“How Do You Get Your Protein?” The first in a 243-part series.

This is the question that us folks those that don’t eat our fellow creatures are always getting. How about Tacos and burritos? Beans and rice together make a complete protein. Also, there are some decent product out there to add some of that main course weightiness we crave. Jackfruit is making a strong showing. The truth is that there is a whole industry of alt meat options. One of our favorites is Soyrizo. The MeatsDayOff crew first encountered Soyrizo while living in San Diego, distributed by El Burrito organic foods. It’s like, all the taste of Mexican spices, without that vague sausage-y internal organ meat undertones. Sorry, but yeah, calling it like it is. There’s also Melissa’s. And if you Google, then apparently Frieda’s also has their own version? Maybe it’s a regional thing – we are more familiar with Melissa’s. (Feel free to shed light on this, thanks.) Also, Trader Joe’s has their own version of vegan chorizo but it’s a bit more vinegary and not quite as good as the original.

At any rate, it’s a staple and our once-a-week taco nights look like this:

• Vista Hermosa Tortillas.

• Black Beans.

• Sweet Potatoes (this is a recent addition and a great counterpoint to sharp cheddar cheese)

• Some sharp cheddar cheese (or feel free to sub vegan or orange cheese, whatever)

• Brown rice.

• sauteed peppers

• Guacamole

• Salsa – we’re partial to the green Herdez – it’s a classic! but some prefer the red.

Okay, let everyone go at it. Everyone crowds into the kitchen. Sheer mayhem! No line, everyone’s just reaching over each other. It’s like a black Friday holiday rush, but with vittles! Tortillas are grilling, cheese melting, red peppers are aroma-ing. It’s a buffet style free for all and hopefully no one loses a finger.

Come and get your protein.