Introducing "The Vegg", A Vegan Egg Yolk

I have noticed Facebook buzzing about a new product called The Vegg. The website touts itself as the "the world's first vegan fried egg." Upon first glance at this product I was fascinated. I have tried many substitutes for egg and they have all worked well, but none of them allowed for the substitute to stand alone as an egg yolk. Since going vegan, I have not ever really craved an egg, but after seeing this it made me think of the possibilities. 

One such item that came to mind, although not a stand alone egg, is vegan gluten free french toast. This might seem mundane for many of you, but to someone who lives their life as a vegan gluten freer, this is something that I have longed to enjoy. With the current egg substitutes available, the breakfast dish did not seem appealing. After hearing about The Vegg, I began to dream of a meal of french toast, sprinkled with powdered sugar, served with fresh berries. 

Since the product is not yet sold locally, I had the option of buying it online. A friend had recently tried the product and had positive reviews. As I was contemplating placing an order, I saw a Facebook status from The Vegg calling for bloggers to review the product. Within seconds, I sent an email and received a response that the product would be sent to me.

I received the product this past week and was delighted to see that the labeling stated that it is gluten free. Now, it was time for my desired meal. I decided that we would have french toast for dinner with fresh strawberries from our CSA followed by a salad, also using ingredients from our CSA. I have been dreaming of french toast ever since I heard of this product. As a gluten freer, this is not something I get to have often. In fact, I have never had french toast gluten free. Luckily for me, I would finally get to satisfy a craving. And, let me say this certainly lived up to my craving expectations! Gluten free bread is not the tastiest, but the soaking of the bread in The Vegg mixture did wonders for it! It was how I remembered french toast from my childhood. The product offered an egg-like flavor that was subtle and not too overwhelming. 

We have only tried this product once, but it was enough to get my creative juices flowing for other ideas. I imagine this will be something will always have on hand. I am hoping that it will become easy for us to have on hand by being sold in a store in Durham or Raleigh soon.

Vegan Gluten Free French Toast

• 6 slices of gluten free, vegan bread (I used a Rice Pecan bread) 
• 3 tsp The Vegg powder 
• 1 1/4 c soy, almond, or coconut milk
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp agave nectar
• Olive oil or canola oil spray
• strawberries (optional for garnish)
• powdered sugar (optional for garnish)

In a blender, or using a hand blender, blend The Vegg powder and 1/2 c of the non-dairy milk. Make sure to scrape down the sides to get the mixture to blend well. Add in the cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, remaining milk, and agave nectar and blend again. Place the mixture in a shallow bowl or pan, with enough room for two pieces of bread.

Place a skillet on medium heat and spray with olive oil or canola oil spray. While the skillet is heating, place two slices of bread into The Vegg mixture and let it soak for about 5 minutes. When the pan is heated, place two pieces of bread in the skillet. Place two more pieces of bread into the mixture to soak. Turn the french toast in about 3 minutes when it is slightly browned. Cook until it brown on the other side. Serve with sprinkled powdered sugar and sliced strawberries.