I started this blog because I wanted to create a family recipe book that I could one day pass on to my daughters. It was after discussing the idea with them that this site was born. In the age of technology it seems an on-line family recipe book was a much better way of preserving my recipes and food ideas.
My food philosophy centres around healthy food that is also delicious. I am usually cooking for my two daughters aged 12 and 9, as well as my husband and I. I'm a coeliac and so all recipes on this blog are gluten free without exception. I generally prefer to eat vegetarian food and, as I also don't eat much dairy, there are a lot of vegan recipes here too.
You may be curious about the title of this blog. Tao is a Chinese word that is rather difficult to translate into English. It is often translated as 'the way' or 'way' and represents the absolute principle underlying the universe. It combines within itself the principles of yin and yang and signifies the way that is in harmony with the natural order. In Taoism and Zen Buddhism, the object of spiritual practice is to 'become one with the Tao' or to harmonise one's will with Nature in order to achieve 'effortless action'.
This reflects my philosophy of both life and food. My goal is to cook using natural, whole ingredients where possible and to eat seasonally. By choosing fruits and vegetables that are in season, and eating warming foods in winter and cooling foods in summer, we are treating our bellies with love and hopefully ensuring we remain healthy.
So I guess Tao Belly is designed to show the way to a harmonious belly and hopefully a harmonious life.
