Switching to a plant-based diet can be a challenge. Learning an entirely new way of eating comes with all sorts of unknowns. How will I survive without cheese? What will I add to my tea? Can I adapt meals I regularly prepare to fit in with a plant-based diet? Transitioning is made a lot less…
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I’ll begin with a disclaimer: This does not taste exactly like a popular name-brand ranch salad dressing. I’ve come across so many disappointing recipes for plant-based alternatives that promise to be ‘just like’ their meat or dairy-based counterparts, but are nothing of the sort. That said, this is a really delicious, creamy, tangy, herby salad…
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I’ll be totally honest. Vegans have, for the most part, always made me feel uncomfortable. I didn’t question their choices, but I did find that their decision to live a life free of animal products made me examine my own way of life and feel a bit bad about it. I knew deep down that…
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In my quest to become more self-sufficient and rely a bit less on the outside world, I’ve begun to look into options for fresh produce. It’s abundant at the moment, but winter is coming, and with Brexit on the horizon, I can’t be sure the supermarket shelves will be stocked. What can I grow in…
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Living in the country has its benefits. The air is clean and fresh, there is loads of space between houses, and life tends to move at a slower pace. I lived in Glasgow for a few years and really loved it, but I have to say that country life suits me better. But living out…
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This recipe is guaranteed to make you popular. I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t smitten with these after the first bite. They’re the perfect item to take to parties (make lots) and they’re also wonderful as gifts. I give away many kraft tin-tie bags full of these beauties every Christmas. This is a super-simple dish,…
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I’m off sugar at the moment. I say ‘at the moment’ because I’ve done this several times over the years but I’ve never managed to make it stick. I’m an addict. And as someone who successfully quit smoking cold turkey after two tries, that’s saying something. Sugar is impossible. I can’t stay away. Part of…
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I flung this together when it was too hot to think about cooking. It’s vegetarian, but using vegan mayo will make it suitable for vegans. This recipe makes enough for 3-4 wraps, so feel free to scale up or down. Also, be as generous as you want with the various ingredients. Just remember to leave…
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Since giving up meat, I’ve found sandwiches a bit challenging. While vegetarians can enjoy cheese or egg filling, there are precious few options for vegans. I’m not vegan myself, but I am trying to cut down on dairy. Yesterday I adapted one of my favourite recipes for chicken salad and was happy with the result.…
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Photo courtesy of Sgaia Foods. While link hopping vegan restaurants in Glasgow, I stumbled upon a product called Mheat from Sgaia Foods. To say I’d had a fortuitous bounce would be an understatement, as I’d discovered the best vegan meat I’ve ever tried – purely by accident. And I do love a happy accident. Before…
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A while back, I wrote about being super impressed by Iceland’s No Bull Vegan Burgers. I still think they’re amazing, so I’m thrilled to report that Iceland has expanded the No Bull range with some outstanding beef substitutes. There are also some very good chicken replacements, but this review will cover the beefier options. Here…
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Every so often, I find myself eating too much sugar and have to cut back. I’ve gone so far as to not eat it at all, and while I do feel good when I’m off the sweet stuff, my sweet tooth always gets the better of me. In an attempt to achieve some balance, I…
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I’ve been making this chilli for years, and it’s one of our favourite things to eat when it’s a bit cold and grey out (so nine months out of the year in Scotland). You’ll get much better results soaking and cooking dried beans instead of using tinned, but if you’re in a hurry, tinned beans…
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I am obsessed with roast dinners at the moment. Maybe it’s the change of season, but I am seriously craving stodge – mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings – anything carby and comforting that can be paired with my favourite roast, and I’m after a rich, delicious gravy to top all of this lovely food.…
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I’d always assumed that giving up meat would mean giving up traditional meals that I’ve loved since childhood. How could I enjoy a roast dinner without a roast? I’d tried a vegetarian roast from a rather popular brand, but didn’t like it, and while there are loads of good veggie burgers on the market, none…
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Fig and Pen 