Vegan Christmas at EHL ; Plant-Based Festive Recipes

Discovering EHL’s vegan Christmas menu means stepping through the looking glass, where professionalism and rigour are the rule.

Vegan Christmas at EHL

The École hôtelière de Lausanne

One Friday evening, it is off to the famous École hôtelière de Lausanne. Reports, articles and enthusiastic testimonials had sparked a huge desire to discover this unique place. Impatience is therefore at its peak when stepping through its doors. On site, a few fellow bloggers, much-loved friends, share the experience. Walking through the corridors is a marvel, between modern architecture and a professional atmosphere. It was in fact at EHL that the founders of Ça passe Crème (in French) met.

Once all the guests have arrived, it is off to the school’s kitchens. Excitement rises on approaching this culinary space renowned for its expertise. Discovering the behind-the-scenes and sharing this gastronomic moment is a real privilege.

A Plant-Based Festive Menu

Vegan Christmas at EHL ; Aquafaba Meringues

After a few explanations, the guests split into two groups. The first works on savoury dishes, the second on sweet treats. On the sweet side, everyone gathers around the school’s pastry chef. First recipe: vegan meringues. All it takes is the liquid from a jar of chickpeas, called aquafaba, and sugar. The ingredients are familiar, but watching it whip up is a first. The magic works by itself! A fine range of vegan recipes follows this first discovery. Instructive, the alternatives offered prove truly interesting.

Vegan Christmas ; Tips for a Festive Menu

A plant-based festive menu is easier to prepare than it seems. Plant-based creams replace cream in sauces and desserts. Aquafaba, the chickpea liquid, whips up like egg whites. Mushrooms, chestnuts and squash bring character to main courses. Christmas spices do the rest. For gluten-free and lactose-free desserts, El Gâto (in French) also offers lovely ideas.

Vegan Christmas at EHL ; A Christmas Evening

Once the class is over, it is off to a second kitchen. A lovely buffet and a Christmas table await the guests there. The goal: to share ideas for decoration and festive tables. Everyone then tastes the various Christmas dishes. (The buffet also includes a few non-vegan pastries.)

The recipes from EHL’s vegan Christmas (in French) are available to download. And as an alternative, Le Berceau des Sens (in French), the school’s gastronomic restaurant, is also worth a visit. For gluten-free and lactose-free treats, El Gâto (in French) also delights food lovers.

Route de Cojonnex 18, 1000 Lausanne 25
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Vegan Christmas at EHL

Article written following an invitation from EHL