Vegan victory sealed with a kiss
IMAGINE if you could change the world and not even notice the change to your lifestyle.
According to the founders of Kissing Chickens – producers of delicious, homemade vegan cakes and savoury dishes – it’s entirely doable.
Samara Grumberg and Pauline Singer from Townsville started Kissing Chickens ( the business, not the habit) last year when they found there was a gap in the market for a tasty variety in vegan options.
Taking inspiration from the old adage that if you can’t find what you’re looking for, do it yourself, the pair of friends began making vegan cakes, cupcakes and savoury meals to sell online and at the markets here in Townsville.
“When people taste our food, they’re always so surprised to find out it’s actually vegan,” said Samara, who started out as a vegetarian before taking the step to veganism four years ago.
“We recently made a wedding cake for a bride who didn’t tell her guests until afterwards that the cake was vegan. None of her guests had any idea, they simply loved it.
“I became a vegetarian with the idea that I was causing no harm to animals. Then one day I watched a video on the dairy industry. I had no idea that the male calves who aren’t part of the milking process are killed, sometimes only a couple of days after being born.
“The egg industry is the same, discarding non- egg pro- ducing male chicks in terrible ways. Straight away I knew I had to become vegan.”
While many of us may think that being a vegan means a life of lettuce and lentils, Samara and Pauline said their food is proof that your tastebuds don’t have to suffer for your cause.
“All of our food is made from scratch in our commer- cial cooking premises, including a chicken substitute called tamari strips which we use in wraps. Everybody agrees they can’t tell the difference between our strips and real chicken,” Pauline said. “If you can do some good in the world without sacrificing taste or budget, why not give it a go?”
Giving it a go is exactly what Samara and Pauline are inviting us all to do, and one of the ways they’re spreading the vegan message in Townsville is by hosting monthly vegan “potluck” nights on The Strand opposite Gregory St.
“At 6.30 on the first Sunday night of every month, we hold a ‘ potluck’ night where people bring a vegan dish and get to share their food and taste what other people have made,” Samara said.
“It’s a great way to discover new vegan recipes and find out how delicious vegan food can be.”
While Samara and Pauline are taking a break from the markets during the hot summer months, you can find their food online as well as in a growing number of cafes around Townsville.
From sweet treats to savoury servings to cakes for any occasion including birthdays and weddings, giving vegan a try is one way you can do your bit for the planet and take the guilt out of your next guilty pleasure.
To find out more or to place an order, visit the Kissing Chickens page on Facebook or call Samara and Pauline direct on 0437 373 791.