How long have you been baking or cooking for and what is your advice to people that are just getting started?
Cooking has always been a huge passion of mine, especially creating meals and treats that are delicious and nutritious. I always believe in enjoying the meal your eating and never forcing yourself to eat something, otherwise, it creates a negative headspace around food. Therefore, I strive to make all my food tasty.
What is your favourite meal ever and have you been able to veganize it?
I personally remember my favorite childhood meal was my mother’s lasagna. Typically, a very meat and dairy-based meal, however, I still enjoy it now but vegan style. The cheese sauce can be replaced using a cashew and tofu sauce with nutritional yeast for the ‘cheesy’ flavour. To replace the mince there are many nutmeat or mock meat products available at the supermarkets, however I like to make my own from walnuts and green lentils. I also enjoy using rice paper sheets instead of pasta for a gluten-free and lighter option. Vegan eating never lets you miss out on those favorite meals.
What do your family and friends think of your recipes? Can they tell they are vegan?
When sharing my cooking with friends and family, they nearly always love them! Often coming from non-vegans, they sometimes can’t tell its vegan, or they may notice a difference but still enjoy it.
What was your reason for going vegan?
I have been vegan for 6 years now, I was initially inspired by a friend teaching me the environmental impacts of the meat and dairy industries on our planet. With further research into a vegan way of eating I discovered the true treatment of animals on most farms and the potential health risk some of these animal products cause. This all prompted me to start eating vegan.
In your recipe, you mention that as a nutrition student, health and well-being is a huge passion of yours. What do your classmates & teachers think of plant-based nutrition?
As a nutrition student, many different ways of eating and diets are focused on in my studies, they often create much discussion amongst students and teachers too. A major eating trend at the moment is reducing meat consumption, which majority of nutrition professionals and students support. However, there is always the minority that do not believe in this way of eating. Veganism is also supported however; it is taught that when a food group such as ‘dairy’ is cut out, alternatives must be consumed in replacement for the nutrients. The current 'Eat For Health Guide' otherwise known as the ‘The Australian Guide To Healthy Eating’ does cater for a vegan diet as meat and dairy alternatives are now included in the guide.
How long have you been shopping at F&F and what are your favourite products?
I have been following the Flora and Fauna Instagram for a long time, I love the variety of products you can purchase, from cleaning products to pantry items, gifts, skincare, and even bedding. In particular, the plastic-free and eco products are my fave! You can really create a low to zero waste household by shopping with Flora and Fauna.
Raw Vegan Snickers Bar Slice Recipe
I picked this Snickers slice because it is the first raw slice recipe I created!
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp salt
1. Soak 3 cups of pitted dates for 2 hours (for caramel)
3. Mix all base ingredients together in a bow
5. Blend all caramel ingredients together in a food processor
8. Cover and put in the fridge. Let set for at least 30 mins - 1 hour before diving in!
