Food

One of my favourite countries is France. From my time living there as a young girl to travels on a regular basis, the country is one of physical beauty, great people and the food culture is unique. For the celebration of Bastille Day, this interpretation of the French flag is a salute to France using fresh fruits as the colours.

Sometimes your research brings you some interesting information. I was doing some looking for a crepe recipe and was interested in when and where these beautiful creations originated. It turns out they date back to Medieval times, the mid 13^th century to be exact. The original name was Crespes (crisp) and as with a lot of things, were a mistake with porridge poured on a hot griddle. The original recipe merely gave instructions for the ingredients with no measurements. Reminds me of my maternal grandmother. Medievalcuisine.com took the time to figure out the recipe. It particularly interested me as it is naturally leavened. Makes sense, since it is ancient. The original flour used was buckwheat which is an ancient grain, so it is actually gluten free as well. It is lacey and light. One crepe is not enough.

This version of Cinnamon Cherry Spiced Sourdough Bread has no oil, no dairy and no eggs. Sourdough made from whole wheat flour and no oil or sugar retains all the flavour and increases the health profile, making it a great addition to breakfast or maybe anytime.

These babies are so easy to make and they rhubarb is freshly harvested. Thanks to Driscolls for the inspiration for the recipe. Their recipe was so cute with the strawberries, but I longed for something strawberry rhubarb, so I added some for a seasonal twist. Then because I cannot leave anything alone, I converted it to vegan, so it is dairy free and egg free as well.

This soup is hearty, healthy and filling. Full of root veggies and some grains such as farro or wheat berries. Eliminating the oil and butter makes it vegan and very delicious. Low in calories but large on taste. Test this one out on your family.

This one will surprise you with the ingredients and the lovely taste. It is creamy and delicious, and you will not miss any chocolate taste for chocoholics. Because they are baked and use natural ingredients, they are healthier for those sweet tooth moments. Make extra because they disappear quickly.

Banana bread is such a favourite for so many. But a typical banana bread is loaded with refined sugar and butter or oil. Benefits of this recipe are lower calories and saturated fats, egg free and dairy free. The flaxseed addition has other nutritional benefits besides posing as eggs.

Caesar salad re-imagined with salad dressing and cheese that are vegan and oil free.

This vegan dairy-free cultured cashew cheese is flavoured with what you add to it, so have some fun and enjoy the flavours of this wonderful cheese.

This vegan Chocolate Banana Split Muffins are super moist and can also be substituted for cupcakes. Use the best quality cocoa to really make these stand out.

This recipe is inspired by one from Driscoll’s Berries. It has been converted to vegan and oil free. Now it is healthy and tasty. Good for quick snacks. The best is to let it age for a day and they become softer. I will also try this again with some gluten free flour for a partial substitution to increase flakiness.

Hold on to your food processor when you make this one. Literally. LOL. This Small Batch Raspberry Banana Nice Dream has only a few ingredients and it is tasty and nutritious. Decorate as you wish to add some fun.