Recipes

I have been vegetarian or vegan since I was 17, but in 2015, following a diagnosis of Stage 2 bowel cancer I have been eating ‘rainbow’ diet, eating a great variety of veg, fruit and plant based food. I also chose to cut out wheat and refined sugars as well as being vegan. Some people I know find the prospect of my diet very restrictive but I have found it liberating as it has made me become even more creative in my cooking. In this space I will share some of the recipes I have devised, which friends, even without my niche dietary requirements, have enjoyed. Incidentally, I came through cancer with just one operation and no chemo and I am fit and well. I am thankful for my diet, daily doses of curcumin and Manuka honey and, most of all God.

Bean Burgers

A staple which can be made from any canned beans and veg. This version is seasoned with chipotle for a smoky, spicy kick

Blackcurrant Sugar-free Jam

A simple recipe to create a fruity jam

Chicken of the Woods

Not so much a recipe as an account of eating this wonderful mushroom

Cranberry Gluten Free Scones

This gluten-free scone recipe could be adapted to make plain scones or to use other fruits. Cranberry is a slightly tangy twist on this traditional teatime treat

Kiwi Loaf

Like banana bread but made with kiwi fruit, this loaf has a lovely citrusy taste and is really simple to make – worth letting your kiwis go soft for

Plum Upside-Down Cake

More of a pud than a cake this is a great way to use surplus (or foraged) plums (or indeed any other fruit).

Raw Fruit and Nut Chocolate

This chocolate is packed with great things and has a satisfying contrast of textures

Salted Raw Chocolate with Cacao Nibs

A good recipe for those times when you fancy a something sweet and chocolatey

Spinach Pesto

Trying to get some more leafy greens into your diet? This is a tasty way to achieve that

Vegan Nut Roast

Not much to look at but very tasty, the addition of miso and sage make this a little different and courgette makes it moist.

Salad

Late in life I discovered salad can be a joyful thing, not so much a recipe as an incitement to create your own colourful salad combinations