19/11/24
Tofu Chocolate Mousse with Cranberry Layer
For December Aimee has shared her vegan chocolate mousse made from silken tofu. It has a rich, chocolatey texture with a tart hint from the cranberries, making it a delicious festive dessert option! The cranberry layer will add a beautiful contrast to the rich chocolate mousse, both visually and in flavour. Aimee says “In the photo I’ve put the tart cranberry layer on the bottom, and arranged the soaked dried cranberries on top, rather than folding them through the mousse.”
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The darker autumnal evenings are an excuse to nurture and recharge. November brings cooler temperatures and wet and windy spells. Warm up with some delicious wholesome soup like this white bean and seaweed broth from Aimee our retreat chef: “This nourishing broth combines the creaminess of white beans with the umami flavor of seaweed and the nutrients from green juice powder. It’s perfect as a light meal or starter!”
In my twenties I was bulimic, depressed, overweight, drank too much and had no way to regulate my emotions healthily. I was working long hours on charter superyachts, partying far too hard and my time was not my own. I was a functioning, unwell woman. Since those dark depths, I have prioritised time and money on my health and wellness above all else, even before my children. I know that if I am not well, how can I possibly look after them? I invest in myself now so that I can then be a better person to everyone in my life. 
Pumpkins are a superfood. They help you see in the dark, fight cancer and boost your immune systems. Pumpkins also taste lovely, roasted in soups or a side, so don’t just use them for creating laterns, make sure you get creative in the kitchen too. Check out the recipes at the bottom of this post.
Towards the end of September I have been able to really put in some great miles in the water. Being by the sea and having the time to swim has been glorious and I have loved every minute of swimming outside. For me swimming is pure meditation. As the season starts to shift to Autumn and the water temperature begins to drop it becomes harder and harder to keep that habit going. The impermanence of great swim conditions is part of the beauty of open water swimming and I always have a strong pull to keep that September swimming feeling going, even though I know it can’t last. The water temperature gets too cold and the choice is to either squeeze into a wetsuit or you stay in your skin and don’t stay in as long. I will always choose the latter. 
These treats blend sweet and savoury, featuring tender dates filled with a unique cookie dough made from almond flour, miso paste, tahini, maple syrup, and vegan chocolate chips. The rich, umami notes of miso complement the sweetness of the dates and the creamy, nutty flavor of the tahini, while a sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful finish. These stuffed dates are an ideal snack or dessert, offering a twist on traditional flavours.
Aimee’s blackberry beetroot smoothie recipe is a nutrient-packed blend that marries the earthy sweetness of cooked beetroot, with seasonal fruits – sweet blackberries and apples – enhanced with the subtle heat of fresh ginger. Blend with your choice of water, coconut water, or apple juice this is a colourful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients.
This is a vibrant and healthful drink that combines the tangy notes of apple cider vinegar with the floral essence of rosehips and dried hibiscus flowers. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, this cider offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with an optional kick of fresh ginger root for added warmth and spice. Enjoy chilled or serve hot. With the antioxidant-rich benefits of hibiscus and rosehips, this cider is as nourishing as it is delicious.
With the comforting flavours of autumn this is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a warm, spiced granola filling. Aimee uses Pink Lady apples – but any juicy sweet eater will work well. Her granola is a blend of oats, pecans, coconut sugar, and cinnamon which adds a crunchy texture and a nutty richness, perfectly complementing the tender baked apples. Serve warm, paired with a dollop of creamy yogurt for a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Ideal for warming up after a swim session this dish is sure to become a retreat favourite.