ABOUT US
Proper family recipes
We’re Emirhan and Minnie (brother and sister!) We create recipes, ceramics, sugar art and the content on this website.
Growing up, we were incredibly lucky to be surrounded by four generations of extended family. They had (very!) few things in common except their love for cooking. There was always, always, unpretentious, yet delicious, food on the table and everyone was welcome! That’s what families do right – cook and argue?
Even on the grimmest of days, we knew we could pop into one of many homes, forget our worries and muck in with preparing the next meal! And, that’s where our love for growing, cooking and presenting food began.
Food inspired by our heritage
We’re really proud of our mixed heritage. Born in the UK, we adore English sweets – from fluffy sponge cakes to sticky puddings. But, for everyday mealtimes, our favourite cuisine has to be from our dear grandparents’ parts of the world. This is the Punjab – home of rich, tasty curries and the Middle East – home of fresh, flavourful mezze.
Since becoming vegan, we’ve been even more grateful for all our family recipes that just happen to be vegan, while veganising others and developing new ideas.
After hearing “is that really vegan, can I have the recipe” so many times, we realised that a lot of people still assume that if it’s vegan, it’s going to be disappointing.
And we get it, the lack of variety at restaurants and some pre-packaged vegan food isn’t exactly enticing. But even that’s improving all the time and besides, with a little know-how, you really can make impressively delicious vegan food at home!
Why “A Tiny Bit Vegan”?
We quickly learnt something about plant-based cooking. Announce what you’re about to serve is vegan and some people can’t hide their disappointed face. But, mention it after they’ve wiped the plate clean and you’ll often get a “oh was it really vegan? It didn’t occur to me”.
We’re hoping that by being “a tiny bit vegan” it will encourage more people, beyond fellow vegans, to try our recipes and see that “vegan” doesn’t mean you have to dine on quinoa and tofu or compromise deliciousness!
Why are you vegan? Isn’t vegan food boring?
We decided to become vegan for both animal welfare and environmental reasons.
Sadly all agriculture and even the most basic human functions have an impact on the environment. This BBC article ‘How much does human breathing contribute to climate change‘ reports how, in just a single day, the average person breathes out around 500 litres of greenhouse gas!
We have to live, eat and have enjoyment in our lives but by replacing meat and dairy with plant-based foods, we are helping in one of the most effective ways we can to reduce harm to our environment, protect earth’s species and take a stand against cruelty to animals.
Often, we’re asked “what do you eat if you’re vegan?” “Isn’t it boring?” Our response: “We eat incredible food and nope, it definitely isn’t boring.”
Whether you’re thinking of becoming a full-time vegan or simply incorporating some “plant-based food only” days into your week, browse our recipes and see if there’s anything you fancy!
Emirhan
Recipe developer & ceramist
Minnie
Recipe developer & sugar artist
Emirhan made the switch to a vegan diet first. I found lots of reasons not to; until I finally did in early 2022.
Baking and cake decorating have always been “my thing” and while I was willing to give up omelettes, cheese and milk chocolate, I had a hard time with the thought of giving up baking.
I mean, I could accept not eating cake, I just wanted to be able to still bake it. But, of course, that didn’t sit right either.
At the time, I didn’t realise vegan cake was a thing and even if I did, I absolutely would have decided it wouldn’t be nice.
I’ll admit, I made vegan cakes that tasted as devastating as they looked. But, after a lot of hard work, vegan cake ingredients and I learnt to work together.
And, guess what? Vegan cakes and bakes can look and taste amazing! Today, I’m pleased to say that my baking days are here to stay and there are no eggs or dairy in sight!
