Posts Tagged With: cornwall

Vibrant Vegan! Cornwall – Photo scrapbook of our recent weekend of healthy plant-based cooking and yoga

Posted on July 23, 2018 by leroy watson

Here are some of our favourite pictures from last weekends Vibrant Vegan Cornwall getaway, just beside Lands End.

We were blessed with sunny weather and clear skies and joined by a wonderful group of people. We shared many memorable times, lots of empowering yoga with Complete Unity Yoga in the Yoga Hall, so much plant-based food, delicious and healthy, with global twists and plenty of treats. Boswedden House was a beautiful location, comfortable with a nice big dining room and kitchen (the most important rooms right!)

Stunning Cape Cornwall! The sun shone all weekend.

The gardens of Boswedden overlook the coastline and the little old tin mines which trail along the cliffs. They even have a labyrinth in the garden which we enjoyed. It was the perfect location for our Saturday night fire, where we told stories, sang songs and read poetry. We even burned a chest of drawers (old and dilapidated;) which added a real spark to the evening!

We welcomed an amazing group of people! (Not sure what I was looking at here!;)

Malene’s yoga was based around the teachings of Patanjali, taking us right back to the roots and heart of yoga. All took part and felt the benefits. Yoga is for all! No matter what level we’re at.

On Sunday night Malene and Will led a transformatory experience in the yoga hall. Yoga in the mornings is always a highlight, especially when the pool is open beforehand. The best way to start any day!

A weekend filled with treats!!

I cooked for much of the weekend with a top kitchen crew, Will, Will and Jenna. An amazing team of passionate cooks who contributed to making the weekends food extra special. I’ve popped the menu below:

All meals were themed; Spanish, Japanese, Healthy Vegan Junk Food, Mexican and loads more…

Menu

Friday

Tea and coffee on arrival

Fruit bowl

Cake

Blood Orange & Polenta Upside Down Cake with Creme Fraiche (g/f)

Dinner – Mexican Fiesta!

Black Bean & Kale Mole

Smoky Aubergine Bacon Bites

Loaded Nachos with Chipotle & Cashew Queso

Charred Corn & Coriander Rice

Salsa & Guacamole

Mexican Chocolate Custard Pies with Spiced Oranges (g/f)

Saturday

Lunch – Spanish Tapas

Watermelon Gazpacho

Baked Pea & Mint Tortilla

Roasted Patatas Bravas with Salsa Rojo and Aioli

Mixed Green Beans, Basil with Crushed Peas

Orange, Red Onion, Fennel and Black Olive Salad

Local Salad Leaves with Herb and Lemon Dressing

Cake

Tahini & Chocolate Blondies (g/f)

Dinner – Middle Eastern BBQ

Tofu & Watermelon Kabobs with Bharat Yoghurt Marinade

Spiced Aubergine and Courgette Kabobs with Tahini and Harissa Sauce

Charred Cauliflower Wedges with Haleznut Dukkha

Mujdharra – Bulghur Wheat and Lentils with Dill and Za’atar

Fattoush Salad Platter

Layered Summer Berry & Chocolate Cheesecakes

Sunday

Lunch – Zen Buddha Bowls
Onigirazu – Sushi Sandwiches with Wasabi Mayo
Teriyaki Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Green Dragon Macrobiotic Salad

Pickled Rhubarb, Peanuts and Noodle Salad
Local Salad leaves with Miso and Ginger Dressing

Cake

A Selection of Energy Balls and Healthy Truffles

Dinner – Healthy Junk Food

BBQ Pulled Jackfrui

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Charred Corn Wheels and Courgette Coins

Pan fried Local Greens

Rainbow Sauerkraut

Mango and Cashew Fudge with Coconut Chocolate Bark

Walking along the coastal path, Cape Cornwall

Delphiris took over the lounge for the weekend for a variety of massage sessions, along with Jane’s reiki and menstrual cycle workshop, Malene was offering one-to-one yoga consultations and lifestyle coaching. All these therapies had such a positive effect on the weekend.

It’s rare in life we can just let go, focus solely on taking care of ourselves and re-energising and aligning ourselves with healthy ways of being. This is what the Vibrant Vegan weekends are all about, it goes way beyond just what we eat, but a wholesome, balanced plant-based diet is a excellent cornerstone for a healthier body and lifestyle.

We’re chuffed that there are at least two new vegans in the world after the weekend! We all talked a lot about new ideas, impetus and strategies to lead a more balanced life back in the ‘real world’, a life that is based around our own well-being and peace of mind, making us better equipped to deal with the ups and downs in life, allowing us to give life our very best shot!

Rainbow Sushi for the Japanese lunch, along with roasted teriyaki sweet potatoes and wasabi mayo, pickled rhubarb and noodle salad

Did we mention the sunshine!! So many options for wonderful walks and enjoying the beautiful scenery

Energy balls and healthy truffles, ideal fuel for yoga, long walks and swimming

Everyday, there is cake!

And lots of desserts…

Our Vibrant Vegan holidays showcase what a healthy plant-based diet is all about, variety, colours, textures, fresh flavours, decadent treats, amazing nutritional bits and pieces. It’s a no lose, no sacrifice, all good way of nourishing our body. It doesn’t have to be challenging either, so many quick recipes when time is the master!

The weekends are all about inspiring us to cook fresh food, during the cooking demonstration we talked about simple techniques to change the way we cook at home, saving time and approaching new ingredients with confidence. We even had a chat about vegan nutrition and how to thrive on pure plants.

Big thanks to all who made our Vibrant Vegan weekend so special!!

I know that a lot of people made it down to the beach and the surrounding coves, the ocean down in Cornwall seems really grand. There is the feeling that you’re right at the end of the island, looking out into the big, big blue. Refreshing!

Our big thanks and love to all attended and made Vibrant Vegan a very special weekend for us all, especially Jane, Thelma, Nigel, Sue, Will, Malene, Will, Jenna and Cat (the cat) plus everyone else behind the scenes who helps to make these holidays and getaways such a peaceful and enriching time.

It was our first time hosting an event in Cornwall and, as you can probably tell, we loved it! Let us know if you’d be interested in a Vibrant Vegan Cornwall ’19.

PS – Extra thanks and hugs to Will and Sophia for taking these lovely pics.

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Our next BHK events are coming soon, lots of workshops, demos and holidays planned for ’18-’19.

If you’ve attended on our our events, please leave us a review here. It’s a huge help for us in getting our message out there and rockin’ new recipes and all things healthy and happy food.

Full details and new recipes all over on our private vegan cooking group. Join here.

Categories: Cooking Retreats, Cooking Workshops, Events, gluten-free, healthy, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, photography, plant-based, Vegan, veganism | Tags: cornwall, meditation, yoga | 5 Comments

Join us soon in beautiful Cornwall! Healthy Plant-based Cooking and Yoga Holiday, 13th – 16th July

Posted on June 11, 2018 by leroy watson

Find peace, get healthy, be happy this summer with the Beach House Kitchen!

Due to late cancellations we now have these available:
– 2 twin/ double rooms
– 1 bed in a shared room

For our rejuvenating, DELICIOUS and inspiring Healthy Plant-based Cooking & Yoga Holiday on the beautiful Cornish coastline.

Learn to cook amazing plant-based treats with Jane and I, practice soothing and empowering yoga with the brilliant Complete Unity Yoga, take walks along the stunning Cornish coastline, also BBQ, music, massage and other therapies, swimming pool and inspiring workshops with Jane, Woman’s Wheel.

This weekend promises new skills and perspectives, fresh insight and recipes, plus lots of fun and peaceful times. You’ll take away a bespoke recipe booklet, with nutritional advice, so you can cook healthy and hearty vegan meals at home.

We are sure these rare opportunities will be snapped up very soon, don’t delay!

Please feel free to share this with like-minded friends, curious cooks and all those seeking some peace, happiness and very tasty food!

Bookings and enquiries – hellobeachhousekitchen@gmail.com

All the detail, prices etc can be found on the Facebook Event Page.

We hope to see you soon in Cornwall, or later in the year at one of our upcoming events, workshops, or holidays.

Keep up to date with our future events in the UK and Europe, join our Vegan Cooking Group.

Categories: Cooking Retreats, Cooking Workshops, Events, gluten-free, healthy, Healthy Eating, photography, plant-based, Vegan, veganism | Tags: cornwall, meditation, yoga, yoga retreat | 1 Comment

Vibrant Vegan! Healthy Cooking & Yoga Holiday, Cornwall

Posted on February 1, 2018 by leroy watson

Friday 13th – Monday 16th July 2018

Boswedden House, St Just (near Lands End), Cape Cornwall

Nourish and rejuvenate mind, body and soul this summer in a stunning location.

Come and join us in a picturesque location on the beautiful coastline of Cornwall, where we will enjoy a peaceful weekend of delicious plant-based food, empowering yoga, cooking workshops, blissful meditation, walks in nature and much more.

The program for Vibrant Vegan! is specially designed for you! In a relaxed atmosphere, you have the freedom to unwind and learn, take in the local nature, fresh sea air and dramatic scenery, go for long walks, practice yoga and enjoy a tantalising plant-based menu.

SPRING SPECIAL OFFER – 15% OFF FOR CAMPERS

Spring is here, the sun is shining, so we wanted to offer a 15% discount to campers –

£280 per person (normal price £329)

Lee Watson (author of ‘Peace and Parsnips’ vegan cookbook and presenter ‘Meat vs Veg’ TV program) will be cooking seasonal, vegan meals throughout the weekend. The menu is designed to show the potential of vegan food; healthy, delicious and varied with loads of treats along the way.

Lee is experienced in running retreats and workshops throughout the UK and Europe and believes that healthy vegan food and living is for everyone!

His workshops aim to transform your home cooking, with a healthy and modern approach to exploring the world of plant-based food. You’re sure to pick up new techniques and skills.

Purpose built yoga and meditation studio

Yoga and Meditation

We are very fortunate to have Will and Malene from Complete Unity Yoga joining us, teaching all of our yoga and meditation classes in a purpose built yoga studio.

Complete Unity Yoga run retreats globally and are experienced in teaching yoga of all levels and capabilities. Will and Malene studied yoga in India and are a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and inspiration, practicing yoga as a path to inner peace and radiating joy, bringing strength and confidence along with softness and flexibility. Classes are calming, restorative and energising.

Lifestyle coaching sessions and private yoga classes are available, subject to pre-booking.

Boswedden House

Location

Our venue, Boswedden House is a warm, family run, retreat space, situated overlooking the wild coastline of the Land’s End peninsula, close to St Ives, an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

It is a tranquil area, with incredible vistas and the largest concentration of ancient sites in the UK. It is also within walking distance of the ocean, cliffs, wildflower meadows and local beaches.

Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and sauna and all rooms are comfortable and en-suite, with views overlooking the surrounding countryside. You will have access to the on site swimming pool in the mornings and evenings and Boswedden gardens are the perfect place to enjoy the summer sun with a book and cup of tea.

You may also like to book a soothing massage or reflexology, with local therapists.

Stunning coastline of Cape Cornwall

Designed for you!

This holiday is designed to get you away from your everyday life and de-stress, a chance to learn new, healthy life habits and skills as well as giving yourself the time to find peace and enjoy the company of like minded people.

Food

Lee and his team of cooks will create a summer menu to suit all tastes, whether you’re vegan or not, and he believes in colourful, nutritious and flavourful food. Dishes will be light and energising, as well as super tasty.

The day will start with a healthy smoothie and breakfast, with a buffet lunch and dinner, not forgetting afternoon cake. Lee focuses on seasonal, local produce and gives them a global twists, many recipes you will taste, will have been picked up by Lee on his regular travels around the world.

Women’s Workshop

Lee’s partner Jane is a menstruality educator at Woman’s Wheel and is offering an Introduction to Menstrual Cycle Awareness Workshop, with the possibility of one to one menstruality coaching, to work more sensitively, find greater harmony and gain a deeper understanding of your cycle.

Large Double Room – Boswedden House

This will be an unforgettable holiday, let us take good care of you. All activities are optional, we leave you free to create your own space and harmony within the weekend.

Vibrant Vegan! will be a time to feel fresh and renewed, a chance to radiate and enjoy the heart of summer!

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Itinerary (Example)

8:00 – 8:30 – Pool opens for early morning swim (or jump in the sea!)

8:30 – 10:00 Morning Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:00 Breakfast

11:00 – 13:30 Free time (massage, walks, one to one sessions, reading in the garden)

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 16:00 Free time (cooking workshop, massage, walks, private yoga class, siesta)

16:00 Afternoon Tea and Cake

16:00 – 19:00 Free Time (swimming, sunbathing in the garden, lifestyle coaching)

19:00 – 20:00 Dinner

20:00 – 21:00 Evening Gathering, Storytelling and Fire

21:15 – 21:45 Candlelit Meditation

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Prices include –

3 nights accommodation in a stunning location

All nutritious, healthy, plant-based meals

Morning yoga and meditation classes

Bespoke recipe booklet

Cooking demonstration – Healthy tricks and tips, a modern approach to plant-based cooking

Tea, coffee and refreshments with meals

Evening Candlelit Meditation

Vegan nutrition and diet workshop – Q+A with Lee

Leisure facilities – Use of the pool/ sauna in the mornings and evenings

Evening storytelling and fire (weather permitting!)

A guided walk to Land’s End

Extras –

Massage or Reflexology Sessions with experienced local therapists

Lifestyle Coaching Sessions and Private Yoga Classes with Complete Unity Yoga

Introduction to Menstrual Cycle Awareness workshop and

One to One Menstruality Consultations with Jane from Woman’s Wheel

These sessions require pre-booking, details available on request.

Accommodation

Here is our range of comfortable and contemporary accommodation options, available to suit all budgets:

*Single £469

Large Double/ Twin £449

Small Double £419

Triple Room £399

Family Room (4 beds) £389

All prices are per person

Camping (see our ‘Spring Offer’ above)

*Single occupancy rooms are limited

All bookings and enquiries:

hellobeachhousekitchen@gmail.com

Spaces are limited, and are already being booked, we recommend reserving early!

Find the Vibrant Vegan! Cornwall Facebook Event page here.

Idyllic Cape Cornwall, within walking distance of our venue, with views over Land’s End

Beach House Kitchen Retreats – Testimonials

“The content exceeded my expectations! Loved the ethnic feast concept behind the demos/ menus…..It was like having 4 days of birthdays!

Special meals, special people. I will recommend the vegan retreat to anyone.” Sheila

“Lee is a superb guy, truly inspirational and high energy. The delivery and interaction with both Lee and Jane throughout was great.

Learnt soooo much, thank you!”

“I enjoyed all of the food, the relaxed style of the cooking demonstrations, the genuine passion and knowledge of both Lee and Jane. Loved all the meal times; healthy delicious food with lovely people. There was so much tasting and sharing of new things which was wonderful. I’d highly recommend the retreat to anyone looking to embrace a vegan and plant-based lifestyle.”

Boswedden House – Testimonials

“An absolutely enthralling, invigorating, inspiring place. Thank you!” Ellie, Devon

“Thank you for the amazing care in your beautiful and tranquil place. A true delight to stay here and join a retreat. Wow!” Amritam and Afke, Sussex

Categories: Cooking demos, Cooking Retreats, gluten-free, healthy, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, photography, plant-based, Relax, Vegan, veganism | Tags: cornwall, yoga, yoga retreat | 11 Comments

Braised Cauliflower and Puy Lentil Tabouleh and my Sisters Cornish Wedding

Posted on June 30, 2015 by leroy watson

Braised Cauliflower and Puy Lentil Tabouleh

We’ve just spent a long weekend in beautiful Cornwall at my sisters wedding. Weddings are always special, but this was especially special! My own little sis!!! Cornwall added a spectacular backdrop to everything we got up to. I had been to Cornwall as a three year old, from which I surprisingly have a load of memories; staying in little farmhouse B and B’s, the intense smell of fresh manure, cream teas and the iconic Cornish lanes, where vegetation rises high above and it seems like all the roads are cut out of massive bush! Its certainly a part of the world that leaves an impression.

My sis Laura and her new hubby Paul stayed in the most stunning little wood cottage almost on the beach, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and raging, white surf. We all said that it seemed like South Africa or Australia, we couldn’t believe that these kinds of coastlines existed in our little island. The surfers were loving it and there seemed to be a gang of pirates having a fire just down the beach.

The Watson family, all smart and ready for the wedding ceremony

My sis’s ceremony was on the beach and was a beautiful spiritual affair, although not ‘religious’, we revelled in the beauty of nature and the good things we all share; love, compassion, hope and freedom. We also ate some sensational vegan food, prepared by the awesome Annie (who worked her socks off). It was a Middle Eastern/ Southern Med style buffet, something Annie was vastly experienced in. It showed. Spicy carrots, green cous cous, fresh pitta, roasted pepper and almond puree, smokey aubergine salad and piles of crispy borek (with spinach and pine nuts). Jane and I thought we’d died and gone spinning into a Lebanese form of nirvana. I have rarely enjoyed food so much and the backdrop of the Cornish coastline, surrounded by our nearest and dearest, just added to the experience.

Laura and Paul in their little paradise cottage, Cornwall

Jane and I drove our old Peugot estate, Hooty, down to Cornwall and camped in Hay on Wye for a night (central Wales), a real hot spot for second hand book shops and, as it turned out, vegan food. Wahee! The perfect combo. I love a good second hand bookshop, the smell alone transports me to a place of wonder and excitement. I picked up a couple of antique books, precious heirlooms. We also went to the amazing Old Electric Shop, a space for old vintage clothes, records and interior stuff as well as vegan food. When Jane and I walked in, they were playing one of our favourite tunes at the moment, ‘Better Days’, we felt right at home immediately. We missed out on their lovely looking lunch menu, we had to hit the road, but it all smelled amazing and their vegan cakes proved to be a full power breakfast as we took on the Glastonbury traffic. We hope to go back to Hay on Wye this winter to go deeper into the bookshops and explore the beautiful local scenery.

We’re still on a high after getting back late last night and thought we’d share something in keeping with our awesome weekend in the beautiful south of England. Here is a recipe taken from ‘Peace and Parsnips’ that would please anyone who has a passion for the cuisine of the Southern Med:

Tabouleh is a proper southern Med classic. Combined with great olive oil and sweet roasted cauliflower it makes a substantial salad. I love the spice mix baharat – if you can find it, substitute it for the ground spices. I like to use pomegranate molasses in the dressing – it gives a funky reddish tinge and has a sticky tang all of its own. For a special occasion, go the whole hog and sprinkle over herbs, baharat, pomegranate and chopped toasted almonds. Gluten-free option: replace the bulgar wheat with millet.

The Bits – For 4-6
100g Puy lentils
1 bay leaf
220g bulgur wheat, rinsed in cold water
about 450ml boiling water or veg stock
1 small cauliflower, cut into small florets, roughly 2cm in size, stalks finely diced (waste nothing!)
a large pinch of ground cumin
a large pinch of ground coriander
a large pinch of sweet paprika
a large pinch of ground turmeric
a small pinch of ground cinnamon
½ tsp sea salt
4 spring onions, finely chopped
½ a cucumber, deseeded and finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, deseeded and finely diced
1 tbsp great olive oil
½ a handful of dried apricots, soaked for 2 hours, then drained and finely chopped
a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
½ a handful of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
seeds from 1 small pomegranate
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the garnish
4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
a handful of chopped fresh parsley and mint

For the Pomegranate Dressing
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp pomegranate molasses or juice of 1 large lemon
zest of ½ a lemon
1 clove of garlic, peeled and well crushed
a small pinch of dried mint
a small pinch of sea salt
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Do It

Put the lentils into a pan and cover with water. Leave for 5 minutes, then pick out any floating lentils. Drain, cover with fresh water, and add the bay leaf. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring and checking the water level (add more if needed). The lentils should be springy, but cooked. Drain if necessary, though there should be very little liquid left.

Put the bulgur wheat into a large bowl and pour over the boiling water or stock, enough to cover it by about 2cm. Tightly cover and leave for 30 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and cool.

In a frying pan, heat the oil on a high heat, then add the cauliflower and begin to fry. Stir regularly and cook for 10–12 minutes. Once the cauliflower has softened and the edges are slightly charred, sprinkle over the ground spices and salt and cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring well. Cover and leave to cool. The cauliflower should be nicely coated with the spices.

For the Pomegranate Dressing simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl.

Add three-quarters of the lentils to the bulgur wheat, along with the cauliflower, herbs and the rest of the ingredients, then pour over the dressing and mix gently together with your hands until well combined. Place in a wide, shallow serving bowl and spread out evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining lentils and garnish with pomegranate seeds and herbs.

The beautiful North Cornish coastline

Quick Peace and Parsnips update – we’ve recently been in Reveal Magazine, Daily Mirror Magazine and the Waitrose Weekend. The Vegan Life Magazine has just done a review which says its ‘…..probably the best looking vegan cookbook we’ve seen.’ Which makes us smile. Also, thanks to all who have left positive feedback on Amazon, Waterstones, Chat Rooms, etc its amazing to hear what you all think and to see people cooking the recipes makes all the effort of writing the book more than worthwhile. Viva Veggies!

Catch up with us this Saturday 4th July at the Newcastle Vegan Festival, where Jane and I will both be doing talks and then in Flat White cafe in Durham on Sunday 5th July at 10am for a book signing with perfect vegan coffees.