Shredded Soy-Sation

Speaking of cheese, here's one of those heartfelt, unpaid product endorsements we like so much. Lisanatti Premium Soy-Sation shredded cheese -- which we found in a Trader Joe's, but can probably be found in most mom and pop granola health food stores -- is the best we've tasted for one very important reason: it feels like cheese.

Granted, this is merely an imitation of the kind of shredded cheese that gets sprinkled on enchiladas or chili or something. It's the classic trio: mild cheddar, Monterey jack and cheap mozzarella. Much like the real thing, the imitation is rather dull, even inedible, by itself and cold.However -- and this is essential really -- the stuff melts as well or better than shredded dairy cheese. Under a broiler, in a microwave or merely folded into a warm dish, Soy-Sation gets gooey and stays that way. When you pull a fork-full of food away from the plate, the cheese actually strings. What this is great for then, are dishes where the taste of a sharp or tasty cheese is unnecessary but the texture of pillowy melted cheese is desired.

Here's a recipe for western-style hangover hash browns that is perfect example of what Lisanatti can help you do with a little soy.