The castle atop the Rock of Cashel, Ireland

Join us on our visit to the mystical castle and cathedral atop the Rock of Cashel in Ireland, the land of Jennifer’s foremothers. If you listen carefully you can hear the sounds of the crows – so magical! Also notice the crows flying into the holes in the buildings. For more info on this magnificent site, please visit here.

Adventures in Ireland

First off, to all our friends with Irish descent – you have an incredible homeland! The people are so friendly. The landscape is beautiful and magical. The rolling hills, the seaside villages, thatched cottages and ancient castles, not to mention the megolithic portal grave, filled us with wonder and mystery. Visiting the land of Jennifer’s foremothers gave special meaning to the trip.

Please enjoy these photos. For more photos, you can check out Jennifer’s Facebook albums here and here or visit Mark’s Facebook album.

For more detailed info on some of the places we explored, visit the following sites:

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Ring of Kerry

Cashel Rock Castle

Jennifer on ancient hill of Tara

Newgrange ancient burial site

Gentle as a lamb

More mystic countryside

Cashel Rock Castle

At Christ Church, Dublin

Jennifer at Stone fort remains

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Thatched cottages abound

Johnny Fox’s Pub

From Cashel Rock Castle

Mark and Jennifer

Killarny town

Puffin Island

Cliffs that remind us of home

Never got tired of seeing the sheep

Felt like Middle Earth wherever we looked

From Cashel Rock Castle

So cute

An incredible portion of the Ring of Kerry

Recipe: Quick and Easy – Herb Infused Oil

Basil Oil – Use to enhance the flavor of any dish calling for oil.

For one cup, blend 1 cup of olive oil with 2 cups of fresh basil that has been rinsed and dried. Blending for a few minutes will heat the mixture and allow more of the basil flavor to be released. Strain well into a jar and store in the fridge for up to a week. You may also pour into a plastic squeeze bottle and use to create beautiful green oil garnishes.
image source

Amsterdam Workshop Students Part 2 – Trudy Speaks!

Listen to Trudy Van Oostrum share her thoughts on Vegan Fusion Cuisine in Amsterdam. Check out her website for more of her adventures – in savasana and outrageous!

http://www.insearchforthebest.nl

Amsterdam Workshop Collage

Here is a video collage prepared by Wouter Klomp. Check out his website at http://www.insearchforthebest.nl

Amsterdam Workshop Students Speak -part 1

Here are a few interviews with students from our Amsterdam Workshops. Its been such a pleasure to meet everyone here in Holland. We have been moved by the warm welcome we are receiving. Stay tuned for part 2!

Amsterdam by boat

Here is a short video from our first boat ride along the canals of Amsterdam. The views of the city from this perspective are incredible. The architecture and overall feel of the city continues to inspire us. Now that spring is officially springing, the trees and flowers are exploding with life. Enjoy!

Go Green with Vegan Cuisine this Earth Day Part 3

After reading our first article on Going Green with Vegan Cuisine this Earth Day you might be convinced that including more vegan foods in your lifestyle is good for you and the planet. After reading our second article, you may feel empowered to introduce some of these foods. But where to begin?

Here we reveal one of the secret weapons in your efforts – dessert! Perhaps in no other category of food preparation does the light of vegan cuisine shine so brightly. Visit your local health food store or pick up a vegan cookbook to discover the bounty of rich and decadent sweets that can be created without using dairy or eggs. There are even several incredible brands of plant based ‘ice cream’ which are soy, rice or coconut based. Be sure to sample a few until you find your favorites.

Vegan baking has come a long way. Cow’s milk can be replaced with soy, rice and almond milk. Eggs can be replaced with ground flax seeds, applesauce and even blended silken tofu. For more information on vegan baking, check out our book, Vegan Fusion World Cuisine.

We leave you with one of the most popular recipes. You will never miss the dairy or eggs in these cookies and they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  Serve them up at your Earth Day Celebration!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Image by roboppy via Flickr

25 minutes prep/15  minute cook / 8 large cookies

Ingredients

Dry
2    cups                spelt flour
1    cup                vegan chocolate chips- try sunspire brand
1    cup                walnuts – chopped
3/4    cup                rolled oats
1/2    tsp.                sea salt
3/4    tsp.                baking soda
1/8    tsp.                cinnamon
1    pinch                nutmeg

Wet
2/3    cup                maple syrup
2/3    cup                canola oil
2    Tbl.                 filtered water
1    tsp.                peppermint extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.  Place dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.  Combine wet ingredients in another large bowl.  Add wet to dry and mix well.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2. Place 8 scoops on a well oiled baking sheet and flatten slightly with hand. Space evenly so cookies have room to spread.

3. Bake until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. Allow to cool before enjoying

Meet the Chefs Dinner at Elements Restaurant

Here is a video from our second day of Chef Training at Elements Restaurant. Jennifer and I hosted a ‘Meet the Chefs’ dinner in the restaurant’s VIP room.

Elements Restuarant, Amsterdam

Here are some photos from the Chef training program we offered at Elements Restaurant in Amsterdam. Last night we served a ‘Meet the Chefs’ dinner in the restaurant’s VIP room.

Chef Training at Elements Restaurant

In the kitchen

Serving it up!

Raw Wasabi Ginger Pate Nori Rolls with Mango Chile Sauce

Chef training

Raw Chocolate Fudge with Raspberry Coulis, Pineapple Cannoli, Raw Key Lime Ice Cream

Meet the Chefs Dinner, Elements Restaurant

J-Love in the house!

Elements Restaurant kitchen

Cannoli filling preparation

Elements Restaurant

John, Werner, Eva and Rene

Getting ready for dinner

Rene Ameling

Meet the Chefs Dinner

In the kitchen

Front end preparation at Elements Restaurant