Musings from the closing days of January.

Lately I've been noticing what response various kinds of social media posts, photographs etc. receive. I realise target audience makes a big difference, so decided to look at some posts from my timeline, rather than specific groups.

In general it seems that anything of an uncomfortable nature is ignored by most people, or very occasionally provokes disagreement in the form of comments, blocking posts, or possibly even 'unfriending'. Posts with pictures of food, recipes and recommended eateries are received well. Animal pictures and posts generate much positive reaction, except where animal cruelty is concerned, then of course, negative responses rightly ensue.

None of this will likely come as a surprise, as everything so far bears out our human nature and social conditioning. The most interesting thing occurs though, with pictures and posts of farmed animals. Hardly anyone acknowledges these posts at all! Have a look at these two screenshots. Notice how many reactions each has:

The first example was from a day spent with family and our dogs. Lots of fun, and  a happy, positive day.

Picture two was from two days later, at a SAVE vigil outside a slaughter house. The two pigs in the picture were just babies. We could hear their chilling cries (not long after the picture was taken) from inside the premises to which they had been delivered.

The SAVE movement is growing fast, but each group needs as much support as possible. We KNOW people find it hugely difficult to take the leap into the unknown and attend their first vigil. We know this because each and every one of us experienced this same apprehension. We know that there are endless very good reasons NOT to go along. We know this because we ALL are having to make time for this, but we make the time because we must. We have to. Once we have experienced a vigil, we realise the absolute urgency of the situation these poor animals face. We HAVE to be part of the change.

I'd like to finish with the text of a post I made last night, after attending another SAVE vigil.

Thank you for reading.

'It was cold tonight, the biting wind relentless. We stood together, bearing witness to the voiceless. But WE heard their voices: pained and frightened, their fate sealed. We supported each other, we didn't want to be there, but we knew we had to. How else will this dark secret ever be exposed?

The workers won't talk to us, neither will the security team. One turned her back on me completely (wonder what her boss would say to that, hardly watching what was going on was she?)

They keep all this behind locked gates, the operation, the 'food' production plant or whatever it is. Here they kill, methodically in cold blood. In this place, their victims' only crime is being born with four legs instead of two.'

Mushroom, Sweetcorn and Butter Bean Pie.

Last night I was fortunate enough to have this delicious meal cooked for me. Pie, with roast potatoes, peas and gravy. I posted the picture on social media, and have subsequently been asked for the recipe, so I thought I would include it here.

Serves two (or one hungry person):

Filling
1/2 small onion,
small handful sweetcorn,
2 garlic cloves,
4-5 mushrooms,
1/2 400g tin butter beans.
150ml vegan 'cheese' sauce (made up with unsweetened almond milk).

Pastry
45g wholewheat flour
45g plain white flour
2tblsp vegetable oil of your choice
Pinch baking powder
Pinch salt
Water to mix

Mix flours, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
Stir in the oil until thoroughly combined.
Gradually add cold water, mixing until a firm dough is formed.
Wrap and refrigerate while preparing filling.

Soften onions in oil, then add mushrooms, and soften.
Add garlic, beans and corn to warm through. Season to taste. Place in pie dish. Pour on sauce and stir in.
Top with pastry. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for about 20 - 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Note:
This is the sauce we used, although of course you could make from scratch. We made ours thicker than suggested.

Veganuary 2017

So this is day seven for those taking part in Veganuary 2017. That's a whole week. How's everyone found it so far I wonder?

This week, I've spent quite a bit of time reflecting, and recalling my own transition to veganism, in order to try and support others making the change.

Even though I'd been vegetarian for years, there seemed so many unknowns and possible obstacles. There came a point though, where I'd learned enough about animal agriculture and associated practices that i couldn't leave it a moment longer.

Once I'd taken the decision, the practicalities gradually fell into place along a fairly gentle learning curve.

Of course, I was afraid I'd miss cheese, and I suppose I must have done for a time. The trick is to focus on all the world of amazing food that's out there to discover, rather than dwelling upon what's been left behind. Certainly there are substitutes for cheese, meat, fish etc., if that helps, but there's so much more besides: A rainbow of fruits and vegetables, a rich variety of nuts, seeds and pulses, tofu and similar soya products, nut butters. These can all be enjoyed simply as they are, or incorporated into any of a limitless number of recipes and meal ideas.

Tonight's dinner: homemade Tadka Dhal, with garlic and coriander naan from The Clay Oven Bakery.

Suddenly, my world no longer contained yogurt, ice cream and chocolate, or so I thought. However there are delicious non dairy alternatives to all of these - Vego bars anyone?. Cakes were almost unheard of, although now there are an abundance of varieties available from vegan bakeries, coffee shops, or homemade.

There are apps such as 'Happy Cow', which make finding vegan places to eat out easy and fun. Indeed  more and more places than ever are opening up as vegan eateries or offering vegan choices.

In summary, each day is an exciting opportunity to try something new, cook a delicious favourite, or enjoy a lovely meal out. I am constantly thankful that I made the decision to change to a vegan lifestyle, and have met lots of wonderful, compassionate people and made a great many new friends.