Plant-based treats for a sweet summer

20th January 2022 | Eativity editors
Plant-based summer recipes

With the COVID pandemic and the climate crisis looming ever larger in our lives, we wouldn’t blame you if you were feeling a little anxious heading into 2022. If you’re looking for something proactive to do, one simple way to help both the planet and your health is to cut back on – our cut out – animal-based products and eat more plant-based foods.

This January, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe are doing just that. Veganuary is a 31-day challenge to follow a vegan diet for the month of January. This year, the plant-based pledge hit two million sign-ups. It’s a huge achievement for a movement that began only eight years ago; it’s also a sign that more people everywhere are cottoning on to the fact that eating more plant-based foods is the simplest and most effective thing they can do for both the environment and their overall health.

e single best way an individual person can help to reverse climate change

Good things come from plants

Avoiding meat and dairy is the single best way an individual person can help to reverse climate change. A 2018 study from the University of Oxford in the UK found that cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce your carbon footprint from food by up to 73 percent. Plus, a plant-based diet can bolster your immune system, reduce the risk of things like cancer and heart disease and increase your life expectancy.

Clarissa Kocovski, recipe creator for Califia Farms and the face behind The Nourished Chef, made the switch to a plant-based diet not long ago and has never looked back.

“My plant-based journey started with wanting to live my life with as much kindness and compassion as possible,” she says. “I educated myself about what dairy and animal-based products can do to our health. I came to the decision that I no longer wanted to put those kinds of foods into my body. Since going plant-based, my body has rewarded me with higher energy levels and stronger hair and nails. Plus, my skin has cleared up dramatically.”

For your own plant-based inspiration, try these three easy summer recipes by Kocovski. They all feature Califia Farms plant-based milk. And they’re all delicious.

Plant-based blueberry & almond milk popsicles

Blueberry & almond milk popsicles

Serves 8

You’ll need:

2 bananas
1 cup frozen Australian blueberries (thawed)
½ cup plant-based yoghurt
1 cup Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth.

2. Divide mix between 8 popsicle moulds, add sticks and place in the freezer for 4-5 hours.

3. Once frozen, run popsicle moulds under warm water for easy release.

Plant-based sticky berry French toast

Sticky berry French toast

Serves 3

You’ll need:

6 thick slices 2-3 day-old sourdough
1 cup Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk
1½ tbsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp spelt flour
1 tbsp nutritional yeast*
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

To serve:

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries

Method:

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk all the ingredients.

2. Add vegan butter or coconut oil to a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

3. Dip each side of the bread into the batter briefly, then add the bread to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

4. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh strawberries.

* Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, which means yeast cells are killed during processing and are inactive in the end product. It’s a common vegan cheese substitute.

Plant-based summer vanilla berry overnight wellness bowl

Summer vanilla berry overnight wellness bowl

Serves 2

You’ll need:

1 cup rolled oats
3 tbsp cacao powder
2 bananas (mashed)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1½ cups Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
2 tbsp chia seeds

To serve:

Fresh blueberries
Fresh blackberries
Banana (sliced)
cup unsweetened muesli
Peanut butter

Method:

1. Add all oat mixture ingredients into a large bowl. Stir well. Divide mixture between two bowls or mason jars. Place into the fridge overnight.

2. When ready to serve, top with fresh blueberries, blackberries, sliced banana, unsweetened muesli and a good dollop of peanut butter.

For more info on Califia Farms go to califiafarms.com.au or head to @califiafarmau