tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37077776854340850702024-03-14T07:14:20.660+00:00Tea and Sympatico A blog about all things Vegan. Love life, love food. Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.comBlogger617125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-7223103887839617922020-10-18T16:02:00.001+01:002020-10-18T16:02:45.834+01:00Cola de Mono<div>
</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1zXzCE2jZFw/S_61bmZJXMI/AAAAAAAAAOM/B6w66-zMFgg/s1600/S1031036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1zXzCE2jZFw/S_61bmZJXMI/AAAAAAAAAOM/B6w66-zMFgg/s400/S1031036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476013682696215746" /></a>
<div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cola_de_mono">Colo de Mono</a> (Tail of the Monkey) is a Chilean concoction traditionally drunk ice cold at Christmastime. Obviously their winters are a lot warmer than ours so in the UK it's more suited to this time of year. The Chileans use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aguardiente">aguadiente</a> an overproof cane spirit. I use <a href="http://www.cachaca51.com/">Cachaca 51</a> which I have in for Mojitos and Caipirinhas. Traditionally made with cows milk, here is my vegan version.</div><div>
</div><div>Colo De Mono</div><div>Makes 1 pint</div><div>Serves 4</div><div>
</div><div>2 cups of vanilla soy milk</div><div>1/3 cup of caster sugar</div><div>1/3 teaspoon of cinammon</div><div>3 teaspoons of instant coffee</div><div>1/2 cup of spirit*</div><div>
</div><div>Bring the milk, sugar and cinnamon to a low boil in a pan stirring until the sugar is dissolved. </div><div>
</div><div>Turn off the heat and stir in the coffee.</div><div>
</div><div>Leave to cool.</div><div>
</div><div>Once cool add the spirit and chill in the fridge. It will keep for 2 weeks.</div><div>
</div><div>Serve over ice or straight up but make it cold.</div><div>
</div><div>* Spirit - I use Cachaca but have heard that people use tequila too.</div>Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-22050994584939728292018-09-13T18:42:00.001+01:002018-09-13T18:43:40.599+01:00The Yorkshire Freefrom ShowA couple of Saturdays ago my friend Siobhan and I got the train over to Leeds for the Yorkshire Freefrom Show. Just look at the majestic surroundings of Leeds Town Hall!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgRPIQC2lIs/W4uuyCBStcI/AAAAAAAAFoE/GCr0L6hkpjMmLSyarLjNkSaN3_CM-3QewCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_133853_resized_20180902_101143877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgRPIQC2lIs/W4uuyCBStcI/AAAAAAAAFoE/GCr0L6hkpjMmLSyarLjNkSaN3_CM-3QewCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_133853_resized_20180902_101143877.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first thing I noticed when I got there was how much smaller the fair was than the big Manchester, Bristol and London ones I had been to in the past but do you know what, that suited me much better. Another nice surprise was that the majority of stuff there was vegan! I was expecting a lot to be gluten free but not necessarily vegan but that wasn't the case. There was a nice steady flow of visitors but it wasn't horribly rammed like some fairs I've been to and it was great to have chance to chat properly to stallholders. It was also good to see a wide variety of smaller businesses that were new to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VHh5Y522Ic/W4uu1QnaRsI/AAAAAAAAFn8/mKLvFmMAwmMSiOmsP1elv-SRwgUpX2ZMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_133906_resized_20180902_101115906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VHh5Y522Ic/W4uu1QnaRsI/AAAAAAAAFn8/mKLvFmMAwmMSiOmsP1elv-SRwgUpX2ZMgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_133906_resized_20180902_101115906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrived just before 1pm so decided to grab some lunch first to eat whilst watching a cookery demo. I went for this colourful bowl from <a href="https://www.lovekimchi.co.uk/" target="_blank">Love Kimchi</a> which was a lovely raw veg salad and some gyozas which are hidden underneath. It was very tasty indeed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF7oSo77Ahc/W4uu4zRHaII/AAAAAAAAFoE/sAePZ_BbLBskcLNU2rSvk4FWftCvYSYdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_130510_resized_20180902_101213475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF7oSo77Ahc/W4uu4zRHaII/AAAAAAAAFoE/sAePZ_BbLBskcLNU2rSvk4FWftCvYSYdQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_130510_resized_20180902_101213475.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Siobhan chose a burger from the big selection at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GotNoBeefUK/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdyW8gBMCjY_CCTHtZwG-MCvSdDCnbGed9RwgYy1oI7Vxg%3AAdwRzV1xvNOGfLAxYLgO9bOb96pNjPQWTBksD1owHQw6jw" target="_blank">Got No Beef </a>stall. Definitely one to check out if you see them at a vegan fair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEzq8Sx-HRk/W4uu7tx0uRI/AAAAAAAAFoI/XsLwN0f86k40kHLKF79HCncT8CJqtvRLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_131958_resized_20180902_101213013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEzq8Sx-HRk/W4uu7tx0uRI/AAAAAAAAFoI/XsLwN0f86k40kHLKF79HCncT8CJqtvRLgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_131958_resized_20180902_101213013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The cooking demo was by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/honestedibles/" target="_blank">Honest Edibles</a> who showed us how to make vegan mozarella cheese. It was similar in some ways to cheeses I've made with a cashew base and using tapioca starch to thicken the heated, blended mixture but they also added pro-biotics to ferment the cheese. To get the authentic mozarella shape they dropped the hot cheese mix into cold water to form the traditional ball shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-so8po2ydogs/W4uu-ZWth7I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/EYZhYePvlYgrKZ2iIBt2wA5XaHcZswWYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_133803_resized_20180902_101618157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1158" height="244" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-so8po2ydogs/W4uu-ZWth7I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/EYZhYePvlYgrKZ2iIBt2wA5XaHcZswWYgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_133803_resized_20180902_101618157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a few highlights from the stalls. The first thing I bought after trying a sample was this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OurPaulas/" target="_blank">Our Paula's </a>Salted Caramel Butter. They do several flavours and the butters are coconut oil based. The texture is spot on and they spread on toast just like butter! It was great to discover a completely new style of product like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0NAklkV_7k/W4uvCmSqaQI/AAAAAAAAFoY/FzHzU1uE87UHU8bQ5Fh7mW8GbiV_j45_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_150448_resized_20180902_101013350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0NAklkV_7k/W4uvCmSqaQI/AAAAAAAAFoY/FzHzU1uE87UHU8bQ5Fh7mW8GbiV_j45_ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_150448_resized_20180902_101013350.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
With a blog name like this I couldn't pass up the chance to try some tea salad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CynuGxpCXM/W4uvIth3gAI/AAAAAAAAFoA/D75SvcFQWoEz3UE1S6-c-E8cB3BoJXRswCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_150331_resized_20180902_101115465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CynuGxpCXM/W4uvIth3gAI/AAAAAAAAFoA/D75SvcFQWoEz3UE1S6-c-E8cB3BoJXRswCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_150331_resized_20180902_101115465.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="https://www.lostteacompany.com/" target="_blank">Lost Tea Company</a> are based in Myanmar where it is traditional to used fermented tea in salads. The salad has a kind of slaw base in that you slice up cabbage and then add chopped tomatoes and seasoning of your choice - think, garlic, chilli, ginger etc. You add the sachet of green tea leaves to this mix and combine. The tea mixture has some oil to it so this creates it's own sort of dressing though you can also add extras like lime juice or sesame oil to season. Finally just before serving you stir in the other sachet which is a crunchy bean mix. It was so good and really something different.I bought one to take on holiday in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dK-9wpbFQU8/W4uvMdSoSgI/AAAAAAAAFoM/kDtQjePmzNESDmlSKQ-2-dsoC0IxGAOqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_150350_resized_20180902_101052951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dK-9wpbFQU8/W4uvMdSoSgI/AAAAAAAAFoM/kDtQjePmzNESDmlSKQ-2-dsoC0IxGAOqQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_150350_resized_20180902_101052951.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.sweetrevolution.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sweet Revolution</a> have been around for a few years now and being a Yorkshire company it was no surprise to see them at the fair. They were the pioneers of just add hot water hot chocolate and they also carry a range of instant flavoured lattes. They have added a few new flavours and after sampling I picked up a bag of the beetroot and ginger latter to take home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4QMrqsC8FA/W4uvQB6WfsI/AAAAAAAAFoU/aTohxDTwqyA6udZnY3dBLKQdZhO-hD0QgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_150425_resized_20180902_101052501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4QMrqsC8FA/W4uvQB6WfsI/AAAAAAAAFoU/aTohxDTwqyA6udZnY3dBLKQdZhO-hD0QgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_150425_resized_20180902_101052501.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally I treated us to a box of handmade raw chocolates from <a href="https://www.abundancefoods.co/" target="_blank">Abundance Foods</a>. These were stunning and I forgot they were raw. I've had raw truffles before and you know they are made from dates if you know what I mean! But with these I actually forgot. They were the best kind of luxury chocolate and I would happily buy them again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cC6YVjAuHUc/W4uvTw4QQHI/AAAAAAAAFoc/Exskjea653kE5h_R4oGGTlPBULf3eAhsgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180901_190849_resized_20180902_101012830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cC6YVjAuHUc/W4uvTw4QQHI/AAAAAAAAFoc/Exskjea653kE5h_R4oGGTlPBULf3eAhsgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180901_190849_resized_20180902_101012830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-67468347884843016362018-08-29T18:21:00.000+01:002018-08-29T18:21:17.662+01:00Sales, bargain hunting and my new favourite crisps!<a href="https://www.lucybee.com/" target="_blank">Lucy Bee</a> is a brand that's been on my radar since I was a reviewer for Can I Eat It App as a few years. They are a really ethical brand, supporting fairtrade farming and not using monkeys in the production of their coconut products. Added to that their products are excellent quality. I don't usually go on mailing lists for brands but I've been on theirs for a while and they have pretty good newsletters. A few weeks ago one arrived with news of a sale. Recently they've branched out from coconut oil into other areas and good bargains were to be had as they are re-branding their products. Here is <a href="https://shop.lucybee.com/collections/discounts?utm_source=Lucy+Bee+Ltd+Newsletter&utm_campaign=66da42ff29-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_08_17_11_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e79cfc3565-66da42ff29-289796665&mc_cid=66da42ff29&mc_eid=b62ae9a1c9" target="_blank">the link</a> if you are interested.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYutslXhoMU/W4FIFIst_rI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/Vvyi7J1WqgYff_gqP4H5ppj1anFTyRvaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180824_073400_resized_20180824_072310293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYutslXhoMU/W4FIFIst_rI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/Vvyi7J1WqgYff_gqP4H5ppj1anFTyRvaQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180824_073400_resized_20180824_072310293.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The items I chose were around half price. This huge jar of coconut oil was £5 and the cacao was £3. We seem to get through a lot of cacao so I got a couple of these!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJwyPjChbLc/W4FIIQI_dWI/AAAAAAAAFmU/0gHE-_2sFcsov1Hln64QwRJL-w4Pg3Z6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180824_073458_resized_20180824_072309851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJwyPjChbLc/W4FIIQI_dWI/AAAAAAAAFmU/0gHE-_2sFcsov1Hln64QwRJL-w4Pg3Z6gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180824_073458_resized_20180824_072309851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I was intrigued by their claims that this 'true cinnamon' from Ceylon has more health benefits than cassia cinnamon. It's the time of year when cinnamon is sneaking into everything so I thought I'd give it a try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFurb-MEhWg/W4FILg0y_PI/AAAAAAAAFmY/ZLvWoovMyZACzi-gPfTBUjnGjWmTbzEqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180824_073525_resized_20180824_072238113%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFurb-MEhWg/W4FILg0y_PI/AAAAAAAAFmY/ZLvWoovMyZACzi-gPfTBUjnGjWmTbzEqACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180824_073525_resized_20180824_072238113%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A friend gave us a tub of this turmeric latte mix at the start of the year and I've been using it in chia puddings as well as drinks. We've nearly ran out so it was good to stock up on some more. I blogged my chia pudding <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.com/2018/08/growing-your-own-bargains-and-breakfast.html" target="_blank">recipe here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fpY_C1rowg/W4FIOi6H4kI/AAAAAAAAFmc/D1GtaHfEWyADtEUzMSCeZGsucc5wA7l5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180824_073537_resized_20180824_072217679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fpY_C1rowg/W4FIOi6H4kI/AAAAAAAAFmc/D1GtaHfEWyADtEUzMSCeZGsucc5wA7l5gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180824_073537_resized_20180824_072217679.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When the package arrived there was a surprise gift which was a really nice touch. In my attempts to cut back on waste I've recently gone back to soap instead of shower gel and I'm looking forward to trying this coconut oil soap when my current bar ends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nIZ9S0K6Bc/W4QoHVRoqEI/AAAAAAAAFm4/M39EyUoyBD8oloW9BUpoCPJ-QY2WsduyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180824_073239_resized_20180825_024234479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1265" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nIZ9S0K6Bc/W4QoHVRoqEI/AAAAAAAAFm4/M39EyUoyBD8oloW9BUpoCPJ-QY2WsduyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180824_073239_resized_20180825_024234479.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
More bargains were to be had this week in the form of these chocolate bars for 59p each from Poundstretcher. I'm loving dark chocolate with sea salt at the moment and roasted almonds are always a winner. These are from the Velvet range and are a little lighter tasting than the regular Green and Blacks dark chocolate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj8JC3R9Tt4/W4QoUQMINwI/AAAAAAAAFm8/-JQChO-m9JEsnZIUAV2iQjCkRNMnklRmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180825_170200_resized_20180825_051311329%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj8JC3R9Tt4/W4QoUQMINwI/AAAAAAAAFm8/-JQChO-m9JEsnZIUAV2iQjCkRNMnklRmQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180825_170200_resized_20180825_051311329%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
Almond Breeze for 69p. Yes please. I always snap up any bargain long life milks for the pantry. We get through a lot with various breakfasts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57o8FGBO0n0/W4QoZTXGogI/AAAAAAAAFnA/f80_npIFG308GZVo2Qa0UT3mKzbo_sqPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180825_170344_resized_20180825_051237476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57o8FGBO0n0/W4QoZTXGogI/AAAAAAAAFnA/f80_npIFG308GZVo2Qa0UT3mKzbo_sqPQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180825_170344_resized_20180825_051237476.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
These Jamie Oliver brushetta toppings are great at 59p. Perfect for when you just feel like toast for tea but also good on a pizza or stirred through pasta.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvpSo8nYAkI/W4QodSW-_8I/AAAAAAAAFnI/_IQHcpcy8sETdtntL993Kf4RpgHZ8BwXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180825_170655_resized_20180825_051155805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvpSo8nYAkI/W4QodSW-_8I/AAAAAAAAFnI/_IQHcpcy8sETdtntL993Kf4RpgHZ8BwXQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180825_170655_resized_20180825_051155805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think my bargain of the week was these boxes of Lazy Days cakes I picked up in Aldi. They are vegan and gluten free. They crop up quite often in the specials section at Aldi but they had been reduced even further to £1.29 each. They are always handy to have in for unexpected visitors as you get 5 squares to a box. I think the tiffin is my favourite though they are all good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNyDN1czL4I/W4QolJs3fEI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/rDosvbupdTs2tHcX-uldRHCobs-RSiW4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180825_170314_resized_20180825_051237834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1224" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNyDN1czL4I/W4QolJs3fEI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/rDosvbupdTs2tHcX-uldRHCobs-RSiW4wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180825_170314_resized_20180825_051237834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally I picked these up in Aldi. I'm sure you are familiar with the pea snacks from Yushoi. These popped chickpea snacks are new though and they are AMAZING. They are GF as well as vegan and the RRP is £1.80 but they were on offer at 99p. They also come in fire roasted chipotle flavours. If you see them try them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JxoU4to6g0/W4FIUVOis3I/AAAAAAAAFmg/RasmqHz93Z8lJ_Y0GdVQCqWQ7vBE1gMHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180824_192019_resized_20180824_072144482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JxoU4to6g0/W4FIUVOis3I/AAAAAAAAFmg/RasmqHz93Z8lJ_Y0GdVQCqWQ7vBE1gMHQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180824_192019_resized_20180824_072144482.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-30485539577193213742018-08-22T17:33:00.000+01:002018-08-29T17:55:46.421+01:00Fabulous FultonsWe were over in the nearby town of Ashton-under-Lyne last Saturday where Matt was playing in an afternoon festival. I took the opportunity to pop into one of my favourite discount shops whilst we were there. Fultons is a Northern chain that sells both frozen and non-frozen goods that are coming to the last few months of their shelf life. I've always found some great vegan bargains and this visit was no exception.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6XkaIe1KZc/W315IkxcITI/AAAAAAAAFlI/HnLtSpchXlg49ppkMJcn70x8q0uAM6hiQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_183743_resized_20180822_035130692%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6XkaIe1KZc/W315IkxcITI/AAAAAAAAFlI/HnLtSpchXlg49ppkMJcn70x8q0uAM6hiQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_183743_resized_20180822_035130692%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The price of Califa Farms almond milks has always put me off. They are around the £3 mark but for 69p I snapped this up and used it in our Sunday smoothies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-we7XWXYZYn4/W315LrtRo6I/AAAAAAAAFlM/urzQMrl8XoQnKurw_LgmuchM_k-gAX4CwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_204151_resized_20180822_034950454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-we7XWXYZYn4/W315LrtRo6I/AAAAAAAAFlM/urzQMrl8XoQnKurw_LgmuchM_k-gAX4CwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_204151_resized_20180822_034950454.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
Tranquini was a drink I came across in Heron last year and I was sad when it disappeared as I really loved it and have never seen it anywhere else. It's made in Austria and is the opposite of an energy drink in that it aims to calm and soothe you. It comes in still or sparkling and contains natural ingredients. This ginger and lemongrass flavour also has some green tea, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm in it. At 3 for a £1 it was a bargain. I wish pubs sold stuff like this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl6z_RrJEIg/W315PgNSnnI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/yBVLpu44_E83aDAKV1A1vE1Dphsf5aEmACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_204208_resized_20180818_084347431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl6z_RrJEIg/W315PgNSnnI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/yBVLpu44_E83aDAKV1A1vE1Dphsf5aEmACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_204208_resized_20180818_084347431.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm a big fan of Dorset Cereals. Most of their range is vegan, there's the odd thing with honey though surprisingly not this granola. I snapped up 4 boxes for £1 and these will go in my holiday box.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53oR1UcLIIE/W315TIpIo6I/AAAAAAAAFlU/BGdNprULZZQgWwX2_VF0GblzeO0HX_vXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_184159_resized_20180818_084347845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53oR1UcLIIE/W315TIpIo6I/AAAAAAAAFlU/BGdNprULZZQgWwX2_VF0GblzeO0HX_vXACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_184159_resized_20180818_084347845.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I also splashed out £1.99 on this box of Wild Thing Granola. This sounded really tasty but wasn't a brand I'd come across before. Turns out it's usually sold in Wholefoods though I'm sure for much more than £1.99.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Em96c6c5I/W315XcvshHI/AAAAAAAAFlY/QcTW3cAHpxUWCH-ZPCUCGTbgqnfbPpsdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_204113_resized_20180818_084426127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1224" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Em96c6c5I/W315XcvshHI/AAAAAAAAFlY/QcTW3cAHpxUWCH-ZPCUCGTbgqnfbPpsdQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_204113_resized_20180818_084426127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Near the till were some snack bars that were 3 for £1. These were all clearly labelled vegan and full of superfood ingredients. We have some kind of snack bar most days and keep our biscuit tin stocked up with them instead of biscuits.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p3IpY6PLzg/W315a6hRb3I/AAAAAAAAFlg/ynQNs1XYjRoMPPSnzL9TDr1fbUqyqKhHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_204136_resized_20180822_035025725%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p3IpY6PLzg/W315a6hRb3I/AAAAAAAAFlg/ynQNs1XYjRoMPPSnzL9TDr1fbUqyqKhHgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_204136_resized_20180822_035025725%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
Blue Corn Chips for 79p. Yes, please! These are gluten free too and will be part of a chilli night soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkcOKfZUhOo/W315eRpSC2I/AAAAAAAAFlo/kbsQqDoFxhodcHEvxfII0fJ8t7RieBiHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_204252_resized_20180822_035056358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkcOKfZUhOo/W315eRpSC2I/AAAAAAAAFlo/kbsQqDoFxhodcHEvxfII0fJ8t7RieBiHwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_204252_resized_20180822_035056358.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
I love Ten Acre crisps and popcorn. Their whole range is vegan and gf and they even make proper cheese and onion flavour crisps. Matt's not a popcorn fan but I like a bowl now and then. This interestingly flavoured fennel and lemon bag was just 29p.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLIAn_oaPHk/W315ivrLsBI/AAAAAAAAFlw/gxo6KiefcTkIyVRZoRn-a5NQhr0qtzeMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_204055_resized_20180818_084426467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLIAn_oaPHk/W315ivrLsBI/AAAAAAAAFlw/gxo6KiefcTkIyVRZoRn-a5NQhr0qtzeMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_204055_resized_20180818_084426467.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Finally from the Fulton's haul were these fab chocolates which we've already eaten. Beech's make loads of vegan friendly chocolates and these £1 dark chocolate brazil nuts were excellent quality. Green and Blacks are another quality brand. I love Seed and Bean's dark chocolate with Anglsey sea salt so this caught my eye and did not disappoint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0kfqISo1LM/W315mhZqPkI/AAAAAAAAFl4/A9BqQzhPE145N9WeOIIsxs0BoKn6FlKdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180822_132305_resized_20180822_034910620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0kfqISo1LM/W315mhZqPkI/AAAAAAAAFl4/A9BqQzhPE145N9WeOIIsxs0BoKn6FlKdACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180822_132305_resized_20180822_034910620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And last of all - not a purchase but a prize! We lucked out on the World Cup this year. I picked France in a sweepstake at work and won £34 and Matt picked them in a Facebook competition that <a href="https://www.anandafoods.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ananda's</a> ran. Our love of Round Ups is well known, we even had them as wedding favours. This is the exciting prize that arrived today!<br />
<br />
Is anyone doing <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/category/2018/" target="_blank">Vegan Mofo 2018</a>? Sign up deadline is 24 August. I'm going to attempt to do it on Instagram this time (@teaandsympatico) and follow the weekly prompts.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-91720991798481136342018-08-15T15:14:00.000+01:002018-08-15T15:14:45.449+01:00Weekly roundup - superseeds, cheese and cornettos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been continuing with sprouting seeds. This avocado toast is topped with homegrown alfalfa and I've had good success with sprouting red clover seeds this week too. Alongside the alfalfa sprouts the darker seeds on here are the <a href="https://www.rawliving.eu/activated-sunseeds-with-shiitake-100g.html" target="_blank">Activated Sunseeds with Shitake</a> from my recent Raw Living order which are my absolute favourite salad topper. The flavour of these things is incredible and elevates a simple meal into something gourmet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLMIcFDMDsw/W28BzQm7dJI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/fboFh1KBvPAVRAX10srTRzQV5mypHlw6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180811_143050_resized_20180811_042726024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLMIcFDMDsw/W28BzQm7dJI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/fboFh1KBvPAVRAX10srTRzQV5mypHlw6gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180811_143050_resized_20180811_042726024.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
Talking of gourmet we tried some hand made artisan cheese from Manchester based vegan cheese maker <a href="https://thewalnutgatherer.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Walnut Gatherer</a>. We've tried a few flavours now with the garlic being my favourite so far but this red pepper cheese was lovely too. We've been rationing ourselves to a little at a time as it gets even better as it ages.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1r4P3oz93nI/W2oA1TXkiZI/AAAAAAAAFj8/3IjXtRJVCzwGpV17-GssOc-8GyGWv848wCLcBGAs/s1600/Walnut%2Bgatherer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1r4P3oz93nI/W2oA1TXkiZI/AAAAAAAAFj8/3IjXtRJVCzwGpV17-GssOc-8GyGWv848wCLcBGAs/s320/Walnut%2Bgatherer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This was a new product I spotted in Marks and Spencers this week. They were 80p for around 8 chocolate buttons. The buttons had dried raspberries and pieces of candied orange embedded in them. One for lovers of dark chocolate. They were ok, I don't think I would get them again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1omWvnewSU/W28B-3BZy2I/AAAAAAAAFkU/Ppct3IpmNEE2OAxZJNkRFHtwBKsb45kegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180810_195343_resized_20180811_042756846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1omWvnewSU/W28B-3BZy2I/AAAAAAAAFkU/Ppct3IpmNEE2OAxZJNkRFHtwBKsb45kegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180810_195343_resized_20180811_042756846.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
What I will buy again and again though from Marks and Spencers are these cornettos. Out of all the vegan cornettos I've tried I think that these are my favourite and they are gluten free too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkD2mmHq0XY/W28D2rdy4ZI/AAAAAAAAFk8/OiE4wL6he-40UJsfYTCELJAqJmnyWrb4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180811_163931_resized_20180811_044052818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkD2mmHq0XY/W28D2rdy4ZI/AAAAAAAAFk8/OiE4wL6he-40UJsfYTCELJAqJmnyWrb4QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180811_163931_resized_20180811_044052818.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Now onto the bargains! I've always wanted to try <a href="https://www.sunwarrior.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sun Warrior</a> organic vegan protein powder but the hefty price tag has always made it a no-no. When I saw an offer for 500g tubs for just £3 I ordered both of the flavours in the offer - mocha and berry. I was impressed by the natural ingredients list but these are flavoured with stevia so they do have that distinctive aftertaste that stevia can have. I've figured out what to add to them to make them taste good though. I've been have the mocha blended with a banana, some cacao, maca and cinammon as well as plant milk and I've been adding frozen mixed berries, maca and banana to the berry flavour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRc9ePf_rLk/W28CBwYgxLI/AAAAAAAAFkY/IqXgqfdCy583EXDq4eaUBp9e4zU2REXFwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180811_162626_resized_20180811_042656189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRc9ePf_rLk/W28CBwYgxLI/AAAAAAAAFkY/IqXgqfdCy583EXDq4eaUBp9e4zU2REXFwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180811_162626_resized_20180811_042656189.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.thefooddoctor.com/" target="_blank">The Food Doctor</a> do a really nice range of vegan friendly snacks and I was pleased to discovered this chipotle trail mix in Heron Foods with 5 packets for a £1. It's really good and a nice mid afternoon pick me up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LG9UVhO_x0/W28CFLcCftI/AAAAAAAAFkg/IBc0nMKP5iMncphthApI76PIs8VPvtR1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180811_162926_resized_20180811_043010265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LG9UVhO_x0/W28CFLcCftI/AAAAAAAAFkg/IBc0nMKP5iMncphthApI76PIs8VPvtR1gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180811_162926_resized_20180811_043010265.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I've mentioned the last couple of weeks about our Co-Op Supermarket closing down and them selling stuff off at clearance prices. The last thing I picked up was a bunch of these salted caramel flapjacks by <a href="https://www.creativenaturesuperfoods.co.uk/product-tag/flapjack/" target="_blank">Creative Nature</a>. These were 39p instead of £1,29 and they are soooo good. I wish I'd bought more!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1xSvUGOTLA/W28CR2cZEkI/AAAAAAAAFko/yt3bd31YelsyCLlUBPo3if15Cmeysy-YQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180811_162853_resized_20180811_043044465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1xSvUGOTLA/W28CR2cZEkI/AAAAAAAAFko/yt3bd31YelsyCLlUBPo3if15Cmeysy-YQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180811_162853_resized_20180811_043044465.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-74008282533138907292018-08-07T12:58:00.000+01:002018-08-07T13:43:15.521+01:00Growing your own, bargains and a breakfast recipeI've started sprouting again! In my old flat I used to do sprouting all the time. The flat was in an old 1930's building and had radiators run from a central boiler room and it was always nice and warm. The constant warm temp made sprouting pretty fail safe. Now I'm in a Derbyshire stone house where it's not as warm the results haven't been as great and I gave up trying but with this very hot summer we are having I thought I would give it another go and I'm glad I have done. As I already have the seeds it kind of feels like free food too! I'm using <a href="https://www.avogel.co.uk/sprouts-biosnacky/sprouting-seeds/" target="_blank">these sprouts</a> from A Vogel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8MA_8pddhQ/W2Rs_6zNmxI/AAAAAAAAFjU/jnniph_8dkUqiDNBCjFS3T--PKp5k9HYACLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="640" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8MA_8pddhQ/W2Rs_6zNmxI/AAAAAAAAFjU/jnniph_8dkUqiDNBCjFS3T--PKp5k9HYACLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This week I've grown alfalfa but pictured is my first attempt from the week before which was a mix of radish, lentil and rocket which grew into lovely peppery tasting sprouts that we used to garnish our bowl meals for the week. These took 4 days to grow and I nearly gave up on day 2 because I could see mold. Luckily I googled and found out that it wasn't mold at all but root hairs on the radish sprouts which disappeared a few days later. Next up I'm trying red clover. I'm not a gardener and not good with house plants so I'm chuffed that I've found something that I've had success in growing and that is edible too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYp7UXOEFyI/W2RtXTZ09-I/AAAAAAAAFjo/zBVqaKtwP9UJ1iOu3fZHVkfN0XnYLKs2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180802_193433_resized_20180802_073506489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYp7UXOEFyI/W2RtXTZ09-I/AAAAAAAAFjo/zBVqaKtwP9UJ1iOu3fZHVkfN0XnYLKs2QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180802_193433_resized_20180802_073506489.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I mentioned in my last post our Co-Op supermarket is closing down. It's the last few days of the clearance sale and I picked up a few more things. The pouches of ready cooked lentil ragu and quinoa, cranberry and butternut squash were 50p each, the Pulsin bars were reduced to £1.19 for a box of 5. There's two flavours which are strawberry and orange, choc chip. The little box at the back is some blackcurrant and apple bars which were 25p and the Bonne Mammon damson jam was 67p. I love Bonne Mammon conserves but hardly ever buy them as they are the most expensive. I also picked up a jar of their marmalade for £1. The jars with their gingham lids are pretty and I reuse old ones for breakfast jars.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ECxsWOOWdE/W2RtOL2OAnI/AAAAAAAAFjc/nIsJvaqQ6O4wVdY7ebV_eoSn8Zh5oRb5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180801_142626_resized_20180801_022716248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ECxsWOOWdE/W2RtOL2OAnI/AAAAAAAAFjc/nIsJvaqQ6O4wVdY7ebV_eoSn8Zh5oRb5gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180801_142626_resized_20180801_022716248.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Talking of which her are some breakfasts from last week. Pictured here is raw chocolate and mango chia pudding using <a href="https://urbanfruit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Urban Fruit</a> dried mango. I have just joined Instagram at long last and have been posting them on there. I've stuck to breakfasts as Matt has long had an account for other meal creations. I figured I should learn how to use it in case we decide to have one for the bookshop. My name is @teaandsympatico. If you're on it please let me know your name in the comments so I can follow you if I haven't already.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Viok9Ob9OZs/W2RtS5_V4VI/AAAAAAAAFjk/nEaeoYT_3RMHyPYQLO_nVPEtbSKCoQZKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180803_092627_resized_20180803_035432432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Viok9Ob9OZs/W2RtS5_V4VI/AAAAAAAAFjk/nEaeoYT_3RMHyPYQLO_nVPEtbSKCoQZKgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180803_092627_resized_20180803_035432432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here we have a peanut butter and jelly overnight oats. I soaked oats and chia with soya milk, <a href="https://www.almightyfoods.co.uk/products/peanut-caramello" target="_blank">peanut caramello peanut butter</a> and some dried strawberries from <a href="https://urbanfruit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Urban Fruit</a>. The strawberries plump up overnight and go lovely and jammy. I am a big fan of Urban Fruit and often use their range in breakfasts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSn43Updi1k/W2RtHfPxQOI/AAAAAAAAFjY/h7ltOLncL5MgBMwZmbj_qWNpyrDV9-h-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180731_151132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSn43Updi1k/W2RtHfPxQOI/AAAAAAAAFjY/h7ltOLncL5MgBMwZmbj_qWNpyrDV9-h-ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180731_151132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally here is a turmeric chia pudding that we have at least once a week. I've tweeked the recipe and finally found a version that I love so here you go if anyone fancies trying it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Serves 2</div>
50g chia seeds<br />
2 teaspoons of turmeric latte mix<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
200ml of plant milk<br />
4 tablespoons of vegan yoghurt<br />
2 dessert spoons of maple or agave syrup<br />
<br />
Mix the chia, turmeric and cinnamon together in a bowl. Add the milk and stir well. Stir in the yoghurt and sweetener. Keep stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes to make sure the chia seeds don't clump up. Decant into 2 jars and pop in the fridge overnight. I like to top this with goji berries and coconut.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-85008933364172485392018-07-31T12:40:00.002+01:002018-07-31T17:40:37.844+01:00Hauls, bargains and what I've been making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to start this week with a couple of bargain hauls. Our Co-Op supermarket is closing down and the premises will become a B and M Bargains. It's sad because it's in a great location right next to the train station and it could have been a fantastic store but unfortunately it's been left to get more and more run down over the years and no money has been invested in it. It's frustrating when we go to other places and see the new style Co-Ops and see what it could have been like. I feel so sorry for the staff and also the post office who share the building is now under threat and have a year to find a new location. As a result of them closing a lot of the stock has been sold off at clearance prices. I picked up coconut sugar, cacao powder, maca and goji berries that were around £1.50 each. These will be very welcome in our breakfasts over the next few months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPuy2FPouLs/W1wizCc26WI/AAAAAAAAFis/UcCn8NEQ-hIsnE6txwXA5iuUguHnUwmzwCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="640" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPuy2FPouLs/W1wizCc26WI/AAAAAAAAFis/UcCn8NEQ-hIsnE6txwXA5iuUguHnUwmzwCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My second haul was a online order from <a href="https://www.rawliving.eu/" target="_blank">Raw Living</a>. Raw Living is Kate Magic's online raw food business and because I did a course with Kate last year and have also booked on one for October I'd built up quite a lot of loyalty points so that meant I got this order for half price!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dAz_KUj2tA/W1wi1LLRkCI/AAAAAAAAFiw/w_Imi84_i-0ZVGH8g7wHJR7X-QRZvccTgCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="640" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dAz_KUj2tA/W1wi1LLRkCI/AAAAAAAAFiw/w_Imi84_i-0ZVGH8g7wHJR7X-QRZvccTgCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a couple of close ups of things from the order. I'm looking forward to trying these raw pizza bases and still trying to decide what to top them with. They are made by a company called Wrawp who make a really interesting range of raw vegan and gf products with lots of different flavour pizza bases and wraps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZLkPC_AfA0/W1wi5khnVMI/AAAAAAAAFi0/XDJ6OKdgWRkFHLj1uPhU5Czo1TzDTx3LwCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="640" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZLkPC_AfA0/W1wi5khnVMI/AAAAAAAAFi0/XDJ6OKdgWRkFHLj1uPhU5Czo1TzDTx3LwCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252812%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Whenever I order from Raw Living I always have to include a packet of organic magic mix. This is the best trail mix ever and I love it because it is packed with dried yacon root and big raw chocolate buttons. It's a favourite of ours to top breakfasts like chia pudding or the goji, avocado pudding that I learned to make on the course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QETbJn_66aw/W1wi8TgG-JI/AAAAAAAAFi4/t2-VcuosWHwrcyCzNeBqeocVMgfZuJhOwCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QETbJn_66aw/W1wi8TgG-JI/AAAAAAAAFi4/t2-VcuosWHwrcyCzNeBqeocVMgfZuJhOwCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252813%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I have had this coconut jerky once before a few years ago but have never seen it since so I was pleased to spot it on the Raw Living site. I think this will be used for a pizza topping or maybe in an avocado salad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4N9etJIs6OY/W1wi_7ZMOUI/AAAAAAAAFi8/nFVxmD3kHIIttvwWwy-ri6zgX1D9ekN-QCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4N9etJIs6OY/W1wi_7ZMOUI/AAAAAAAAFi8/nFVxmD3kHIIttvwWwy-ri6zgX1D9ekN-QCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252814%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
This week's top bargain was finding these Linda McCartney Scampi Bites in Heron Foods for £1. I'd only come across the frozen ones before. I really like these and you can get two portions out of a box.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHH7y1lVhgs/W1c8XuxJHQI/AAAAAAAAFiE/ukNHfUlHwiQXRFvW5nZqDlStJx0RAMIbwCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHH7y1lVhgs/W1c8XuxJHQI/AAAAAAAAFiE/ukNHfUlHwiQXRFvW5nZqDlStJx0RAMIbwCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
We picked up this mayo by <a href="https://rubiesintherubble.com/" target="_blank">Rubies in the Rubble</a> at a farm shop a few weeks ago. It was a bit of a splurge item at over £4 but we were intrigued by it being marketed as Aquafaba Mayo. They are also a pretty cool company who make their condiments from ingredients that would otherwise go to waste for being the wrong size, shape or colour. It's pretty different to other vegan mayos we have tried and has a thick, creamy Hellman's like texture. We loved it and it was perfect for dipping the scampi bites into.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXdGqdYh_Pk/W1c8ZcbfYWI/AAAAAAAAFiI/YDeSqagW7s4Ecpt2xdp2Yr-873H2CIGFACLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXdGqdYh_Pk/W1c8ZcbfYWI/AAAAAAAAFiI/YDeSqagW7s4Ecpt2xdp2Yr-873H2CIGFACLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been making more things from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Plates-Nutritionally-Balanced-One-Dish/dp/0399579052" target="_blank">Power Plates</a> and this Korean Tempeh bowl was another winner and will definitely be made again. It made for a great Friday night 'fakeaway'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJMWV0SYuE4/W1wifpdtUzI/AAAAAAAAFig/fXIklCoJCqYNa_Rdbtvj3xgdhT2aFr0uACLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="640" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJMWV0SYuE4/W1wifpdtUzI/AAAAAAAAFig/fXIklCoJCqYNa_Rdbtvj3xgdhT2aFr0uACLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Another treat from the Raw Living haul was this <a href="https://www.almightyfoods.co.uk/products/peanut-caramello" target="_blank">Peanut Caramello</a> from <a href="https://www.almightyfoods.co.uk/" target="_blank">Almighty Foods</a> which is basically peanuts with coconut nectar and a pinch of sea salt. It's more runny than a standard peanut butter so it is great for drizzling and I'm looking forward to adding it to smoothies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5-k813R6J8/W1wiaZmZjdI/AAAAAAAAFiY/uRZAO4K_hQsJKhAugAPlCJtWhEv2ntcOACLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5-k813R6J8/W1wiaZmZjdI/AAAAAAAAFiY/uRZAO4K_hQsJKhAugAPlCJtWhEv2ntcOACLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252811%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
First off though I used it to make some ice cream! Typically me making ice cream seemed to co-incide with the end of the heatwave we've been experiencing but I'm not a massive fan of hot weather so I don't mind too much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEQMYTvBIKk/W1widMijpZI/AAAAAAAAFic/DCC2SoEgISw-TTb88ZPLsZ5emWxJbl6gQCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="640" height="260" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEQMYTvBIKk/W1widMijpZI/AAAAAAAAFic/DCC2SoEgISw-TTb88ZPLsZ5emWxJbl6gQCLcBGAs/s320/photo%2B%252816%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also finally put my iphone 4 to rest this week and have got a new phone so hopefully you'll be seeing some better quality picture in future posts!</div>
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-28154792397036983042018-07-24T12:24:00.000+01:002018-07-24T12:24:32.993+01:00Treats, bargains and less waste!It's been a busy week. As well as my paid job I've been volunteering at the bookshop, attending a preview at Salford Museum and Art Gallery where I have a piece of art work in the 2018 open exhibition and having my first speech therapy appointment to learn techniques to help with my chronic cough (not going well so far but I'll persevere). I've also been having trouble sleeping so I made sure to take some down time to rest at the weekend, catch up on some Netflix (series 2 of Glow) and indulge in a few treats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NasNSL-b_uw/W1Soc8jkawI/AAAAAAAAFg0/B3HsZbeklaAomgvaSGQLY_JrPZchvI-EgCLcBGAs/s1600/noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NasNSL-b_uw/W1Soc8jkawI/AAAAAAAAFg0/B3HsZbeklaAomgvaSGQLY_JrPZchvI-EgCLcBGAs/s320/noodles.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
Matt was away playing at a festival on Saturday and I was struggling with fatigue so this little noodle pot was perfect for lunch on Saturday. We don't usually buy stuff like this as they are expensive but we picked some up when they were on offer for camping a few weeks ago and then didn't end up having them. Unlike other noodle pots there are no weird ingredients, they are gluten free as well as vegan and the pots are recyclable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rz367IkrelU/W1cBd4FYYgI/AAAAAAAAFhk/6d5E_GW_pUg4W5CASN6Y1YkXVtDHho9agCLcBGAs/s1600/livias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rz367IkrelU/W1cBd4FYYgI/AAAAAAAAFhk/6d5E_GW_pUg4W5CASN6Y1YkXVtDHho9agCLcBGAs/s320/livias.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Another Saturday treat was these <a href="https://liviaskitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Livia's Kitchen</a> orange flavour raw millionaire bites. You get 3 in the packet and they retail at around £1.50. Again, no weird ingredients and gluten free too. The bottom is oat based, the caramel layer is made from dates and the top is raw chocolate. These are so tasty and I managed to get them for free as I had enough points on my Boots card for a meal deal and they are included in the snacks. I'm a huge fan of the Boots meal deal as it had loads of vegan options and I build up the points quite easily on buying stuff like my nasal rinses that I have to use daily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pMefeRpMF0/W1cBf6HSadI/AAAAAAAAFho/6YjQaT0zGEU0RQjofhFxdW8EKt13DLniwCLcBGAs/s1600/pana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="640" height="281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pMefeRpMF0/W1cBf6HSadI/AAAAAAAAFho/6YjQaT0zGEU0RQjofhFxdW8EKt13DLniwCLcBGAs/s320/pana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I first got introduced to Pana Chocolate by my friend Sally in Australia and it is great to see their range becoming more widely available in the UK. This is a raw chocolate which is the softer, denser type rather than the snappy type like Om or Raw Chocolate Company. It is really delicious and they have a great range of flavours. From completing a survey for them I had a £6 off voucher for their online store and used it to try two new to me flavours so although I had to pay postage the total amount that I spent meant that the bars worked out half price.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkwBnl0NIKA/W1cBpOQdgJI/AAAAAAAAFhw/9YlJ-nT2L9c-QQ80MBBAZiuc3OV3aKuSgCLcBGAs/s1600/power%2Bplates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkwBnl0NIKA/W1cBpOQdgJI/AAAAAAAAFhw/9YlJ-nT2L9c-QQ80MBBAZiuc3OV3aKuSgCLcBGAs/s320/power%2Bplates.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hardly ever buy cookery books these days but after seeing Power Plates mentioned on a few blogs as the best book since Isa Does It I was intruiged. So far everything I've made had been amazing so I'll try to compile some pictures for a future review.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGxUdqOgY5U/W1SokX0OOmI/AAAAAAAAFhA/M5NapV0ruFgvjr8f9UVwye704ZVxwrbJQCLcBGAs/s1600/PEckish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="538" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGxUdqOgY5U/W1SokX0OOmI/AAAAAAAAFhA/M5NapV0ruFgvjr8f9UVwye704ZVxwrbJQCLcBGAs/s320/PEckish.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Onto the bargains! We have a couple of great discount food shops in Glossop with Poundstretcher and Heron Foods where you can often pick up vegan stuff for much less than the RRP. Stuff usually needs eating within the next month or so but that's no problem in our house! We've been having a lovely rice and quinoa milk all summer in our smoothies that both these shops have stocked for 40p a carton! This week's finds were these BBQ rice crackers which were 50p for 5 bags. They are gluten free and baked not fried so a bit healthier than crisps and super tasty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ntWI-g9SKU/W1cBbqtzqVI/AAAAAAAAFhg/iB668qGfE2o-2t05oGYKntexv3FXEdZXgCLcBGAs/s1600/crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ntWI-g9SKU/W1cBbqtzqVI/AAAAAAAAFhg/iB668qGfE2o-2t05oGYKntexv3FXEdZXgCLcBGAs/s320/crackers.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They also have in these lovely sesame crackers from Italy for £1. We've already tried the other flavour they stock which is a multi grain mix and really liked it and these sesame ones were excellent too. They taste like they are made from high quality ingredients and are perfect for a little plate of cheese and crackers. The 'vegan ok' label on the front made me smile. It's the Italian version of our Vegan society sunflower.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyacAfWK38I/W1cBiEGZ4dI/AAAAAAAAFhs/kp3ymCJ3ZwodNBnxP3rJfv6KIbnMna8NgCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyacAfWK38I/W1cBiEGZ4dI/AAAAAAAAFhs/kp3ymCJ3ZwodNBnxP3rJfv6KIbnMna8NgCLcBGAs/s1600/photo%2B%25285%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally like a lot of people we are trying to make an effort to further reduce our waste. Excitingly our local healthfoods shop <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/glossopwholefoods/posts/" target="_blank">Glossop Wholefoods</a> are really leading the way and are about to install a fill your own section and they also have lots of refill items. We've used the Co-Op non-bio clothes washing liquid for years but our Co-Op is about to close so we've switched to this brand and once it's empty we'll be able to refill the bottle at Glossop Wholefoods!</div>
Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-77717425716257874442018-07-10T12:47:00.000+01:002018-07-10T21:21:22.854+01:00My Vegan WeddingHello! I am still alive. I haven't blogged for such a long time but thought I would pop on for an update and to say hello. I do miss blogging sometimes so you never know I might just resurrect the blog. When I last posted I was just about to do a 5 day raw food course with <a href="https://katemagic.com/" target="_blank">Kate Magic</a>. I had a great time and have just booked onto another 3 day course with her later in year.<br />
<br />
Life is still throwing some health challenges my way. I have recently been diagnosed with asthma and am on daily meds for that and also <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_cord_dysfunction" target="_blank">vocal cord dysfunction</a>. I'm going to be seeing a speech therapist for the vocal cord dysfunction in the hope that learning some breathing techniques can help lessen the attacks. I'm still dealing with chronic cough too and have come off morphine after a year and a half. Some days are better than others and the horrible fatigue I was getting is better in this warm weather at least and I'm feeling positive for the speech therapy. But let's get onto the good news ......<br />
<br />
Matt and I got married last October at the People's History Museum and we had a vegan wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vcn_hkTwRt4/W0SUW5nbG4I/AAAAAAAAFgU/l6Dc0ZxXcFw_hRHN2kjXlpet_HHyhnl5QCLcBGAs/s1600/DMC_C%2526M-287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vcn_hkTwRt4/W0SUW5nbG4I/AAAAAAAAFgU/l6Dc0ZxXcFw_hRHN2kjXlpet_HHyhnl5QCLcBGAs/s320/DMC_C%2526M-287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's one of my favourite pictures from the day. We have just finished the wedding ceremony and are walking out and I've just spotted my friend Jude.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoNoD8O3rVg/W0STe2yLrvI/AAAAAAAAFgI/M_YAQIcMV-sQ7KjYD2XBgsIs4k5Ek6uJgCLcBGAs/s1600/DMC_C%2526M-194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoNoD8O3rVg/W0STe2yLrvI/AAAAAAAAFgI/M_YAQIcMV-sQ7KjYD2XBgsIs4k5Ek6uJgCLcBGAs/s320/DMC_C%2526M-194.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dress was a grey cotton dress covered in tattoo style embroidery and my red shoes were from Beyond Skin via eBay and a £2 bargain. Under his suit Matt had an embroidered black cowboy shirt from the states and his blue Western Style suit was also an ebay bargain and came all the way from Las Vegas. We sourced vegan wines for the reception from Marks and Spencers and had Anandas <a href="http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/store/c5/Round_Ups%21.html" target="_blank">Round Ups</a> for wedding favours. The reception venue was the <a href="https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/weddings-and-functions/" target="_blank">Mechanics Institute </a>who did us an amazing cold buffet. We had been a bit worried about this aspect but we were delighted with what they came up with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FobpZONdBp4/W0S5lAOi8KI/AAAAAAAAFgk/44iF1E2J1KImsP45imtoORrgilbLl8udQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FobpZONdBp4/W0S5lAOi8KI/AAAAAAAAFgk/44iF1E2J1KImsP45imtoORrgilbLl8udQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instead of a wedding cake we had a cake buffet made by Lisa from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LilyandDilly/" target="_blank">Lily and Dilly</a> who was so helpful in helping us plan it. We also had jars of individually wrapped Elizabeth Shaw mints and raspberry ruffles to go with after dinner teas and coffee. We had quite a few children as guests and wanted to make sure they had a good time too so we arranged a room off the main hall and filled it with games and we also had pinatas filled with <a href="https://swizzels.com/nutritional-information/?vegans=1&productName=&search=true" target="_blank">Swizzels Sweets.</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVzLFq7RNd0/W0SSvnjBk_I/AAAAAAAAFgA/4IVPHG_XnMQeM02ED08Hwk7Qghb1UhTiACLcBGAs/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVzLFq7RNd0/W0SSvnjBk_I/AAAAAAAAFgA/4IVPHG_XnMQeM02ED08Hwk7Qghb1UhTiACLcBGAs/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another exciting new chapter has opened in that I am involved in a community buy out of our town's beloved second hand bookstore. The owners wanted to retire so it's going to be run as a community co-op and we are planning to introduce an events programme. If you are ever in Glossop please come and visit George Street Community bookshop. We also have a vegan pub (The Globe), a fully vegan shop (Glossop Wholefoods) and a gf and vegan pie shop (The Pie Parlour)!</div>
Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-72591357801901930202017-06-03T10:39:00.000+01:002017-06-03T21:37:14.272+01:00Om Yoga ShowThe <a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/" target="_blank">Om Yoga Show</a> was a couple of weekends ago. I went <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/the-om-yoga-show.html" target="_blank">last year on the Saturday</a> and had a great time so when I won a weekend pass for two people I was determined to make the most of it. The show is held in a big modern exhibition centre space and this year entry also got you into a Mind Body and Spirit fair in an adjoining room. Between the two fairs was an amazing vegan food court.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cB3E6brRcV0/WSHmU1gYxjI/AAAAAAAAFd4/VEhOKDhGJP4fQsivLgWwzM95rZdU3rg7wCLcB/s1600/om%2Bsmoothie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cB3E6brRcV0/WSHmU1gYxjI/AAAAAAAAFd4/VEhOKDhGJP4fQsivLgWwzM95rZdU3rg7wCLcB/s1600/om%2Bsmoothie.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Matt is not into yoga but I persuaded him to come along for the food. One especially big draw for us was that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pomodoro_e_basilico/?hl=en" target="_blank">Pomodoro E Basilico</a> had a stall. We tried their food a few years ago when they were part of a pop up near the Shard in London on the recommendation of Joey from <a href="http://flickingthevs.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Flicking The Vs</a> (thanks Joey). We loved their food so much that we have since ordered Christmas treats (including gorgonzolla cheese!!!) from their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JarMeUp" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> which you should definitely check out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPku5AxYCQM/WSHmWiVt2kI/AAAAAAAAFd8/KGCEYANwkV4PTZFm20QG5OiuVrtY-wZzQCLcB/s1600/Buddha%2Bbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPku5AxYCQM/WSHmWiVt2kI/AAAAAAAAFd8/KGCEYANwkV4PTZFm20QG5OiuVrtY-wZzQCLcB/s1600/Buddha%2Bbox.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I went for this colourful, healthy Buddha box whilst Matt went for the seitan burger. When I went back to the show on the Sunday with my sister we both had the burger for lunch. Both of these dishes were perfection. I don't know how it happens that I can struggle to spot Matt in a room of other middle aged, glasses wearing bald men at gigs but Sara from Pomodoro remembered him from our one visit to them in London a few years ago! Weirdly this sort of thing happens all the time.He must have a really memorable face! If you ever get chance to try their food you must. They make everything including the sauces and bread buns, really impressive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RypNw_yuzXw/WSHmYGKqExI/AAAAAAAAFeA/M188XhAGVBY4ZQkFFnb-HsH0MoCArWdGgCLcB/s1600/burger%2Bboy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RypNw_yuzXw/WSHmYGKqExI/AAAAAAAAFeA/M188XhAGVBY4ZQkFFnb-HsH0MoCArWdGgCLcB/s1600/burger%2Bboy.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course there were some great sweet treats too over the course of the weekend. We took home this tasting selection of raw cheesecakes from <a href="https://www.elspethskitchen.com/" target="_blank">Elspeth's Kitchen</a> who are based in the Bath/Bristol area. The two chocolate slices were the stand outs for me and some of the best raw cheesecakes I've had. In raw food related news I am bubbling with excitement because this Friday I am starting a 5 day course in Raw Food with <a href="http://katemagic.com/" target="_blank">Kate Magic</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwKbYAAHv5A/WSHmZWCL_GI/AAAAAAAAFeE/VycKAY27R5wlOfgoCEWPWzk_gF4bdH53QCLcB/s1600/Elspeths.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwKbYAAHv5A/WSHmZWCL_GI/AAAAAAAAFeE/VycKAY27R5wlOfgoCEWPWzk_gF4bdH53QCLcB/s1600/Elspeths.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
These amazing sticky toffee pudding cupcakes were from a company that was new to me called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ForgotTheEggs/" target="_blank">We Forgot The Eggs</a>. On looking them up online I'm pleased to see they are North West based so look out for them at Vegan Fairs. Their stall had so much variety and everything we sampled was superb (Victoria Sponge, flapjacks and salted caramel truffles).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uiShc8vsqI/WSHmbNyMSdI/AAAAAAAAFeI/JGoRSl_6I5ILsB_Fk4-khuXlsS89dAIowCLcB/s1600/cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uiShc8vsqI/WSHmbNyMSdI/AAAAAAAAFeI/JGoRSl_6I5ILsB_Fk4-khuXlsS89dAIowCLcB/s1600/cupcakes.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a plethora of raw chocolate companies at the show this year. I did a fair amount of sampling and picked out my two favourites to bring home. <a href="http://www.almightyfoods.co.uk/" target="_blank">Almighty Foods</a> are a Scottish company and I'd tried one of their nut butters a few years ago when we got a Christmas gift voucher for Scottish online food company <a href="http://www.realfoods.co.uk/" target="_blank">Real Foods</a>. I hadn't been aware that they made chocolate bars too. I always share stuff with Matt but not this one! He is going on a boys holiday in a few weeks so I've hidden it away out of sight for a chill out movie and choc night when he's away. Suggestions for current films/ box sets welcome in the comments!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXCR90ccLb0/WSHmc03j-EI/AAAAAAAAFeM/PyfZggGT2VsyBhoqHdFG4f0ANYBjmSUuQCLcB/s1600/cashew%2Bbutter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXCR90ccLb0/WSHmc03j-EI/AAAAAAAAFeM/PyfZggGT2VsyBhoqHdFG4f0ANYBjmSUuQCLcB/s1600/cashew%2Bbutter.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I was also seriously blown away by the new filled <a href="https://www.ombar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ombars</a>. This one is long gone, haha. Ombar is one of my favourite raw chocolate brands anyway but they surpassed themselves with these new filled bars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOUE96NL1os/WSHmecN2XeI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/oybli2ZVX2s3XKW8HTDfnb677iC98YZTACLcB/s1600/Om%2Bbar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOUE96NL1os/WSHmecN2XeI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/oybli2ZVX2s3XKW8HTDfnb677iC98YZTACLcB/s1600/Om%2Bbar.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I did do some yoga honest! It wasn't all sitting around eating amazing vegan food. Hats off to <a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/" target="_blank">Om Yoga</a> though for the food offerings this year. I actually wrote on the feedback form last year that I was disappointed at the lack of vegan and raw food but there were no complaints this year. I did several of the free half hour yoga classes that run throughout the show and also a Thai Massage class with my sister where you worked in pairs. I also paid for a longer class with Dru Yoga that was focused on Ayurveda and digestion. Having to take morphine every 12 hours certainly compromises your digestive system so I'm on the lookout for natural ways to help it.<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago I would have laughed in your face if you'd told me I'd get into yoga. I've tried to get into it several times over the years but never enjoyed it. When I blogged about <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/the-om-yoga-show.html" target="_blank">my visit to the Yoga Show last year </a>my friend Hillary at <a href="http://mycatlovesdaiya.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Cat Loves Daiya</a> blog left some links in the comments for me to check out which led me to the Lesley Fightmaster <a href="http://www.fightmasteryoga.com/30-day-yoga-challenge-for-beginners/" target="_blank">Yoga for Beginners 30 Day Challenge</a>. The challenge starts gently with just 10 minutes a day and builds to 30 minute sessions. I now do yoga most days and find myself really looking forward to it. I can feel a difference in my mood and also my energy levels. If you've ever thought about trying yoga, this is a great place to start.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-32947886552658532542017-05-20T08:45:00.001+01:002017-05-20T08:45:10.350+01:00Cocktails for Breakfast!Last Saturday I blogged one of my <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/baked-berry-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">favourite weekend breakfasts</a> and I thought I'd share a new addition to my breakfast arsenal today. Since my long term meds are not compatible with alcohol my lovely collection of cocktail glasses have been gathering dust. Until now that is. Earlier this week I spotted this <a href="http://www.spamellab.com/2017/05/mocha-caramel-chia-pudding-delight/" target="_blank">Mocha Caramel Chia Pudding</a> recipe on twitter and made it immediatley. It was so good I made it again to set me up for visiting the Om Yoga Show yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHhxTa68diE/WRxta8fKOHI/AAAAAAAAFdk/zfmaurmKPLgR6GIDbo2QXBxL-W_iRIL_wCLcB/s1600/breakfast%2Bcocoktail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHhxTa68diE/WRxta8fKOHI/AAAAAAAAFdk/zfmaurmKPLgR6GIDbo2QXBxL-W_iRIL_wCLcB/s1600/breakfast%2Bcocoktail.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
My biggest marguerita glasses were the perfect receptacle. This takes slightly longer than overnight oats to make but it's well worth the effort. You make the mocha, maple, vanilla chia oats the night before. Then in the morning you prepare and add the next two layers. It's still pretty quick to do and it makes for a very decadent tasting breakfast. The second layer is supposed to be banana nice cream but with my body temperature issues especially in the mornings, eating frozen food at that time of the day is a no no. I just followed the instructions using unfrozen bananas and slightly less almond milk. I made a couple of subs using carob powder instead of cacao in the banana layer and it worked really well with the caramel flavours. I also made half the amount of drizzle for the top (which I still found plenty) which is made from almond butter, vanilla, almond milk and date molasses (I subbed maple syrup here).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LSYBvvOqMw/WRxtdOSSwQI/AAAAAAAAFdo/66g59uOm00kkkPNHom-ZFnPraynUeTjZwCLcB/s1600/cocktail%2Bclose%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LSYBvvOqMw/WRxtdOSSwQI/AAAAAAAAFdo/66g59uOm00kkkPNHom-ZFnPraynUeTjZwCLcB/s1600/cocktail%2Bclose%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Seriously guys, do yourselves a favour and treat yourself to this for a leisurely weekend breakfast. The recipe is from the website of Manchester based healthy living blogger and recipe developer for brands, <a href="http://www.spamellab.com/" target="_blank">SpamellaB</a>. Whilst not vegan her website contains lots of vegan recipes and I've already spotted what I'm going to try next with the <a href="http://www.spamellab.com/2016/06/triple-chocolate-quinoa-maca-porridge/" target="_blank">Triple Chocolate Quinoa Maca Porridge</a>. What would your most decadent breakfast be?Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-45735427446475097472017-05-17T16:50:00.001+01:002017-05-17T16:50:36.930+01:00Savoury Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's been a lot of sweet treats on the blog in the last few posts so I thought today I'd feature some of the savoury things that we have been enjoying. Back in February we had a weekend in Nottingham. We were there to help a friend celebrate a special birthday and we also were also able to visit Sneinton vegan market which happens once a month. The market is brill but if you're ever planning a visit I would recommend getting there early. A lot of stalls had sold out by the time we arrived but we were so pleased that there was a couple of <a href="http://pie-eyed.kitchen/" target="_blank">Vork pies</a> left. These pies are amazing and win awards in pie competitions competing against meaty ones.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYCqJlHVIDI/WRXpX957NfI/AAAAAAAAFcY/3DcYiXhHurgx9U1SwMHa5fiJFozmupn7ACLcB/s1600/vork%2Bpies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYCqJlHVIDI/WRXpX957NfI/AAAAAAAAFcY/3DcYiXhHurgx9U1SwMHa5fiJFozmupn7ACLcB/s1600/vork%2Bpies.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There's been great excitement in the UK as Quorn have launched vegan fish fingers. Here they are served on a traditional white bread butty with chips. I have to say I wasn't a fan. The breadcrumbs were good but the filling didn't do it for me, I found it a bit mushy. To be fair I never liked actual fish fingers that much so I think it's more of a personal preference that a fault with the product. Matt on the other hand loved them and several more boxes have found their way into the freezer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ft-7IFGNxLM/WRXpZX9dCwI/AAAAAAAAFcc/U2Rxs_v42qkGaDLhCMzKyUXXbIeAvXmgQCLcB/s1600/fish%2Bfingers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ft-7IFGNxLM/WRXpZX9dCwI/AAAAAAAAFcc/U2Rxs_v42qkGaDLhCMzKyUXXbIeAvXmgQCLcB/s1600/fish%2Bfingers.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
A new product that I am keen on is <a href="http://www.lindamccartneyfoods.co.uk/our-food/frozen-range/vegetarian-scampi-bites/?Vegan" target="_blank">Linda McCartney Scampi Bites.</a> I loved scampi as a kid and these have translated very well into a vegan version. I've borrowed the picture here from the website as I forgot to take one but we had them with a marie-rose dipping sauce and salad. Yum, I can't wait to try these again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFktoLlr5-k/WRXpxF-FzgI/AAAAAAAAFcg/tdb036SlvdIgo0uhq0mBvCSg4UGfdnQxQCLcB/s1600/scampi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFktoLlr5-k/WRXpxF-FzgI/AAAAAAAAFcg/tdb036SlvdIgo0uhq0mBvCSg4UGfdnQxQCLcB/s320/scampi2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I spotted these last week as a new product in the Co-Op on offer for £1. I've made pitta chips a few times at home recently and thought these red pepper ones sounded interesting. They were delicious and very moreish. Well done Co-Op for adding a great vegan snack to your range.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrmLLkvSg3c/WRXz6VrWLlI/AAAAAAAAFc0/k4DhdAlvT9ogUXqxHksSrN7vxXUHL2eigCLcB/s1600/%255Bitta%2Bchips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrmLLkvSg3c/WRXz6VrWLlI/AAAAAAAAFc0/k4DhdAlvT9ogUXqxHksSrN7vxXUHL2eigCLcB/s1600/%255Bitta%2Bchips.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
In other Pie related news, The Pie Parlour (our local bakery that specialises in vegan and gf) continues to turn out excellent pies. In recent weeks we've had pulled jackfruit and these creamy roast veg ones. We had these with a medley of veg and parnisp + potato mash<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJtoUZz9-74/WRbKhXGZ1oI/AAAAAAAAFdI/xHo3DwAh4nMOCYx-uIu-fOOleiRM09wNgCLcB/s1600/pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJtoUZz9-74/WRbKhXGZ1oI/AAAAAAAAFdI/xHo3DwAh4nMOCYx-uIu-fOOleiRM09wNgCLcB/s1600/pie.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's my vat of gravy with Matt's secret gravy ingredient next to it of Henderson's Relish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbOtDvPd_HU/WRbKjjgjJlI/AAAAAAAAFdM/ucvv8cbjIewF7wcT3qrPE9Ccqmj-x-_nACLcB/s1600/pie%2Bgravy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbOtDvPd_HU/WRbKjjgjJlI/AAAAAAAAFdM/ucvv8cbjIewF7wcT3qrPE9Ccqmj-x-_nACLcB/s1600/pie%2Bgravy.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Any other gravy lovers out there?Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-58908568710766745932017-05-13T10:15:00.000+01:002017-05-13T10:21:53.546+01:00Baked Berry OatmealI know it's mid May and I don't know about anyone else but I am still in my winter coat! I do have rubbish circulation and feel the cold more than most people and a lot of the time I'm still wearing gloves too. I've been trying some new things with food recently. I bought a nut mylk bag and have been making green juices in my blender then straining them through the bag. It's actually really satisfying to do and easy to clean up unlike a juicer. I've been having lots of green smoothies for breakfast too. My favourite combo is banana, pineapple, powdered organic wheatgrass, a tablespoon of chia seeds, a teaspoon of almond butter and plant milk. They are so good and keep me full all morning. However, there are some mornings when I just need a hot breakfast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiLHdjZ2Ld8/WRbK2ouUESI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/EWQGYXcWhnADpX1Y68bUOn_qf3MXGAMcQCLcB/s1600/oats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiLHdjZ2Ld8/WRbK2ouUESI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/EWQGYXcWhnADpX1Y68bUOn_qf3MXGAMcQCLcB/s1600/oats.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Enter baked oatmeal. I got into baked oatmeal after borrowing the Deliciously Ella books from the library. I would go so far as to say they were my favourite recipes from them and I've continued to make them on days when I have a bit more time. I like to try different combinations and serve them with a blob of non-dairy yoghurt and a drizzle of agave or Sweet Freedom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ln64wY49Y/WRbK4LYrDGI/AAAAAAAAFdU/sR-fhV3R8asEMrN01V7B-6zI31vBUcg3wCLcB/s1600/baked%2Boatmeal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ln64wY49Y/WRbK4LYrDGI/AAAAAAAAFdU/sR-fhV3R8asEMrN01V7B-6zI31vBUcg3wCLcB/s1600/baked%2Boatmeal.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought I would share my latest combo. This is a recipe for 1 serving. You can add all kinds of fruit and nuts though. Let me know in the comments any good combos you can think of.<br />
<br />
Baked Berry Oatmeal<br />
<br />
1/2 cup of oats<br />
1/2 cup of plant milk<br />
1/4 cup of berries<br />
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon<br />
2 dates chopped up<br />
1 teaspoon of nut butter<br />
Dessert spoon of sweetner - eg. agave or maple syrup or Sweet Freedom (you could also chop in some banana instead)<br />
Non- dairy yoghurt and sweetener of choice to serve<br />
<br />
Pre-heat the oven to 200c/ 400f / Gas 6<br />
<br />
Grease your baking dish with a little coconut oil or margarine<br />
<br />
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and let them stand whilst the oven pre-heats.<br />
<br />
Bake for 20 minutes whilst you grab a shower and make coffee.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-77584367204456349202017-05-10T19:08:00.003+01:002017-05-12T15:42:20.848+01:00Sweet Treats - Purchased and home madeHere's a little round of some sweet treats, both purchased and home made that have been enjoyed recently. The other weekend I was in bed with a horrid chest infection binge watching the last season of project runway and Matt went out to do the weekly shop picking up a little extra treat in the form of blackcurrant cheesecake. This is from the new Tesco free from range and it was pretty good. A minor grumble would be that I like a biscuity base on a cheesecake and this one was sponge. It was gluten free though so thumbs up for producing a tasty treat suitable for glegans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImHx_tuv0Es/WRXJxb3MjbI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/Sla-_4WpjQEJJ830YtazvFY91qC4HQrRgCLcB/s1600/cheesecake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImHx_tuv0Es/WRXJxb3MjbI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/Sla-_4WpjQEJJ830YtazvFY91qC4HQrRgCLcB/s1600/cheesecake.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.okobay.com/" target="_blank">OkoBay</a> produce a coconut based range of frozen products that are SFV. In the last couple of months we've had their coconut water ice pops and also this mango coconut milk dessert. Both were from Heron Foods and total bargains at 69p for 3 pops and 49p for the tub!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oeuWPQ54-s/WQc1SHEI2oI/AAAAAAAAFao/M2UNJKd1w1ADd4MlQQbgJHn0f5MvhSaQQCLcB/s1600/oko%2Bbay.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oeuWPQ54-s/WQc1SHEI2oI/AAAAAAAAFao/M2UNJKd1w1ADd4MlQQbgJHn0f5MvhSaQQCLcB/s1600/oko%2Bbay.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
I braved the crowds at the Manchester Vegan fair last month going early and getting out just as it was getting busy. The crowds a few years ago put me off going to fairs for a long time as I just didn't feel safe when they were held at Sachas. The new venue at G Mex was a massive improvement and I was so impressed by the range and quality of stalls. I was sorry I only spotted <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gorgosaurusbakery/" target="_blank">Gorgosaurus</a> just as I was leaving and almost spent up as their cupcakes looked excellent. I did have enough pennies though to purchase their version of a childhood treat. I used to feed iced gems to my toys at pretend birthday parties. I have fond memories of them but these Iced Jims were even better. The base was the most delicious tiny melt in the mouth shortbread heart topped with icing. I was so impressed with the detail in making these and it was hard to ration them out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grI8J5gU-nM/WQc1VJn1xaI/AAAAAAAAFas/cpjt7ANjHW0Ht9IwORqLdXYg-C-1CfVVQCLcB/s1600/iced%2Bjims.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grI8J5gU-nM/WQc1VJn1xaI/AAAAAAAAFas/cpjt7ANjHW0Ht9IwORqLdXYg-C-1CfVVQCLcB/s1600/iced%2Bjims.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Also at the fair I picked up a walnut whip for Matt as I know they are a non vegan sweet he misses. Whilst I liked the chocolate on these I was a bit disappointed by the filling which I think might have been made with aquafaba. It was just a little bit airy and I would have liked something more fondant like. We ordered some amazing vegan creme eggs from <a href="http://www.ethical-treats.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lakeside Ethical Treats</a> at Easter and the filling from them would have been perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFsvkx6thkg/WQc1XYab8nI/AAAAAAAAFaw/2vL6eMI0hcQTQ4Tv62PMocCtX1oy5T6owCLcB/s1600/walnut%2Bwhip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFsvkx6thkg/WQc1XYab8nI/AAAAAAAAFaw/2vL6eMI0hcQTQ4Tv62PMocCtX1oy5T6owCLcB/s1600/walnut%2Bwhip.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theafternoonteacoV/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE" target="_blank">Afternoon Tea Company</a> launched at the fair and they sell afternoon tea in a bag for one. It's such a great idea and you even get a tea bag, wooden knife and napkin alongside your scone, jam and delicious cream. The company are based in Glossop and sometimes supply the Pie Parlour. They also will do events such as Crafternoon Teas suitable for birthdays or hen do's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQauXTetUp0/WQc1ZFjOMSI/AAAAAAAAFa0/5VWBsW7d3288nMm1-F1viJhB6fo8PLsvwCLcB/s1600/scone%2Bin%2Bbag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQauXTetUp0/WQc1ZFjOMSI/AAAAAAAAFa0/5VWBsW7d3288nMm1-F1viJhB6fo8PLsvwCLcB/s1600/scone%2Bin%2Bbag.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We went away to the Lakes for a few days after the fair and enjoyed these when we arrived at the B and B.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLSgFKSG7qk/WQc1a-i2mlI/AAAAAAAAFa4/IWYlGGLHdNIMA-EYP2FmKpGOyJYcDTgswCLcB/s1600/scone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLSgFKSG7qk/WQc1a-i2mlI/AAAAAAAAFa4/IWYlGGLHdNIMA-EYP2FmKpGOyJYcDTgswCLcB/s1600/scone.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We have a community meal once a month in Glossop called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peopleskitchenglossop/" target="_blank">The People's Kitchen</a>. It's a low cost meal cooked by volunteers, always vegan with gf options and any profits go to charity. Matt volunteered to cook for the February one and produced a yummy tagine with rice, flat breads and salad. I made some rose and pistachio cupcakes and for the gluten free option these chocolate and sesame Ghriba cookies using <a href="http://www.breadolives.com/english/-ghriba-cocoa-sesame-biscuits" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. I've tried to make flourless cookies like this before using nuts and they've been a total disaster but these were perfect and were like macaroons. As someone who has had zero success with aquafaba macaroons I'll be defintiely using this recipe again!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG1vUK2qPbI/WQc1c0YyKrI/AAAAAAAAFa8/dGWz87urkOs36A1cWwDN7fk1xAt_SbkswCLcB/s1600/sesame%2Bbiscuits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG1vUK2qPbI/WQc1c0YyKrI/AAAAAAAAFa8/dGWz87urkOs36A1cWwDN7fk1xAt_SbkswCLcB/s1600/sesame%2Bbiscuits.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, here's a cake I made to take to Matt's mum's at Easter and something I'd never tried before - Simnel Cake. I'd also never made my own marzipan from scratch but loved how it tasted. I used a recipe that I found online on the <a href="https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/recipe/vegan-simnel-cake" target="_blank">Indigo Herbs site</a> and it came out really well. It's a citrusy fruit cake that also has a disc of marzipan baked through the middle. It was my first Simnel cake but I can see it becoming an Easter tradition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjz1UTGfXDw/WQc1eZwTjnI/AAAAAAAAFbA/J9Y5vEj3eWQvTDTaz-RP3BDjDU2WDqe0gCLcB/s1600/simnel%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjz1UTGfXDw/WQc1eZwTjnI/AAAAAAAAFbA/J9Y5vEj3eWQvTDTaz-RP3BDjDU2WDqe0gCLcB/s1600/simnel%2Bcake.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-26864801838822165672017-04-30T16:53:00.000+01:002017-04-30T16:53:18.878+01:00Vegan Treats From Levenshulme MarketHi readers. I'm afraid I lost my blogging mojo for a while with life stuff and the usual chronic illness/fatigue getting in the way. I don't want to stop blogging though and I have lots of pics of stuff from the last few months. Instead of trying to tackle a backlog though I thought I'd dive in with something current. Yesterday Matt was on All FM radio in the morning. I went with him as I always enjoy visiting there and it also meant I'd get to go to one of my favourite bargain stores as there's a huge B and M Bargains not far from the station. As we were parking up we noticed there was a market on so we decided to pop along after the show as we'd heard good things about it. Oh my goodness, I was not prepared to discover POUTINE! I gained a fondness for poutine in the late 1980's when I spent a year as an exchange student in upstate New York. The nearest big city was Montreal so there were many treks to Canada for nightclubbing and gigs and many bowls of poutine consumed at the end of those nights out. Coming from somewhere where chips and gravy is practically a regional dish the addition of chunks of cheese only improved on such comfort food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W30KzY5bhCA/WQYBMsA7S9I/AAAAAAAAFaI/sGOBthXRgmwAfgf_tunkd7nEDwMN6TX_ACLcB/s1600/poutine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W30KzY5bhCA/WQYBMsA7S9I/AAAAAAAAFaI/sGOBthXRgmwAfgf_tunkd7nEDwMN6TX_ACLcB/s1600/poutine.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Matt had never heard of it but is now a big fan. I don't know what vegan cheese they used but it tasted great and the skin on chips were perfectly drowned in mushroom gravy. We will definitely be back for more of this. As well as the poutine stall there were lots of great artist run stalls and various other world food stalls and a bar. We were amazed to see vegan options clearly listed on most of the food stalls. We spotted noodle dishes, Indian snacks, empanadas, fantastic breads, cake and icecreams. We didn't have a great deal of cash on us but we decided to try two cuisines so alongside the poutine we picked the Polish stall. Here we picked up of box of mixed vegan pierogies to take home. These came with gerkins and pickled veg. They were mushroom and buckwheat and cabbage and sauerkraut if I remember correctly. It was my first introduction to pierogies and I loved them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpl7dI25IW0/WQYBOQ6-57I/AAAAAAAAFaM/qB78jMnatgETCB6grGjJ07TLSSjGzYJMACLcB/s1600/pierogis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpl7dI25IW0/WQYBOQ6-57I/AAAAAAAAFaM/qB78jMnatgETCB6grGjJ07TLSSjGzYJMACLcB/s1600/pierogis.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The Polish stall was also selling Kombucha for just £1 a bottle. I tried the maple flavour in this brand last year and adored it so I'm excited to try this Schisandra flavour. I'd never heard of Schisandra but apparently it's a berry used in traditional Chinese medicine and is good for colds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fi4dNVyX94/WQYBP-er1pI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/-Y1nS_AkbWglgk-FfcyT-qJMy14K6gtMgCLcB/s1600/booch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fi4dNVyX94/WQYBP-er1pI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/-Y1nS_AkbWglgk-FfcyT-qJMy14K6gtMgCLcB/s1600/booch.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Hopefully the kombucha will come in handy this weekend as I've had a stinking cold for the last week. I'm taking it easy today trying to get over it whilst Matt's out playing at a festival then tomorrow we're hoping to tackle the overgrown mess that is our backyard tomorrow if the weather holds. Being a British bank holiday weekend it's probably unlikely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQUZ8PIOG7w/WQYBRsVKuRI/AAAAAAAAFaU/gEhuHqA3_o0H4NA8qDsItj4nk1bb26UewCLcB/s1600/brownies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQUZ8PIOG7w/WQYBRsVKuRI/AAAAAAAAFaU/gEhuHqA3_o0H4NA8qDsItj4nk1bb26UewCLcB/s1600/brownies.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It'll be homemade roast veg and chorizo sausage pizza for tea tonight. The chorizo seitan sausage is from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viva-Vegan-Authentic-Fabulous-Recipes/dp/0738212733/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493567019&sr=1-1&keywords=viva+vegan" target="_blank">Viva Vegan</a>. I made a batch the other week then chopped up the sausage and froze the chunks so I can just grab a handful for pizza or tofu scrambles. The picture above is our dessert. It's the chocolate peanut butter brownies from the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superfun-Times-Vegan-Holiday-Cookbook/dp/0316221899" target="_blank">Superfun Times Vegan Holdiay Cookbook</a> which I got for Christmas and this is shockingly the first thing I've actually made from it. If any has any recommendations for other recipes please leave them in the comments.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-85752860613257156242017-01-31T19:53:00.001+00:002017-01-31T19:53:33.223+00:00Veganuary EatsAs I'm sure you know from previous posts I do like a competition and I entered several Veganuary ones. It was Matt who was the winner this time though. He won these ace cookbooks - <a href="https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/6268" target="_blank">Defensive Eating With Morrissey </a>and <a href="https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/4692" target="_blank">Comfort Eating With Nick Cave</a> in a twitter punning competition where you had to combine food with lyrics from their songs. I thought my Barbecueim Begins At Home entry was pretty good but he pipped me with Girlfriend in a Korma. They've only just arrived so we haven't made anything form them yet but I shall have to report back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_hgTi6ma5A/WJDKMpuu2JI/AAAAAAAAFY8/-lohaVs3B0gmIGg6Vxl6wWmBS_8G0u81ACLcB/s1600/cookbooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_hgTi6ma5A/WJDKMpuu2JI/AAAAAAAAFY8/-lohaVs3B0gmIGg6Vxl6wWmBS_8G0u81ACLcB/s1600/cookbooks.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I've blogged before about Glossop business <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/glossop-goings-on.html" target="_blank">The Pie Parlour</a>. It goes from strength to strength and Diane who owns and runs it did herself proud with her Veganuary offerings. We managed to sample quite a range this month! As well as being vegan the following were all gluten free too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IroBLhNBJQ/WJDKRUeb9UI/AAAAAAAAFZA/gFAOSR8vBQI8vLWfxWQMKvHSY_a2CIfmACLcB/s1600/cheesecake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IroBLhNBJQ/WJDKRUeb9UI/AAAAAAAAFZA/gFAOSR8vBQI8vLWfxWQMKvHSY_a2CIfmACLcB/s1600/cheesecake.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
First up is a raw cheesecake. This had delightful fresh strawberry flavours and was nice and rich in that way that raw cheesecakes are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uSRZ-bPF-s/WJDKS6R-wJI/AAAAAAAAFZE/E9r6BFNXuegw2GiggmlmgFH1BPbcn2QLgCLcB/s1600/coffee%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uSRZ-bPF-s/WJDKS6R-wJI/AAAAAAAAFZE/E9r6BFNXuegw2GiggmlmgFH1BPbcn2QLgCLcB/s1600/coffee%2Bcake.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favourite cake flavours is coffee and walnut and this did not disappoint. Sticking with the coffee theme we also sampled this stunning looking tiramisu gateaux.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olUIZWlpgrY/WJDKVYwemsI/AAAAAAAAFZI/rtDGDp3Ub54VH6Q2SAGKXTIjZP6JjP_qQCLcB/s1600/tiramisu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olUIZWlpgrY/WJDKVYwemsI/AAAAAAAAFZI/rtDGDp3Ub54VH6Q2SAGKXTIjZP6JjP_qQCLcB/s1600/tiramisu.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Diane is a very innovative cook and is constantly trying out new things. I was over the moon to try this month two things I've never had as a vegan. It's over 10 years since I've had lemon meringue pie and these were tarts we were of my favourite things to date from the Pie Parlour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyTCN3ben4E/WJDKXni_mYI/AAAAAAAAFZM/EC2HUB76hXQk1diQFOLK3aepggNGcJ4ggCLcB/s1600/lemon%2Bmerignue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyTCN3ben4E/WJDKXni_mYI/AAAAAAAAFZM/EC2HUB76hXQk1diQFOLK3aepggNGcJ4ggCLcB/s1600/lemon%2Bmerignue.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I was also delighted to have a vanilla slice. When I was a kid and we were allowed to choose a cream cake from the cake shop I always bypassed anything with cream and went for a custard tart or vanilla slice. Thanks to the wonder of the new Jus Roll vegan and gluten free puff pastry Diane was able to make these and they were soooo good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Roqv5iq0k4Y/WJDKZopzpOI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/ckSO-R1r290DsER9mota0v5LHkS3LAdXwCLcB/s1600/vanilla%2Bslice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Roqv5iq0k4Y/WJDKZopzpOI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/ckSO-R1r290DsER9mota0v5LHkS3LAdXwCLcB/s1600/vanilla%2Bslice.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was even inspired to do a bit of baking myself. Cheltenham Drippers came up in conversation at work and I had to google them to see what they were made from. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VycIp_qY_EQ/WJDKf1E8KeI/AAAAAAAAFZY/uz0bb8RV9hkyRhWC4_81dt0wTR6ktF0FwCLcB/s1600/rolled%2Bout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VycIp_qY_EQ/WJDKf1E8KeI/AAAAAAAAFZY/uz0bb8RV9hkyRhWC4_81dt0wTR6ktF0FwCLcB/s1600/rolled%2Bout.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
They are a yeasted bread bun filled with raisins that are also known as Lardy Cakes. I used <a href="http://glamorousglutton.com/vintage-recipes-dripping-cakes/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> and veganised it by using melted coconut oil instead of beef dripping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RD8OJOv3Jys/WJDKirkbmAI/AAAAAAAAFZc/tliAO_R9nrof_NZXMnUlvc1abCn_WcbfwCLcB/s1600/lardy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RD8OJOv3Jys/WJDKirkbmAI/AAAAAAAAFZc/tliAO_R9nrof_NZXMnUlvc1abCn_WcbfwCLcB/s1600/lardy.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
There was lots of rolling the dough and folding and brushing oil into the different layers. It was a fun lazy Sunday afternoon project and they were pretty tasty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2G6K5Q1o3X0/WJDKlubtVhI/AAAAAAAAFZg/8BWo3uL_w7cKj_J7rzZd1iQvNha3B9AAwCLcB/s1600/lardy%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2G6K5Q1o3X0/WJDKlubtVhI/AAAAAAAAFZg/8BWo3uL_w7cKj_J7rzZd1iQvNha3B9AAwCLcB/s1600/lardy%2Bcake.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We also spent January using up stuff we'd got in for the festive season. We'd managed to visit one of the Sainsbury's back in December that stocked 'Gary' and we'd bought a few different ones to try. I think my favourite has to be the <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/sainsburys-freefrom-cheddar-style-with-onion-dairy-free-cheese-200g?langId=44&storeId=10151&krypto=AfVZOOY8IsZ86fw8OB0RAWW5rjGDm5afdINYNYBys%2BCvRmSTQ0QF8wp6MI5jeqGOzxC4Uc7V9oTE%2FH5Kp7kH28yMftuK%2F9J7KB1MFJg02E8e9NMRKtE3OLIzQDmgKOrX144wQU1Q5LTyTVGcx0F5ZlczAKcf5dyjTmW63RnIb%2Bs%3D&ddkey=http%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Fsainsburys-freefrom-cheddar-style-with-onion-dairy-free-cheese-200g" target="_blank">caramelised onion cheddar</a> which melts really well as does the feta which Matt used as a filling in these arancini balls made from leftover risotto.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQDnMo_7d5k/WJDKc-ox65I/AAAAAAAAFZU/iQpqt20kS0ofgLs6vTJu7sYr1yYMh9xRgCLcB/s1600/arancini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQDnMo_7d5k/WJDKc-ox65I/AAAAAAAAFZU/iQpqt20kS0ofgLs6vTJu7sYr1yYMh9xRgCLcB/s1600/arancini.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A big change for me in January has been going back to full time hours. It's just for a few months and it's going ok. I'd be lying if I said it was a breeze as fatigue is an issue with being on morphine but I'm doing all the right kind of self care things and it is definitely helping. That means practicing my cold prevention tips I blogged about <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/dealing-with-hyper-sensitive-cough.html" target="_blank">here</a> and getting early nights. I'm also trying to do some yoga most days too. An important part of self care is food and in line with that I have declared Fridays, my last working day of the week to be Pieday. This involves Matt who works form home popping down to the Pie Parlour in the day to pick up a couple of pies which we warm up in the oven in the evening whilst he nips round to the chippy for a large bag of chips to share, a pot of mushy peas for him and a large gravy for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhLNaiFqLl0/WJDKotS1gHI/AAAAAAAAFZk/c4rMwdEg8d4dvd6xYrqqgMBYCKeOJNSbQCLcB/s1600/pie%2Bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhLNaiFqLl0/WJDKotS1gHI/AAAAAAAAFZk/c4rMwdEg8d4dvd6xYrqqgMBYCKeOJNSbQCLcB/s1600/pie%2Bday.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally from pie and chips to super posh food. We had vegan friendly champagne and caviar with Matt's sister and brother in law to celebrate us getting engaged. I'd forgotten I had a jar of caviart lurking in the pantry waiting for an occasion and I'd also forgotten how nice it is. I'm also pleased to see that <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/caviart-black-60011347" target="_blank">Holland and Barrett</a> now stock it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q097a3ZjjfU/WJDKqeHAeFI/AAAAAAAAFZo/_xdBDTZqMG0oBzHh4DgcE7c9YF6SW4gswCLcB/s1600/engaged.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q097a3ZjjfU/WJDKqeHAeFI/AAAAAAAAFZo/_xdBDTZqMG0oBzHh4DgcE7c9YF6SW4gswCLcB/s320/engaged.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
So that's it for January. I'm usually ok with winter but it has felt really cold and wet the last few weeks and I will be glad to see Spring this year. We have some fun things planned for February though and are going to Nottingham this weekend and are planning to visit Sneinton Vegan market so I'll be reporting back!Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-7726678546947123402017-01-05T18:12:00.000+00:002017-01-05T18:12:11.481+00:00Vegan Eats at Pizza Express - GlossopThe small town of Glossop where I live is pretty good for vegan eats and drinks. There's some great places for coffee that offer plant milks like <a href="http://twigcoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank">Twig</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/panaderiabydowds/" target="_blank">Panaderia</a>. <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/ayubowan-contemporary-sri-lankan-cuisine.html" target="_blank">Ayubowan</a> and <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/pico-lounge.html" target="_blank">Pico Lounge</a> have clearly marked vegan items on their menus. The <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/glossop-goings-on.html" target="_blank">Pie Parlour</a> bakery specialises in vegan and gluten free pies, breads + cakes and of course there is <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/it-was-weekend-of-train-trips-to-small.html" target="_blank">The Globe</a> pub where famously all the food is vegan. Just before Christmas a branch of <a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/news/glossop-opening" target="_blank">Pizza Express</a> opened in a converted mill building and their PR people invited Matt and I along to sample some vegan menu items.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Xlih-F-po/WG5W6FPYCkI/AAAAAAAAFYE/NtMSdidrrb4Mv1IzJgNeWWIIVmbCj9hbACLcB/s1600/Wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Xlih-F-po/WG5W6FPYCkI/AAAAAAAAFYE/NtMSdidrrb4Mv1IzJgNeWWIIVmbCj9hbACLcB/s1600/Wall.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We were joined on the night by Jane who writes reviews for the Vegetarian Society and her partner Simon who were sampling vegetarian items on the menu. I'm afraid our food pictures are on the dark side due to the low lighting! Matt and Simon both went for pizzas. Matt opted for the Pianta which is a cheeseless pizza with a spicy tomato sauce, spinach, mushrooms, pine nuts and artichokes. As you can see there was a decent amount of toppings and this went down well! Simon chose a cauliflower cheese pizza which I thought was an amazing idea for a pizza and one that I would love to try to veganise at home!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMUM7GHwJKk/WG5W71gI2QI/AAAAAAAAFYI/dis5-SeNxHwc8ZiJWuRuGaLSujJOR0lfwCLcB/s1600/pizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMUM7GHwJKk/WG5W71gI2QI/AAAAAAAAFYI/dis5-SeNxHwc8ZiJWuRuGaLSujJOR0lfwCLcB/s1600/pizza.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Jane opted for the risotto which we were originally told could be veganised but after our waiter double checked with the kitchen it turned out it could just be made vegetarian by omitting the salmon. I went for a salad as my main. It was the Leggara Superfood Salad which has black rice, edamame beans, red quinoa, mung beans, chickpeas, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and kale in a vinaigrette on a bed of seasonal mixed leaves, rocket, cucumber, roasted red & yellow peppers. It also comes with house dressing which I asked them to leave off as it wasn't vegan. I asked for some extra olive oil to drizzle but actually didn't need it. It was a nice mix of colours and textures. There is an option to add extra salmon or chicken to it but not extra veggies. I would have enjoyed something like pumpkin or butternut squash or maybe some smoked tofu as an extra.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKo2O5N_pRE/WG5eJFp-duI/AAAAAAAAFYk/fi9yvLbR5-UpNQDjFjlXGcVCbwzVq4mogCLcB/s1600/salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKo2O5N_pRE/WG5eJFp-duI/AAAAAAAAFYk/fi9yvLbR5-UpNQDjFjlXGcVCbwzVq4mogCLcB/s1600/salad.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The salad was tasty and as with the other Leggara menu items is a lower calorie option. On it's own I don't think it would quite have filled me up enough so I was glad that Matt and I had also got some dough balls to share. The dough balls usually come with garlic butter but you can order them with oil instead and they were great comfort food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-do0zgBR4ME4/WG5W-PkBlaI/AAAAAAAAFYM/EHryM_LlDok5C82rsgw1ErJ8o06pDIPZACLcB/s1600/Dough%2Bballs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-do0zgBR4ME4/WG5W-PkBlaI/AAAAAAAAFYM/EHryM_LlDok5C82rsgw1ErJ8o06pDIPZACLcB/s1600/Dough%2Bballs.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We finished with a scoop of raspberry sorbet which was nice and refreshing. I've never really explored the world of sorbets but I got Marie Laforet's <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homemade-Vegan-Cheese-Cream-Recipes/dp/0778805433" target="_blank">The Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes</a> for Christmas so I can see some home made ones in the future!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQyuYkntscI/WG5XA8HoZdI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/N25Yl4kJtm4hG_7axatn4yUL9gPDWbITwCLcB/s1600/lights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQyuYkntscI/WG5XA8HoZdI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/N25Yl4kJtm4hG_7axatn4yUL9gPDWbITwCLcB/s1600/lights.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
It's fantastic to see more and more places like this adding vegan options to their menus. Much as I love completely vegan restaurants I find places like this so useful when booking meals with family, friends or work colleagues. By offering some decent vegan options even if there's only one vegan in a group it's often what clinches the choice of restaurant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKUqxeQBj5I/WG5XCB5uEDI/AAAAAAAAFYU/mysZ3F8l0vg0wSUyt9o8cGP6c49H4OCRACLcB/s1600/Bobbins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKUqxeQBj5I/WG5XCB5uEDI/AAAAAAAAFYU/mysZ3F8l0vg0wSUyt9o8cGP6c49H4OCRACLcB/s1600/Bobbins.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We were hugely impressed by the design elements of the restaurant which gave a nod to Glossop's mill town past with giant colourful cotton reels, beautiful industrial light fittings and lots of lovely exposed brick work. We enjoyed the evening, the service was very good and I liked the atmosphere. I know we will definitely be back. I hope that Pizza Express continue to add vegan options and it would be great if they could also produce a vegan menu as there was a little confusion over some menu items. It's a small thing but lots of places do this now and it must be so helpful to waiting staff as well as reassuring to vegan diners.<br />
<br />
Disclaimer - Matt and I were provided with a free meal by Pizza Express. All views expressed are my own.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-28419087709717805462016-12-21T20:53:00.001+00:002016-12-21T20:53:49.400+00:00Festive RecipesI had hoped to come up with some new festive recipes this year but it turns out that morphine therapy is a bit of a bugger and whilst it is definitely helping to lessen my cough it's also totally zapping me of energy. On top of that there's random bouts of stomach cramps and nausea and my appetite has not been great. I am delighted though not to be coughing so much. So instead here's a little round up of some previous recipes from past years.<br />
<br />
<b>Home made truffles</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd-qwW0LoSg/WFrmBl0mMAI/AAAAAAAAFXc/OXfqlqVz75ke_x-MFGCpIloVvRqLGy0zQCLcB/s1600/truffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd-qwW0LoSg/WFrmBl0mMAI/AAAAAAAAFXc/OXfqlqVz75ke_x-MFGCpIloVvRqLGy0zQCLcB/s320/truffles.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
This is such a quick and easy recipe. I have managed to make a batch for gifts. They are inexpensive to make and taste great. You only need a tablespoon of liqueur/spirit so it's a great recipe for using up the ends of bottles. The recipe calls for a tablespoon of soya cream but I always find I never end up using the rest of the carton so I just sub with a tablespoon of whatever plant milk I have on the go these days and that works just as well. Recipe is <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/chocolate-truffles.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Winter Spiced Tea Loaf</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKQDw5IsK3U/WFrnN1R3h6I/AAAAAAAAFXg/yM00vpxlTw42WfKUHLBrTSHyuUC29orjgCLcB/s1600/tealoaf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKQDw5IsK3U/WFrnN1R3h6I/AAAAAAAAFXg/yM00vpxlTw42WfKUHLBrTSHyuUC29orjgCLcB/s1600/tealoaf.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I've not made this tea loaf yet this year but I will prob make some after Christmas when I can pick up jar of luxury mince meat for pennies when it is on sale. I found some with chocolate in it last year which was lovely! Recipe for this is<a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/mid-week-munchies-winter-spiced-tea.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Amaretti-style Biscuits</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96aiH9Oii7Q/WFrn1xoBHLI/AAAAAAAAFXk/aGZfNww6yDYZcbCliDAWbUAuzmy-MELnQCLcB/s1600/amaretti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96aiH9Oii7Q/WFrn1xoBHLI/AAAAAAAAFXk/aGZfNww6yDYZcbCliDAWbUAuzmy-MELnQCLcB/s320/amaretti.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I love Amaretti biscuits but have never seen a vegan recipe for them until now. I found a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Vegan-Delicious-inspiring-recipes/dp/174336525X" target="_blank">Easy Vegan by Sue Quinn</a> in a charity shop a few months ago and snapped it up. I couldn't believe someone had given it away! The book only came out last year and I'd made a couple of recipes from it when they were featured in Vegan Life magazine which I had been impressed with. I was so excited when I spotted this recipe and I can report that they are a great veganised version of these classic little Italian biscuits. They have just the right flavour and crunch. I've whipped up a batch and bagged them up in some little cellophane bags from a craft shop for gifts. I'd planned to make more stuff for gifts but life just gets in the way of plans sometimes.<br />
<br />
I'll be back in the new year with a review of the brand new Pizza Express that's just opened in Glossop but until then wishing you all lots of Vegan love xxx<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HeIaNNZS5nk/WFrqxIKMglI/AAAAAAAAFXw/0Is7O5CCGAw3swi6PijyW9ia5gG6n5XXACLcB/s1600/profile%2Bpic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HeIaNNZS5nk/WFrqxIKMglI/AAAAAAAAFXw/0Is7O5CCGAw3swi6PijyW9ia5gG6n5XXACLcB/s320/profile%2Bpic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-52152857799871506932016-12-08T06:30:00.000+00:002016-12-08T06:30:02.632+00:00Derbyshire Christmas - Raw Halo ChocolateThis week I've been sharing some beautiful, vegan friendly products that are made in Derbyshire like <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/derbyshire-christmas-anandas-foods.html" target="_blank">these gourmet marshmallows</a> or have links to Derbyshire like this <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/derbyshire-christmas-birdhouse-teas.html" target="_blank">Peak District themed range of teas</a>. They would all be great for gifting or for treating yourself. I couldn't let my series of posts end without featuring some chocolate! So here we have Raw Halo who hail from Matlock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvVItwNZLSc/WEgaN5YkpnI/AAAAAAAAFWE/-Dkqukt-7v0gLwZaXw517vrHXp259UDkgCLcB/s1600/raw%2Bhalo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvVItwNZLSc/WEgaN5YkpnI/AAAAAAAAFWE/-Dkqukt-7v0gLwZaXw517vrHXp259UDkgCLcB/s320/raw%2Bhalo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I discovered Raw Halo a few weeks ago when we visited <a href="http://thegardenhale.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Garden</a> in Hale for lunch for my birthday. As well as being a cafe they also have a range of chocolate and snacks to buy to take away and I picked up a bar of <a href="http://rawhalo.com/chocolate-bars/mylk/mylk-with-crispies-bar" target="_blank">Mylk and Crispie</a>s to try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Pa3sfVBkI/WEgaubf2WdI/AAAAAAAAFWI/V3tIloxcR2YeSTRg381Sr8aBTXlCtsxpgCLcB/s1600/raw-halo-mylk-crispies-raw-chocolate-bar_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Pa3sfVBkI/WEgaubf2WdI/AAAAAAAAFWI/V3tIloxcR2YeSTRg381Sr8aBTXlCtsxpgCLcB/s320/raw-halo-mylk-crispies-raw-chocolate-bar_f.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
This organic bar is sweetened with coconut sugar and lucuma with some cashew butter added to the mix. The crispies are courtesy of buckwheat and although the word milk is in the name I'd say it's closer to a standard dark with cocoa solids of 48%. I really enjoyed the bar and how it was a bit different from other raw bars I buy. The bars are free from refined sugars and have less natural sweeteners than other brands on the market. That being said the bar still felt like a treat and like you were getting a good hit of cacao.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbUyw6mipfY/WEgcJMLd5LI/AAAAAAAAFWU/bhoCzl9ZWSkVOAnfBVvAse5gLEjEVxmLwCLcB/s1600/choc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbUyw6mipfY/WEgcJMLd5LI/AAAAAAAAFWU/bhoCzl9ZWSkVOAnfBVvAse5gLEjEVxmLwCLcB/s320/choc.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Garden is not too far from the hospital where I see the cough specialists so I'll be picking up some more Raw Halo to try next time we visit. I've got my eye on ginger + pecan, salted caramel and cinammon + raisin to try next!Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-4248527114691526922016-12-07T07:30:00.000+00:002016-12-07T07:30:00.206+00:00Derbyshire Christmas - Anandas FoodsThis week I am focusing on Derbyshire businesses who are producing beautifully crafted artisan products. Yesterday was the turn of <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/derbyshire-christmas-birdhouse-teas.html" target="_blank">Birdhouse Tea Company</a> and their delightful Peak District tea range. Today I am very excited to bring to you <a href="http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/" target="_blank">Anandas Foods</a>. I love the story of how their company came about. Ananda and Russell who were both working as professional photographers at the time set about making vegan marshmallows for their children to enjoy with hot chocolate on bonfire night. Vegan marshmallows are a relatively new thing in the UK and these guys have been real pioneers. They then progressed to doing some stalls at local fairs and have slowly grown the company without any bank loans or credit, winning awards along the way. The whole family is involved with their daughter coming up with the Round Ups name and their son hoping to run the company when he is older.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E_FgiNhjF8/WBpGSM1SQPI/AAAAAAAAFSg/YBcmrm32xswQmcK5zJrDV92X_3j8Zoq1wCLcB/s1600/round%2Bups.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E_FgiNhjF8/WBpGSM1SQPI/AAAAAAAAFSg/YBcmrm32xswQmcK5zJrDV92X_3j8Zoq1wCLcB/s1600/round%2Bups.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Up to now I'd only really come across Round Ups from their range of products. We are big fans and always buy some for Christmas presents and whenever we see them at Vegan Fairs. I had only tried the original Round Ups and was delighted to discover that they also come in other flavours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opXZ3LE4xx0/WBpGWT0nXlI/AAAAAAAAFSo/K6Zn5EacJWAqtlXusrpRpmWGadcyAZhgwCLcB/s1600/round%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opXZ3LE4xx0/WBpGWT0nXlI/AAAAAAAAFSo/K6Zn5EacJWAqtlXusrpRpmWGadcyAZhgwCLcB/s1600/round%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Chocolate and mint is always a winning combination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elGe2FJNKXo/WBpGhl8f3TI/AAAAAAAAFSw/_lVzQcmgkBIeOA0eOIZln93_6lI0_3IewCLcB/s1600/Mint%2BMe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elGe2FJNKXo/WBpGhl8f3TI/AAAAAAAAFSw/_lVzQcmgkBIeOA0eOIZln93_6lI0_3IewCLcB/s320/Mint%2BMe.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Chocolate and orange is such a great flavour for the festive season. They are also got <a href="http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/store/c5/Round_Ups%21.html" target="_blank">two special flavours for Christmas</a> this year in Rudolph's Cherry and Berry and a Marc de Champagne version!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-En3EPfFTLXw/WBpGj213dfI/AAAAAAAAFS0/xv7r9aqtqtIEuFqqpqXA9v73E23dbCR_QCLcB/s1600/Orang%2Be%2Btang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-En3EPfFTLXw/WBpGj213dfI/AAAAAAAAFS0/xv7r9aqtqtIEuFqqpqXA9v73E23dbCR_QCLcB/s1600/Orang%2Be%2Btang.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
There is even a gluten free version.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16lrsRKdINY/WBpGUZT8JjI/AAAAAAAAFSk/M4cuxAEef5UhnKDFUIMBcYTIB0mBnkuogCLcB/s1600/GF%2Bround%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16lrsRKdINY/WBpGUZT8JjI/AAAAAAAAFSk/M4cuxAEef5UhnKDFUIMBcYTIB0mBnkuogCLcB/s1600/GF%2Bround%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They are based on the Wagon Wheel snack (but are much, much better and more substantial). The quality of the chocolate they use is excellent and you get a thick layer around the edge of each Round Up and a lovely squiggle of it on one side.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5KiS86mbxg/WEB2dpLpvFI/AAAAAAAAFVk/HjXVl67vzTYHmC9k-scg0aC0MXTdCFrzgCLcB/s1600/back%2Bround%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5KiS86mbxg/WEB2dpLpvFI/AAAAAAAAFVk/HjXVl67vzTYHmC9k-scg0aC0MXTdCFrzgCLcB/s1600/back%2Bround%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
It always makes me smile when I see this on the other side!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQyNkct8aG8/WEB2gXsncZI/AAAAAAAAFVo/olGIlVHQNbso3bLuY7V2eBWz61hxJbx2wCLcB/s1600/top%2Bround%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQyNkct8aG8/WEB2gXsncZI/AAAAAAAAFVo/olGIlVHQNbso3bLuY7V2eBWz61hxJbx2wCLcB/s1600/top%2Bround%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a cross section of the limited edition Halloween Round Up that was packed with a thick layer of marshmallow and some blackcurrant jam. There are also some special gift tins available for Christmas so if you have any friends or relatives wondering what to buy you I suggest you give them a nudge in the direction of the<a href="http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/store/c5/Round_Ups%21.html" target="_blank"> website</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHgGIxV_F3Y/WEB2iWEPamI/AAAAAAAAFVs/yIxtmqrvLPwL0JDohij9VUY-Mo28mbvPQCLcB/s1600/inside%2Broud%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHgGIxV_F3Y/WEB2iWEPamI/AAAAAAAAFVs/yIxtmqrvLPwL0JDohij9VUY-Mo28mbvPQCLcB/s1600/inside%2Broud%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
They also sent me a range of their hand made marshmallows to try. These included Coconut, Raspberry and Blackcurrant + Liquorice. They come in these beautifully designed gift cubes. I loved all their packaging design and how recyclable it all is. I've saved the boxes to reuse for homemade gifts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14RIaPXqUYc/WBpGmIGUjjI/AAAAAAAAFS4/U6On-XB85ksJmRduzu_UdVk679YDqBvOwCLcB/s1600/big%2Bmarsh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14RIaPXqUYc/WBpGmIGUjjI/AAAAAAAAFS4/U6On-XB85ksJmRduzu_UdVk679YDqBvOwCLcB/s1600/big%2Bmarsh.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to this there was also some choca mocha mallows with a generous drizzle of dark chocolate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiG5T8ffTzU/WBpGn0ZNOzI/AAAAAAAAFS8/z6sqy4tyrmI6gj3xW-05GKc6c3Ad15KfQCLcB/s1600/choco%2Bmocha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiG5T8ffTzU/WBpGn0ZNOzI/AAAAAAAAFS8/z6sqy4tyrmI6gj3xW-05GKc6c3Ad15KfQCLcB/s1600/choco%2Bmocha.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
These peach marshmallows were delightful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CH2aU_l6Q8M/WBpGqRQuS7I/AAAAAAAAFTA/XzmP4IvXnMcGuVbblzI6W7CI5aanKoBdwCLcB/s1600/peach%2Bmarsh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CH2aU_l6Q8M/WBpGqRQuS7I/AAAAAAAAFTA/XzmP4IvXnMcGuVbblzI6W7CI5aanKoBdwCLcB/s1600/peach%2Bmarsh.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The mini bites were super cute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXSRVQQMhxI/WBpGr4UzHqI/AAAAAAAAFTE/ft0PCIs11nAlEQn9rSoJk4MCd_NretDhQCLcB/s1600/mini%2Bmarsh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXSRVQQMhxI/WBpGr4UzHqI/AAAAAAAAFTE/ft0PCIs11nAlEQn9rSoJk4MCd_NretDhQCLcB/s1600/mini%2Bmarsh.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Just perfect for two steaming mugs of hot chocolate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltPjo0KR-Sw/WEB2rXIKU1I/AAAAAAAAFVw/AciTra_cy6cUJ292_Yo3AxrkShx8VN3-QCLcB/s1600/mini%2Bmarshmallow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltPjo0KR-Sw/WEB2rXIKU1I/AAAAAAAAFVw/AciTra_cy6cUJ292_Yo3AxrkShx8VN3-QCLcB/s1600/mini%2Bmarshmallow.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved everything about these handmade marshmallows. The texture is excellent and they hold up well in hot chocolate, softening nicely but not dissolving to mush like some other brands I've tried. They toasted well too. I was really impressed with the use of natural and organic ingredients. The colour of the raspberry and blackcurrant + liquorice marshmallows were lovely and vibrant whilst still using natural flavouring and colouring. They use Madagscan vanilla extract and you can taste the quality. I was also impressed by the range of flavours. I was crazy for the blackcurrant + liquorice ones in particular and had to restrain myself from eating the whole box in one go! All in all I can't recommend these products highly enough. They even sell kits to make your own marshmallows and condensed milk too. If you are looking to support vegan run businesses then check them out. You will not be disappointed.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-14953806813769416842016-12-06T07:30:00.000+00:002016-12-06T07:30:12.471+00:00Derbyshire Christmas - Birdhouse TeasI'm featuring some companies this week that are either based in Derbyshire or have links to the area. They are all wonderful artisan producers carefully crafting quality goods that would make perfect vegan friendly gifts. I'm starting today with <a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/" target="_blank">Birdhouse Tea Company.</a> They are based in Sheffield in Yorkshire but among their many handcrafted tea blends they have a Peak District collection. I came across Birdhouse when we popped into the fantastic, cosy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hoppercafehope/" target="_blank">Grasshopper Cafe</a> in Hope, Derbyshire one rainy afternoon. I had a cup of tea that was so mind blowingly good that I had to ask the owners who their tea supplier was. I messaged Birdhouse to find out if they were interested in a blog review and they very kindly sent me the whole* of the Peak District range of teas to try.<br />
<br />
*Please note that one tea - Moorlands, does contain honey so is not featured here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb_g93-7y-E/WCxwg3X9hHI/AAAAAAAAFUE/NMGa-V0qfccTb0JFkZJ9RWNHBULYt4mJACLcB/s1600/blue%2Bjohn%2Btea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb_g93-7y-E/WCxwg3X9hHI/AAAAAAAAFUE/NMGa-V0qfccTb0JFkZJ9RWNHBULYt4mJACLcB/s1600/blue%2Bjohn%2Btea.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/black-tea/blue-john-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">Blue John</a> is named after the famous Blue John mines and is a blend of assam and darjeeling with gorgeous vibrant cornflower petals in the mix. This makes for a great breakfast tea with a subtle fruity, maltiness to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYde8k7yu5o/WCxwjQneWjI/AAAAAAAAFUI/0f8A_QSU4wUGjzyfjBQ4S4EEbP9NqcUBACLcB/s1600/The%2BEdge%2Bgreen%2Btea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYde8k7yu5o/WCxwjQneWjI/AAAAAAAAFUI/0f8A_QSU4wUGjzyfjBQ4S4EEbP9NqcUBACLcB/s1600/The%2BEdge%2Bgreen%2Btea.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/green-tea/the-edge-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">The Edge</a> is an unusual green tea blend which has cardamon seeds, ginger, clove, black pepper, cinnamon and mint. For my palate it would have worked better without the mint. The smell made me think of roast dinners! If you are a fan of green teas though and looking for something a bit different this might be up your street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyAU4FrWVLU/WCxwlWk8BGI/AAAAAAAAFUM/jobqLPOs6PoIfTRjcmVD2PRObf55tOgSACLcB/s1600/White%2BPeak%2Btea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyAU4FrWVLU/WCxwlWk8BGI/AAAAAAAAFUM/jobqLPOs6PoIfTRjcmVD2PRObf55tOgSACLcB/s1600/White%2BPeak%2Btea.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/white-tea/white-peak-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">White Peak</a> is a blend of white tea and peppermint. I've never come across white tea with mint before, fruit yes, but not mint. On opening the packet you get a big hit of peppermint. It's a really refreshing brew which is gentler and more subtly flavoured than regular mint tea which I liked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acLmIlCSwuQ/WEBhwo1VPaI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/mvvc2Rb15esHwQlNZ6YB4gVdsPMzD7HOwCLcB/s1600/secret%2Brecipe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acLmIlCSwuQ/WEBhwo1VPaI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/mvvc2Rb15esHwQlNZ6YB4gVdsPMzD7HOwCLcB/s1600/secret%2Brecipe.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
This tea blend is named <a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/black-tea/secret-recipe-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe</a>. Any guesses what that might be referring to? I'll give you a clue that it's referring to a famous Derbyshire baked treat. Yep, it's Bakewell pudding. The tea is a blend of black tea, almonds, rosehips and raspberry and subltly captures the essence of Bakewell pudding. This would make a perfect afternoon tea drink.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrJMxntOhNI/WCxxUHVoT0I/AAAAAAAAFUQ/zo8oHy4rRqsu_VK-iwSVLjmTykNRiFp3gCLcB/s1600/Duchess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrJMxntOhNI/WCxxUHVoT0I/AAAAAAAAFUQ/zo8oHy4rRqsu_VK-iwSVLjmTykNRiFp3gCLcB/s1600/Duchess.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/black-tea/duchess-georgiana-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">Duchess Georgina</a> got a mention last month when I made a <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/vegan-mofo-day-7-derbyshire-oatcake.html" target="_blank">Derbyshire style breakfast </a>during Vegan Mofo. Duchess is a gorgeous smelling blend of black tea, grapefruit, rose, marigold and mallow petals. The grapefruit adds something special and the mallow flowers round out the blend beautifully to make a very elegant cup of tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3pkADoajHw/WEBhzaqHqxI/AAAAAAAAFVU/BzZamm1_kxsog74QhqTudHmufcEDsZxLgCLcB/s1600/The%2BTrail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3pkADoajHw/WEBhzaqHqxI/AAAAAAAAFVU/BzZamm1_kxsog74QhqTudHmufcEDsZxLgCLcB/s1600/The%2BTrail.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's two herbal teas in the Peak District collection. <a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/caffeine-free/the-trail-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">The Trail</a> pictured above is a blend of chamomile and lemongrass. The bright, zesty lemongrass is the dominant flavour here so if you are someone who appreciates the calming benefits of chamomile but isn't keen on the flavour this could be one for you. I drink chamomile most evenings. As well as it being a great aid to sleep I find it really helpful with the post nasal drip condition I suffer from. I found this a fantastic change to my usual brew.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrIeU1Dsmac/WD7BerlEjbI/AAAAAAAAFVA/dC-kvqOe_-IOEs5gaaXLgDAB39avJe3ywCLcB/s1600/Dressed%2BWEll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrIeU1Dsmac/WD7BerlEjbI/AAAAAAAAFVA/dC-kvqOe_-IOEs5gaaXLgDAB39avJe3ywCLcB/s1600/Dressed%2BWEll.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/caffeine-free/dressed-well-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">Dressed Well</a> is the other herbal tea in the collection. It's a colourful blend of hibiscus, rosehip, apple, mallow, safflower, cornflower and marigold petals. It smells absolutely amazing, like a sweet shop! The taste was lovely and reminded me of sherbet lemons mingled with strawberries. I think that this would make an excellent iced tea too for the summer months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6G_YIeAiUkA/WD6zCmJSLVI/AAAAAAAAFUw/TzFhfocqF3oWGGLI8SiC6w4eix9Df8CNgCLcB/s1600/Muddy%2Bboots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6G_YIeAiUkA/WD6zCmJSLVI/AAAAAAAAFUw/TzFhfocqF3oWGGLI8SiC6w4eix9Df8CNgCLcB/s1600/Muddy%2Bboots.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally, the tea that started my journey of discovery with Birdhouse Teas - <a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/shop/black-tea/muddy-boots-tea-peak-district/" target="_blank">Muddy Boots</a>. This is a picture of me on a walk we took up to <a href="http://www.trekkingbritain.com/coombesrocksfromglossop.htm" target="_blank">Coombes Edge</a>. We popped out one afternoon last week for an hour for a little walk and to watch the sun set. It was absolutely freezing and we were glad that we'd brought a flask. Muddy Boots is best drunk without milk and is a blend of black tea with roasted cacao husk, cacao nibs and vanilla which gives the tea a creamy edge. I was the perfect tea for the walk and was of course accompanied by a few squares of dark chocolate.<br />
<br />
If you're a tea fan I highly recommend checking out the <a href="http://www.birdhouseteacompany.com/" target="_blank">Birdhouse website</a>. The quality of the teas is excellent and the packaging lovely. And don't forget to pop back tomorrow when I'll be featuring an impressive range of handmade marshmallows!Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-57652742694343150902016-12-02T07:30:00.000+00:002016-12-02T07:30:20.990+00:00Nina's Popcorn ReviewWhilst I am a big lover of crisps and nuts my favourite snack has got to be popcorn. So, when new company <a href="http://www.ninaspopcorn.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nina's Popcorn</a> asked if they could send me some bags to review I didn't hesitate to reply, yes please! Matt works from home so I don't get much time in the house on my own but when he has an evening gig there's nothing I like more than to stretch out on the sofa to watch a film with snacks to hand. Needless to say he didn't get a look in with this popcorn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rRSIxoS6dg/WBYTI8sfVOI/AAAAAAAAFQs/Miqt8musQass3vocUfovte4mKbDim6sFACLcB/s1600/kale%2Bpopcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rRSIxoS6dg/WBYTI8sfVOI/AAAAAAAAFQs/Miqt8musQass3vocUfovte4mKbDim6sFACLcB/s1600/kale%2Bpopcorn.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to work my way through the savoury popcorn first. The lemony kale and pepper had a fun tinge of green to it. You can definitely taste the kale and there's a slight citrus tang and actually quite a bit of a kick from the black pepper. The pepper was a little too much for my palate to be honest. It's certainly a grown up popcorn maybe one to pair with a Bloody Mary as a bar snack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTCirnBMjpg/WBYTKHVvTNI/AAAAAAAAFQw/sQgxBQ_XOkEEspkM_Wxl7hI7WxXb6CFQgCLcB/s1600/sriracha%2Bpopcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTCirnBMjpg/WBYTKHVvTNI/AAAAAAAAFQw/sQgxBQ_XOkEEspkM_Wxl7hI7WxXb6CFQgCLcB/s1600/sriracha%2Bpopcorn.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other savoury flavour in the range is Spicy Sriracha and Spirulina. I was a bit apprehensive about trying this one as my hyper sensitive cough reflex syndrome is super intolerant of chilli or anything with heat and can cause me a lot of discomfort. I nearly gave it away but I'm glad I didn't as the good news is that I tried this after started my new meds and had very little reaction. The meds suppress the cough reflex pretty well. This is amazing for me and I couldn't stop smiling. It's ten years since I've been able to eat anything with this kind of heat and believe me with was hot, hot, hot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTr5ac0Ago0/WBYTHsx8J0I/AAAAAAAAFQo/V8rzxLrrmdszx_-_oT9nzeVc-oUqYRHZACLcB/s1600/coconut%2Bpopcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTr5ac0Ago0/WBYTHsx8J0I/AAAAAAAAFQo/V8rzxLrrmdszx_-_oT9nzeVc-oUqYRHZACLcB/s1600/coconut%2Bpopcorn.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The other two bags in the range are sweet rather than savoury and I have to say that these were my favourites. The Sweet Coconut, Himalayan Pink Salt and Maca had lovely buttery, maple, coconut flavours with just a hint of maltiness from the maca.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yI3WdAV5d48/WBYTGCk3WHI/AAAAAAAAFQk/6K1R2EQwMqgVD5HtO6Ssz9Bmnaz2eVREwCLcB/s1600/cacao%2Bpopcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yI3WdAV5d48/WBYTGCk3WHI/AAAAAAAAFQk/6K1R2EQwMqgVD5HtO6Ssz9Bmnaz2eVREwCLcB/s1600/cacao%2Bpopcorn.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The absolute stand out flavour for me was the Cacao, Goji Berries and Pistachios. As with all of the range the popcorn is cooked in coconut oil. It's sweetened with maple syrup and I thought that this was a really inspired flavour combination where the tastes blended really well. The nuts also gave an interesting crunchy texture to the coating. I really liked that there were only healthy natural ingredients in the products and I would definitely buy them again. Hopefully they will become more widely available. At the moment you can buy them online as a taster pack or by the box from <a href="http://www.ninaspopcorn.co.uk/shop-popcorn/" target="_blank">Nina's Popcorn</a> and <a href="https://www.yumbles.com/ninas-popcorn.html" target="_blank">Yumbles</a>.</div>
Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-77053461495454047492016-12-01T07:30:00.000+00:002016-12-01T07:30:00.146+00:00Exploring Green Tea with Teavivre - Teas To See You Through The Festive SeasonI'm back! It's been quite a long break from blogging as I prepped all my Mofo posts in advance in October. There were some gaps and I had hoped to do some more throughout the month but life kind of got in the way. I've started a new drug treatment for my hyper sensitive cough reflex syndrome. It's sort of the last resort in the drugs they give patients as I've tried everything else and nothing has worked. It's morphine therapy where I take a controlled low dose twice a day. So far it is having really good results with my cough being about 30% of what it usually is which is great news. I'm still in the stage of dealing with side effects (and hoping they wear off) so that's fatigue, brain fog, nausea, anxiety, headaches, stomach cramps and other fun things! I am trying to feel positive though and trying to incorporate self care practice into my day to day life more than ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Gs1tdTIvY/WAyaeUEfbYI/AAAAAAAAFQI/-cfBc9jZvBQ4Vldds2isvz4qUq1u4lLmQCLcB/s1600/sweetcorn%2Btea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Gs1tdTIvY/WAyaeUEfbYI/AAAAAAAAFQI/-cfBc9jZvBQ4Vldds2isvz4qUq1u4lLmQCLcB/s1600/sweetcorn%2Btea.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the things I'm doing is making sure I stay hydrated. Alcohol is off limits whilst I'm on this treatment so I've been exploring the world of nice teas more than ever. One type of tea I've always shied away from a bit is green tea. You might remember that <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/tea-tasting-with-teavivre.html" target="_blank">I blogged about</a> a wonderful afternoon that I spent tasting and learning about Chinese teas that I was sent from a lovely company called <a href="http://www.teavivre.com/" target="_blank">Teavivre</a>. I was excited when they contacted me again to say they were sending me some more samples, this time of some of the green teas that they stock. I wondered if I would be converted!<br />
<br />
I loved how the teas in the selection that they sent all looked so different. These flat leaves were from the <a href="http://www.teavivre.com/organic-long-jing-green-tea/" target="_blank">Organic Superfine Dragon Well Long Jing</a>. They recommend on the website to drink this when you need calming so that will be a good one for me over the next month. This has sweet, grassy aromas and a sweet, buttery mouthfeel with hints of chestnut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q_CUFVDr88/WAyaaT8js2I/AAAAAAAAFP8/p9aNPOeSxs0Xx3mwXqeRqA1TSZjh2zXwQCLcB/s1600/flat%2Bleaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q_CUFVDr88/WAyaaT8js2I/AAAAAAAAFP8/p9aNPOeSxs0Xx3mwXqeRqA1TSZjh2zXwQCLcB/s1600/flat%2Bleaves.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.teavivre.com/xinyang-maojian-green-tea/" target="_blank">Xin Yang Mao Jian</a> had twisted spindly leaves. There was nice freshly cut grass aromas and a refreshing palate. It was slightly vegetal, think of spinach with a hint of smoke and a very slightly salty aftertaste.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_PAaFSBvac/WAyabnOSWkI/AAAAAAAAFQA/xvlInqXfCqAsMpA91gRXA9BEhwFFA8PDwCLcB/s1600/spindly%2Bleaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_PAaFSBvac/WAyabnOSWkI/AAAAAAAAFQA/xvlInqXfCqAsMpA91gRXA9BEhwFFA8PDwCLcB/s1600/spindly%2Bleaves.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Different in appearance again were these tightly twisted black/green leaves of <a href="http://www.teavivre.com/charcoal-baked-anxi-tie-guan-yin-tea/" target="_blank">Charcoal Baked Anxi Tie Guan Yin Oolong</a>. This tea needed a longer steep than the others. The Teavivre website is really helpful telling you how to brew each type of tea. This produced a bright yellow brew with toasty, seaweed aromas. It had a big, smooth mouthfeel with floral flavours with just a hint of smokiness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJJtMAIQQQc/WBYSEuodEQI/AAAAAAAAFQc/sCtHHo2ESpgma8bkJ9jGcoDJY9TSR3v3gCLcB/s1600/oolong.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJJtMAIQQQc/WBYSEuodEQI/AAAAAAAAFQc/sCtHHo2ESpgma8bkJ9jGcoDJY9TSR3v3gCLcB/s1600/oolong.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I think my favourite of all the samples was the <a href="http://www.teavivre.com/organic-bai-hao-green-tea/" target="_blank">Organic Bai Hao (White Downy) Green Tea</a>. I've nicknamed this Sweetcorn tea as it really does smell of sweetcorn! This carries through onto the palate and it's really light and refreshing. It was very different to anything I've tried before and has become a new favourite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99FUYbxGf5Y/WAyadKHWfvI/AAAAAAAAFQE/id5UarDxIcYdYfIFR2MloJcG9MC2OHjzgCLcB/s1600/sweetcorn%2Bleaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99FUYbxGf5Y/WAyadKHWfvI/AAAAAAAAFQE/id5UarDxIcYdYfIFR2MloJcG9MC2OHjzgCLcB/s1600/sweetcorn%2Bleaves.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really enjoyed exploring the world of green tea and am definitely converted. I'll be carrying on drinking it through December. Another thing I like about these teas is that they are reviving without having such a big caffeine hit as coffee (around 10% in most cases). They are going to be useful in helping me deal with fatigue without giving me an anxiety spike like coffee can do. There's going to be a review focus on the blog over December and I've got several more reviews coming up focusing on vegan friendly products made locally to me that would make excellent gifts so stay tuned!</div>
<br />
<br />Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-26536481266704194082016-11-29T07:30:00.000+00:002016-11-29T07:30:16.739+00:00Vegan Mofo Day 29 Gingerbread Granola<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YPn3oW6-78/V_Jpfp7SbdI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/PKiHjbxykKwgZVS5l9SzZe76jfn9C9N0wCEw/s1600/mofo%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YPn3oW6-78/V_Jpfp7SbdI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/PKiHjbxykKwgZVS5l9SzZe76jfn9C9N0wCEw/s320/mofo%2B2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 29 is holiday test run day. I like to make my own granola now and again and I've been thinking about trying to come up with a seasonal flavour for a while. I kept coming back to something that I like to make at this time of the year - gingerbread!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYSgIjDpgrg/V-lQ9S12VWI/AAAAAAAAFKE/3v4fsteTo6cwwqwqqTSNZrw8KOqLM1klACLcB/s1600/gingerbread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYSgIjDpgrg/V-lQ9S12VWI/AAAAAAAAFKE/3v4fsteTo6cwwqwqqTSNZrw8KOqLM1klACLcB/s1600/gingerbread.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I was pretty happy with the result but think I would like to tweak it still further. It's not overly sweet so I think next time I'd try adding a little more maple syrup, maybe 1/4 cup. I'd originally wanted to use dried apples but they seem to be out of favour at the moment and I could find dried fruit of all descriptions except apples! The dried pears tasted good but were a little too chewy for my liking and stuck in the teeth a bit! I think I would possibly try this again with some dried pineapple as pineapple and ginger is such a great combination. Anyway the texture came out great and I loved the pecans in it. I'll put the recipe below for people to play around with and I'll continue to refine it until I get it just perfect. I quite like to give glass jars of home made granola as gifts so maybe this will even make it as a Christmas present this year. We enjoyed it mixed into plain yoghurt that had been drizzled with Sweet Freedom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TalSumhbb1s/V_Jq3waLPnI/AAAAAAAAFLc/OMNV8wubbMwquoc1N5AfWCqPHEVc5k6UACLcB/s1600/gingerbread%2Byog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TalSumhbb1s/V_Jq3waLPnI/AAAAAAAAFLc/OMNV8wubbMwquoc1N5AfWCqPHEVc5k6UACLcB/s1600/gingerbread%2Byog.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Gingerbread Granola<br />
<br />
Makes 4 servings<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons of ginger<br />
1 teaspoon of cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg<br />
1 1/2 cups of oats<br />
1/4 cup of dried pears<br />
1/2 cup of chopped pecans<br />
2 tablespoons of vanilla soy milk<br />
2 tablespoons of rapeseed (canola) oil<br />
1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses<br />
2 tablespoons of maple syrup<br />
<br />
Pre-heat the oven to 350f/ 180c<br />
<br />
Stir the spices together in a cup and add them to a bowl along with the oats, pecans and dried pear and mix well.<br />
In another bowl whisk together the soya milk, oil, maple syrup and blackstrap molasses.<br />
Add the liquid mix to the oat mix and stir to combine.<br />
Line a backing tray with greaseproof paper and tip the granola mixture onto it.<br />
Bake for around 25 minutes giving it a few stirs and keeping an eye on it so the nuts don't burn.<br />
Let it cool and store in a glass jar.Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707777685434085070.post-85291617435607348002016-11-27T07:30:00.000+00:002016-11-27T07:30:15.932+00:00Vegan Mofo Day 27 Cherry Chia Bricher Museli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YPn3oW6-78/V_Jpfp7SbdI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/PKiHjbxykKwgZVS5l9SzZe76jfn9C9N0wCEw/s1600/mofo%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YPn3oW6-78/V_Jpfp7SbdI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/PKiHjbxykKwgZVS5l9SzZe76jfn9C9N0wCEw/s320/mofo%2B2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So today's Mofo prompt asks 'Was there a food you used to hate and now don't?' As I'm sticking to my breakfast theme I struggled a bit with this as I couldn't really think of any breakfast foods that I don't like, if anything I feel I am discovering new ones all the time. 2016 has definitely been 'The Year of The Breakfast' for me. But then I remembered the first time I ever heard of Bircher Museli. It was about 15 years ago and I'd gone round to my friends Robert and Corinne's house. Now this pair are fantastic cooks and know their food so when Robert was talking up this Bircher Museli that he had started making I should have known it would be great. However, the picture that popped into my head of oats soaked overnight and then eaten cold in the morning just made me think, urggh, cold porridge! Now years later and a regular overnight oats eater I am pleased to say I am a huge fan of Bircher Museli too. Basically anything that takes a few minutes prep in the evening and yields a wonderful tasty, healthy breakfast in the morning is a winner in my book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ssEqX2ksJs/V-lN5hfnxZI/AAAAAAAAFJw/-PQbM2EaC8kPcnDy8cZGWAKIFfdbRhdNgCLcB/s1600/cherry%2Bchia%2Bbircher%2Bmuseli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ssEqX2ksJs/V-lN5hfnxZI/AAAAAAAAFJw/-PQbM2EaC8kPcnDy8cZGWAKIFfdbRhdNgCLcB/s1600/cherry%2Bchia%2Bbircher%2Bmuseli.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Cherry, Chia Bircher Museli<br />
Serves 2<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 cup of oats<br />
2 tablespoons of chia seeds<br />
1/2 a cup of dried cherries<br />
1/4 cup of flaked almonds<br />
1 1/2 cups of plant milk<br />
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract<br />
Sweet Freedom/maple syrup/ agave to taste<br />
2 grated apples (in the morning)<br />
Yoghurt to serve (optional)<br />
<br />
Prepare the bircher museli in the evening by stirring together the oats, chia seeds, dired cherries and almonds in a tupperware container. Add the milk and vanilla extract and stir again then place in the fridge overnight.<br />
In the morning stir in the grated apple. Portion out into two bowls. Drizzle with the sweetener of your choice and add a little more plant milk / yoghurt to taste.<br />
<br />
Are you a fan of overnight oats or bircher museli? What add ins do you like?Tea and Sympaticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05891916492039752232noreply@blogger.com8