A vegan at the Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show

I've attended this show twice before but never have there been so many products labelled vegan. The first stall Nidya, Immy and I went to was Alpro, they were selling their super tasty yoghurt desserts for half price! They also thought their curry mixes were vegan, but upon checking they contained fish. Our next stop was the popcorn stand and a sample of their delicious product. I asked if it was vegan and the stallholder told me she and her colleagues are all vegan! They sell giant tins of their popcorn, New Zealand Kettle Korn, and refill them at most of the markets around town. Next up was Cherub and a chance to stock up on dairy free cream cheese and parmesan. We sampled two types of vegan ice cream, one with soy and one, a newer product, with coconut cream. They were very delicious but not exactly cheap. Moana wines was there. The Ceres stall had smoothies made with rice protein powder and fruit and they also sell pea protein powder. There were vegan muffin mixes in several tasty flavours made by Pastry Kitchen. Lots more too! We easily made back our $10 entry fee each in free samples, and children under 10 years old are free. It was packed and hard to move by the time we left, lunchtime. Highly recommended if you feel you can handle the crowds.

Hens' Night

I loved Hens' Night, a documentary directed by Debbie Matthews about a recent protest at a New Zealand poultry farm . I remember first seeing Deidre on a the TV News a couple of years ago following the protest, and being impressed by how articulate she is and how well she came across. The movie includes her equally entertaining and compassionate team members as they prepare for their protest vigil. They are both aware of their media appeal and showing true commitment to their concern for the plight of factory farmed hens. Debbie put the film together beautifully, it's well paced and full of drama and honesty. It's impossible to doubt the good intentions of this likeable bunch of law-breaking protestors. The film deserves a wider audience. I'd like my children to see this film, not least because, to my surprise on the day of viewing, their cousin Caitlin appears in a few scenes. Five stars from me, it's one I'd like to see again

Eggplant Pie for two

I've been working on my menu planning today. It's a bit complicated when different household members like such different things. I've been making lists and cross referencing so I'm prepared for when things get hectic when school starts. Today I went to the vege shop and picked up some cheap and perfect eggplants. This is for the two of us who are home tonight, there is a slight variation in our tastes, therefore, two separate pies - easy. How do you shop and prepare for the different tastes in your family?