carob walnut chip cookies (gluten-free, vegan)

These cookies have crunchy edges with a soft centre, a rich buttery flavour, and studs of walnuts, oats, and carob chips. It’s surprising how delicious they are! Chocolate contains theobromine – a stimulant. Like all stimulants, it is unsupportive for yogic practices that require focus of the mind. Carob is an excellent replacement for chocolate and has […]

apple walnut cake (vegan)

This cake base originated from Amy Chaplin’s first book, ‘At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen’ and has been adapted, posted and baked many times with different variations to suit the seasons. In Spring, there is this rhubarb cardamom cake or these raspberry quinoa muffins.  In Summer, I replace the base with the recipe below and make […]

roasted red pepper walnut spread

One of the (much well-received) additions to our table recently is this roasted red pepper walnut spread. This is one recipe I have made quite a few times as an entree, spread, or more filling side dish to an otherwise light salad-based meal. Whatever the occasion, time of day, or audience, I can almost always […]

pumpkin bread with a toasted walnut cinnamon swirl (vegan)

Just before leaving for Israel for the holiday break, I was trying to use up most of the things in the kitchen. With this in mind and the arrival of a new cookbook, “At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen” by Amy Chaplin, I was perusing through it the night before and was drawn to a […]

lentil beetroot & walnut salad

I thought I would revisit this salad and give it a new life and breath.  It was posted a while back, and I was recently reminded of how lovely it is.  I made it twice this last week, taking advantage of the abundance of greens in the garden and the fresh beets in the market […]

baklava

It’s the end of our first winter in Portugal—just beautiful. I wish I could express the loveliness that surrounded us this morning. The light was awe-inspiring, golden and clear, clean and divine. There are two magnolia trees right outside the entrance door, so I see them every time I come and go.  In Winter, they […]

health crunch muesli cookies (vegan)

Happiness = Getting up early First rain Yellow leaves falling A big girl who will still sit in your lap sometimes A big boy that still needs hugs, all the time The first green salad from the garden Golden afternoon light. Little, white jasmine flowers falling on the ground, waiting to be picked up, and […]

Rotem’s date syrup cake (vegan & GF option)

This earthy date syrup cake was made for me a few days after I gave birth to my first child, Yasmin, just over 11 years ago.  Yasmin was born at home, and my one request was for friends and relatives to prepare nourishing meals for us during that first week.  A friend and relative, Rotem, […]