Broccoli
There really is nothing like a hearty, home cooked meal. This Easter, yours truly will be feeding her family a range of vegan treats.
Easter is a time for reinvention. So I’m planning to give a few old classics the Kate Madikane treatment.
So. Excited.
It’s so important for families to be together, bonding over food and conversation. I can’t wait to see Dad’s face as he tucks in. And teaching an experienced cook like Mum a few new dishes will be so rewarding. Sadly my daughter Phoebe is elsewhere for the weekend… but I know she’ll be thinking of me and feeling proud of her (natural) mother.
Combining motherhood with studies can be physically and emotionally draining so it’s essential to keep body and mind nourished. Whether I’m hard-talking International development issues with my fellow students in Felpersham - or debating bang-on-trend bands with Phoebe – I always need to be at the top of my game.
So, here’s a plan for my perfect vegan Easter on a plate:
(I haven’t decided on what I’ll actually cook. I’m thinking something with lentils and celeriac. In the meantime, I’m taking inspiration from BBC Food. They have loads of ideas for all you doubters.)
7am: Wake up. Purified water. Yoga to revive body and mind. (I need to work on ideas and arguments for my sustainable farming module. My half brother Adam makes some good points, but needs a bit of educating)
7:30am: Maybe a run. It’s so refreshing to feel the morning air on my face, as I dash past the fields that next week I’ll be standing in planting strawberries!
8:00am: Shower. Breakfast. Smoothie.
It could be a long day – with the possibility of initial lunch protests from staunch carnivores Dad and Ruairi - so I’ll probably start off with a bowl of granola topped with banana for energy.
I admit, I’ll probably also benefit from a strong coffee. Not sure what the weekend holds yet, but if Steph insists on another ‘lunch’ who am I to refuse?! It’s not like I’ll get to see much of Phoebe this weekend.
Sunday morning offers a great opportunity to sit down with Dad and look at the papers. Although lately he’s been obsessing over the Jobs section for some reason.
12:00pm: I’ll be all set, in charge of the kitchen! Mum’ll probably give me ‘that’ look as I wave her into the living room with a nice sparkling cocktail to start her off.
1pm: We’ll sit down together – me, Mum, Dad and Ruairi. I’m so happy to be surrounded by my family. Will spare a thought for Roy (Phoebe’s father) – sad, alone, probably working all through the weekend.
3:30pm – Green or peppermint tea. Will likely despair as Ruairi sneaks a left over sausage, complaining “I’m still hungry”. Honestly, there’s no pleasing some (note to self: hide any leftovers from the boys)
5:00pm – Maybe text Steph. Ask how her ‘lunch’ was. She won’t be going to nearly so much effort. Maybe I’ll text one of the other students, see what they’re up to. Will obvs try Phoebe too – although if her little sister’s had too many chocolate eggs she’ll probably have her hands full. I do hope Phoebe's other 'mum' Hayley enjoys herself.
Happy Easter everyone!
