Saturday 19 April 2014

Raw Vegan Easter Bun Truffles


Happy Easter! If crossed buns are significant to you at Easter and you would like one but can't have them, try these instead. I won't deny I've made the regular Easter buns this weekend simply because I don't mind the odd indulgence. However, if you are doing your darndest to stay raw over Easter or you are gluten free, or just want a healthier option then these are for you. They are pretty close to tasting like regular buns if I do say so myself, and they are easy peasy!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups ground almonds
2/3 cup chopped dried fruit (I used raisins, apricots, and dates)
1 tablespoon mixed spice
4 tablespoons apple juice (if desired, they are sweet enough for me without)
4 -6 tablespoons coconut oil
sliced almonds to decorate

Method
1. Stand coconut oil in warm (not hot) water until it liquefies
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and then add juice (if using).
3. Add the coconut oil a little at a time until the mixture sticks together like a biscuit (or cookie if you're in the northern hemisphere) dough. It will depend on the oil content of your ground almonds as to how much you will need, some have a higher oil content and won't be as dry.
4. Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into the size balls you would like, mine were a level tablespoon amount. Push down slightly and put onto a tray.
5. To make the crosses using a sharp knife cut strips of the sliced almonds into one longer bit and two half  lengths and push the pieces gently into the top to form the cross.
6. Cover and leave in the fridge for the coconut oil to set the truffles. It won't take long.
7. Enjoy!

Sunday 6 April 2014

Vegan Portobello Chestnut Patties



You may have been wondering where I have been since posts are so few between these days. I've been concentrating on juice feasting and eating some simple raw food, with some cooked meals to try and heal my body and get this damn weight off! So I haven't been experimenting much of late. But the change of season means I feel drawn more to comforting food since Summer's fruity bounty has all but come to an end. 

I love Autumn. The days are still mild, the nights crisp, and time seems to slide gently into winter. It's the season when the fire is lit again for the evenings, I linger in a hot bath, and then want to curl up with the cats and hounds for a cosy night in. 






Mr Sprout and myself celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary on the 26th March and it has been the first we have both been able to have the day off and spend it together since we were married. The romantic picnic I had in mind went down the drain with the ridiculous amount of water we've had pouring from the skies of late. Not to be discouraged we changed plans, packed our wellies in the van and headed out to Mt Irvine to squirrel for nuts instead. For us it's about a 50 minute drive since we live on the other side of the mountains, but it is a nice one. The small communities of Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine were cut off completely for several days in the bushfires we had in the Spring, and as we drove we saw plenty of areas that had been charred. Yet in the amazing nature of the Australian bush the eucalypts were already covered in bright green foliage helped along by the recent rains. Thankfully  Kookootonga nut farm was spared by the blaze although the neighbouring property lost everything. Which is just as well because we spent a very pleasant hour or so wandering under the canopies of towering chestnut and walnut trees and plucking the fattest nuts we could find.


 Since it was mid week we were barely disturbed by anyone else and the misty morning no doubt kept other squirrels at bay. $8.00 kg for fresh organic nuts are not to be beaten and certainly there is something lovely about gathering your own.



I decided to make some chestnut and portobello patties with our bounty since the mushrooms are also particularly good at the moment. they are delicious in your favourite bun with leafy greens and lashings of mustard, or wrapped in kale or chard leaves if you want a gluten free option. Earthy flavoured vegetables like fresh grated carrot or beetroot go well (or even just some ripe tomato). The mixture also makes excellent vegan sausage rolls, just get some vegan puff pastry and away you go!



Ingredients
250gr peeled cooked chestnuts, chopped
200 gr portobello mushrroms
1 large brown  onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
handful fresh sage, tarragon, and rosemary
salt and pepper to taste

Method
1.If you are using fresh chestnuts cut a criss cross in the top and drop them in a pan of boiling water for about 10 - 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then peel and  roughly chop.
2.In a frying pan saute onion and garlic in an little coconut or oil until beginning to soften and then add the mushrooms. continue to cook until onions are cooked through. Allow to cool.
3.In a food processor put in all ingredients and pulse until the mixture resembles a mince and sticks together.
4.Leave in fridge, covered,  for half an hour or so for flavours to develop.
5.Using your hands shape into the size and shape you desire, and fry in a little oil until brown on both sides.