Last night was my first ever Smarter Fitter Supperclub held here at my digs in the Cotswolds featuring a vegan, raw, gluten-free theme. There were 11 of us in total, and what fun it was having so many like-minded and adventurous people over to try some of my creations, share ideas, drink wine and have some great chat. It went amazingly well and I hope all of my guests had as much fun as I did. The stand-out dishes seemed to be the beetroot and walnut dip, sweet potato kofte, raw raspberry cheesecake and, funny enough, the “Juicer Dreg Crisps” I made in the dehydrator with leftover juicer pulp.

My only regret is not taking enough pictures! The only pictures I did take were of the beverages (which might explain a thing or two).

Will I do it again? I think so! The social opportunities alone make it worthwhile – I met some really interesting people and made a few new friends. Plus, it was great hanging out with people who are actually local to me – something I don’t do as much as I’d like to.

So I’m thinking a summertime veggie BBQ camp. Any interest?

The menu from last night is below, with links to a few recipes for some favourite dishes.

DRINKS

• Fresh pineapple margarita
• Virgin mojito 

APPETIZERS

• Sourdough bread
• Spelt Lavash Bread
• Juicer dreg crisps
• Beetroot and sweet potato crisps
• Aubergine “crisps” (aka Eggplant Bacon)
• Beetroot and Walnut Dip
• White bean puree with dukkah
• “BLT” bites (butternut, lettuce & tempeh) with sunflower seed dip
• Beetroot gazpacho shooters
• Pear sorbet

SMORGASBORD

• Raw cauliflower couscous
• Raw kale salad
• Tomato and pomegranate salad
• Griddled leeks and asparagus with wild rice and quinoa
• Sweet potato kofte with tahini sauce
• Farinata with mushrooms and wild garlic
• Mushroom & aubergine cassoulet

DESSERT

• Raw raspberry cheesecake
• Fruit & coconut cream
• Weird coffee jelly with almond milk