Jillian Harris & Tori Wesszer’s New Cookbook Is Out (Win!)

Are you ready for more deliciousness from the cutest cousin duo? Today marks the release of a new cookbook from none other than Canada’s beloved celebrity influencers, Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer!

Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts boasts 135 recipes straight from the heart of their bustling kitchens to help you make the same memorable meals in yours, including:

• Piña Colada Sheet-Pan Pancakes: This recipe was inspired by an incredible family trip to Hawaii. One bite of these pancakes sends the girls back to their happy place, reminding them of the blissful, stress-free days, giggling with their granny. These can be made as traditional pancakes or on a sheet pan for those busy weekday mornings. 
• Lazy Cabbage Rolls: Made with a mix of rice, sauteed onions and topped with creamy tomato sauce, this dish puts a twist on Jillian and Tori’s granny’s traditional cabbage roll recipe. It’s designed for those who are short on time but don’t want to sacrifice the delicious flavours of cabbage rolls. 
• Butternut Squash Gyros: Finding wholesome meals that the whole family will love isn’t an easy task, but one day Jillian decided to put a twist to the traditional Greek Gyro dish by replacing meat with butternut squash and it was a hit, earning a permanent spot on the dinner rotation.

We chatted with Jillian and Tori to learn more, and are giving you a chance to win am autographed copy of your very own! —Vita Daily

Hi Jillian and Tori! It’s been a challenging summer in B.C., especially in your community. How are you both doing, to start?

TORI: It has been a very difficult time for our community: my heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes, and I will be eternally grateful to the incredible firefighters for their heroic efforts that saved so much of our beautiful community. The heart of the Okanagan has really shined – everyone came together to help those who needed it, truly inspiring. I was very fortunate in that I didn’t have to evacuate and am just doing what I can to help those who need it. So, to answer your question, I am doing ok, thanks for asking!

JH: To echo what Tori said, the last few weeks of August were a devastating time for British Columbians. Our beautiful little community in the Okanagan and surrounding areas experienced tragic events and heartbreaking losses. Watching parts of our beautiful city on fire was nothing short of tragic. It has not been easy, but I can say this… our community is AMAZING. The firefighters (many of whom lost their homes while saving ours), first responders, pilots, volunteers and those running the fantastic organizations that are still working tirelessly around the clock to help those who have been evacuated has brought tears to my eyes watching everyone come together during such a difficult time. I am heartbroken for our communities’ losses and thankful for those who have fought, donated, volunteered and stood strong. 

You’re launching your second cookbook together; congrats! Tell us about the making of Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts, and what we can expect to find within its pages.

TORI: Before becoming an author, I had no idea how much effort went into writing a cookbook. Seriously, go kiss your cookbooks, they deserve it!  The first cookbook, Fraiche Food, Full Hearts, was all about entertaining: so much of our own lives, and many others, have centered around the table when it comes to special occasions. I am sure we can all agree that some of the best memories are those shared over food. This cookbook, Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts, is all about every day meals and helping people eat better, together, at home. You can expect more recipes than the first book (135, to be exact), all in the traditional categories you would expect (appetizers, mains, veggies and sides, desserts etc). The pages are filled with plant-forward, comforting classic recipes from our own childhood to grace your tables such as Lazy Cabbage Rolls, and Mushroom French Dip Sandwiches along with others we have added to our kitchen repertoire along the way through the years such as Butternut Squash Gyros, Tortilla Pie and Creamy Buffalo Chick’n Dip. There’s something for everyone.

From family vacations to beloved relatives, tell us about the inspiration behind some of the recipes.

TORI: When we thought about this cookbook, memories of time spent with our moms in the kitchen came flooding back. We have grown up like sisters (we are cousins: our moms are sisters), and have spent a lot of time together over the years, both at our homes and on vacations. From the very best 1980’s trip to Hawaii together that inspired our Tropical Tofu Bowls and Piña Colada Sheetpan Pancakes to simple but memorable moments at home that take us right back to our childhood that inspired dishes like the Baked Apples with Oat Crumble, every recipe has a story.

We’d love to ask you both: what is your favorite recipe from this cookbook?

TORI: I’m a baker, so I love our Magic Dough (there’s almost nothing it can’t transform into) and the Rhubarb Yogurt Coffee Cake (reminds me of Northern Alberta where we are from). The Coconut Seafood Chowder is also up there. Wait, was I supposed to just pick one? ?

JH: Oh wow, how do you pick just one? Since I can’t narrow it down, I’ll share just a few of my favourites. Like Tori, I could eat bowl after bowl of the Coconut Seafood Chowder and never get sick of it… yes it’s that good. Another go-to for my family is the Broccoli Cheeze Soup; if you are trying to eat more plant-based and reduce waste, this is a great recipe. And last but certainly not least is the Ginger “Beef”, which was inspired by one of our favourite local restaurants to eat at while growing up, and I think we nailed the vegan version.

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Win! 1 of 2 Autographed Copies of Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts!

Congrats Katrina M. of Courtenay, BC, and Janette V. of Parksville, BC, who will each receive an autographed copy of Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.