Gardein Vs. MorningStar



MorningStar Chik'n Nuggets

 Making your own meals all the time can be time consuming, although it's worth it. You know what's going into your body and you make the food suited to your unique tastes. There are times when you're feeling lazy and you want something easy and snob-free. Why not vegetarian chicken nuggets?

Maybe I was in seventh grade or so when they came out with Chicken McNuggets. I knew it was before Madonna's Who's That Girl movie was released because I remember her character came out of prison and was instantly taken with them. They were already popular and Madonna probably didn't increase sales or anything, but it somehow stuck in my head all these years, just like when Madonna was eating Cheetos in Desperately Seeking Susan. I remember seeing some Morgan Spurlock documentary that said that McDonald's was looking for a way to sell products that didn't waste sick and old chickens. I guess that's what they are, mashed up sick and old chicken flesh, treated,  battered and fried, served with sauce. I say that in the most loving way because I was known to order them more than a few times. So, when I have a yen for chicken nuggets, MorningStar is there for me. Although I have to provide the sauce myself. I was in nugget bliss until I discovered a new product. Gardein's Crispy Tenders.



Gardein's Crispy Tenders

 While MorningStar's brand has its charms, I do like Gardein's Crispy Tenders just a little more. They are confident that you will recognize what they are because the name doesn't suggest that they might be chicken-like, but the picture on the package gives it away. Gardein is based in Richmond, BC, which is pretty close to Seattle.

You can buy Gardein at some Safeways and at all Whole Foods. However, you can find MorningStar at most stores, such as the Red Apple, Safeway, Whole Foods, PCC, etc.

As for sauces, you can use Thai sweet chili sauce. I also mix ranch dressing with a little dijon mustard.