Eating More Plants in 2022
Blog Post By Executive Chef John McConnellA new year brings new resolutions. Some of those around exercise, some around hobbies and many around what we eat. As we enter 2022, plant-based eating seems to be on many people’s minds, including mine.
A true plant-based diet is abundant in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. Unlike a true vegan diet, a plant-based diet can still include meat, poultry, seafood and dairy, all in moderate amounts.
I began eating a more plant focused diet this last year to gain more strength and endurance on my bike and find more energy for long days on my feet in the kitchen. So far, it’s been a great success. And most surprising to me, I have not had to compromise any of the flavors or interesting dishes that I love. I now enjoy these little morsels of the occasional non-plant-based splurge and find it more meaningful knowing I don’t depend on this type of diet daily.
If you visit the Clif Family Food Truck, you will now find a variety of plant-based dishes that highlight the delicious and fresh flavors of the fruits and vegetables we grow on our organic Clif Family Farm. As I write this, our menu includes a Winter broccoli focused dish, a new version of the famed avocado toast, braised collard greens with Rancho Gordo beans incorporating savory miso to replace a ham-bone, and our ever-popular Firecracker Salad. Each of these items create a flavorful match to accompany our Clif Family Wines. We also offer a plant-based seasonal food and wine tasting experience upon request.
You will find more plant-based options on our menu in the coming months. But if you can’t make it to the Tasting Room and Food Truck for a visit, you can prepare many delicious plant-based dishes at home, featuring Clif Family ingredients.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about plant-based cooking. You can always send your questions to winery@cliffamily.com.
Cheers to a new year of healthy eating!