Where have I been? What have I been doing??!

I cannot believe it has been one year since I last posted - wow, that is terrible! I think about blogging all the time so much so that I thought that I actually had been doing more than this...sigh. My excuses are as follows: Motherhood, building a new home, selling a home, a new job, finishing some courses, the winter blues, and piles and piles of laundry and my husband - it's got to be his fault too;) I wish I could say it is because I have been travelling the world but sadly that just isn't the case.

I hope to be a better blogger this year! Along with my meal planning...

It's the Superbowl tomorrow and the pantry is bare

As I sit here with my glass of milk and freshly baked brownie, I can think of nothing to make tomorrow for the Superbowl. I've been considering the standards - veggie chili, nachos, dips, cheese, cheese & more cheese, pizza. Nothing is making me feel good about sitting through hours of football yet. My shopping list is empty and the pantry is bare. It's 4:45 on Saturday so I better get my act together!

Any ideas? What do you want to eat tomorrow?

Bun in the Oven

Well, first I must apologize for being the worst food blogger ever. I do have a good excuse though. For the past few months, food has not been my friend - at all. The mere thought of picking up a recipe made me feel sick so instead of blogging about my boxed mac & cheese or white rice dinners, I decided to keep quiet.

The truth is we are expecting our first baby (yay!) and I have only managed to get back in the kitchen in the past week or so. Now my issues are forgetting crucial parts of the recipe or preparing certain ingredients and leaving them on the counter without ever adding them to the meal! It's also much harder to be creative in the kitchen when suffering from "baby brain". Luckily my sister-in-law gave me an amazing cookbook (ReBar Modern Food Cookbook - www.rebarmodernfood.com) the last time she visited and it has provided me with some inspiration! Thanks B!

This week I have ventured to make Vegetarian Enchiladas (at the request of my poor husband who has been starving for months) and Soba Noodles with shrimp & broccoli. With the holidays just around the corner I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things.

So, many thanks to those of you who are still reading my blog even though I am such a slacker:)

The Omnivore's Hundred

I found a link to this list through Elly from http://ellysaysopa.vox.com/ - I love anything poll or survey related so I thought I would check it out (procrastinator - who me? Never!). The original list was created by Andrew from http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/. Andrew thinks that every good omnivore should try to taste each of these things at leadst once in their life. I'm getting nervous...am I as adventurous with food as I think???

Here is what he asks:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.

2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.

3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating. (can't strikethrough font in blogger so made comments in light orange and italics instead)

4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.

The VGT's Omnivore's Hundred

1. Venison

2. Nettle tea

3. Huevos rancheros

4. Steak tartare

5. Crocodile (it is on a lot of menus in Florida!) EDIT - oops. I'm thinking of alligator!

6. Black pudding

7. Cheese fondue

8. Carp

9. Borscht

10. Baba ghanoush

11. Calamari

12. Pho

13. PB&J sandwich

14. Aloo gobi

15. Hot dog from a street cart

16. Epoisses

17. Black truffle

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes

19. Steamed pork buns

20. Pistachio ice cream

21. Heirloom tomatoes

22. Fresh wild berries

23. Foie gras (I would have eaten this before but not now)

24. Rice and beans

25. Brawn or head cheese (never!)

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper

27. Dulce de leche

28. Oysters

29. Baklava

30. Bagna cauda (would love to try this!)

31. Wasabi peas

32. Clam Chowder in Soudough Bowl

33. Salted lassi (I’ve had a sweet lassi – but I don’t think I’ve tried a salted one)

34. Sauerkraut

35. Root beer float

36. Cognac with a fat cigar (Cognac, yes but not with a cigar!)

37. Clotted Cream Tea

38. Vodka Jelly/Jell-O

39. Gumbo

40. Oxtail

41. Curried goat

42. Whole Insects

43. Phaal

44. Goat’s milk

45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth $120 or more

46. Fugu (maybe, if someone else tried it first)

47. Chicken tikka masala

48. Eel

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut

50. Sea urchin

51. Prickly pear

52. Umeboshi

53. Abalone

54. Paneer

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal

56. Spaetzle

57. Dirty gin martini

58. Beer above 8% ABV

59. Poutine

60. Carob chips (I’ve had carob but not in a chip format)

61. S’mores

62. Sweetbreads

63. kaolin

64. Currywurst

65. Durian

66. Frogs’ legs

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake

68. Haggis (no thank you!)

69. Fried plantain

70. Chitterlings or andouillette (nope)

71. Gazpacho

72. Caviar and blini

73. Louche absinthe

74. Gjetost or brunost

75. Roadkill (really? no I don't think so!)

76. Baijiu

77. Hostess Fruit Pie

78. Snail

79. Lapsang Souchong

80. Bellini

81. Tom Yum

82. Eggs Benedict

83. Pocky

84. 3 Michelin Star Tasting Menu

85. Kobe beef

86. Hare (is this different than plain ‘ol bunny? I’ve had rabbit.)

87. Goulash

88. Flowers

89. Horse (Um, no)

90. Criollo chocolate

91. Spam

92. Soft shell crab

93. Rose harissa

94. Catfish

95. Mole poblano

96. Bagel and lox

97. Lobster Thermidor

98. Polenta

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee

100. Snake

Let me tell you - I used wikipedia more than ever to figure out what some of these things are!

Summary - I think I did pretty well!

Have eaten: 71/100

Have not eaten: 29/100

Will never eat: 6/100

French Butter Dish - what a neat idea!

On Saturday, me and the husb went to our favorite bike store (http://www.silentsports.com/) for a tune up and new pair of bike shorts (talk about the least flattering article of clothing on the planet). While bike gear is very exciting for one of us, it is the housewares store across the road that makes the drive that much more exciting for the other!

Somehow I managed to spend $70 on items I didn't really need...this butter dish being one of them. Recently, we switched from using margarine (Becel) back to good 'ol butter. I don't have the standard issue glass butter dish. I don't really like the look of room temperature butter. There's something not right about it. Until Saturday, I always kept the butter in the fridge which caused major issues with morning toast.

I think I've found the solution to my troubles! A butter dish, which keeps butter fresh and cool, without having to see it or put it in the fridge. The design is quite modern and architecturally pleasing making butter-on-the-counter look so much nicer. The actual butter dish portion is shaped liked a bell. Scoop the butter into the hole, fill the bowl with cold water, and place the bell back inside. Thanks to the marvel of molecules, your butter won't get water-logged.

What a magical invention! The best $5.99 I spent this weekend.

My 1st Local Fresh Produce Delivery!

Wednesday afternoon was an exciting time. I rushed home from work eager to peak inside the cooler I left on the front porch to see what treats had been delivered. I knew I was to receive the "local produce basket" but what that meant, I wasn't quite sure.




It was my very first vegetable delivery by a local company (The Homefield Organic Food Co.)that delivers fresh local & organic produce grown on farms in our region. Some of the organic produce does come from further away (California/Mexico) so I chose not to have those items included in my order. In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, I am trying my hardest to buy only local foods (including packaged goods). This is easy to do in the summer when produce is bountiful in this region - winter will be another story (stay tuned). I tried to do this last week at the local grocery chain and came home with a meagre selection of tomatoes, lettuce and mushrooms. Most other items were imported from far away places. The majority of packaged and canned goods were not local but I tried my hardest to stick to Canadian items such as cheese from Quebec and canned goods from Ontario.


I was completely surprise when I opened the lid of the cooler. For a mere $27, I got the following:



In case you can't see everything, here is a list:

• strawberries
• apples
• cremini mushrooms
• onion
• bunch of beets
• radishes
• lettuce
• zucchini
• cucumber
• rhubarb
• potatoes
• vine tomatoes
• broccoli
• snap peas
• AND, 2 organic chocolate chip cookies that didn't make it past the front porch

I have to say, that is a lot more veggies than we would normally eat in one week so I think I'll be doing some frozen meals or soups. Regardless, I am pleased as punch with this service and blown away by the quality of produce that is grown just down the road. Now I don't have to get up at 7AM on Saturday to go to the Farmer's Market! Homefield Organic Food Co. also delivers a plethora of other items such as dairy, eggs, bread, grains, pasta, cereal and pantry items (sauces, pickles, beans, jams and bulk foods etc.)

Last night, I made a vegetarian "baked surprise" (LOL) that turned out very well. I used my fresh tomatoes and cremini mushrooms (among other things) in that dish. We also had the local potatoes which I roasted with rosemary from my own window-box garden. Fantastic!

Tonight I will bake a strawberry-rhubarb pie and prepare a salad of beets and snap peas. Another post to follow with pics!

Next year we will be buying a share in a local CSA for the summer, but for now the Homefield Organic Food Co. seems to be a sure thing! Look for a similar service in your area!

http://www.homefieldorganics.com/

We are home from vacation - just checking in with some reviews!

I just got back from vacation yesterday so I am still fighting jet-lag and the fact that I am back at work isn't helping. While our vacation was not exactly a culinary adventure (picture a unfamiliar kitchen with no basic supplies in the pantry), we did have a few good meals. The following were notable spots that I recommend.

Coeure D'alene, Idaho - BRIX Restaurant. While most of you will probably never end up in Coeur D'alene, Idaho (one of the most gorgeous places I've ever been) I thought I'd recommend this place anyway! We only came in for a snack and drink but that was enough to let me know this kitchen knows how to cook! Great atmosphere with an open kitchen, exposed brick work, tin ceiling and most unexpected, a piano player. Excellent spot in the bar area to people watch & relax. The menu and other details are here http://www.brixrestaurant.com/restaurant.html.

Seattle, Washington - Serious Pie, a Tom Douglas Restaurant. This place is a cool pizzeria with shared tables, an open kitchen/bakery, friendly wait-staff , reasonable prices and the best pizza I've had in recent years. We shared 2 of the seasonal pies...one featured local morels, arugula pesto, and taula and the other was an unusual combo of penn cove clams, house pancetta, and lemon thyme. The crust is dynamite. Visit all Tom's locations here: http://www.tomdouglas.com/index.html

Seattle, Washington - Savor Seattle Food Tour @ Pike Place Market. In a word, this tour was "delicious". I have never eaten such variety in 2 hours before. Here is a sample of what we had...

The Market entrance...

A huge selection at Piroshky Piroshky

• Alderwood smoked salmon from the famous Pike Place Fish Market.
• Fresh seasonal produce (apples to eggplant)
• Locally-roasted coffee (not Starbucks!) and amazing herbal tea blends
• Cherry-inspired treats and chocolates
• Tom Douglas' coconut cream pie at Etta's
• Russian piroshky pastries from Piroshky Piroshky
• Artisan handmade cheeses from Beecher's
• Nation's best clam chowder (it was!)

• Hot old-fashioned doughnuts

You must go on this tour if you are in Seattle. Reservations are required and you can sign up on their website http://www.savorseattletours.com/pikeplacetour.htm. It is a great way to see the best of the Pike Place Market.

Crab at the famous Pike Place Fish market...

Victoria, B.C. - Lady Marmalade. At first glance this spot looks like a local coffee hangout and not much of an eatery, but this was by far the best breakfast we had the entire trip and probably the best in a few years. The decor looks like your great-gramma's basement but the look is all part of Lady Marmalade's charm. Daily specials change not only daily but hourly. Arrive early so you don't miss out of the offerings. I love their focus on local & organic fare.

The Good Morning Poutine with hollandaise is heavenly. I would eat it every day if I could...The special my husband ordered was a ginger bread chocolate french toast. Unbelievable. Service was fast and with many smiles. Coffee is local and roasted to perfection. I cannot speak to the dinner menu but if it is anything like breakfast you will be in for a treat.

Visit them here http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/.

PS - Looks like a Lady Marmalade will soon be opening in the East (Toronto)!

This is the massive piece of French toast from lady Marmalade.

Victoria, B.C. - Blue Carrot Cafe. This spot has bottomless cups of fair trade, organic coffee and some excellent home-made muffins and other baked goods. 188 Basion Square. Friendly staff.