The WI, Vegan Macaroni & Learning a trick or two......

If I asked you what you thought of the WI you would probably have images of cute little old farmers wife’s huddled round knitting, singing cheering renditions of Jerusalem while eating big chunks of homemade cake served with a strong cup of tea. Lovely – but would it make you want to be part of the WI? You would maybe presume younger women would never want to be seen there or that it offered nothing to the women of today? That it was out of touch with what was happening in the world outside of the villages these women live in perhaps? But what if I told you that you were wrong? (Except for the amazing homemade cakes and tea – you will definitely learn a baking trick or two!)

The Women's Institute (WI) was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then the organisation's aims have broadened and the WI is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK. The WI celebrated its centenary in 2015 and currently has almost 220,000 members in approximately 6,300 WIs. The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

The WI has succeeded for so long and continues to do so because they have moved with the times. Pop into any WI nowadays and you will find young women who are wives and mothers, who bake and love a good natter but also women who are strong, independent and career driven. Topics covered in meetings range from supporting local domestic violence projects, decorating local bus stops that had been vandalised and veganism (yep you read that right!)  As well as many other local, important issues.

Speaking of veganism - it was at this month’s WI meeting that our guest speaker was Katy Beskow – author of ’15 minute vegan’ . She came and shared some of her amazing recipes with us and this was without a doubt my favourite. Enjoy!

Butternut Squash and Sage Macaroni  (Serves 2 generously)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped into chunks (I used Waitrose frozen chunks)

1 onion, chopped finely

2 tsp dried sage

600ml vegetable stock

300g dried macaroni ( I used gluten free)

Pinch of black pepper

1 slice of day old crusty bread, grated finely into breadcrumbs ( I used gluten free)

How To -

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/ Gas Mark 6

2. Arrange the butternut squash and onion on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes. The butternut squash should be soft and the onion tender

3. Remove the butternut squash and onion from the oven and spoon into a high powered blender. Sprinkle in the sage and add the stock. Blend on high until smooth.

4. Scatter the pasta into an oven-proof dish. Pour over the butternut squash sauce evenly and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Add a top layer of breadcrumbs and return to the oven and cook for an extra 10 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is slightly browned and crisp. Serve immediately.

Unicorn Lattes, Yoga & A (Not So) Secret Recipe........

The world, me included, has recently gone unicorn mad and what’s not to love?! Pretty, magical, enchanting and more often than not covered in sparkles, you can see the attraction a mile off. We have had unicorn bagels in Brooklyn, unicorn macaroons in Budapest, unicorn hot chocolates in California and now we have the unicorn latte, again from Brooklyn but this time from a trendy health café called The End. The unicorn latte, unlike its bagel / macaroon / chocolate counter parts is actually a health food , contains no coffee and is recommended to be consumed before a yoga class. Oh Brooklyn – you talk my language!

Unicorn Latte (serves 1)

·         ginger

·         lemon zest

·         coconut milk (I used coconut & almond milk)

·         maple syrup (the original recipes uses honey)

·         e3 live blue green algae (also known as blue spirulina)

·         turmeric and pomegranate powder, as well as edible flowers or vegan sprinkles to decorate.

How To –

·         Gently heat the milk in a pan

·         Add the ginger, lemon, maple syrup & blue spirulina

·         Whisk with an electric whisk until blended and a froth appears

·         Pour into your favourite glass and top with decorations of your choice. Enjoy!

Small Business Saturday - Jamberry Nails.....

 

 

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses both in my local community and all over the UK. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me hand over to Saralyn, consultant for Jamberry Nails -

 

In 2010, a slow and expensive visit to a nail salon sparked the idea for sisters Lyndsey, Christy, and Keri to create a line of do-it-yourself nail wraps. Today, Jamberry is bringing you their creation: one-of-a-kind nail wraps that truly represent your signature style!

Jamberry nail wraps are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes. With over 300 nail wraps in an incredible variety of designs, you can customize, pair, and layer Jamberry nail wraps to create a look that’s all your own—all from the comfort of your home.Nail wraps are thin vinyl sheets that are pressure and heat activated to adhere to your nail for a long lasting and beautiful look. They are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes! Jamberry nail wraps are a one-of-a kind way to express your unique style! Plus, through innovative technology our nail wraps are:

• Non-toxic

• 5-Free (Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor) & SFV

• Easy to apply at-home

• Requires ZERO dry time

• Durable for long-lasting wear without chipping, peeling or fading

 

For further details please contact Saralyn – saralynsoto.jamberry.com/

Stooow, Childhood Memories & Admiting I Was Wrong....

As the nights are still so cold and dark, my mind has been filled with thoughts of soups, casseroles, curries and chillis, which can only mean one thing  – it’s time to dust off the slow cooker and put it to good use.

I purchased my first slow cooker last year and although you can really use the slow cooker at any time of the year, it is best used as soon as the cold weather kicks in and I get lazier in the kitchen.

If you haven’t yet got a slow cooker, I seriously recommend you invest in one as soon as you can.

I am the first to admit for years (and years!) I resisted. Haunted by memories from my childhood where a brown lumpy ‘stoooow,’ as we called it, would be regularly served up to mine and my sister’s horror.  I swore I would never own one.  Until I got one. And now it is a game changer, without a drop of stoooow (gag) in sight! They’re generally between £15 and £30 from Amazon depending on which size you require and they’re really worth every penny. If you are feeling super fancy (and have my aversion to stooow) I would highly recommend the Sage by Heston Blumenthal Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker (you can buy it here ). Not only does it slow cook but it steams, pressure cooks and makes the most amazing risotto in 7 teeny tiny minutes. Winner winner, no stoooow for dinner! There is nothing quite like opening the front door on a cold evening and being greeted by the inviting smells of comfort food that’s been simmering away all day.

Other benefits of a slower cooker (I can barely believe I am typing this, 3 months ago I could not find one let alone other benefits!) is that they use minimal electricity making them eco-friendly as well as making enough left overs  to stock your freezer from now till the clocks change back. What’s not to love?!

I have a couple of tried-and-tested slow cooker recipes that I’ll be blogging about in the coming weeks with not a stooooow in sight so first let’s start with this winter warmer –

Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Dahl

•3 large sweet potatoes, diced

•3 cups vegetable broth

•1 onion, minced

•4 cloves garlic, minced

•2 teaspoon each ground coriander, garam masala, and chili powder

•½ teaspoon salt

•1½ cups uncooked red lentils (masoor dal)

•1 can coconut milk

•1 cup water

How To -

1.Place the sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, lentils and spices in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 - 8 hours, until vegetables are soft.

2.Stir in the coconut milk and as much water as needed to get the right consistency. Serve with rice poppadum’s and cozy socks. Enjoy!

Give the Gift of Kindess........

Christmas was the season of fabulous dresses, getting your nails done, slapping on the false tan,  letting your loved ones lavish you in gifts and spending all your money right? Well it sort of is…. As fabulous as opening presents, eating fancy foods, getting more trussed up than the Tofeukey and having first world problems such as a broken nail can be -  the true meaning of Christmas giving can sometimes be lost amid the flurry of wrapping paper. Now don’t get me wrong I love the glamour of Christmas as much as the next person, my LBD is hung up ready for the big day and I have decked every hall with boughs of holly but sometimes we have to see past ourselves and remember Christmas isn’t that amazing for everyone. Part of being vegan (to me at least) means to also be a humanitarian. I truly believe life is a balancing act so alongside all the merriment I have tried to give back to those who need it most at this time of year and complied a little list of some of the small ways you may be able to help someone out -

Reverse Advent Calendar

This is the first year we have done this and we have LOVED it! So simple, so much fun and minimal hassle to do. Simply fill a box with 24 (as in there are 24 days of advent) food items and donate them to your local food bank so they can be distributed to families in your area who need them over Christmas. It is an easy accumulator as you can put just a few items extra in the weekly shop and before you know it the box is full and ready for donation. Double check what food items your local food bank needs before you start and that there is a drop off point you can get to.

Mission Christmas

You can't go shopping anywhere from the day after Halloween until Christmas without noticing an over flow of toys everywhere. But sadly not every child will have a gift to open on Christmas day. Statistics are scary – 1 in 5 children in the area I live are in poverty meaning the chances are high they will have nothing on the big day. This is why projects such as Mission Christmas are so important. The concept is simple – select one gift for a child in need, then take it to the local drop off point where volunteers work with local services to ensure the most needy children get a gift on Christmas day.

Give before receiving

Before Christmas morning, make room for new gifts by donating old or no-longer-used items in your home to charity / homeless shelter etc. While it might be tough at first for you to give away your old things, think of the happiness that may bring to people who need them.

Salute the brave

If you aren't already aware of the daily sacrifices the members of our military make, instill it in yourself right along with Christmas charity. Give 2 the Troops collects Christmas cards holiday books and movies, decorations, spiritual items and more, compiling care packages for members of the Armed Forces. While it may be hard for you personally to understand the concept of the military, it will likely be able to relate to missing home if you were far away.

Reach out to another generation

Spread cheer at local nursing home or hospitals by dropping off some cookies or fruit. Many residents of nursing homes don't have regular visitors — or any visitors at all. Call ahead first to determine if there are any dietary restrictions for the residents. Chances are, they'll be thrilled to have the company of new people – another option is creating a gift box to an elderly lonely person and this can be done through Help The Aged.

 

As you can see there are lots of small ways you can give before you received that take minimal time and money. If you really have no money (and I have been there) there are lots of free ways to give back – finding time for coffee with a friend, offering to wrap presents for an older person who is struggling to manage or just dropping a text to someone to see how they are. Christmas can be lonely and a simple text can make a big difference. Where ever you are and whoever you spend it with I hope it is all you want it to be and more– Merry Christmas!

The Vegan Christmas Survival Guide......

In recent years veganism has soared by 350% in the past decade, with more than half a million Britons adopting the lifestyle. I proudly joined this number nearly a year ago and am coming up to navigating my first Christmas period. Christmas can be a challenging time for vegans and their loved ones. Dinners, drinks and gifts which would be your crimbo norm (Baileys, tins of roses and pigs in blankets I am looking at you…)  can all present a problem as ingredients and materials may contain animal products without you being aware.

I am rising to the vegan Christmas challenge this year and cooking for my 7 favourite people (well 6 people and 1 very precious bump) which I am very excited about but wow has it been a journey! So in true Christmas spirit I have compiled a handy list on how to enjoy a vegan Christmas this year.

The luxury festive roast

Christmas dinner can be testing at the best of times, but preparing a meal to accommodate a vegan diet can be even more difficult to those not used to it. There are many delicious meat and dairy-free alternatives to the traditional turkey roast on the market these days. The Nut Roast is brimming with juicy nuts, pulses and porcini mushrooms, this wholesome dish serves as the perfect replacement to the traditional meat roast and is bound to be a hit with both vegans and omnivores. Although you may have given up meat, you may still crave the taste or texture of it. When a nut roast just doesn’t seem adequate, Tofurky’s vegetarian feast can satisfy your craving. Although described as “vegetarian”, the roast is suitable for vegans and the 2lb stuffed Tofurky roast is made with organic non-genetically engineered soybeans. They also make ‘pigs in blankets’ which I am excited to try this year.

 Cake and sweets

 Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you need to forgo sugary treats. There are vegan alternatives to Christmas pudding, whether you want to cook your own or buy one. Mince pies can also be suitable for vegans. Keen bakers can make their own or check the packaging of store bought products.  You could buy a fancy Christmas tin (mine was 59p from Home Bargains) and fill it will SFV sweeties in place of your tins of Quality Street. Perfect for nibbling post festive feats snooze!

Alcohol

Many people are still  unaware that alcohol is not always suitable for vegans. This is because some products may have been made using animal-derived products, such as fish oil, egg, isinglass and gelatin. Most supermarkets now specify if their alcohol is suitable for vegans. Whether you feel like treating yourself to a bottle of wine or want to give a bottle of champagne to a loved one this Christmas, there’s a great selection of alcohol, including beers and spirits, available at your local supermarket. My new favourite is the M&S Butter Scotch liqueur – tastes just like Baileys but it is SFV. Winning!  

 Cosmetics and toiletries gifts

 Many cosmetics and toiletries still contain animal ingredients and are tested on animals. But there is still a wealth of both budget and luxury brands available on the high street (Lush I am looking at you) and online that are vegan friendly and cruelty free. Beauty Without Cruelty’s makeup range is extensive and has a range of products to choose from. The leaping bunny logo is a sure way to know whether a product is tested on animals. Cruelty Free International lists all of its certified cruelty free products online in an easy-to-use search portal. People for the ethical treatment of animals (Peta) also has a searchable database of companies that do and do not test their products on animals. Animal Aid’s online store features a range of makeup and toiletries that are vegan and not tested on animals.

Clothing as gifts

Fur, leather, suede, wool, silk and down are not suitable for those who have adopted a vegan lifestyle. Checking items of clothing and accessories before purchase will save accidentally buying garments with animal products in them and there are many animal-free alternatives available. Although animal free alternatives can be found in most high street stores, this list of some of the best vegan fashion brands shows just how many cruelty-free accessories are available. Many fashion stores also used sweatshops in poorer countries to produce garments for British consumers. Employees at these factories are often forced to work in dire conditions for long hours and with very low pay. A guide by the Ethical Consumer shows how high street brands fair in the way they treat their employees. There are also a wealth off brands such as Votch, Nat and Matt and Rocket Dog which make great SFV products.

Pets as gifts

 ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.’

 The Dogs Trust’s slogan is as relevant now as when it was first coined 38 years ago. Adrian Burder, Dogs Trust chief executive, said: “There is no denying that we’re a nation of animal lovers, but sadly sometimes that love can blind people and they may rush into getting a dog, often without ample research or even rushing into a last minute online purchase.” Dogs Trust sees a flurry of animals abandoned when the appeal of a cute Christmas puppy wears thing - and the charity is not alone. Christmas is often the time of year when pets, particularly puppies and kittens, are given as presents. But as these animals grow up and the novelty of owning one wears off, the nation’s rescue centres are inundated with unwanted pets. Those who want to introduce a new pet to the family are urged to give the matter some serious thought and consider adopting an animal rather than purchasing one from a breeder, pet store or online. There’s dozens of rehoming centres across the UK. Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, RSPCA and Mayhew are among some of the most well-known organisations.

Chocolate, Confessions and a Mug Cake...... (Vegan / Gluten Free)

Confession time – it has been a whole month since I have put finger to key board and created a blog piece. Yep – I am a little ashamed of myself! I love blogging /rambling / chatting to you all so please know it hasn’t been my choice to abandon the blog (though it seems to have fended for itself quite well – all my blog post views have shot through the roof so happy days!!) Life, as it does, has come zooming in at a million miles an hour and the only typing I have been doing is uni work – sob! The good news is it has paid off and I passed my first term with a first, plus it is now the Christmas holidays so I am able to get into  full on blogging mode again, which incidentally is my happy place, win win. To make up for my disappearing act I am gifting you gorgeous lot the secret recipe for my vegan, gluten free, CLEAN EATING (oh yeah!!) chocolate mug cake. Please don’t lick the page……

Chocolate Mug Cake – serves 1

•1 medium ripe banana - mashed

 •2 tablespoons Choc Shot (liquid chocolate made from fruit)

 •2 tablespoons coconut sugar

 •½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 •2 tablespoons almond milk

 •3 tablespoons rice flour

 •½ teaspoon baking soda

 •2 tablespoon dark chocolate chips

How To -

1.In a large mug mash the banana up as much as you can so there are no large lumps visible.

 2.Add in the choc shot (liquid chocolate),  sugar, vanilla extract and almond milk and mix everything together.

 3.Add in the flour and baking soda, give everything a good mix to make sure everything is well combined.

 4.My microwave is 800 watt power and I found the perfect amount of time was 2 minutes and 45 seconds on full power.

 5.Start with 2 minutes on full power in your microwave then test your cake it should be firm to the touch with a little spring in it. If not give it another 15 seconds and test again.

 6.One cooked let it stand for 1 minute before topping with oatly vegan cream and eating. Enjoy!