Vanilla Chia Pots and a Vegan High Tea
Attending a High Tea, sipping from fine china and eating dainty little sandwiches is one of my most favourite things to do. I think it might have to do with the fact that it makes me feel rather large, because I'm rather small. Pint sized (163cm tall and very fine boned), if you ask my brothers.
Afternoon tea originated during the 19th century, as a light meal taken between breakfast and dinner, and usually served around 4 in the afternoon, to stave off hunger between the very long wait until the day’s final meal. Even though our meal times are no way near as regimented as they used to be, afternoon tea seems to be as popular as ever. I enjoy afternoon tea every day at home, which usually consist of a pot of tea and a nibble of something sweet. I enjoy this daily ritual as it breaks up my day, and gives me a bit of respite before the evening rush of preparing dinner, bathing and getting Ävälon ready for bed, and restoring the house to some semblance of order for the next day. It also gives me a chance to just sit and think over my plans for the next day. And even though I thoroughly enjoy this time, I enjoy going out for high tea even more.
Recently, I had the chance to sample a raw vegan high tea at Yardmill, a very cute local deli in Toorak, where commuters can drop in on their way home and collect some wholesome, healthy eats, as well as enjoy a sit down meal if time allows. Tracey, the lovely owner of the establishment, believes she has now filled a missing piece in Melbourne’s food scene in the form of a take-home store that offers coffee and teas; and high quality yet affordable healthy meals suited to an array of food intolerances using locally sourced produce.
Anja and I had the chance to take a few hours to drop out of our normal routines to sit and enjoy a very different take on this popular afternoon pass time. I was a bit doubtful about what a raw vegan high tea might offer, being so used to the traditional high tea menu’s of my pre vegan days, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The array of treats on our tiered serving platter included little open sandwiches, chia pudding, raspberry bliss balls, chocolate mousse, tangy vegetable wraps and mini carrot cakes. Everything tasted fresh and nourishing, and I left feeling incredibly full and satisfied. We decided to skip the usual pot of tea, and both ordered super creamy hot chocolates. I wanted to dive right into my cup, but was happy enough just to drink every blissful mouthful.
It’s definitely not your usual high tea experience, but for those of you who prescribe to a vegan diet, or just want to try a high tea that’s as healthy as it is delicious, then I highly recommend giving the Yardmill a whirl. I can’t wait to go back!
If I had to pick a favourite item of food I would have to go with the title chia pudding pots. They were so fresh and tasty, and inspired me to make some overnight chia pots for breakfast the next morning. I don’t know why I don’t make these more often, as they are so easy to put together, requiring next to no effort at all, taste great and provide an energy boosting nutritional punch. Chia seeds also promote healthy skin and support the digestive system - all good reasons to include chia seeds in your diet. So I think I'll make these cute little pots a part of my weekly breakfast routine.
I hope this gives you some food for thought.
Love and light!
Susanna xo