Hey Melbourne Foodie Friends!
Come join us and enjoy for this special whole food, plant based VEGAN BRUNCH COOKING CLASS!  As a special Easter Monday treat we are going to embrace indulgence and health at the same time!   
Vegan Brunch Cooking Class at The Beet Retreat:
We all LOVE brunch and what better place to spend it than in a country Bed and Breakfast with gorgeous animals and valley views <3
True to the key principles of The Beet Retreat, the recipes featured in the Vegan Brunch Cooking Class will focus on fresh, healthy, all-vegan fare for the whole family to enjoy and be nourished by.
Whether you are already vegan or simply interested in expanding your repertoire to include healthier foods, Cooking Classes at The Beet Retreat are loved for the delicious practicality of the dishes, the nutritionally informative content,  and the relaxed and genuinely welcoming vibe.
Why Vegan?
Many of us are becoming increasingly aware that a reducing or eliminating refined and highly processed foods, meats, dairy, eggs and seafood benefits not only our own health, but also that of our planet and of course, the other beings who share it with us.
But finding our way through what can feel like a nutritional maze can be confusing, if not downright daunting!
The Beet Retreat is here to help!  Every day here is, of course, ANIMAL PRODUCT FREE and our passion is helping and supporting others who want to discover more ways to create delicious, whole-food vegan meals in practical and enticing ways.  Brunch which is indeed my favourite meal of the day, lends itself so well to the healthy plant based way.
What’s on the menu?
The Vegan Brunch Cooking Class is all about food that feels like a warm hug on a cold day!  Food that is both comforting yet makes us ready to take on the world!
Breakfast at The Beet Retreat has long been regarded as a something very special…. from the homemade plant based milks, to the creamy lemon dream porridge, to the waffles, to the pancakes, to the scrambled tofu, to the chia puddings and smoothie bowls!  Even the occasional Middle Eastern inspired savoury grazing boards…
What we will we have for Easter?  It’s a surprise so you’ll have to wait and see my lovelies!  ?
Trust the magic of mornings!
How we roll.
The classes here are always friendly and fun. How could we not feel fabulous in such a beautiful, rural setting, creating and eating such healthy and vibrant food!   The dishes look beautiful, taste wonderful, serve our bodies in such positive ways!   I try to make them accessible to all budgets, all levels of cooking experience AND they do tend to be time efficient ..without compromising on flavour or variety!
We generally make between 5-8 dishes in each class, depending on complexity and yes, we get to enjoy eating them together plus sampling staples that may be on hand in The Beet Retreat fridge!
The Vegan Brunch Cooking Classes are new!   I’ve talked about them with followers for 2 years but nows the time!  They will feature regular favourites from The Beet Retreat menu and I know you will just love them.  My aim is to send you home with a real love of breakfast and brunch!
PLANT BASED NUTRITION: 
While I am not a health professional, I have completed the Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition with e-Cornell and spent the past several years immersed in learning from the works of plant based health professionals with decades of experience.
The classes also cover many of the basics of maximising health via whole food plant based nutrition and some of the issues that may arise for those who don’t eat a balanced diet or seek some guidance for their individual situation.
But wait there’s more!
All pupils receive an extensive Recipe and Resource PDF via email after the class that contains a wealth of information and many links to informative websites.
Australia’s wonderful new Not-For-Profit DoctorsForNutrition is just one that I encourage everyone to sign up with to delve deeper into solid plant based nutrition information and there are many other links crossing the gamut of all things plant based and Vegan!
This 60 page PDF also includes all the healthy recipes we make PLUS lots of bonus recipes that will delight all the family!

What will we make in this cooking class?

See above!  Its a surprise but you can rest assured it will involve a number of dishes from that list of the everyday fare that we enjoy at The Beet Retreat. Classes are suitable for anyone with a zest for flavourful, colourful and healthy food.  There’s plenty of variety, and it’s real food, nothing fake.  
All classes are based around whole foods.  The core staples of Fruit, Veg, Starches and Whole Grains, Legumes, Nuts and Seeds. It’s the same whole, plant foods that feature so heavily in all of the longest living, healthiest populations of the world as studied in the Blue Zones .  Healthy should never mean boring!  
How much is it to participate in one of the GROUP cooking classes? 

Group Cooking Classes range from $65 for the 2hour mid-week class to $100pp for the 4hr class (Price will increase in July 2019).   Both include a hearty, sit down meal, sampling, tips and techniques, and a comprehensive Recipe and Resource PDF.  Please email for information regarding bookings and pricing for private classes for either individuals or groups.  
**Athletes and sports clubs are always welcome and a speciality.  Work place and other special event groups are also most welcome.   Please email to discuss your needs. 
What equipment would I need at home?

Generally a high speed blender, a decent knife and some bowls and pots!  But a food processor is a real bonus. A blender should be your first choice if you can only start with one.  A Ninja or Nutribullet is adequate.  Quite a few of these recipes are simply hand mixed and prepared and cooked the “old-fashioned way”.  Stoves, ovens or Raw!  Keeping it simple is often the very best!
“I have dietary sensitivities. Is the Vegan Vitality: Brunch Cooking Class suitable for me?
For this class, depending on your intolerances they may not be suitable.  Some dishes contain whole grains with gluten or have garlic and onion or legumes.  I do hold specific allergy free vegan cooking classes from time to time.  Check the calendar regularly for updates.  I am also happy to assist anyone with specific dietary allergies within private classes which can be arranged by appointment . 

Whats the minimum age to attend at The Beet Retreat Cooking Classes?

Generally, over 13 please OR you may contact me directly to organise your own private or group class for children!
“What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?”

Located under 1 hours drive from Melbourne’s CBD, there is ample parking at The Beet Retreat. Nearest rail is Hurstbridge, 13 minutes drive away with Uber often available.
“How can I contact the organiser with any questions?”

Please email [email protected] or phone on 0407 967 462
“What’s the refund policy?”
– Please bear in mind that The Beet Retreat is a small business.  To keep the class prices as low as they are, I trust in the respect and consideration of attendees and guests to chose carefully their dates in recognition that it is difficult to re-book places at short notice.
– The purchase price of a ticket is fully refundable up to 14 days before the event.  
– 50% refundable from 14- 7 days prior.
– Not refundable under 7 days. 
-PLEASE NOTE:  You may GIFT OR TRANSFER your ticket to a friend at any time should you become unable to attend.  
***There is also no transfer of class dates possible under 7 days.