kirsten's kitchen

Because of you...

2012-02-14T15:30:00.000-04:00

My feet dance

more lightly,

My heart beats

more strongly,

My eyes see

more clearly,

My mouth smiles

more easily,

all because of you.

based on an Eskimo love song

Bake a little love

2012-02-13T17:12:00.000-04:00

lemon sugar cookies

I made these for Leeluu's preschool valentines party tomorrow. Did you ever make the little paper bag mailboxes in school? I did. It was fun. We made some cards so she can deliver them to all her friends.

I have a menu plan for tomorrow evening..I am making ravioli and some kind of raw dessert. What are your plans for valentines day, do you eat in or dine out?

{ this moment }

2012-02-11T15:49:00.000-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-inspired by SouleMama

DIY diaper detergent

2012-02-09T13:44:00.000-04:00

I used cloth diapers for all 3 of my kids, the first one (15 years ago) the diaper were pretty basic nothing like what they are today. When my second child came, twelve years later, I still had the diapers that I used with my first. I upgraded to some AIO (all in ones). They are awesome, rarely leak and little to no diaper rash.

I use to just wash my diapers with the regular laundry detergent, but they would get smelly after a while. Sunshine is a natural diaper cleaning agent, but when it's winter. Hanging diapers outside...well they would take a while.

I started Googling natural diaper detergents and found some really good recipes. I thought I would give it a try. I only use 1 or 2 tbsp of this. I have a top load washing machine...so I can fill up the washer with diapers and water, let them soak for 30 minutes, and then run it. I am super happy with the price and results!!

Find a big container and fill it with equal parts of washing soda and borax.
Then grate a bar of Dr.Bronners soap ( I use peppermint, it leaves a nice smell), and run it through a food processor. Pour it into the container and give it shake to mix it all up.

Scottish oat crackers from Big Vegan and GF veggie pate

2012-02-06T16:49:00.000-04:00

Since the holidays I have been making veggie pate at least once a week for my family. They LOVE IT! It lasts a few days and is ideal for sandwiches and crackers.

Gluten free veggie pate

1 cup sunflower seeds
1 large onion- peeled and cubed
1 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large sweet potato- peeled and cubed
1/2 cup chickpea flour
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 tbsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
freshly ground pepper

In a blender, grind sunflower seeds into a powder. Pour into large bowl
Place onion, water and oil in blender, until smooth. Add the sweet potato, and continue to blend until smooth. Pour into bowl with sunflower seeds. Stir in all the other ingredients and pour into a greased 8x8 cake pan. Bake for 1 hour at 350. Allow to cool. Keeps for a week in an airtight container.

I just borrowed a book from the library, Big Vegan by Robin Asabell. I like to try out recipes before I buy so when I saw that it was coming to our library I put it on hold right away. It is a BIG book...not as many photos as I would like, but lots of yummy looking recipes. This will be one of the new additions to my cookbook collection.

This afternoon after I put the veggie pate in the oven, I realized that we were low on bread. I have been meaning to make some crackers with Leeluu, and Big Vegan has some good recipes. My sous chef (Leeluu) helped me make these. She really liked using the cutters and rolling pin! I think next time I will add some fresh herbs. Tasty.

Pad thai

2012-02-05T18:20:00.000-04:00

vegan pad thai

One day I would like to go to Thailand....and eat pad thai, but for now I am in my kitchen making my own version. I went to Tian Phat Asian Grocery store this afternoon and picked up some stuff. One of those things, Tamarind.

It is an essential ingredient tamarind, a fruit that grows in tropical Africa and is used all over the world in cooking. It has a sour flavor but when you add brown sugar and garlic you get a beautiful sauce for pad thai,

tamarind

The structure of pad thai is fairly simple, with few ingredients. The process is mostly having everything in place before you start up the wok. Cooking the rice noodles is the first thing I do, because they can be rinsed and set aside. As those are cooking I also cut off a chuck of the tamarind and soak it in boiled water, making a paste or juice.

pad thai ingredients

Once you have everything chopped, pureed and browned (tofu). It is only a matter of minutes before you have a plate of steaming hot noodles topped with fresh cilantro and peanuts.

Mise en place

Vegan Pad Thai

1/2 package of rice noodles-cooked according to package

small chunk of tamarind (about 1/4) cup soaked in 1 /4 cup boiled water
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp fresh ginger- minced
1/2 lime-juiced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp tamari
1 thai chili-seeded
1/2 tsp sea salt

Vegetables of your liking, I used.....
Broccoli, red pepper, onion, shredded carrot, green beans, cabbage

1/2 block of tofu-
cubed and sprinkled with garlic powder and sea salt

fresh cilantro
peanuts-roughly chopped

-----------------------------------------------
Cook noodles, drain and rinse.
Set aside

Place everything in a food processor and blend.
Set aside

Chop veggies to mouth bite sizes
Set aside.

Brown tofu in saute pan with a little oil.
Set aside.

In a wok heat 2 tbsp sunflower oil and a few drops of sesame oil.
Add veggies, saute until they change color (bright)
Add noodles, if they are stuck together, add a little water to loosen.
Pour sauce over top and heat up for a few minutes.
Serve with tofu, cilantro and chopped peanuts.

I would highly recommend getting some restaurant tongs. Good ones!

Baked macaroni & cheeze

2012-02-04T17:23:00.002-04:00

It has been a long time since I ate Kraft dinner. Not to say it wasn't good, because that florescent orange cheese powder was good, until I realized what was in it.

I have changed my ways, since I was 14. After school going over to friends houses, and munching a bowl topped with ketchup. This is a much better healthier option and might I add tastier! It still needs ketchup....

Baked Macaroni & cheeze

4 cups macaroni noodles-cooked
2 tbsp earth balance butter

2 cups soy milk
1 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp prepared mustard (the yellow kind)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
3 slices of bread-cubed
1 tbsp earth balance-melted

Cook macaroni according to package.
While pasta is cooking, in a blender combine all seven ingredients.
Drain macaroni and mix in butter. Pour the blender ingredients into pasta.
On medium high heat, stir until thickens ( usually a minute or so).
Pour into greased 8x8 cake pan.
In a small bowl combine bread cubes and melted butter. Stir until coated.
Spread over top of macaroni. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or just until bread cubes are toasted.

{ this moment }

2012-02-03T08:26:00.000-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-inspired by SouleMama

This kitchen is seasoned with love

2012-02-02T14:57:00.003-04:00

Today was the day that my kitchen back splash got installed! I am so excited, I had to share. It looks beautiful. I picked out these tiles before the renovation even started. I fell in love with them.

I had a design concept in mind when we started, I just really wanted it to be open with a nice flow. This is a monumental moment for me. First kitchen, first renovation, finally finished..minus the dishwasher.
2012 is the year of the dishwasher!!

Red lentil curry

2012-01-31T15:30:00.002-04:00

Curry is my go-to comfort food, I love the warm inviting smell of all the spices simmering together in harmony. This particular curry I used a spice blend that I picked up at the Halifax farmers market (in the old building). I really like this one because it is not super spicy. The key to good curry is toasting the spices before you grind them. So don't forget to do that when you make this. I added tofu for a paneer like cheese but you don't need to, its good with or without it.

I am still in the market for a new camera, the last few posts I have been using my boyfriends iphone. I think it takes decent photos, but I still want to get a new camera for myself. I would love to know some recommendations. I really enjoy taking photos but I am a newbie. I wish my old camera still worked, I liked it. I feel like I a missing lots of special moments without one.

Red lentil curry

1 cup dried red lentils
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 onion
2 tbsp fresh ginger-minced
3 cloves garlic-minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp curry spice blend-toasted and ground
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup cubed tofu (optional)

Rinse the lentils several times until water runs clear. In a medium pot cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes until soft and most of the water is absorbed.

Heat oil in pan add onion, saute for 4-5 minutes on medium low heat.
While onion is cooking, combine spices in a small bowl.
Mix into onion and let spices cook for a minute or so.
Add the tomato paste and ladle in the cooked lentils.
Stir and serve with rice or your choice.

Old fashion cupcakes with strawberry frosting

2012-01-29T17:28:00.000-04:00

Good old fashioned cake with strawberry whipped frosting. The cake part is simple, and bakes up just like a grandma type cake. Very snackish. Cutting up a few strawberries and cooking them in a few tablespoons of water gave the frosting a nice hint of strawberry flavor with a classic pink color. I finessed the slices of strawberry's into heart shapes (valentines day is just around the corner).

Vegan white cake
source: vegweb
makes 12 cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
1/3 cup sunflower oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl
Measure out wet ingredients into a small bowl
Mix the wet into the dry and stir until no lumps remain.
Pour into muffin tin, lined with cupcake paper.
Bake for 20 minutes

Strawberry Frosting

1/4 cup earth balance
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 strawberries cooked in a small pot with 3 tbsp water- cooled
2-3 tbsp vanilla soy milk
a small drop of two of almond extract

With an electric mixer beat butter and sugar together. Add the strawberry mixture and almond extract. Add 1 tbsp of soy milk at a time until desired consistency. Beat until fluffy

{ this moment }

2012-01-27T09:07:00.001-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-inspired by SouleMama

Sushi deconstructed

2012-01-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been making these yummy bowls for dinner. My sushi roll making skills are very limited, so I came up with this because I love the taste of all the sushi ingredients. This is WAY easier then traditional sushi... at least for me. The toasted sesame seeds are must.

What you need to make a sushi bowl

Sushi Rice-cooked according to package, then 1 tbsp rice vinegar mixed with 1 tbsp water, 1 tsp sugar poured over top, fluffed with a fork.

Sweet Potato- peeled, sliced and roasted in the oven for 20 minutes (tossed with a little sunflower oil and sea salt)

Tofu- cut into strips,marinated and baked with the sweet potato. I like to use the coconut bacon marinade.
Nori sheets-toasted and cut into strips
Avocado
Gomazio or toasted sesame seeds
Pickled ginger
Tamari

{ this moment }

2012-01-20T10:05:00.000-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-inspired by SouleMama

3 carrots

2012-01-18T09:16:00.000-04:00

After I was done painting the bathroom I was really craving cake ( I know.. weird). I didn't have any specific cake in mind until I started googling vegan cake recipes. Carrot cake caught my eye, I had to make sure I had most of the ingredients. I did!! I even had a little tofutti cream cheese left in the fridge for frosting.

This is the best vegan carrot cake I have made or eaten. Seriously. I had to change a few of the ingredients to what I had on hand. It called for orange juice which I didn't have. I did however have a half can of pineapple chunks from pizza night
(I ♥ pineapple pizza). I just gave them a little whiz in the food processor, but you could use crushed. I made it in an 8x8 glass pan, which takes a little longer to cook, but the pieces come out larger, which is good, for me.hehehe

Vegan Carrot Cake
adapted from : The New Me

2 cups flour
1 cup cane sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 tsp black strap molasses
3/4 cup crushed pineapple
3/4 cup olive oil
3 cups grated carrot

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 8x8 square pan. In a large bowl combine dry ingredients.
Mix wet ingredients together in a separate bowl. Pour into dry. Stir well.
Pour into pan and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until knife/toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Cream Cheese frosting

1/4 cup earth balace butter
1/4 cup tofutti cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
a few drops of almond extract

Using an electric mixer whip all ingredients together until light and fluffy.

Coconut crusted tofu with mango salsa and green rice

2012-01-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

Take you taste buds on a tropical taste adventure!

Coconut Crusted Tofu

1 block of tofu-sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
pinch cayenne

Mix the breading in a bowl.
Heat oil in cast iron pan.
Dip the tofu ( both sides) in the flour. Place in hot pan. Allow to golden.
Drain on paper towels on a plate.

Green Rice

1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 cup rice (of your choice)
1/2 bunch of cilantro stems- minced
1 small onion-minced
1 3/4 cup water
pinch of salt

In a small pot with a tight fitted lid, heat pot add oil.
Cook onion and stems together for a few minutes
Add rice and saute for a few more minutes.
Add water bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and let cook for 20 minutes. Turn heat off and let stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.

Shiitake mushroom & ginger broth

2012-01-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

Shiitake mushroom and ginger broth with veggies and TVP

Craving soup, I have been feeling a bit sluggish the last day or so. Shiitake mushrooms have been said to give the immune system a boost. I prefer to use fresh mushrooms, there flavor is not as intense as dried ones.

Seaweed is great, not only is it tasty but for vegans it is a great source of vitamins and minerals. I have lots of different kinds in my cupboard, my favorite is wakame. I find it works well in soups. I definitely recommend trying out a few types of seaweed to find one you like. There is lots of different uses for it...like kombu is good for cooking with beans. It allows the beans to be digested easier.

This soup broth is great for mixing in with noodles and fresh veggies. I also put some TVP slices in mine. Tofu would work well too.

dulse and wakame

Shiitake mushroom & ginger broth

5-6 fresh shiitake mushrooms- sliced ( you can even use the stem, just chop off the dirty part)
1 large thumb of ginger- peeled, sliced and julienne
1/2 small onion- sliced
1/4 cup tamari
1/2 cup wakame
5 cups water
drizzle of sesame oil

In a medium pot combine everything.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

fresh baby bok choy

{ this moment }

2012-01-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-inspired by SouleMama

Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with couscous

2012-01-12T20:57:00.000-04:00

I have had these tagine pots pushed to the back of my cupboard for a year! When I was making a meal plan for the week, I found a website that featured a tasty looking tagine recipe.So today was the day!

I was thinking that the process would be a lot of work, which explains the year that the pots sat collecting dust. I was surprised to find that making this dish only requires chopping of the vegetables and letting the cute little pots and oven do the rest.

Note: Simmering vegetables with spices in the oven makes the house smell good!

Moroccan Vegetable Tagine

3-4 small potatoes-peeled and diced
1 onion-sliced
2 tbsp fresh ginger-minced
2 cloves garlic-slice
1 cinnamon stick-broken in half
1/3 cup raisins
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups chickpeas
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 cup vegetable stock

Couscous-cooked according to package
fresh cilantro- garnish

Preheat oven to 350
In a bowl combine ingredients, stir it up to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Scoop into tagine and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
Serve with couscous.

Burrito MANIA!

2012-01-10T15:08:00.002-04:00

My brother and his wife made this when they came to visit. It was SO good and easy to make that I made it again when they left. This is a great weeknight meal, you can easily find all the ingredients at your local supermarket. These also keep well if you want to eat one in the morning for ~~breakfast~~ lunch.

I am in the market for a new camera, mine is still broken. I would love to hear what camera you love to use..

Easy Bean Burritos
makes 6

1 package of tortillas
1 can refried beans
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 yellow pepper-sliced
1 red pepper-sliced
1 onion-sliced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano

1 can diced tomatoes
1 jar salsa

fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 400
Place tortillas all out on the counter or table.
Scoop out the beans from the can, equally spread the beans onto the tortillas
In a pan heat oil, add peppers and onions saute for a few minutes, sprinkle in the cumin powder and oregano
With tongs place the pepper mixture onto the tortillas.
Roll up and place in a casserole dish or cake pan.
Mix 1 cup of diced tomatoes with 1/4 cup salsa.
Pour over top of burritos.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve with a yummy salad and tofutti sour cream!

Breakfast burrito hash

2012-01-07T14:35:00.000-04:00

Breakfast burrito hash

This has become the new weekend morning meal for me, it serves two purposes filling my belly and cleaning out the fridge. This just may be the new breakfast of champions!

What you will need to make this....

Tortilla wraps
fresh greens of choice...dare I say I prefer spinach to kale.
I used tomatoes but you could substitute with peppers.
2-3 tbsp sunflower oil
2-3small potatoes-peeled and diced
1 small onion-small diced
1/2 jalapeno or chili flakes-minced
3-4 mushrooms-sliced
1 carrot-peeled and grated
1/2 block of tofu-crumbled
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
pinch of turmeric (mostly just for the yellow color effect)

Arrange whatever fresh vegetables you enjoy on the tortilla...

For the Hash

Heat oil in pan. add potatoes and saute until golden or soft.
Add the rest of the ingredients, and saute for 7-10 minutes.
Scoop into the tortilla and wrap...don't forget the hot sauce!

and that's a wrap!

Butternut squash loaf... or muffins

2012-01-04T16:20:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I feel like I have a morgue in my freezer...of bananas. I usually have a good whack of them in there, but today I saw something else. A jar of squash puree smiling at me. I thought it would be a good candidate for a loaf, and I was right. There was a little extra batter so I made a few mini muffins for the kids, topped off with a little Tofutti cream cheese!

Butternut Squash Loaf- or muffins

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup organic cane sugar

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup canola oil

2 cups squash puree

2 tbsp black strap molasses

2 tbsp maple syrup

1/4 cup water

pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven to 350

Whisk dry ingredients together

Combine wet in a small bowl.

Pour wet into dry. Mix up well.

In a greased loaf pan, sprinkle pumpkin seeds over and bake for 50 minutes or until done.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:33:00.000-04:00

2011

2011-12-31T09:20:00.001-04:00

This year has past so quickly, it is nice to look back and share some of the highlights. First off the renovation of our downstairs. I was without a kitchen for 5 months. That was intense, but once everything was done I was really happy with the way it turned out. High fives to Jonathan's brother Jason! There are a few things that we still need to do, but its a work in progress.

new kitchen

I also discovered I was pregnant around the same time I was without a kitchen. Let's just say I am super happy I don't have to wash dishes in the bathtub anymore! That sucked :P We went to the beach quiet a bit in the summer, I also was a vendor at the Farmers Market again this year. I love getting to participate in such a wonderful community.

9 months

beach sessions 2011

farmers market 2011

My mom and dad came to visit in June, we went to New Brunswick for a getaway. I miss my mom and dad so much, I wish they lived closer. When they do come and visit they always help out around the house, this year they came and helped finish off the down stairs bathroom. Thanks M&D!

mom and me at the Hopewell Rocks, NB

Ocean started her last year of Jr.High...its hard to believe that she will be driving next year!!! Leeluu also started school, preschool. She is starting to warm up to the idea :P

Ocean and Leeluu

We welcomed our newest member of the family in October, Simone Kali. It was a wonderful birth experience, thanks to my doula Amy! She was my rock. The birth went quickly, 3 1/2 hours and I did it au'natural. Something I am very proud of :)

Simone Kali

On to the food!! Some of my highlights of what I have been creating in my kitchen this year were during Vegan MOFO. It was a lot of fun to try and blog about vegan food every day during the month of October. I think I missed a few days here and there, but that's okay, during the time I was introduced to new vegan food blogs that made my tummy grumble :P

Chickpea frittata was a hit with the family!

as were the veggie pot pies

One of my most favorite desserts that I made this year was the strawberry shortcake that I made when my parents were visiting! It was DE-licious :)

strawberry shortcake

I hope everyone the best in 2012.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

The important thing is not to stop questioning.

-Albert Einstein

{ this moment }

2011-12-30T12:47:00.000-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-inspired by SouleMama

Waffles goodbye

2011-12-29T13:13:00.000-04:00

Apple cinnamon waffles

I needed a reason to dust off the old waffle maker and having my brother here was a pretty good one.

Vegan Waffles

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 cup milk
2 Ener-G egg replacements
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cup soy milk

Combine dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
Mix wet together. Pour into dry. Mix.

Apple cinnamon waffle topping

1 tbsp of earth balance
1 apple-cored,peeled and sliced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamon

In a small sauce pan over medium high heat combine ingredients allow to simmer until apples are soft.

I took my brother and his wife to the train station this morning, it was sad to say goodbye :( We had a great visit! I had some friends over for dinner last night. I busted out the old bingo game that was my great grandmothers, we use to play it in her basement for holidays and birthdays. My nanny always had prizes, so I did the same. I think it brought back memories for the both of us. It is strange to think that my brother probably won't see Simone for awhile, she will be walking and talking the next time. They had a camera so I was able to take some photos!! This is one of my favorites :)

Spent time

2011-12-26T11:23:00.000-04:00

With family,

the day was perfect.

Hope yours was too!

Vegan sausage rolls!

2011-12-23T10:12:00.005-04:00

When I was a kid right around this time of year my mom would make these amazing little sausage rolls. Her pastry was flaky and perfect. I called her wanting the recipe, to try and veganize it....and then I came across a recipe here.

It sounded good, so I gave it a try. Man o man...these are GOOD! I didn't have the non-beef cube so I just used a veggie one, and I made my own pastry for it. This was a trial run last night but I have a big bowl of filling in the fridge and I am going to have a small sausage roll factory in my kitchen this afternoon.

I have a huge list of yummy things I will be making over the next few days, the camera is broken(again).Which really sucks, because I pick my brother and his wife up at the train station tomorrow. I don't see him often, so this is a special time that we will be spending together, plus he will get to meet Simone. Stupid camera!!

I am sure that I will have a chance to use someones camera phone though :P If not...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Joy, love and peace.

Happy winter solstice

2011-12-21T13:52:00.000-04:00

The more it snows,
The more it goes,
The more it goes ,
On snowing. And nobody knows,
How cold my toes,
How cold my toes,
Are growing.

-Winnie the Pooh

Favorite ornament

2011-12-17T09:07:00.001-04:00

Way back in 1997 I found this little guy at Thomas Hobbs shop in Vancouver. It is my favorite ornament. I love his little wiggle legs, his friendly face and that he is made out of tin. Do you have a favorite?

Peanut buttah cookies

2011-12-16T16:23:00.027-04:00

It's peanut butter jelly time!

Although it may seem as if I rarely eat vegetables, I can assure you that I do. Hahaha (: Peanut butter cookies are my dad's favourite, so even though he is on the other side of the country, these are for you, Dad!

These cookies were simple and quick to make and they are super squishy and delicious.

Peanut buttah cookies

1/2 cup earth balance butter
3/4 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Ener-G egg replacements
1 1/4 cup peanut butter- smooth

11/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 350
With an electric mixer beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add egg replacement and peanut butter. Continue mixing, adding flour,soda and salt. Once dough forms, roll into balls, place on a cookie sheet and squish down with a fork.
Bake for 10 minutes. allow to cool and consume with a glass of cold milk (non-dairy).

Walnut crescent cookies

2011-12-14T15:51:00.000-04:00

walnut crescent cookies

Melt in your mouth goodness, these buttery walnut cookies are similar to that of shortbreads. Perfect for holiday sharing!

1 cup earth balance vegan butter
2/3 cup icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 tbsp vanilla soy milk
1/2 cup walnuts- toasted and ground

1/2 cup icing sugar

With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy.
Add the vanilla and mix.
Pour in the flour and mix until combined.
Add milk and walnuts. Mix until dough forms.
Place in the fridge for 1 hour or so.
On a cookie sheet, form into crescent shapes.
Bake for 15 minutes at 350.
Allow to cool and dip into icing sugar.

Stuffed peppers with rice and TVP

2011-12-13T13:01:00.001-04:00

When I came across a bag of 50% of pepper at the grocery store I grabbed them. Jonathan suggested that I make stuffed peppers. I thought it was a great idea, this is what I came up with. I served them on a bed of lettuce with a tomato sauce on top. These were juicy so you could omit the sauce and just eat the greens.

Stuffed Peppers

3 bell peppers- cut in half and de-seeded

2 cups cooked basmati rice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion-small diced

2 garlic cloves-minced

2 celery stalks- small diced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

1 carrot- peeled and grated

1 green pepper-small diced

1 cup TVP- soaked and drained

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

sea salt

1/4 cup fresh parsley- chopped

3/4 cup water

You will need a 9x13 cake pan

Preheat oven to 375

In a saute pan heat oil add onion,garlic and celery- saute until soft. 3-4 minutes

Add spices and let absorb.

Next mix in carrot, green pepper and TVP.

Continue to saute for 2-3 minutes.

Season with vinegar and salt to taste.

In a large mixing bowl combine rice and TVP mixture stir in parsley.

Stuff peppers with mixture and place in pan.

Pour water carefully in the bottom of the pan.

Cover pan with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Serve with tomato sauce on a bed of lettuce!

Tropical pineapple coconut muffin

2011-12-12T12:00:00.005-04:00

The picture was a bit of an after thought, these were the last of the muffins. I think they lasted a whole 20 minutes and then they were gone.Super light and fluffy... a little taste of sunshine out of the oven!

Tropical Muffins
makes 12 muffins

1 3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt

1 banana- mashed
1 cup soy milk
2 cup fresh pineapple- chopped into small pieces
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup walnut pieces
2 tbsp brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 and grease muffin tin with butter or oil.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
Mix wet ingredients in a bowl.
Combine wet into dry and mix well.
Scoop into muffin tin, sprinkle the walnuts and brown sugar on top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until done

Sweet potato and peanut soup

2011-12-09T11:31:00.001-04:00

I was at Pete's Frootique the other month and they had a vegan soup just like this one on the menu. It was so good, and then I forgot about it. Last night I was rummaging around in the cupboards to find something I could use for dinner, and I found huge sweet potato and remembered. The peanut butter adds a nice flavor, and you could always add a bit more chili if you like it spicy!

Sweet Potato and peanut soup

2 tbsp sunflower oil

1 onion- chopped

2 tbsp fresh ginger- minced

2 cloves garlic-minced

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp dried chili flakes

pinch ground clove

1 large sweet potato- peeled and cubed

1 small white potato- peeled and cubed

1 tomato- chopped

1 carrot- peeled and chopped

6-8 cups water

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 lime juiced

2 tbsp maple syrup

sea salt- to taste

1/4 cup coconut milk

In a large pot heat oil , add onion, saute until soft. Add ginger and garlic saute for 3-4 minutes

Add spices, let absorb.

Add the potato, tomato, carrot. Pour in water.

Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are very soft.

Add peanut butter and blend in batches.

Season with lime,salt and maple syrup.

Finish with coconut milk.

Garnish with fresh cilantro/ toasted peanuts

Vegan bread pudding

2011-12-08T16:33:00.005-04:00

chocolate almond vegan bread pudding

This was my first attempt at making "bread pudding". I really had no idea what to expect as I have never eaten it before either, but this blew my mind! It was like a chocolate almond croissant in a bowl! I wish all of you could have tried some, it was so tasty! Bread Pudding is super easy to make. I used coconut milk as an egg replacement, which gave it a lot of creaminess.

5 cups of stale baguette- cup into cubes
1 1/4 cup So Delicious Coconut Milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp tapioca starch
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup dark chocolate- roughly chopped
1/4 cup almonds-roughly chopped
2 tbsp vegan margarine
1/4 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350

Using the butter grease 4 ramekins and sprinkle brown sugar on the bottom.
Set aside.

In a shallow dish combine milk, syrup, cinnamon, starch, salt. Whisk it up.
Add cubed bread and mix it up, make sure it's all coated. Add chocolate and almonds.
Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Press bread into ramekins, bake for 30 minutes
Best if eaten warm.

Sissy

2011-12-07T08:14:00.001-04:00

Our roots say we're sisters, our hearts say we're friends.

~Author Unknown

Vegan ginger cookies

2011-12-06T14:36:00.002-04:00

These cookies are chewy on the inside with a crispiness around the edge. Depending on if you are super into ginger or not you can adjust the spice to your liking. I like mine super gingery :)

Vegan Ginger Cookies
-adapted from Allrecipes.com
makes 18 cookies

1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1 Ener-G egg replacement
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cardamom

1/4 cup raw sugar

Preheat oven to 345
With a mixer, combine shortening, oil, sugar, molasses and egg replacement. Beat until fluffy. Add dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Roll into golf sized balls, squish and dip top into raw sugar and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes.

Pirate Treasure!

2011-12-03T12:51:00.003-04:00

looking for treasure!

It has been super warm out, for December. We hit the beach yesterday and went looking for treasure.
AHOY MATEY!!

Meals have been simple. I made this salad last night, it was really tasty. I guess it depends on the sweetness of the grapefruit though. Pomegrante is super good for you and when they are in season you should include them in your diet.

Grapefruit Dressing

the juice of one grapefruit
3 tbsp olive oil
1/ tsp dijon
1/4 tsp poppy seeds
black pepper

grapefruit, pomegranate, spinach salad with pumpkin seeds

'Tis the season

2011-12-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

December has creeped up again, I feel like this year has gone by SO fast. I love the holiday season...at home. Family, friends, baking, warm fires, baking, snow, crafts ( rum-nog) What's not to love?

I made a wreath last year and kept the frame. The frame is metal, I just composted the branches and put it away for the years to come. I got out my scissors this afternoon and walked around the yard clipping branches. It took me about 20 minutes to put this together. I pulled out some ribbon from the holiday box and a few small decorations to finish it off.

This morning I went to Ocean's Entrepreneur fair, this is her last year in Jr. High and all the students are required to make and sell a product. Ocean and Becky (besties) choose to make moustaches on a stick! It was super loud in the gymnasium, but fun(nny). There was a lot of pet rocks for sale. HAHA. I hope they sold out, otherwise family will be getting some moustaches for presents.

moustache boutique

6

2011-11-28T16:20:00.001-04:00

6 weeks

I love the way you watch me,

and need me.

I love it when you are wrapped up on me

while I wash the dishes.

I love taking baths with you,

and the smell of your head (after the bath).

Roots: vegan oatcake cookies

2011-11-27T14:31:00.002-04:00

Living in Nova Scotia, there are things that you learn to appreciate. The humble oatcake cookie is one of those things. Not quite a shortbread, and not an oatmeal cookie yet as much if not more tastier.

I find these in most bakeries and cafes across the province. These cookies have Scottish roots. Thinking there must be butter and egg in these....but nope just good ol'fashion shortening!

2 cups oats
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup hot water

Combine dry ingredients together in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter, blend in the shortening until crumbly. Add hot water and form into a ball. Roll out dough and cut into rounds. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Magnet

2011-11-22T12:00:00.001-04:00

“So this is how the world works,

all energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet.” - Hunter S. Thompson

Smiles

2011-11-18T13:32:00.001-04:00

Baby smiles makes the no-sleep worth it!

Dirty socks

2011-11-17T09:03:00.005-04:00

I am officially working the no sleep...I can't remember if I slept or for that matter when. I don't pick up the camera as much as I should. There are a bunch of things I should probably be doing right now and laundry just isn't on the top of my list.

Baby life is pretty standard. Simone won't let me out of her sight, or put her down for longer than 10 minutes. It is hard to get things done.So the dirty sock can lie in the middle of the floor a little longer...

Note to self : No more babies

Power lunch

2011-11-10T14:11:00.001-04:00

I am on the no-sleep schedule these days. I find it difficult to take a nap in the day when the baby is sleeping, just because I get doing things and forget. By 7pm I am wiped (the no blogging lately is a result). Meals are quick and easy, and pre-planned.

I have been making a list of 5 to 6 meals a week, that way I don't need to go to the grocery store as much and I don't need to think about it. I just know what we are eating for dinner. Lunches are really just left overs from the night before. That is where this power lunch came about.

I was surprised how good this was, so I thought I would post it :)

Power Lunch

1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 onion- sliced
1 clove garlic-minced
1/4 cup red pepper- sliced
1/2 bunch of kale- chopped roughly
1 Tofurkey Italian sausage- cut into rounds
1/4 avocado- sliced (optional)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Heat oil in pan, add onions and garlic saute for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Add red pepper, kale and sausages. Saute until kale turns bright green.
Pour the balsamic vinegar over. Season with sea salt and pepper.
Garnish with avocado.

Chocolate banana peanut butter pie

2011-11-01T20:45:00.002-03:00

I needed a chocolate fix. I sorta winged it, I didn't have any butter for the crust, so I used sunflower oil. Butter would be much better if you have it, just melt it first.

1 1/2 cups graham cookie crumbs
1/4 sunflower oil, or melted earth balance
2 tbsp coconut flour

2 ripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 block of medium tofu or firm silken
2 tbsp peanut butter- smooth
1 tbsp brown rice syrup

1/2 cup dark chocolate-melted
1 1/2 tsp agar agar powder

Mix the crumbs and flour together with oil/butter. Press down firmly into a pie plate.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

In a food processor, mix together next 5 ingredients.

While you are melting the chocolate add the agar agar ( it needs heat to be activated).
Stir chocolate into banana mixture. Pour into crumb crust, and refrigerate overnight...if you can wait that long!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:16:00.001-03:00

Happy Halloween!

33

2011-10-30T20:50:00.001-03:00

It's my birthday today,

I turned 33.

We had a nice dinner at home

and chocolate fondue with fruit for dessert!

How to make Wheat 'Meat' sausage

2011-10-27T19:53:00.005-03:00

seitan sausage

For this you need wheat gluten flour....2 cups

1 Tbsp toasted fennel seed crushed

1 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili powder

Mix in 1 cup cold water, 1 tbsp Dijon, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp tamari

Knead into a ball

Tear off into smaller pieces and wrap in cheese cloth with twine

like so....

submerse into vegetable stock

for 1 1/2 hours simmering

Once its done slice it, saute it in a frying pan and eat!

Chocolate chip coconut oat cookies

2011-10-26T16:46:00.002-03:00

chocolate chip coconut oat cookies

It's a little harder to find time to blog lately and with vegan MOFO in full swing!! Not wanting to let the vegan team down I thought a simple cookie recipe would do the trick.

I have made these cookies twice this week. The first time I just wanted a classic chocolate chip cookie but realized I didn't have enough flour so I had to add some oats, realizing that I didn't have any rolled oats (we needed groceries badly) I used Leeluu's quick oats that she has for breakfast. Oats in the cookies... at this point I was ready to add other things, so coconut did the job. They didn't last long, that must mean there good.

1/2 cup earth balance
1 1/4 cup organic brown sugar
1/4 cup sunflower oil
2 tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 6 tbsp boiling water
1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1 tbsp non dairy milk

Preheat oven to 350
Beat up butter and oil with sugar, add flax and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients. Beat until dough forms, add the milk.
Roll into balls and squish down on a foil lined pan.
Bake for 11 minutes.

Simone 1 week

Time

2011-10-24T09:55:00.000-03:00

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.

– Albert Einstein

Introducing...

2011-10-21T10:24:00.000-03:00

Simone

( 8 lbs 3 oz)

vegan baby!

Roasted autumn vegetable quinoa salad with maple balsamic dressing

2011-10-18T09:27:00.000-03:00

roasted autumn vegetable quinoa salad

This is a great salad to mix a big batch and keep in the fridge!

1 cup quinoa- cooked according to directions and cooled

2 tbsp sunflower oil
3 beets-peeled and chopped
1 acorn squash- peeled, seeded, and chopped
3 carrots-peeled and chopped

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp sunflower oil
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

fresh parsley-chopped
chives or green onions- chopped

Toss the vegetables in oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Roast in the oven until soft and golden. Let cool
In a mason jar combine dressing. Mix everything together in a large bowl. Refrigerate.

Banana date flax loaf

2011-10-17T16:57:00.001-03:00

I had a bucket of dates in the cupboard screaming to be used, and I wanted to make something that would be around for a couple of days just in case the baby decides to make an appearance. Easy for the family to have a snack.

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp ground flax seed
1/4 cup organic cane sugar

3 very ripe bananas-mashed
2 tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 6 tbsp boiling water
1/2 cup soy milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chopped dates
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup sunflower oil

In 2 medium sized bowls mix dry ingrigents together, and wet together
Pour wet into dry and mix until combined
Pour into a greased loaf pan, and bake @ 350 for 1 hour or until done.

3

2011-10-16T16:44:00.001-03:00

toot toot

Leeluu had her birthday party yesterday afternoon, it's official, she is 3 years old! It was nice, just 3 of her best buddies and the family. I made a pot of broccoli soup ( her favorite) and some simple snacks. It was sunny so we even got a birthday beach session :)

in the frog at the beach

My due date to have my baby is tomorrow, but I don't think she/he will be on time. My last 2 were late so I figure this one will be too. You never know though...
Pretty much just puttering around the house, keeping it low key. I am getting excited to meet the newest member of our family.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Making vegan mayonnaise

2011-10-14T10:16:00.006-03:00

My family loves mayonnaise and the way we go through it along with the hefty price of store bought vegan kinds I opt to make my own. It is super easy, 4 ingredients! Usually this recipe will fill a 250ml mason jar.

1/2 cup soy milk
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 to 1 cup sunflower oil

In a blender add the first 3 ingredients.
With the blender running, slowly drizzle the oil in until the soy milk is thick like mayo! ( this usually takes a few minutes) Scoop into a jar and slather on sandwiches! This should keep in the fridge for a week or so.

If it "breaks" then you will have to pour out the blender into another bowl. Add a bit of soy milk to the blender, and slowly add the original mixture back in while the blender is on.

I had to draw another name for the glass straw giveaway using the random.org number generator...

#17 Leslie R. said...

I am all about reusables! I carry a Sigg water bottle, and take a work lunch daily in my cooler. It's a little more work than disposables, but so worth the effort :)

Congratulations!

Leeluu's Kitchen

2011-10-12T09:25:00.002-03:00

Play kitchen are expensive, especially the wood ones! After coming across some pretty awesome DIY recycled play kitchens, I decided that I was going to make one for Leeluu's birthday. She turns 3 this Saturday.

I kept my eye out for an old cabinet of Kijij, and found this one for $15 dollars. I am not the handiest person but I kept it pretty simple. After all it's for her to use her imagination.

The curtains I sewed and strung on a wooden dowel. The sink (metal bowl) I picked up at the dollar store for, you guessed it, a dollar! The paint is the kind in the really small can that you can test out on your walls.

I am excited to find some little baskets this week and fill them up with cooking gear! I know she is going to make some yummy vegan meals for all her buddies (stuffed animals).

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.

-Albert Einstein

Tomato with rice soup

2011-10-11T14:19:00.002-03:00

Tomato with rice soup

Most of the green tomatoes I harvested turned red. YAY! I roasted them up and made a soup for lunch. The skin comes much easier I find when they are roasted opposed to blanching, plus the flavor is better. Once they are all squishy from the oven, let them cool and the skin just slides off.

10 large tomatoes- roasted, peeled and pushed through a sieve (to remove the seeds)
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion-small diced
2 stalks celery-small diced
1 garlic clove-minced
1 green pepper-small diced
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 bay leaf
2/3 cup white rice
5 to 6 cups water/ veggie stock
splash of balsamic vinegar
sugar
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Core tomatoes, place on a baking sheet in the oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes int the oven at 400. Once cooled peel skin off and push through a fine mesh strainer with a ladle or back of a spoon.

In a soup pot heat oil on low/medium heat, add onion, celery, garlic, and pepper with chili powder. Saute until soft. Add bay leaf and rice. Stir in the tomato juice. Add water or stock. Simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked. Season to taste with vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.

P.S. If the Sarah that entered the contest doesn't contact me..I will have to draw another name for the glass straws.

Drum roll please....

2011-10-10T20:53:00.001-03:00

and the winner of the Glass Dharma glass straw giveaway is....

#8 Sarah

"That looks awesome! In addition to the regular stuff (carry my own water bottle, use cloth grocery bags, buy in bulk) I also make sure to recycle the produce bags at the grocery (I should get some reusable mesh ones!) and re-wash ziploc bags for re-use."

Please contact me with your email address.

Seems like we are all on the same page when it comes to plastic bags and water bottles...

Thank you everyone for your awesomeness!

Giving thanks

2011-10-09T18:32:00.004-03:00

harvest table

Its thanksgiving weekend and the weather is beautiful here in the Maritimes. Spending every afternoon at the beach I have lots to be thankful for. We don't have any other family here besides the four of us (soon to be 5!) So we keep it pretty simple for holidays.

apple crisp

I made these individual apple crisps for dessert with the apples from our tree. Along with a lentil loaf, roasted brussel sprouts and the usual suspects...mash potatoes and stuffing!

A vegan thanksgiving dinner

I love stuffing, its my favorite part of holiday meals. This year I used up all the bread bits in my freezer, there were a lot! Threw in some fresh cranberries, apples, a little celery and onion sprinkled with some dried sage. I can't wait for stuffing sandwiches tomorrow!

apple cranberry stuffing

Sitting around the table together, this is what I am thankful for at this moment...

My family, our health, the food and water we eat and drink each day, the fresh air I breathe, the moonlit walk I took last night, the warm sunny day spent at the beach, the life inside me that I will get to meet in a week or so.

Happy Thanksgiving

MOFO Iron Chef Challange: Chickpea Frittata

2011-10-08T17:30:00.001-03:00

Its a Vegan MOFO Iron Chef Challenge and the secret ingrident is...

CHICKPEAS!

I thought it would be fun to do a brunch recipe..since that is what time of day it is for us here, and I am starving. I have made vegan quiche lots but never a vegan frittata. Its basically a quiche without the crust and filled with vegetables. I did mine in a casserole dish in the oven..but I am sure you could try and cook it in a non-stick skillet too. O yeah..its gluten free too!

Chickpea Frittata

1 block medium tofu
1 cup soy milk
1/2 cup nutrional yeast
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chickpea flour

1 potato peeled and small diced
1 large shallot-sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chickpeas
1/2 tsp garlic powder
fresh ground pepper
sea salt to taste
fresh parsley (optional)
green onions (optional)
fresh tomato slices (optional)

Using a blender, mix up the first 6 ingriedents.
Over medium heat saute the potato until golden, add the rest of the veggies and season to taste.
In greased casserole dish combine the soy mixture with veggies. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes.

Also don't miss the chance to win some glass straws!

Glass Dharma giveaway!

2011-10-07T12:11:00.002-03:00

Earth is a beautiful place. I am always trying to reduce my plastic consumption, weather that be using cloth diapers, taking reuseable bags to the grocery store, or buying second hand items.When we go to the beach we always are finding little pieces of plastic and picking them up. Don't get me wrong, plastic is good for things, but not everything!

Glass Dharma is a really cool company that has designed glass straws. Super neat, I know!
I have had the opportunity to sip through a glass straw. If you look on my drink posts I have a few smoothie recipes featuring these straws.

Here is your chance to get your hands on some!

Yummy chocolate avocado smoothie with a glass straw!

To win a 25 dollar gift certificate leave a comment saying what you do to reduce your plastic waste.

For extra an extra entry:

like Kirsten's Kitchen Facebook page

and

like Glass Dharma Facebook page

and/ or

Tweet this,

just leave a comment telling me you did.

I will announce the winner on Monday!

Split pea soup (slow cooker styles!)

2011-10-06T13:46:00.002-03:00

This morning I rinsed some split peas and through them into the slow cooker with chopped potato,carrot, onion and couple of bay leafs. By the time it starts bubbling it fills the house with the most amazing "cottage diner" smell. I don't know how else to describe it? You know the kind of restaurant that is off the beaten track, with the home cooked menu mom and pop run. Yep that's the smell (without the grease!) haha

I love my slow cooker. I just throw whatever I want in it and turn it on high. Leave it for 5-6 hours, and a meal is usually made without too much fuss. If you are using dried beans...a little forethought is needed, they need to be soaked overnight. What is great about using dried lentils and peas is that they don't need to be soaked, just rinsed 3 or 4 times and there good to go.

Split pea soup (slow cooker styles!)

2 cups dried split peas
2 potato- peeled and chopped
2-3 carrots-peeled and chopped
1 medium onion- small diced
2 bay leafs
6 cups water
apple cider vinegar
sea salt
freshly ground pepper
fresh mint for garnish (optional)
vegan sour cream (optional)

Put everything into the slow cooker turn it on high ( except the vinegar, salt and pepper, save that for fine tuning). Let cook for 5 hours, stir it up. Season to taste.

leaf inspection

Over the last few days we have found some really beautiful leaves. We have made a collage with some (construction paper and glue), and I am thinking a stain glass leaf window with the other? We ventured outside this afternoon for some leaf hunting and the little one said she wanted to go back in for a hot cocoa and some snuggles..its getting chilly!

showing off her collection

Chilly night and a yummy meal

2011-10-05T20:05:00.003-03:00

Its been raining for days, and the wind is chilly. Last night we got our wood stove up and running. It was really nice to sit on the couch and feel the house warm up. Leeluu loves getting the fire going with her dad, its pretty cute. They go outside and chop wood and then bring it in and declare themselves "fire buddies", while they get it going.

I make a rice bowl meal once a week. I really like brown rice and the veggies are basically all raw (except I steam up some broccoli). There are a bunch of good restaurants that make rice bowls but we live SO far away that I recreated my own.

The key to a good rice bowl is a good sauce! Sometimes I make a peanut sauce, and other times I make a tahini sauce ( I add a garlic clove and some miso) I really like the reFresh cookbook tahini sauce too!

Basically for a rice bowl you need to cook up a pot of rice, shred up your favorite veggies. Make a sauce and sprinkle seeds and nuts on, add tofu or tempeh if you like. Really easy and super yummy!

Slacker style survey

2011-10-04T11:17:00.002-03:00

I think this orchid likes me. Jonathan gave it to me as a gift two birthdays ago. It was lovely, and then the flowers died but the leaves were still healthy and green. I left it alone. Only to notice a year later that the stem was dried up and all brown. I Googled it, and read that I should trim the stem and water it...so I did. A year after that the stem grew back with buds on it! It opened the other day!

You probably already noticed that I am a bit of a slacker today.
What's with the plant?! hey plants are vegan!
I am in luck... found a Vegan MOFO survey that's floating around.

What's your favorite spice or spice blend?

Cumin, it goes well with everything!

You have $20 to spend on fresh groceries and produce for the whole week (with a fairly well stocked pantry of dry goods, legumes, grains, and spices). What do you buy?

broccoli, tofu, soymilk, bananas, froazen berries, bell pepper, bread, tomato, potato, ...soup, sandwiches, rice bowls and stir frys washed down with a smoothie.

What's your favorite way to make tofu?

Sprinkled with garlic powder and a splash of tamari, sauted until golden in a cast iron pan.

Vegan guilty pleasure?

CUTIES! ( or any vegan ice cream)

If you could make anyone vegan, who would it be?

My parents ( that would be SO awesome!)

If you could only read one other vegan blog, what would it be?

Really?! come on....

Were you always interested in cooking, or did veganism change the way you saw and interacted with food?

I have always loved cooking! Becoming vegan made me re-think what I was taught in school.

Excluding analogues, what new things have you tried that you probably wouldn't have as an omni?

I love trying new things!

What is the one vegan staple that everyone seems to love, but you can't get behind?

I have never used agave syrup, but mostly because I live in Canada where maple syrup is everywhere!

What was your first "wow, I'm such a stereotypical vegan" moment?

Hmmm not sure that "moment" ever happened to me. At least not that I thought about.

First recipe you veganized?

spaghetti, haha just without the parmasan!

What would you like to veganize, but haven't yet?

eggplant parmasan, I keep saying that. Why can't I just make it!! ARGH

Favorite kitchen utensil/appliance?

I really like my 4 cup Cuisinart food processor. Its tiny and easy to clean, I use it for everything!

Most disastrous kitchen failure?

I made a rose water loaf bread that turned out very gluttonous. It sucked! I threw it in the compost.

First vegan cookbook?

Vegan Planet

What question about being vegan do you HATE answering?

I don't hate questions about veganism.

If you could tell the world one thing about vegans, what would it be?

We are just trying to make the world a better place.
that sounds cheesie but true

Funniest vegetable?

Buddhas hand...its more of a fruit (lemon), but when I saw it at the store, it was super weird looking!

What is a family recipe you have veganized?

chicken divan
I make my own cream of mushroom soup and use tofu.
It is special requested by the kid often!

Weirdest food combination ?

Leeluu likes to dip cucumbers into ketchup, that is pretty weird.

Is there something you wish you could veganize, but can't/couldn't?

Creme brulee.

By far my most favorite dessert in the world!

Favorite ways to prepare tofu, seitan, tempeh, any other vegan proteins?

sandwich style!

Are your pets vegan? if so, what do you feed them?

no. I recently read an article about feeding dogs. We are trying to switch her to fresh food.

Favorite non-dairy milk?

I don't have a favorite...I switch it up between soy, rice, almond and coconut. Usually whatever is on sale.

What’s one “vegan myth” you’d like to squash?

Where do you get your protein from! HA

Pumpkin cranberry muffins

2011-10-03T11:03:00.001-03:00

There is something about pumpkins that I love, maybe its their color or the round chubbiness of them, or that they sit on peoples front door steps waiting for a face. Whatever it its I love them and the taste of them!

Local cranberries hit the store the other day, so I picked up a bag. I am waiting for the veggie stand down the road to put them out, last year I got a huge ziplock bag full! Pumpkin and cranberry mixed together is like Ernie and Bert.

I whipped these up this morning with the roasted pumpkin puree I made the other day. Perfect with your morning coffee (or tea).

Pumpkin cranberry muffins

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 cup organic cane sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp salt

1 cup pumpkin puree
3 tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup soy milk mixed with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 3 tbsp hot water

1 cup fresh cranberries- pulsed through a food processor ( just to break them up a bit)
Walnuts on the top are optional.

Preheat oven to 375
Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl
Combine wet ingredients, pour into dry and stir it up.
Add the cranberries and scoop into a muffin tin. (grease it if you don't have muffin liners)
Bake for 30 minutes or until done.

Veggie pot pie

2011-10-02T11:37:00.003-03:00

Pot pie is one of Ocean's favorite meals, since she was 4 ( she will be 15 next month!). I made this last night using Pillsbury biscuits for the crust. I only used 4 biscuits for the tops of the pies, I baked up the rest and we used those to dip! I originally wanted to find some puff pastry, but I couldn't find any that was vegan.

Although not all Pillsbury products are vegan, I was happy to find something that was. You have to read the ingredients cause it tends to change in different countries.

Veggie Pot Pie

2 tbsp earth balance butter

1 onion- small diced

3-4 carrots- peeled and small diced

3 stalks celery- small diced

1 tsp summer savory

2 bay leafs

3 cups veggie stock

2 medium potatoes- peeled and small diced

3/4 cup frozen peas

1 cup broccoli florets

2 tbsp tamari

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1/2 tsp sea salt

freshly ground pepper

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water

1 package Country Pillsbury Biscuits

In a large saute pan, heat butter, add onion and cook until soft.

Add carrot, celery, savory, and bay leafs. Saute for 3-4 minutes

Pour in veggie stock Add the rest of the ingredients except the cornstarch.

Bring to a boil and then simmer until potatoes are soft.

Add the cornstarch to thicken. Season to taste.

Scoop into individual ramekins. Roll out the biscuits to fit the top.

Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375 until golden. 12-15 minutes.

Sugar cookies

2011-10-01T09:19:00.004-03:00

This is an exciting month for vegan food bloggers everywhere because its VEGAN MOFO! I am super stoked to find a bunch of new blogs to read and recipes try out, along with the old timers. I don't have a theme because I am not that organized. Just going to wing it and post as much as possible. I am having a baby in two weeks so hopefully everything goes well and I am able to post about my experience in raising a vegan family.

Leeluu has been bugging me to make some pumpkin cookies after she found the cookie cutter in the drawer. I could of eaten them without the icing... the cookies sorta taste like shortbreads. There is a basic sugar cookie recipe floating around, so I made it without the tofutti cream cheese. I just cut back on the flour a bit, so that the dough wouldn't be too dry.

1 cup earth balance butter
1 cup organic cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 egg replacements
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy, add vanilla and egg replacement. Continue beating until mixed up.
Mix flour, powder and salt together in a bowl. Add it to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time. Mix until cookie dough is formed. Place dough on floured counter top, form into a big ball, cut in half and press into patties.
Refrigerate for 1 hour or so. Roll onto floured surface, cut out shapes. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.

For the icing.

Mix up 1 cup of icing sugar with 2-4 tbsp almond milk. Stir it up until it is smooth. Add 1/2 tsp vanilla, and a 1/2 tsp of almond extract. I used an orange gel food coloring, a very small amount goes along way! Dip a toothpick or the end of a sharp knife and run it through the icing mixture. Stir that up. Spoon onto cookies. The stem is a chocolate chip!

{ this moment }

2011-09-30T08:53:00.001-03:00

{this moment}

A single photo

No words

capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-soulmama

Roasted pumpkin puree

2011-09-29T12:43:00.001-03:00

Smooth and delicious roasted pumpkin puree. Add it to muffins, pies, cookies, soups, use it as baby food, or eat it right out of the jar!

First cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and "guts". Cut into quarters and place on a baking tray with a 1/4 cup water. Foil over top and bake at 425 for 40 minutes, or until soft.

Let cool and scrap out the flesh. You can either leave it like this or puree it a food processor until smooth.
Put in mason jars and freeze! Fresh pumpkin all year round.

Pumpkin Thai Curry

2011-09-26T08:15:00.001-03:00

Pumpkin! I made this curry served with vermicelli rice noodles the other night. I use Thai Kitchen red curry paste for this recipe.I think the overall time to make this meal was about 30 minutes. I didn't use much of the pumpkin for this, so I plan on roasting the rest and using it in muffins and whatnot. More pumpkin posts coming soon....

2 tbsp coconut oil
1 onion- sliced
2 cloves garlic-minced
2 tbsp Thai Kitchen red curry paste
4 cups pumpkin- peeled and chopped
3 cups water/ veggie stock
1 red pepper- sliced
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp brown sugar
fresh cilantro
vermicelli rice noodles- cooked according to package

In a large pot heat oil, add onions and garlic. Saute on medium heat until soft.
Add paste and stir it around to coat the onions. Add pumpkin and continue to stir.
Pour in water/stock and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until pumpkin is soft.
Add peppers and coconut milk. Season with sugar and salt. Serve over noodles garnished with fresh cilantro.

Autumn

2011-09-23T14:26:00.002-03:00

Warm soups and stews.

Fuzzy sweaters

Our wood stove

The pumpkin patch

Crisp mornings, and the colors of the leaves.

My birthday!

Halloween

Happy Fall everyone!

Harvesting herbs

2011-09-22T11:07:00.002-03:00

In the summer I picked up a lemon balm plant at the end of someones driveway. I planted it in the garden and it grew like crazy! I really love the smell of lemon, and when you rub the leaves it releases an amazing aroma of citrus. I Googled it and found out a bunch of cool stuff about this particular plant. It is related to the mint family, a calming herb and you can dry it and use it in tea. So I thought I would try to dry some and see how it does. I also read that you can make pesto with it too! What herbs do you harvest?

Easy-As-Apple & Plum-Pie

2011-09-21T14:44:00.002-03:00

Its apple season and I have an apple tree in my yard!

I made this the other day while we had family visiting... we ate it warm with vanilla soy ice cream.

Easy-As-Apple & Plum- Pie

1 cup shortening
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp cold water

Using a pastry cutter blend up the flour and salt into the shortening until it is crumbly and resembles a sand like mixture. Add water and carefully form a ball using a fork. Don't over mix!
Cut the ball of dough in half and lightly flour your surface for rolling.
Roll out dough until fits pie plate (not too thin- not too thick)

5 apples peeled and sliced
8 plums- cored and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cardamom
2 tbsp flour

Mix up filling in a bowl and scoop into pie plate. Roll out the other dough half and place on top.
Poke 2 or 3 holes in the top and bake at 400 for 40 minutes or until golden.

Cloth

2011-09-13T16:35:00.001-03:00

Cloth Diapering you may say
Is too much for your busy day
But let me tell you why you're wrong
I promise you this won't take long
Did you know there are chemicals
Hiding out in your disposables
Besides who wants to use all that plastic
all that garbage makes me spastic
And cloth is not as gross as you may think
I rarely even have a stink
All you need is a wet bag
and all that mess is not a drag
But 'sposies are easy you make utter
Cloth is too!- did I stutter?
I can diaper in a park
I can diaper in the dark
I can diaper in the car
I can diaper when afar
I can diaper here or there
I can diaper anywhere!
So take those 'sposies, throw them out
Cloth is easy when your about!
Thus my poem comes to an end
Hope you still want to be my friend.

-clothmomma

Roasted tomato soup

2011-09-12T08:37:00.000-03:00

As summer comes to an end so do the tomatoes, this is a simple way to enjoy a family favorite.

Roasted Tomato Soup

8 large tomatoes
1 onion- skin on chopped in half
6 cloves garlic- skin on
2 cups water or vegetable stock
fresh basil
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

On a greased cookie sheet, place the whole tomatoes, onion and garlic.
With the broiler element at 400 roasted tomatoes until skins break and tomatoes are soft, about 30 minutes.
Let cool for a few minutes..unless you have hands of steel.
With a pairing knife remove skins and core on top.
Place in a blender with onions and garlic- easiest to do in batches.
Add water or stock to desired constancy.
With a fine strainer, push through the soup to get out the seeds.

Garlicky Croutons

Left over bread works best.
Cut into small pieces.
In a bowl toss with olive oil, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, oregano and sea salt.
Spread out on a cookie sheet.
Bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes or until golden

27

2011-09-11T16:36:00.001-03:00

27 is my favorite campsite at Rissers Provincial Park. We went there this weekend with some friends, our last camping session of the summer. It was gorgeous and we spent time at the beach and around the fire. I was able to sneak away in the morning before everyone woke up. Caught the sunrise, sitting on the rocks listening to the waves crash, seriously is the best way to wake up! Here are some of the moments I captured that were my favorite. Hope everyone else had a beautiful weekend too!

sunrise

best buddies

Puddle jumping and blackberry picking!

2011-09-08T14:24:00.002-03:00

It was a rainy morning here, after lunch we decided to put our boots on and go puddle jumping! There is a trail behind our home that we often go for walks on. I love going outside after it rains, everything smells good and feels fresh.

the jump

and the splash!

Today was especially fun because we discovered blackberry bushes all over the place! At first we picked a handful, and realized we needed to go back home and get a basket. I think I am going to make a crumble for dessert tonight..that is if she doesn't eat them all first.

Shepherd's pie with miso gravy

2011-09-06T18:41:00.002-03:00

This is a great meal to make when you have lots of odds and ends of vegetables. I cleaned out the fridge and used some lentils that I had frozen in the freezer, fancied it up with some fresh chives from the garden! Easy to make for a weeknight meal.

First thing is to get your mash potatoes done. I like using earth balance butter and almond milk with a sprinkle of garlic powder.

Next in a pan saute your veggies and lentils ( or whatever legume you want to use) with some olive oil. Add herbs of choice...I like using sage and oregano.

Put the veggie mixture in a casserole dish

Spread the mash potatoes over the veggie mix. Scoop some earth balance butter on top. Place in an oven at 400 for 20 minutes. After the twenty minutes of cooking brown the top using the broiler element until golden.

( make sure your casserole dish is broiler safe!)

Serve with miso gravy!

Miso Gravy

2 tbsp sunflower oil

1/2 onion- minced

1 bay leaf

2 cups water

2 tbsp tamari

2 tbsp corn starch mixed with 2 tbsp water

4-5 tbsp of miso paste mixed in a bowl with a small amount of water, to loosen the paste

3 tsp sugar

freshly ground pepper

In a small pot heat oil, add onion and bay leaf.

Saute until soft. 3 to 4 minutes

Add water and tamari, bring to a boil.

Add cornstarch mixture. Boil until thickens.

Turn down the heat to a simmer.

Add miso paste. Whisk until smooth.

Season with sugar and pepper

Free-range tofu

2011-09-02T16:45:00.000-03:00

Thought this was cute...Have a great long weekend everyone!

Berry blast smoothie popsicles

2011-08-28T14:22:00.001-03:00

Super healthy and easy to make! Just take your favorite fruit and blend with water or juice, or soy milk. Pour into popsicle molds and WA-LA! A great treat for the kids. Not to mention no waste :)

I blended frozen raspberries with orange juice, and blueberries with soy milk. Just make it thick... it is much easier to pour different flavors together.

Tortilla tofu scramble

2011-08-27T14:22:00.003-03:00

Tortilla tofu scramble

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion- small diced

1 clove garlic- minced

1 green pepper- small diced

1 package of soft tofu

1 tsp chili powder

pinch of turmeric

10-15 tortilla chips

1 scoop salsa

handful of cherry tomatoes- cut in half

sea salt

freshly ground pepper

In a pan, heat oil add onion and garlic. Saute until soft

Add green pepper and tofu, gently break up the tofu with spatula

add chili powder, turmeric, chips, salsa, and tomatoes.

Stir up, until heated. Season to taste.

She was pretty happy with herself picking out the bread this morning at the market, she had the first piece!

Bread and butter pickles

2011-08-26T11:52:00.002-03:00

I picked up 2 pounds of baby cucumbers last week at the market. I put them in a bowl of water and into the fridge, with plans to pickle them within the next day or so. Little did I know that water was going to be scares.

Our well pump broke, which means no water into the house. So the pickles had a little longer to wait then expected. Its strange when you don't have access to water, you appreciate it SO much more.

When there are electrical outages or storms coming on well water you plan ahead and fill up jugs and such. Some people even fill up the bathtub to flush the toilet! We are expecting a hurricane Monday, good thing I was able to pickle some pickles!

Bread and butter pickles

2 pounds of cucumbers- sliced
2 small red onions- sliced
1 tsp red chili flakes
1/4 cup pickling salt
3 cups pickling vinegar
2 1/2 cups organic sugar
4 tbsp pickling spice

In a large bowl combine cucumbers, onion, chili, and salt. Mix up.

Bring vinegar, sugar and spices to a boil in a large pot.

Have mason jars sanitized to proper canning procedures.

Add cucumbers to vinegar mixture, don't let boil. but simmer for a few minutes.

Stuff jars with cucumbers and seal. Place jars in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Remove and let sit until you hear the seal pop! Refrigerate before serving.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T11:45:00.001-03:00

10 minute summer stew

2011-08-22T08:15:00.002-03:00

Super simple and delicious! I used the vegetables I picked up at the market, some left overs in my fridge, with a can of chickpeas. You could add anything you like to this. Keep the cooking time down to 10 minutes, to keep the vegetables crisp. I served it with a 8 grain loaf of bread.

10 minutes summer stew

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion-chopped
1 clove garlic- minced
1 stalk celery- chopped
1 yellow zucchini- chopped
1 carrot-chopped
1 tomato- chopped
1 cup water
1 can chickpeas
1 tsp dried dill
fresh thyme
fresh basil
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

In a large pot heat oil add onion, saute until soft.
add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

market goodies

Sunday Morning

2011-08-21T10:01:00.002-03:00

Pancake mix

1 1/4 cup flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup rice milk
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Mix in a bowl until combined.
Cook low heat on lightly greased cast iron pan.
Serve with maple syrup.

Love

2011-08-19T11:11:00.001-03:00

"love the life you live.
live the life you love."

- Bob Marley

Quilts, food and beach sessions

2011-08-15T15:25:00.004-03:00

Hey everybody! Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

When I picked up my mail this morning, I was happy to find that the package that I have been waiting for had arrived! I ordered two adorable quilts on Etsy from Crooked Barn Vintage's store. One for Leeluu (pink) and one for the new baby (blue). They are made wonderfully and look absolutely beautiful in their room!

I feel totally different with this pregnancy; I'm uncomfortable most of the time and I'm not as big as I have been in the past. Maybe it is the vegan diet, or maybe it has something to do with the gender of the baby! I read a bunch of old wive's tales about gender prediction hoping I may might find some clarification as to why I feel differently then when I was pregnant with my two girls... Although wive's tales aren't very credible, I do like trying to pretend I know what I am going to have!

Last week I made mostly simple dinners; breakfast burritos, roasted vegetable focaccia pizza, carrot soup with quinoa salad, seitan casserole and Mexican-style rice and beans.

Do you plan our your meals for the week, or just make whatever you can find in the fridge?

Mexican style rice and beans

This is my belly shot at thirty one weeks. I have been going to the beach almost everyday! When Leeluu wakes up in the morning, she peeks out the window and gives me the weather report and then asks " can we go to the beach?" I think I have a little beach bum on my hands!

workin' on the castle

Summer grub

2011-08-06T20:49:00.002-03:00

Jonathan and I have been working on the house and yard when the weather allows us. Rain and grey skies have been an on-going problem in Halifax for weeks. Today was the nicest day all week, so we, meaning Jonathan doing all the work and me sitting on the front porch watching, took the opportunity to work on the front yard; weeding, hoeing and rearranging our rock wall. A lot was accomplished today but there is still a lot more to do.

My pregnancy has been good, although I am starting to feel uncomfortable at night. I find myself being outside a lot more, and doing a lot less blogging. I am hoping to get my camera back next week and get everything back on track.

Hope everyone has been able to hit the beach or just get outside and enjoy some sunshine :)

Here is a peak at what I have been making...

"breakfast muffin"

"grilled seitan kabobs"

"millet salad with swiss chard and apricots"

"rock wall phase one"

Date & orange muffin

2011-07-28T14:25:00.001-03:00

When you are pregnant sometimes you feel the urge to clean your home and change it up. "Nesting" as its referred to. I have felt it :) I put the baby crib up for the 3rd time! Yes I have had the same crib for 14 years! Insane...I know.

It is fun putting the baby clothes away. We didn't find out the gender of the baby. I like the surprise. I have one drawer of girl clothes and one drawer of boy clothes, most of which came from the thrift store and some gifts. I also purchased two rag quilts from Etsy, since Leeluu will be sharing her room I thought it would be a special something that they can both have. It is hard to believe that I only have a little under 11 weeks left!

I felt muffinish this morning so I made these, adapted from the joyofbaking.com. The sugar from the dates is sweet so feel free to cut down on the sugar. I will next time only use 1/4 cup. :)

Date & orange muffins

2 cups flour

1/4 cup rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup cane sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp grated orange zest

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup soy milk/ mixed with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 egg replace

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/4 cup sunflower oil

1 cup chopped dates

pumpkins seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 350- grease a muffin tin

Mix dry ingredients together.

In a separate bowl mix wet.

Pour wet into dry. Mix until combined.

Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds

Scoop batter into tins, bake for 20 minutes or until done.

A moment

2011-07-27T11:56:00.001-03:00

"You go your way
I'll go your way too"
— Leonard Cohen

Summer eats

2011-07-22T16:05:00.001-03:00

granola with fresh fruit

chocolate chip cake

raw veggie soup

A few pictures of what I have been making......and me at 29 weeks!

I love the beach

2011-07-17T19:17:00.002-03:00

We woke up early this morning greeted by the sun and decided to get a head start on the day and go to the beach (you really have to take advantage of sunny days here). The beach we choose was, Martinique. Many times we talked about checking it out, but never did. I didn't know what we were missing until we got there!!

When we got out of the car and walked through the sea grass boardwalk...I was in awe. It felt like we were in paradise....the longest white sandy beach in Nova Scotia, KILLER! Here is a little video of Leeluu :)
Hope everyone got some sunshine this weekend :)

P.S. What do you think of my new blog header/layout?