www.coxetersfayre.co.uk

2012-01-03T16:54:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

Roll on 2012! Its going to beautiful!

My wonderfully talented friend made me this doll. you can see her work here: http://amandafatherazi.com/

She has also inspired me- she bought me this amazing little rubber mould- its a face. She suggested I try and make a chocolate cameo. Im going to get STRAIGHT into the kitchen at the weekend to try this idea out. The face will be a white chocolate, set against a dark chocolate. Then, once mastered, I can try pink and green (beetroot/barleygrass)

2011-12-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have all had a wonderful time. I had my first ever London Christmas. A low key affair. Lots of cooking, Watching Films and cycling through the quiet streets of Hackney!

I decided not to have a 'Raw Christmas'. Instead, I resorted to Mum's trusty copy of The Cranks cookbook. We made a nut loaf. I tweaked it a little, adding Porchini mushrooms and chestnuts. I used Spelt bread instead of Wholewheat. I also Added a layer of Cranberries to the bottom of the loaf tin.

Looking ahead to The New year- Im gearing up to start meetings with Chris, to discuss the new series of Supper clubs. We hope to hold the first one in February.

I am also thinking about making a limited edition, hand printed recipe booklet. I plan to work on this project with an Artist/Graphic designer friend of mine. He is keen to use lots of traditional Letterpress and screen printing techniques. I want delicious photography...all faded colours and gaudy vintage crockery.

Wishing you all a Peaceful, happy and healthy Festive time.

Roll on 2012!

2011-11-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a response!

Wow! What a response! Im overwhelmed. I admit it was strange watching myself on T.V. I think everybody involved should be proud! It was such a fantastic experience. It seems Chris and I have inspired many viewers! I guess that is all we could ever wish for- to spread the word about nutritious gourmet food!

A few emails that I received today:

Dear Laura,
I saw your wonderful food on Hugh's programme last night, what an inspiration you are. I have already downloaded recipe for chocolate tart. I've only just found out I'm allegic to Gluten and Dairy ( and who knows what else I might be allergic to - now I've started to look!). So I was wondering if you have ANY of your lovely products available to purchase. If so could you please send me a list. Also, I note you don't use Soya and as I have been advised to use this instead of cow's milk, I wondered if you knew of a better alternative? I'm sure you're going to be madly busy after inspiring us all last night, so don't expect to hear from you for a while, but if I could buy any treats in time for Christmas that would be fantastic. I can't really thank you enough for changing the way I think about food. Overnight, I've gone from feeling incredibly negative about food thinking I might never enjoy it again to feeling that being allergic to so many things might just be the best thing that has happened to me. I can't wait to start eating food that is going to be good for me.
Kind Regards

Awesome Laura!
Please either marry me, go into business with me, cook for me, or tell me where I can buy!

:)

Hello Laura,

Thank you for your appearance on 'River Cottage'. I was most impressed by the raw food you and Chris prepared in the show. I have always enjoyed eating raw food but Chris's food was a new dimension. Hopefully a cook book is being worked on.

I have found your website with your wonderful puddings.

I am interested in doing a work shop can you send me details please?

Is the old church your restaurant, where is it and is it open to the public ?

Thank you

Hi All
Hope you don't mind me emailing, just a quickie to say I'm not even vegetarian (anymore) but your food was inspirational on 'The Hugh Show'. Have you a book out? You should have a book out.
Thanks

Coxeter's Fayre on River Cottage !!!

2011-11-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

TONIGHT! I make my T.V Debut! Tune into Chanel 4 at 8pm, or catch it on 4OD.

My Chocolate Ganache tart recipe is also on the Chanel 4 website! Please get in touch if you make this recipe at home, I would love to hear some feedback! Photos would also be great!

Don't forget, if you are interested in hosting a chocolate making workshop for parties of between 5-20, get in touch.

http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/raw-chocolate-ganache-tart-recipe

2011-10-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Coconut Sugar!

From now on, I will no longer be using Agave in my chocolates. I am now using Coconut sugar. I am a total convert to this ingredient. It is far superior nutritionally, as well as having a much richer, more complex flavour.

Check it out for yourself! It is very low GI and is also very Mineral rich.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_sugar

2011-10-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Samosa time! With Chris!

Last night, Chris made samosas! We were re-creating this dish, in order to photograph it for the Chanel 4 website, where this, along with all the other featured dishes in the series, will be posted. (including my chocolate ganache tart)!

I thought I would share these photos, as they are mouth- watering and inspiring!

2011-10-22T14:39:00.001-07:00

Workshops!

I have also been busy with lots of chocolate workshops lately. They are VERY KID FRIENDLY, as you can see from the photos!
If you are interested in me coming to your home/school/local cafe/health food shop- Wherever there is a table, plug point, sink and a group of keen, chocolate -loving folk! Get in touch!

2011-10-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Coxeter's Fayre goes to River Cottage!

Dear friends,

Im sorry. My blogs have been a bit..absent. I guess I have just been busy....! But that is a good thing, isn't it?!

Exciting things have been happening. I have been involved in the latest series of River cottage! Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall has gone VEGETARIAN for his latest series. He wanted to explore all things Veggie & I was contacted by his producer several months ago, to discuss ideas for an episode on raw food.
I decided on the idea of a Raw Vegan supper club, with the help of my friend Chris, who is a talented Vegan chef. We invited Hugh along, to help us in the kitchen, then he joined the other diners, for what I believe to be his first ever Raw vegan dining experience! You can catch all of this on Chanel 4. I THINK it is on air on the 27th November or 4th December.

A couple of weeks later, Chris and I were invited down to River Cottage HQ for a big feast, made for us by Hugh and his team of talented Chefs. It was for all the participants of the series, as a kind of summary of his last 6 months, being a vegetarian. Im so proud of what Chris and I achieved. I hope we managed to inspire Hugh, showing him what is possible with a plant based diet. I was certainly inspired by my visit to River cottage, as you can see from the snaps I took, whilst down there.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I wont say too much more- You will have to watch it!

2011-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

A happy workshop attendee! Aaw, this makes it all worthwhile!

"Dear Laura,

I was at your chocolate workshop this weekend at The Forge, and just wanted to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU! It was fantastic, and I am a total convert. I bought a few things from Wholefoods afterwards and made delicious chocolate on Sunday...today I've ordered stuff from Tree Harvest, I bought a hand-held blender thing and made the chocolate avocado pudding and I am loving it.

The workshop was really enjoyable and informative, and you were a really inspiring example of the raw food lifestyle as you look great, and so energetic and vivacious! I will definitely be seeing what I can incorporate into my life. I'm amazed at how much chocolate you say you eat every day and still are so slim and fit. I was wondering if you would mind giving me an idea of the sorts of things you eat in a day as well as a big slab of chocolate??"

2011-07-30T03:35:00.000-07:00

Chocolate making workshop at The Forge, in Camden. September 10th. 11am-2. £25. Tickets need to be booked here!

http://www.forgevenue.org/whats-on/?lgig=b3b5a257-4ba4-45d0-8d1c-dd0d65284d93&performance=1

2011-06-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

This saturday!!!! Come to this!

http://www.londongreenfair.org/

My pals at Raw Delights will be selling my chocolates on their stall!

http://www.rawdelights.co.uk/

2011-05-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Raw Chocolate workshop!!!!!!!!

At Lumiere, Clapton.

7th August.

£20 Per person

Pay in advance via paypal or secure a place with a deposit and pay on the door

Places limited to 6! Hurry!\\ You will learn how to make Raw, vegan decadent chocolates, in the luscious surroundings of Clapton's unique 'Lumiere'- a cocktail/juice/smoothie bar with a twist!

You will be able to meet new people, enjoy delicious drinks from the vast and exciting menu and take home a sample of chocolates!

6.30-9pm. Have a night out with a difference!

email: info@coxetersfayre.co.uk

2011-02-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am soaking my nuts!!!!!!!

Im soaking raw Walnuts and Hazelnuts in warm water and pink salt, for around 7 hours. This releases the enzyme inhibitors and makes them more digestible. I will then coat them in Maple syrup and dehydrate them.......

Along with the nuts, Im also soaking some Buckwheat, which I will then blend with some banana and dehydrate the mixture in little muffin moulds.

Simplicity. Always best.

Raaaar!

2011-02-03T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

I have been absent for a while- Sorry! I recently spent just over two weeks in South East Asia....tasting the delights of the local Cuisine- Mainly Durian, both fresh and deep fried! Yes- Naughty but exceptionally delicious! Also enjoying the warm climate, lush greenery.

I am now back and raring to go!

I am now taking orders for Valentines day! I have my special rose flavoured chocolates (4 heart shaped chocolates topped with rose petals, in a sweet little box, £5.50) I also have the usual large heart shaped chocolates in a box in the following flavours:

Peppermint, Goji & Coconut, Orange & Buckwheat crunch(3.50)

2010-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

Some things I made earlier............. Want one?

Rose creams! Selling boxes of 4!

2010-11-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

Been busy in the kitchen today making Mini Xmas puddings, coated in chocolate, heart- shaped Rose creams and chocolate covered, heart -shaped ginger nuts.

Come and get them! I shall be selling at The Social Xmas market(5 Little Portland street) this saturday 4th, 1pm-6pm and Sunday Upmarket, Truman Brewery.

David Shrigley will be amongst the other stall holders on saturday. He will be signing & selling prints!!!

I have even bought red & white gingham ribbon, to make your purchases even more gift-y and festive! Woop!

2010-11-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry to bother you but-

A little market research is in order. Im working on re-branding and need to prepare a press release. If you could email me some answers to the following questions- You could win some festive goodies! I will pick a winner at random-so be sure to put your details in the message!

1. How would you describe what I (Laura Coxeter) do?

2.How would you describe Coxeter's Fayre, in terms of -Confectionery/Raw/health brand/luxury brand?

3.What is important to you when you are choosing a gift- eg. Price/packaging?

4.Does colourful packaging draw you in or do you prefer simple/minimal design?

5. Do you like to see the actual product-Cellophane/clear windows/wrapping?

6. Does the fact that my product is free from pesticides/chemicals ,g.m.o's matter to you? Scale of 1-5(1 being least)

7.Are you prepared to pay more for luxury packaging? Even if it is for yourself and not a gift?

8.Would you buy one of my chocolates as a gift or generally as a chocolate "snack' instead of an unhealthy chocolate choice?

9.Is biodegradable/recycled packaging important to you?

10. Are you prepared to pay more for health-boosting superfood ingredients?

11. Is the above important to you?

12.Please tell me your top 3 favourite chocolates

13. Please tell me your top 3 favourite packaging designs.

14. Are you put off by too much information on packaging?

Ta!

2010-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Greetings Blog fans!

Today I made some Ginger nuts! I started out making the old Blondie recipe and added extra ginger (a good winter warmer) and it turned out lovely...like a moist, crumbly biscuit (Heart shaped of course)

I shall be selling these the weekend after next at Broadway market, Sunday Up market and the Christmas Fair at The Social (Little Portland street, 1pm-6pm on saturday 4th).

I may even give out the recipe as a christmas gift to you all, in the next couple of weeks, once I have perfected measurements etc...Im eating one now, with a cup of Reishi/Goji tea (to fight off the nasty bug going around)

Today I have been listening to Jim Sullivan's album- UFO. It's simply lovely...heard it playing in a record shop in soho yesterday and had to get it.

2010-11-12T03:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been a bit absent of late.

I am waiting to hear about a new kitchen space that I hope to move into, with my friend Shaun, who makes the nut bars. It is an empty shell and will need totally kitting out...quite exciting but also daunting! Incidentally- If YOU or anyone you know who is a small scale caterer/food producer looking to rent a kitchen space, please get in touch- we have space for others to share our dream kitchen!

I have also started working on re-branding and so have been busy with that. New design/packaging/website/stockists......

I am supplying chocolates for this-

http://www.ilovefullhouse.com/

It is an amazing weekly supper club, serving a totally raw, vegan, African inspired menu, in an intimate setting in the heart of Shoreditch.....

Book now, limited places!

Just a quick note to say I will NOT be in Broadway market this coming Saturday (13th) but resume back to normal on 20th.

I will also have a stall at The Mildmay christmas market on December 9th.

The Mildmay club- 34 Newington green. N16 9PR. 7PM-11PM.

A festive craft fair filled with music, mistletoe and merriment! I am also going to be trading at Sunday upmarket from the 5th

http://www.sundayupmarket.co.uk/index.html

Phew...!

2010-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Im off to Germany for a mini tour with Gaggle today. I have packed a BIG bag of things like Kale chips, pollen, Chocolate spread mixed with Maca and Suma, Crackers, Greens powders and Medicinal mushroom powders & tea....

Phew. Im looking forward to seeing new places and searching out some proper sauerkraut!!!!!

In other news......Im trading at Broadway market every saturday now. Im in the new part of the market, in the school playground, from 10-5. Come and see me, I have lots of lovely things for you to try and there some lovely stalls around me, homemade chutney, Clothing, home wares etc etc etc...Raid your piggy bank and come SPEND!!!!!!!

XXXX

2010-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Aah, my camera broke, Im hoping someone got a photo of the cake at the birthday lunch......fingers crossed. It was DELICIOUS, If I may say so myself!

Just to let you all know, Im going to be trading at Broadway market every week, from this coming saturday! Come and say hello!!!! I shall have plenty of divine delectables for you to sample!

http://www.broadwaymarket.co.uk/

2010-10-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

This week I'm going to make a birthday cake for a friend. It is going to be an Almond/Lucuma/date/coconut cake with chopped apricots and vanilla. I am going to colour it with beetroot powder to make it Fuschia pink. Im then going to frost it with an avocado/cacao mixture and decorate with rose petals.

Pictures to follow.....

2010-09-27T04:41:00.001-07:00

Feedback from a happy customer....!

Hello,

I just wanted to drop an email to you to say how fantastic I think your chocolates are! A friend gave me some samples when she found out that I can not eat gluten, dairy or sugar. I have been a vegetarian and healthy eater all my life but had pretty much resigned to a life of no tasty chocolates (even though I am a bit of a chocoholic) when I discovered your food. I had the handmade truffles and they blew me away! I can't believe how good they taste! Keep up the good work making such fantastic products. I will be sure to tell everyone I know about them, and keep buying them myself.

I also wanted to add that I work as a freelance illustrator, and if you ever wanted any design illustrations/leaflets/promotion images I would be delighted to do these for you free of charge as I think your products are so brilliant! All my work is produced by hand, and I usually work in black pen ink. Here is a link to my illustration site should you be curious...

All the best,

2010-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just to let you guys know-

I will be trading every saturday in Broadway market, London Fields, from October 16th!

2010-08-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Midnight feast.......

Hey. I know it's wrong, but its raining outside and I wanted a 'hug from food'. My Raw version of coco pops or something....

Buckwheat, sprouted and dehydrated

Carob powder

Maca

Nut/Seed mylk

A bowl

A spoon

2010-08-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

My Friend Rob just came for dinner.....He brought me Russian Kale, baby cucumbers, the SWEETEST tomatoes and Rainbow chard-from his vegetable patch!

Thank you Rob....!!!!!!!!

2010-08-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight I shall attempt an Indian inspired ice cream. Photos to follow....

2 cups frozen mango

1 cup avocado

1/2 cup coconut oil

Teaspoon cardamon

tbs raw honey

blend it all up and set in the freezer, serve with pistachios and rose petals...

2010-08-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know.........

I am currently working towards new packaging. Im surrounded by samples and am trying to work out the best option....Nightmare!

I am doing a stall at this years Festival of life at Conway Hall

www.festivaloflife.net

My brownies will be stocked at the farm shop at Plaw Hatch Farm from september.

I also have a few new stockists in East London in the pipeline, and soon hope to be trading in Broadway market.

2010-08-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

Breakfast ice cream.......

Blend a frozen banana with a teaspoon of raw honey, 1 tsp maca, sprinkle of vanilla powder and a drizzle of water

(I added reishi mushroom powder, soya lecithin and heaped teaspoon of green superfood powder)

Serve with buckwheaties (soaked & Dehydrated buckwheat)

Yeah............!

2010-08-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

I had to share this recipe with you.......

I went to see a friend yesterday and she made such a delicious, yet simple meal for us.......

Blended frozen bananas to make ice cream (believe me, sounds simple but beats any dairy ice cream I ever had)

Served with these crackers. I am sure she wont mind me giving this recipe. I just made a batch and they are great, either as a cracker for puddings or broken up and served as a granola.

7 cups Soaked buckwheat

6 bananas

fresh ginger to taste

pinch salt

4 cups of cubed pinapple

Blend everything except the buckwheat.

Stir in the buckwheat, pour onto a dehydrator tray and dry overnight...

Im off to use a new kitchen tomorrow, with my two pals, Shaun (who makes the yummy Nut bars) and Natalie, who makes the amazing avocado smoothies-

http://trophology.co.uk/

2010-08-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Bee Bonanza photos!

2010-07-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am a busy bee making honey and mulberry chocolates for tomorrow's BEE BONANZA!!!
I will be doing a chocolate demo at 12.30...Come and learn all about natural bee keeping and much more!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139418429416991&ref=ts

2010-07-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

I always loved Ice cream........

Tonight I got home from Bikram at around 11.45pm....and decided to make Ice-cream.

I have friends coming over for dinner this week. I plan to do a raw Pad Thai. For desert I was going to be lazy and buy Booja booja, but no. I just made some myself.

Simply blend cashews/macadamia nuts and water with sweetener (I used Yacon syrup) and a little vanilla. Blend till smooth and pour into a tuppaware and freeze. Yum.

Try adding mulberries & honey, Goji berries & coconut, Lucuma & mulberries, peppermint oil, barley grass & cacao nibs or perhaps fresh strawberries...endless ideas....Have fun.

2010-06-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Is for Monday and....

Fresh Maggots

Mellow Yellow

New Mop

My new bike

Moths

Mason jars

Moving

http://www.bobbinbicycles.co.uk/epages/rzjy48f9ghvy.sf

I have moved house. It is infested with moths. I am busy unpacking boxes of books, jars of foodie things, random objects and treasures.....

I bought a smashing new bike, it has a basket...and a bell that rings.....and things to make it look good....

I also have a new mop......Just need a new bucket......

Made some Hemp Mylk today. I also made some Greeeen flax crackers night before last. Rough recipe:

5 cups ground flax

2 cup spinach

1 cup olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 cup spirulina/barleygrass

1 cup miso

splash of namu shoyu

splash of Apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons reishi mushroom

1 cup Kalamata olives

Blend it all up, spread on a dehydrator sheet, dehydrate for 48 hours

........Spread them with avocado and top with alfalfa sprouts. yes.

I am doing a chocolate demo here:

http://www.beaconsfield.ltd.uk:/about/index.html

Raw Chocolate Demo with Laura Coxeter
Sunday 4 July 2-4 pm

In this workshop, you will learn about the nutritional benefits and wonder of raw, vegan chocolate. Laura will be making chocolates, truffles and will show you how to make other fantastic raw vegan desserts. There will be an opportunity to sample all the desserts free of dairy, sugar, gluten and soya. This demo will open up a whole world of super foods and healthy decadent treats and show you it’s possible to go home and make these things for yourself and be creative using pretty moulds and decorating techniques.

Places are limited so please book by e-mailing your full name and mobile number to TestBedBeaconsfield@googlemail.com including the workshop title in the subject heading.

2010-05-20T03:24:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends!

I am now stocked at the lovely Kitchen Apothecary in Kensal Rise! A nice little shop that sells health foods, supplements and they also have therapy rooms.....68 Chamberlayne Road, opp. Kensal Rise station.

I have been a little absent from the blog lately. Busy with my fortnightly club event on a boat-

'Je Thames'. The next one is on 30th May- It is called 'Ladies on the Thames' and will feature many amazing female acts and d.j's. Kicks off at 3pm and is on 'Wilfred', moored by Temple station.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104631702915730&ref=search&sid=1272230363.1393593597..1

I made chocolate anchors for the event last weekend, they 'went down' (ahem) very well! I used Raw honey instead of Agave.

Im very fond of sun dried tomatoes at the moment. Could they take over from Sauerkraut??!!!

Other random (non-food related) news- I saw an amazing film last night at The BFI, Called 'Season of the Witch". Starring Julie Driscoll with a soundtrack by Brian Auger. It was fabulous, Colour too. A visual/audio treat! She is my new Idol!

I shall be heading to this on saturday, Kate Wood is speaking and there will be nice food and a chance to network and meet new people:

http://www.raw-action.net/?page_id=198

2010-05-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

Chocolate making demo! Earth natural foods, Kentish town! Monday 17th May. 8.15- 10.00pm

Please contact the shop to book tickets! £10 per person, places limited!

Earth Natural: 020 7482 2211

2010-04-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Now you can buy my goods from:

Bumblebee- Kentish town

VX-Kings cross

Earth natural foods-Kentish town

Peppercorns-West Hampstead

Portobello wholefoods- Notting Hill

Sesame-Primrose Hill

Vegan Routes-Brewer street

Spitalfields Organics-Commercial street

The Grocer-Kingsland road

Food for all-Stoke Newington

Organic and natural-Clapton

In-Joy Organics-Kensington High street

Shop on the hill-Brockley

Coming soon to Bloomsbury, Brick Lane, Clerkenwell and Kensal Rise and Broadway Market.....

Come and see me at Plaw Hatch biodynamic farm next saturday (24th) Forest Row, I shall have a stal selling all manner of tarts, cakes, chocolates and savoury goods.

Nowhere local to you? Ask your local health food shop/deli to contact me about stocking my goods!!!

2010-04-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Got a new recipe book last week- 'Sweet Gratitude', from the famous Cafe Gratitude, San Francisco!
EVERY page makes me drool, I cant wait to try some of the ideas out, tweaking them and making them my own along the way...(It arrived in the post last week, mid-juice/liver cleanse, Torture!)

Had a DIVINE lunch from Rainforest Creations after my Bikram class earlier, they are a great little company, making caribbean inspired raw food. They have stalls all over London, I visited them at Spitalfields market today. Tasty salads and great Sprouted chickpea Houmous. Plan to try and go to their new shop, on Portobello road on friday.......Bliss x

Busy week ahead, making, delivering, flat hunting and Gaggling,
http://www.myspace.com/gagglespace
Also going to the theatre with my lovely Rawie actress friend A.J , Dining at Saf on thursday with another friend and going to see the 'Quilts' exhibition at the V&A on friday....Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lucky me!

Am also busy planning My new club night- 'Je Thames', a fortnightly event, on a boat on the Thames. See- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112106112148853&ref=ts
Am most excited about the 'Folk you' event on the 16th May, many exciting performers TBA!

I shall be sampling my products at 'Organic and Natural' in Clapton on saturday lunchtime, if you are in the area, come and have a nibble and say hello....x

2010-04-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

I am doing a Raw chocolate makimg demo.....at Earth Natural foods, in Kentish town. May 17th. 8.15-10pm. Places are limited to 10. Tickets cost just £10. Please contact the shop for more info.

Am planning LOTS of exciting recipes for the festival at Plaw Hatch farm on the 24th April and Wild heart gathering 30th may. yum..............................x

2010-04-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hoorah!!!! My brother is sending over some freeze dried Durian from Singapore! That means, in about 3 weeks, I shall be experimenting with it to make some chocolates. I imagine they will be like Crunchie bars, only little chocolates. If you have never tried freeze dried Durian, it is like honeycomb, but Durian flavour! Wow!

I am having a week off from chocolate, I am doing a juice feast, so all plans need to be jotted down and hidden, so I don't keep thinking Chocolate! However, next week, I plan to make more rose and pistachio hearts, as they were very popular. I also have several new stockists. I will list them all in the coming weeks, along with tasting days and other dates for your diaries.

2010-03-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

These are my Pecan Caramel 'Turtles'. I think 'Turtles' are an American thing. Anyway, I had some Pecans and wanted to make something a bit different for easter. So, they will be available for the next couple of weeks....They are very decadent, went down well with the Gaggle girls at rehearsal tonight...!

I did the catering for the Doug Graham event at The Orassy last saturday. It went very well. Janice and I made courgette and squash 'pasta' with tomato sauce and sunflower seed pate, followed by an amazing fruit salad, served in sundae glasses, with my version of 'Angel delight', decorated with rose petals and fresh mint.....(photos coming)

The next one will be mid April, the guest speaker will be Kate Magic. Janice and I will be 'un-cooking' up a storm, our creative juices are very much flowing for this one. Details of the event will follow shortly.

On April 24th, I will also be selling my wares at a one day festival at Plaw hatch Biodynamic farm, Forest Row, Sussex. I think it will be a lovely day, with talks and tours and plenty of amazing produce on sale. It is a truly inspiring place! Contact me if you would like more details!

2010-03-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the birthday cake I made Deborah, chief Gaggle. It's her 30th. The cake is a double layer chocolate Raspberry Ganache decorated with berries and cacao nibs. Yum.

Other exciting news: A new Vegan shop/cafe in Kings cross! Yippee!

http://www.secretsocietyofvegans.co.uk/shop/

2010-03-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming!!!! Yippee!!!

Check out: http://www.consciousevents.co.uk/

I shall be doing the catering at these events. The next one is on the 27th march

2010-03-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

Am planning on going to this (as a customer, not trading)

http://brighton.veganfayre.co.uk/

Should be a good day out...

Other news.....Been busy making samples for a very exciting new acquaintance, possible new stockist. Watch this space! Also prepping for the Victoria Boutenko event on saturday, it has sold out now. Doing a Moroccan tagine..yum.

Been eating lots of sauerkraut (STILL!), chocolate (of course!) and kelp noodles and pesto...yum. Still hooked on Bikram. Loving it. Trying to go 3 times a week.

Check this out: Im running the raw food stall with my good pal Peter...:

http://www.wildheartgathering.com/

2010-03-04T00:17:00.000-08:00

Rose and Pistachio hearts...A divine combination of creamy cacao butter and coconut butter, Lucuma, pure rose oil and pieces of pistachio. Go get em'! They are at Spitalfields Organic and The Grocer, Kingsland road!

2010-03-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Spent a lovely 24 hours in Brighton. Had a lovely meal made by my good friend Alex(Cauliflower 'cheese', green salad, tomato dip & 4 different types of cracker!,) went to a concert, learned about 'Shaking' and we even had a dip in the sea..Wow!!!! Invigorating!

Im on a Sauerkraut binge......The 'BioNova' brand is raw!!!!!

Still loving Bikram, bought some lovely new yoga gear today...I am also trying to read several books at once which is quite 'challenging'.

I have a busy few days ahead, delivering and getting my new label printer set up. Gaggle have a busy week next week, playing gigs.

I am now booked to do the catering for the Victoria Boutenko event at The Orassy on the 13th. Sadly, it has sold out, but there will be 2 events a month from now, the next one is Doug Graham, giving a talk as well as a raw dinner party.

http://www.consciousevents.co.uk/conscious-events/raw-food-dinner-party-with-victoria-boutenko/

2010-02-21T14:32:00.001-08:00

Carrot pulp 'bits'...

I made a big juice tonight and decided to save the carrot pulp. I blended some coconut chips, pumpkin seed butter, yacon syrup, cinnamon, cardamon, maca and a little water. I then mixed that in with the carrot pulp, then stirred in some goji berries. I formed little bite sized squidgy 'bits'. They are now in the dehydrator and I think I will leave them in for a day or maybe longer, till they are crisp. They might make nice cereal???? With sweetened nut mylk.....mmmmmmmmm

I cant find any nice easter chocolate moulds. I have looked. Hard. The are all a bit tacky. So, I might just do easter truffles and easter bars......They will be pretty, just not egg shaped or bunny shaped...!

In case you are interested, I am getting really into Bikram yoga. Thank you Katie, you are an inspiration...xx

2010-02-20T00:53:00.000-08:00

Today I will be at Daylesford Organic in Westbourne Grove, giving out samples of Dragonfly's delicious raw crackers, granola and chocolate! Come and see me!

http://www.daylesfordorganic.com/scat/nottinghill

I am now also planning Coxeter's Fayre Easter chocolates. Taking orders now for eggs, bunnies and the like....!

2010-02-12T00:51:00.001-08:00

Last night I made a kind of 'Baklava'. I thinly sliced some apples, then layered them up with rose water- infused Yacon syrup and crushed pistachio's.....Im going to have some this morning with banana/almond/vanilla 'ice cream'.......

My Valentines rose chocolates are now in Spialfields Organic, Earth Foods and Shop on the hill.

The Vegan Routes bus in Brewer street, Soho, have just placed an order for truffles. Im going to make them today. They will be there on monday....

Gaggle have a photo shoot tomorrow. We are going to re-create our own 'Beggars Banquet'....Will post pics as soon as I have some!

2010-02-05T01:08:00.000-08:00

Hello! Just to say I am now taking orders for Valentines day. I shall be making Rose and Maca heart shaped chocolates and heart shaped Brownies and Blondies. Please email me for further details.

Also, just to say I am now stocked in the following places:

www.earthnaturalfoods.co.uk

www.thedebeauvoirdeli.co.uk

www.tipped.co.uk/listings/15942/spitalfields-organic

http://brockleycentral.blogspot.com/2008/12/feast-your-eyes-tanners-hill-deptford.html

http://www.sheriffratings.com/profile.html?id=83977992&p=2

More coming soon!!!

2010-02-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Due to circumstances out of my control, I have sadly had to cancel the Valentines workshop on the 13th. Sorry to those of you who have booked tickets, a refund shall be given shortly. More will be booked in soon, watch this space!

2010-02-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

Message from water- LOVE X

2010-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

I haven’t ‘blogged’ for ages. I realise now, one has to really want to sit down and write, one must also have plenty of interesting things to say, or share. I have also realised, that when one is busy ‘living’, its difficult to freeze time and sit to record it all on the computer.

So, the last couple of weeks have been quite busy really. Last weekend I went to visit a biodynamic farm in Forest Row, Sussex. The lovely Julia, whom I met at The Steiner school market, before Christmas, runs it. She is a raw foodist, so we sparked up a conversation there. The snow prevented me visiting the previous week. I met my mum at nearby East Grinstead and we drove through delicious countryside, quite rolling, through forest and down country lanes. There was still a considerable amount of snow and the weather was the most romantic, atmospheric I have seen in a long time. A glistening, pearlescent mist hung in the air, over frozen ponds and lakes…..

We arrived at the farm and were shown in by Julia’s sweet daughter. Julia made tea and we chatted about recipes and her raw journey. Since New Year, Julia has decided to go 100%, struggling to find balance whilst still cooking meals for her family. I listened with interest and felt how each persons relationship with raw is so different. I feel my honeymoon period has finished, whilst hers is just beginning. We swapped comfort food recipes and she gave me some of her coconut keffir culture in a little jar (I have had great fun growing it, making quite a big batch. I am now experimenting with sesame mylk keffir, watch this space)!

She showed us round the farm, it is a dairy farm with plenty of vegetables too, however, at this time of year there isn’t much to see. The cows were beautiful, they also have pigs. The farm shop is a busy little hub, serving the surrounding villages and nearby Forest Row. They sell raw dairy, vegetables, fruit (some of which is from Biodynamic farms abroad) bread, cakes…..the usual..

Julia wants to stock my brownies, as there is a thriving raw food community in the area, plus, who could resist the temptation of ‘healthy chocolate”???!

Last week I discovered a fabulous new vegan café, on an old route master bus in Brewer Street, Soho. The guys running it are very genuine and radiate great energy. I spoke to the owner and he wants samples tomorrow, of chocolate pies and chocolate spread. I have been busy all day today, developing recipes. My housemate, Claire, was more than willing to lick the spoon, as a guinea pig!

I have also just had my first orders from Spitalfields Organic in Commercial Street and De Beauvoir Deli in Hackney. Watch out for Coxeter’s Fayre goods in the next couple of weeks.

I invested in some fancy new commercial catering scales and a label printing machine last week. Oh, the little things that please....!

Gaggle are going from strength to strength. Exciting plans afoot and the imminent single launch. We were featured in The Times last week. It was a piece on the rise of the alternative choir. Those girls are so important to me. Mondays are like some kind of dysfunctional family gathering/slumber party, choral knees up. It also serves as gossip session/group therapy and a chance for us to swap our talents. Anyone for a reiki session in exchange for some raw chocolate, or a dress alteration in exchange for some legal advice?!

I have been eating lots of seasonal greens and cabbage. I try to ferment it but can never seem to wait long enough before devouring it! I have also enjoyed some lightly steamed greens and some raw Sheep’s cheese from the farm. Of course, sweet tooth ever present, I have also been devouring my own chocolates and some samples that Amy (rawlikelion) had from windmill organics. They make lovely brownies, unfortunately they use stabilised oats, but they are tasty, and not too heavy. Chia porridge is still a firm favourite, in the winter months. Soak the chia seeds overnight, then blend with Yacon, Maca and stir in goji berries and pollen. Coconut oil or flax oil makes it more luxurious. It is also lovely blended with apple and cinnamon. I made a lovely hemp mayonnaise, from Kate Wood's 'Raw Magic'. Shelled hemp seeds blended with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and Maca. Yum.

My USA trip plans are SLOWLY coming together. I’m very excited but need to focus and work out exactly what I want to do and see in the short time I will have. I am trying to connect with the Raw community in LA and San Fran, I hope to spend some time in one or two of the restaurants, watching the chefs and what magic they are creating! I also intend on meeting and staying with some friends who live there, a couple of girls I know who are very talented and creative fashion designers. We share a love of all things 1970’s. I hope they will show me all the best thrift stores and take me on adventures in the Hills and bays of California…May re-read 'Im with the band', for a dose of trashy but evocative inspiration.

Woop!

Been d.j'ing again which is fun. I love discovering all my old records. Also, went to see the new blur film "No distance left to run'. Brought back many teenage memories and also some memories of being in Strange Idols. A bit too close to Spinal Tap for comfort! Ha!

Reading-wise, I finished a pile of books at Christmas and am awaiting new inspirational reading material to come my way. Enjoying watching 'The London nobody knows' again. Getting ideas for songs and photos.

I am also planning and looking forward to doing some deep cleansing in March. I really feel the need to fast and do a liver flush. Sorry if you are reading this whilst eating dinner! Anyway, I found Barbara Wren's book 'Cellular awakening' very interesting (if a little whacky in parts). It does all make sense, however, no matter how much it reminded me, my water intake is till not good enough! Bring on warm weather. California, here I come!

Today I feel kind of, well, I don’t know, watch this. It was my soundtrack to this morning’s workout session!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w29BaEk0sC0

2010-01-15T01:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/69832

Tickets available for my Valentines Raw chocolate demo!!!

2010-01-14T03:25:00.001-08:00

Oh, on my shopping list today.....

http://www.lush.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=382&category_id=482&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=80

2010-01-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

Durian day!!!

This morning I rushed downstairs like an excitable kid at Christmas! Its Durian day!!! It wasn't as ripe as it could have been, I had to cut it open with a knife (it should naturally open itself)

DIVINE!! Didnt eat it all, saved half for my mum and I to share a the weekend.

My Kale chips were ready too! 4 whole trays of them. The Nutritional yeast flakes add such a good flavour (not to mention the B12). I am going to try and ration them!!!

I watched an interesting video on youtube last night. Makes me realise that i am probably doing the right thing having some raw goats cheese in my diet. I might even eat some fish to see what happens. Excited to see if i can get some raw dairy at Plaw hatch farm on saturday.

The ONE thing i have really craved since going raw is Quinoa. I think it is one of the best things to eat, full of protein and amino acids. I tried sprouting it but it isnt the same. So i think i will start eating some cooked Quinoa from now on. I am having my blood tests done next week, to check my iron levels, B12 levels and all the other basic tests. Might throw some interesting info up...? All raw foodists are experimenting. No one has really done it long term, to see the results, also, we are all very different, so many factors and variables are involved. Its important to do what feels right for you, not what someone else is preaching about. The only thing with eating raw goats cheese for me is that it makes me quite 'flemmy' (sorry if that turns your stomach)! Not good when im singing, still, everything in moderation!

Paul Nison on being vegan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFN3wLPoqZw

Plaw Hatch farm: http://www.tablehurstandplawhatch.co.uk/Plawhatch.html

2010-01-13T06:16:00.001-08:00

Today there is more snow in London!!!! Can you believe??!! I headed out into the crisp, white glistening powder....clad in Wellies, thick coat, hat and an empty bag.

I filled my bag with Kale at the local deli, big heads of it, quite beautiful. Its a shame people buying kale in the stupermarkets only ever see it chopped up into strips, in bags. It is a remarkable looking veg! I also bought some lemons. Guess what im making later?? Kale chips...Yee ha!

Yesterday I had a mammoth blondie/brownie making session. Im taking samples to various health food shops in the next few days. Fingers crossed!

I also have a potentially VERY exciting meeting on monday. A new Raw-related venture coming soon to Central London that I may be getting involved in...Watch this space.

I have also booked in to do a Valentines special chocolate making demo at The George tavern on the 13th Feb......More demo's and workshops in the pipeline-Watch this space!

Im off to have Lunch now (Red cabbage with apple cider vinegar and cloves, yellow pepper, alfalfa sprouts, raw goats cheese and crystal manna.

Then I have to call my new supplier, I have been recommended a fabulous co-op company to buy my Organic nuts from, the lovely Felix at The Living foods kitchen gave me some good advice yesterday over the phone. I also have found an amazing company for my new, biodegradable packaging.

Tomorrow, due to unforseen problems, my friend Amy's Raw food Q& A sessions at Planet Organic has been cancelled, so im meeting a few friends in town anyway, for a gossip and a meal. Maybe Vita Organic in Soho?

Friday I am having lunch with the beautiful, talented Rachel, then friday night is a Gaggle birthday extravaganza at The George (where else?)! Im spinning some records. I think im going to have an indulgent Acid-Folk, Prog, 70's Country session. Yeah!

Oh, and the Durian I treated myself to on monday (Deptford is blessed with an asian supermarket that always has Durian in stock) has been sitting by the radiator and should be ripe for breakfast tomorrow. I think my flatmates will be relieved once its eaten, the smell is getting pungent, they have been trying to mask it with incense!!

Listen to this: www.myspace.com/rachelmayfield

Eat this!: www.thelivingfoodkitchen.com

2010-01-12T04:11:00.000-08:00

Thought i would share this with you....some lovely looking pies and great free recipe book......Check it out!

http://www.divianaalchemy.com/

2010-01-12T03:57:00.000-08:00

Hello guys! I am holding a 'Valentines special' chocolate making demo on february 13th at The George Tavern, Commercial Road, London, 1pm-3.30pm. I will show you how to make decadent, guilt free chocolates and truffles. There will be lots of things to try and magazines and books to flick through, whilst you meet new friends, have a drink and make learn how to make this valentines the best ever. There will also be the chance to purchase some chocolates, gift boxes, moulds and ingredients. Remember-Chocolate makes you feel good and it is an aphrodisiac!!!

Contact me for more info! Tickets available to purchase online soon. Places limited! Costs just £22.50.

2010-01-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

"Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside"

I just got back from a few snow- filled days in Brighton!

I spent my time visiting a few friends whilst trying to keep warm! Unfortunately Manna was not open so wasn’t able to go and see those guys, shame as I was looking forward to trying some of their nice food. I had also planned to visit a Biodynamic farm, called Plaw Hatch farm in Forest Row, however, due to the snow, I couldn't get there. Another time.

My good friend Matt and I bravely walked through the icy streets, skidding and slipping all over the place. He took me to an exhibition in an old library. I dragged him into several of my favourite antique/junk shops in the Lanes. Just as we were gasping for a cup of tea, we discovered a new- ish place called 'Aloka', a 'Quality of life centre', as they called it(!) They have a therapy room and serve some raw food…I sampled the blueberry pie. The atmosphere was quite ‘clinical’ and could have been a little more ‘abundant’ on the food side of things, however, the staff were friendly and the fact that there is 'more raw' in Brighton is a good thing!

We walked to the beach and saw the bird's foot prints in the snow! I bumped into the lovely Amy Star in the Lanes and she invited me over to her place . That evening i ventured out into the thick snow, to her cosy house and shared a meal with her and her housemates. We had kale salad, red cabbage salad, mulberries and apricots and of course, some chocolate (Amy used to work for The Raw chocolate company)! I was fascinated by her collection of crystals and her collection of mushroom ornaments (I too, have a Fungi obsession!) a lovely evening…

I had a really nice day at Mandy’s house. Mandy is a talented lady-

www.amandafatherazi.com

she makes dolls…amongst other things. Her flat is filled with a collection of curios & treasures, displayed so beautifully. I got snap happy! We both share a passion for all things vintage, obscure and unique….

A proper girly time was had in her kitchen, whilst catching up. We made some kale chips, a salad and some super- food truffles with Goji berries, figs, almonds, cacao nibs, fresh coconut meat, cinnamon and honey. Mandy showed me some amazing herbs, spices and berries brought back from Iran. She described some of the dishes and sweets her family make, I was salivating and thinking of ways to make raw versions. In Iran they use Persian rose petals in savoury dishes. They smell divine. I also tried Barberries for the first time. They are like mini sour cherries.

That evening, Matt and I went to see ‘Nowhere boy' at The Duke of York’s. Its very good, made me cry….!

My few days in Brighton were punctuated by wheatgrass shots from Guarana bar (I couldn’t find anywhere in Brighton for a good juice, crazy!) I also resorted to some cooked vegan food….Beetroot and lentil stew, aubergine and chickpea curry and porridge with berries, made by my dear friend Matt. I felt good eating this food. My spleen felt happy and it helped warm me up, Matt’s flat isn’t exactly warm….! I couldn’t get over the weather. It hardly stopped snowing all week. Before I left, I stocked up on some lovely organic vegetables, pure water and a couple of Kate Magic's chocolate bars from Infinity foods. I arrived home to find there was no heating or hot water. So, I promptly brewed some tonic tea and filled a water bottle….!

2010-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, it’s January 1st! Another year! I am excited about 2010!

Thought I would post some foodie pics from Christmas. I spent some time in France with my family, in the countryside. The weather was lovely and we had a log burning stove, an abundance of delicious food and nice, muddy walks!
Christmas lunch for me was as follows: Red cabbage. I finely chopped the cabbage and marinated it in apple cider vinegar, raw honey and cloves. I made a HUGE batch, it lasted 10 days!

I also blended some spinach, courgettes and pine nuts for a touch of green to my plate and with these I had a loaf made before I went away, with multiple layers of vegetables and flax seeds.

After this we all shared some of my raw mince pies and chocolates. I made a pumkin-less pie (we couldnt find any squash in the supermarkets)! I decorated it with goji berries, pollen and seeds.The whole festive period was full of oranges. Mum went Orange-mad, we kept buying them, we kept eating them! I also took the opportunity to purchase some lovely raw goats cheese. The French supermarkets sell an amazing selection of local, unpasteurized cheese. I don’t eat it often, but it is nice to have occasionally, however, I noticed I got a little congested after eating dairy so will try and ration it (I have 3 packets in my fridge now!)

Tomorrow I will start planning my trip to USA! I am heading to Austin Texas in March, and then plan to go on to LA and San Francisco! Woop!

Next week I am visiting friends in Brighton. An obligatory visit to Manna is in order and I am also planning to go to Plaw Hatch Farm, a biodynamic farm in Forest Row.

An early night for me tonight, once I have watched my favorite-Miss Marple

2009-12-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Photos from my workshops......x

p.s. Just ate one of my mini 'Christmas multi- rainbow layer burgers'. Oh. My. Goodness. Yes!!!

2009-12-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

The chocolate making workshops this weekend were an amazing success!

Much fun had by all. I met some lovely new people and saw dear old friends too. Everybody made beautiful things and we all went home happy and buzzy!

I am going to post pictures in the next 24 hours.

When I got home last night from the afternoon workshop, I decided to get to work preparing festive food to take away with me at Christmas.

I made my own recipe for raw mince pies:

Soak and dehydrate 2 cups of buckwheat (soak for around 6 hours, rinse well, spread on dehydrator tray and dry for about 8 hours)

Soak 1 cup of cashews (you could use almonds, macadamia nuts or sunflower seeds)

Grind or blend the buckwheat to a flour. Next blend the nuts or seeds of your choice to a fine paste, mix with the flour and add honey, yacon or agave to taste. (I used raw local honey, not too much as filling will be very sweet) Add a pinch of salt too, to bring out the flavour.

Then press the ‘dough’ into silicone moulds, muffin trays or whatever you fancy, you could always make one big mince pie, however, I prefer to do smaller ones so I can freeze half the batch if I need to)

Dehydrate for 12 hours, taking them out of the moulds halfway.

Next for the filling. Combine 1/2 cup of raisins, half cup of sultanas, ½ cup of goji berries, 1 tsp nutmeg, 4 tsp cinnamon, 1 of mixed spice. Marinate this mixture overnight in the juice of 2 oranges, 1 lemon and zest of one orange and tbs raw honey or agave. Once you feel the flavours have been infused long enough, fill your pies (I will not do this until I am ready to serve them, as they can go soggy!)

Top your pies with a cream made from your nut of choice. I am using 1 cup of macadamias, blended with 1 ½ cups water, a pinch of vanilla, 1 tsp honey and some orange zest to top it off!

I also made a loaf to have on Xmas day. This consisted of 6 layers! I made it up as I went along, but roughly, here it is:

Grind up some flax seeds, then, separate this mix into 4 bowls. To the 1st bowl I added blended broccoli, spinach and garlic, the 2nd, blended red pepper and chilli, the 3^rd, blended beetroot and cumin, the 4^th, blended carrot. I spread a layer of each, one on top of the other, in a silicone mould. The 5^th layer was thinly sliced beetroot, then, I topped it off with thinly sliced mushrooms, marinated in tamari. I decorated it with pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast and crystal manna. It needs to be dehydrated for at least 24 hours. I shall serve this with some kind of warm mushroom gravy, or perhaps a warm spicy tomato sauce.

I had some left over soaked dates from the workshop (I use these to make truffles) So, I blended them with coconut chips, stirred in some carob, maca, Fo-Ti powder and reishi mushrooms. I added a dollop of raw honey to sweeten. I filled my silicone muffin trays with the mixture, decorating each one with bee pollen and coconut chips. Dehydrate them for 12 hours. I call these ‘Happy buns’. Nice straight from the dehydrator, for breakfast!

Xmas preparations are going well, however, I’m so looking forward to a few days of doing very little. Reading, long walks, Poirot and Miss. Marple Xmas special!!!

So, watch this space for Workshop photos, coming soon! Also, new dates will be announced early Jan!

2009-12-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today I made a 'Cream cheese', inspired by a recipe that Matt Monarch posted on youtube a few days ago. Obviously, it is DAIRY FREE and RAW.....So don't expect your typical white, smooth cream cheese! It is, however, delicious, especially stuffed in a large mushroom, topped with alfalfa sprouts! Or, spread on some kind of raw bread, or even a sprouted grain bread....?

Blend the following till smooth and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Serves 2:

1 avocado

juice of a lemon

3 dates

small handful of Dulse (seaweed)

http://www.clearspring.co.uk/japanese/seaveg/dulse

www.coxetersfayre.co.uk

2009-12-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

I have been busy!! Sorry for lack of blogging this week! Off to do Gaggle's last gig of the year later, at The Lexington. There is going to be a snow machine...Oh, the irony-ITS SNOWING OUTSIDE!!! Im gulping down the echinacea tea and preparing for the chocolate making workshops this weekend. Tree Harvest (my supplier) is out of cacao butter. Im sure I have enough, but am coming up with alternative recipes (just in case) that don't use cacao butter (nut truffles...?) Should be a smashing day....

2009-12-14T04:25:00.000-08:00

Well, what a weekend!

On saturday, my mum and I met at East Grinstead station. I went up on the train, my trolley loaded with goodies. We drove to The Steiner school in Forest Row, where a monthly market takes place. It was so utterly charming, people selling homemade goods. Crafts, wooden items, toys, hand dyed textiles, homemade lotions and potions, books, there was even a room offering reflexology and other therapies. It was a totally inspiring place, the most beautiful building and surrounding countryside.
We set up our stall and over the course of the day, met so many lovely people, with a genuine interest in the products. People who really appreciated hand made things and of course an appreciation for nutritious food.

I packed Mum and I a lunch of parsnip curry, alfalfa sprouts and a beetroot & flax loaf. There was a sweet little canteen outside, where they were serving homemade soup. I got such a warm feeling, I bet the children who go to this school get such a wonderful, nurturing eduucation and creative experience. The children I met on saturday all seemed so grown up and well behaved, not to mention artistic and a little 'old fashioned' (in a good way)!
I also met a lady who runs a bio-dynamic farm nearby, she happened to be a raw foodist and we chatted about her farm, the abundance of amazing produce she has and she told me about the apprenticeships she runs ( I have to say, I am very tempted) There is a possibility of me doing some workshops at her farm shop and she sounded interested in stocking my goods. January is going to be a busy month, following up all these exciting opportunities.

So, at the end of the day, having SOLD OUT of most of my goods, we packed the car and headed back to my house in London, where we re-packed the car for sunday and had a well-earned rest!
Oh, forgot to mention, I bought some handmade christmas fairies, made of silk, and some little felt gnomes. Mum and I also bought a salt lamp each. They generate healthy ion and bioenergetic vibrations which improve air quality. And pretty too!

Sunday morning was an early start. We arrived at Sunday 'Up market' early (too early) It was cold, we huddled in the car till it opened (yes, we arrived before ANYONE else)!!! Finally we were let in. We loaded in the boxes, then got a cup of 'real' mint tea to warm up!

Mum and I had great fun setting up the stall ( we had lots more space today) and laid out all the cakes and chocolates on pretty cake stands and plates. We stood and chatted to our fellow market traders, so many talented, enterprising people.
I made sure we put plenty of samples out for people to try, always a winner! Towards lunchtime, I panicked that I hadn't made enough stuff!!!

Lunch today was a lovely rainbow salad from Rainforest creations, a raw -food stall in Spitalfields market.
Again, we met lots of lovely people and received so much positve feedback. I sold lot's of things to Vegans, who's eyes lit up when they saw a stall selling vegan chocolate (seems there is a gap in the market?!)
Mum and I were pooped at the end of the day. We packed up for the last time, drove back to mine, unpacked, washed up, drank echinacea tea and ate banana and hemp bread that I had put in the dehydrator the night before (mmm, warm banana bread, sprinkled with pollen, dunked in tea)!

Monday now....off to take samples to a deli in Hackney. Then tonight, Gaggle have a photoshoot with The Times....!

2009-12-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

Another quick one...!

Butternut squash crisps. Yum.....

Thinly slice squash, coat in olive oil, salt and sage, lay out on dehydrator tray and dry overnight...Its even delicious before dehydrating...like roasted veg, nice for xmas lunch..?!

2009-12-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Imaginative uses for squashes and gourds....!

Just a quick post today. I made my first pumpkin pie. Its good. Here is the rough recipe: (i made 3, so vary quantities depending on how many you make!)!

Crust:
3 cups of walnuts
3 cups of dates
2 cups lucuma
salt

Fillings:
2 avocado's
1 cup coconut butter
3tbs cinnamon
piece fresh ginger
1 cup soaked dates
1 tbs allspice
3 cups chopped pumpkin
1/4 cup chia seeds
tbs vanilla
pinch salt

Blend the dates and walnuts (helps if you soak dates first) and press into a pie tin/mould. I made it with a deep crust. Set in the fridge.

Blend the pumpkin in high power blender (or food processor) add all other ingredients and blend till smooth, pour into crust and put it in the fridge to set, or freeze! I decorated mine with goji berries and pumpkin seeds. Photos to come!
xx

2009-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

Today i made tomato soup, warmed gently over a pan of water, it was just the ticket on a cold winter day!

6 large tomatoes
3 mushrooms
splash of tamari
4 cloves of garlic
tbs tahini
sprinkle of cumin
sprinkle of chilli
splash of water (depending on thickness desired)
tsp hemp oil

blend it up baby, serve with a generous helping of sprouts

Yum.

2009-12-08T02:33:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Last night was Kate Magic's talk at Inspiral lounge. I made some notes and got some good information and reminders. We all know we should drink more water, but it is good to be reminded! Kate drinks 4 litres a day (including mylks, teas and juices) so today, i have already had 2 pints of lemon water and am going to make a litre of chia mylk, with added liquid mineral drops, cinnamon, purple corn, suma and Reishi.
Reishi was another thing she spoke lots about. I have had some in my cupboard for a while and keep forgetting its there! It is believed to be fantastic for the immune system, so im going to go reishi crazy, may even make a reishi- mushroom 'gravy' for xmas (warmed gently).
Warming your food is also what she spoke about. It is important in the winter to take in warm, nurturing foods. In Chinese medicine, it is believed the spleen can suffer if one is to eat too much cold, damp food. Things like green juice (especially cucumber) are good for you, however, can unbalance you in the cold weather. Warming foods in the dehydrator or porringer, adding ginger, cinnamon, garlic, chilli etc is a great way to balance out the 'yin'.

Im off to meet my lovely musician friend Rachel today at The Alchemy centre for lunch (the 'Tree of life' trained chef there is very lovely, i met him a month ago, he had made delicious lucuma mango cake and made an amazing green juice for me. He told me all about T.O.L, sounds like heaven there).
Anyway, then i must finish off a few jobs here.....I feel I am slowly ticking off lots of jobs. Being surrounded by bits of paper, notes and lists is making me muddled! My packaging is nearly finished and tomorrow Im going to start a 3 day mammoth un-cooking session, in preparation for this weekends markets! Yay!

Other news- I am in talks with the lovely proprietor of Earth natural foods in Kentish town. He wants me to do a chocolate making workshop there in January. Watch this space. I am also taking samples to a stylish new deli in Hackney next week, so fingers crossed i can win them over with my chocolates!
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have a local shop/cafe/deli that you think would welcome my products!!!

2009-12-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hello People!

France was a success! A looooong coach journey, MASSIVE venue, lots of interviews and a t.v appearance!

Back late last night. Woke up today and got straight back into London life! I decided to go for a walk and picked up a HUGE bowl of bananas! What to make???!

Decided to consult the Gabriel Cousens book 'Conscious eating'. Made up a batch of Almond banana cookies with cinnamon. I set half the mixture aside and added carob and maca.

I didnt follow the recipe exactly as I never do!

6 bananas

250 g soaked almonds

2 tablespoon cinnamon

Or:

3 bananas

100g soaked almonds

3 tbs carob

1 tbs maca

Blend to a smooth paste. Spoon onto dehydrator sheets into little cookie size 'dollops'. Flatten slightly.

Dehydrate for 12 hours, take them off teflon sheet after 6 hours and flip them over.

Bring on breakfast! Yay! The whole house smells christmassy!

Off to Kate Magic's christmas talk at Inspiral lounge tomorrow. Notebook at the ready!

2009-12-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

By the way, I didnt get any pics of the things I made yesterday, but i shall photograph my new recipes (inc the new raw 'mint aero' and pink 'rose fondant') at the markets I'm doing weekend after next)

However, here are some photos of a birthday cake made for one of the Gaggle girls, a few weeks ago. It is a 4 layer cake consisting of a layer of brownie, a vanilla cashew cream, a layer of blondie, then a layer of orange & goji cream. Decorated with white chocolate unicorn, pollen, goji's and orange chocolate hearts....Yum.

www.www.coxetersfayre.co.uk

sunday 13th

http://www.sundayupmarket.co.uk/index.html

Saturday 12th

http://www.michael-hall.co.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=31

2009-12-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Last night was crazy! I was in the kitchen from 6.30 pm- 3.am this morning. I was working in the kitchen at the Laban centre (thanks Dawn)! I then woke up at 9am to prepeare for a trip to france. Gaggle are off to Rennes tomorrow to play an industry festival. 2 nights away....Woop!

Last night I made (with the help of my good friend Amy, AKA 'Raw Like lion'):

170 Blondie truffles, 80 chocolate truffles, 50 Spiced raisin chocolates (covered in red edible glitter), 70 maca maca truffles and last but not least my Emerald city creation, which turned out exactly like an old favourite of mine, Mint Aero!!!

This morning i have been catching up on jobs and errands, managed to make some beetroot burgers to take to France, along with some nori rolls, juice, almond mylk and fresh fruit salad (yes, i know they have food in France but on the motorway, on a coach, you would be suprised how difficult it is to eat well, let alone raw!)

Recipe for burgers:

2 cups ground flax

1 cup hemp seeds

cup of chopped beetroot

dash olive oil

2 tbs cumin

splash of tamari

pinch of pink salt

1 red pepper

3 sticks celery

1 clove garlic

3 carrots

half head of broccoli

sprinkle of nutritional yeast flakes

blend all in a powerful blender, then dollop into silicone muffin trays (i also did a larger butterfly loaf, to share) and decorate with crystal manna and goji berrys

dry for about 16 hours (remove from moulds after about 5 hours)so they are still moist in the middle.

So, now I have to start packing for my trip and catch up on emails (am ordering my first batch of business cards and stickers)! Will try and go to my spinning class later...I must be mad!

2009-12-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

Breakfast.... sesame mylk, buck-wheaties, pollen, plenty of warming cinnamon and some hemp oil and lecithin.

It came to me on the way to the recording studio. Dreaming of magical lands, fantasy, colour......I want to make vibrant, jewel-like chocolates. Obviously, nutrition comes first, so I will make them with natures most colourful super-foods.

Emerald city. A dark chocolate peppermint layer, topped with a peppermint white chocolate, made a vivid green, with Green super-food powder.

Living lavender. A dark chocolate lavender layer, topped with lavender infused white chocolate...made violet with purple corn extract.

Coming soon x

2009-11-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Today I am feeling very tired, yet very positive! The festive period is looming and it will be a busy and creative time for me!

May I also take this opportunity to thank Rob for all his hard work this weekend. He is a very patient, creative person...and a computer whizz kid!

Im off to the studio later this evening...Gaggle are recording a song to be released in january. Woop!

www.myspace.com/gagglespace

xx

2009-11-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello again....!
So, today it has rained and rained and rained. We have not left the caravan! Have been working on the website www.coxetersfayre.co.uk and took time out to make a raw curry full of rainbow vegetables for lunch....topping Rob's cup up with herbal brews every half hour (well, got to keep the workers happy)!
whilst looking out of the window at rainy, grey skies, I thought back to the summer and remembered a lovely coconut cream pie, that I made for friends down in Dorset. I photographed it amongst their amazing fossil collection, from nearby Lyme Regis. Hmmm...Dinosaur pie...! Ha!
Anyway, back to now.....I'm dreading the journey home from here in this weather. Got a busy week coming up, making chocolate selection boxes for the Pop up cafe at The Cockpit Arts open studio weekend
www.cockpitarts.com
So, from soggy South West London....Bye for now...x

2009-11-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Today I have been taking photos for my new website.

www.coxetersfayre.co.uk

My good friend Rob has kindly agreed to take photos for & design my website (well, some arm twisting and a few chocolate and wine bribes were involved) !
We managed to avoid the rain, basking in the winter sunshine. We 'styled' my raw confection amongst leaves, chunks of magnolia tree and moss. Aah, natural food in its natural habitat!
The batch of goodies i made last night managed to get snapped before they were greedily eaten (mostly by moi)! and now we are working on the site (check www.coxetersfayre) It's coming along nicely.
I made a dinner of stuffed vine leaves, curried flax crackers and guacamole for the hungry worker, now huddled in a caravan, sheltering from the pouring rain!
Night night!