Chai cupcakes

Lightly spiced these little sweet confections are just like a creamy chai latte with a fluffy whipped frosting, a treat for any day of the week.

Chai cupcakes

1 1/2 cup  flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup almond milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup steeped black tea (with fresh ginger slices, cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a couple peppercorns)
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350.
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners
In a medium bowl combine dry ingredients, whisk until blended.
Combine wet ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into dry and mix up.
Scoop into lined muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Chai frosting

1/4 cup earth balance coconut spread
1 cup icing sugar
1-2 tbsp almond milk
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp vanilla extract

With an electric mixer beat all ingredients until fluffy.
Spread onto cooled cupcakes

Girls night!

You are never to old for a sleepover with a good friend! A nice evening was spent drinking wine, eating  good food and watching a girly movie. 

Leeluu giving the little man some love. ( I guess it wasn't completely a girls night:P)

I made a classic Chinese dish "TVP and broccoli" with rice. It was tasty....

Keri made the most delicious vegan chocolate pudding cake..from the cookbook " How It All Vegan ".

I must get my hands on that book now!

YUM YUM

                      

Girly talk before we watched the movie and tucked the babies into bed.

The winner of the cowl & some thoughts

The winner of the cowl is Tanya! 

I use the random.org number generator and it choose #6 

I'e just started knitting and am loving it.....I now have knitting envy!? I don't think they even know what a 'cowl' is over here...a new project for me! I love number 1....tanya

Congratulations..because you are my friend on facebook I will contact you for your address  :)

I have not been posting regular recipes as of lately. This whole trip thing has consumed me. Taking care of children and cooking meals, doing errands and keeping the house semi tidy. Well, you get the idea. I did make these mini pizzas on pita bread with my tofu cheese recipe. They were super easy, and Leeluu really enjoyed assembling her own!

Most of you don't "really" know me, but I have a bit of a neurotic worry problem. There must be some kind of disorder for constantly worrying. I got it from my mom..sorry mom, but it's true. 

I have been on the computer in the evenings trying to get all of our accommodations booked, this is very time consuming. I feel like I need to read all the reviews on places. Plus I think I have taken out every book from the library on Spain. Every moment I get I will read a little bit and note down the places that look fun and interesting.

Me being the worrier I have been reading a fair bit about the pick pocketing in Barcelona. I am a little scared. Don't get me wrong I feel super lucky to get to go, but I am not really use to watching my shit. Where I live I can put my bag down and walk away, it would still be there a day later. Apparently Barcelona has the worst pick pocketing in the world. Not like we are going to walk around with lots of bling on or anything. I am just worried :/

We hit the beach the other day..before it snowed. I love this photo." whatchu talkinbout willis"

I am planning a yummy dinner tonight. My friend and her little 6 month old son is coming over for a sleepover!! GIRLS NIGHT..movie and wine. Hopefully I will get a chance to post the photo and recipe of what we eat.

O yeah...keep checking back, I am having a really cool giveaway next week!!

Share the love ❤ Cowl gift-a-way!

I have been receiving these beautiful cowl knits almost weekly from my mother in law. Apparently the ladies have been in competition on who can knit more! I just reap the rewards. I have a few favorites that I wear out and about..even when I am hanging out in the house.

These are beautiful, soft and cuddly perfect for chilly weather.The mitten and scarf boxes is over flowing!! I asked Mym if it was o.k. to share the love.It was cool!! So I am going to gift one of my readers there pick of cowl.

To make this a truly Canadian gift of love, I will snail mail you a pure maple syrup bar. Perfect for when you are eating your morning oatmeal (grated maple cream on top) comfy in your cowl. Sounds lovely doesn't it..all you have to do is leave a comment telling me which cowl you would like to have and you could be snug-as-a-bug!

Open to all humans. Contest closes on Monday 26' 2012

It would be awesome if you liked my Facebook page or followed me via twitter!

Collection

Every time I go to the beach I find some glass, over time it has grown to a pretty fine collection and  has become a hobby for me. Leeluu loves looking for it..."treasure hunting" as she calls it.  Some people believe that sea glass is just like, or even better than precious gems!

The color of the glass determines where it came from...the browns and greens usually come from bottles, but it is the blues and purples that I love. They have a history that date back to the late 19 century.

When the tide is low is the best time to go hunting, its very addictive and relaxing! Do you collect anything?

{ 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.

-inspired by SouleMama

This kitchen is seasoned with love

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

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.

{ 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.

-inspired by SouleMama

3 carrots

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

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

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

Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with couscous

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!

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!

Happy New Year!

2011

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

Waffles goodbye

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

With family,

the day was perfect.

Hope yours was too!

Vegan sausage rolls!

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.

xx