Posted by Nicole on March 22, 2013
So it happened. I’ve fallen head over heels with an entirely new-to-me food. It’s called socca, and it’s brilliant.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I have absolutely no memory of ever eating socca before this year. How could this happen? Or rather, fail to happen? This naturally gluten-free and vegan flatbread deserves its own category under the list of vegan staples. Seriously, it’s that amazing.
Although I don’t know if I should be singing its praises as if it’s some kind of trend that will leave as quickly as it came. I picture you sitting there, reading this and rolling your eyes—I know, I’m a little late to the party. The people in France have been making it for decades.
But can we please talk about the ease and versatility of this fabulous food? I’m shocked that such simple ingredients can be baked into such a delightful and versatile base for whatever you’re in the mood for. Want pizza? Add tomato sauce, veggies and dairy-free cheese. Need to make a crowd-pleasing savoury tart? Make this or this. Socca is also flexible enough to be wrapped like a burrito or used to scoop up thick curries. I like to bake it and then quickly run it under the broiler at the end, but apparently you can also make it right on the stovetop using a cast iron pan.
Posted by Nicole on March 17, 2013
The city I live in is very much a cosmopolitan. It is a sprawling metropolis of glass and steel whose skyline is punctuated by the familiar CN Tower among a showcase of condo and commercial buildings. What I love most about this city is that it has grown into one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world. The streets are bustling with people of every colour, ethnicity and religion. Known as “the city of neighbourhoods,” Toronto offers a point of connection for everyone with areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, the Financial District and the Fashion District.
Where I fit in is among the city’s thriving vegan community (although we have yet to have a neighbourhood named after us), a diverse crowd of individuals who live up to their values of compassion and wellness. The point of connection for all of us is the Toronto Vegetarian Association, an amazing non-profit organization that works to inspire people through community events like the annual Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival and the Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off.
Posted by Nicole on March 6, 2013
Whenever the topic of veganism comes up with friends and family while we’re enjoying a glass or two of wine, many are surprised to learn about the use of animal products in wine-making. “I don’t get it. Why aren’t all wines vegan?” they ask.
It is a confusing and often overlooked issue for vegans and non-vegans alike. Winemakers Jason Robideaux and Cheryl Murphy Durze of Vegan Vine, an entirely vegan vineyard in California, have written a guest post for ADC readers that I thought was super interesting. They’ll explain the wine-making process, the alternatives to animal ingredients, and why they ceased the usage of any animal products in their own vineyards. Sadly, Vegan Vine wines are not available in Canada (yet), but I’m happy they’re willing to share their knowledge.
In doubt about your favourite wine? Check out Barnivore.com. Or call the winery directly!
Posted by Nicole on February 25, 2013
One of the main messages I try to convey on this blog is that homemade, plant-based meals and snacks are worth the time and effort you put into making them. Today, you’ll find a new article on VegNews.com that highlights six simple staple foods you can easily make on your own for a fraction of the cost you’d typically pay at a grocery store.
For those who read VegNews.com frequently, you may have noticed a few articles co-authored by Lisa Pitman and yours truly. The “6 Kitchen Staples You Can Make at Home” article is just one of them. We’ve also shared:
Posted by Nicole on February 18, 2013
It’s almost two full months into 2013 and I’m feeling pretty great. How about you?
The first day of January started off like any other—with the promise to improve my eating habits and fitness regime—but this year, I had a little help from a friend. Christy Morgan, otherwise known as “The Blissful Chef,” invited me to join her brand new Wellness Reboot program. Despite the fact that I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle, I’m not perfect and I do occasionally overdo it on the late-night snacks and recipe taste-testing. So I was excited to check out what Christy’s program could do for me.
The Wellness Reboot is a 28-day online wellness program that includes more than 15 videos on cooking techniques, a 28-day meal plan of whole food, plant-based recipes (no oil, no processed foods, no refined sugar and mostly gluten-free), a “Getting Started Guide” that explains everything you need to know about eating healthfully and living a plant-based lifestyle, continual support and motivation from Christy through a private Facebook group, and bi-weekly conference calls.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Christy’s work (you can read my review of her cookbook here), and I know she has poured her heart and soul into this latest project. Christy has been working in the community for a long time, and she describes the program as an accumulation of all she’s learned in both culinary arts and in over 10 years in the health and wellness field. For the program, she also partnered with vegan personal trainer Chad Byers of Beyond Fit for the fitness element, so you get a workout that’s easy to do at home, along with workout videos. You can check out a sample live workout with Chad here (be sure to skip to 5:40 for the start of the workout).
