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V is for Vegan is published today/Vitamix giveaway

April 23, 2015 86 Comments Filed Under: Food, Recipes, Uncategorized

My book on creative vegan cookery, V is for Vegan, is published today. It’s one of the most original cookbooks you will ever see, with delicious recipes ranging from easy to complex. You will have recipes on how to make tofu, vegan butter, nut milk, nut cheeses as well as ramen bowls, beetroot ravioli Georgian style, watermelon stir fry, sage and squash pizzette, vegan trifle, chocolates and mousse au chocolat. Order the book here today.
Many of the recipes are made easier by using a Vitamix blender/food processor. I’ve been using a Vitamix since 2012 and I can honestly say I use it almost every day. It doesn’t take up much room on the counter but does so many things. (I’ve put my old blender in the cupboard as a result, I just don’t use it, once you’ve gone Vitamix, you can’t go back). You can make your own instant icing sugar, rice flour, oat flour by grinding it. It’s wonderful for smoothies and dips, sauces and soups, nut butter, nut milks, tofu. It is expensive but worth the outlay as you use it so often. And most importantly, it’s easy to clean, a quick rinse through.
Vitamix nutrition centre, v is for vegan

The model is a Total Nutrition Centre which comes in black, white, red or brushed stainless steel. If you win, you can choose which colour. This is an amazing giveaway worth £450! I don’t often do giveaways, but this is a real treat for my readers.

Rules:

Answer the question below, follow @msmarmitelover and RT this post.

Question:

What is your favourite recipe from the book and why?

Good luck everybody and hope you love (and buy) my book. 

Love Kerstin aka msmarmitelover

P.S. Don’t forget the Secret Garden Club supper club at my place this Sunday 26th April, book here. 

xxx

Giveaway terms:
This competition is held jointly by Vitamix UK and msmarmitelover.com. It is open to UK residents only. The deadline is the 23rd of June 2015. The winner who answers the question correctly will be picked at random.
1 entry counted per person. 1 prize. 1 winner will be sent a Vitamix Total Nutrition Centre in the colour of their choice.
UK Delivery only. No cash alternative. You must follow @msmarmitelover and RT this giveaway tweet to enter. Closes 11.59pm 23rd June 2015. Winner chosen at random using random.org from valid entries. Winner will be informed on that date in the comments when I shall ask you to contact me by email. If prize isn’t claimed within 1 week a new winner may be chosen. Msmarmitelover.com‘s decision is final
The winner (UK only) will be chosen at random.

Edit: Question has changed 23/4/15

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. DoctorFaye

    April 23, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    Awesome giveaway – I've wanted a Vitamin forever. Quick question though – do you want us to reply with the answer to the question on twitter or in this comments box?

    Reply
    • Kerstin Rodgers aka MsMarmiteLover

      April 23, 2015 at 11:51 pm

      Hi Doctor Faye, I'd like you to answer here. Note: I've changed the question to enable people to give creative answers.
      Lots of luck xx

      Reply
  2. bushra

    April 25, 2015 at 11:23 am

    I have to admit I look for the easier recipes first so as not to scare myself off. So I would say the Roast Parsnips and Jerusalem Artichokes recipe is my favourite. I especially love the bit about how cumin might help with the 'fartichokes'!

    Reply
  3. Kate Lord

    April 25, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    I am wracked with indecision about what I will cook first. A toss up between the Pomelo, Chilli, Peanut & Coriander Salad; I always see the pomelo winking at me in the local grocers but never know how best to use it. My other choice would be the Uthappam, I love them to eat and if I learnt to make them at home I could truly satiate my greed!

    Reply
  4. Lydia Frew

    April 25, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    Hot-smoked marinated tofu. I always struggle to get flavour into my tofu dishes so introducing the smokiness is wonderful and will bring a new dimension to it for me.

    Reply
  5. jcamp2020

    April 28, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    Would love to try your Mexican brownies. Want's not to love there?

    Reply
  6. Mummy Matters

    April 29, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    I eat LOADS of Peanut Butter, I swear I am addicted to the stuff so I would love to have a go at making my own because there has to be way too much sugar in the shop bought stuff.

    It was great to meet you at the #ArgosGardenParty I have come away feeling very inspired and can't stop thinking about those yummy sweet chilli peppers with halloumi, delicious!

    Reply
  7. Kerstin Rodgers aka MsMarmiteLover

    April 30, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    Thanks all! Do keep 'em coming. This is a great prize. I'm also keen to hear feedback on the book.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous

    May 2, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    It has to be the advocado and oero cheesecake – what an amazing idea!
    Elaine

    Reply
  9. Sarah Moore

    May 3, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Benign Dictatorship Saffron Spaghetti. I want to make that first – also it has the best name!

    Reply
  10. Kriss MacDonald

    May 8, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    I'm dreaming of making smoothies for the kids with the Vitamix then after they go to bed cheesy popcorn for my husband and kale chips for me while we watch a film and relax!

    Reply
  11. Cate Lawrence

    May 8, 2015 at 7:06 pm

    the avocado oreo cheesecake is seriously calling my name, so tempting!

    Reply
  12. Sarah Fawcett

    May 18, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    I like the Energy Balls, perfect for that mid morning snack or mid afternoon slump to keep me going until home time!

    Reply
  13. Ritchie Dee

    May 18, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    I'm going to try the vegan 'Parmesan' – I've tried making it before with cashews not pecans but I'll give it a go.

    Reply
  14. prwilson

    May 18, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Vegan sliders with all the fixins sounds great – I've been looking for a healthy alternative to burgers.

    Reply
  15. Anna s

    May 18, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    Passion fruit and rosewater pavlova ..mmmmmmmmm…

    Reply
  16. pate-ci0

    May 18, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    Mexican brownies, love brownies

    Reply
  17. rose grant

    May 18, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    It has to be gnocchi in tomato/basil broth, I really love this, I have cut back on sugar and salt, my sister does not cook with salt in her food, I told her that you need a small amount for the body, there is so many to choose from in the book, I am struggling everyday to find what to eat, my doctor said to me that my iron level is low, I am sure if I had a Vitamix Blender I can mix all the veg & fruit's that I don't like to help me.

    Reply
  18. Penny J

    May 19, 2015 at 5:35 am

    I believe that fermented foods are the 'next big thing' – they already are in this house! – so for me the kimchi recipe is top of the list!

    Reply
  19. Anna Gleave

    May 19, 2015 at 6:28 am

    Watercress and lemon zest pesto – really fresh, original and healthy/ Makes an ideal quick meal using nutritious watercress which is so under used and full of iron

    Reply
  20. Fiona King

    May 19, 2015 at 8:46 am

    The Avocado Oreo Cheesecake sounds most intriguing and different

    Reply
  21. pauline hill

    May 19, 2015 at 10:12 am

    Mexican brownies. sound very tasty indeed

    Reply
  22. Kerry Charlesworth

    May 19, 2015 at 11:13 am

    The Soya Yoghurt sounds lovely!

    Reply
  23. BERNIE EGERTON

    May 19, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Uthappam, had them in India years ago and loved them

    Reply
  24. Furor

    May 19, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    I love your guacamole recipe. I'm a great avocado lover and I use it extensively in salads. And like any mexican dip guacamole goes down a treat with a crisp dark rye ryvita slice.
    Competition or not I had a throrough read at your book and found it very useful. I've been vegetarian for 45 years and caught very good ideas!

    Reply
  25. Helen Grayson

    May 19, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Vegan 'Parmesan' sounds so much better than other ones I've tried before. I like to make little things to ad a burst of flavour to my meals!

    Reply
  26. Paul

    May 19, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    The black & green cheesecake sounds great. I love cheesecake!

    Reply
  27. kimberley dVIES

    May 20, 2015 at 8:28 am

    hibiscus in blue corn enchiladas looks and sounds amazing

    Reply
  28. Dawn Canning

    May 20, 2015 at 10:34 am

    The Skordalia because it's so garlicky my colleagues refuse to speak to me (no loss there then) and it's bloody marvellous with roasted aubergines, stuffed in a pitta, with me, stuffed in a chair.

    Reply
  29. Steve Leach

    May 20, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    Pumpkin and popcorn chowder i just love pumpkin always reminds me of halloween

    Reply
  30. stephanie coals

    May 20, 2015 at 7:16 pm

    advocado and oero cheesecake because it was absolutely amazing – i've tasted nothig quite like it before and the taste is so unique!

    Reply
  31. Jocelyn Clark

    May 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    Tagine of carrots, peppers and lentils is my real favourite. The Moroccan spices and textures of the lentils with the veg make it a superb hearty meal.

    Reply
  32. Kristy Brown

    May 22, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    The Hot-smoked marinated tofu sounds intriguing and super tasty at the same time

    Reply
  33. Belinda Matthews

    May 22, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    Passion fruit and rosewater pavlova, sounds yummy

    Reply
  34. Lubey

    May 22, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    My favourite is Mexican Brownies, I love brownies but couldn't find a decent vegan recipe which,tasted as good without dairy x

    Reply
  35. Angela Kate Webster

    May 23, 2015 at 2:05 am

    I love the sound of the mousse au chocolat. If it's chocolate, it's my fav!

    Reply
  36. The Bargainista

    May 23, 2015 at 7:04 am

    The Skordalia because I just love garlic and it's a great comfort food

    Reply
  37. Sam Bresnahan

    May 23, 2015 at 9:11 am

    Mexican brownies!! Omg omg omg… I need these like now…

    Reply
  38. Lois Eaton

    May 23, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    Soya Yoghurt for me because I love yoghurt and eat loads of it. Yum

    Reply
  39. ZAZARK

    May 25, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    I am waiting to try the hibiscus in blue corn enchiladas with my pals

    Reply
  40. Anastasia

    May 27, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    Skordalia because it is the perfect food for the summer plus is good for people with high blood pressure!

    Reply
  41. Leanne Mckenna

    May 31, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    smoked basil and beetroot tofu – I have a beetroot obsession at the moment and I love tofu too!

    Reply
  42. theknittinggoddess

    May 31, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Skordalia – no such thing as too much garlic

    Reply
  43. Kat Lucas

    June 2, 2015 at 2:35 am

    I would love to try the homemade Peanut Butter and make other nut spreads as I hate all the sugars & extras in commercial Peanut Butter

    Reply
  44. Sarah Thomas

    June 8, 2015 at 10:41 pm

    My favourite recipe is the black bean chilli as my kids like it too!

    (Twitter: @SarahThomas49)

    Reply
  45. Tom Baines

    June 11, 2015 at 5:27 am

    avocado oreo cheesecake this is just me omg amazing @tho77as

    Reply
  46. Kimberley Smith-Howes

    June 13, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    Has to be the avocado Oreo cheese cake I absolutely adore avocados so can see that this would work, I've made cheesecakes before using courgettes and that worked very well. Wanted a vitamix forever I've seem them in action and really believe if you have one you wouldn't need any other kitchen gadget , sadly my purse strings have never stretched that far, anyways fingers crossed and great book x

    Reply
  47. emma glass

    June 16, 2015 at 10:33 am

    The date, sugar and cardamom compote as it is simple but full on flavours that appeal to my sweet tooth. I am learning more and adding to my recipe reportoire!

    Reply
  48. Fawkes

    June 17, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Hot smoked marinated tofu, im always looing for ways to make it taste good

    Reply
  49. YOLANDA DAVIS

    June 17, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    I would love to try the Mexican Brownies

    Reply
  50. Shaheen

    June 19, 2015 at 10:12 am

    I got my mitts on the cookbook early this week, yay – loving the originality. First recipe I want to make has to be the Oreo cheesecake – awesome, though the Pate de fruits also appeal. I am entering for my sister in laws rather than myself, fingers crossed.

    Reply
  51. Trädkramaren

    June 19, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    The block tofu is my absolute favourite! Tofu is one of the few things I don't know how to make myself, and now I can learn to be a tofu pro!

    Reply
  52. Claire

    June 19, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    A Vitamix has been on my wish list forever!
    I love the sound of Pumpkin and popcorn chowder! Yum

    Reply
  53. mclarkie

    June 21, 2015 at 8:48 am

    River Cottage Veg, because Hugh is brilliant

    Reply
  54. Sarah Laycock

    June 21, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    I think the black and green cheesecake is so inspiringly creative and a MUST have to share with guests – as well as being perfectly delicious, it also makes for a great talking point!

    Reply
  55. Katerina Apostolidis

    June 21, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    I will admit to not having attempted to cook with tofu before (and eating it only a few times) but I had been wanting to change that, so the 'Tofu Shakshouka' seemed like a great introduction. I am definitely making it again!
    There are so many lovely recipes in the book, and the 'Mosaic of Betroot & Radish' was one of the first that caught my eye.. it looks so stunning too!

    Reply
  56. Kat Allinson

    June 21, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    The avocado and oreo cheesecake sounds delicious!

    Reply
  57. Adam Mo

    June 21, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    The black and green cheesecake because i love cheesecake

    Reply
  58. Emily Knight

    June 22, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Love the sound of the Benign Dictatorship Saffron Spaghetti – partly because of the flavours, and partly because of the name! 😀

    Reply
  59. Aurelia Fredon

    June 22, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Sauerkraut, I need to eat more fermented food

    Reply
  60. anteena

    June 22, 2015 at 10:57 am

    i have only recently become vegetarian and am more in touch with my indian roots learning to cook an array of vegetable meals and i loved your uthappam recipe.
    Its so versatile as i use it for many different dishes savoury or sweet.
    For the kids i finely shred the veg and then fold it like a dosa after adding potato curry so its certainly full of the 5 a day

    Reply
  61. Anonymous

    June 22, 2015 at 11:16 am

    I definitely love the sound of marinated tofu, can't wait to give that a go 🙂

    Reply
  62. Bryony Brooke

    June 22, 2015 at 11:46 am

    My mum's a bit old fashioned, and still finds being vegetarian and vegan very strange. I'd love to make her the trifle so she can see she can still have her "normal" food!

    Reply
  63. Lila B Taylor

    June 22, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    I'd like to try the mexican brownies x

    Reply
  64. Angie Hoggett

    June 22, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    I love cheesecake so it's got to be the very unusual Avocado, Oreo cheesecake for me 🙂

    Reply
  65. Hayley Mulgrove

    June 22, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    I love the Mexican brownies recipe there something i have never tried and sound amazing, love the book its very different from anything i have ever read before and love all your idea there something i will deffo try, i Have followed on Twitter too @hm_mulgrove

    Reply
  66. Keshia Esgate

    June 22, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    Falafel Slider, Sweet Potato sounds lovely!

    Reply
  67. Jane Middleton

    June 22, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    Soya Yoghurt for me, love them from the supermarkets so to make my own would be great

    Reply
  68. Jamie Millard

    June 22, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    I've just dabbled with my first ever cheesecake. It was a very indulgent Nutella cheesecake – A LOT of nutella mixed with the cheese, and some in the base too. I loved it so I am looking to try some other flavours, sticking with my sweet tooth's favourite things.

    Oreo cheesecake could be a good place for me to go – but adding avocado, sounds interesting. My nutella cheesecake was a bit sickly, especially with the size of slices I cut – I did say I put a LOT of nutella in. The Avocado would cut through that though and would make me feel a little less guilty – well, it's a fruit after all.

    Great idea that I will definitely be trying.

    Loving the other ideas in the book – from pesto, enchiladas, some real gems that I have to try. If I can find all the ingredients that is.

    Do you (I haven't looked hard enough) have a section/guide on where you get some of the less conventional ingredients – my small Tesco doesn't cut the mustard.

    Reply
  69. Valerie Kay

    June 23, 2015 at 2:29 am

    The Avocado Oreo Cheesecake has an interesting combination of flavours 🙂

    Reply
  70. denise s

    June 23, 2015 at 2:50 am

    Watercress and lemon zest pesto fresh healthy and so easily made

    Reply
  71. Florence Cross

    June 23, 2015 at 5:28 am

    I think the Mexican brownies would be a huge hit amongst my family. Following & rt'd (@_MrsBadger_)

    Reply
  72. Vicks

    June 23, 2015 at 7:12 am

    The gravy recipe – its so hard to find a good one x

    Reply
  73. RJ Marshall

    June 23, 2015 at 9:01 am

    Watercress and lemon zest pesto sounds absolutely delicious. I would be keen however to surprise my wife and learn lots of new recipes not that our diet has changed with her being diagnosed as Dairy and Gluten Free. Would be amazing to surprise her as part of our new lifestyle. 🙂

    Reply
  74. jane chadwick

    June 23, 2015 at 10:11 am

    we holiday in playa del Carmen mexico each year so will defiantly give the Mexican brownies go soon sounds yummy anf I bet there are too loving trying new recipes with my daughter annalise RT AND FOLlOWED @jane1346

    Reply
  75. srobbo71

    June 23, 2015 at 10:25 am

    The Black and green cheesecake looks amazing and so refreshing, it also includes my new favourite ingredient coconut oil

    Reply
  76. Natalie Crossan

    June 23, 2015 at 10:57 am

    River Cottage Veg, very eclectic 🙂
    @nattycrossaint on Twitter x

    Reply
  77. Jacqueline Roberts

    June 23, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    The waffles and crumpets. We love a lush breakfast and having a Vegan Daughter I admit to suffering from lack of inspiration when cooking is concerned. This helps a lot, and its healthy too.

    Reply
  78. Clare Davies

    June 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    mexican brownies sounds lovely! X

    Reply
  79. chirag patel

    June 23, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Uthappam been having them for years in south Indian restaurants just love this version of the pancake

    Reply
  80. Lynne O'Connor

    June 23, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Beetroot ravioli

    Reply
  81. George Worboys Wright

    June 23, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    Beetroot ravioli Georgian style sounds interesting! I love beetroot and pasta so it sounds perfect to me 🙂

    Reply
  82. Tansy'sKitchen

    June 23, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    I Love V is for Vegan I have already made the Rice n Peas, it filled the house with the mellow smells of coconut and thyme. I tried the hibiscus flowers and blue corn tortillas. As a foodie and a cook I already had hibiscus flowers and blue corn in t he store cupboard. I was thrilled to find a recipe that used them both and loved the results. I didn’t know you could eat hibiscus flowers; I have only ever used the concentrate from hibiscus flowers as a drink. All of those flowers that I have thrown away that could have been filling tacos. I Love the stories that Kerstin tells stories that go with some of the dishes, because food is about flavour but also about moments and memories. I looked up Iris Berry the poet that goes with the Kashi and Bows recipe.

    V is for Vegan is a book you read from cover to cover. I will make the vegan parmesan cheese the vegan spread and although I am a little nervous about it I will also make the tofu. My daughter loves Tofu I have taught her to cook it but will love teaching her how to make it.

    Reply
  83. Catherine Gregory

    June 23, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    I love the Hairy Dieters. It's the Hairy Bikers diet book and their are a lot of healthy filling low cal recipes. My favourite being the Leek lasagne. Leek instead of pasta sheets, genius!!

    Reply
  84. Sue Brett

    June 23, 2015 at 10:41 pm

    I haven't tried it as yet but Tagine of carrots, peppers and lentils sounds really lovely and filling too – important for the rest of the family

    Reply
  85. Kerstin Rodgers aka MsMarmiteLover

    June 24, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Thanks everyone for your entries. The winner is Tansy's Kitchen. Congratulations, Vitamix UK will be in touch with your prize.
    Kerstin aka msmarmitelover

    Reply

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MsMarmiteLover aka Kerstin Rodgers.

Chef, photographer, author, journalist, blogger. Pioneer of the supperclub movement.

This is my food and travel blog, with recipes, reviews and travel stories. I also stray into politics, feminism, gardening.

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msmarmitelover

Kerstin Rodgers/MsMarmiteLover
On the heath on Sunday. Must. Walk. More. #coronal On the heath on Sunday. Must. Walk. More. #coronaloner
Tonight’s lockdown dinner with my bubble. Proper Tonight’s lockdown dinner with my bubble. Proper pesto alla genovese with trofie, small boiled salad potatoes, steamed green beans (good tip: steam the beans in a colander plopped on top of the potatoes or pasta), good quality pesto sauce ( mine from local microbakery @seansloaf ), good olive oil (@pomoragoodfood), torn fresh basil, a few pine nuts. This turns this student dish into a balanced meal of carbs, veg and a little protein.  It’s cold outside, I’ve lit the fire. Covid rages in Kilburn high road in north west london. The rate is 1 in 30 london wide but I feel it’s higher in this poor inner london area. We have a high BAME population who are particularly vulnerable. It’s a little bit anarchic on my high street: cars perched on kerbs waiting for hijabi women, braving pound shops and Aldi . We are all covered up now. In winter masks keep your face warm, but you have a choice between safety and being able to see. I’ve not managed to prevent the inevitable steaming up of my glasses when wearing a mask. Nothing works.  #january #londonwinter #pestopasta #pestoallagenovese #vegetarian #pasta #trofie #supperclub #covid_19 #lockdownlife #lockdown3 #bubblegang
Galette des Rois, made yesterday in 12th night. Mi Galette des Rois, made yesterday in 12th night. Minus Crown and king as I cannot find either. This one is made with Tonka bean. Plus homemade puff pastry (well worth the effort). According to ike delorenzo at The Atlantic:  The tonka bean, a flat, wrinkled legume from South America with an outsize flavor that the US government has declared illegal. Nonetheless, it proliferates on elite American menus. The tiniest shavings erupt in a Broceliande of transporting, mystical aromas.
The taste of the tonka bean is linked strongly to its scent. "Scents," I should say, as the tonka bean has many at once. I register the aromas of vanilla, cherry, almond, and something spicy—a bit like cinnamon. When served cold—say, in tonka bean ice cream—the taste is like a vanilla caramel with dark honey. When warm, perhaps shaved over scallops, it moves toward spiced vanilla. Additionally, the aroma of the tonka bean shavings (it's almost always shaved) is so affecting that it seems like an actual taste in the way that opium, which has no taste in the traditional sense, "tastes" like its rich, flowery smoke.  Here is the recipe: 

Tonka bean galette des rois

Serves 8
Ingredients
* 140 g caster sugar
* 125 g salted butter, softened
* 100 g ground almonds
* 2 eggs, medium
* 1 tonka bean, grated
* 2 packs ready made butter puff pastry on a roll
* 1 yolk for brushing the pastry
Instructions
* Preheat your oven to 200c.

* Blend the butter with the sugar then add the almonds. Make sure it’s well mixed. Add in the 2 eggs one at a time, then add the tonka bean.

* If using a block: divide the puff pastry into two and roll out to 5mm thick. 
* Make two circles about 15 cm’s each in diameter. Lay one circle on a silicone mat/parchment paper on a baking tray and fill with the almond cream leaving a 3 cm border around the edge. 
* Paint the border with the egg yolk. Then lay the other circle on top, sealing the edges with a fork. 
* You could then carve designs into the top. Make a little slit in the middle to let steam escape then brush the top with the egg yolk
Mapo tofu is probably my favourite Sichuan dish. T Mapo tofu is probably my favourite Sichuan dish. This is a vegan version. ***

Ingredients:
- 400 g box of soft tofu not silken
- 5 soaked dried shiitake mushrooms, diced, keep water
- 1 red bell pepper, finely sliced
- 400 g fresh shiitake mushroom, sliced thinly
- 400 ml vegetable stock
- 1 thumb fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 tbsps groundnut or vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp fermented bean paste
- 1 or 2 small red chillies, minced or a spoonful of Chinese chilli paste
- 1 tsp heaped sichuan peppercorns, finely ground
- 2 tbsps soy or tamari sauce
- 2 tbsp cornflour in 3 tbsps water, mixed into a slurry
- 4 spring onions, finely sliced
- large pinch fresh coriander leaves

Prepare the tofu by cutting it into one inch cubes and soaking it in hot but not boiling salted water. Drain after 15 minutes.
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms, covering them in boiling water. Leave until soft, then dice the mushrooms. Retain the mushroom soaking water and add to the vegetable stock water.
Prepare the other ingredients so they are ready to stir-fry: red bell pepper, fresh mushrooms, ginger, garlic.

Using a wok or deep frying pan, add the oil and heat to frying temperature. Add the bell peppers,fry for a couple of minutes, then add fermented bean paste, chilli paste or chillies, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sichuan pepper.
Add the mushroom/vegetable broth and simmer on high for a couple of minutes.
Carefully add the cubes of tofu, taking care not to break them too much.
Add the cornflour slurry, stirring for a couple of minutes.
Serve with rice or noodles, garnishing with spring onions or chives and or coriander leaves.  #veganuary #mapotofu #sichuanfood #tofu  #shitakemushrooms #supperclub #londonchef #msmarmitelover #ham&highcolumn #eatplants #lockdown3 #selfisolation #coronaloner #cooking #recipe #cookingfromscratch
Macaroni cheese with odds and sods from the Christ Macaroni cheese with odds and sods from the Christmas leftover cheese board. I’ve used @paxtonscheese truffled brillat-savarin and a mystery hard cheese that’s lost its label. Plus cream and topped it with samphire fried in butter. Haven’t bothered with making a roux- this is the lockdown lazy version.  #lockdownlazy #lockdown3 #supperclub #macandcheese #macaronicheese #truffledcheese #leftovers #leftovercheeseboard #londonlockdown #breakfast #coronaloner
Another thing the Japanese are brilliant at is san Another thing the Japanese are brilliant at is sandwiches. They use the softest, whitest, fluffiest bread. Their mayonnaise kewpie is gorgeous I don’t know why. Perhaps someone here can explain? Here I’ve used sourdough as it’s what I have; kosho which is a Yuzu citrus and green chilli condiment and the aforesaid kewpie Mayo to make an egg 🥚 sandwich.  I’m not a big egg fan but I suddenly had the urge. Also I’ve noticed when I eat eggs it satiates my hunger for hours. All that protein.  #sandwich #sandwiches #japanesesandwich #kewpiemayo #kosho #eggsandwich #sourdough #supperclub #cookingforone #solo #londonlife #lockdownlondon #recipe #snack #sundaysnack #sando
Agedashi tofu for New Year’s Day. With a vegan d Agedashi tofu for New Year’s Day. With a vegan dashi stock, it’s perfect for veganuary. How to make dashi: put a piece of kombu seaweed in water. Soak for half an hour then simmer for half an hour (don’t let it boil). Then mix 2 cups of dashi with 2 tbsps of mirin and 2 of soy sauce.  For the tofu: press soft tofu with weights for half an hour, then cut into cubes. Dust all over with cornflour.  Then deep fry the tofu cubes in 180C veg oil until they float. Set aside to drain, then place say 3 cubes in small bowl. Pour the sauce around and top with spring onion and daikon and togarashi 7 spice.  #easypeasyvegan #veganuary #agedashitofu #tofu #japaneseveganrecipe #newyearsday #freshstart #supperclub #londonsupperclub #msmarmitelover #visforvegan #recipe
Writing about tofu which I think has an unfair rep Writing about tofu which I think has an unfair reputation in this country. It’s so flexible and is a brilliant flavour sponge. Here I’m preparing my soft tofu for a Japanese dish: agedashi tofu. I first pressed it in a clean tea towel with a weight on top to firm it up a bit but not too much. Then I dusted it with cornflour and I will deep fry it in oil. Then I will serve it in a broth of dashi/mirin and tamari sauce, sprinkled with finely chopped spring onions and togarashi pepper from Japan. I would usually add some finely mandolined daikon radish but couldn’t find any. It’s a subtle dish of texture: soft yet crispy. After Christmas I’m desperate for light zingy fresh flavoured food. #supperclub #tofu #vegan #vegetarian #agedashitofu #newyearsday #cookingagain #lunch #asian #japanesefood
Happy new year from my bubble to yours! Keep holdi Happy new year from my bubble to yours! Keep holding on...
#happynewyear #happynewyear2021 #supperclub #hootenanny
Some of my Christmas food 🥘 lots of veg includi Some of my Christmas food 🥘 lots of veg including mashed swede with cheese and butter. I put pomegranate seeds with my sprouts, and cooked my carrots in marmalade ( worked v well), the mushroom wreath fell apart as I was transferring it to a tray 😤, roast potatoes and parsnips, then a cheese spread with fruit nuts, quince cheese (homemade), Chocs @lindtuk 😍 @guylian_uk @disaronno_official @baileysofficial @taylorsportwine and Brazil nuts. Plus a pavlova wreath ready to be topped with whipped cream and persimmons. 
#christmasdinner #vegetarianchristmas #vegetarianchristmasdinner #supperclub #londonchristmas #liqueurs #christmasspread #grazing #cheeseboard #port #pavlova
Christmas has started! Home-cured smoked beetroot Christmas has started!  Home-cured smoked beetroot and aquavit salmon with homemade blinis, creme fraiche, dill, Prosecco.  The fire is lit 🔥, the tree is up, 🎄the presents 🎁 are wrapped, we have a #brexit deal- a Christmas miracle. Peace and harmony. #christmas #christmasinengland #homemade #christmaseve #blinis #smokedsalmon #prosecco🍾 #londonchristmas
Done some doorscaping, the latest trend in Christm Done some doorscaping, the latest trend in Christmas decorating. It might also cheer up passersby. #christmas #christmasdecor #doorscaping #doorsofinstagram #londonchristmas #doorwreath #doordecor #doorsoftheworld #doordecoration #exteriors #london #supperclub #covidchristmas
Look at my gorgeous Nordic pine Christmas tree 🎄 from @pinesandneedles with some family ornaments and beautiful foodie ornaments from @gisela_graham  it’s 7 foot high and no drop. My parents brought over the candle lights. I’ve also used paper ornaments (apples and pears cut from maps) from @dionne_leonard which I first commissioned for a supper club.  #christmas #christmastree #christmasdecor #foodiedecorations #glassbaubles #supperclub #christmasinlondon
More #fbmarketplacefinds I find meeting the seller More #fbmarketplacefinds I find meeting the sellers interesting. It’s often about moving on whether through death, a change of circumstances, moving country, loss of a job. Today I visited a gorgeously renovated Edwardian house where the owners, an antique dealer & a master decorator had died with 18 months of each other of cancer.  The sister was there emptying the house, an incredibly painful experience. The husband who died was an expert in putting up lincrusta wallpaper which I’ve pictured here. All that craftsmanship and knowledge lost now.  The piece I got on Sunday, the teal chinoiserie cabinet, was from a Spanish guy returning to Spain. He’d lost his job as a hotel manager, the hotel, a big one, has now closed. The marble coffee table and arepas grill was from a Spanish couple who’d had a restaurant here for 40 years. They are now returning to Spain. Other slides: green Edwardian fireplace tiles, William Morris wallpaper, 2 small scalloped coffee tables, a knife and fork cutlery hook set.  A fireplace for my bedroom if I can find someone to put it in. #lockdownstories #covidstories #movingon #decor #interiors #bargains #secondhandstyle #edwardianstyle #williammorris #tiles #wallpaper #scallopededge #teal #chinoiserie #whitemarble #vintage #kitchenalia #supperclubrefurb #london #lincrustawallpaper
Another #fbmarketplace find £30. I can’t afford Another #fbmarketplace find £30. I can’t afford proper chinoiserie so I make do with fakes. The gradual doing up of my flat proceeds apace. Need to start on main bedroom. Looking for a storage ottoman (velvet?) bench to turn into a horizontal filing cabinet.  Any ideas? Above is a map of london based on the A to Z map which a minicab office was tossing out. Remember when we all carried mini A to Z books in our handbags? Before google maps? #nocrushedvelvet #chinoiserie #supperclubrefurb #londonapartment #londonflat #norfweezy #decor #organising #storage #interiors
My new/old rise and fall light over the dining tab My new/old rise and fall light over the dining table. Found for £50 on #fbmarketplace  but originally from @thefrenchhouse.net_ one of my favourite shops. Every day, a little more progress. #supperclubrefurb #supperclub #londonflat #interiors #lighting #riseandfalllights #lightingisimportant #frenchstyle #vintagestyle #rusticstyle #turquoise #diningtabledecor
Two vegetarian meal kits, laksa and ramen, from @k Two vegetarian meal kits, laksa and ramen, from @kit.eats.uk. Took only a couple of minutes to cook(see stories) and very good. I’m trying a few meal kits of late to see how hospitality has adapted to the great reset. As a cook I’ve always thought why would I need these but now I get it: it’s like going to a restaurant- the pleasure of food prepared by someone else. Getting jolted off of your normal repertoire, so it’s teaching cooking too.  #mealkits #vegetarian #homecooked #hospitality #covid #takeawayfood #foodpackaging #laksa #ramen #supperclubchef
Still working on my glass cupboard. I’ve hung up Still working on my glass cupboard. I’ve hung up all my wine bottle openers and cork screws. My favourite is the zigzag bottom left. If you find them at a flea market in France, if you are lucky you may get it for around 35 euros.  #supperclub #londonflat #londoninteriors #corkscrews #frenchkitchenalia #zigzag #tirebouchon #oakcupboard #diy #diyprojects
My best food, drink and cook books 2020. Winter Wa My best food, drink and cook books 2020. Winter Warmers by @ginandcrumpets; Cook, eat, repeat by @nigellalawson; Red Sands by @edentravels; Scoff by @penvogler; Sunmer Kitchens by @oliahercules; Oats in the North, Wheat in the South and The Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook by @missfoodwise; Carpathia by @irina.r.georgescu; Jikoni by @cookinboots; Home Cookery Year by @5oclockapron; A Foodie Afloat by @dimurrell. All incredibly talented women, chefs, cooks, travellers, writers. Some are also artists and photographers and boozers. We have so much to be proud of in the UK food and drink scene. #womenwriters #cookbooks #foodbooks #lockdownwriters #puretalent #christmasbooks #christmasgifts #bookreviews #hamandhigh #msmarmiteloverblog #writing #cooking #travelling
Supper on Saturday night with my bubble. A b’sti Supper on Saturday night with my bubble. A b’stilla pie of potato, feta, pine nuts, sultanas soaked in sherry and ras el hanout. Butter or oil the dish, add 3 leaves of filo or brik, buttered in between. Tip in your filling. Fold up the sides. Brush on melted butter. Sprinkle poppy seeds. Cover with foil. Bake at 180c for half an hour, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes. Siege over some icing sugar with a tea strainer. Done and dusted(literally). #weekendsupper #b’stilla #bastilla  #pie #middleeasternfood #vegetarian #ovenready🔥 #supperclubchef #Novemberfood #lockdown2 #bubbledinner
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