OK - so I haven't been to the CNE for some time. I went this year with high expecations for food and hoping to discover some delicious treats.
I was sorely disappointed! The food building - having several different vendors selling everything from $.99 pasta (yummy - cardboard) to staples like H.Salt Fish and Chips (greasy, greasy, greasy) to dim sum (big mistake) failed completely to impress me.
The International Pavillion has a few food offers but nothing new and exciting. In the Arts & Crafts building there were a few artisan food vendors and they had some interesting offers but most of these I can find at Fair November in Guelph (without the price of admission).
The most interesting thing I found at the CNE this was lip balm labz. They offered lip balm (made on site) in any two of several flavours for a measly $2. It was a great deal and the lip balm is quite nice too. This company is not selling online yet, but hopefully, they'll be up and running soon - I can't wait to tell everyone I know about this site!
So all in all, while the CNE food experience was a bust, I was happy to find a Canadian company offering a good product at a great price!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Carmen's Hamilton - A place to forget (for the food anyway!)
I was recently at a wedding at Carmen's in Hamilton. The wedding was lovely and the bride and groom looked very happy.
The food however, was something else - and not in a good way. The first course was a typical Italian-style antipasto. I did not eat this course (not one of my favourites) but the people I was sitting with seemed to find it acceptable. Aside from the fact that it looked that it had been plated several hours prior, there was nothing inherently wrong with the first course.
On to the pasta course. I don't eat meat products myself, so I informed the server that I would like a vegetarian option for the meal. He had no problems with this (a good sign I thought). While everyone else at my table had the pasta with meat sauce (from looking at my husband's plate, I think it was invisible meat), I was presented with a plate of cooked pasta. That's it - cooked pasta - no sauce, no veggies, just PLAIN pasta. I was quite put off by this and one of the servers offered to bring me some tomato sauce. It was very mediocre but not the worst of it!
The main course came and I felt glad that I didn't eat meat - one person described the meat (beef, maybe?) as "like eating a flip flop". My hubby thought they took the sauce that comes in the cans of beans and poured it on the meat. My meal consisted of rice, veggies and some type of layered veggie dish with what I think was at one point brie cheese. The rice smelled like dirt and much to my dismay, tasted worse than dirt. The veggies were clearly cooked for people who did not have teeth and were unable to chew food - they were one step away from liquefying before my eyes. And the layered veggie thing consisted of eggplant, zucchini and cheese. I think it had been made several weeks ago and re-heated just for me! The eggplant was hard and impossible to chew, the cheese looked like "the food formally known as cheese" - hard and tasteless, and the zucchini was the only thing that seemed to hold up.
The desert was forgettable - some type of ice-cream substitute with what appeared to be strawberry Quik syrup.
Having not really eaten the dinner, I was hoping that a late night sweet table might offer some relief to my hunger pains. I was NOT relieved. There was pizza - barely eatable - greasy, oily, flavourless. There were a couple sweets - soggy and flavourless - just like the rest of this disastrous meal.
Future brides and grooms - BEWARE! Please think twice about this venue if you want people to actually enjoy the food on your special day!
The food however, was something else - and not in a good way. The first course was a typical Italian-style antipasto. I did not eat this course (not one of my favourites) but the people I was sitting with seemed to find it acceptable. Aside from the fact that it looked that it had been plated several hours prior, there was nothing inherently wrong with the first course.
On to the pasta course. I don't eat meat products myself, so I informed the server that I would like a vegetarian option for the meal. He had no problems with this (a good sign I thought). While everyone else at my table had the pasta with meat sauce (from looking at my husband's plate, I think it was invisible meat), I was presented with a plate of cooked pasta. That's it - cooked pasta - no sauce, no veggies, just PLAIN pasta. I was quite put off by this and one of the servers offered to bring me some tomato sauce. It was very mediocre but not the worst of it!
The main course came and I felt glad that I didn't eat meat - one person described the meat (beef, maybe?) as "like eating a flip flop". My hubby thought they took the sauce that comes in the cans of beans and poured it on the meat. My meal consisted of rice, veggies and some type of layered veggie dish with what I think was at one point brie cheese. The rice smelled like dirt and much to my dismay, tasted worse than dirt. The veggies were clearly cooked for people who did not have teeth and were unable to chew food - they were one step away from liquefying before my eyes. And the layered veggie thing consisted of eggplant, zucchini and cheese. I think it had been made several weeks ago and re-heated just for me! The eggplant was hard and impossible to chew, the cheese looked like "the food formally known as cheese" - hard and tasteless, and the zucchini was the only thing that seemed to hold up.
The desert was forgettable - some type of ice-cream substitute with what appeared to be strawberry Quik syrup.
Having not really eaten the dinner, I was hoping that a late night sweet table might offer some relief to my hunger pains. I was NOT relieved. There was pizza - barely eatable - greasy, oily, flavourless. There were a couple sweets - soggy and flavourless - just like the rest of this disastrous meal.
Future brides and grooms - BEWARE! Please think twice about this venue if you want people to actually enjoy the food on your special day!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Swerve - the BEST natural sweekener I have found!
I've been doing a lot of research on natural sweeteners on the market and when I came across Swerve, my initial impression was - yet another natural sweetener that requires some tweaking to work into my recipes. WOW was I wrong!
Swerve looks, tastes, and behaves like sugar! And I'm not talking "splenda"-type look/behaviour. When you look at the stuff, you would think it was sugar. The sweetness measures the same as sugar (cup for cup) which is a big attraction since many natural sweeteners require tweaking to get the same amount of sweetness as regular sugar. It has no calories and no bitter aftertaste (unlike Stevia which takes some getting used to).
I was so impressed by first look at Swerve that I decided to test it in several ways to see how it stood up to sugar.
Coffee - I like to have some sweetness in my coffee. It doesn't have to be very sweet but I always need it. Using Swerve in my coffee was just the same as using sugar - same amount for the same sweetness (minus the calories of course!).
Carmelizing - Ok, I KNEW this was pushing it. How could this possibly melt and carmelize like sugar? It was VERY close - so close, that Swerve makes and sells candied pecans that taste like they were made with sugar!
Baking - I decided the biggest test of all would be in baking. I made some muffins and used Swerve in place of the sugar. I was skeptical because heating some of these sugar alternatives (artificial and natural) can cause the properties to change in an undesirable fashion (I recall several years ago pouring an artifical sweetener in my coffee and it just kept losing it's sweetness when it was heated). Success!
Confectioner's sugar - YES - they even make confectioner's Swerve which looked and tasted just like the real thing!
THE BAD: The only drawback I found to Swerve is the price. One pound sells for $13.99 which is quite steep.
Hopefully, as this company gains a foothold, the price will decrease.
Of all the natural sweeteners I have tried, this one was by far, the BEST! If you go to their website, you can even request a sample to try for yourself.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Nekutli Agave Nectar
In my search for natural sweetners to replace sugar and artifical sweetners, I came across Nekutli Agave Nectar. This sweet nectar comes from the agave place which is grown in Mexico (and used in Tequila).
Nekutli Nectar comes in clear, amber, and raw. There are also numerous flavoured Agave Nectars available. The sweetness is intense. It's about twice as sweet as sugar and comes in a liquid form.
I found the light nectar to be the most neutral. It was the easiest to replace for sugar in recipes. However, I found the darker nectars often added a very pleasant note to the recipes and I would recommend them as well.
As far as bulk, I used about 1/2 cup Nekutli for every cup of sugar and I found this worked well but often, I needed to adjust other quantities to make sure the sweetness, amount, and moisture were taken into account.
Nekutli also has flavoured agave nectar - vanilla, raspberry, and amaretto, just to name a few. These became flavour enhancers for coffee on a regular basis for me. I also found they work well in smoothies and I even used the raspberry one for raspberry lemonade - what a treat!
The biggest challenge with Nekutli is the fact that I'm so used to powdered sugar and sweetners, it was difficult to get used to.
One other big bonus to Nekutli Agave Nectar is that it has a very low GI (Glycemic Index). Because of this, it can be a useful alternative for diabetics or anyone wanted to consume low GI foods. I recommend Nukutli as a sweetener - just remember it is a liquid so plan accordingly.
Nekutli Nectar comes in clear, amber, and raw. There are also numerous flavoured Agave Nectars available. The sweetness is intense. It's about twice as sweet as sugar and comes in a liquid form.
I found the light nectar to be the most neutral. It was the easiest to replace for sugar in recipes. However, I found the darker nectars often added a very pleasant note to the recipes and I would recommend them as well.
As far as bulk, I used about 1/2 cup Nekutli for every cup of sugar and I found this worked well but often, I needed to adjust other quantities to make sure the sweetness, amount, and moisture were taken into account.
Nekutli also has flavoured agave nectar - vanilla, raspberry, and amaretto, just to name a few. These became flavour enhancers for coffee on a regular basis for me. I also found they work well in smoothies and I even used the raspberry one for raspberry lemonade - what a treat!
The biggest challenge with Nekutli is the fact that I'm so used to powdered sugar and sweetners, it was difficult to get used to.
One other big bonus to Nekutli Agave Nectar is that it has a very low GI (Glycemic Index). Because of this, it can be a useful alternative for diabetics or anyone wanted to consume low GI foods. I recommend Nukutli as a sweetener - just remember it is a liquid so plan accordingly.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Stevia - Video Interview with Mark Blumenthal
Mark Blumenthal from the American Botanical Council talks about stevia and it's safeness for use as a sweetener.
Attention Bargain Hunters - Scanner Price Accuracy Code may entitle YOU to free items!!!
I was at my local Loblaws yesterday. After realizing that the celery was limp and did not seem to be getting replenished anytime soon (par for the course with this location), I decided to make a simple pasta salad for dinner (cooked short pasta, olives, feta, tomatoes, Kraft aged balsamic dressing - the best bottled vinaigrette I have tried).
I needed to get olives and feta cheese. When I got to the cash, the price scanned for the feta cheese was higher than the sticker price on the shelf. I informed the cashier and after numerous attempts to get someone to check the price, I removed the ticket from the shelf myself (it will probably take them at least 6 months to replace the tag). Sure enough, the scanned price was higher than the ticketed price so I got my feta cheese for free.
Many retailers in Canada are part of the Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code which entitles customers to a free item (up to $10) or $10 off an item if the scanned price is greater than the ticketed price.
However, it's been my experience that many people are not aware of this policy. I try to educate people when I notice the price is scanned incorrectly and I'm surprised that no one I have met in this situation is aware of the code.
Not all retailers participate in the practice so when you're shopping, make sure to look for a sign at the cash. It's a great way to save some money - and to keep the retailers on their toes!
I needed to get olives and feta cheese. When I got to the cash, the price scanned for the feta cheese was higher than the sticker price on the shelf. I informed the cashier and after numerous attempts to get someone to check the price, I removed the ticket from the shelf myself (it will probably take them at least 6 months to replace the tag). Sure enough, the scanned price was higher than the ticketed price so I got my feta cheese for free.
Many retailers in Canada are part of the Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code which entitles customers to a free item (up to $10) or $10 off an item if the scanned price is greater than the ticketed price.
However, it's been my experience that many people are not aware of this policy. I try to educate people when I notice the price is scanned incorrectly and I'm surprised that no one I have met in this situation is aware of the code.
Not all retailers participate in the practice so when you're shopping, make sure to look for a sign at the cash. It's a great way to save some money - and to keep the retailers on their toes!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Stevia - Nature's Secret
We all know of the issues surrounding artificial sweeteners. Aspartame, the most common sweetener, is also considered by many, the most dangerous.
A couple years ago, I decided to look into Stevia, a natural sweetener. Since this time, I have primarily tried and used Swanson's Stevia and Stevia from Stevia Canada.
Here's the skinny on what I discovered. Stevia is a very powerful sweetener. The individual packages from Swanson's Vitamins contain enough of this super sweet leaf to sweeten 3 cups of coffee. At a cost of $4.49 (US) for 100 packets, this is great value for money.
There's only one hitch - the bitterness. While the Stevia plant (also called "sweet leaf") is extremely sweet, it also has a bitter aftertaste which can be very pronounced if used in larger quantities.
Overall, I'm pleased with stevia. I use it in my coffee in small amounts but it's not a full replacement for sugar. I usually still add a little sugar in my coffee too.
A couple years ago, I decided to look into Stevia, a natural sweetener. Since this time, I have primarily tried and used Swanson's Stevia and Stevia from Stevia Canada.
Here's the skinny on what I discovered. Stevia is a very powerful sweetener. The individual packages from Swanson's Vitamins contain enough of this super sweet leaf to sweeten 3 cups of coffee. At a cost of $4.49 (US) for 100 packets, this is great value for money.
There's only one hitch - the bitterness. While the Stevia plant (also called "sweet leaf") is extremely sweet, it also has a bitter aftertaste which can be very pronounced if used in larger quantities.
Overall, I'm pleased with stevia. I use it in my coffee in small amounts but it's not a full replacement for sugar. I usually still add a little sugar in my coffee too.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Luna Bars - Yummy, Nutritious, Organic!
From some of my previous posts, you can probably tell that I'm really into snack foods and meal replacement bars. It's not from lack of cooking, it's mainly for convenience when I'm having a busy week. Meal replacement bars allow me to get the nutrition I need in a convenient package.
This is the main reason I'm writing today. I discovered Luna Bars online and quite frankly, until that discovery, I hadn't heard about them. Since this time, I've seen them in the health and meal replacement section of several stores. On sale, these bars cost about $1 each and they all have under 300 calories.
What's great? They taste fabulous (I tried all three flavours available in Canada - Caramel Nut Brownie, Lemon Zest, and S'mores). They are made from 70% organic ingredients (always a bonus for me, but not really a requirement) and they are low in calories.
What's not so great? They are a little pricy and I find they don't keep me full for more than a few hours - usually this is fine because it coincides with my mid-morning break, but sometimes, I wish it would keep me going all morning until lunch. However, comparatively speaking, before finding these bars, if I consumed two granola bars, I think they would have a lower "fullness factor" than one of these bars (and be about the same calorie count).
At this point, I've decided that Luna Bars will be a new staple in my pantry for those busy, hectic mornings. I went to Target across the border (in the US) recently and found several more flavors and a box of 6 for $5 - what a steal - I bought 6 boxes and will make sure to add this to my list of things to buy on future trips across the border.
This is the main reason I'm writing today. I discovered Luna Bars online and quite frankly, until that discovery, I hadn't heard about them. Since this time, I've seen them in the health and meal replacement section of several stores. On sale, these bars cost about $1 each and they all have under 300 calories.
What's great? They taste fabulous (I tried all three flavours available in Canada - Caramel Nut Brownie, Lemon Zest, and S'mores). They are made from 70% organic ingredients (always a bonus for me, but not really a requirement) and they are low in calories.
What's not so great? They are a little pricy and I find they don't keep me full for more than a few hours - usually this is fine because it coincides with my mid-morning break, but sometimes, I wish it would keep me going all morning until lunch. However, comparatively speaking, before finding these bars, if I consumed two granola bars, I think they would have a lower "fullness factor" than one of these bars (and be about the same calorie count).
At this point, I've decided that Luna Bars will be a new staple in my pantry for those busy, hectic mornings. I went to Target across the border (in the US) recently and found several more flavors and a box of 6 for $5 - what a steal - I bought 6 boxes and will make sure to add this to my list of things to buy on future trips across the border.
Monday, July 20, 2009
GOGO Quinoa
As part of my interest in good, whole foods, I recently turned my interest to GoGo Quinoa (I pronounce it "kin-wah"). A few years ago I was at a cooking demonstration and the chef prepared a rice dish and substituted half the rice with quinoa. Since this time, I have actively tried to use quinoa in my diet. When I make rice, I try to incorporate Quinoa. It has a great texture and adds a lot of nutrients to any rice dish (it has a much higher protein and mineral level than rice and other grains).
GoGo Quinoa has created many gluten free products from quinoa that provide much of the same benefit of regular quinoa. I tried soup, flakes, and even pasta and puffs. I used the flakes in a simple apple crisp and the results were great. In fact, unlike oatmeal, quinoa flakes don't get "gummy". This kept the crisp delicious for several days. I think I have found a permanant oatmeal substitute for crisps!
GoGo Quinoa also makes a dried soup product which was tasty and comparable to other dried soup products - only gluten free and with the nutrition of quinoa. The pasta fooled my husband who is a pasta snob so I consider that a hit. Finally, the puffs were light and similar to rice puffs. I added these to other cold cereals for added texture.
I've seen some GoGo Quinoa products in some stores but they can also be ordered online. The only real downside to GoGo Quinoa is the high price. But for anyone who has bought even generic quinoa in the past will know, this is a higher priced grain so the cost of the pasta and other unique products should not be a surprise.
GoGo Quinoa has created many gluten free products from quinoa that provide much of the same benefit of regular quinoa. I tried soup, flakes, and even pasta and puffs. I used the flakes in a simple apple crisp and the results were great. In fact, unlike oatmeal, quinoa flakes don't get "gummy". This kept the crisp delicious for several days. I think I have found a permanant oatmeal substitute for crisps!
GoGo Quinoa also makes a dried soup product which was tasty and comparable to other dried soup products - only gluten free and with the nutrition of quinoa. The pasta fooled my husband who is a pasta snob so I consider that a hit. Finally, the puffs were light and similar to rice puffs. I added these to other cold cereals for added texture.
I've seen some GoGo Quinoa products in some stores but they can also be ordered online. The only real downside to GoGo Quinoa is the high price. But for anyone who has bought even generic quinoa in the past will know, this is a higher priced grain so the cost of the pasta and other unique products should not be a surprise.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
New Sun Cookies
There are many mornings when I just can't seem to get ready fast enough. Can't find the right clothes, can't find socks, car keys misplaced...for those types of days, it's great to have a convenient, on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Some weeks, I make muffins or power breakfast cookies for these days (which are starting to become almost everyday). But some weeks, it's just too much of a hassle for me with other things going on in my life.
Enter New Sun Cookies. These treats are packaged in groups of three which make for a quick breakfast on the go. There are several varieties to choose from and I think they work with varying degrees of success. The high fibre, meal replacement and energy cookies were excellent. They were crunchy, but not too crunchy and the texture was very pleasing. But the type of cookie I was most interested in was the sugar free - 92% fat free variety. Unfortunately, these were a bit of a letdown. They tasted a bit like eating sand (probably from all the wheat bran). They were also very crunchy (much more hard then I like), but I did find myself satiated from the treat.
Overall, I like these cookies for their convenience and high nutritional value. I think they make a great meal replacement, but I wouldn't consider them an indulgent snack.
Some weeks, I make muffins or power breakfast cookies for these days (which are starting to become almost everyday). But some weeks, it's just too much of a hassle for me with other things going on in my life.
Enter New Sun Cookies. These treats are packaged in groups of three which make for a quick breakfast on the go. There are several varieties to choose from and I think they work with varying degrees of success. The high fibre, meal replacement and energy cookies were excellent. They were crunchy, but not too crunchy and the texture was very pleasing. But the type of cookie I was most interested in was the sugar free - 92% fat free variety. Unfortunately, these were a bit of a letdown. They tasted a bit like eating sand (probably from all the wheat bran). They were also very crunchy (much more hard then I like), but I did find myself satiated from the treat.
Overall, I like these cookies for their convenience and high nutritional value. I think they make a great meal replacement, but I wouldn't consider them an indulgent snack.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Natural Sweeteners
I have a sweet tooth but I hate refined sugar. It's loaded in calories and so processed, it must be one of the worst things to consume - yet it's in so many foods. I will be looking at several natural sweeteners over the next few weeks and trying them in several applications (raw, coffee, baking) to see which natural sweeteners stand up and which fall flat.
Stay tuned to this blog for the results which I will be posting through August. If you have any suggestions for sweeteners for me to include on this test, please drop me a note and I'll see what I can do!
Stay tuned to this blog for the results which I will be posting through August. If you have any suggestions for sweeteners for me to include on this test, please drop me a note and I'll see what I can do!
Salba vs Chia Seeds
There have been a lot of discussions about the differences between chia and Salba. I have tried both and today, I would like to share my opinions with you.
Salba is a specific type of chia seed that is grown and cultivated in Peru. Most of the chia I have seen are grown in Mexico. Looking at the seeds, the Salba seeds are more pure looking (in colour) and appear to be slightly larger than regular chia seeds.
Because of the strict cultivation process of Salba, if you buy this you can be sure of the source and strict processing methods used. Salba is also now available in organic (which I haven't seen of chia seeds).
But packaging and hype aside, could I find a difference between the two? Well, yes and no.
With Salba, I did notice that I felt fuller when consuming it and when mixed with yogurt, I found my heartburn decreased substantially. With chia, I found that I was fuller, but it didn't seem to last as long and it didn't help my heartburn as much. Both products also provided me with a noticable boost in energy. After work, I had lots of energy to garden, cook or do other activities on a regular basis - this was the best benefit I found!
While I did notice that benefits seems heightened with Salba, the cost difference between Salba and chia is quite large. A one month supply of Salba online costs about $30 (US) plus shipping. Chia ranges in price between $10 and $15 per pound.
So now it comes down to a difference in price. At double the price of chia seeds, is Salba really worth it? I think this depends on you. If you care about where your food comes from and how it's grown, it's probably best to stick with Salba. It's grown with selective breeding in a controlled environment for 135 days. If the source of your food and how it's grown is NOT important to you, stick with the less expensive chia seeds - just make sure to do some research on how it's grown and where it comes from.
Salba is a specific type of chia seed that is grown and cultivated in Peru. Most of the chia I have seen are grown in Mexico. Looking at the seeds, the Salba seeds are more pure looking (in colour) and appear to be slightly larger than regular chia seeds.
Because of the strict cultivation process of Salba, if you buy this you can be sure of the source and strict processing methods used. Salba is also now available in organic (which I haven't seen of chia seeds).
But packaging and hype aside, could I find a difference between the two? Well, yes and no.
With Salba, I did notice that I felt fuller when consuming it and when mixed with yogurt, I found my heartburn decreased substantially. With chia, I found that I was fuller, but it didn't seem to last as long and it didn't help my heartburn as much. Both products also provided me with a noticable boost in energy. After work, I had lots of energy to garden, cook or do other activities on a regular basis - this was the best benefit I found!
While I did notice that benefits seems heightened with Salba, the cost difference between Salba and chia is quite large. A one month supply of Salba online costs about $30 (US) plus shipping. Chia ranges in price between $10 and $15 per pound.
So now it comes down to a difference in price. At double the price of chia seeds, is Salba really worth it? I think this depends on you. If you care about where your food comes from and how it's grown, it's probably best to stick with Salba. It's grown with selective breeding in a controlled environment for 135 days. If the source of your food and how it's grown is NOT important to you, stick with the less expensive chia seeds - just make sure to do some research on how it's grown and where it comes from.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
still here
Sorry for the long time since a post. I've been really busy. I'm trying out new foods and hope to bring you some exciting posts soon.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Jamie's School Dinners - now transforming America's eating habits
I finally finished watching all of Jamie's School Dinners and I have to say, I still love Jamie Oliver. He has such a great personality and through this series, viewers really got to see his heart on his sleeve. From the beginning of watching this show, and seeing children unable to identify asparagus, rhubarb and other fresh foods, I was reminded that healthful eating starts at home.
On the show, Jamie did try to transform some families to include more healthful food options but the focus was on school dinners.
Recently, I read a report that Jamie will be teaming up with Ryan Seacrest to try and transform the eating habits of America's fattest cities. I can't wait to see it. With Jamie's passion and determination, I really hopes he can make it a success.
I remember watching Jamie on "the Naked Chef" and I always had a soft spot for him. Best of luck on your endeavor Jamie! You are truly an amazing chef and activist for healthful foods.
On the show, Jamie did try to transform some families to include more healthful food options but the focus was on school dinners.
Recently, I read a report that Jamie will be teaming up with Ryan Seacrest to try and transform the eating habits of America's fattest cities. I can't wait to see it. With Jamie's passion and determination, I really hopes he can make it a success.
I remember watching Jamie on "the Naked Chef" and I always had a soft spot for him. Best of luck on your endeavor Jamie! You are truly an amazing chef and activist for healthful foods.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Healing Source Hemp Products
I really like the Healing Source Hemp Products website and their products are excellent!
Over the past few weeks, I have tried Healing Source Hemp Hearts and Hemp Bars and I was impressed. I also shared these products with several discerning friends with rave reviews.
When I first offer a friend a taste of a Healing Source Hemp Bar, the first reaction was always confusion. "What's really in this?" or "This seems very healthful" are common reactions. I'll admit, when I first laid eyes on the hemp bars, this was my first thought as well. But like all skeptics, we are soon shown our place upon tasting these delightful treats. The chocolate is very high quality and the hemp seeds marry well with the dark chocolate coating. The range of toppings is outstanding - something for everyone.
As with the Hemp Bars from Hemp Hollow, these bars have similar packaging and are also each 200g. This makes them quite large for one person but great for sharing.
I've also tried the Healing Source Hemp Hearts. I've managed to "hide" these in muffins and cookies. The great thing about hemp hearts is that they are easily incorporated into baking and I found that it really made muffins and cookies more filling! I think that hemp hearts, like the bars, are so nutritionally packed that they stave off hunger for long periods of time.
When I made my breakfast cookies with Hemp Hearts, they were so filling that I forgot about lunch until late in the afternoon - talk about filling!
There are a lot natural foods that are beneficial to incorporate into your diet, but I found that hemp helps digestion in a noticable way. If you are concerned about digestive health, I would recommend incorporating Healing Source Hemp products in your diet. Right now, they are offering a 15% discount for first time orders.
I really hope that in the future, Hemp products become more readily available at local grocery stores because I find they have very real benefits. Since you only need a few tablespoons a day, these can last quite a while so the overall investment is not prohibitive for most people.
Happy Hemping!!
Over the past few weeks, I have tried Healing Source Hemp Hearts and Hemp Bars and I was impressed. I also shared these products with several discerning friends with rave reviews.
When I first offer a friend a taste of a Healing Source Hemp Bar, the first reaction was always confusion. "What's really in this?" or "This seems very healthful" are common reactions. I'll admit, when I first laid eyes on the hemp bars, this was my first thought as well. But like all skeptics, we are soon shown our place upon tasting these delightful treats. The chocolate is very high quality and the hemp seeds marry well with the dark chocolate coating. The range of toppings is outstanding - something for everyone.
As with the Hemp Bars from Hemp Hollow, these bars have similar packaging and are also each 200g. This makes them quite large for one person but great for sharing.
I've also tried the Healing Source Hemp Hearts. I've managed to "hide" these in muffins and cookies. The great thing about hemp hearts is that they are easily incorporated into baking and I found that it really made muffins and cookies more filling! I think that hemp hearts, like the bars, are so nutritionally packed that they stave off hunger for long periods of time.
When I made my breakfast cookies with Hemp Hearts, they were so filling that I forgot about lunch until late in the afternoon - talk about filling!
There are a lot natural foods that are beneficial to incorporate into your diet, but I found that hemp helps digestion in a noticable way. If you are concerned about digestive health, I would recommend incorporating Healing Source Hemp products in your diet. Right now, they are offering a 15% discount for first time orders.
I really hope that in the future, Hemp products become more readily available at local grocery stores because I find they have very real benefits. Since you only need a few tablespoons a day, these can last quite a while so the overall investment is not prohibitive for most people.
Happy Hemping!!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Hemp Hollow
Hemp Hollow sells hemp seeds, bars, and other hemp products. There are several different types of hemp bars available - all contain hemp seeds and dark chocolate with your choice of topping. The toppings range from nuts to dried fruits.
The bars - these bars are each 200g which is very large. Half of a bar can be used as a meal replacement but I found that a quarter of a bar made a really tasty treat - especially in the afternoon at work. The chocolate used in these bars belies the fact that hemp bars are extremely nutritious and provide a complete balance of nutrition for a meal. The only drawback to the hemp bars is their large size. I wish these came packaged about 1/4 of the size because I prefer smaller snacks. The upside of the large sized bar is that it was great for sharing.
The minimum order for Hemp Hollow's hemp bars is 4 but you can choose a different topping for each bar. The price for a case is $21.49 on sale now!
If you go to the Hemp Hollow website now, you can sign up to be entered in a draw to win a year's supply of hemp seeds. Hemp seeds can be incorporated into any baking and can be sprinkled on cereal and oatmeal to add a boost to your daily breakfast.
The bars - these bars are each 200g which is very large. Half of a bar can be used as a meal replacement but I found that a quarter of a bar made a really tasty treat - especially in the afternoon at work. The chocolate used in these bars belies the fact that hemp bars are extremely nutritious and provide a complete balance of nutrition for a meal. The only drawback to the hemp bars is their large size. I wish these came packaged about 1/4 of the size because I prefer smaller snacks. The upside of the large sized bar is that it was great for sharing.
The minimum order for Hemp Hollow's hemp bars is 4 but you can choose a different topping for each bar. The price for a case is $21.49 on sale now!
If you go to the Hemp Hollow website now, you can sign up to be entered in a draw to win a year's supply of hemp seeds. Hemp seeds can be incorporated into any baking and can be sprinkled on cereal and oatmeal to add a boost to your daily breakfast.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday Morning Breakfast - Coyote Pancakes
Once a week or once every two weeks, I really like to do a big breakfast for my husband and myself. Sometimes we invite family over to partake in this tasty ritual.
This weekend, I tried Coyote Pancakes for a crowd! Coyote Pancake mix can be difficult to find in stores but their website lists all the locations that carry the mix.
Why use a pancake mix at all? There are two reasons I really like pancake mixes: 1 - convenience, 2 - good combination of ingredients with NO SUGAR! Most regular pancake mixes you find at the store from large retailers contain a lot of indescribable ingredients and/or lots of sugar so whatever you buy, be sure to read the ingredients. For me, one of the pitfalls I fall into when making pancakes from scratch is that I often add sugar (even though it may be not be required) because part of me thinks that with all these grains, some sugar is required.
Nutritional Information:
each serving contains - 4g of fibre, 130-140 calories (depending on the variety) and no cholesterol or sugar added!
Varieties:
Original, Buttermilk, and Flax Seed
Now the most important - TASTE!
This morning I woke up bright and early and made all three varieties of pancakes for a family crowd. I added 1 cup of milk and 1 egg for each cup of pancake mix. The instructions suggest that you can add 1 tablespoon of sugar but omitted that since we had real maple syrup.
All three varieties cooked up nice and fluffy. The taste and texture was great. I was worried because there was no oil needed but with a non-stick pan, I didn't have any issues.
Everyone loved the pancakes - to be honest, I was worried that that Flax variety would be a flop so I only made a few of these, but I was wrong. Everyone loved the pancakes. I even got my husband to eat the flax pancakes without complaint. My husband hates flax and won't eat anything if I put flax in it so this was a welcome surprise.
But the pancakes, the taste, and breakfast aside, there is something very unique about Coyote Pancakes - their creators. Coyote Pancakes are made by the Hutterite Colony in Alberta, Canada. They are a self sufficient religious colony and information can be found about them here. I think it's very important to support small businesses and the community spirit of the Hutterites is reason enough for me to support Coyote Pancakes. Right now, these pancakes are only available in Canada, but hopefully they will break into the US market. I believe in supporting small businesses so I really hope Coyote Pancakes thrives!
This weekend, I tried Coyote Pancakes for a crowd! Coyote Pancake mix can be difficult to find in stores but their website lists all the locations that carry the mix.
Why use a pancake mix at all? There are two reasons I really like pancake mixes: 1 - convenience, 2 - good combination of ingredients with NO SUGAR! Most regular pancake mixes you find at the store from large retailers contain a lot of indescribable ingredients and/or lots of sugar so whatever you buy, be sure to read the ingredients. For me, one of the pitfalls I fall into when making pancakes from scratch is that I often add sugar (even though it may be not be required) because part of me thinks that with all these grains, some sugar is required.
Nutritional Information:
each serving contains - 4g of fibre, 130-140 calories (depending on the variety) and no cholesterol or sugar added!
Varieties:
Original, Buttermilk, and Flax Seed
Now the most important - TASTE!
This morning I woke up bright and early and made all three varieties of pancakes for a family crowd. I added 1 cup of milk and 1 egg for each cup of pancake mix. The instructions suggest that you can add 1 tablespoon of sugar but omitted that since we had real maple syrup.
All three varieties cooked up nice and fluffy. The taste and texture was great. I was worried because there was no oil needed but with a non-stick pan, I didn't have any issues.
Everyone loved the pancakes - to be honest, I was worried that that Flax variety would be a flop so I only made a few of these, but I was wrong. Everyone loved the pancakes. I even got my husband to eat the flax pancakes without complaint. My husband hates flax and won't eat anything if I put flax in it so this was a welcome surprise.
But the pancakes, the taste, and breakfast aside, there is something very unique about Coyote Pancakes - their creators. Coyote Pancakes are made by the Hutterite Colony in Alberta, Canada. They are a self sufficient religious colony and information can be found about them here. I think it's very important to support small businesses and the community spirit of the Hutterites is reason enough for me to support Coyote Pancakes. Right now, these pancakes are only available in Canada, but hopefully they will break into the US market. I believe in supporting small businesses so I really hope Coyote Pancakes thrives!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Hemp - One of Nature's Superfoods
When I think of hemp and hemp seed, the first thing that goes through my mind is hippy movement. Unfortunately, most of the documents I found including those with hemp products are "hippy" in nature.
But don't let this be a deterrent to consuming hemp for nutrition. Hemp has a combination of omega 3's and 6's (essential oils), proteins, enzymes and vitamins. Adding just a few tablespoons of hemp seed to your diet will increase the overall healthfulness of your diet without much thinking and with little effort.
I've incorporated hemp products into my diet for the last several weeks. Anecdotally, I can say that I feel that I have more energy and my overall health feels like its improved. If something makes you feel better with continued use, I think that it's a good idea to keep using it. Therefore, I going to try and keep incorporating hemp into my diet. It's SO easy to do, that if it's providing benefits, there is really no downside.
The availability of hemp products at your average local grocers is limited. The best sources I have found for hemp are online (and due to growing restrictions in the US, largely Canadian sources).
In the next few days, I will be posting reviews for several hemp providers. From this, you can use your own judgement in determining which supplier will meet your hemp needs!
But don't let this be a deterrent to consuming hemp for nutrition. Hemp has a combination of omega 3's and 6's (essential oils), proteins, enzymes and vitamins. Adding just a few tablespoons of hemp seed to your diet will increase the overall healthfulness of your diet without much thinking and with little effort.
I've incorporated hemp products into my diet for the last several weeks. Anecdotally, I can say that I feel that I have more energy and my overall health feels like its improved. If something makes you feel better with continued use, I think that it's a good idea to keep using it. Therefore, I going to try and keep incorporating hemp into my diet. It's SO easy to do, that if it's providing benefits, there is really no downside.
The availability of hemp products at your average local grocers is limited. The best sources I have found for hemp are online (and due to growing restrictions in the US, largely Canadian sources).
In the next few days, I will be posting reviews for several hemp providers. From this, you can use your own judgement in determining which supplier will meet your hemp needs!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Dreamfields Pasta - Low Carb - High Fibre - Great Taste!!
I'm a pasta lover. Pasta is a such an easy meal to prepare and after a long day at work, it's great to have a bowl of pasta. But alas, despite all the great things about pasta, most of it is very high in carbs and low in fibre. Recently, there have been some attempts at high fibre pastas - I find them all very "grainy" and I don't like the texture of them. Enter Dreamfields Pasta.
I'll admit, when I first heard about Dreamfields pasta, I was skeptical. They advertise 5 grams of net carbs per serving - this is unheard of! Dreamfields uses a special manufacturing process to "protect carbs" - ensuring they are not digested.
Ultimately, it all comes down to taste. Pasta is the ultimate comfort food and it HAS to taste great.
I cooked up a box of Rotini with some veggies and seasoning - I really wanted to TASTE the pasta.
I was amazed. I knew I was eating low-carb, healthful pasta, but my taste buds told a different story. Some how, the pasta tastes just like regular white pasta! My husband is Italian and he hates high-fibre pasta BUT when he tried the Dreamfields pasta, he didn't even realize it was high in fibre. That's a home run in my book.
Right now, this is only available in the United States in stores but it can also be bought online at several online retailers. It does cost a little more than regular pasta, but at about $2.50 a box, it's well worth the price. I hope to see this product in more and more stores and really hope it will be available in Canada soon - in the meantime, Canadians can order online or in stores when visiting our neighbours to the south. I know my shopping list for things to buy next time I'm in the US just increased!
I'll admit, when I first heard about Dreamfields pasta, I was skeptical. They advertise 5 grams of net carbs per serving - this is unheard of! Dreamfields uses a special manufacturing process to "protect carbs" - ensuring they are not digested.
Ultimately, it all comes down to taste. Pasta is the ultimate comfort food and it HAS to taste great.
I cooked up a box of Rotini with some veggies and seasoning - I really wanted to TASTE the pasta.
I was amazed. I knew I was eating low-carb, healthful pasta, but my taste buds told a different story. Some how, the pasta tastes just like regular white pasta! My husband is Italian and he hates high-fibre pasta BUT when he tried the Dreamfields pasta, he didn't even realize it was high in fibre. That's a home run in my book.
Right now, this is only available in the United States in stores but it can also be bought online at several online retailers. It does cost a little more than regular pasta, but at about $2.50 a box, it's well worth the price. I hope to see this product in more and more stores and really hope it will be available in Canada soon - in the meantime, Canadians can order online or in stores when visiting our neighbours to the south. I know my shopping list for things to buy next time I'm in the US just increased!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Superfoods - What's so "super" about these foods anyway?
Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be looking at various "superfoods" and examining what makes them "super". Generally, superfoods are those that are high in nutrients including antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals such as beta-carotene. There are many naturally occurring superfoods including blueberries and broccoli.
I'm going to look at some less common superfoods and I'll discuss how to incorporate them seamlessly into your diet. There are so many beneficial natural superfoods such as Salba and Hemp, that are not regarded as common today. But these ancient grains are loaded with nutrients and high in Omega 3 and 6. I'm going to explore these and some others and let you know what I think of the benefits of these foods. I'll incorporate and test out some superfoods and let you know what types of results I see. Taste is also very important to me - I believe that no matter how "good for you" something is, if the taste is not pleasing, people are unlikely to keep it in their diets.
Please let me know what you think of my posts on Superfoods and I'll try to add more content and research links to let you decide which superfoods to incorporate in your diet.
I'm going to look at some less common superfoods and I'll discuss how to incorporate them seamlessly into your diet. There are so many beneficial natural superfoods such as Salba and Hemp, that are not regarded as common today. But these ancient grains are loaded with nutrients and high in Omega 3 and 6. I'm going to explore these and some others and let you know what I think of the benefits of these foods. I'll incorporate and test out some superfoods and let you know what types of results I see. Taste is also very important to me - I believe that no matter how "good for you" something is, if the taste is not pleasing, people are unlikely to keep it in their diets.
Please let me know what you think of my posts on Superfoods and I'll try to add more content and research links to let you decide which superfoods to incorporate in your diet.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Food Brands Compete to Stretch Your Buck
I was reading this article in the New York Times about how major food brands are competing for your business. Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Lean Cuisine, Del Monte, and Chips Ahoy all have new ads aimed at showing consumers how their products can help you stretch your dollar.
The idea behind the advertising is to show consumers the value of packaged products. With more and more consumers becoming aware of where their money is going, these companies are trying to cash in on the trend by marketing value for money.
I’m all for saving money and getting value for my money. I also see the value in spending more money for better quality. But I don’t buy into this advertising scheme. While it may work for some consumers, it will not work for me! I like to know where my food comes from and I’m willing to pay more for what I consider higher quality.
I’m not a health freak my any means, but I do think that there is value for me to support small businesses who produce quality goods. To really save money, consumers should be more aware of what they are purchasing – who needs 5 bags of chips because they are on sale? Instead of buying those cheap chips, I can take my money and buy a container of Herbamare seasoning to use on the potatoes that I have. This seasoning is made from sea salt and dehydrated vegetables and tastes great on potatoes. If I slice the potatoes very thinly, I can have my own, home-made chips.
Yes, this takes time, but ultimately, I have spent less than I would have on store bought chips and I have a high quality product. So my advice to you is don’t spend money on big brands who are trying to convince you of a “value” in their products, spend money on quality and you will out!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday Evening Dinner - Creamy Clam Linguine, Garlic Cheese Rolls
Every Sunday, I try to make sure that I prepare a filling, wholesome meal for myself and my husband. When I make a large meal, the leftovers are great for lunches or dinners through the week when we are both very busy.
Today however, I was exhausted from working in the garden most of the day yesterday and earlier today so I wanted to make a meal that was hearty but no too labour intensive or time consuming. In addition, we've been battling a colony of bumble bees under our deck and I just couldn't bring myself to spend a lot of time on dinner.
Creamy Clam Linguine
2 Tbs chopped garlic with jalapeno
3 Tbs olive oil
1 package Europe's Best Nature's Balance
1 package Catelli Smart Linguine (1lb)
2 cups heavy cream
3 cans clams drained with juices reserved
1 tsp thyme
Herbamare Provencale Aromatic Sea Salt & Pepper to taste
1/3 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to directions (but to a slightly firm consistancy).
While pasta is cooking, heat oil in pan and add garlic/jalapeno mix. Heat for about 2 minutes and add Nature's Balance mix and thyme. Keep heat at medium and cook until veggies are heated through. Add clam juice and heavy cream. Turn heat to medium low and slowing heat up sauce (about 5 minutes).
Add clams and cooked pasta - stir well, add Herbamare Provencale Aromatic Sea Salt and pepper to taste, and cook for 4-5 minutes until pasta is fully cooked. Remove from heat, add parmesan cheese, stir and let stand for a few minutes until sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve with a crispy, green salad.
NOTE: I also like to add some white wine to this sauce but I didn't have any on hand today so that got skipped.
I also put the bread maker to work today.
Garlic Cheese Rolls
1 &1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tbs sugar
2 Tbs butter
4 & 1/2 cups white flour
2 tsp yeast
1/3 cup butter
2 Tbs minced garlic
1&1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Add first 6 ingredients in order into bread machine. Run machine on dough setting. When dough is ready, wait 45 minutes - 1 hour for dough to rise. Roll out dough into a rectangle (similar to a baking sheet size).
Melt butter and mix with garlic. Brush on flat dough and sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese. Roll up the dough like a jelly roll and slice into 1" thick rolls (like cinnimon buns). Brush tops with butter garlic mixture and top with remaining cheese. Wait another 45 minutes - 1 hour until rolls have doubled in size. Cook at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
ENJOY!
Today however, I was exhausted from working in the garden most of the day yesterday and earlier today so I wanted to make a meal that was hearty but no too labour intensive or time consuming. In addition, we've been battling a colony of bumble bees under our deck and I just couldn't bring myself to spend a lot of time on dinner.
Creamy Clam Linguine
2 Tbs chopped garlic with jalapeno
3 Tbs olive oil
1 package Europe's Best Nature's Balance
1 package Catelli Smart Linguine (1lb)
2 cups heavy cream
3 cans clams drained with juices reserved
1 tsp thyme
Herbamare Provencale Aromatic Sea Salt & Pepper to taste
1/3 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to directions (but to a slightly firm consistancy).
While pasta is cooking, heat oil in pan and add garlic/jalapeno mix. Heat for about 2 minutes and add Nature's Balance mix and thyme. Keep heat at medium and cook until veggies are heated through. Add clam juice and heavy cream. Turn heat to medium low and slowing heat up sauce (about 5 minutes).
Add clams and cooked pasta - stir well, add Herbamare Provencale Aromatic Sea Salt and pepper to taste, and cook for 4-5 minutes until pasta is fully cooked. Remove from heat, add parmesan cheese, stir and let stand for a few minutes until sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve with a crispy, green salad.
NOTE: I also like to add some white wine to this sauce but I didn't have any on hand today so that got skipped.
I also put the bread maker to work today.
Garlic Cheese Rolls
1 &1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tbs sugar
2 Tbs butter
4 & 1/2 cups white flour
2 tsp yeast
1/3 cup butter
2 Tbs minced garlic
1&1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Add first 6 ingredients in order into bread machine. Run machine on dough setting. When dough is ready, wait 45 minutes - 1 hour for dough to rise. Roll out dough into a rectangle (similar to a baking sheet size).
Melt butter and mix with garlic. Brush on flat dough and sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese. Roll up the dough like a jelly roll and slice into 1" thick rolls (like cinnimon buns). Brush tops with butter garlic mixture and top with remaining cheese. Wait another 45 minutes - 1 hour until rolls have doubled in size. Cook at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
ENJOY!
Actifry - "deep fried" without the fat?
I was looking around the Internet today to look for healthful store bought chips - ones that are baked but still taste great. Then I came across what could be the best invention for fryers that I have ever seen - Tefal Actifry.
The premise of this invention is that you can have fried food (crispy, tasty, flavourful) without the oil. In fact, from the promotional materials, apparently only one spoonful of oil is required to "fry" 1kg of food. To me, this sounds too good to be true.
Right now, Actifry seems to only be in the UK and Australia, but I'm eager to see when it will be offered in Canada. I will keep you updated on Actifry so watch this spot to see when it will be available in Canada. I'm still skeptical that this invention will really work, but if it does, Actifry will be a revolution in deep fried foods.
CBC - The Great Food Revolution - Part 3
Yesterday I saw part 3 of The Great Food Revolution. The focus of this part of the series was on how New York produces food. With a city of over 8 million people in a land covered in pavement, it was fascinating to see the people behind the scenes in food production.
The documentary took a look at the night workers who toil through the night to feed new york - these include food distributors, bakers, farmers, and fish wholesalers. The competition at the food terminal and fish market is cut-throat - buyers who know how to negotiate and sellers who know their competition.
It's amazing to see the night activity in the quest to feed New York City.
I encourage all foodies out there to go to cbc.ca and check out The Great Food Revolution - it's a good look at the other side of food. I feel like watching this series gives me an inside look at how the food industry works - I can't wait to see part 4 next week.
The documentary took a look at the night workers who toil through the night to feed new york - these include food distributors, bakers, farmers, and fish wholesalers. The competition at the food terminal and fish market is cut-throat - buyers who know how to negotiate and sellers who know their competition.
It's amazing to see the night activity in the quest to feed New York City.
I encourage all foodies out there to go to cbc.ca and check out The Great Food Revolution - it's a good look at the other side of food. I feel like watching this series gives me an inside look at how the food industry works - I can't wait to see part 4 next week.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tasty Rice with Veggies
Yesterday, I made some rice with veggies. There really wasn't much special about the rice except that I didn't use oil in ANY of the preparation but I preferred this recipe to many types of fried rice I've had at many restaurants.
What you'll need:
1 bag Europe's Best Zen Garden Veggies
2 & 1/2 cups uncooked par-boiled rice
2 Tbs chopped garlic with jalapenos
2 cubes chicken stock (I used one made with vegetables)
5 cups water
2 Tbs lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste
Bring water, stock cubes, lemon juice and rice to a boil. The lemon juice really gives the rice a nice freshness and works well with the garlic jalapenos and the stock cubes. Once the mixture starts boiling, add in the garlic, stir, cover with pot and let cook (about 15 minutes covered). Do not touch the rice during this time - it can be tempting to look under the lid and stir things around but this is a bad idea - your rice will be ruined!
While the rice is cooking, heat a pan and add about 1 Tbs of water and the bag of veggies. Cook on medium-low heat and add salt & pepper to taste.
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat, fluff with a fork and cover for 5 minutes.
Open the rice pot and add in the veggies and you're done!
The reason I use Europe's best veggies is because they are so convenient and tasty - often I find that they taste better than fresh veggies and I like the mixes they offer. In reality, you can make this type of a dish with any type of veggies (frozen or fresh) but I really like these ones!
Happy Cooking!
What you'll need:
1 bag Europe's Best Zen Garden Veggies
2 & 1/2 cups uncooked par-boiled rice
2 Tbs chopped garlic with jalapenos
2 cubes chicken stock (I used one made with vegetables)
5 cups water
2 Tbs lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste
Bring water, stock cubes, lemon juice and rice to a boil. The lemon juice really gives the rice a nice freshness and works well with the garlic jalapenos and the stock cubes. Once the mixture starts boiling, add in the garlic, stir, cover with pot and let cook (about 15 minutes covered). Do not touch the rice during this time - it can be tempting to look under the lid and stir things around but this is a bad idea - your rice will be ruined!
While the rice is cooking, heat a pan and add about 1 Tbs of water and the bag of veggies. Cook on medium-low heat and add salt & pepper to taste.
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat, fluff with a fork and cover for 5 minutes.
Open the rice pot and add in the veggies and you're done!
The reason I use Europe's best veggies is because they are so convenient and tasty - often I find that they taste better than fresh veggies and I like the mixes they offer. In reality, you can make this type of a dish with any type of veggies (frozen or fresh) but I really like these ones!
Happy Cooking!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Great Food Revolution - CBC documentary
I just finished watching a documentary on television called "The Great Food Revolution" on the CBC. I watched the second of four episodes of this series - The Battle to Get on Your Plate!
The documentary started out in Jungle Jim's - a gigantic grocery store just outside Cincinnati. I had the pleasure of visiting Jungle Jim's when I visited my sister in Cincinnati a couple of years ago. I have to say that I was overwhelmed with the sheer variety in the store. It was like being in an amusement park where you buy groceries. I was pleasantly surprised that the doc started with this food store.
At the heart of this episode was how brands and companies battle to get consumers to spend money on their products. Watching the episode, we got to see a glimpse into the process of developing new products for Loblaws. I have to say, watching this process unfold - from traveling the globe, to tasting products at home, to developing and pitching new recipes, to having the recipes produced for the market - I was mesmerized. I wonder if I could apply to be a product tester at Loblaws? I would love to try potential new products and provide my feedback. I think I have a fairly good palate and a good idea of what people generally like and dis-like.
The marketing of new foods was also discussed. In this case, Toscano pizza. I have to say, I think the best way to get someone to buy a new food product is to give them a free sample. This is what Toscano Pizza did at GO stations in Toronto. It doesn't surprise me that techniques like this would work - after all, if I try something and like it, I am more likely to purchase that when I go shopping because I believe in the taste.
Next we move to Hard Bite Potato Chips. I have personally tried these chips (after seeing them on The Dragon's Den) and I have to say, these are not bad! I was actually a little concerned about the name because I thought they would be too hard, but they are great! I like the fact that I'm buying something from a small Canadian company and I like the way they are manufactured. It's interesting to hear how hard the fight was for Hard Bite to get on the shelves of grocery stores. Companies pay for space on the shelves and the better the placement, the more the cost to the food manufacturer.
Watching this documentary really made me wish I could be part of the food industry. I'm not sure I want to try and beat the odds of getting a personal product on the shelf (I make a mean breakfast cookie and people have suggested I sell my healthful butternut squash brownies). But wouldn't it be fascinating to have a say in what goes on the shelf in grocery stores?
The show ended with a segment about local produce and local foods (something I blogged about recently). I know there has been some controversy about the whole "eat local" movement. I agree with supporting local industries but I'm still not sold this way of eating results in a smaller carbon footprint. Right now, I'm ready to generally keep my shopping the same, but if I see something grown locally, I will usually select that over an import.
I can't wait to see next week's episode. If anyone from Loblaws reads this and has an inside scoop on getting an invite to try out the new Loblaws foods, please drop me a line!
The documentary started out in Jungle Jim's - a gigantic grocery store just outside Cincinnati. I had the pleasure of visiting Jungle Jim's when I visited my sister in Cincinnati a couple of years ago. I have to say that I was overwhelmed with the sheer variety in the store. It was like being in an amusement park where you buy groceries. I was pleasantly surprised that the doc started with this food store.
At the heart of this episode was how brands and companies battle to get consumers to spend money on their products. Watching the episode, we got to see a glimpse into the process of developing new products for Loblaws. I have to say, watching this process unfold - from traveling the globe, to tasting products at home, to developing and pitching new recipes, to having the recipes produced for the market - I was mesmerized. I wonder if I could apply to be a product tester at Loblaws? I would love to try potential new products and provide my feedback. I think I have a fairly good palate and a good idea of what people generally like and dis-like.
The marketing of new foods was also discussed. In this case, Toscano pizza. I have to say, I think the best way to get someone to buy a new food product is to give them a free sample. This is what Toscano Pizza did at GO stations in Toronto. It doesn't surprise me that techniques like this would work - after all, if I try something and like it, I am more likely to purchase that when I go shopping because I believe in the taste.
Next we move to Hard Bite Potato Chips. I have personally tried these chips (after seeing them on The Dragon's Den) and I have to say, these are not bad! I was actually a little concerned about the name because I thought they would be too hard, but they are great! I like the fact that I'm buying something from a small Canadian company and I like the way they are manufactured. It's interesting to hear how hard the fight was for Hard Bite to get on the shelves of grocery stores. Companies pay for space on the shelves and the better the placement, the more the cost to the food manufacturer.
Watching this documentary really made me wish I could be part of the food industry. I'm not sure I want to try and beat the odds of getting a personal product on the shelf (I make a mean breakfast cookie and people have suggested I sell my healthful butternut squash brownies). But wouldn't it be fascinating to have a say in what goes on the shelf in grocery stores?
The show ended with a segment about local produce and local foods (something I blogged about recently). I know there has been some controversy about the whole "eat local" movement. I agree with supporting local industries but I'm still not sold this way of eating results in a smaller carbon footprint. Right now, I'm ready to generally keep my shopping the same, but if I see something grown locally, I will usually select that over an import.
I can't wait to see next week's episode. If anyone from Loblaws reads this and has an inside scoop on getting an invite to try out the new Loblaws foods, please drop me a line!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Salba Day 3
Ok - at this point, I'm sure that I need to keep trying out this Salba for a longer period of time to see if it has any positive impact. I have read all this really great stuff about it but I want to make sure it really works for me before I suggest it to others. I will follow up in a few weeks with any news.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Salba Day 2
Ok - so I'm on Day 2 of the Salba trial. It could just be my imagination but I really do feel that I have more energy tonight. Yesterday I didn't really notice a difference but today I seem to be more energized.
I hope this is the start of a new trend but I really think more than a 3 day trial is required. Therefore, I ordered some chia seeds online and hopefully, I'll be able to tell if I feel any different.
Anecdotal evidence is hard to fully capture so only time will tell.
I hope this is the start of a new trend but I really think more than a 3 day trial is required. Therefore, I ordered some chia seeds online and hopefully, I'll be able to tell if I feel any different.
Anecdotal evidence is hard to fully capture so only time will tell.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Salba - Chia Seeds
When I was at the Good Food Festival and Market, I spoke to some folks from Salba. I had previously been doing some reading about all the benefits of chia seeds and was eager to try it out. I received a 3-day trial of Salba.
Today is day one.
I mixed the Salba with some vanilla yogurt. The Salba seeds are tasteless and just add texture to whatever you're eating to you can pretty much add this stuff to anything.
What are the benefits?
3x the antioxidants of blueberries
6x more calcium than milk
8x more omega 3 than salmon
15x the magnesium of broccoli
With all these nutrients, I can't say for sure that I have more energy today, but the true test will be how much energy I still have tonight.
Chia Seeds are considered the next superfood - providing many nutritional benefits. In addition, they expand in size once digested to make you feel fuller for longer. They are quite steep in price ($12.99 for 120g at Loblaws), but I'm going to check out Bulk Barn tomorrow to see the prices there. I will post what (if any) impacts I feel from this superfood - perhaps I may be on to something here.
Today is day one.
I mixed the Salba with some vanilla yogurt. The Salba seeds are tasteless and just add texture to whatever you're eating to you can pretty much add this stuff to anything.
What are the benefits?
3x the antioxidants of blueberries
6x more calcium than milk
8x more omega 3 than salmon
15x the magnesium of broccoli
With all these nutrients, I can't say for sure that I have more energy today, but the true test will be how much energy I still have tonight.
Chia Seeds are considered the next superfood - providing many nutritional benefits. In addition, they expand in size once digested to make you feel fuller for longer. They are quite steep in price ($12.99 for 120g at Loblaws), but I'm going to check out Bulk Barn tomorrow to see the prices there. I will post what (if any) impacts I feel from this superfood - perhaps I may be on to something here.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
17th Annual Food Festival and Market
I just got back from the last day of the Food Market and festival at the International Centre in Mississauga. The crowds were huge, the samples were plentiful, and the cuisine was full of variety.
There was so much to do and see, it was very overwhelming at first, but I will contend that the free samples and goodies are well worth the price of admission.
Some of the highlights from the show for me were:
There was so much to do and see, it was very overwhelming at first, but I will contend that the free samples and goodies are well worth the price of admission.
Some of the highlights from the show for me were:
- the parchment paper place: from my previous entries, it is clear that I LOVE parchment paper
- Erich's bread: the staff was extremely knowledgeable about the bread and it was very reasonably priced; they also cram more fibre into a slice of this bread than I would get in an entire loaf of regular bread!
- Tofutti: ice cream made from tofu - sounds gross but my husband didn't even know he was eating tofu until I mentioned it several hours later - I have to admit this was the BEST tofu I've ever had
- Salba: I got a 3 day trial of Salba - similar to chia seeds and thought to be the new Superfood - I plan to follow the regime and post the results (if any).
- Sauces/Mixes/Quick Fixes: I'm not really a fan of pre-made sauces but there were some very interesting ones available. The sauce from Canton had nothing in it that I couldn't pronouce so that was a great thing.
Overall, I had a great time at the show, but for next year, I've learned some tips to pass on to you.
- Make sure you bring some cash - there are some great deals but it's CASH ONLY!
- Bring a collapsable trolly (or a strong helper) - some of the products are very heavy and when you're walking around, they really start to wear on you.
- Get a map of the show area - this will tell you where the most interesting stands are located and also help you build a route to take you for the show.
- Arrive early for the cheese demos - there were always line-ups at the cheese stage!
- Don't bring a purse of anything bulky. It will only hold you down - pack as light as possible!
I hope to attend again next year and will post again before next year's show recapping the tips I've learned!
Local food map – Essex County, Ontario
About a week and a half ago, The Windsor Star published an article about the demand for the much anticipated local food map.
There has been a lot of press about the 100-mile diet and it seems that even in Windsor, Ontario, there is a strong demand from residents of the area to find local foods.
The 100-mile diet is supposed to reduce the environmental impact of our food – but I wonder how driving all around Essex county in the search of local produce will be good for the environment.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The GoodFoodFestival – Calling All FOODIES!
This weekend is the 17th annual Good Food Festival and Market. This year, there will be over 150 FREE cooking lessons, food talks and demos. My taste buds are already tingling!
The Dairy Farmers of Canada are hosting the “Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Contest”. I think that I make a mean grilled cheese but I can’t wait to see these creations.
There will be celebrity food experts to share their wisdom on the Get Cooking Canada Stage. But what really gets me going is the availability of the hottest food items of the season – including Himalayan salts, gluten-free goodies, probiotics, safe and nutritious pet foods, planet-safe packaging options, anti-aging & disease-fighting natural products and remedies!
See the website for hours and details.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
From Studying Chimps, a Theory on Cooking
Very interesting article in the New York times about cooking. Richard Wrangham studied chimps and theorizes that cooking food has contributed to the evolution of humans.
Simple, Delicious Pasta
I've made this a few times now and find that with pasta, simple is best.
1 can diced tomatoes
1-2 cloves garlic -crushed
1/2 package Europe's Best Chef Spinach
1 box Catelli Smart Pasta - I use Rotini but any shape will do
2-3 tablespoons Cream cheese
cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, heat oil in pan on medium high and add in garlic.
Saute 1-2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, sugar, cayenne, salt and pepper and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Add spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
Serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese if desired.
This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. It's great after a long day of work when you want something wholesome but don't want to spend a lot of time in preparation.
1 can diced tomatoes
1-2 cloves garlic -crushed
1/2 package Europe's Best Chef Spinach
1 box Catelli Smart Pasta - I use Rotini but any shape will do
2-3 tablespoons Cream cheese
cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, heat oil in pan on medium high and add in garlic.
Saute 1-2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, sugar, cayenne, salt and pepper and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Add spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
Serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese if desired.
This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. It's great after a long day of work when you want something wholesome but don't want to spend a lot of time in preparation.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Simple, Easy Pasta with Veggies
Yesterday I wanted to make something simple using just what I have around the house. This is the recipe that I came up with.
1 package "no yolk" broad egg noodles
1&1/2 packages Europe's Best Nature's Balance Vegetables*
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbls olive oil
2 Tbls butter or margarine
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
cayenne
salt and pepper to taste
Cook pasta according to directions. While pasta is cooking, place olive oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for about 2 minutes. Add vegetables, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. Drain cooked pasta and transfer to serving dish. Mix in butter to coat pasta. Mix in parmesan cheese and add cooked veggies.
This simple pasta keeps well overnight so make sure to save leftovers for lunch the next day!
*I used only one bag, but I think 11/2 bags would have been better.
1 package "no yolk" broad egg noodles
1&1/2 packages Europe's Best Nature's Balance Vegetables*
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbls olive oil
2 Tbls butter or margarine
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
cayenne
salt and pepper to taste
Cook pasta according to directions. While pasta is cooking, place olive oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for about 2 minutes. Add vegetables, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. Drain cooked pasta and transfer to serving dish. Mix in butter to coat pasta. Mix in parmesan cheese and add cooked veggies.
This simple pasta keeps well overnight so make sure to save leftovers for lunch the next day!
*I used only one bag, but I think 11/2 bags would have been better.
Parchment Paper - My Magical Lifesaver!
I was recently speaking with a friend who was complaining that everything was always sticking to her cheap cookie tins. I told her about parchment paper. This paper is like magic! Nothing will stick to it and it doesn't ruin the cookie tins resulting in less clean up. The amount of time and hassle I have saved has made this more than worthwhile.
Since I started using parchment paper a few years ago, I have not looked back! I use it for all my baking and even for things like chicken, fish, etc. that go in the oven.
If you haven't tried parchment paper yet, I highly recommend it.
Since I started using parchment paper a few years ago, I have not looked back! I use it for all my baking and even for things like chicken, fish, etc. that go in the oven.
If you haven't tried parchment paper yet, I highly recommend it.
Monday, April 13, 2009
PC Meatless Breaded Chicken Strips
I'm always looking for new and interesting vegetarian foods that can be created with little or no effort. When I found the PC Meatless Breaded Chicken Strips, I knew that my search was over! In Canada, there is just not as much variety as there is in the United States. I tried these when they were first introduced and I was instantly hooked.....
Fast Forward to today....
Just a few months after they debuted and I can't find these things anywhere. The price increased from a reasonable $6.99 to a more expensive $9.99 but I was still willing to occasionally buy them - if only I could find them!
To President's Choice - where are your chicken strips? And what's with the price gouging?
Fast Forward to today....
Just a few months after they debuted and I can't find these things anywhere. The price increased from a reasonable $6.99 to a more expensive $9.99 but I was still willing to occasionally buy them - if only I could find them!
To President's Choice - where are your chicken strips? And what's with the price gouging?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Morningstar Coupons??? Where, oh where are you?
I used to get Morningstar Farms coupons once every couple of months with my subscription to their website, but for the LONGEST time - nothing! I occasionally travel "south of the border" to our friends in the US and I like to get the most bang for my buck - these coupons were great.
What happened to you Morningstar Farms? I miss my coupons!
What happened to you Morningstar Farms? I miss my coupons!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Mum's Original Hemp Protein and Hemp Seeds
This is the final installment of the superfood, Hemp. Mum's Original Hemp products include hempseed, hemp protein, probiotic bars, and hemp oil.
The packaging for Mum's products is much more flashy and inviting than the other products I have reviewed. The packaging is more mainstream and appealing - it was so appealing, I didn't even want to open the packages at first (maybe I have issues :)). Mum's products contain highly digestible fibre, protein, and essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and 6.
As I've mentioned in my previous posts about hemp and hemp protein, it's so easy to incorporate into your diet, it's silly. I added the protein to my baking because it was so easy to do. By sneaking this into my usual baking, I feel better about what I'm serving because of the added nutrients without "making the food taste healthful".
Mum's original also offers probiotic bars which I haven't personally tried, but I think they would be an even easier way to incorporate hemp into your diet. Right now, I'm not sure where this can be bought online, but bookmark the Mum's Original website because online ordering should be available soon.
Keep an eye on this blog because I will be posting some recipes as I have time that contain hemp - you're kids or spouse won't even notice it's good for them!
The packaging for Mum's products is much more flashy and inviting than the other products I have reviewed. The packaging is more mainstream and appealing - it was so appealing, I didn't even want to open the packages at first (maybe I have issues :)). Mum's products contain highly digestible fibre, protein, and essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and 6.
As I've mentioned in my previous posts about hemp and hemp protein, it's so easy to incorporate into your diet, it's silly. I added the protein to my baking because it was so easy to do. By sneaking this into my usual baking, I feel better about what I'm serving because of the added nutrients without "making the food taste healthful".
Mum's original also offers probiotic bars which I haven't personally tried, but I think they would be an even easier way to incorporate hemp into your diet. Right now, I'm not sure where this can be bought online, but bookmark the Mum's Original website because online ordering should be available soon.
Keep an eye on this blog because I will be posting some recipes as I have time that contain hemp - you're kids or spouse won't even notice it's good for them!
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