VEGAN HEAVEN (1/5)

Food for Friends

Last week we decided to treat ourselves to a weekend away from the big smoke, we wanted somewhere by the sea where we could relax but have fun and not have to worry about where to eat. Brighton seemed to fit the bill perfectly. We'd been before and visited a veggie restaurant called Terre a Terre which made us hungry for more! - (not literally we were stuffed to the brim). It turns out the rumours were true, Brighton really is like being in vegan heaven. All the food we had was to die for, I could not recommend it more for a completely indulgent mini break. There's plenty of healthy and raw vegan options too so there really is something for every mood.

We visited Food for Friends on our first evening in Brighton for dinner, as I'd done my research before our trip we knew it was a highly rated vegetarian restaurant with lots of vegan options so we were prepared to have an amazing meal. It didn't disappoint, the ambience was sophisticated and special enough for occasions but still felt homely and warm. The food was hearty and filling with a rustic feel and we got to sample all kinds of vegan options from around the world. I liked that everything was clearly marked on the menu as to whether it was vegan, gluten free or contained nuts, making us so called 'fussy-eaters' feel normal by not having to ask. The little bowl of complimentary vegetable crisps on the side were also a nice touch - though definitely not needed due to the vast portion sizes!

To start we ordered some bread which came in huge chunks (there's that rustic feel again) with a sesame breadstick and some balsamic and chilli dipping sauces. The cocktail to the left was a non-alcoholic strawberry and elderflower mixer and like everything else it was delicious so I savoured every sip!

If your one of those people that likes to try what's on everyone else's plate (hands up thats me - much to the annoyance of my bf) the best thing to do is to share a mezze platter. It's a real experience for the senses and that way you get to sample a variety of dishes the restaurant has to offer. Food for Friends even has a sweet platter made up of 4 different desserts complete with different sauces, cream and garnishes - it was out of this world! 

RAW TAHINI ENERGY BALLS

I love making raw energy balls, they're quick and easy to make plus you get a really deliciously healthy treat as a result. They keep fresh in the fridge for days so you can make a big batch of them in advance then eat them all week long!

The combination of dates, cacao and maple syrup makes these energy balls decadent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth while the tahini and oats will provide you with enough energy to see you through the afternoon, way more effective than reaching for a biscuit or chocolate bar! Paired with a nice cup of almond milk tea these are just a dream! All in all these energy balls are a perfect work-break pick me up, on the go snack or healthy lunch box treat.

Ingredients (makes 9-12):

- 1 1/2 cup gluten free oats

- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

- 1/4 cup light tahini

- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pink himalayan salt
- 3 tbsp raw cacao powder
- Small cup of sesame seeds and/or cacao for rolling (optional)

Method: 

1.) Put all the ingredients listed into a food processor or Vitamix blender. Blend on high until a smooth texture is achieved and you can't see any oats whizzing round, you may need to scrape down the sides of the processor/blender. 

2.) Scoop out the mixture out with your hands or a spoon - this is the really messy part but don't worry it's supposed to be sticky! 

3.) I then like to refrigerate the mixture for an hour or even overnight until it hardens slightly, making it easier to roll into balls. 

4.) Roll them in a bowl of sesame seeds or cacao powder to coat. 

The cacao powder makes them feel more truffle like and brings out the cacao flavour while the sesame seeds give them a nice texture and bring out the tahini more. You could even turn them into an extra special treat by drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the raw mixture and adding them to a bowl of banana nice cream. 

If you liked these check out my Raw Cacao Bliss Balls recipe.