tomatoes and adjust the vegetable quantities to your preferred taste. For a rustic and traditional version, add day-old crusty bread to thicken this summertime staple. Recipe . . .
SUMMERTIME WATERMELON GAZPACHO
Beat the summer heat by updating this Andalusian-style classic with refreshing seedless watermelon. Start with a
ratio of three-quarters watermelon, reduce the amount of tomatoes, and omit the bread as a thickener. The watermelon and tomatoes' sweetness will determine the acidity; taste as you go and balance the flavor by adding more
sherry vinegar if needed. Recipe . . .
CHECK OUT THESE QUALITY INGREDIENTS
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ANTICO FRANTOIO MURAGLIA
16.9 fl.oz (500 ml)
Made using traditional "solera" aging method.
Made using traditional inch solerainch aging
method. Rich, Complex & Smooth Spanish
Vinegar. Product of Spain.
ARTIGIANI DEI SAPORI DRIED
WHOLE HOT CHILI PEPPERS 0.55 kg
Premium Quality: Made from high-quality hot chili
peppers, our Dried Whole Hot Chili Peppers pack
a powerful punch of heat and flavor, perfect for
adding spice to your favorite dishes. Non-GMO,
Product of Italy
Waste-Not-Want-Not
OPEN A CAN OF CHICKPEAS KEEP THE AQUAFABA FOR A VERSATILE EGG SWOP
Great leavening agent for quick breads, scones, and baked goods recipes that don't already contain another leavening agent.
EGG SWOP - CHICKPEA AQUAFABA
ADD LIFT
Substitute for whole egg or egg whites. Whip to create a fluffy, egg-meringue-like substitution. Use aquafaba meringue when making plant-based macaroons, mousse, marshmallows, ice cream, icing, or cheese. Use: 2 Tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg
AS A STABILIZER: Combine cream of tartar with aquafaba to hold the foam’s volume and provide structural lift without collapsing easily. Combine 1/8 tsp per 2 tablespoons aquafaba.
EGG SWOP - CHICKPEA AQUAFABA
Chickpea aquafaba is the viscous liquid in tinned beans.
It functions as a leavener by trapping air when whipped
into a stable foam that gives structure and an airy texture.
The water-soluble proteins
and starches in the chickpea liquid create tiny bubbles
when beaten.
JULY NEWSLETTER
Click to read our July newsletter, featuring refreshing watermelon recipes that will help you beat the sweltering July heat, our waste-not-want-not Coco-Cube chef’s tip, and recommended tools to buy - Cat Cora’s professional stainless-steel Melon baller will make precision-cut melon balls. We’re also spotlighting an article on Kevin Bacon’s name change to Kevin ‘Bean’ with his ‘Beans Day’ Campaign..
SUMMER STARTS WITH REFRESHING WATERMELON RECIPES
SUMMERTIME SPICY
WATERMELON SALSA
This crisp, refreshing melon-based salsa is sweet
and spicy, packs a crunch, and screams summertime.
Adjust the heat and the amount of cucumber and
peppers for added crunch to suit your taste. Serve
with your favorite tortilla chips, crudité, or add it
as a garnish to spice up your meal. Recipe . . .
Nothing screams summer more than ice-cold watermelon juice dripping down your chin. This slushy, soup-like cooler is refreshing with a sweet-and-sour, fragrant, spicy-bush basil-and-ginger infusion. For a slightly tipsy version, add a jigger
each of Vodka and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur to the watermelon balls before chilling. The crunch of the chilled melon balls and the refreshing slush will cool you down on those hot summer nights. Recipe . . .
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT TOOLS AND RESOURCES
CAT CORA MELON BALLER
PROFESSIONAL
18/8 STAINLESS STEEL DUAL BLADE S22/30-Millimeter
Superior scooping and garnishing, this melon baller (6.5 x 2.25 x 0.50-inch) features professional 18/8 stainless steel for exceptional durability. Resistant to
rust and stains, and easier to maintain sharpness, ideal for any home or professional kitchen.
PUREPOD PRODUCE, VEGETABLE
AND FRUIT CLEANER
BREAKS DOWN PESTICIDE RESIDUES, WAX
COATINGS, AND SURFACE CONTAMINANTS
AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL.
Upgraded Vegetable and Fruit Cleaner, Powered by OH-Ion Technology, Rechargeable Clean in 10 Minutes, Extend Shelf Life, No Chemicals, Waterproof.
Product Dimensions: 3.86"L x 3.54"W x 6.38"H
SERVE FRESH PRODUCE WITH CONFIDENCE
Fill any bowl or sink with water, place the fruit cleaner device inside with your produce, and press the button.
In 10 minutes, the vegetable and fruit cleaner generates powerful hydroxyl ions that break down pesticide residues, wax coatings, and surface contaminants at the molecular level. Just water, no sprays or chemicals needed. It supports a convenient kitchen cleaning routine.
Waste-Not-Want-Not
‘COCO CUBE’ FOR A QUICK
DAIRY SWOP
Canned Coconut milk or cream spoils quickly once opened. Freeze any unused in ice cube trays to have on hand when you need a dairy swop in your favorite recipes.
I keep the ‘Coco cubes’ frozen in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to blend into sauces, soups, or smoothies in a pinch.
KEVIN BACON CHANGES NAME TO KEVIN 'BEAN'CAMPAIGN 'BEANSDAY
Kevin Bacon changes name to Kevin 'Bean’ to launch meat-swapping campaign ‘Beansday’. Author: Helen Greaves, June 19, 2026 Award-winning actor and animal ally Kevin Bacon has temporarily renamed himself Kevin ‘Bean’ to launch a new initiative from the charity Humane World for Animals. Known as ‘Beansday’, the campaign encourages people to swap meat for beans every Wednesday, demonstrating how small dietary shifts can protect animals, human health, and the planet.
JUNE NEWSLETTER
JUNE SUMMERTIME GARDEN FRESH
HARVEST BLEND COUSCOUS SALAD
WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
SEASONAL VEGGIES AND NUTRIENT-RICH GRAINS
Fire up the grill—summer is here, and it’s time to get your corn sizzling. Dig into our Harvest Blend Couscous Salad, packed with seasonal veggies and a bright, citrusy vinaigrette. Healthy, delicious, and bursting with fresh flavor, this hearty dish is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Serve up hot or cold, with any combination of your favorite seasonal vegetables, a healthy grain blend, and a fresh, citrusy vinaigrette.
My go-to pantry favorite is Trader Joe’s grain-packed blend of Pearled couscous, Orzo, Split baby Garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. Recipe. . .
BUY INGREDIENTS TO MAKE CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
ANTICO FRANTOIO MURAGLIA
16.9 fl.oz (500 ml)
Premium First Cold-Pressed Gourmet Italian Extra Virgin
Olive Oil. Incomparable consistency, color, flavor, and aroma. Certified 100% made in Italy. Each is bottled in a unique Arcobaleno Collectible Italian Handmade Ceramic bottle, handmade by artisans in Puglia.
POMMERY MUSTARD MEAUX MOUTARDE
IN POTTERY CROCK
(8.8 oz) All-natural with no artificial flavoring.
Smooth, whole-grained mustard, produced in
France and presented in an elegant pottery
crock jar. Mustard from Meaux has been
served at the tables of French kings since 1632.
SWOP OUT THE STOVE TOP AND
GET YOUR GRILL ON
Summer is here, it’s time to get your corn grill ready. Soaking the cobs beforehand results in juicy kernels cooked perfectly every time. The wet husks will trap moisture, steam, and retain flavor.
1. Peel back the outer and inner husks, remove the silk, then pull the husks back up to cover the corn.
2. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. Grill over med-high heat for 15-20 minutes. To avoid burning husks, rotate every 5 minutes.
“EAT FOOD . NOT TOO MUCH . MOSTLY PLANTS”
WHY THIS 7-WORD FOOD RULE IS THE ONLY
ONE YOU’LL EVER NEED
Nearly 20 years after Michael Pollan’s food rule first appeared, his seven-word philosophy still offers a radical kind of clarity in a world of synthetic eating and ultra-processed abundance.
By JILL ETTINGER, JUNE 14, 2026 - READ ARTICLE IN VEG NEWS
“EAT FOOD . NOT TOO MUCH . MOSTLY PLANTS”
When writer Michael Pollan first strung those seven words together in his 2008 book In Defense of Food, they felt almost too simple to be serious. In a nation obsessed with diet codes, fad cleanses, and miracle cures, he wasn’t promising transformation, thinness, or longevity. He didn’t traffic in numbers or buzzwords; he didn’t cite the glycemic index. He merely suggested that we pay attention to what we put in our bodies. Check out Michael Pollan's website for more . . .
MAY NEWSLETTER
MAY BRINGS SPRING ZUCCHINI FLOWERS
SWOP OUT DAIRY WITH UNSWEETENED COCONUT MILK
Whether you call it zucchini, courgette, summer squash, or marrow, this nutrient-rich vegetable has a fresh, mild flavor, and is incredibly versatile. Made with just a few ingredients, this naturally creamy satisfying soup is gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Simple yet delicious, it makes a healthy meal option for any day of the week.
NO KNIFE KID-FRIENDLY HACK
TO HULL OUT STRAWBERRIES
Reuse plastic or metal straws to quickly remove the hull from strawberries.
1. Wash berries.
2. Insert the straw in the narrow end, and push.
3. The stem and hull come out on the end of the straw.
Quick, fun, & easy!
90-YEAR-OLD PLANT-BASED PIONEER ANN ESSELSTYN
SETS DEAD HANG WORLD RECORD
Ann Esselstyn, 90, just set a Guinness World Record with a nearly three-minute dead hang, proving strength and plant-based living can go hand in hand. When most 90-year-olds exercise, they opt for light walks, gardening, or maybe a little swimming. But Ann Esselstyn isn’t most 90-year-olds.
In February 2026, the nonagenarian set out to break the world record for the oldest person to hold a dead hang, a move that involves supporting your body weight while hanging from a bar.
by Charlotte Pointing, April 9, 2026 - READ ARTICLE VEG NEWS
CHECK OUT ANN'S RECORD ON ESSELSTYN'S FAMILY 'PLANTSTRONG' WEBSITE
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT TOOLS AND RESOURCES
BE A PLANT-BASED WOMAN WARRIOR: LIVE FIERCE, STAY BOLD, EAT DELICIOUS
By Ann and Jan Esselstyn
The original “Julia Child of plant-based cooking” teams up with her daughter to offer a multigenerational celebration of
the power of a plant-based lifestyle with 125 recipes.
THE ENGINE 2 SEVEN-DAY RESCUE DIET: EAT PLANTS, LOSE WEIGHT, SAVE YOUR
HEALTH by Rip Esselstyn
The runaway New York Times bestselling diet that
sparked a health revolution, which is now simpler and easier to
follow than ever!
ZULAY
KITCHEN METAL
2-IN-1 LEMON-LIME SQUEEZER
Sturdy Max Extraction Hand Juicer Lemon- Lime Squeezer Gets Every Last Drop! Easy to Clean, rust resistant, manual citrus
juicer with seed filter /Yellow/Green
TRENDPLAIN
GLASS OIL
SPRAYER & DISPENSER
TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass bottle 2 in 1 Oil Sprayer and Dispenser for Cooking, Air Fryer, BBQ – Ctear gtass with Black Lid
A TASTE OF SPRING
APRIL SHOWERS BRING GARDEN FRESH SPRING PEAS
SWOP OUT DAIRY WITH UNSWEETENED COCONUT MILK
This rich and fragrant fresh green pea and leek soup is a refreshing taste of spring. Available spring through early summer, farm fresh English peas are optimum, but flash-frozen freshly harvested peas are great for the-off-season. Blended with fresh mint and thyme, unsweetened coconut milk thickens and adds a silky-smooth texture. Serve chilled on a warm day or piping hot on a chilly night. Recipe. . .
SWOP OUT DAIRY
WITH COCONUT MILK OR CREAM
Coconut milk or cream is milky-white and opaque. Extracted from coconut pulp, the high oil content accounts for its rich sweet, vanilla-caramel, creamy, and nutty flavor. Coconut milk or cream is an excellent choice for sweet and savory; baking, soups, sauces, and recipes calling for high fat milk or cream.
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT TOOLS AND RESOURCES
IDOO HYDROPONICS 12 POD
GROWING SYSTEM KIT
Grow your own fresh herbs, lettuce and veggies all year long. The hydroponic growing system kit comes with 4.5 L water tank, LED grow light with full-spectrum, and a circulation system that keeps
water fresh.
12 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden, with LED Grow Light, Built-in Fan, Auto-Timer, Adjustable Height Up to 11.3”.
12 CULINARY HERBS SEEDS
VARIETY PACK
Organo Republic
Gardening Kit: 12 Culinary Herbs Seeds Variety Pack NON-GMO
Heirloom Seeds / 7,350+ seeds including: Basil Italian, Basil Lemon, Basil Purple, Basil Thai, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Italian Parsley, Lemon Balm, Oregano and Sage.
.
10 LETTUCE & SALAD
GREENS VARIETY PACK
Organo Republic
Gardening Kit: 10 Lettuce & Salad Greens Seeds NON GMO Heirloom Seeds
VARIETY PACK 13,000+ seeds including: Arugula, Kale, Spinach, Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Collards and Swiss Chard.
EATING HEALTHY
Click on the button to view the entire newsletter - includes article,
recipes, and shop Amazon for deals on my favorite kitchen helpers.
March 2026
THE DOCTOR WHO PRESCRIBES FOOD
HOW DR. NEAL BARNARD IS CHANGING MEDICINE
By Charlotte Pointing, February 23, 2026
For decades, Neal Barnard, MD has been transforming medicine with food—and using
plant-based nutrition to prevent and reverse
chronic disease.
Read more . . .
PROTEIN RICH CHEESE SWOP
ALMONDS, CASHEWS & BRAZIL NUTS NON-DAIRY PARMESAN
The combination of nuts, nutritional yeast, and seasonings makes a versatile plant-based
parmesan cheese flavor alternative.
Serve raw for an added crunch, or combine and
cook for a creamier texture, savory tang,
nutty-umami, and cheesy flavor. Mix up a batch
or two, and store in an airtight container
refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze for
up to three months.
INDULGE & TREAT YOURSELF
Click on the button to view the entire newsletter - includes article,
recipes, and shop Amazon for deals on my favorite kitchen helpers.
February 2026
WHETHER YOU CELEBRATE
VALENTINE'S OR GALENTINE'S DAY
INDULGE & TREAT YOURSELF
Either way—whip up a batch of rich, indulgent,
plant-based, tea-infused chocolate truffles,
perfect for sharing—or savoring solo.
Infuse and steep intense tea flavors into the rich coconut cream and non-dairy butter mixture for delicious results. Swop out dairy with high fat coconut cream and
plant-based butter . . .
THE BENEFITS OF A PLANT-BASED DIET
By Gina Van Thomme and Heather Alexander
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Andrea Murray, Health Education Specialist
Key takeaways: When you're eating healthier food, it’s helping your body function the way it was designed to.
• A plant-based diet doesn’t always mean giving up animal products. Instead, it means eating
mostly plants.
• Plants contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants.
• Eating a plant-based diet can support your immune system, reduce inflammation, promote a
healthy weight and help your body fight diseases
HOW TO START A
PLANT-BASED DIET
ARTICLE | Nutrition & Fitness
By Mayo Clinic Press Editors,
Tara Schmidt, M. Ed., RDN
If you're interested in joining this time-tested trend, here are some tips to help you get
started — and stick with — plates of
plant-based food. . .
RING IN THE NEW YEAR & START YOUR HEALTHY
RESOLUTIONS WITH PLANT-BASED CELEBRATORY BITES
Usher in 2026 and commit to trying or embracing a plant-based diet. To make your New Year's
resolutions stick, begin with simple changes; start with meatless Mondays, prepare and plan your
meals, and focus on whole foods, veggies, fruits, beans, and grains.
Need some convincing? Read the Harvard Health Publishing article below,
as they explore the topic of why you should eat a plant-based diet.
IT’S MAR’TEA’NI
TIME . . .
Mocktail or spiked, mix it up, and infuse
bold tea flavor into your favorite celebratory
drinks. For a festive flair, try a Pomegranate
Lavender green tea and garnish with
pomegranate seeds.
MERRY & BRIGHT BLISTERED TOMATO TARTLETS
Serve these festive-looking blistered
tomato tartlets as an appetizer, or make
a galette-sized tart and serve them with
a crisp salad for a light meal to celebrate
and usher in the New Year.
WHAT IS A PLANT-BASED DIET AND
WHY SHOULD YOU TRY IT?
By Katherine D. McManus, MS, RD, LDN, Contributor
Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial
Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. It doesn't mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources. Read more . . .
HOLIDAY READY DISHES
Click on the button to view the entire newsletter - includes article, featured plant swop
ingredient, recipes, and shop Amazon for deals on my favorite kitchen helpers.
November 2025
ROAST, SCOOP & STUFF
Whether you eat meatless meals once in a while or have fully embraced a plant-based diet, holiday meals can be nutritious as well as delicious.
Roast squash, scoop, dice, and add for a hearty salad and to stuffing for a delicious plant-forward main. Finish off with a scrumptious Sweet Cherry Olive Oil Torte; these dairy-free, meatless dishes are guaranteed to become new holiday favorites.
HOW DOES PLANT-FORWARD (PLANT-BASED)
EATING BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH?
Whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, the benefits are clear: less risk
of disease and improved health and well-being.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
CARROTS & PUMPKINS
ROCK THE SEASON
Click on the button to view the entire newsletter - includes article, featured plant swop ingredient, recipes,
and shop Amazon for deals on my favorite kitchen helpers.
This month’s newsletter recipes feature a spicy and warm ginger carrot soup, made with protein-rich carrots. Make a batch of Maple Pumpkin Scones and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of maple and pumpkin pie spice, reminiscent of fall, in every bite.
NOT ALL CARROTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
"Everybody thinks a carrot's a carrot's a carrot—well that's the furthest thing from the truth" Bob Jones Sr.
Check out specialty carrots grown by Farmer Lee Jones at The Chef's Garden.
INFORMATIVE AND INSPIRATIONAL
Why humanity's fate depends on regenerative food
Oliver English | TEDxPacific Avenue
