Vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular. However, many still struggle to find suitable alternatives to meat and other animal products when catering for a vegetarian or vegan diet. This article offers some hints, tips, and advice which will be useful to both vegetarians/vegans and to anyone who needs to cater for them.
Meat Substitutes
As vegetarian and vegan diets have grown more popular, manufacturers have released a growing number of meat substitutes. Quorn, for example, produce a range of products that includes chicken-style pieces (ideal for replacing chicken chunks in any recipe), mince (ideal as a minced meat substitute in meals such as bolognese or chili con carne), burgers, and many others. Many supermarkets also have own-brand alternatives.
Since many of these products contain egg, they aren't always suitable for vegans. However, there are vegan alternatives available from good health-food shops e.g. soya chunks and mince. A further substitute is tofu, which is suitable for vegans and goes well in most East-Asian dishes in place of chicken.
Pies, Quiches, Nut Loaves Etc.
If you aren’t planning to cook a meal from scratch, then there are many other options available. These include vegetarian pies, such as those from the Linda McCartney range, and vegan pies such as Clive’s Pies. It is also possible to buy a wide range of vegetarian quiches, scotch eggs, and nut loaves. Vegan options might be a little more difficult to find, but there are still options out there. Just check the ingredients listed on the packaging if you’re unsure.
Vegetable Alternatives
A few vegetarians and vegans prefer not to eat substitute meat products at all. This can make catering more challenging, but there are some simple vegetable alternatives. Beans and pulses are the most common substitute as they are rich sources of protein. Try kidney beans or cannellini beans in place of minced meat in a chili, or lentils in a curry. Chickpeas, butter beans, soya beans, flageolet beans and most other kinds of beans are also suitable options. Mushrooms are another popular vegetable alternative.
Ready Meals
If you’d really rather not have to cook at all, then there are a wide variety of ready meal options suitable for vegetarians. Many curries, pizzas, and pasta dishes are vegetarian, and some are also suitable for vegans. When looking for a ready meal that is suitable for vegans, curry is usually the best option, although simple pasta dishes that are made with tomato sauce are usually suitable too.
Essential Supplies in Coin Collecting
The condition of the coin means everything in coin collecting. In the world of coin collecting, the coins themselves are considered as gold, this is why there is a need to protect them from damage. Having the right supplies will allow a collector to preserve the integrity of his coin collection. The slightest hint of damage can diminish the value of a coin significantly.
Here are some of the supplies which are used in properly handling coin collections:
Gloves
In handling coins, you must be careful not to scratch the coins. The use of gloves (preferably white) will prevent scratches and other kinds of damage to the coin’s surface. Gloves should be made of cotton or plastic.
Coin tweezers
If you not comfortable using gloves, you can use coin tweezers. These are not your ordinary tweezers because their tips are protected with plastic that prevents the tweezers from scratching the coins.
Magnifying glass
In examining coins, you must be able to take a closer look at them. This is where the magnifying glass is most useful. You must be careful in using a magnifying glass when examining the coins. There are magnifying glasses available today that have stands attached to them and the stands allow the collector to use both hands in coin examination to avoid accidents.
Cleaning materials
A mild soap and a soft high-integrity fiber cloth can be used in cleaning coins.
Mats
When examining or cleaning coins, you must remember to put a soft cloth or a mat on the table where you are working. An accidental dropping of the coin can damage it significantly and reduce its value to literally nothing. A mat or a cloth will absorb the impact of the drop and will prevent the coin from being damaged.
Boards
You must be extra careful in displaying your coin collection. Coin boards are used by many to display their coin collections. In the U.S., the map of the United States of America is very popular among coin collectors to display the different quarters of the different states.
Envelopes
When transporting coins, the use of coin envelopes is very practical. The use of these paper envelopes allows a collector to safely transport his coin and put some information about it in or on the envelope itself.
There are other coin collecting supplies such as boxes, holders, folders, but everything points to the preservation of the coins’ condition. The right kind of supplies will determine whether a coin is priceless or price-less.
Here are some of the supplies which are used in properly handling coin collections:
Gloves
In handling coins, you must be careful not to scratch the coins. The use of gloves (preferably white) will prevent scratches and other kinds of damage to the coin’s surface. Gloves should be made of cotton or plastic.
Coin tweezers
If you not comfortable using gloves, you can use coin tweezers. These are not your ordinary tweezers because their tips are protected with plastic that prevents the tweezers from scratching the coins.
Magnifying glass
In examining coins, you must be able to take a closer look at them. This is where the magnifying glass is most useful. You must be careful in using a magnifying glass when examining the coins. There are magnifying glasses available today that have stands attached to them and the stands allow the collector to use both hands in coin examination to avoid accidents.
Cleaning materials
A mild soap and a soft high-integrity fiber cloth can be used in cleaning coins.
Mats
When examining or cleaning coins, you must remember to put a soft cloth or a mat on the table where you are working. An accidental dropping of the coin can damage it significantly and reduce its value to literally nothing. A mat or a cloth will absorb the impact of the drop and will prevent the coin from being damaged.
Boards
You must be extra careful in displaying your coin collection. Coin boards are used by many to display their coin collections. In the U.S., the map of the United States of America is very popular among coin collectors to display the different quarters of the different states.
Envelopes
When transporting coins, the use of coin envelopes is very practical. The use of these paper envelopes allows a collector to safely transport his coin and put some information about it in or on the envelope itself.
There are other coin collecting supplies such as boxes, holders, folders, but everything points to the preservation of the coins’ condition. The right kind of supplies will determine whether a coin is priceless or price-less.
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