When I receive press releases that contain recipes like a creamy artichoke and tomato bisque, well, I simply must pass them on. This month, Executive Chef J. Scot Jones (of VegiTerranean restaurant in Akron, Ohio) teamed up with gardein(TM), the maker of healthy fresh and frozen meat alternatives, entrees, and appetizers - all plant-based, or in other words, vegetarian and vegan. Together they have created a menu to provide home cooks with a very special Valentine's Day dinner that is sure to delight.

The "Love at First Bite" menu, as it is called, features delicious heart-filled foods that are free of dairy, eggs, and any other animal-based ingredients. The recipes include:

• Artichoke and tomato bisque (complete with an easy cashew "cream" recipe)
• Pine nut and basil crusted gardein(TM) chick'n scallopini over braised escarole blood orange beurre blanc
• Hot Italian banana peppers stuffed with fresh herb risotto and soy mozzarella with fresh basil lime sauce

The complete recipes for "Love at First Bite" are available to view at www.gardein.com/valentines.php.

VegiTerranean is Ohio's first upscale vegan restaurant that is owned by Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders. It serves vegan fare with an Italian flare. To learn more, www.thevegiterranean.com.

About Chef J. Scot Jones

A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef J. Scot Jones specializes in regional Italian cuisine with French influence and has more than 20 years of culinary experience. Today, he serves as Partner and Executive Chef of VegiTerranean in Akron—Ohio's first upscale vegan restaurant with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. Chef Jones has also cooked for members of the National Football League (NFL) and served on the boards of Chairedible and Meals on Wheels. He holds a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management from The University of Akron.

About gardein(TM)

gardein(TM) (garden + protein) is a line of tasty plant-based foods with a meaty texture. gardein offers all the health benefits of eating less animal-based protein without sacrificing the texture and taste that many people crave. gardein is a plant-based protein made from soy, wheat and pea proteins, vegetables and grains. gardein is free of cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fats, and the majority of gardein products provide a good source of fiber and are low in fat. Today, gardein is available in the fresh and frozen sections of 8,500 grocery stores across the United States and the fresh sections of grocery stores in Canada. For more information, visit www.gardein.com.