Gratins are one of my favourite side dishes. There are few vegetables that don't taste good in creamy or cheesy sauces and topped with crispy crumbs. Gratins are super simple to make, beautiful to present in a lovely baking / serving dish, and so delicious! 

This version features some beautiful potatoes and parsnips. The two pair so well together and taste fabulous in their creamy sauce. I've finished with a traditional crispy crumb topping baked up to perfection in the oven in under an hour. There's so much to love about this dish and I can't wait for you all to try it!

Head on over to the RECIPES tab!


HAPPY VEG

Visit the All ABout the Animals page for a quick little post about the World Wildlife Foundation. 

HAPPY VEG

Next week I'm focusing on Parsnips. Parsnips are absolutely delicious and can be utilized in a variety of ways. They can be eaten raw, boiled, mashed, roasted, or pureed, the options are endless. They are very closely related to carrots and parsley and have a sweet, peppery flavour especially when cooked. Their distinctly sweet flavour comes from enduring the first frost of winter which causes some of their starch to turn to sugars. They are undeniably versatile and so tasty, so this week's all about parsnips!

I have to say, I'm probably the guiltiest of all when it comes to giving in to my own cravings. I get the weirdest cravings out of nowhere and I can't let them go until they are fulfilled. Thing like fried pickles and ranch dressing, cheesy anything, sweets, and salty snacks periodically creep in to my mind and I remain unsatisfied until those cravings are met.

This article breaks down the meanings behind our cravings. Our cravings are so much more than how they manifest themselves to us. It's definitely worthwhile to consider what our bodies actually want from us when we experience these strange cravings.

Here are some of the cravings covered by the post:

1. CRAVING CARB RICH FOOD? When your body is lacking energy, it begins to manifest itself as a craving for carb heavy foods like pasta, pretzels, or fresh bread. Although delicious, they often lack nutrients and are high in empty carbs. Consider eating grains or oats which keep you feeling full for longer and offer vitamins and minerals to boot!
2. CRAVING SOMETHING SALTY? When you are stressed, cortisol is released which produces a desire for high fat, salty foods. Deep fried things, salty potato chips, and buttery salted popcorn; these things lack nutritional value and are fattening and high in sodium. The post suggests chickpeas and I definitely agree. Roast or pan fry some chickpeas until toasted and use your favourite seasonings. They are a delicious, protein packed snack!
3. NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE CRAVING? Ever felt like you pick at a variety of things waiting for something to be exactly what you're looking for? Your body might be lacking hydration because the same part of your brain controls hunger and thirst signals. Try enjoying an icy cold glass of water and see if that helps.

What I love about this article is that it truly aims to help you better understand your body. I am going to take a 1 week pledge to recognize my cravings and attack them as this article suggests. If I can avoid the next (entire) bag of pretzels late at night, I'd be ok with that!


HAPPY VEG

Here's a fun idea for all of you looking for a little getaway. Have you ever considered staying on an animal sanctuary? If rubbing the bellies of pigs, cuddling cows, and playing with chickens sounds like your kind of thing, then here's a list of 5 sanctuaries that also offer lodging on site. (See link)

What kinds of things can you expect from a weekend getaway on an Animal Sanctuary?

• Delicious Vegan Food - The sanctuaries offer all sorts of dining options. You can find open kitchens with fresh produce grown on site for your cooking pleasure. If having your meal served to you is your kind of thing, a few of the sanctuaries offer meals prepared by chef's as well as vegan cooking courses. Fresh produce comes in abundance and however you enjoy it, it's ripe for the pickin!
• Beautiful Scenery - Most of the sanctuaries sit on acres of land and offer beautiful scenery to take in. Whether it's acres of flat lands or beautiful forests, you'll find peace and tranquility are easy to find at these spots.
• Animals to Love - Cows, Pigs, Turkeys, Deer, Chickens, all sorts of rescue animals waiting to be loved. Gente cows looking for hugs, chickens looking to play, pigs laying in wait for belly rubs, all can be found at these sanctuaries. What could be better than spending a weekend playing with rescued, loving animals?
• Other Activities - Massages, Hiking Trips, Cooking Classes, Meditation, whatever you're in the mood for you will find it at one of these beautiful sanctuaries. Although it's all about the cuddly animals, give your petting hands a break with one of the many activities provided by these sanctuaries. Lot's to do and lot's of fun to be had!