Grilled Asparagus with Walnut, Caper, and Red Pepper Salsa

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Kris

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

There’s a lot of newness in this life of mine. The winds of change are blowing through here something fierce. And though change was not something that I was expecting—regularity, routine, and sameness were—it’s something I’m fully embracing.

I had a solid plan. It was clear, the steps decidedly outlined, and perfectly written from A to Z. But then one day someone (maybe me?) questioned the plan and everything began to unravel. Now I stand here, no plan in sight, just a million broken pieces around me. No plan, but hundreds of possibilities. And I don’t think I’ve ever felt happier in my life.

“A thought, even a possibility, can shatter and transform us.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Now that I’ve opened up to possibility, the possibility is abundant. It seems that under every nook and cranny opportunities are presenting themselves to me. What’s crazy is that I think they’ve always been here. I just couldn’t see them. I had my head down focussing on the plan.

I can’t say much right now, but I wanted to share that new possibilities and opportunities are abound. I’m doing something that I don’t usually do well, except that it’s feeling really easy to do. I’m going with the flow–eyes and heart wide open.

In that spirit, Summer is just around the corner and Summer brings with her opportunities of the greatest kind. So I wanted to make you something that wouldn’t have you spending hours in the kitchen when you want to be out exploring the world. That’s how this Grilled Asparagus with Walnut, Caper, and Red Pepper Salsa came to be. Though any hearty, and somewhat bitter, vegetable would work. If you were thinking broccoli, cauliflower, or rapini, you’re totally on the mark. But since it’s almost the end of asparagus season, you should go to your nearest farmers’ market and get the last of these emerald stems. Grill them up and top with this briny, vibrant salsa. Perhaps even take it to the park for an impromptu outdoor dining experience. That’s what we did in the end. Our eyes and heart wide open for the world to be shared with us. Continue reading →

Black Bean Brownies with Bourbon-Soaked Cherries (+ the happiness advantage)

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Kris

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that L and I watched this video on the weekend and were inspired to incorporate some new practices into the way we live. Gratitude, journalling, exercise, meditation, and random acts of kindness, according to Shawn Achor, are powerful keys to creating more happiness in your life.

Going in, we decided to start by taking stock of where things stood for us. Gratitude? Check. Well, most days, anyway. On a good day you’ll find L and I lingering over the dinner dishes talking about what each of us feels grateful for—L scrubbing down pots while I tidy the after-dinner clutter. L is also pretty committed to meditation, though she’d tell you otherwise because of an occasional fall from her practice. (I, on the other hand, could always use a gentle nudge (or a more dramatic push) to sit and focus on my breath for a few moments. Will I ever learn?)Exercise, at least in its more traditional way, is more my thing. I am quite drawn to it, and am perhaps one of the lucky few who actually enjoys going to the gym. L practiced capoeira last year and spent time learning to longboard, but since starting school again, her schedule doesn’t leave her with much time for these activities. In the meantime, the dog gets walked a little longer and L gets to be out in the fresh air; it’s a pretty good balance between a “have to” and a “want to”. Lucky for miss Sunshine.

As for journalling, well… that goes on the list of things that I know are helpful, but for whatever reason I just can’t get myself to sit down and do. Finally, random acts of kindness are certainly not foreign to us (we try to live our lives each day with kindness), but we could certainly stand to be a bit more intentional and generous with others.Although I posted the link on Sunday, I will admit that, despite our good intentions (and the seeming simplicity of the tasks required), our happiness plan seems to have gotten off to a slow start. (Chalk it up to transition?) So we’re starting fresh today. For the next 21 days we’re committing completely to our happiness plan, and to living our lives with a bit more intention.

I thought I’d start things off by sharing with you one of my gratitudes of the day. This morning my mom pulled me out of a funk. The funk came on suddenly and out of the blue with some bad news I’d received. But the moment it hit, I got caught-up. Feeling sad and out of control, I apologized to my mom, embarrassed about becoming so easily overwhelmed. I hadn’t called her to cry and bemoan my life. I called to talk, to ask her advice. But there, welling up inside of me, were these big feelings. My mom did what moms are wont to do: she listened, showed compassion, and offered me a little help. Though help is not always something that we want, need, or often have the courage to ask for, today it was exactly what was most welcome. And I never would have asked because it would have felt like I was burdening her. But this simple gift—one that didn’t take much on her part—has already had a significant impact in my life, and I know that my mom feels good to have been able to do it. For me, the weight of a thousand layers were lifted off my shoulders. And for this I am filled with big gratitude. Huge. (Mom… thank you!)Not all gratitudes are going to be like this, nor do they need to be. I treasure this one, because it will carry me along for a big while. But the smaller gratitudes are equally important. These are the moments that make up our day. According to Shawn, part of creating more happiness involves retraining our brains to scan for the positive instead of scanning for the negative. For me, that can be as simple as watching our cat nuzzle up to our dog or noticing that I caught all of my transit connections with ease. It’s with this sentiment that I offer you these black bean brownies with bourbon-soaked cherries. Once you taste one, you’ll know just what I mean. A little more on the special side, but not at all hard to make, these brownies can give an ordinary moment a bit of a boost, perhaps even make it gratitude worthy. Continue reading →

Spring Vegetable Tart (gluten-free)

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Kris

I attended a baby shower this past weekend. This time as “the help”—or sous chef, as I’d taken to calling myself. I delicately filled endive leaves with a yogurt-lentil mixture, cut brownies into perfect squares, and stacked decorative toothpicks with tiny bocconcini, fresh basil, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all the while chatting away with my sister, the host and head chef. We caught up on our lives, and talked about family, life, relationships, and food, of course. In between jobs, I refuelled with her homemade granola bars and sampled the bites she would be serving—just to be sure they passed the test. I know that my sister really valued my help; she told me so, many times. But I also really valued being there. Standing in her tiny kitchen, each of us focused on our particular task at hand, working to create a special experience for someone that she loved, I felt happy to be helping her.Growing up, my family owned a restaurant, but my mom and my aunts also hosted a lot of dinner parties and get-togethers. They could often be found in the kitchen, talking, laughing, occasionally bickering as sisters sometimes do, and together creating a spectacular spread that would nourish their guests that night. Food is something that has long brought my family together, through the shared preparation, the stories of how the recipes evolved, and the coming together for meals featuring eats like Cio Cia Lou’s blueberry perogies, Cio Cia Dzi’s caeesar salad (one that would rival any), or mom’s shrimp scampi—all of which have legendary followings where I come from. Working with my sister the other day reminded me of their connection in the kitchen and how they’d work together, lovingly making the food that they’d serve to their guests. That day, we too created a spectacular spread that I hope welcomed and nourished her guests. It felt good to see those traditions being carried on in my sister’s tiny kitchen.This spring vegetable tart is perfect served up at a baby shower, but it also makes a lovely family meal. A little advance time in the kitchen is required to prepared the pastry, but not much since it’s mostly just chilling. And if your sister is joining you to make it, then you can spend some time catching up while it’s doing just that. It’s perfect for a weekend get-together, really.

The flavours of the tart highlight the best of spring, showcasing asparagus, peas or favas, and fresh herbs. The pastry is light, buttery, and gluten free—the masa harina giving it a lovely sweetness and the cornmeal a nice crunch. If you eat dairy, I recommend using the butter. It adds a fantastic flavour, and a good organic butter offers a lot of health benefits, so don’t fear the fat. If you don’t eat dairy, you can try this with olive oil, replacing both the butter and yogurt with it. I have not made this particular recipe with olive oil, but I’ve made many tarts with it in the past and they’ve all turned out to be delicious. If you’ve never made a tart, now’s your chance. Once you see how beautiful they look on your table, and really in the end, how straightforward they are to make, you’ll feel so accomplished and will want to make them again and again. Continue reading →

Top 10s

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Kris

This pizza. Shanna & Tim are always bringing beauty into the world.
5 ways to use almond meal
This light summer fare.
This is great!
I am humbled and moved by this woman’s strength and courage.
Your summer just got better. Gluten-free waffle cones with banana “ice-cream”.
Did you see this yet? Seriously cute.
Have you seen these? 30 Shocking and Unexpected Google Street View Photos
Here is your guide to the best of the best in healthy living.
Juice cleanse and juicer giveaway! Speaking of giveaways, don’t forget to enter!

Also, look who made Delicious Links ! Woop!

Avocado BLT Tacos

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Kris

Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to cover the cost of the recipe ingredients in exchange for creating this post. All opinions are my own.

Most of what we eat is procured through local farmers’ markets, our CSA, and a couple of local grocers. It’s important to us to eat locally, seasonally, and sustainably, and to support local businesses as much as possible. As my two worlds (naturopathic medicine and food) continue to merge, I am becoming even more aware of the interconnectedness of it all; what we eat and how it’s grown contributes significantly to our wellness—personally, economically, environmentally, and globally. Supporting local farmers and nurturing our land with sustainable practices is an investment where the payback will be significant in all of those realms. Plus, have you been to the farmer’s market lately?! What these farmers, foodies, and artisans have to offer is some of the best in the world. I also happen to believe that farmers’ markets are some of the happiest places on earth.The farmers’ market is where I got the bacon for these avocado BLT tacos. You might be wondering why a blog on healthy (and almost entirely vegetarian) eating is featuring bacon. Featuring is a stretch, since it is really just an accent in this little taco. But as I talked about before, eating healthy looks different to everybody. My take on eating (and living) healthfully sometimes involves buying bacon (and other delicious meat) from a local farmer—one who raised the pig well and committed to not using nitrates or nitrites to cure it. 80twenty, right? But whether you eat bacon or not, this taco is good on its own, with some pan-fried tofu, or with the addition of a sharper aged cheddar.As much as I try to minimize my environmental footprint, not everything that I eat is from around these parts. Avocados are one example of a healthy, delicious fruit (or as my sister calls it, “nature’s butter”) that I just can’t resist keeping in my kitchen at all times. They’re like their own food group for me. So when I was approached about doing a recipe for Avocados of Mexico, it felt like an authentic partnership. Avocados are real, whole foods that give you a seriously good dose of fatty acids (believe it or not, that’s a good thing!). Mashed into guacamole, whipped into chocolate pudding, snuck into baking, spread over toast with a sprinkle of maldon salt and a squeeze of lemon, frozen into icy treats, and, like in this recipe, left to stand as-is: a perfect, simple addition to the diverse components of this taco. Its buttery richness nicely compliments the tang of the onions, the saltiness of the bacon, the sweetness of the tortillas, the heat of the chile-lime mayo, and the crunch of the vegetables. The avocado, in this case, really brings all the flavours together.Tortillas are best homemade and really aren’t that hard to make. A tortillas press is cheap and makes light work of the task. And if you don’t want to invest in another kitchen gadget, Kelsey also employs a great strategy here. In the end, if you haven’t any interest in making your own, I highly recommend buying them at a store that makes them fresh, in-house. If you’re looking for a good suggestion in Toronto, this is a great place. However you decide to get your tortilla on, these tacos should be on your ‘must make’ list for the summer. Continue reading →

Blueberry hazelnut muesli (+ good friends)

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Kris

Good friends listen with compassion when you expose the deepest parts of yourself. They see your vulnerability, turn toward it, and hold you a little closer.

Good friends tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Sometimes the truth is that you have broccoli in your teeth (thank you, friends), and sometimes it’s that you look terrible because you’ve been under stress for far too long. You appreciate both truths because they’re real. And because who wants to walk around with broccoli in their teeth? No matter how many times you fumble trying to figure out your dang life, good friends don’t judge your trip-ups (even when you’re quite certain that judgement is in order).

Good friends remind you that no amount of external ‘proof’ of your worth will matter in the least if you don’t believe it yourself. (A lot like #7.)Good friends believe in you so profoundly, that it becomes easier to believe in yourself.

Good friends challenge you to get out of your head and into your heart. They remind you that money is just money and there is always more to earn and spend.Good friends affirm that even when you don’t see them for a long time, simply coming together again erases the distance. And, actually, that there wasn’t any distance in the first place.

Good friends feel like home—the kind you dream of living in one day with big bright windows, a cozy fireplace, and a welcoming back yard.Good friends invite you for brunch and a solid talk; they make you the most delicious asparagus omelettes (with honeyed goat cheese) and overnight muesli that you go home and make them both the very next day. You would have made them that night, but it was your sister’s birthday and you had to get yourself to the party!

In honour of good friends, I made you some blueberry hazelnut muesli to share with yours. Continue reading →

Salmon, Black Rice, and Sweet Potato Burgers with Horseradish Mayo (+ a Huge Giveaway!)

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Kris

Disclosure: I was given a CUTCO knife set to give away on my blog in exchange for a write-up on my experience using the knives. All opinions are my own.

The saying that “a good knife is a chef’s best friend” is an absolute truth. My knives were given to me as a gift from my mom about 10 years ago, and I still remember the thrill of slicing such a sharp knife through a tomato for the first time (#foodgeek!). Tomato after tomato, I happily sliced away, in awe of how the skin didn’t give and wrinkle, the tomato didn’t squish, and the seeds and juices stayed fully intact. If I’m telling the full (embarrassing) truth, I recall bringing my mom into the kitchen and having her watch as I demonstrated (over-and-over again), how easily I could slice the tomato. It felt miraculous. She, already wise to this, simply smiled at how happy her gift had made me. Little did I know how life-changing this experience would be for me. In the time since I’ve had these knives, I’ve cooked more, I’ve cooked better, and my fondness for a quality knife has only grown.My knives are probably the most used tool in my house. True to this, I even travel with them most anywhere where I’ll be doing a fair amount of cooking—even when that means packing them in my suitcase and carting them on the plane. Don’t judge. Good knives make for light work. Take these salmon, black rice, and sweet potato burgers, for instance. They require a little bit more preparation, but it’s almost effortless when you have the right tools.

In April I attended an event put on by CUTCO. Several local bloggers, chefs, and foodie-types gathered at a culinary training centre where we made and shared dinner together using the CUTCO knives and their other kitchen tools. I have to admit, I was skeptical about trying out new knives. As you know by now, I love my knives, and I couldn’t see being convinced of the virtue of another. But as the night unfolded and I was able to experience using them first-hand, I found that more than one knife—and the vegetable peeler!—caught my attention. Would I trade in my trusty Henckels (or L’s Wüsthofs) for a new set? Well… would you trade in your best friend for a new friend? Of course not. But you might invite your new friend to hang out with you and your bestie. And that’s what I did. The peeler and the trimmer have been getting some time in my kitchen along with the old Henckels and Wüsthofs, and everybody seems to be getting along swell. So while I won’t be getting rid of my old faves any time soon, for those of you who are in the market for a set of knives, I think the CUTCOs are definitely worth a serious look. If you need further convincing, they come with a lifetime warranty (no questions asked!). And my mom, a professional caterer and home cook extraordinaire, uses CUTCOs as her primary set.So that brings me to a really important question. Are you in the market for a brand new set of knives? If so, I have some pretty awesome news. CUTCO has given me a CUTCO Studio + 4 Set with Block (a $570 value!) to give away to one of my readers! Whoa!

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what you would do with a brand new set of knives and then click on the widget to enter. It’s really that easy! Continue reading →

How to make milk kefir + a mango lassi kefir smoothie (+ a True Brews book review)

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Kris

Last summer I attempted to make everything we ate from scratch. I took a class in the theory of artisan bread baking and learned how to make my own sourdough; I dusted off my dehydrator and finally put it to good use making raw crackers, macaroons, fruit roll-ups, and (almost) more kale chips than we could handle; I nurtured a scoby and made kombucha, pickled everything in sight, and made jam for the first time. With some birthday money, I bought an ice cream maker, experimented with different milk (mylk) bases, and even entered an ice-cream-making contest. (Grape-nuts ice cream is where it’s at, my friends!) Last summer was less about the fanciful creations and more about the simplicity of real, do-it-yourself food. There is something truly liberating about knowing what you’re putting into your body, down to every last ingredient. The health benefits are numerous, but there’s an emotional tie as well. If you have uncertainty and guilt about food, they surrender, leaving space for openess and health to make their stay. “Watching what you eat” takes on totally different meaning.It wasn’t all perfect though. One project that failed miserably was my attempt at making kefir, a project that theoretically should have been the easiest on the list. Each morning I would strain my grains, re-bathe them in fresh, organic milk, then set them aside to ferment until the next day. The following morning I would wake up excited to see if my kefir was ready to drink, but each time the kefir would taste off and I’d feel disappointed. After countless attempts and several lost liters of milk, I finally packed up the grains and gave up, feeling a little defeated. After doing a bit more research I learned that I may have just had a bad batch, but at that point summer was coming to an end and other priorities were filling up my day. Making kefir As school made its way back into my life, meals and snack preparation took shape around what was quick, could be made in large batches, and, most importantly, could feed two people for several meals during the week. The luxury of making everything from scratch was no longer. Then earlier this year, L started making water kefir, and in a small, but monumental way we began reclaiming our ownership over our food again. It started out simply, but before long she was experimenting in the second fermentation with a variety of teas, fruit, and even chocolate-covered coffee beans! Now water kefir bottles line our counter top and fill our fridge, and I see how much fun L is having in the world of home brewing and fermenting. I want back in on this excitement!Serendipitously, I saw that Emma Christensen’s book was coming out. The timing could not have been more perfect! The book, titled True Brews: How to Craft Fermented Cider, Beer, Wine, Sake, Soda, Mead, Kefir, and Kombucha at Home, is exactly as it states—a simple guide for making all of these delightful drinks in your own little kitchen. How’s that for ‘from scratch’?!So I asked for a copy and spent a warm Saturday afternoon on a blanket in the park flipping through every.single.page of this gorgeous and easy-to-read book. Every now and then, I’d pop my head up and interrupt L’s reading to say, “listen to this one! Cherry, pistachio, cardamom, kefir smoothie, “ Or “peach iced tea kombucha!” And “No way! There’s a recipe for gluten-free pale ale!” Trust me when I say that Emma makes you want to brew your own everything!Her invitation into home brewing is approachable, and she promises us at the beginning of the book that, “anyone can homebrew in any size apartment with a stockpot, a bucket, and a jug.” That’s a kind of confidence I can get behind. The layout of the book eases you into it, starting with basic brewing ingredients and what you’ll need them for, the required tools, and fermentation and bottling equipment. There is an FAQ-style write-up of one-off points like, “how to dechlorinate water” and “how to carbonate any beverage.” The answers are straightforward and simple, and I was surprised at just how easy it all seemed. Continue reading →

Top 10s (give or take a few)

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Kris

I couldn’t keep it to 10…

This is the most beautiful bowl of soup I have ever seen, Laura.
Have you heard of Amelie et Les Singes Bleus? If not, you’re in for a treat. They’re a local band, they play a mean show, and their album (a mix of French jazz, blues, funk, and folk) is amazing!
I love artichokes, so this post made my day!
DIY body scrubs, here and here.
I went into this with some trepidation, but now I’m a total convert. Trust.
10 decisions that change your life.
I kind of get obsessed with burgers in the summer. I’ve already made these. And you can bet I’ll be making these and these. If you come back next week, I also have a burger recipe for you.
For all the gluten-free folks, this is seriously genius. She even made infographics!
I made these and, yes, they were everything I dreamed they’d be.
An open letter to anyone who eats from my friend, Winnie. This is it, girl!
These bars!
This girl is a rising star!! And she’s 17. What?! Izzy, your videos are the best. Let’s be friends.

Virgin Apple Mojito + a Cookbook Review

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Kris

In March of last year, David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl announced on their blog, Green Kitchen Stories, that they were creating their first cookbook. I know this because I have been diligently following their blog for a couple of years now, cooking many of their inspiring creations, watching their adorable daughter Elsa grow up, and seeing the launch of both of their Green Kitchen Apps. (Yes, plural!) Spending time on their blog has culminated in finding new inspiration for my own time in the kitchen. The way that they relate to food is really aligned with how I strive to live my life, including making the majority of what I eat from scratch, using whole, unprocessed ingredients, and eating a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables.

Well, their cookbook is finally here, and it’s everything I could have imagined it to be. The way it feels in my hands—substantial, the pages crisp and generously weighty—promises of the writing and beautiful imagery inside. Each recipe is accompanied by a stunning photograph, telling a story of how the food is eaten and shared with family and friends. This is key for me: I have huge collection of cookbooks, but the ones that I love the most are the ones that give the reader, or cook, a sensory experience. Vegetarian Everyday more than delivers on this point.The recipes, all vegetarian or vegan, and 90% of which are gluten-free, are broken down into types of meals: Mornings, Good to Go, Small Bites, Family Dinners, and so on. There is also a section of the book that explores key pantry ingredients so that you can be set up for success as you cook your way through it. And after you take a look through it, I’m sure you’re going to want to!

I couldn’t help it; I have already made several recipes from the book: the hemp protein bars, the savoury tacos with corn and mango filling, the zucchini noodles with marinated mushrooms, and the quinoa cakes, which present a nice twist on the different variations that have been floating around the internet over the last few years. And there are more that I can’t wait to try, including the strawberry gazpacho. But that will have to wait until strawberry season! Next up: the dark danish rye bread and the baked herb and pistachio falafel.

Since we’ve been into juicing again over the past few months, I was intrigued by David and Louise’s take on different juice combinations. At home, I tend to drink the same thing over and over, so new ideas were welcome. The virgin apple mojito is refreshing, light, and bubbly. With the addition of soda water, it also serves nicely as a mocktail of sorts. If you don’t have a juicer, that’s ok. Check this out to learn how you can make your own virgin mojito without one.
Whether for juices, mains, snacks, or sweet treats, I can tell that this is a book that I will use and refer to for years to come. A huge congratulations to you, David and Louise! This book is a healthy gift to all of our kitchens.

Thank you to Random House of Canada for providing me with a copy of the book. I received the copy for free, upon my request, and all opinions are my own.

Virgin Apple Mojito

Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

A refreshing and bubbly drink from the cookbook, Vegetarian Everyday.

Author: David Frenkiel + Louise Vindahl

Recipe type: Vegan, Gluten-free, Juice

Serves: 2

Ingredients

3 limes
10-15 mint leaves
1 apple
2 kiwi
1 cup soda water

Instructions

Divide the limes and mint between two glasses and muddle (lightly crush) with a pestle. Press the apples and kiwi fruits through a juicer. Add the juice to the glasses, then add the soda water. For serving, add a few ice cubes and a straw to each glass.