The retreat centre on the magical island of Cortes in British Columbia boasts a garden widely known for its bounty that fuels both the creatives in the kitchen and those attending workshops. I had the good fortune to both cook and teach there and have long adored this dressing which is often used to drizzle and elevate the greens grown on site. I have altered the recipe a bit to incorporate avocado oil which I love so much as it has a very similar fatty acid profile to olive oil, but doesn’t have the intense flavour that would overpower the other ingredients in this recipe.

Nutritional yeast is the secret ingredient that lends this dressing its unique flavour profile. Available in both flakes and powder, nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy flavour and is often used as a replacement for cheese in vegan dishes. Not only is it a deliciously addictive addition sprinkled on anything savoury, it’s a great nutritional fortifier and is filled with a complex of B vitamins, notably B12 (at 7.8 mcg per 2 Tbsp), which is otherwise not found in plant foods. B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and maintaining the health of the nervous system. When deficient, symptoms can include poor cognition, memory, focus, fatigue, “brain fog” low mood, or anxiety. A study done in 2002 showed that supplementation with B12 (and B6) had positive effects on memory performance of women of all ages. Adding this tasty yeast to your diet is a great way to boost your B12 intake, particularly if you are eating a plant-based diet.

Hollyhock Nutritional Yeast Dressing

Ingredients:

Include everything your reader needs to make this recipe perfectly, with measurements, optional additions, or alternatives. For example:

6 Tbsp nutritional flake yeast

3 Tbsp water

3 Tbsp tamari

3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 large clove of garlic

1⁄2 c avocado oil

optional: for a spicy/smoky variation you can add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle paste (or more to taste)

Instructions:

1. Combine nutritional yeast, water, tamari, vinegar, and garlic clove in a blender and process until completely smooth.

2. While blender is running, slowly stream oil through the hole in the cap. Blend until mixture emulsifies and thickens.