Hot Knives - Salad Daze - Vegetarian Cookbook

I'm beyond excited about this book that I found at the Sandton Exclusive books today called Hot Knives Vegetarian Cookbook - Salad Daze. EB Sandton don't have anything else that's interesting and Vegan - except for two reasonably boring Slow Cooking books - so don't bother going there immediately. Rather get your branch to order this for you. It's AMAZING. Or get it here at AK Press or Amazon. The recipes aren't all Vegan, but most of them are. These guys also run a blog called Hot Knives which is fabulous. They've been running it for years and their second book is going to print as I type this, it seems. I hope you can all get your hands on a copy of it! But enjoy their blog in the mean time! Yay for awesome Vegan recipes in Veggie cookbooks!

They have phenomenal recipes - like their Hot Squash Ice Cream on page 118 - or their Winter Seitan and Spiced Carrots... or every other Vegan recipe (and I'm sure the others too).

The Hot Squash Ice Cream is literally roasted butternut with Mulled Maple Syrup, Stout Beer, salt and a little oil on a bed of pecan nuts, sugar and spices.

I know what I'll be making first!

Vegan Valentine - Episode VII - My Valentine

very happy me at the gallery - Photo by Eloise Ello

I had the most wonderful Valentine's Day. Ryan spoiled me all day! We had lunch at the Greenside Cafe, got to watch some West Wing at home during the afternoon (so naughty) and then he treated me to a surprise dinner and art gallery visit in the evening! It was magnificent. I even got love letters. Tiny little love letters that I keep close to my heart at all times. I felt like a princess.

Ryan surprised me for our evening excursion. I got so excited that I started hiccuping and couldn't stop during the whole car ride! He made reservations for us at Sai Thai in Cyrildene, it was a delicious dinner. We drank Coconut and Watermelon slushies, sharing sips over the little table for two. The Watermelon drink is fantastic. It's probably got some sugar in it - but aside from that, it's just watermelon and ice. It reminded me of a little restaurant in Hong Kong I go to in Hollywood Road every time I'm in town. I ate the Tom Kha soup for a starter - it's a dish that blows my mind every time I eat it! Ryan had the veggie spring rolls - they're not as good as the soup. I would recommend trying something else instead. I ate the sweet and sour tofu for my main - it was so good. Their sweet and sour sauce is so well balanced. Ryan had the Green Curry - something I might have next time. They have a huge Vegan menu, which is fun - but frustrating, as I just want to eat all of it!

illustration by Eloise Ello

After dinner we went to an art exhibition closing night in Braamfontein. Friends of mine are running a pop up gallery called the Kalashnikovv at 70 Juta Street. It's rad. They are exhibiting young artists, illustrators and designers - something that isn't happening in the mainstream galleries in Joburg, so it's a breath of fresh air.

I hope you all had a lovely day. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world. I am truly so fortunate in having found such a fantastic partner to share my time with. And it doesn't take Valentine's day for Ryan to make me feel special, it happens every day. Thank you, my darling. I adore you.

Kalashnikovv Gallery, Braamfontein

Vegan Valentine - Episode VI - JHB Art Galleries

There are so many beautiful art galleries in Johannesburg, and the rest of South Africa. Go visit some Art Galleries on Valentine's Day, or this weekend. Show your significant other just how cultured you can be! If you're in Cape Town, there are plenty of great shows on at these galleries CT venues. There is also What if the world gallery, and several others that are Cape Town specific. If you're in Stellenbosch, SMAC Gallery will have something great on. If you're in Knysna, there's Knysna Fine Art for a treat.

The Everard Read Gallery has an opening on Thursday 14th February opening at 18:00. Go see some beautiful art and drink a glass of wine. Sadly, and suddenly, Keith Joubert passed away this month. This opening will also be a celebration of his life and his work.

The Goodman Gallery in Rosebank has Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin / To Photograph the Details of a Dark Horse in Low Light on until the 16th of February.

Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin

I.D. 20 , 2012

Unique Polaroid

107mm x 86mm

The Standard Bank Gallery has a contemporary art exhibition until the end of March. MAKING WAY: Contemporary Art from South Africa & China exhibition is promising. Worth a visit this week!

Athi-Patra Ruga, Performance Obscura, 2012. Photo: Ruth Simbao

The University of Johannesburg Art Gallery has Michael Meyersfeld: DISCORDANCE on at the moment. The fine art photographic show is moving, with a magnificent use of light in the images. There is also a walkabout with the artist on Saturday 16th of February at 10:30.

'Ponte Worshippers', 2012, Archival Print on Innova FibaPrint Photo Paper, 280gsm

Stevenson in Braamfontein currently has the Loom of the Land group exhibition curated by Anton Kannemeyer on its walls.

BRETT MURRAY

Rainbow Over Nkandla
From the Made in China series
2012/2013
Oil on canvas
105 x 150cm

The WITS Art Museum, also known as WAM, usually has something interesting in their galleries. Worth checking that out too.

Vegan Valentine - Episode V - Fun

Valentine's doesn't have to be dinner and a movie. It can also be an adventure! An adventure for couples, friends, or a whole family!

Computicket has tons of events all around South Africa on Valentine's day. Some in Johannesburg include a hypnotist, a mentalist, tap dancing, trips to the cradle of humankind and the most interesting: sky dining where one is suspended from a crane at the Indaba Hotel. Sounds pretty scary. I wonder if they cater for Vegans?

The Bioscope at Main Street Life in the Johannesburg Maboneng precinct is hosting an open air movie screening on Valentine's day. They're screening True Romance. Looks pretty good! Love some 80s romance! There aren't really many Vegan meals you can get around there, so eat before you go.

There are some movies at the cinemas that look like they could be interesting, including some romance. Klein Karoo, Playing for Keeps, Silver Linings Playbook, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Movie 43, Argo, Quartet, Here comes the boom, Lincoln, Anna Karenina, The Words, Intouchables, Les Infedeles... there seems to be no end to the list of potentially awesome movies.

However you end up spending Valentine's day - I hope you have a great time. I was told to stop asking questions about what's happening on Thursday, so I don't even know what I'm doing yet! I love surprises though, so I don't mind what happens.

Read Vegan Valentine - Episode I - Valentine's Day
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode II - Romantic JHB Vegan Friendly Restaurants
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode III - Chocolate
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode IV - Heart
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode VI - Art Galleries

Animal Testing Ban in the EU - Victory for Animal Rights

Finally the European Union has banned the sale of products that have been tested on animals. It's a great victory for Animal Rights. Read about it on the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine blog as well as on the Peta site. Here is another article highlighting the Israeli ban on cosmetics tested on animals as well as some more information on animal testing bans and what is happening to set them in motion elsewhere.

Sites such as AVAAZ.org actually make a difference. It's a way to be an armchair activist and make a real contribution to causes. These petitions really work, and there are people taking these petitions to decision-makers. Every voice counts. Just take a look at what it achieved for Animal Testing in the EU! There are lots of emails that come through from them every week and many petitions to sign, but most of them only take five seconds of your time.

Vegan Valentine - Episode IV - Heart

Leonardo da Vinci sketches of the human heart

So valentine's is full of Heart symbol related paraphernalia pertaining, amongst other meanings, to the arcane idea that love was a feeling emanating from one's heart. We now know is really the brain's department.

I wanted to be nothing but a Cardiologist when I was a kid. I learned all about the heart - about it's different chambers, its functions and its diseases. I was insatiable. I had access to my father's medical textbooks, so I spent hours poring over the text and images. I even got to dissect a cow's heart at a 'witch' themed party, which was one of my most exciting childhood party moments. (Could I seem any less Vegan). While the other kids were telling the class they wanted to be ballerinas, lawyers like mommy, what-have-you, I was saying, "cardiologist." My father eventually allowed us to choose to study whatever we wanted to, as long as it wasn't medicine. Go figure.

The real heart that matters on Valentine's day, and every day, is your organ - the heart. That little pump that keeps your body going, your ticker, your clock that shouldn't miss beats. Unless it's on Valentine's day - that's alright. But furthermore, you should be looking after it, because its condition determines not only your longevity, but your quality of life.

This article by Dr. Neal Barnard of the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine explores the negative effects of eating meat on your heart. The coincidence of the surname Barnard and his subject were not lost on me, it's pretty rad. I wonder if they are in any way related, considering the last 200 years or so - not in the extended "we are all from the same mitochondrial mix" way.

Human Heart

Dr. Neal Barnard states that "Unlike foods from plants that enhance our health, meat and dairy products have the same hazards as cigarette smoking, including increased risks of strokes, heart disease and cancer." That's a tough pill to swallow for carnists. In another article on the PCRM site, it is stated that "The vegetarians were also slimmer and had lower total cholesterol and blood pressure. These findings are consistent with other large population studies showing vegetarians have less incidence of and death from heart disease." These findings won't be new to many of you, and I may sound like I'm preaching to the choir, but you wouldn't let your children or loved ones smoke - because you know it will shorten their life expectancy and increase their chance of chronic disease. It's time everyone sees meat consumption in the same way they perceive cigarette smoking. I know that we're not going to get everyone to stop smoking, or to stop eating meat - but this is a pretty good motivation to eat far less of it, if you cannot commit to none at all.

Valentine's is about pledging your love to someone. Pledge it to yourself, and your heart - the one in your chest. Also, take it for a run. Your heart will <3 you.

Read Vegan Valentine - Episode I
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode II
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode III
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode V

Vegan Valentine - Episode III - Chocolate

Staying home and making delicious treats for Valentine's day is awesome. It seems super romantic to me - putting love into making something. There are some very easy options here, for those of you who don't usually cook - you'll be able to do some of these. Part of the wonderful thing about Vegan food is how easy much of it is to prepare. It's so simple to make incredible tasting, healthy food without stretching your budget or needing to spend days preparing ingredients. Fresh and raw are options that should never be overlooked.

Chocolate covered strawberries are a magnificent option. Here's a lovely blog with a great recipe from last year's Valentine. South Africans can find Vegan Chocolate Chips at Pick 'n Pay, use Woolworths Organic Dark Chocolate, or buy Raw Cocoa from Fresh Earth or other health stores. Ethical chocolate sources are best. It's the most romantic to have a cruelty free Valentine's. Here's another post on Chocolate Dipped Fruit from Carciofi Rosso.

Honest Chocolate is a great investment for Valentine's day. These chocolatiers make raw chocolate, with many Vegan options. They have an incredible chocolate spread that is worth trying.

Vegan Dark Chocolate options at Woolworths abound - they have aforementioned Organic Dark Chocolate, Cherry Liqueur Dark Chocolates, Ginger Glace Dark Chocolates, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds...

Hot Chocolate (link to My New Roots Haute Chocolate) is appropriate at any time of the year. It's been hot as hell here in South Africa, but you can always make hot chocolate, and chill it in the fridge for cold chocolate milk. Mmm. You could also just buy Alpro Chocolate Soya Milk, Alpro Chocolate Custard, Alpro Chocolate puddings... to mention the chocolate options. Woolworths also does a great dark chocolate chip packet with which to make hot chocolate, or chocolate chip pancakes. Woolworths also have delicious Chocolate Soya Milk. There are an overwhelming number of chocolate options!

Coco Pops are Vegan. That's a pretty awesome Valentine's day breakfast cereal, if you're into that.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes are one of my favourites. You can see a previous post about Blueberry Pancakes here - Just replace blueberries with Chocolate Chips. The dark chocolate chips from Woolworths are much better than the other commercial "chips". They're not nearly as sweet or ersatz. Alternatively, just use any chocolate you have lying around - smash it with your mortar and pestel.

Photo by Vicki Brett-Gach a contributor on Ann Arbor.

Not Chocolate, but something that looks amazing to me are these Red Velvet Cupcakes. They also don't have any ingredients that are USA specific, like many of the recipes do. No Vegan Cream Cheese required for the icing. You can buy Vegan red food colouring from Woolworths. They have all-natural & plant based food colouring available.

This Photo is from South African Angela Day blog.

If you're not so into eating sweets right now, a fresh fruit salad full of superfoods like blueberries and goji berries will also serve very well. Fruit salad, watermelon salads, red fruit salads - being a healthy and fit Vegan is something you do because you love yourself, because you love your partner, because you love animals and this planet.

One of my favourite salads is Watermelon and Lime salad. Watermelons go so well with a tangy lime dressing & sesame seeds. Otherwise try watermelon juice. That stuff is incredible, so refreshing! I have it in Hong Kong every time I go there - this little place on Hollywood Road makes the most incredible watermelon juice, freshly squeezed. Just thinking about it makes me long to be there!

Read Vegan Valentine - Episode I
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode II
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode IV
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode V
Read Vegan Valentine - Episode VI

Tom Kha - Spicy Coconut Soup

Tom Kha and Tom Yum soups are two of my favourite Asian soups. These little Thai wonders are both served as Vegan Soups at Sai Thai in Cyrildene. It's worth going there just to try their Tom Kha soup. My father is addicted to Tom Yum soup. My mom & brother make the best Tom Yum I have ever tasted, and they even leave the prawn stuff right until the end so I can have the soup too.

I'm always curious to try Woolworths packaged meals, and I like to support them when they have Vegan options, so I bought two packs of the Tom Kha. I've eaten their tinned Tom Yum several times, but usually as a desperate search for something Vegan in my mom's pantry, and it's reasonably tasteless, too spicy and disappointing.

Tonight I fried up some onion, cauliflower and broccoli before popping the Tom Kha in the pot. I ended up adding way too many veggies for it still to be soup, but it made for an OK stew. It's pretty spicy, so not for those with sensitive taste buds. I'm not mad about it either, and probably won't buy it again. After tasting the Sai Thai Tom Kha, it's a difficult task to match that fabulosity. (Thanks Kimora. At least you increased my vocabulary by one word.)

But I definitely will be trying to make this at some stage: My New Roots posted a recipe for the Best Coconut Soup Ever. I love this blog, it's absolutely wonderful! I would advise trying this recipe instead of taking the short cut I did. It'll prove to be worth it, I'm positive of that.

Photo by Sarah Britton of My New Roots

Vegan Diets Control Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Medicine is catching on to the Vegan way of living as a healthier alternative to the way in which many people eat today. There is so much evidence that you begin to find when you look for it. Take a look at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine if you want to see a group of people who are concerned about ethics in medicine and its practices, as well as this interview on how Vegan diets can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, assisting the chronically ill in controlling these without medicine. The interviewee is on a RAVE diet, one which excludes refined foods, animal products & by-products and vegetable oils. So it's Vegan, but even healthier, by the sounds of it. It's a way to maximize raw food intake, and not to rely on processed foods.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine have also posted this article, citing that, "The vegetarians were also slimmer and had lower total cholesterol and blood pressure. These findings are consistent with other large population studies showing vegetarians have less incidence of and death from heart disease."

I have other links stashed away somewhere, for a blog post just like this one, so I will keep updating this post as I find them. In the mean time, it's worth laying into Google for the health benefits of Veganism.

Steve-O becomes Vegan

Celebrity gossip isn't really my thing. I try not to see it. It's boring. Mostly. But Steve-O is a character from my youth that is hard to ignore when placed next to the word Vegan. Many of us would have watched Steve-O undergo all sorts of painful misdeeds in Jackass and resulting offshoots. Steve-O has his face tattooed to his back. His entire back. He's an odd guy. Read the interview with Steve-O here.

This article is pretty interesting to read - I'm surprised that I didn't read it in Vice or Rolling Stone, but maybe he's not important enough anymore. What is important is that celebrities are highly visible people, from the smallest to the likes of Bill Clinton, Ellen Degeneres, Mike Tyson and Alec Baldwin (to mention but a few) who become Vegans for health and ethical reasons; they may make a difference in the visibility of the fight against animal cruelty and they may assist in eventually abolishing cruelty. People tend to consider the actions of their role models. Steve-O also narrates this video for Farm Sanctuary. (Video purportedly contains content that may disturb sensitive viewers.)