Winter Salad with a Home Made Balsamic Glaze
Last Thursday to Saturday I facilitated the 29th Vegan Foundation Cooking Course where four wonderful people attended. It was a treat for all of us to have such a small group and some very creative food was made.
Vietnamese Style Baguette
For two decades as a university student, care worker and teacher I took a packed lunch to work. I had no choice there were no options for me as a vegetarian and I have also always been a fussy eater. White bread sandwiches have never cut it for me. And that was pretty much all that seemed to be available at school canteens.
Gluten Free Monshari Pie
As part of the three day Vegan Foundation Cooking Course you get to create your own signature dish. In the May course Monica and Shari made a vegan gluten free pie and named it Monshari Pie. It is as wonderful as the name itself.
Spaghetti with Wood Ear Mushrooms and Brussel Sprouts
I’m being brave posting a recipe with Brussels in it as I know that not everyone loves them as much as I do. Don’t be put off though if you are not a Brussels lover as you can use another green veg of your choice or just leave them out all together. This sauce is a beauty. So rich and meaty (in the non animal meaty way).
Veg Makhanwala and Okra Curry
As I start to wind down the last week of work before I go on my yearly visit to India I feel a curry recipe is called for, so I am sharing with you two recipes. I adapted the first recipe earlier this year and had planned on sharing with you all then but somehow spaced it out. So here is Mak’s (my beloved’s) favourite curry recipe. He used to eat this at a restaurant called Prem’s in Pune India, in those days he was vegetarian and not yet vegan. The original recipe has paneer and lots of cream however he was equally happy with this vegan version of it.
Potato and Spinach Bake
Its been my experience that if I put a bowl of nut cheese out in front of friends who aren’t vegan and don’t tell them what it is they will ask what type of cheese it is. However if I place a bowl of vegan cheese on the table with some crackers and tell my friends what it is they will say, “it’s nice but it doesn’t really taste like cheese”. It fascinates me as when the mind isn’t comparing vegan cheese to non-vegan cheese it actually tastes like cheese. Does what I am trying to convey make sense? I’m struggling to put my thoughts into words.
Mushroom, Artichoke and Spinach Pizza
This is the first in my monthly recipes with children in mind. Many people have asked for recipes that children may enjoy and for some be able to help make too. This is a great pizza recipe as it is gluten free. I have shared the gluten free pizza base recipe before. This topping was created by Jaldhara and Grace in the April foundation cooking course and it really was sensational. You can easily add or omit the toppings to suit your children’s taste. The beauty with the base recipe is it makes 3 pizzas and you could easily make individual pizzas if you wanted also.
Mushroom and Pea Bhaji
I meet people who either like mushrooms or they don’t. I meet people who say mushrooms are fantastic for good health and I meet others who won’t eat them as they say they are not good for you. I am a mushroom lover and my body seems to love them too so I tend to agree that they are good for you. I do eat them in moderation though and would never have them more than twice a week even though I would love to have them every day. How about you, what is your take on mushrooms, how often do you eat them.
Spiced Chickpeas are so Moreish
Continuing on with the request for chickpea recipes. I stumbled upon a recipe for spiced chickpeas. Wow, these are a must have in the fridge at all times. They will last for three to four days in the fridge but you guessed it, only lasted two days in mine – as greedy me gobbled them all up.
Cabbage Rolls (filled with chickpeas, tofu and mushrooms)
How’s this week been for you all? I have had the most ideal week. Working on a new version of the module one syllabus and on retreat menus has been a slower paced week for me. I have been working regular hours rather than sixteen hour days like I do when catering on retreats. Working an eight hour day has allowed me to have plenty of time to look after myself. The first thing in practicing good selfcare is to cook and eat nourishing, wholesome, organic food. I have had the opportunity to do that this week and experiment with new recipes. I’m feeling good!
