#326: Finding Beauty and Art in Plant-Based Cooking with Chloe Crane-Leroux and Trudy Crane
“I think that I really want people to feel like the cookbook really transports them into a place that they can dream…and that they can also relate to and that they can not only just go through the book and be inspired, but I want them to be inspired to cook more plant-based foods and if they're not plant-based already to be able to incorporate more plant-based meals into their every day or their weekly meals.” –Chloé Crane-Leroux
In this episode of I AM HUMAN, we meet the beautiful mother-daughter duo Chloé Crane-Leroux and Trudy Crane, who share the value of slowing down, appreciating the beauty in everyday moments and creating simple yet beautiful plant-based cuisine to be savored and shared. We also talk about changing identity, listening to your intuition, and continuing to evolve. They both share much wisdom in this episode that you can apply to your life today.
Trudy and Chloe discuss their personal voyages to plant-based living and the birth of their stunning cookbook, "The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking." Together, we explore their vegan transformations, influenced by compassion for animals, mutual support, and an array of cultural culinary experiences. They highlight the increasing ease of adopting a vegan lifestyle with the proliferation of plant-based alternatives and innovative food technologies. This mother-daughter team reminds us of the endless possibilities that await when we pursue what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.
Chloé Crane-Leroux, a NYC-based photographer and recipe developer, graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in photography. Her work, showcased in The New York Times and Forbes, merges creativity with collaborations with luxury brands like Chanel. Specializing in plant-based cuisine, she invites eco-conscious choices, making meals an artistic experience.
Trudy Crane, known for her minimalist ceramics and mature modeling, created the vegan cookbook alongside her daughter Chloé, blending taste and conscious living. Residing in Montreal, Canada, she intertwines artistry with a pro-age mindset.
Discussion points:
(0:00:00) Chloe Crane LaRue and Trudy Crane discuss their transition to veganism - emphasizing a gradual, personalized approach without imposing strict rules.
(0:08:12) Chloe’s childhood aversion to meat and the ethical considerations that led her to plant-based eating, and Trudy’s step-by-step transition inspired by Chloe.
(0:18:30) Favorite travel destination and the food
(0:21:12) The connection between art and food, the artistry of food presentation, and career transitions to focus on food. They highlight their cookbook's aim to inspire readers to cherish the cooking process.
(0:38:12) Noticing details in the world, truly seeing and appreciating beauty
(0:42:54) Personal growth and career changes can happen at any age, breaking age stereotypes and the impact of mature role models on society's perception of aging.
(0:47:16) Anticipation for the Cranes' cookbook release, the burgeoning availability of vegan products and the alignment with personal rebirth.
(0:54:13) Final questions - success, goals, dreams, what we wish people knew
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Chloé Crane-Leroux and Trudy Crane
Chloé Crane-Leroux - Lifestyle photographer, content creator, and recipe developer
Trudy Crane - Ceramic artist
Chloé Crane-Leroux is a New York City-based food and lifestyle photographer, content creator, and recipe developer with a decade of professional experience. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and more. Originally from Montreal, Chloé pursued her studies at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City with a BFA in photography. Her creativity extends to engaging videos and captivating visuals, earning her collaborations with luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and lifestyle brands such as J. Crew and Anthropologie. Chloé’s passion for plant-based cuisine invites people to savor nature’s bounty while making eco-conscious choices. Her culinary artistry elevates plant-based cooking, making each meal an artistic experience. She lives in New York City.
Trudy Crane is a ceramic artist who has established herself under the brand name lookslikewhite, a reflection of her minimalist aesthetic which has been featured in publications such as House and Home, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Weddings, and many others. She has also worked collaboratively with companies like Food52, creating bespoke collections that add a touch of artisanal craftsmanship to the culinary world. Beyond her ceramics, Trudy is an active mature model in the industry. She promotes diversity and encourages a pro-age attitude in an industry often preoccupied with youth. In addition to her creative pursuits, Trudy extends her passion for a conscious lifestyle into her role as a vegan cookbook author. Together, Trudy and her daughter, Chloé Crane-Leroux craft recipes that not only delight the taste buds but also speak to the beauty of the table and the world around us. She lives in Montreal, Canada.
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
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