Browsing Tag

vegan

My Job

November 17, 2012
my-job

When you move to Ireland from small town USA, the culture shock is great. The weather, the cultural diversity, the dominance of the entertainment industry and the abundance of revealing clothes is all quite astonishing. What’s more, if you want to know anything about food and are curious by nature, every day in Cork can be an opportunity to move outside of your culinary comfort zone. Though this may be rather difficult when you are vegan in a country full of meat eaters, there are some rather great options here.

Let me introduce you to my favorite local eatery, Very Healthy Food. I love it so much, in fact, I got a job here! Going to work has been especially exciting and fulfilling since I began working here. The surroundings are inspiring. Everywhere I look there’s something (or someone) I want to know more about – ingredients, techniques, style, craft, food stories and big personalities abound.

 

very-healthy-food-raw-salad

miso-soup-board-very-healthy-food

I can still recall my first Raw Food Buffet at Very Healthy Food last winter. I had been invited to attend the first ever buffet by the Cork Vegans meetup group. The dinner consisted of a three course meal in which we were served a supergreen smoothie,  a huge falafel salad with assorted sprouts and veggies, and ended the meal on a sweet note with a raw brownie. Ever since the first bite I’ve been hooked.

Since opening doors in June 2011, Very Healthy Food has garnered a dedicated following. Not only do customers drive across town for a raw pizza with sun-dried tomato sauce and cashew cheese or a slice of raw chocolate cake, they return day after day for savory and sweet favorites with determined gusto.

I’m thrilled to be part of this lovely community of health freaks. If you’re in the area, be sure to pop in and say ‘hello’!

very-healthy-food-raw-cake

(Photos courtesy of Cork News and Very Healthy Food)

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Squash Blossom Salad

November 12, 2012

Autumn has definitely fallen over Ireland and colder weather is blowing in. When I’m out wandering about town, I pull my collar up to keep the chill from slipping down my neck. Even though the sunshine has managed to pop it’s head through the clouds, I can’t seem to get warm.

This salad is a gorgeous starter for a comforting bowl of soup. Sometimes combining just a couple seasonal elements in a simple way, allows each ingredient to shine without a lot of fuss. It’s easy, uncomplicated and just the kind of food I like to eat every day.

Squash blossoms are a seldom seen treat in most super markets due to their incredibly short shelf life – several hours once plucked in worst cases and only several days in best cases if handled very carefully. Typically, you have to come by these bright and fragile delicacies at your local farmer’s market or even better yet, in your own home garden. Once these bright blossoms make their way into your kitchen, it won’t be long before your little finger foodie and family realize what a treat they’re in for – not only will you get quite a kick out of eating flowers, you will also reap a few health benefits. Squash blossoms are high in calcium and iron and especially high in vitamins A and C.

The easiest and arguably the best way to use squash blossoms is raw, eat them with a drizzle of great quality oil and salt or toss them into any salad. The squash blossom is simple, ethereal and easily over powered so try to go easy on the dressings and accouterments.

Squash Blossom Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 5 Tbsp. olive oil
  • pinch of sea salt
  • pinch of black pepper
  • assorted greens
  • tomatoes
  • 1 radish, sliced
  • 2 cups small squash blossoms, stems removed
  • 3 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
  • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced

Directions:

  1. Whisk together lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Divide greens, assorted vegetables and squash blossoms on two plates. Drizzle with dressing and top with sunflower seeds. Devour.

(Photo Credit: my sister, Jenny Norris – jjnorris.com)

 

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Roasted Root Vegetables

November 6, 2012
roasted-root-vegetables

As much as I embrace an easygoing approach to all things food related and try to promote creativity and substitutions whenever possible, I have to admit this tendency does not carry over to all aspects of my lifestyle. In fact, there are certain things about which I can be kind of obsessive.

For one, I’m a sucker for lists. Going through an orderly list and checking off items as they are completed gives me an incomparable sense of accomplishment. I have lists for everything; grocery lists, errands, Christmas presents, books to read or topics to research … even the margins of my day planner are not safe from my scribbles.

As of late, I’ve been thinking about one list in particular. This list chronicles my food fantasies – dishes I want to try. Some are dishes I consider classics, while others are those that have grabbed my interest. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is Roasted Root Vegetables. I’ve been working on perfecting roasted root vegetables for a while. Getting them to come out of the oven crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside is no small feat (but when you get them right, they are oh-so delicious!).

roasted-root-vegetables-vegan

Roasted Root Vegetables

Vegan & Gluten-free

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium beet, peeled and diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (I left the skin on)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. rosemary, fresh or dried
  • 3 Tbsp. oil of choice (I used olive oil)
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Prepare all of the vegetables, making sure they are cut about the same size.
  3. Mix the oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper together in a small cup or bowl. Using your hands, mix the vegetables with the oil mixture until well coated. The vegetables should be in a single layer on the sheet for proper roasting.
  4. Place coated vegetables on a pan covered in parchment paper.
  5. Place in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the root vegetables are soft and a bit browned. Serve right away and enjoy.
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Raw Vegan Chocolates

October 31, 2012
raw-vegan-chocolates

Whether you plan to frolic or not on Halloween, it’s still fun to enjoy a few sweets. As for us, we’ll be having a Halloween film-fest party. The holiday wouldn’t be complete without an evening of horror films, food and drink. That’s just what I’m in the mood for after the strenuous event earlier in the week.

This year I made my own Halloween treats – Raw Vegan Chocolates.  The secret to good candy at home is to start with a spread of high quality, delicious ingredients and use your creativity to dream up some creative confections. You’ll feel like the vegan version of Willy Wonka.

This chocolate is the real deal. It melts in the mouth, it’s rich and satisfying, and has a deep, dark aroma that can only be described as divine. Surprisingly, it only contains three basic ingredients, and is gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan and raw. Enjoy them with your friends and loved ones.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Raw Vegan Chocolates

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup raw cacao butter
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
  • 4 Tbsp. sweetener of choice – agave nectar, palm sugar, xylitol, stevia, etc.
  • 1/2 vanilla pod or a tsp. of vanilla essence (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a double boiler (or a glass bowl over water) over low-medium heat, melt the cacao butter slowly until completely smooth. Add the cacao powder, sweetener, vanilla and stir to thoroughly combine. Remove from heat.
  2. Pour into molds or paper casings.
  3. Place in the fridge or freezer to firm up. Store chocolate in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

You can also add cacao nibs, goji berries, coconut, almonds, hazelnuts, orange zest or whatever your imagination desires!

 

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