And so it begins! Today is Day 1 of my Try Vegan challenge to go vegan for 5 days.

I will be blogging throughout the week as well as chronicling my week via twitter. Some come and follow me as I sort through this vegan thing.

I spent the afternoon of my Mother’s day scouring through recipes and cookbooks trying to find the best recipes. I wanted variety and also to try products that I am unfamiliar with and don’t use often (or at all). A couple new products we will be having include tofu and tempeh and I will also be using miso. All of which I am excited to use and have my family try.

Since introducing this challenge, I have been very surprised at the outpouring of questions, comments and support. It seems everyone is a little curious if this Iowa-raised girl can really give up her meat, yogurt and cheese. (I’m actually wondering the same thing). My husband has even come around and decided to “Try Vegan” with me. He has been great at reading labels and helping to keep me on track (like reminding me not to take my fish oil today.)

My recipes for the week come from three places (well, four if you count my own Supreme Veggie Burger recipe). I used Veganomicon and Appetite for Reduction by Isa Chandra Moskowitz as well as one recipe from http://www.AllRecipes.com.

I will be going grocery shopping tonight after work to get the majority of my food needs. I have been asked if I expect my grocery bill to go up for the week, and I don’t really think it will. I guess there’s only one way to find out….

So, what is on the menu this week?

Monday:

Lettuce wraps with Hoisin-Mustard Tofu (Appetite for Reduction)
Unfried Rice (Appetite for Reduction)
Sushi Roll Edamame Salad (Appetite for Reduction)

Tuesday:

Supreme Veggie Burgers
Sweet Potato Fries
Side Salad

*Note, I pre-made these burgers using flax meal as the egg replacement and have them in my freezer. I work late on Tuesday night and needed a meal that my husband could prepare while taking care of my wonderful, energetic children.

Wednesday:

Marinated Asian Tofu (Veganomicon)
Pad Thai Salad (Appetite for Reduction)

Thursday:

Cajun Bean Balls and Spaghetti (Appetite for Reduction)
Salad

Friday:

Tempeh Fajitas (All Recipes)
Guacamole

Saturday and Sunday we will be heading down to Iowa to celebrate a nephew’s high school graduation, so there’s no telling what we will be eating. But then again, it doesn’t really matter since my challenge ends on Friday.

Wish me luck!

What are your favorite vegan recipes?