Embrace the Warmth of Plant-Based Eating

As the leaves gently fall, and the air turns crisp, there's something undeniably magical about the transition into autumn. It's a time when we naturally seek warmth and comfort, often finding solace in the glow of a crackling fire, a warm mug of tea or a bowl of steaming hot soup.

During the fall, our local farmers harvest incredible varieties of squash:  butternut, acorn, spaghetti, delicata, hubbard and my favorite, sunshine squash. Earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and  jewel-toned beets are in abundance and appear in our plant-based meals in the form of spiced stews, hearty soups and grain bowls. We are incredibly fortunate to have local farmers within a 20 mile radius providing us with the majority of the produce that we use in our meals. 

When folks inquire about our meals, the question that I am often asked is: how much protein is in this dish? Plant-based protein is found in beans, whole grains, seeds, nuts and our vegetables. Did you know that green peas are at the top of the list of the most protein-filled vegetables? Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach and kale all contain protein along with a myriad of other vegetables.

Protein is important for our bodies as it is one of the macronutrients that provide our bodies with energy. The other two are fat and carbohydrates. Let me provide you with an example of a plant-based protein packed meal: consider a meal of lentil spaghetti bolognese, ⅔ cup whole wheat pasta topped with ½ a cup of lentil bolognese totals a whopping 19.2 grams of protein. If we swap the whole wheat pasta out for a chickpea or lentil pasta, the protein increases to roughly 34 grams. An added bonus to eating whole food plant based protein? The fiber. 

Let’s take a peek behind the scenes in our kitchen: our hearty creamy soups utilize beans as its thickening agent. We puree beans to create a velvety texture. We use soaked raw cashews as they lend creamy, nutty, richness to dishes. Red lentils when cooked down become rich and thick and make a delicious curry. Cooked potatoes when blended become simple, thickening agents. 

As you stoke the fires of your hearth and let their warmth wash over you, let us take you on a culinary journey with our plant-based prepared meals or private chef experiences for dinner parties, an intimate, classy, and connected evening with family and friends. 

Stay warm and nourished!