A homemade version of a fun breakfast idea.

Whip up a batch of pancakes and freeze them in short stacks of three. Just a package or two of vegan sausage links is all that you needed to create this quick and economical meal idea. Thaw out a stack of pancakes. Heat up three sausages in the microwave. Wrap a pancake around each sausage.

Voila!

You’ve got an instant pig in a blanket. Eat it as you watch the last of your favorite morning show or as you walk to the bus stop. It can be eaten in the car without too much fuss or mess. For a sweeter taste and less mess, add a little maple syrup or agave nectar to the batter when makingthe pancakes.

Ever wonder how your mother always seemed to have food on the table even when the going was
tough? Have you ever asked yourself what is the secret?

The fact is that it isn’t a secret at all. It was actually good planning and preparation on their part. If we follow suit and heed the non-verbal actions of our savvy mothers then we too can see our dollar stretch further.

What we have on hand will determine how far our food will go. Filling your pantry with a few useful staples can be the difference between a trip to the grocery store every week versus once or twice a month. With a few key staples you can create wonderful meals.

It’s grilling time! Are you ready.

Cooking on the grill is an American past time and May is traditionally the month that the grilling starts. With Memorial Day right around the corner, you may be wondering “How in the heck to I grill vegan”. You can find out how by listening to this week’s show. I am talking about grilling again this week. If you didn’t catch Part 1 of Vegan Grilling, then check it out as well. I am sharing more ideas and tips on having a great vegan cookout. Ever thought about sweet potatoes or cabbage on the grill? There are so many ways to cooking vegan foods on the grill.

This Friday I want to share a few great finds I came across on Twitter. Do you twitter? If you don’t you should and if you do add me at http://twitter.com/latarahamying because I would love to have you as a friends.

The Natural Mom talks about how going green saves you money. The tips are awesome and there is so much to learn. You read the article here.

I love reading the Crunchy Domestic Goddess and this week she is talking about the Magic Stick. Wondering what it is? Well if you are a mom you will want to know so read more here.

Saving on vegan foods can be a challenge in today’s economy. Items like soy milk and vegan meat substitutes are at astronomical prices these days.

How does a vegan family save while eating the foods they are used to? You improvise of course!

Instead of buying a pack of Boca burgers or crumbles, why not make your own. Items like beans, rice, flour, and even masa flour can make great burgers. You can also make a “meat” loaf with many of the same items. You will save a few dollars and have even more control over what you feed your family.

There are many grocery stores that sell vegan foods. Major chains in
every town should have a selection. If you are a part of the lucky ones
who have a Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or other health food stores then
you can definitely find many vegan foods. Other stores to purchase
vegan foods from that we are all familiar with are Target and WalMart.

Also note that there are many foods that are vegan and don’t say vegan.
So when you say “vegan foods” it carries a broad meaning. Of course
fruits and vegetables are vegan. You also have items like rice, pasta,
peanut butter, jelly, canned and dry beans, oatmeal, grits, cookies,
chips, breads, crackers, soups, and many other foods you find in the
grocery store.

It’s barbecue season and people are pulling out the grills. But what’s a vegan to do when they don’t eat meat?

This week’s show is all about having a great vegan cookout. I share a few tips on grilling, organizing and creating some great vegan dishes for a barbecue that even carnivores will love. You don’t have to be afraid to throw some food on the grill because the Vegan Family Living podcast is here to help you grill it right.

We will be covering this subject this week and next so be sure to tune in.