FUN STUFF

WHËRË THË FÜÑ STÜFF HÅPPËÑS

I T H W I N G K O C O NOTHING BUT THIEVES

Nowadays, the environmental, health, and ethical benefts of veganism are beyond doubt. According to research done by the University of Oxford, going vegan now is the “single biggest way” to reduce our impact on the planet. And with such a huge boost in the availability of plant-based options, it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to ditch animal products. Just like Nothing But Thieves frontman Conor Mason, who decided to switch to a plant-based diet after having seen what damage the meat and dairy industry is causing to the planet. Since then, the singer has even found a way to make a patch of the perfect mac and cheese with an indulgent, smooth vegan cashew cheese sauce. So, here’s how you can make this simply delicious go-to dish yourself:

Ingredients (serves 6-8, depending on how you use it):

180g raw cashews 1 clove of garlic 2 tbsp nutritional yeast 250ml unsweetened almond milk, plus more if necessary 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp onion powder A pinch of sea salt A pinch of ground black pepper

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3. To make the sauce, soak the cashews in water for at least two hours or add the raw cashews to a pot with water and place them over high heat. Bring water to a boil, then immediately turn of the heat; let the cashews sit for 30-45 minutes in the warm water, then drain. Once the cashews have fnished soaking, add the drained cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, almond milk, turmeric, paprika, onion powder, salt and, black pepper to a high powered blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you want a thinner sauce, add a bit more almond milk. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Enjoy!

Art of the Month

Written by Victoria Madzak // Photos by Hope Kensall

fo l low Irenic Design on Insta gram a t @ irenic._ design

follow Hope and Sophi a on Instagram at @nicholls.sophia / @ratbagdesign

This year has had the highest highs and lowest lows for just about everyone. For Hope Kensall and Sophia Nicholls, 2020 has proven to be a year full of opportunities. Inspired by TikToks of small businesses, the two Southend-On-Sea-based friends decided to start their own company during lockdown called Irenic Design, a word that stems from Eirene, the goddess of peace, and is commonly used to promote positivity. As the two 18-year-olds share a fascination for tarot cards and claim tote bags an essential item, they began designing their own tarot card inspired bags in late spring. The fnal results were recently launched as a collection titled ‘Uncertain Futures’ – again weaving into the ongoing Covid situation – on their Etsy account IrenicDesign on the 30th of October, just in time for witchcraft season.

The tarot card inspired tote bags might play the leading role in their business for now, but Hope and Sophia are currently working on even more designs for bags, as well as earrings and pieces of clothing – they want Irenic Design to become a brand, rather than just a handprinted tote bag shop.

Though the girls are right with their chosen collection title and though the upcoming months in this pandemic are defnitely uncertain, one can already tell that their future is bright, with all the creativity, talent, and passion these two girls put into their craft.