Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 i In The Moment

Download your bonus papers The festive season is nigh, so we’ve asked our team of wonderful wellness experts for their advice on how to enjoy a calmer Christmas – with family, with friends, at home or away. I hope you’ll find much inspiration, empathy and, above all, sound advice in the following pages. I hope also that you’ll take us up on our 14-day gratitude challenge, whether gratitude is already part of your routine, or whether it’s a practice you’d like to add to your self-care toolbox. This being a time of year when we give each other gifts, we naturally thank those around us for their care and generosity, so it’s also the perfect time to go deeper, to say thanks for the little things, the things that so…

What is it about Christmas that causes so much stress? Given that it’s the season of goodwill and happiness, why does it sometimes become a season of excess and exhaustion? Don’t get me wrong; I love Christmas. But the thing is, trying to manage everyone’s seasonal expectations can sometimes make it the least wonderful time of the year. We all want to make things lovely for our family and friends, and we also want to have a good time ourselves, but that can often lead to a whole season of extra anxiety. It’s been said that the stress of Christmas is up there with divorce and moving house. And it seems that these pressure points are sometimes linked; more people file for divorce in the weeks after Christmas than at…

Q I’m a 30-year-old woman who has had a string of unsuitable boyfriends and a very toxic relationship in my early 20s, which essentially alienated me from those I love. Over the past six years I’ve remained single but in the last 12 months I realised how lonely I was and tentatively put myself back ‘out there’. Dating apps were dire for me but then it happened: I met a real life man in a bar and we hit it off. He was kind, considerate and thoughtful and showed me what life can be like with a decent man. Then suddenly, in 24 hours, he changed his mind. He met me outside King’s Cross train station for all of five minutes where he told me he just “wasn’t ready for…

“Can you help out with the Christmas fair?”; “Have you done your Christmas shopping?” For some people, these questions help to stoke their excitement about the impending festive season, but for others, they trigger anxiety, guilt and dread. Between the festivities, annual ‘obligations’, gift-buying and an expectation that we should all be upbeat, we’re often worn out in advance. So let us honour and respect our bandwidth, as well as protecting and nourishing our close relationships–’tis the season to be… mindful. If we look at where the bulk of our discomfort springs from, it’s our expectations of ourselves. In our efforts to be a good child/sibling/partner/co-worker/boss/friend, we burn out due to forgetting our needs and trying to make life live up to the picture we’ve painted in our mind. For…

A few yoga poses to get the body moving is always beneficial, especially in between Christmas courses. Have a go at these poses whenever you feel the need to move. * Cat/cow (Pose 1) This is perfect for getting the spine moving, especially if you’ve been enjoying lots of time snuggling on the sofa! * Chair pose (Pose 2) This pose will wake up your leg muscles and stimulate your abdominal organs. * Forward fold (Pose 3) Seated forward folds are a lovely way to calm the mind and stretch the whole of the back of the body at the same time. * Easy standing twist (Pose 4) Twists are so good for stimulating the digestive organs and waking up the lower back. This standing version will also help to…

Natural scents When Pour Le Monde’s founder, Wendi Berger, couldn’t find perfumes that were both natural and elegant during her pregnancy, she decided that there must be another way. Her perfumes are 100% natural, made from entirely pure ingredients that are built into complex layers of gorgeous scent that has an impressive staying power. US $82 pourlemondeparfums.com Pure & simple Amsterdam-based perfumer Abel is on a mission to blend all the pleasure of perfume with the simplicity of nature. All their ingredients are 100% natural, expertly blended by Master Perfumer Isaac Sinclair. Their latest offering, Green Cedar, uses sustainably-sourced wild harvested cedarwood and has a rich, intoxicating fragrance. From US$6 www.abelodor.com Personalised perfume oils We love Awake Organics’ attitude to skincare and beauty, avoiding controversial chemicals, parabens and synthetic fragrance…

AKAMUTI LIQUID AFRICAN BLACK SOAP Our Liquid African Black Soap has a wonderful creamy lather and leaves the skin feeling moisturised and soft – it looks a bit like melted chocolate! Made with 100% natural ingredients and a high content of shea butter, this rich, creamy soap is ideal for dry and problem skin types. We craft our liquid black soap with Organic rosewater for optimum skincare benefits and it's naturally fragranced with earthy patchouli and spicy frankincense oil to energise, cleanse and condition. See the range at www.akamuti.co.uk SCENTED SCILLY FLOWERS Churchtown Farm send beautifully simple, postal gift boxes of Scilly grown scented narcissi direct from their family farm on the tiny island of St Martin's. These gorgeous flowers are grown outdoors in traditional small sheltered fields and flourish…

Confession time: there’s a certain irony in me being the creativity columnist for In the Moment magazine. If you’d asked me even five or six years ago if I considered myself to be ‘creative’, I’d likely have recoiled slightly, or gone to hide under a table somewhere. I didn’t see creativity as something that people like me got to indulge in. It was a preserve of the affluent, the more talented, and the bored. Fast forward a couple of years and I began to prove myself wrong in pretty spectacular fashion. I turned my creative hobby – taking photographs, writing snippets of prose, and eventually posting them to Instagram – into my new full-time business, increasingly being asked to teach others about what I’d learned. At first, I confess that…

Upcycled luggage tag Cheer up the earliest of mornings at the airport with this charming luggage tag. Its bright colours and pattern will make identifying your suitcase on the carousel a cinch, and listing your details can help you be reunited with your bag if it’s ever lost. The handmade tag is eco-friendly too, upcycled from vintage Hawaiian crisp packets, and the back is made from hand-dyed organic muslin. £9.40 etsy.com/shop/squigglechick Indigo sleeping set Margarita Szabo hand dyes her jersey and silk sleep masks using traditional techniques and natural ingredients. Each one is unique and comes with its own herbal pillow full of lavender – the combo will help you fall deep asleep on the bumpiest of long bus rides. As well as this pretty indigo mask, there are others…

Despite growing up in LA, yoga wasn’t ever part of my vocabulary. I was in my early 20s when a few friends dragged me along to a class at City Yoga. It felt awkward and intimidating; I just wasn’t good at yoga, and the problem was that I thought I was supposed to be. Of course, now I know that that’s not really the point. Since then, yoga has become a great way of keeping myself fit and flexible, but the benefits of my regular practice are far greater than this. Yoga gave me some passion and perspective, something I’d never had growing up. I lived in a bubble; parties, late nights, all the glitzy superficiality that comes with that LA lifestyle. My reality was skewed and my ego over-inlfated,…

V df gf Ingredients MAKES 20 *¼ cup (40g) hazelnuts*1 large onion, finely diced*4 garlic cloves, minced*½ cup (75g) rice flour*¾ cup (175ml) non-dairy milk*½ tbsp dried sage*½ tsp salt and pepper For the coating: * ¼ cup (40g) fine cornmeal/polenta*¼ cup (30g) cornflour*¼ cup (50ml) non-dairy milk*Olive oil for frying METHOD 1 Add the hazelnuts and chestnuts to a food processor and blitz until a fine, crumbly texture. 2 Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a large frying pan over a medium high heat and fry the onions until just turning brown. 3 Add the garlic, stir and fry for 30 seconds. 4 Add the rice flour and coat the garlic and onion with it. Then pour in your non-dairy milk. Stir to combine and let it thicken. Remove…

V df Ingredients SERVES 6 *3 leeks, chopped*4 garlic cloves, chopped*1 red onion, chopped* 500g (17½oz) sweet potatoes and of butternut squash, cubed*1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced* 350g (12⅓oz) broccoli, cut in small pieces, keep just the florets*1 tsp oregano and of thyme*½ tsp pepper and of Himalayan salt*113g (⅓ cup) maple syrup*Juice of a lemon*100g (3½oz) whole walnuts*120g (4¼oz) dried cranberries*250ml (1 cup) water*225g (½ cup) tomato sauce*Block of vegan puff pastry METHOD 1 Place a large casserole on a medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, cook the leeks and garlic until golden. 2 Add the red onion, cook for another minute and incorporate the sweet potatoes and butternut squash cubes. 3 Add the cherry tomatoes, broccoli, oregano, thyme, pepper, salt, maple syrup, lemon, walnuts and…

V df gf Ingredients SERVES 6-8 * 1½ cups (185g) cashews, soaked overnight, or for at least 6 hours*½ cup (150g) coconut cream*¼ cup (50ml) agave syrup*¼ cup (50ml) virgin coconut oil, melted*1 tsp vanilla extract*Juice of one lemon*Pinch of salt*¾ cup (95g) raw pistachios, chopped*½ cup (50g) pomegranate seeds*2 tbsp pomegranate molasses METHOD 1 Line a 1lb (450g) loaf tin with parchment/baking paper. 2 Drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with the coconut cream, agave syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, lemon juice and salt. Blend on high until smooth. 3 Pour about half into the tin and sprinkle half of the pomegranate seeds and about ¼ cup (30g) of chopped pistachios all over. 4 Pour in the rest of the mixture then sprinkle over the rest…

Photo comp winner! Last month, the theme of our Insta photo competition was ‘orange’. Thank you for all of your vibrant entries – we loved seeing the gorgeous orange hues that appear in your daily lives – you really did brighten up our days with your images! Our winner was Sam Taylor (@littlethingsphotographer), who shared this gorgeous picture of her daughter wearing a homemade autumnal crown. “My beautiful wild child and I made a leaf crown together after school today. I collected a bag full of leaves for her while she was at school and she couldn’t have been more excited, it really is the little things that matter,” Sam wrote in her caption. “I love autumn, it’s my favourite time of year.” Sam wins a Mindful Gifting wellbeing box…

TAKE A break FROM THE CHRISTMAS CHAOS AND give something back WITH RICOLA The festive season is, of course, a cause for celebration, but all the partying and preparation can leave us a little stressed and tired. This Christmas, equip yourself for those times when the merriment gets a bit too much by keeping Ricola’s Swiss herbal sweets to hand. Made using a unique 13-herb blend and free from artificial colours and flavours, these little pieces of heaven can help to bring you a delicious moment of calm and refreshment – wherever you are and whenever you need it. By enjoying Ricola’s herbal sweets, you’re not only giving yourself the chance to savour a well-deserved break, but also supporting a good cause among all the presents and indulgence. The Ricola…

Rose rituals Baie Botanique’s Ritual Gift Set is a lovely way to encourage you to take some time for yourself to nourish your skin. Organic rose and rosehip are key ingredients in the face wash, serum and moisturising face cream, helping skin to regenerate and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. The uplifting scent of rose is also said to have a positive effect on mood – a win win! £75 www.baiebotanique.com Mindful moments We all need a reminder to take a minute for ourselves, and this Mindful Moments set from Made For Life Organics does exactly that. Whether you need calm and peace, an energy boost or mental clarity, you can smell or apply one of the three bottles of essential oils inside to feel centred and grounded. The bottles…

“I’ve found taking a step back from everything for a moment really helps me to enjoy every minute of the holidays” The fire’s crackling, the mix of scents of pine and wine fills the house, the living room is warm with the twinkle from the lights on the Christmas tree and friends and family surround us – the festive season is upon us. I personally love this time of the year; for me it is a time to take stock and close the past year, enjoy the cosiness of jumpers and hot chocolates while hiding from the winter outside and revel in the lovely, albeit random, family situations that we encounter as we gather together to celebrate. For most of us though, there is a flipside to the season. It…

CLASSPASS FREE MONTH TRIAL Find out about this exclusive offer for In the Moment readers at: classpass.com/try/itm You only have to throw on your best lycra (or maybe not-so-best leggings!), lace up your trainers and do something that gets your blood pumping to feel the benefit. It’s true, exercise is good for us. And a workout is never just about physical fitness – it’s an important step to achieving a healthy mind too. Whether gentle or vigorous, exercise is a powerful force. It helps you make time for yourself, connect with your feelings, and give your body and soul a much-needed boost. Exercising also allows you to take a deep breath, clear your head of worries and emerge feeling energised and alive. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The problem is, despite…

There’s no denying it – Christmas is truly the season of socialising. But while you add parties, mulled wine catch-ups or wreath-making workshops to your diary, be sure to leave time for some personal TLC. Lots of late nights or busy days can play havoc with your wellbeing, leaving you feeling stressed, tired and far from filled with festive cheer. The same can be said for our skin; a full calendar can cause dullness and those pesky under-eye bags. I like to plan a night for myself in between those social commitments, to look after both mind and body. Since eschewing conventional beauty products some years ago, I’m not a fan of ‘skincare routines’. I don’t believe we need copious amounts of products for each age and stage. That being…

1 A LIFE OF MY OWN BY CLAIRE TOMALIN Claire Tomalin is a prize-winning life writer for her books on Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy and others, but here she turns her eye back on herself. The result is exemplary: a startling unsentimental look not only at her own life, but at her parents’ ruinous marriage and her mother’s thwarted musical career. Born in the interwar period, Tomalin’s story tracks dramatic social change: “Looking back,” she writes, “I see that I was following general patterns of behaviour which I was about as powerless to resist as a migrating bird.” But Tomalin is no passenger in history, and her profound determination shines through on every page (Penguin, £9.99). 2 OUTSIDERS BY LYNDALL GORDON Down history, to be a woman writer has meant…

Screen-printing set Whether you’re a fan of a flourish or prefer clean-cut graphics, screenprinting is a lovely way to add your own stamp to paper, textiles or furnishings. Dinky Screens has put together this mini set, which allows you to print your own design and the inks are even machine washable to avoid any laundry mix-ups. The only hard part is deciding what shape you’d like to print! £35 www.notonthehighstreet.com Make your own lip balm Get creative with your beauty routine. This Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit by Sweet Cecily’s has all-natural ingredients, like beeswax and cocoa butter, and comes in three different fragrances. You also get five empty pots and blank labels, if you want to send it as a gift, and Sweet Cecily’s also offers personalised printed…

Whether home or away, taking part in a beach clean up is also an opportunity to highlight marine pollution by getting creative with your finds. Use the sand as your canvas and capture some shots before everything is recycled. Share your images and make your statement at #beachcleanup. “I hope that by sharing the plastic I find, I am drawing attention to the marine litter crisis,” says photographer Caroline. “Images such as the tampon applicators (picked up on a single beach clean) and cotton buds [above] will hopefully highlight the huge problem of plastic waste and show where these flushed items are ending up.”…

Welcome to your extra mini magazine full of feel-good festive recipes, all celebrating the freshness, flavour and versatility of plant-based cooking. The traditional Christmas menu has, of course, been more than a little lacking when it comes to vegetarian or vegan options. Thankfully, the rise in plant-based eating means that nut roast is no longer the go-to vegan choice, with chefs creating exciting vegan alternatives that taste fantastic and have plenty of wow factor too. We asked "five chefs to share some of their favourite festive dishes, to give you plenty of plant-based inspiration, whether you’re planning a vegan Christmas or just want to pep up your starters and sides……

V df gf Ingredients SERVES 6 *1 aubergine*1 red bell pepper*3 small carrots*3 garlic cloves*⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil*½ tsp Himalayan salt*⅓tsp ground pepper*1 cup (165g) cooked chickpeas*10 sun-dried tomatoes*⅓ cup (60g) capers*½ cup (45g) pumpkin seeds*Some fresh oregano METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/Gas Mark 6. Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover with boiling water, to soften. 2 Cut the aubergine, red bell pepper and carrots into cubes. Pour the veggies into a baking tray, add the garlic cloves, drizzle over the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, then cook in the oven for around 10 minutes. 3 After 10 minutes, add the chickpeas and stir. Cook for another 10 minutes (you want the veggies roasted until they are just soft).…

vg Ingredients SERVES 2 *1 onion and 1 carrot*50g (2oz) celeriac*100g (¾ cup) hazelnuts or whole almonds*150g (1 cup) cooked lentils, drained* 50g (2oz) Västerbottensost (or other hard cheese), grated*2 eggs*1 tsp soy sauce*½ tsp ground allspice & of Dijon mustard*2-3 tbsp freshly chopped parsley*50g (⅝ cup) dried breadcrumbs*2 tbsps plain/all-purpose flour*Salt and freshly ground black pepper*Glug of oil and a knob of butter, for frying METHOD 1 Place the onion, carrot, celeriac and nuts in a food processor and pulse until chopped. Add the rest of the ingredients (apart from the oil and butter) and pulse again until you have a mixture that can be easily shaped into round balls (a bit larger than a walnut). You should be able to make about 30 vegobullar, or ‘veggie balls’ from…

V df gf Ingredients SERVES 6 *500g (17½oz) Brussels sprouts*2 tbsp olive oil*2 tbsp (gluten-free) balsamic vinegar*1 tbsp pure maple syrup*¼ tsp crushed black pepper*¼ tsp salt*50g (1⅔oz) walnut halves*½ pomegranate*Wild black rice, to serve METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/Gas Mark 4. 2 Wash and halve the Brussels sprouts and place them on a baking tray. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, pepper, salt and walnut halves and then mix well until everything is evenly coated. 3 Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sprouts are tender and golden brown on the edges. 4 Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and serve immediately with a small portion of wild black rice.…

vg Ingredients MAKES 8 MINI MHENCHA For the almond paste *250g (8¾oz) blanched almonds*120g (4¼oz) caster sugar*Pinch cinnamon and pinch salt*3 tbsp orange blossom water*10g (⅓oz) unsalted butter, soft For the pastry * 8 sheets filo pastry measuring 20x30cm (7.8x11.8in) (200g/7oz)* 50g (1¾oz) unsalted butter, melted*300g (10½oz) honey* Peanuts and freeze-dried berries for decoration (optional) METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. 2 To make the almond paste to fill the mhencha, transfer the almonds and sugar into a nut grinder or a food processor and blend until you have a moist paste (about 5 minutes). Add in the orange blossom water and butter and blend for a few seconds. Remove the paste and divide it into 8 equal parts. Shape each part into long tubes (approximately 30cm/12in)…

CATHY WALLACE Cathy is a journalist, novelist and non-fiction author who loves reading, cycling and drinking tea. Catch up with her on social media (@CathyWallace_) or on her website: www.cathybussey.com. Turn to page 39 to read Cathy’s piece on going sober KAREN EDWARDS Karen is a journalist who has been travelling the world for the past few years, raising awareness of climate change and ethical travel. Read more about her adventures online at www.travelbutterfly.com Karen writes about travel as therapy on page 98 CAROLINE ROWLAND Caroline is the founding editor of interiors and lifestyle publication 91 Magazine. You can read more from her and enjoy her interior style picks on her website: www.patchworkharmony.co.uk. This issue, Caroline shares Christmas traditions from all over the world on page 56 HARRIET GRIFFEY Harriet…

For everyone who embraces the winter in the spirit of hygge, relishing the time spent in front of a roaring fire, there’s someone else who is gritting their teeth and putting their life into hibernation, dreading the shortening days. Like the season itself, it tends to creep up on us, that feeling of lethargy and carb-craving that can sometimes turn into a low-grade but debilitating depression. If this is something you notice during the winter, it may be that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is at the root of the problem. SAD is caused by lack of full-spectrum light – daylight in particular. By December 21st across most of the UK, the sun rises just after 8am and sets before 4pm, which means only eight hours of daylight (in Scotland it’s…

How can we keep our skin naturally firm and hydrated? The answer lies with Baie Botanique, an innovative skincare company founded in London in 2014 by Sophie Oliver, a beauty professional of more than 20 years’ experience. Alongside her passion for a healthy lifestyle, Sophie wanted to offer a more natural alternative to other beauty products on the market, and Baie Botanique was born. Baie Botanique is your one-stop shop for skin care products made of ingredients that are pure, natural, organic and carefully selected for their skin-enhancing qualities. Baie Botanique’s new Regenerate Rose product line is available to purchase online. It consists of five products, all of which contain rose or rosehip essential oils, which both protect the skin and can reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.…

As the Christmas socialising season swings into action, glasses are raised in many places around the world. This is especially true for British women (we are the eighth heaviest drinkers globally), living in a country where a glass of fizz is traditionally proffered to toast the festivities. But for me, there will be no festive ‘spirit’ – I am among the 22 percent of women in the UK who don’t drink alcohol. This will be my fifth teetotal Christmas and, with 43 percent of British women reported as saying that they want to drink less, it looks like there are quite a few others who are considering heading into the holiday season without the hooch. ‘Sober curious’ is the new term used to describe those who are interested in a…

Christmas can mean many different things to different people. But, for all of those who celebrate this festival, this time of year is steeped in tradition, rituals and nostalgia. So much of what makes us feel the festive vibe is the familiarity of the process, that we often do the same things every year. In the UK, our rituals might include putting up a tree, leaving mince pies out for Santa and eating Christmas pudding. Individual families will have their own traditions too; perhaps you give the children a special book and new pyjamas on Christmas Eve, visit a particular festive market or play a favourite board game after dinner. Participating in these activities every year is what develops those warm feelings of nostalgia, and carrying them from childhood to…

Move over, Shirley Temple – there are some new mocktails on the scene. From alcohol-free festive favourites to sophisticated soft drinks with adventurous ingredients, these drinks still pack a punch and will please even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. Grapefruit hop A SOPHISTICATED GLASS COMBINING SHARP AND SWEET FLAVOURS METHOD 1 To make the syrup, in a heatproof pitcher, combine the sugar and hot water. Stir until dissolved. 2 In a saucepan or heatproof bowl, combine the warm sugar syrup with the hops and stir to combine. Let it stand for at least 2 hours, and up to 24 hours. Strain into a bowl or a jar through a chinois or fine-mesh strainer. This will make 240ml (1 cup) of hops syrup, which will keep in the fridge, covered tightly,…

The tradition of counting down the days until Christmas is thought to date back to 19th century Germany, when Protestants lit candles and made chalk marks on doors to observe the days. Fast forward to windows hiding chocolates and, in recent years, everything from tea to your favourite tipple and advent calendars have become part of the seasonal prelude for children and grown-ups alike. This year, why not make yourself an advent with a difference? For many of us, the lead up to Christmas can be busy and overwhelming, so our Mindful Moments advent calendar is designed to remind you to pause and take some time for you. Each day, we suggest a mindful meditation, observation or activity to help you feel calm, centred and ready to enjoy the season.…

Tis the season. But do you love or loathe Christmas? This is a travel column of two halves – ways to head abroad on deliciously festive trips that celebrate all things Noël, and ideas for anyone who would much rather escape the madness. I unashamedly love Christmas. I love the baubles and bright colours, the ironic festive jumpers. I love mince pies and Home Alone (but not Home Alone 2 or that sacrilege, Home Alone 3). I’m the person who enthusiastically makes eggnog and tries to make everyone drink it at parties and sings carols out of key in the car. And I love travelling at Christmas. One of my favourite places in the world is the Christmas market in Zurich. It’s as pretty and as perfect as anything else…

STAY Small but perfectly formed, The Studio is ideal for a few days away – settle into the plush velvet sofa and enjoy the incredible views of the valley below. Owners Pete and Posy were so welcoming, and very helpful in getting us out safely when the snow had abated! www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com TRAVEL The Scottish Borders are easiest accessed by car, but it’s also possible to get a plane or a train to Edinburgh, then hop on a bus. If, like us, you’re travelling in inclement weather, we found it helpful to follow Traffic Scotland for updates on when would be best and safest to travel, as well as any road closures (@trafficscotland). DO If you do decide to explore the local area, here were some things on my itinerary: *…

BELINDA MARTÍNEZ DAPENA Belinda Martínez Dapena started her vegan food blog, The White Chestnut, to celebrate a healthy, vegan lifestyle, inspiring others with her delicious recipes. www.thewhitechestnut.com / @thewhitechestnut ROSIE NEWTON Rosie’s mission is to create vegan recipes that go beyond the stereotype of a salad-leaf diet. She shares her more-ish creations on her blog, The Hungry Herbivores. www.thehungryherbivores.com / @thehungryherbivores ALEX REUTER Alex set up her blog, My Vibrant Kitchen, in 2015 to combine her three passions: veganism, food and photography. She shares easy-to-make, affordable recipes. www.myvibrantkitchen.com / @myvibrantkitchen NARGISSE BENKABBOU Nargisse began blogging while she trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine in London. Her "first book, Casablanca: My Moroccan Food, came out this year. www.mymoroccanfood.com / @ mymoroccanfood BRONTË AURELL Brontë is a food writer and…

V df gf Ingredients SERVES 2 *1 large carrot*1 large parsnip*1 red onion*2 potatoes*1 sweet potato*5 garlic cloves*2 tbsp olive oil*2 tbsp (gluten-free) balsamic vinegar*½ tbsp lemon juice*1 tbsp pure maple syrup*Generous pinch of salt and pepper*1 tsp dried thyme*200g (7oz) smoked tofu METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Roughly chop the vegetables and place them in a baking tray. Add the garlic cloves whole. 2 In a jar, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, thyme, pepper and salt. Pour over the vegetables and toss to cover evenly. 3 Make a little space on the baking tray and place the smoked tofu in the middle. Brush the top with the balsamic olive oil glaze. 4 Roast in the oven for 30 minutes,…

V df gf Ingredients SERVES 6 *3-4 mini pumpkins*4 tbsp olive oil* 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary leaves plus a few sprigs*3 garlic cloves* 250g (9oz) mini portobello mushrooms, sliced*1 tsp ground black pepper*½ tsp salt*¼ tsp nutmeg*250g (9oz) black rice* 150ml (5fl oz) red wine*1.2L (2 pints) boiling water*1½ tbsp (gluten-free) miso paste* 2 tsp dark soy/tamari sauce*120g (4¼oz) dried cranberries METHOD 1 Heat a large skillet or non-stick saucepan and add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the rosemary, garlic, mushrooms, pepper, salt and nutmeg. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes. 2 Add the black rice, stir and pour in the red wine. Cook for about 4 minutes until the wine is…

V df gf Ingredients SERVES 4 *1 courgette/zucchini*1 spring onion/scallion*¼ cup (50ml) olive oil*¼ cup (50ml) lemon juice*¼ cup (50ml) pure maple syrup*½ tsp Himalayan salt*Fresh oregano leaves*Fresh rosemary leaves*½ tsp ground pepper*¼ cup (30g) raw pecans*¼ cup (30g) pumpkin seeds*¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 250ºC/475ºF/Gas Mark 8. Slice the sweet potato and courgette very thinly with a mandoline. Make a ring with the sweet potatoes in a baking tray that’s roughly 26cm (10in) in diameter. Slot the courgette slices in between the sweet potato slices. 2 Add sliced spring onions on top of the sweet potatoes and courgette. Pour over the olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup and Himalayan salt. Cover the baking tray with aluminium foil and cook in the lowest part…

V df Ingredients SERVES 20 *1¼ cups (300ml) almond milk* ⅔ cup (150g) coconut marg/butter*1 tbsp lemon juice*3 tbsp maple syrup*2½ cups (280g) rye flour*1 cup (200g) raw cane sugar*4 tbsp cacao powder*1 tsp baking powder For the filling and topping *1 cup (250ml) almond milk*2 tbsp maple syrup*1 banana*½ cup (50g) cacao powder METHOD 1 Add the baking powder to the almond milk and set it aside for 15 minutes. 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Add the almond milk and baking powder mix to a food processor, then add the melted coconut margarine/butter, lemon juice, maple syrup, rye flour, sugar and cacao powder. Blend until you have a smooth consistency. 3 Pour the mix into a 22cm (811/16in) diameter Bundt tin and cook in the oven…