Veggie Hero: Jennifer McCann

Jennifer McCann is better known as "Jennifer Shmoo," the supermom who has inspired countless readers with her wildly popular blog, "Vegan Lunch Box." Jennifer and her family live in Kennewick, Washington.

Jennifer was gracious enough to be quizzed as New Heritage Cooking's first "Veggie Hero." Thanks, Jennifer!

Vegetarian or vegan?
Vegan

How long have you been veg*n?
I first became vegetarian at age 16 -- almost 20 years ago now! -- and have been vegan on and off for the past 11 years or so.

What inspired you to go veg?
My first inspiration was reading my mom's old copy of "Laurel's Kitchen." The book's dedication to a “glossy black calf on its way to the slaughterhouse” made the decision an easy one.

What's your best story of trying to find veg food?
It would have to be the time my mother went to a local Mexican restaurant. She pointed to a soup she had never heard of. "Does this have any meat in it?" she asked. The waiter shook his head. "No, no meat." So she happily ordered the menudo soup and was quite shocked when the waiter returned with a big bowl of tripe.

How do you handle family holiday dinners?
First, inspire most of your family to go vegan (so far my son, mother, brother, and sister-in-law have made the leap). Once you outnumber the omnis, family dinners aren't so difficult.

What's your favorite veg food?
Guess!

Do you have a favorite veg book?
"Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy" by Matthew Scully

Tofu or tempeh?
Mmm, smoky marinated tempeh!

What did you have for breakfast today?
This morning I made homemade almond milk and blended it with a banana, an orange, dates, and vanilla.