Ever wonder what it would be like to up and leave your life as you know it and become a famous chef? Abandon your mundane everyday routine to toil your way to the top in pressure-cooker kitchens run by explosive geniuses prone to tossing your hard work in the trash at the mere hint of imperfection? Sounds dangerous and exciting, but who really wants to take the leap?
If we are told to limit our intake of saturated fat, but increase our intake of coconut (which contains saturated fat), how does this make any sense? Is coconut good for us or not? Coconut is in fact a nutritious superfood that is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It's incredibly healthy, nourishing and versatile.
As one of the most consumed ingredients on the planet the potato can be used in an endless amount of dishes and literally enjoyed all year 'round. Sometimes the vast amount of varieties can seem daunting. When faced with hundreds of choices, which to choose? Here's a fool-proof guide to deciphering the qualities of these types so you'll be a potato-pro during your next trip to the supermarket!
In terms of oils, most health conscious consumers are on board with the notion, "canola and vegetable bad, extra virgin olive and coconut good." It seems like there are new varietals hitting the shelves everyday -- flavoured oils are hot right now -- but here's the rundown on a few you might want to consider adding to your pantry.
When times get tough, the tough get...protein. Well, I do anyway. Protein-packed, blood sugar stabilizing snacks at the ready to power me through long days or hard-core workouts. And these little bites should preferably have the ability to be prepared well ahead of time and frozen, or be whipped up in an emergency energy situation with ingredients that I often have on hand.
This day and age, the Mason jar is considered more as a heritage piece. Though still used by some for holding and preserving jams, spreads, vegetables and other stored foods, a trend has arisen that sees the jar in a whole new light. It can serve as an aesthetically appealing container for food storage. a creative object for entertainment purposes, a component to DIY projects and even as a glass for artistically presented beverage displays. The options are literally endless!
It's soup season! I love me a warm bowl of roast veggie soup in the fall. I have been on the hunt for a low-sodium, MSG-free vegan broth for ages, and have not been satisfied with the flavour, cost, and ingredient list on many products currently out on store shelves. So I decided it was time to improvise. This is tasty as a base for soup, but can also serve as a great flavour base for cooking rice and other grains, and for de-glazing any dish you are sautéing up on the stovetop!
Against the advice of our local guide in Bangladesh I tried this dish from a street food vendor. The dish is called Jhalmuri -- pronounced Chahl Mooree. It is Indian Puffed Rice and is a fun, very quick and very flavourful snack food. This dish is a great snack for football season and to spice things up for the chilly weather we are experiencing now in Canada. This recipe is my best attempt at trying to duplicate what I had on the streets of Dhaka.
My love affair with crispy, buttery, ridiculously-easy-to-make shortbread is fairly recent. It's probably only in the last year that I've discovered how fast these little cookies come together and how fun it is to play around with different flavours. After only 10 minutes of baking I had rosemary shortbread that I could snack on guilt-free (well... considering how many I've eaten I'm not sure that it counts as guilt-free any more).
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Having everyone over in the comfort of your home will ensure that you know exactly what is on the menu! This way you can plan a diverse meal that is hearty, healthy and delicious! Tell people what to bring, prepare food together or make it all yourself! Whatever works for you, make it happen and enjoy the perfect balanced holiday meal!