My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
I’ve been vegan for thirty years and vegetarian for much longer. In terms of my lifestyle, I’ve always assumed two things – that vegans avoid animal products as best as they can, and that it’s virtually impossible to be a vegan. Avoiding animal products requires a lot of label reading and some understanding of where …
On vegan food, and how much better it is now...
As Veganuary draws to an end, here are my thoughts about plant-based trends
As the worst of lockdown is over, despite wide predictions of another possible ‘wave’, we are all looking forward to the summer and the chance to travel again, whether it is to the nearest beach, or to see much-missed friends, or to somewhere distant but safe. It will be lovely to spend time in the …
Apparently, the entire month of January is celebrated by many as Veganuary, a time when people eat vegan food for a month. Perhaps it is a fresh dietary choice for some, perhaps it is an antidote to the Christmas excesses for others, or even just curiosity, but I thought I’d share my New Year’s buffet …
Continue reading Sharing my New Year’s Eve buffet with friends, in the only way currently possible…
I’ve never been a great fan of ‘imitation meat’, so when I heard about a turkey-style roast, I thought it wouldn't be something I’d want to make. I’m not keen on the fibrous meaty texture of many plant-based meat replacements, but working with vital wheat gluten means that you can add a variety of flavours …
Continue reading Plant-based roast with stuffing: recipe and serving ideas
I'm not a fan of meals such as fish and chips. I am one of those strange people who don't like chips, deep- fried or greasy foods, and so I seldom make anything that involves frying. However, I'm so pleased with this recipe, which isn't greasy at all, that I'll make it again. For three …
Continue reading My plant based fish ‘n’ chips recipe… Friday nights won’t be the same again.
I don't like puddings but everyone else I know seems to love them. At this time of year, when it becomes a bit damp and cool, puddings are a go-to comfort food. There are a lot of apples around at the moment and blackberries are in abundance and free if you're prepared to pick them …
Continue reading Guilt-free bramble crumble (and dutch apple cake)
I make roast dinners for large numbers of people quite a lot: nut roasts, nut wellingtons, nut parcels, steamed puddings, vital wheat gluten roasts, all sorts of centrepieces find themselves alongside crispy pototoes. zingy vegetables, gravy, delicious yorkshire puddings, but this one is my favourite roast dish to date. It features chestnuts at the heart …
Continue reading The ultimate and best (plant-based) Sunday roast ever
Out here in the sticks, we have a food delivery once every nine or ten days. Day ten’s last supper, before the food van arrives, usually involves a hearty stew of whatever gnarly bits and pieces are left over in the vegetable rack and the fridge. My mother used to be proud that she could …
Continue reading Lockdown suppers: more ideas for dinner when the cupboard is almost bare
That quintessence of dust 