Has anyone ever tried Fantastic Foods chili?
Posted by jkl on Nov 15, 2007 · Member since Dec 2002 · 900 posts
I am thinking of making this recipe for a layered Mexican bean dip this weekend to bring to my SIL's house for an early Thanksgiving:
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7159.0
I will probably make a version using dairy sour cream and another using tofu sour cream.
The recipe calls for soy taco filling and suggests using the Fantastic Foods one (I have seen it--it comes in a box). I have never tried it and have always been suspicious of it.
I don't have time to try out this recipe before bringing it so I was wondering if anyone had ever tried the FF mix. How was it? Is it gross or will people really never know the difference?
Thanks very much!
My experience with FF Chili is sort of ok, but I really prefer the Tabachnik Vegetarian Chili in the frozen food section a lot more, adding "heat" (optional) until it meets personal preferences ... it is much "yummier" to my taste buds & those of most of my buds (vegan or not) & it is easier than "making" the packaged stuff (just heat on stove or zap in microwave and add to layered bean dip).
Our youngest daughter makes a raved about layered Mexican bean dip that disappears before anything else at family gatherings using refried pinto beans (bottom layer), guacamole (next layer), sour cream (next layer), favorite salsa (next layer), shredded cheese (top layer) ... I follow her recipe, but would use vegan organic ingredients when available, add finely choped sweet onions under pinto beans, Tabachnik Chili between pinto beans & guacamole, change order to guacamole ... sour cream ... salsa ... chopped green onions ... cheese, add a light sprinkling of paprika & cilantro on top for best artistic look. Garnish with multi-colored corn chips (either mixed or placed each color separately on a large plate or baskets with the bowl in the center
Enjoy whatever you finally decide to use/eat,
bookpapa 8)
Bookpapa, Thank you. I realized the recipe calls for "taco mix" and not chili but the FF stuff is probably the same sort of stuff with different seasonings.
About your dip: Is this something that can be made in advance? Or is it a "right before serving" sort of thing?
Thanks!
i did- its ok. i felt it to be kinda bland so i added a bunch of my own stuff after i finished cooking the chili. in my opinion since its not exactly cheap it would probably do you best to make up your own spices however, sometimes you just want convenience- so try it. its not for me but my kid liked it as is!
the taco stuff is considerably better!!!
veronica
It is best to assemble as close to serving time as possible for max freshness & look (only takes 10-15 minutes max if you have chopped the sweet & green onions or purchased the pre-cut at the grocery ... usually assemble it when we arrive at our destination), but we have assembled it in the morning, driven 2-3 hours to bookmama's brother's home and waited some time before eating.
If you do make ahead of time, be sure to cover/seal as airtight as possible & refrigerate (if traveling a distance like we do, put in ice chest nestled in a bed of ice to keep fresh).
The main problems with advanced prep are that the guacamole may turn brown (exposure to air), the sour cream dries up (exposure to air), and the juices start to head toward the bottom (mixing ingredients instead of keeping them separate until scooping out with chips. That is why I choose to put guacamole & sour cream on lower levels to keep away from contact with air.
Bookpapa 8)
PS If you like the texture or wish to "connect" better with non-vegan attendees, instead of chilli use vegan "crumbles" & combine with taco seasoning spices/packet in frying pan & store in microwaveable dish with cover (easier reheating if you desire a warm ingredient in the dip).
i really really like it. i'm also a big fan of the ff falafel, sloppy joes, taco filling and the nature burger is pretty good too.
Thank you. I think I'll grab a box (of the taco filling) and if it's gross I'll make my own. I like the TVP taco recipe on this site so I will use that. I guess I'll assemble it when I get there.
PS: I like the FF nature burger mix too. But I think Near East makes a better instant ff mix.
Please let us know how it goes for you (both test & actual event).
Post or send message if you have difficulties.
Best Wishes from Bookpapa 8)
Yes, thank you. They carry tabachnik soups where I live but not the chilli. I will have to keep an eye out for it.