Vegan pizza party with FGV

I love a good party just as much as I love a good pizza, so why not combine my love for these two things?!

Join me in a week for The Future of Food co-presented with NXT LVL PZA.

Join Fat Gay Vegan at NXT LVL PZA’s Hackney Wick launch party!

Your £5 entry goes straight to madeinhackney.org, a local plant based cookery school and food kitchen helping some of East London’s most vulnerable people. It also entitles you to 1 free beer and free pizza all night!

NXT LVL’s master chef will be cooking up a storm in our courtyard, showing us the secrets of making food so good, you don’t notice it’s saving the planet. Come down, try some next level pizza, talk about the future of food and get to know your community.

@ HWK – 29 White Post Ln, London, E9 5EN

Thursday 12th May: 7pm – 11pm

£5 entry – free pizza + 1 beer* – 100% of proceeds go to Made In Hackney

CLICK HERE to buy your ticket now. Numbers are strictly limited.

*Pizza will be served by the slice. Beer tokens will redeem 1 alcoholic or 1 non-alcoholic beer. A soft drink option will also be available. Please check bar listing for more information.

Vegan taco night in Hackney

Black Cat Hackney and Huitzmil present Tacos Against Borders, a benefit for Akwaaba.

Akwaaba is a Hackney-based social centre for migrants. They offer a space for rest, play, learning and mutual support. Akwaaba is for all migrants regardless of immigration status, ‘race’, religion, country of origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and (dis)ability.

Akwaaba doesn’t currently have a venue and they are putting all their efforts towards securing one, so you can support them by attending this event (and letting them know about a spare venue if you know of one!). They need space every Sunday so a school hall in the Hackney area would be perfect.

Now… onto news of the event taking place inside Black Cat Hackney this Sunday December 5, 2021 at 6:00PM.

Talks and activities

  • Huitzmil speaking about how he crossed from Mexico to USA and the challenges he faced
  • Andres Posada from Colombia speaking about how he arrived to the UK and the challenges he faced as a migrant
  • Mini market
  • Acoustic set by Hugh Vivian from the anarcho punk band Omega Tribe

Menu

  • Marinated lamb style seitan , vegetable escabeche, pineapple, tomatillo salsa , avocado
  • Drunken fish pieces cooked in tequila , chilli and coriander , vegetable escabeche and charred salsa.
  • Beer battered Oyster mushrooms , guacamole, escabeche
  • Nachos :Freshly fried corn tortillas, spicy smokey beans , jalapeños, shitake bacon and cheese sauce

Everything served on corn tortillas or house made flour tortillas.

And of course you can follow Black Cat Cafe on Instagram.

Extra note: if you cannot attend this event in support of Akwaaba but would like to donate to help the important work they do, please donate via their website.

Vegan roast dinner cooking class

Get ready for a tasty-looking class!

Join Made In Hackney on Sunday November 29, 2020 from 11:30am until 1:30pm for a lesson in cooking that is arriving just in the nick of time.

The two-hour online class will showcase a parsnip and cranberry nut roast (plus all the trimmings) with a flavoursome miso gravy.

That’s Christmas dinner sorted!

The cost of joining the class is £20 (£10 concession). All funds raised go towards supporting the Made In Hackney community meal service providing free nutritious, tasty meals to households who need them during these challenging times.

The class will take place via Zoom with a link being sent prior to the class (recommended to check your junk folder).

Want a little more information about the event?

Join chef Steve Wilson to learn the skills to make a stunning vegan roast dinner with all the trimmings!

The class will include:

  • How to make a next-level Parsnip and Cranberry Nut-Free Nut Roast using roasted seeds and meaty puy lentils, bursting with umami flavours
  • Learn how to make fluffy and crispy yet healthier roast potatoes, using just the right amount of oil
  • Make delicious trimmings including roasted carrots, garlic & mustard sprouted broccoli, and flavoursome miso gravy
  • Opportunity to ask Steve questions
  • Recipe handout
  • For ingredients and equipment needed see below

About Steve

Chef Steve Wilson is an extremely popular Made In Hackney cookery teacher (he was also a hit with Jamie Oliver when he visited Made In Hackney!). Steve is the former Head Chef at The Russet, founder of People’s Kitchen community feasts and founder of The Dalston Cola Company.

Refunds: Made In Hackney require a minimum of 24 hours notice for any cancellations or transfers once you have booked onto a class.

Click here to book your ticket now.

INGREDIENTS LIST

Parsnip and Cranberry Nut-Free Nut Roast

Makes 1 very small roast loaf (2 slices)

80g Sunflower seeds
20g Sage and onion stuffing mix
60g Puy lentils (dried)
1 Onion
2 cloves Garlic
20g Miso paste
1 tsp Yeast extract (try to use a low salt version, e.g. Natex or Meridian) or otherwise Marmite
½ teaspoon veg stock powder
1 tablespoon Potato flour (or other thickener like cornflour or tapioca)
pinch Maldon salt (or any sea salt)
Topping (Bottom)

50g Cranberry sauce (try to get a low sugar version if possible e.g. Meridian which uses apple juice to sweeten)
1 Parsnips
Crispy Fluffy Roast Potatoes (serves 2)

500g Potatoes (use a fluffy rather than a waxy variety, like Maris piper)
50ml Cooking oil
Sea salt and pepper
Roast Carrots (serves 2)

2 Carrots
1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic & Mustard Greens (serves 2)

8 pieces Sprouting broccoli (or you can use regular broccoli)
1 clove Garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil
Miso Gravy (serves 2)

300ml Vegetable stock
20g Miso paste
10g Dijon mustard
25g Cranberry sauce (try to get a low sugar version if possible e.g. Meridian which uses apple juice to sweeten). You can also use a heathlier raspberry jam (e.g. St Dalphour uses apple juice intsead of sugar)
5g Balsamic vinegar (or other vinegar)
½ Onion
1 clove Garlic
1 tablespoon Olive oil
EQUIPMENT LIST

● 1 baking tray
● 1 small Loaf tin (to use for nut roast) – note if you would like to make for more than 2 people you will need to scale the recipe, and the size of your loaf tin appropriately
● 2 frying pans (preferably non-stick)
● 2 mixing bowls
● 2 saucepans with lids (you can wash between uses)
● 1 colander
● 2 wooden spoons
● 1 blender
● 1 chopping board
● 1 knife
● 1 gravy jug

Vegan southern Indian cooking class

The fine people of Made In Hackney have put together another wonderful online cooking class taking place on Thursday November 12, 2020 between 6:30 and 8:30pm.

With a cost of £20 to join (£10 concession), all funds raised go towards the Made in Hackney community meal service providing free nutritious, tasty meals to households who need them during these challenging times. 

What is happening during the class?

Join chef Mark Breen for a tour of the taste, textures and aromas of plant-based Southern Indian cuisine, bursting with flavours from across this incredible region. The class will include:

  • Making a delicious tomato dal.
  • How to make the perfect citranna rice.
  • Making tasty coconut rotis.
  • How to temper and spice dishes using aromatic mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillis to give your dishes an extra burst of flavour.
  • Q&A
  • Recipe handout

Mark Breen is a classically trained chef who loves showing people how to cook what is seasonal, and at its best at any given time. His passion is teaching people how to cook with skill and enjoyment to create beautiful and tasty dishes that are good for your taste-buds, bodies and soul. When Mark isn’t working with Made In Hackney or as a private chef, he’s usually in the kitchen at home perfecting flavour blends or creating ferments and pickles.

Fee: £20 (£10 concession).  All funds raised go towards the Made in Hackney community meal service providing free nutritious, tasty meals to households who need them during these challenging times. 

If you are able to donate more than this, please visit the online fundraiser.

Once you have your ticket booked for the class, check out the ingredients list below to make sure you are prepared ahead of time.

INGREDIENTS LIST  

Andra Pradesh – Tomato dal (Serves 5) 

  • 200g red lentils
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Spices – 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, coriander power and turmeric powder (or 3 teaspoons of curry powder)
  • 1 tablespoon of oil (preferably coconut oil)
  • 2 plum tomatoes, sliced (or half tin of tomatoes)
  • 1 inch of ginger, either chopped very small or grated (or one teaspoon of ginger powder)

    For tempering:
    1 tablespoon oil (preferably coconut oil)
    2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
    1 teaspoon of chilli flakes
    handful of curry leaves (fresh is best but dried is fine) 

Chitranna rice (serves 5) 

  • 300 grams basmati rice, washed
  • 1 of oil (preferably coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds. teaspoon turmeric
  • handful of curry leaves (fresh is best but dried is fine)
  • 2 tablespoons raw peanuts (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Southern Indian coconut rotis (makes about 5)

  • 200 grams plain flour
  • 100 grams desiccated coconut
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional)
  • Sea salt 
  • 100 millilitres water
  • Coconut oil

EQUIPMENT LIST

  • Wooden spoon
  • Chopping board
  • Knife 
  • 3 Sauce pans
  • 1 frying pan
  • Hob
  • Teaspoon and tablespoon measure

Location: Zoom, details to be provided via email (usually the day before the class). Check your junk mail if need be!

Book your spot online now.

Follow Made in Hackney on Instagram.

Virtual vegan cheese making class

This Saturday 11th July, 2020 between 4pm and 6pm, you can join Made In Hackney for an online vegan cheese making class.

The suggested donation for the class is £20 but any donation amounts will be accepted accepted. All money raised will be used to provide free healthy eating cookery classes for community groups across London.  

The class will take place via Zoom with details being provided via email (usually the day before the class).

Buy a ticket online!

The Event

Let vegan cheese producer Bruna Oliveira show you how to whip up a quick, easy and delicious cheesey dish from 100% plant-based ingredients. You’ll also discover how to create the amazing textures, flavours and health benefits of raw, fermented nut cheese.

In this class you will learn how to make:

  • A quick, easy and nutritious Vegan Parmesan 
  • A delicious Plant Powered Mac n Cheese
  • A gorgeous Fermented Almond Ricotta with herbs (ready to eat within 48 hours)

About Bruna

Bruna Oliveira is the founder of London Nut Cheese Co and studied Naturopathy and Naturopathic Nutrition at CNM London in order to pursue her passion for healthy and natural living. Bruna loves creating delicious recipes with the aim of inspiring people to transform their lives through making positive changes in their diet. 

Fee: Suggested donation £20 but any donation amounts accepted. All money raised will be used to provide free healthy eating cookery classes for community groups across the capital.  

INGREDIENTS LIST

  • 300g ground almonds 
  • 300g blanched almonds (or otherwise cashew nuts or sunflower seeds, but bear in mind sunflower seeds have quite a strong flavour)
  • 1 pot nutritional yeast 
  •  15g garlic powder (or otherwise fresh garlic to taste)
  • Sea salt
  • Dried oregano 
  • Whole grain or gluten free pasta (like penne)
  • ½ head broccoli 
  • ½ head cauliflower 
  • 200g raw cashew nuts (whole or pieces) 
  • 500ml plant based milk 
  • 50g tapioca flour (or cornflour)
  • 1 small jar roasted red peppers (or use tomato paste to add flavour)
  • 30ml olive oil 
  • 15ml miso paste (optional)
  • 1 lemon 
  • 10g mustard powder (or use regular mustard)
  • 10g onion powder 
  • 5g smoked paprika
  • 15ml apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 clove garlic 
  • 1 vegan probiotic capsule (any vegan probiotic capsule with at least 1 billion CFU. If your capsules contain less you can use 2 capsules instead of one). 
  • 1/2 bunch parsley (optional)

EQUIPMENT LIST

  • 2 medium bowls
  • 1 small bowl 
  • Blender
  • Cooking pot (large)
  • Pyrex dish (large)
  • Sieve
  • Muslin cloth/nut milk bag/cheesecloth
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Click here to discover more info about the class and Made In Hackney.

French vegan patisserie masterclass in London

London, here is your opportunity to take part in a super fancy and super exclusive masterclass led by one of the leading vegan patisserie chefs on the planet.

I’ll show you how to make exquisite plant-based versions of festive French patisserie classics that will wow your guests during the festive season. – Clarisse Flon (specialist vegan patisserie chef, food consultant and photographer)

Grab a ticket and get along to the Made in Hackney kitchen on Saturday December 12, 2019 between 10am and 5:30pm for this rare learning (and eating!) opportunity.

This Masterclass is part of the Made in Hackney ‘VIP Series’, working with experts who are renowned in their field.

The class will include:

  • How to make a show-stopping Pear and Chocolate Genoise Yule log
  • Make an exquisite chocolate cream patissiere and chocolate buttercream
  • Learn to make gorgeous iced sablé Christmas biscuits
  • Rolling and setting techniques
  • Piping skills
  • How to make stunning chocolate décor and caramel shard decorations
  • Learn how to enhance flavours, and how to pair textures and tastes
  • A delicious organic plant based lunch, and take home recipe pack
  • 15% discount in neighbouring wholefoods shop, Food for All

Clarisse Flon is a specialist vegan patisserie chef trained in classic French patisserie. Clarisse has worked in many fine dining establishments around the world while developing plant based versions of her traditional recipes.

She launched The Sunny Spoon in 2013 (a French vegan patisserie bakery featured many times at Hackney Downs Vegan Market) and helped launch Cafe Forty One, a vegan restaurant in La Suite West hotel in Notting Hill. Clarisse now works as a food consultant and photographer, developing vegan options and recipes for businesses.

Fee: £160 (£118 Concession) includes delicious tastings and a recipe pack.

This fee is used to fund the Made in Hackney programme of free courses to vulnerable and low-income community groups. By attending a Made In Hackney masterclass you get a great day of learning AND you’re providing the charity with essential funds for them to continue their work with vulnerable community groups.

Click here to read more and book a ticket.

Vegan fried pizza pocket menu

If you have been to any vegan events or markets over the past year or so, you would have probably encountered Bar Dei Baci.

This independent vegan food business has forged a unique place and a strong following for itself within the London street food scene.

Not only are the owners some of the nicest people on the planet, the food has people leaving rave reviews. But what is so special about the Bar Dei Baci menu?

Fried pizza, that’s what.

These fried pizzas, or Frizza as they are called by the food creators, are decadent savoury dough parcels crammed with fresh and handcrafted ingredients.

It’s like an entire pizza is folded over, stuffed with the toppings, and then fried!

If you get along to our Hackney Downs Night Market on September 13, 2019 from 6pm, you will be able to enjoy the full frizza menu from Bar Dei Baci.

Hackney Downs Studios asked me to turn the market vegan and I couldn’t invite Bar Dei Baci faster!

Check out the menu for the evening below and be sure to follow Bar Dei Baci on Instagram. You can read about the market line up here and RSVP/invite friends on the Facebook event.

Low waste low packaging store in London

Re:Store is a packaging-free shop in Hackney where customers bring their own containers (or grab a spare one in store) to refill, to reduce use of unnecessary plastic!

The low waste store is located at Hackney Downs Studios, the place where we used to do Hackney Downs Vegan Market.

Customers can refill store cupboard and household essentials as well as some special treats.

Re:Store works with small, local producers and companies such as Kompassion Kombucha brewed in Hackney Wick and the’artyvegan fresh tofu made just across the road.

The store also has an exciting new addition in the form of a candle refill station from small business Every Origin. You can bring an old candle or jar and get it refilled with a new delicious smelling candle, with three options to choose from.

If you want to check out Re:Store AND have a fab night out, get along on Friday October 13, 2019 as Hackney Downs Studios celebrate the last night market of the year.

This version of the Night Market has been turned vegan by me and will include a bunch of vegan food traders plus Re:Store will be open until 9pm for all your refill needs, plus they’re adding some new vegan goodies so come along and be the first to try them!

Click here to read about the Vegan Night Market and be sure to follow Re:Store on Instagram.

Vegan night market in Hackney this September

Come along for a rollicking night market with AMAZING vegan food on the site of the original mega vegan market.

Friday September 13, 2019 marks the final Night Market of the year at Hackney Downs Studios and I’m helping them turn the whole thing vegan!

For one night only, I’m working with the Studios to bring back a taste of Hackney Downs Vegan Market.

Our traders announced so far include:

Update: sadly Arancini Brothers have pulled out at the last moment, but some good news about food is below:

Also expect cocktails, beer and wine (all vegan too!) to be flowing, brought to you by All Good Beer and El Garito.

On the night, you’ll also be able to explore on-site zero waste emporium Re:Store for environmentally friendly and sustainably sourced goodies, as they’re extending their opening hours just for the event. Bring your refillable containers!

You will also be able to check out Public Gallery‘s brand new exhibition ‘Echolocation’ by Charlotte Edey.

Entry to all of this is FREE, as usual.

You will also be able to visit the resident shops of Hackney Downs Vegan Market including Low Company record store, The London Loom, and The Well Garden and expect a vegan cheese tasting at Re:Store.

So much fun.

The Facebook event already has over 1,500 RSVPs so we expect this to be a big night. RSVP to the event now and invite friends.

The final Hackney Downs Studios night market of the year is taking place on Friday Septmeber 13, 2019 between 6pm and 11pm.

Click here to see the exact location thanks to Google Maps.

Vegan dinner at Black Cat Hackney

Black Cat Hackney is one of the finest places to eat vegan food in the UK so you know you don’t want to miss out on their exclusive one-night-only Christmas supper club.

The exciting menu consists of a mix of classics and new items:

Starter (to choose from):

Caramelised cauliflower bisque topped with grilled seasonal mushrooms and served with garlic sourdough bread
OR
Wild mushroom croquette, whipped cashew chevre cheese, salt baked heritage beets, Hackney leaves and balsamic reduction

Main (to choose from):

House made seitan steaks, steamed seasonal greens, roast potatoes, lemon white wine shaved brussels sprouts, pastrami seasoned carrots and parsnips ribbons. Served with Black Cat’s gravy
OR
Blue corn crusted tofu cutlets, sweet potato and pumpkin mash, braised cabbage and roasted red pepper, Mexican chiles and peanut sauce

Desserts (to choose from):

Lemon thyme yoghurt cake, rhubarb compote, caramelised figs and coconut sour cream
OR
Peanut-butter chocolate cheesecake with bourbon biscuit base and salted candied nuts

The dinner is taking place at Black Cat on Clarence Road, Road on Saturday December 15, 2018.

Book now your tickets to spend this great evening with Black Cat. Choose from two time slots:

  • 6pm until 8pm sitting
  • 8:30pm until 10:30pm sitting

This event is BYOB meaning you are welcome to take your own drink.

You can also follow Black Cat on Instagram.