{photo of Anna by Joanna Briggs}

I am very excited to bring you my very first Sweet On Veg interview with raw goddess, Anna Victoria Rodgers, aka Miss Eco Glam. Anna is an Aussie living in London with a passion for compassion, sharing amazing beauty products, eco-fashions, yummy recipes and human/animal rights issues on her blog, Miss Eco Glam.

Favourite recipe?
At the moment raw sushi! Followed by vegan stroganoff.

Drink of choice?
Pina Colada made with cashew cream and coconut instead of cream!

Yummiest fruit (if you had to pick)?
Mango but i really want to try Durian!

Midnight snack?
Chocolate cookies!

Best-loved nut?
Pecan

Something you’re proud of?
My blog, and making people think differently!

Most inspiring quote?
“We are all Earthlings.” ~ Shaun Monson, director/producer of Earthlings

Beauty tip?
Eat mostly raw food, it makes your skin glow!

What’s on your lips right now?
Rhodes to Heaven ‘All in One’ Lip Balm

Last book you’ve read that you couldn’t put down?
Vivisection or Science: An Investigation into Testing Drugs and Safeguarding Health. Everyone who has an opinion on animal testing should read this!

What do you do to lift your spirits if you’re feeling down?
I usually eat/make something yummy or watch something inspirational – documentaries etc.

Must see movie?
Into the Wild

Cause you’re most passionate about?
Animal Cruelty – there are too many causes to name here but in general I detest Animal Cruelty and wish that the world becomes much more conscious very quickly!

Three websites/blogs that you love?
SweetOnVeg.com, of course!
rawchefblog.com
divinecosmos.com

What have you learned about yourself in the last year?
I have become much more open to new ideas, the possibility of believing strange subjects and have found my calling with Raw Food and being vegan!

Advice to new vegans?
Be very proud about what you have done and really immerse yourself in learning about proper nutrition so that you stay healthy. You don’t have to miss out on yummy things!

Describe your ideal day?
A sleep in, having a fab breakfast and then going somewhere. It used to be shopping but I really have learnt to not want many new things, I much prefer to be out in Nature admiring something pretty or going to see some animals! Before my cat passed away it would be lying in bed with her, giving her a cuddle.

Butternut squash stars in this satisfying casserole. Topped with homemade croutons, this is a perfect comfort dish!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH CASSEROLE RECIPE (Servings 2-4)

1 butternut squash
3 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 – 1 can Eden Black Beans
1/2 leek, chopped
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
celtic salt, to taste
1/3 loaf sourdough bread
1-2 tbsp olive oil, butter or Earth Balance Buttery Spread

Cut squash into quarters, remove seeds, wrap in foil and bake for 40 minutes/just until soft. Remove the meat of the squash from the skin using a spoon. Mash squash, adding 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.

Sauté chopped onions and leeks in pan for 3 minutes.

Cut bread into little crouton size pieces and toss in melted butter or olive oil.

Layer the squash, beans, leeks and onions in an oiled 2 quart glass baking dish.

Place croutons on top.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ~ Virginia Woolf

My dogs and I had a wonderful time at the Farmers Market today in the West End. I’ve eaten two juicy organic apples and a pear already, and am happily glancing at my perfect pumpkin. Hopefully next week we’ll go again…with Tammy & Yoda.

West End Farmers Market
Until October 24th
9am – 2pm Saturdays
1100 Block of Comox Street across from Nelson Park @ Mole Hill

For more info/locations around Vancouver, check out eatlocal.org.

“A thriving household depends on the use of seasonal produce and the application of common sense.”  ~ Olivier de Serres

{photo: Bob.Fornal}

“Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” ~ Erica Jong

{via: Eylem}