It’s impossible not to have heard of Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer from their massive social media following and the promotion of their new cookbook, Fraiche Food, Full Hearts. We were lucky enough to snag time for a sit-down with the ladies at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim to chat about food, being a busy parent, and entertaining 101. —Jeanine Gordon
First of all, congratulations on the book! It’s been taking Instagram by storm with hundreds of people posting pics of the recipes they’ve tried. What are the biggest fan favourites so far?
Jillian: Thank you! I’m so proud to see this—the book is really ours and the recipes are right from when we were babies. When I see people making the things that make us happy, it’s insane. Definitely the biggest hits that we’ve seen people making are the Butternut Squash Carbonara and the Garden Bolognese.
Tori: These are our favourite meals from when we were kids, adapted to be healthier and more plant-based and I love seeing the response from people who are embracing the recipes. Definitely the Carbonara and Bolognese, and also the Nacho Average Queso and Aunty Mary’s Banana Bread, too.
You’re both busy moms with full schedules. Which recipes are your top picks for busy parents-on-the-go?
Jillian: Most days I feel like I’m in a race and just running through life so I need meals that are easy to throw together. My favourite combo is the Lime Capellini with the Captain’s Kale Caesar Salad. That’s such an easy meal and is so good together. Some of the more time-consuming recipes also work well if you can do the prep work, like chopping vegetables, the night before. Then when you’re making dinner it’s easy to just assemble everything. The Garlicky Greens are also really quick and easy. So many of the recipes, like the Vegetarian Chili or the Veggie Pot Pie are great for leftovers or freezer meals, too.
Tori: I really like the soups, like the Roasted Root Vegetable Soup, the Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup and the Cream of Mushroom Soup. Those are great especially if you prep ahead of time then can quickly put the soup together and have it on the table in 15 minutes.
The book focuses mainly on plant-based recipes—how did you decide on the right balance of vegan recipes that still appeal to a wide audience?
Tori: We learned that if we made it 100 per cent vegan we’d be leaving out a big portion of people. We wanted the book to give people an opportunity to try more plant-based foods and edge into it, even if it’s just one day a week. All of the recipes are flexible and have options to make it more approachable and eye-opening that plant-based eating can be really delicious.
Jillian: We wrote the book based on how we live. It’s very flexible and true to how we eat and how we are on social media. We’re not faking it! This book is for real people! I love when people post pictures of the recipes that they’ve adapted. Food is about being creative and making it work for you. When I started getting into plant-based eating I was paralyzed with what to eat. Tori and I went back to grass roots with this book and wanted to share the recipes that make us the happiest, in a healthier way.
The book really emphasizes celebrations and entertaining. What are your top hostess tips?
Tori: I like to do as much ahead of time as I can. I clean the house, I set the table the day before and I always get myself ready. You can still be cooking or chopping when your guests arrive, but you don’t want to be vacuuming or coming to the door in your PJs.
Jillian: I’ve learned that one the hard way!
Tori: I’d also say that you should pick recipes that you’re comfortable with so you can relax and enjoy. If I’m not having a good time because I’m too stressed, then my guests aren’t having a good time either.
Jillian: It’s OK to delegate and ask your guests to help. I always think ahead of time about who’s coming and what small jobs I can give them. People want to help anyway and it takes the pressure off. I’ve had times where I’ve been too anxious about doing it all myself and have learned to say “hey, do you mind helping?” I like to treat entertaining the same way I would if it were just me at home on a normal night and not get too fancy or caught up in perfection.
Win! A Copy of Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer’s Cookbook!
We have a winner! Congrats Lillian T. of Toronto, who won a copy of Fraiche Food, Full Hearts! If you want to play and win try casinos online.
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