What did this Cheese Head Find?

A cheese plate holds nostalgic value for me. I’m transported.
When I was younger, my dad bringing out the elaborate cheese board while throwing on Paul Simon or Joplin signified it was time to sit back and relax. The dogs would run the backyard and I would hula hoop while eating his fancy cheeses in between; homework ceased to exist, no chores needed doing.
When I got older, I always found one ready to go in his fridge. He’d grab it and we’d still carry on the tradition.
When I find vegan cheeses that replicate my dad's cheeses on his cheese board, I can’t help but try to recreate a vegan cheese plate I’d love to share with him.

Exceptionally Realistic Vegan Blue Cheese Exists
It's been my unicorn for quite some time and I think it's one of the toughest cheeses to replicate. It's incredibly distinct, a strong flavor, sharp with a soft texture and unmistakable pungent aroma. It’s a process to make and not one most want to take on.

In the states, I've come across a few that were fine in a pinch, but nothing I'd write home about and nothing I'd bring to a cheesemongers house boasting over.

So when I found not one but THREE vegan blue cheese brands in England, I was beyond shocked. They are so impressive; I'd even consider shipping them home to spread amongst friends, family and, of course, myself again.

1. Honestly Tasty (main image)
   To obtain the overly realistic flavor and texture, they use real Penicillium Roqueforti! Mind-Blown. Another bonus, the base of their Veganzola is made with almonds. As much as I love cashews, they don’t always love me; another slam dunk decision.

2. La Fauxmagerie
When I arrived in England last year, this little shop was the first I stumbled upon. I was immediately impressed with the blue's flavor explosion, a little less so about the texture. I’ve since seen on their IG that they’ve made massive improvements and I can’t wait to get my hands on their newest batch.
Their blue is a slow-aged (yes, vegan cheese can slow age) cashew-based cheese with penicillium roqueforti added: minimal ingredients, exceptional delivery.

This image is thanks to Mouse’s Favorite Website.

3. Mouse’s Favorite
I have to give special thanks to Brighton’s local cheese shop, Barney’s Deli. They have a very dedicated vegan cheese selection that rivals the non-vegan options, a gamble for any cheese spot to make.
This past Thanksgiving, I recreated a monster of a cheeseboard with new cheeses I’d never tried. I stumbled upon Mouse’s Favorite because, truth be told, Honestly Tasty was completely sold out.
It happened to be a blessing in disguise because this turned out to be a complete surprise of a winner.
The Camblue is a cashew-based cheese with added cultures that resembles a camembert cheese with rind.

Blue cheese isn’t my only cheese indulgence; I don’t discriminate, I love them all and it’s the one thing you’ll always find in rotation within my fridge. Blame my father, blame my mother, blame the gals I grew up with. I love cheese and I love the journey vegan cheese is on.

Daily Harvest-Fast Smoothie Delivery Service

How can one not love a delicious smoothie? You know, the type of smoothie that's chock full of delicious organic fruits, vegetables, minerals and superfoods. The type of smoothie that has layers upon layers of flavors. The type of smoothie that's already prepped and ready to go without having to swing by the store to pick-up. The type of smoothie that the Daily Harvest has hand-crafted to accommodate an array of nutritional and flavorful choices.  

Online you can choose your smoothies by benefits, flavors or both. Are you a blueberry and fig fan or are feeling that afternoon dip in energy? Either way, there's a smoothie designed with both in mind. 

For my first order, I had the pleasure of choosing 6 smoothies.

When the package arrived I didn't expect to receive bonus items, but I did! –motivational magnets and a well thought-out introductory letter to start. 

Both nice reminders that this plan was put together with care, ESPECIALLY those magnets. They added that extra gesture of encouragement one sometimes needs, ya know, in times of impulsive moments. 

The Reminder: My fridge is built for foods that fuel me. 

When it comes to the packaging, they have made it an easy affair. Each container contains a straw hole leaving the need to wash a cup non-existent. Thus, allowing you to recycle the container right after slurping down your smoothie. 

In making my smoothies I took the container, emptied the ingredients into my blender and added a little coconut milk or almond milk. Sometimes I would add an extra helping of hemp seeds, chia seeds or cacao nibs on top giving it an extra layer of texture and flavor. 

Voila! A delicious smoothie!

For those times that I just don't have time, this is a solid option. 

It doesn't matter if I choose to make this for breakfast in the morning, a quick pick me up in the afternoon or a light dinner; the fact that I don't have to think twice about chopping or measuring anything and yet manage to yield a well rounded, nutrient dense smoothie saves me from grabbing a less than stellar option. 

To start your order check out Daily Harvest.