tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10371050632354387842011-12-05T15:56:33.555ZRachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.comBlogger1711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-29780744302299120692011-10-30T18:06:00.000Z2011-10-30T18:09:13.411Z

So during Vegan Mofo last year, one of the projects I took on was veganising mum's cook book.  This one didn't make the cut because I didn't have the ingredients in my cupboard and I was too tired to walk to the shops, much to mum's protests that these were the best ginger cookies ever made, as certified by my dad and brother.  And my family certainly have a 'background' of cookie tasting.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-50544072441875753772011-10-29T12:35:00.000+01:002011-10-29T12:37:03.129+01:00

So yesterday I was set a challenge by Rory's colleagues (who cannot mention 'vegan' without cracking carrot-related sex jokes) to recreate a scotch egg. Up until yesterday, why you'd want to eat one of these continued to baffle me. Eggy things are, and always have been, horrible, nasty, and best avoided.  Every day, I get the joy of watching one of my school children devour a couple of

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-61102234929921828512011-10-28T12:56:00.000+01:002011-10-28T12:56:59.395+01:00

I have been set a challenge. I have been challenged to make vegan scotch eggs. Now. For those of you not in the know, a scotch egg is not from Scotland. It's a hard-boiled egg, wrapped in sausage meat, rolled in breadcrumbs, and deep fried. Why you would want to eat one of these is beyond me. But a challenge is a challenge. As I write, my kitchen smells of egg. There are breadcrumbs

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-91935506184749702672011-10-27T18:31:00.002+01:002011-10-27T18:31:43.107+01:00

Butterscotch blondies from 'My Sweet Vegan'. There's really not much more to say. Shockingly easy to put together, scarily easy to eat vast amounts of. Sugar, fat, yoghurt, cream, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and 30 minutes in the oven, and they could be all yours too. I taste tested these on my friend's two-year-old girl.  They went down a darn sight better than the curry I'd made

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-41752044453746702372011-10-26T14:29:00.000+01:002011-10-26T14:30:13.781+01:00

The clocks go back in four days time.  We've had our first frost, and a fair few storms. British summer time is surely saying 'see you later, chumps' - out with the salads, in with the soups. A few years ago now I made a pledge to eat seasonally for a year. I did it, and man was it a ball-ache. Those lean months in February and March nearly drove me to distraction, and for a while I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-31261541766563722382011-10-25T23:55:00.000+01:002011-10-26T00:00:03.535+01:00

Have I mentioned I love chocolate? And hazelnuts? Together? Because I do.  Big time. Like in cheesecake.  There's always time for cheesecake. Or in biscotti.  There's always time for biscuits too, right?  Or in a chocolate bar. Look what I found! Lovingly modelled here by Dovi, it's one of the latest products brought out by the fantastic people at Moo Free.   It

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-75672621941836170282011-10-24T16:13:00.002+01:002011-10-25T23:24:42.334+01:00

 About five years ago, I travelled to Belarus in an ambulance with the brilliant charity Leaves of Hope.  I was part of a team of adults and disaffected teenagers, and we spent time renovating rooms in one of the many many orphanages in and around Belarus. I came across some of the most heart-breaking and heart-warming sights I've ever experienced, and it was all incredibly rewarding.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-41883132337399368852011-10-23T20:59:00.001+01:002011-10-23T21:03:14.948+01:00

Hello. My name is Rachel Milton.  Hahahahahahaha. Two weeks ago yesterday, I got married. It was, without hesitation, repetition or deviation, the best/day/ever.   I'll update the other page with photos, for those of you who are intrigued/nosy. But for this post, in keeping with the theme of this blog, I'm going to tell you about the food I made.   Being a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-80431357206022378412011-10-22T23:29:00.001+01:002011-10-22T23:30:45.089+01:00

What does it say about a recipe when you demolish a batch in less than 2 hours, within 24 hours you find yourself feverishly making a second batch? Probably the same thing that it says about a recipe that, whilst photographing the results, you eat the plate before you finish snapping, and have to plate up a second time.  I think I have a problem.  Is there a sesame snaps addiction help

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-16865179308169688912011-10-06T13:00:00.000+01:002011-10-06T13:00:12.370+01:00

In 48 hours time, I'll be getting married. Hopefully. Rors is highly likely to change his mind if I don't reign in my excitement sometime soon...  Writing on here has been put on the backburner for the last week or two, and is likely to remain so for a short while. The next 48 hours will be making all the remaining food for the 150-odd people coming to hangout for the day, and wearing a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-42893342230925613392011-09-23T19:38:00.000+01:002011-09-23T19:41:10.741+01:00

Finding a good fruit cake is hard work. Finding a good vegan fruit cake is even harder, it turns out. I'm not a fan of your typical Christmas-cake style fruit cakes, so densely-packed with fruit that they double up as pretty good curling stones.  My mum used to make a killer 'golden' fruit cake', but I'd always written it off as being too egg-heavy to replicated.  Enter Hudson, my awesome

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-88788942959336004772011-09-21T19:17:00.000+01:002011-09-21T19:19:58.766+01:00

(Disclaimer -This post is typed up through excitedly clenched teeth. Ed McNulty has returned. Too excited!! Expect spelling mistakes) Ask a stupid question, expect a stupid answer, right? I asked Rors what I should bake next out of 'My Sweet Vegan'. There's 50-odd recipes in there. It's September. What are the chances the boy wants Christmas cookies?  I guess I only have myself to

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-28248235696886975812011-09-13T11:20:00.002+01:002011-10-23T20:34:56.341+01:00

(Today's post is dedicated to the love Sophie and Graeme, congratulations you beautiful lovelies! My faux-twin sister is the most excitable bride ever!) Apologies, work and weddings leave no time for blogging. Who knew?! So today's post will be a short one. Which is fine, because I've fallen in love.  It's for real this time too.  We're past the flirty-eyes across a room stage, have

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-27220542709878782132011-09-03T11:06:00.000+01:002011-09-03T11:06:28.065+01:00

I started my new job yesterday. Exciting. I am really looking forward to throwing myself into this role - it's where I've always aimed to end up, and I'm pretty excited.  Which probably means I'll have less time to fanny-around in the kitchen.  they're also pretty big on 'not re-inventing the wheel' - if it's been done, tweek it to make it your own - there's no point in starting over. I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-10955931140183847402011-08-31T10:19:00.000+01:002011-08-31T10:20:11.309+01:00

Look at what I found in my veg box. An aubergine with a nose. A nosebergine? I gave him some eyes too. #comedyveg. So today is the day where I make the transition between being twenty-six, and twenty-seven. I had birthday marshmallows for breakfast to celebrate. (NB Infinity Foods, you are so expensive it hurts - £6.50 for a box of marshmallows? Ouch. But totally worth it).  Anyway, I've

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-20430899511355513162011-08-29T10:17:00.001+01:002011-08-31T10:22:51.611+01:00

Let's talk make up.   More specifically, let's talk e.l.f. Since what seems like the beginning of forever, vegan make up has been dominated by 'luxury' brands, like Urban Decay, MAC, Aveda and Benefit.  These are all usually great products, but it broke my heart (and purse strings) every time I had to buy a new mascara. Even BWC has it's pricy moments if you want their good stuff.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-24532798740617696372011-08-26T15:57:00.000+01:002011-08-31T10:23:32.486+01:00

Well hello there. I think, with the exception of last week's adventures into mace and chocolate, the last time we properly spoke was... May? Shucks. How have you been?    Things have been a little busy here. We moved house, which is exciting! I'll talk more about that later, I think. Save it for a rainy day post.  I also seemed to pack my camera away for these two months, so the

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-78612812342697386902011-08-20T15:14:00.001+01:002011-08-31T10:24:00.952+01:00

Hello, internet world.  Who'da thought it would take more than two months for o2 to reconnect our internet? Anyway, we're back. Hurrah. After this post, I'll tell you all about what I've been up to, but I promised that my first post back would be inspired by the cookie cutters I was given  for my hen night. Look! Angel wings! Reunited for one-night only. This picture makes my heart

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-27327779381847207882011-05-22T13:55:00.002+01:002011-08-31T10:24:29.737+01:00

It's May. And when you're a teacher, that means loads of assessments, and report writing. And that means that everything else in the entire world suddenly becomes far more important. And interesting. Including: ironing, Ebaying, emptying the dishwasher, playing with the cat, vacuuming the skirting boards, more ironing, watching paint dry, and making cards for awesome-o people getting married.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-51645551258150704642011-05-21T12:29:00.001+01:002011-08-31T10:24:53.677+01:00

Last weekend we had three birthday meals to go to. A combined age of 191. Average mental age of 10. A lot of fun was had.  Phone photos a plenty, because I felt too much like a spy cracking my big camera out in such small settings!    Meal #1 - by my mum. Sweet potato curry accompanied by lots of red wine courtesy of my dad. Even my meat hungry brother was silenced. I thoroughly recommend mum

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-64259667967157864302011-05-07T19:24:00.005+01:002011-05-08T14:56:57.145+01:00

I treated us to a tin of ackee last week. It'd been on my list of 'should stump up £2.50 to try it sometime' foods.  £2.50 doesn't get you a whole load of ackee. Also, it sounds a bit too much like yucky, or icky.  It's not, we found out. But it does look a little bit like a yellow version of the shrimps sweets from pick'n'mix bags. Or scrambled eggs. You choose. Having bought the tin, I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-59416229203537657532011-05-02T17:23:00.001+01:002011-05-02T17:24:52.258+01:00

Oh holidays, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... You give me beautiful weather for picnics, barbecues, and ice-cream. (above is ice-cream from Aloka - almond raisin. I'm not a massive almond fan. Nor am I bonkers about raisins. This ice-cream was simply beautiful though. The raw- chocolate one wasn't bad either.) You allow me to embark on 'projects'. (Vegan crunchies weren't enough. I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-84057803481930204932011-04-17T21:57:00.001+01:002011-04-17T22:39:48.519+01:00

See? I can do it. I can take photos of my friends. They exist. We educated our friend Mimi about British drinking legacies on her last day here before flying back to the States - namely Pimms and Tuaca.  Tuaca's a vanilla citrus spirit.  It's all over Brighton.  It's super lovely, although not as super lovely as bourbon, or Mimi. Anyway... it's Sunday. It's getting late. I'm getting

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-54682160013320415792011-04-12T15:27:00.001+01:002011-08-31T10:25:15.758+01:00

This morning I read this comment on Andy Wind Attack's Blog, and it filled me with joy. "Fears of a food blogger [are] that the next morning I would find my camera filled with nothing but food porn." Photos of meals I have eaten are quickly outnumbering photos I have of real life experiences.   Photos of food, and photos of my cat. Reading Andy's comment at least made me feel slightly

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-8431136215871964732011-04-10T08:07:00.003+01:002011-04-10T11:05:14.993+01:00

If you ask Rors, three things are true:Prior to veganism, Crunchies (chocolate covered honeycomb/ cinder toffee) were brilliant. The sole purpose of cake is to act as a vessel for icing into his mouth. A vegan crunchie cupcake, where icing is responsible for at least 60% of its weight, will blow. your. mind. I took these to my friend Sam's surprise party last night. Where I got the ratio of

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-37486227532119900562011-04-06T22:20:00.000+01:002011-04-06T22:20:35.491+01:00

So this was supposed to be my first nut-free vegan ice-cream recipe, until I accidentally put nuts in it. My bad.  Although from a nut-allergy point of view, this ice-cream doesn't need the pecans in at all.  Without them, it still tastes like crumpets, only without the crumpets. Largely because I like my crumpets with 'butter' and maple syrup. Sweet Delilah, this ice-cream tasted super good.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-91679732260003582972011-04-05T22:33:00.000+01:002011-04-05T22:33:35.422+01:00

We got ourselves a winner! Lovesorangesx, the hazelnut truffles are heading your way - get in touch! And I hope you had a super lovely birthday!

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-70028380698941196622011-04-03T18:57:00.001+01:002011-04-03T19:08:04.197+01:00

I have so many things to tell you about.  I'll just start with a couple, or I'll end up turning into one of those never-ending 'conversations' with that friend who never.stops.talking. #1) I gave the blog a new look. Pretty purdy, right? It's still got a couple of changes to go, but it's an improvement. #2) To celebrate, I'm doing a teeny tiny give-away. I'll tell you more about that in a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-48835117318742695992011-03-27T15:38:00.003+01:002011-03-27T15:48:56.260+01:00

Dear Southern Housing - As shared owner of this flat, I pay you a fair chunk of money quite regularly. It generally falls into two categories - rent, and service charges.  It would be fantastic if you could use this money to make the place we rent from you a little more... livable.  For example, making sure you repair the gas flues adequately first time so we don't spent 30 days without hot

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-61395615639750894052011-03-27T10:59:00.006+01:002011-03-27T20:07:06.564+01:00

So I've been super busy of late. Super super busy, looking for jobs and putting offers in on houses. All change round here. We've put an offer in on a 'project'. I'll be turning this space into younghouselove before you know it... Anyway, we went away for a weekend, to have a weekend 'off' doing stuff.  We went to a zoo.  We hung out with some lemurs.  We pulled some stoopid faces.  Then

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-19573577320872222142011-03-06T18:10:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:07:46.228Z

No vegan blogs are complete without the occasional 'look how awesomely cute my cat is' nauseating post now and again. Here's this month's. Gold elastic makes Dovisioso turn tiger.  Today's post is full of science awesomeness. I'm going to use words I haven't used since year 11 chemistry. Words like ethanol and solvent (and that's about it). Put your specs on, we're getting geeky. And definitely

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-26035939170502819132011-02-28T20:46:00.004Z2011-03-12T16:13:48.225Z

So last week my box of veg appeared on my doorstep. How novel.  And nestled amongst various seasonal favourites were what looked suspiciously like a bag of second-rate new potatoes.  Upon closer inspection, they revealed themselves as Jerusalem Artichokes.  Neither from Jerusalem, not artichokes, we were a bit baffled.  Not just us, either.  The very clever Caroline of Tea and Sympatico fame

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-16163711694447753412011-02-26T17:27:00.000Z2011-02-26T17:27:11.040Z

So I finally updated the vegan abroad tab to include the deets from our trips in 2010 to America and Europe.  Have a look!

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-74886319862481517032011-02-26T16:26:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:13:48.227Z

 Seriously.  When did I become such a hippy? It's getting worse.  What started as a childish fussiness has turned me into a lentil loving moron.  And more annoyingly, I'm quite liking it.  Please, for the love of all that is holy and sacred in this world, don't let me become one of those smug saving-the-world-one-piece-of-broccoli-at-a-time type tools. With chickens in their gardens and more

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-29596491846057197622011-02-20T20:28:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.112Z

Somethings are just too easy to take good looking photos of. Children, for one. Cute kittens in jars, that's another. And, it seems, this pie. This is a great-aunt-coming-over-for-Sunday-lunch kinda pie.  This is a wins-prizes-in-miniature-form-at-the-local-village-fete kinda pie.  This is a keeper. A stunner. Tart and sweet and gooey and flaky. What more could you ask for? This is one

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-6056843362503960352011-02-12T17:01:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.114Z

Look what my awesome friend Jess brought me back from China. It's Jasmine Tea. Except it doesn't believe in teabags, oh no. It comes in a ball that looks alarmingly similar to a curled up dead spider, until you pop it into your glass of hot water and.... kaboom! A pretty flower floating in your tea.  I take this an an indication of how bizarre things are in Beijing. Spider - to - tea

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-46580027269066417072011-02-06T16:50:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:13:48.229Z

Up until we went to America last October, I thought sauerkraut was something best-to-be-avoided. Not for any reason in particular, I'd never tried it.  But it just looked a little untrustworthy.  Pickled cabbage... you're not winning me over. One to leave for the pro's, I'd say. And then I ate a cheese toastie. With sauerkraut in. Daiya and sauerkraut. Seriously. I think there was some 'ham' in

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-73566253061936601272011-01-22T12:41:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:13:48.231Z

I think my body has been taken over by aliens. I have completely lost the urge to bake as of late. Or cook. Or even go near the kitchen.  All my cook books have been collecting dust. I've had veggie burgers and chips more times than I'd like to think of. This isn't normal. The alternative reason for this issue is that, quite frankly, I'm knackered. Work has been mental. I've bought a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-20020781392322682842011-01-06T22:10:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:13:15.234Z

Well I majorly sucked at being prompt on this one. But happy new year, nonetheless. Two thousand and ten was pretty... far out? rad? Darn good. And 2011 will be even better, and full of betterer more exciting things. Obvs. But what would 2011 be without reflection on what made 2010 so great? Well, breakfasts and baked goods had a major impact.  You want baked goods? Of course you do. Who

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-82522533621383793602010-12-09T22:06:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:11:21.635Z

No food news.  None whatsoever.  Big soz. But I got news, friends. We got engaged. He even snuck a Pride and Prejudice quote in there.  Good work, Milton.  Bring on wedding fairs, guest lists and trying on ridiculous dresses. And more importantly, spending forever with my favourite person on the planet.  

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-32950945477089368732010-12-08T15:16:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:07:46.230Z

Oh hai there, awesome Christmas food. I'm cooking Christmas dinner for eight people on Saturday (yes, Saturday the 11th December. Don't you celebrate Christmas on that day?)  I'm drawing blanks as to what to cook for starters and main (please feel free to comment below with your ideas) but I wanted to spruce up the traditional mince pie for pudding. So I present to you... the apple and

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-23407910491252293982010-12-02T14:05:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:11:38.675Z

It's definitely winter.  They're playing Chrismas songs on the radio.  My fridge is packed full with cabbage, sprouts, and carrots.  And it snowed. Boy, did it snow. (NB if you are reading this in a place which regularly gets this much snow and more, then good for you.  Here, this is considered a buttload.  That''d be about 8 inches on the chair, there.  That much snow will guarantee at least two

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-37460048629301325352010-11-30T17:43:00.000Z2011-03-12T15:39:13.239Z

Talk about leaving mofo on a high - here is my new toy/best friend/hot water bottle - Dobby! He's an 8-year old apricot rex cross, apparently. He arrived from the rescue centre last night. He snores and has the most ridiculous purr I've ever heard, and is all about the cuddles. Last night I woke up to find he'd snuck his way under the duvet and was curled up by my tummy.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-36227099731599938182010-11-29T20:39:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:05:18.992Z

Veganising mum, part iv (click for parts i, ii, and iii) So this is the final food related post of Vegan Mofo 2010.  Let's eat pudding to celebrate! No mystery ingredients, no complications, although you'll have a bit of a long wait, as with all steamed puddings.  Very much worth it though. Mum's original notes, complete with a splodge of unidentifiable of baked goods.  What she neglected to

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-1382258278662275322010-11-28T23:27:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.116Z

1) Sometimes, I can't get enough of that butternut stuff. 2) Other times, wild horses couldn't force me to eat it. Nor could anyone else, for that matter. I made this when I was all about the second point, but had two squashes that needed eating.  I quickly converted back to number one, although I suspect that a large part of that had something to do with the fact that crostini makes

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-24873721916434009142010-11-27T10:11:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:02:04.435Z

Veganising mum, part iii (parts i and ii) This is bit of a con. Mum has always been very proud that her treacle tart is already vegan.  It's her go-to, stacked in the freezer (alongside half the world's supply of bread products) for when we make surprise visits.  I've just stuck some treacle in it really, as for reasons to long to mention, traditional treacle tart doesn't actually have any

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-45033714856457574212010-11-26T18:33:00.002Z2011-03-12T15:50:40.424Z

Look what I came home to last night!   So cute! Amazingly awesome too.  I'd forgotten how good chocolate-coated-marshmallow-topped-everything was.  I'd like to pretend they were made for me, but I suspect it was the case that Rors wanted pudding after I'd gone out to band practice.  Top baking skillz, Milton. Plus many many boyfriend points in the bank.  The bar's raised now - I'm expecting

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-35831986179022741742010-11-25T19:09:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:05:18.994Z

I don't like leeks.   This recipe is ok though. It's almosts as though the leeks weren't feeling quite Welsh enough and needed to up the anti for a while.  It was either this or doing Nessa impressions from Gavin and Stacey.   Roasted Rarebit Leeks 2 leeks, washed 2 tbsp olive oil 100ml milk 3 tbsp brown ale (optional) 1 tbsp corn flour A pinch of cayenne 200g cheese replacement 1 clove garlic

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-4096951119500373172010-11-24T19:48:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:01:04.788Z

Sometimes a food replacement comes along that makes life easier.  This is one of them.   It's not chicken - don't get your hopes up for a second.  But it does make a darn fine meat-loaf. Yes, that's gravy. Sometimes, when I make it, it's acceptable on a dish.  Sometimes.  I suspect this chicken mix is pretty like the Granvita version, but I've not tested that theory. (NB just like the days,

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-4803616219089786772010-11-23T20:06:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:05:18.996Z

Strictly speaking, Toad In The Hole is an English dish of sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding.  This isn't a true reflection on the above dish, which is more like sausages baked in an enormous pancake.  This totally is no bad thing. I don't completely remember what the original tastes like, but this was a damn good replacement in our opinion.  It also has the added benefit that, as I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-69209894643034223772010-11-22T18:20:00.001Z2011-03-12T15:40:01.962Z

This is a quick and simple plea: make this recipe from Viva La Vegan. I know it sounds all kinds of odd, honestly - plantains, sugar, cheese, nuts and lime, but seriously, this dish is the shiz. (I felt so old typing that). I'm not going to say much more, because this post should be enough to make you get off that chair and either buy the book or lift it off your cookery book shelf. Track

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-14561006483796145142010-11-21T17:24:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.118Z

Veganising mum, part ii. (Part i here) I loved this pudding as a kid, and felt thoroughly betrayed when I found out it had dates in it. Dates? Seriously? Shouldn't there be a clue in the title about one of the main ingredients? You might as well have put frogs in it.  Were you trying to poison me?  Turns out I was hella wrong on the dates front, and now I get through them far too quickly.  

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-52771227424484577592010-11-20T14:30:00.003Z2011-03-12T15:49:06.893Z

I have a sneaky sneaky friend. His name is Ed Mcnulty.  This post is dedicated to him. That's him, on top. He lives in Pennsylvania. We met when we were in America. For a man who hates driving, this guy drove us all around Pennsylvania,  several times, then drove us down to Florida over the course of a week. And then drove some of my friends home to Penn in a 15-hour non-stop stint.  Mission.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-54265248940445855782010-11-19T19:00:00.003Z2011-03-12T16:03:56.895Z

I have 12 minutes before I HAVE to leave the house. I might have to leave this post half finished... we'll see... I adapted this from Caribbean Vegan and smothered it all over slices of butternut squash before roasting them. I toned down the heat as the original was too hot for me, but if you have a tongue of steel, go for a whole scotch bonnet. Herby Jamaican Jerk Butternut Squash 1 medium

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-55520357137026686222010-11-18T21:36:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:05:18.998Z

I would like to start my post by saying a big congratulations to Prashad, in Bradford, a vegetarian Indian restaurant who made it to the finals of Gordon Ramsey's Best Restaurant TV competition. Their food and service looks amazing, and I can't wait to stop off there on our next trek up to Leeds.  Check out their menu, and the video of their experience on their website - all the vegan food is

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-38714423597149976802010-11-17T13:45:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:08:24.932Z

So here are some pictures of the lebkuchen from yesterday's recipe. I had a very valid reason for not having enough time to post the pictures, but these are the sort of cookies that lickable-computer screens should be invented for. So good.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-6595146170826722042010-11-16T18:24:00.000Z2011-09-21T19:06:09.654+01:00

I made German Christmas cookies. Pretty rad, huh? I didn't think so at first. I was massively disappointed with how they turned out when I first took them out of the oven. A sprinkle of icing sugar here, and a few dunks of chocolate there, and my opinion changed significantly. These didn't hang around for long. They were the best darned German Christmas cookies I'd ever eaten.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-11018236284806055402010-11-15T08:18:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:02:04.442Z

So here is another random theme for mofo - veganising my mum's cookbook.  I can't justify eating puddings and biscuits every day, so these posts will be fairly sporadic - but they're definitely the theme I'm most excited about! Chocolate caramel shortbread is something my mum was 'famous' for making.  It would sell out at the local village fayre, both summer and Christmas. If that's not a mark

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-10141698308965068282010-11-14T14:07:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.121Z

When I left for America, I had a shopping list as long as my arm of things to buy and bring home.  To cut a long story short, this didn't happen. So instead, I shall have to continue to dream about them until I next return to the States.  And enlighten you all about them all. 1) Ricemellow fluff It looks like someone's accidentally melted a mixing bowl in the microwave. It tastes like all the

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-49741299012604728342010-11-13T10:00:00.004Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.123Z

Muffins are funny old things. Like giant cupcakes, except without the icing, so they're totally excusable for breakfast, right? Right? Maybe without the maple syrup icing.  Maybe. Maybe that's just for birthday treats and special occasions and Monday mornings. These are adapted from 'My Sweet Vegan', by Hannah Kaminsky who has her own blog right here.  It is a flipping fantastic book. It is

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-55607502455513108622010-11-12T20:26:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:12:52.423Z

So we're almost at the halfway point.  Time for the ubiquitous survey... off we go! What is one food you thought you’d miss when you went vegan, but don’t? Cheese. And more specifically, Boursin. One of the reasons I went vegan was so I’d stop scoffing them all in one. Clearly, I haven’t thought about them too much, as mulling over this question is starting to make Boursin invalid for the

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-44943859327894951182010-11-11T17:14:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:14:19.117Z

These aren't just any old hash browns.  These are sweet potato hash browns. With extra awesome chucked in.  Only there's a small problem.  When I wrote this recipe down, I didn't write down my quantities.  So you'll have to guess. I've done some approximations, but quite frankly I'm sure whatever you chuck in will taste like a party in your mouth. Sweet potato hash browns-cum-rosti (serves 2)

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-11109740145575966722010-11-10T14:30:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:14:19.119Z

Sometimes, I just like to chop and prep.   Stick on a record, zone out, and chop, chop, chop away. Usually, when I'm in a chopping and prepping mood, I'll be on my own in the house, there'll be a mound of work, washing and housework that needs seeing to, and the chopping and prepping part will be just yet another work-avoidance technique.  But if it means I can make this every time, then it's

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-80728991390027154822010-11-09T18:41:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:06:56.214Z

So this is my final America post. It feels like a marathon. And we're on the home straight. If I was running a marathon, and I was on the home straight, I would almost certainly want some of these waiting for me at the end.    Mango doughnut balls? Oh my. I don't mind if I do.  Best breakfast of tour, and not a burrito in sight.  The doughnut balls, courtesy of Strange Matter in Richmond,

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-675968468374587902010-11-08T20:47:00.000Z2011-03-12T16:12:52.426Z

So in totally un-America news, the marvellous Ms. Cupcake is opening up a shop in London Town in 2011! Fantastic news! I will finally get my hands on The Ambassador, and another of her amazing Whoopie Pies... Honestly, the thought is making me dribble a little. In other non-America related news, Rors made me dinner, partly because I was super tired, but mainly because he makes a kick-ass

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-58259271125649446342010-11-07T11:34:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:12:52.429Z

So America was awesome and all, but there are still a few things you need to work harder at getting right. What is this? It's a camping kettle. You put it on the gas burner when you go camping. Or if you're my mum, on your Aga. Yet you crazy Americans seem pretty keen to use it on your regular, every day stoves. I have to introduce you to something. It's pretty mind-blowing. Have a look.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-58596483749732298462010-11-06T13:29:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:00:03.370Z

So I don't like to remind you of this, but it's not really that long before Christmas now. Especially now that Halloween and Guy Fawkes night are out of the way.  It's 50 days away or something. Not that I'm putting pressure on you to go out Christmas shopping or to buy me presents just yet, but I am putting pressure on you to get your mincemeat storing in jars ready for next month.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-55278978640291520112010-11-06T01:12:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:02:24.940Z

Ok, so I realise when I post this it will probably be 1:10 on Saturday 6th November, and therefore this post kind of doesn't count for my entry on the 5th, but I'm basing my argument on that fact that - it's 8 o'clock somewhere, and; - I haven't been to bed yet so it's still the same day for me. Anyway.  This post will be short and sweet. We went to Ed's Pizza, Philadelphia. We ate a 28 inch

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-43231231556994217402010-11-04T18:34:00.001Z2011-03-12T16:05:19.005Z

New York! We didn't get to spend as much time here as we'd have liked to, as our Bolt bus broke down somewhere in New Jersey. We also didn't make any vegan/veggie restaurant pit stops, as we'd agreed that New York would be a day to let the meat-eaters choose where we eat, and not subject them to yet about mound of tempeh.   They totally came up trumps. Food Exchange had an enormous selection

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-73218855482830430172010-11-03T20:15:00.003Z2011-03-12T16:12:09.233Z

So next up was Philadelphia again, this time we went to Govinda's. I was super excited about going to Govinda's, I'd heard amazing things about their Philly cheese steaks. I was totally unimpressed. The bread was stale and really processed, and the filling was not up my street at all. It was meat in cheese. Bleurgh. The others really liked it though. Moving on, we had a date in Bethlehem, PA.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-72491224381655270822010-11-02T19:20:00.002Z2011-03-12T16:15:02.126Z

So we went to America, in case you haven't read any of my other kajillion posts about it.  Recipe write-ups will continue ad hoc, but in between I'll be raving (both good and bad) about what we ate. To begin with, Delta Airlines and Expedia - you are both rubbish. If you offer the option of vegan meals, I expect you to follow through with it. Peanuts and pretzels do not a good journey make. I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-49855131843056633042010-11-01T19:18:00.002Z2011-03-12T15:51:42.698Z

So it's Vegan Mofo #4 this month. Party times, let's hit the gin and juice. Or not. I got back from America this morning. I went straight from the airport to work. There was not a lot of sleep achieved on the plane.  I have had a loooooooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg day at work. I left my camera at work. I am not posting up the America review today. Nor tomorrow. It'll be coming in a series of

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-6297241144417145462010-10-11T22:00:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:15:02.128Z

So my lovely spot-obsessed friend is pregnant! Congrats, Natasha and Chris! She drops in 20 days time. Tomorrow we shower her with presents. And what better a present could someone receive than a stack of super soft icing covered cut-out cookies? I hold my hands up - I suck at icing. Being left-handed (hello smudges) and having shaky hands (hello wobbly lines) multiplied by just generally

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-65448034672240386152010-10-09T15:31:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:12:52.431Z

Holy moley it's hot for October. I mean, hot. I'm wearing a mini dress and I'm painting my toe nails because this is flip flop weather baby. Weather to drink beer in the garden.  Weather to chillax on the beach.  Weather to don those ridiculously oversized £1 Primarche crazy-sun-protect-ors again. It's... Hot. But what do you do when it's hot, and you have a butt-load of pumpkin still to get

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-13730631323344521582010-10-03T22:18:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:12:52.433Z

So I finally bought Viva Vegan, I broke my cookbook embargo and went a bit crazy.  This was at the Vegan Fair, where I also spent £7.50 on four cupcakes.  I know. I'm crazy, me.  There's a lot of fantastic sounding recipes in this book, which I'll slowly be working my way through. I say slowly - it does fall into the category of 'lots of recipes I have never heard of and can't even begin to

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-13802678399475243822010-09-26T22:00:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:15:02.131Z

Meh. It's gone from 'nice' autumn to 'crappy' autumn. No more frosty mornings, picking brambles, crunching on leaves. It's cold, and it's rainy. We didn't go out today. We had plans. We ignored them. The weather was too grim. Instead, I put on my lounge pants, and got creative.  Chicken and mushroom pie is one of those stand-by favourites - an 'I can't be bothered' dinner - an 'it's cold and I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-45321043518536470112010-09-21T14:44:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:14:19.121Z

So for someone without a proper job at the moment, you'd have thought I'd be all about baking and posting more than ever. Well that plan went out the window. Things I have done instead: - make my friends' wedding present. They asked for a plastic bag holder and a peg bag. Rockin' times. - spent way too much on Ms Cupcake cupcakes. That there is £7.50 worth of heavenliness.  Honeycomb,

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-15793260602293891682010-09-15T14:18:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:13:15.236Z

So it's totally autumn now. I could post about conkers and crispy leaves and crazy rain showers and the absense of sun. But I'll save that for when I next post about crumble (it's totally crumble season. We've had three already this month). Instead, lets talk about friends. I could talk about Friends for hour. I had a small cry over watching clips of Ross and Rachel last week. But I'd like to

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-13758507948287197502010-09-12T21:03:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:12:52.438Z

So I've slacked again on the posting front. Main reason is I'm doing recipe testing for Kim at Vegan Conversion Challenge for her book. It's all very exciting and I've made lots of awesome things, but unfortunately I can't tell you anything about them. You'll have to buy the book. This was not one of them. This was my birthday cake. Mild icing heat/gravity issue, but lovely vanilla berry cake.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-33943908689164027132010-09-03T11:40:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:15:02.133Z

So we went away.  Part of our trip involved going to Lansleville, a small ski-ing village in the French Alps, near the Italian border. It was lovely, and they had the most delicious bread I have ever, ever tasted. Bonus.   It was a total fluke that we ended up spending more than 12 hours here - if Italy hadn't been so disappointing, we'd never have spent three days in this gorgeous area,

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-44302828511780025352010-08-28T19:58:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:13:15.238Z

So we had one of these to cook with. If you've not come across a hexi-burner before, they were designed by an army (can't remember which) for a compact stove. They fold up to a 12cm x 10cm x 3cm cuboid, and burn small fuel tablets. To give you an idea, one tablet adequately (just about) heats up enough for two warm cups of coffee. MMmmmmm, warm pot-a-coffee. The downside of cooking with

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-38064204412635638342010-08-27T14:33:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:15:02.135Z

So we motorbiked and camp round Europe for the last three weeks. Our stops were: Belgium (Arlon, Luxembourg), Germany (Munich), Austria (Graz) Slovenia (Ljubljana) Croatia (Zagreb) Italy (Venice, Milan) France (The Alps, Lyon, and Paris). I'll split this write up into two parts - restaurant food, and camping food. Coffee Lounge, Luxembourg - roasted veg bagel. Super amazingly simple and

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-16136902119479963632010-08-05T13:57:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:00:23.204Z

So I realise I've been a bit slack of late, it's almost a month since I last posted, only I've been busy as a bee, working at a language school which seems to take up every working hour of every day. Anyway, I'll be off for another three weeks. Please don't rob my house. I'll be at various points on THIS tour. La la la, holiday holiday holiday. Camping, bike sores, and hopefully a lot of

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-72408300611289669762010-07-19T21:45:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:12:52.445Z

No pretty story with this one, other than we went to the New Forest again, to celebrate the departure of one of my finest friends to Beijing. When we got back, tired, and sunburnt, I could only muster up the energy to stand by the stove and pod peas, casually lobbing them into a pot when they were freed from their green cave. It was mighty relaxing. Lemon, pea and walnut risotto 2 cloves

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-56792078327001854432010-07-11T19:10:00.004+01:002011-03-12T16:15:44.511Z

This was the last one. It took all my will power, and a little borrow from elsewhere, not to eat it mid shoot. Clearly, I failed. Chocolate peanut butter cups, as requested! Totally taken from vegweb, here.  1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup peanut butter (no chunks) 1 tbsp icing sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt petit fours cases Melt the chocolate, either over a bain marie (bowl over hot

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-68736990762591649032010-07-11T11:48:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:12:09.238Z

Yesterday I went to a picnic in the park with some lovelies from PPK. Forum-geek-heaven, in jokes ftw. (FYI, I've put all the photos from yesterday at the bottom of this page, if anyone's interested!) There was lots of food there. I missed the explanations, because despite living a whole 100-steps from the park, I was pretty much last person there, but there was lots of awesomes. From what I

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-34568710385502218732010-07-06T21:47:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:05:19.010Z

Comfort food cravings a-go-go. Easy-peasy-food a-ra-ma. I made this while dancing around to this music video, pretending I was Janelle Monae. Oh! Also, although it looks like some medieval torture weapon, and if I'd had it in the house as a child I'd have definitely tried it out on my brother, I love my spirallo.  Anything is more exciting when it's curly. Garlic Courgette Spaghetti with

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-86337471965895439082010-07-06T21:24:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:15:55.111Z

So my brother and I took my parents to Cornwall for their joint 60th birthdays. It was awesome. North Cornwall totally has a hold on my heart now. I thoroughly recommend Trewetha lodges, in Port Isaac. They like their ducks. Anyway, vegan food in the South West. I phoned round a few places before we left so as not to surprise them completely, and I'm glad I did. In the good books: The

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-77749800181190723632010-06-25T10:49:00.003+01:002011-03-12T16:16:10.645Z

So I'm still in avid work avoidance mode. So instead I will tell you all about my trip to London on Tuesday. We went to see The Holdsteady. We were, without a doubt, in the youngest 10% of the audience. Grandad rock ftw. We also went to Inspiral.  I asked some friends where to go around Kentish Town/Camden, and the answer was unanimous. Hit up this place for vegan fun times. We did. We had

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-72854270584402005782010-06-19T11:11:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:14:19.127Z

Now there's a question. What do you do, on a hot summers day, with an abundance of seaweed, sprouts, and avocado? Toughie. Make a complete mess of your kitchen, and burn your insides off with dangerous amounts of wasabi, if you live in our household. While listening to some of this. Those powdery lumps? That's the wasabi. We paid for those. Big time. Get yourself a kitchen helper.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-21636429796497135252010-06-15T20:50:00.001+01:002011-03-12T16:13:15.240Z

I meant good things, I really did. Local pizza company does vegan pizzas to your door? I was all over that, like a piece of melted edam cheezly. Until I checked my bank balance. Gutted. So instead, this was the plan of action. Back to whole-hearted gluten-packed pizza dough after last weekend's gluten free disaster, topped with extra spicy chorizo edited from Vegan Brunch (because Asda

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-76558512077136910622010-06-13T21:00:00.005+01:002011-03-12T16:13:15.242Z

So I just tried to make gluten free burger buns. First attempt n'all. I'm quite glad I took precaution and squished them out pretty flat so I could lie and say they were flatbreads by the time it came to dinner, if needs be. Needs did be. Instead, I've written up an awesome mayonaise-come-aioli-come-sloppy hummous-come-bean dip recipe I put together whilst waiting for the flatbreads to

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-12887773968219544752010-06-12T17:38:00.006+01:002011-03-12T16:12:52.452Z

Did anyone else watch Great British Menu? Rors and I got kinda hooked on it (for a truthful take on that sentence, replace the words 'got kinda hooked' with '100% massively geeked out'). We loved Tom Kerridge and Lisa Allen. His restaurant doesn't seem to accept that vegetables can make an appearence on a plate without some sort of meat/fish accompaniment, but Lisa Allen's boss's place has a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-56646954395242518062010-06-02T13:29:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:02:04.468Z

Eeek. Two chocolate posts in a row.  I don't have the recipe for this at the moment, I wrote it somewhere and lost it. But when I find it, I'll put the picture up. Meanwhile, enjoy the pics. These were so good I nearly cried. And also, buy lots of marshmallows from sweetvegan.

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-76410701651613327082010-06-02T13:21:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:15:02.142Z

I totally didn't get on the biscotti bandwagon until about a year ago. What was wrong with me? I just didn't get why you would eat a crunchy biscuit when there was a world of soft, chewy, rewarding cookies out there. I was wrong, it seems.  Biscotti are awesome, most particularly so when dunked in coffee. Or hot chocolate. Or hot chocolate sauce. Anyway, we're off camping in Poole this

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-84841924830881147102010-05-29T12:41:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:14:19.129Z

(tohappyvegans.com) I know, it's lame.  I've lived within a 20-mile radius of Brighton for 22 years, within a 20-minute walk of town for four of those, and yet, up until last night, I'd still never been to Food for Friends.  Mainly because Rors had a bland experience there once 6 years ago, but whenever we've fancied eating out fancy, we'd go to Terre a Terre. (thetraveleditor.com)  For those

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-44084754599083411512010-05-29T12:05:00.002+01:002011-03-12T16:12:52.454Z

I love this book.  It brings teeny tiny rays of sunshine into my kitchen on drizzly cold days.  I found it in the staffroom and took it home with me. It is now covered (covered) in stains, smears and smudges, not to mention bloblets of reggae reggae sauce. I take no shame in pouring large sections of the bottle over various meals, particularly barbecues. I love Levi's transformation, from a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-4994287121071938772010-05-23T22:40:00.004+01:002010-05-23T22:43:39.913+01:00

So I realise it's nearly a month since I last posted, and I realise that last time I stopped posting I promised cross-my-heart I'd try harder in posting more often. But May has kind of gotten in the way. Around the time of the pavlova, Rory managed to break both his ankles doing motocross. That's taken up a whole lot of time.   Shortly after that I had to take my class on a

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-65427240170354757862010-04-25T18:04:00.009+01:002011-03-12T16:17:11.373Z

I feel like this is cheating a little.  It's a little like making a sponge cake using a packet. I'm merely assembling the ingredients.  And advertising the only meringue company I know. I will eventually learn how to spell meringue without having to google it. I've never made non-vegan meringue or pavlova. It was something that mum never let me near, due to  excessive clumsiness. Clumsiness

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037105063235438784.post-21524160953793030932010-04-17T00:52:00.000+01:002011-03-12T16:15:02.146Z

Roaming round Asda is always going to give you a few eye-openers. Not once did I expect to turn into an aisle and see a packet of these: Macaroni spaghetti. Spaghetti that is in tubes. Macaroni that is long.  Mind blowingly exciting, when you're standing next to rows of value baked beans and two screaming toddlers from the local estate. Now the last thing I expected once cooked, was for

Rachwinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961754446237874540noreply@blogger.com3