I do apologise for the scarcity of blog posts lately, but two events have recently taken over my life. The first one is campaigning to stop Bath and North East Somerset Council from building a 1,400 space Park and Ride (โparking lotโ) on the historic Bathampton Meadows.
Long time readers of my blog may recall that I campaigned against these car park plans a few years ago. Unfortunately, the Conservatives got into power again last May and immediately resurrected the plans ๐ As soon as I get a chance, Iโll write a more detailed blog post on what Iโve been up to. If you’d like to add your voice to the campaign, please do sign our petition. Thank you!
Here’s Lil’ L at his first meadows protest in 2008 (age 4)
Since last November, we’ve been protesting again.
We won’t give up the fight!
BOOK NEWS
Iโve also been busy working on my recipe book. I started writing this book almost five years ago (as some of my readers will probably recall). I don’t know where those years have gone!
Finally, after hours, days, weeks, months and years of developing, refining, photographing and dilly-dallying, Iโm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The book will contain over 100 plant-based (vegan) recipes and the vast majority will also be gluten free (or have a gluten free option). There are lots of new recipes in the book but Iโm also planning to include some of the most popular recipes from my blog (as requested by readers).
With the exception of a handful of new ones, all the recipes featured in the book are ones that my family has been loving ever since we went 100% plant-based just over five years ago. Theyโre our absolute favourites, and we hope you will enjoy them too!
Shout Out for Recipe Testers
This month, I need to find some volunteers to help me recipe test. I’d like to give each tester 2-3 recipes each, but if anyone would like just one recipe or a whole bunch to test, then that’s absolutely fine. Honestly, any help would be greatly appreciated.
If you think you could help me out, please do get in touch via the comments form below or by email: [email protected].
Thank you so much,
UPDATE 9th March 2016ย
I’ve been overwhelmed by all the kind words and offers of help that I’ve received since launching this post. Honestly, my readers are the best โฅ I now have an army of 40+ testers which is awesome.
Let the testing commence!
Dear Sharon,
I’m a huge (silent) fan of yours. I’ve been using your recipes for some time and I have to say that you are absolutely the best vegan baker out there. We’re not entirely vegan, but definitely trying to be more so.
Over here in the States (California), I have friends raving about your recipes who are vegan–and who are not!
I’d be happy to test a few of your recipes–any kind (not just baking). I figure it’s the least I can do.
And–do keep us posted on when your cookbook goes on sale. (Please make it available through Amazon.com. I definitely want to buy it.
Hi Mary. So lovely to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words and offer to recipe test. I’ll definitely take you up on that! I am thrilled to hear how much you & your friends are enjoying the recipes ๐ I’ll be in touch again soon xx
would love some recipies to test!
Yay! Thank you gorgeous xx
Hi, I’d love to test some!
Thanks Jacqui! I’d love to have you in the ‘testing gang’ ๐
I would like to test some of your recipes.
Gae
Brilliant! Thank you Gae xx
I’ll test some. If i can follow the recipe they must be fool proof…. ๐
Brilliant! Males are seriously under represented in my testing army right now ๐
I love cooking and experimenting with recipes so would be happy to test some of yours.
Thank you Patricia! Much appreciated xx
Would love to test them for you! I have been a vegan for about 10 years and have a family that stillneed some educating about how delicious the food can be.
Yay! Thank you so much. Would be amazing if we could win over your family ๐
This is such great news Sharon! I offer my help for recipe testing, reviewing, spreading the news and whatever else I can do ๐
PS. Your son is just the cutest.
Aimee x
Aw thanks Aimee. Really appreciate it xx
p.s. It’s scary how quickly kids grow up. Lil’ L turns 13 this year. I can’t believe it!
Would love to be tester of your recipes if you need any one else!
Yay! Happy to have you on board ๐ xx
Happy to test a few too!
Thank you Justine, much appreciated!
Really looking forward to your recipe book. You’re my go to blog every time im looking for a bit of inspiration and I’d love to test out any new recipes
Thank you so much Judith for your kind words. Welcome to the recipe testing gang ๐
Sharon! You are so amazing. Way to stick up for what is right. The world needs more people like you! (and Lil’ L!)
I so wish I could help test out some of your recipes but I’m a bit overwhelmed with work right now. I just know that every recipe of yours will be awesome- I eagerly anticipate the release of your book! xoxox
Aw thanks Koko โฅ You mean the world to me xx
I am so happy, I came by the blog post late – but happy you have found testers and happy there’s a book on the horizon. Yay.
Thanks so much Shaheen xx
hi, just came across your blog. Your book sounds like just what I’ve been looking for! I’m a lifetime veggie who went vegan two yrs ago…and felt like that made me gain weight..so I’ve also been trying to omit wheat/gluten.. And feel much better! If u need anymore testers will be happy to experiment on my kids! ๐
Thanks so much Valeria. I’ve got a second phase of recipe testing coming up in a couple of weeks and would love for you to be involved. I’ll be in touch xx
Hi Sharon. I did cook them but they didn’t rise at all and were pretty ghastly lol! Thanks for all your advice, I’ll play around with the yeast and see what works – I am definitely not deterred!! Your recipes look fab -I’ll definitely be getting your cookbook once it’s published. As you have probably sussed, I’m not the greatest cook, but I humbly volunteer my services as a tester – if ever needed. Thanks again for your help.. Debby
Aw that’s a shame that the buns didn’t rise. Definitely sounds like a problem with the yeast. I’m pleased to hear this hasn’t deterred you though. Onwards and upwards as I say. The next testing phase for my book starts in a couple of weeks and I’d love you test a recipe or two for me. I’ll be in touch xx