Those good 'oldies'

I had to laugh when I grabbed my Canadian Living Cookbook (1978 edition) off the shelf - it is split in half and I don't know where the cover disappeared to ... but I know exactly where to find the oatmeal cookie recipe all my guys have enjoyed over the last few years (page 244) - liked with raisins, and loved with chocolate chips.

I'm a Domestic Goddess!

Over the last week have made a batch of Pineapple Chutney - fermented, so good for the belly - and coconut macaroons - also good for the belly! I just love the juicy color of the pineapple; recipe from author of Nourishing Traditions, and the macaroons are from author Nigella Lawson in her book 'How to be a domestic goddess'.

Beauty and Kindness

I came upon this quotation that I wanted to share today -

"How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it!"
- George Elliston

Real Food

Reading both these books about food - one is by the author Bill Phillips (of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Body for Life) with a book titled 'Eating for Life'. I can not believe the foods he recommends in this book, from sugar free jello puddings and soy protein powders to sugar substitutes such as Splenda. He focuses mostly on fat-free foods and products that substitute for sugar.

On the other hand, author Nina Planck of the book 'Real Food' highly recommends you eat your foods the way your grandmother prepared them - with the skin, cream, butter. She focuses on traditional foods and how they are healthy for you. I just started reviewing this book and got so hungry for a 'real' egg, that I picked up a few dozen free-range eggs from my local farmer - can hardly wait until we have our own girls in the back!

Crispy Fall air and Crunchy apples

With the leaves changing colour and the temperature dropping, I get the urge to cook and bake up something new - lucky me, found this cookbook at the library by Rose Murray 'A Year in My Kitchen'. The book is divided by seasons so new Fall recipes I will try this week include Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables and Apple Crisp!.

Hardworking guys and a Happy Mom

When I see the work all the guys are putting into the workshop, I feel as happy as this sunflower - a healthy treat to keep them happy would be something topped perhaps with a touch of chocolate -
Blend 1 cup of low-fat vanilla yogurt, 2 TBS honey, and 1/2 tsp. almond extract in small bowl until mixture is smooth. Divide this mixture into two dessert dishes - make sure they are equal! Place raspberries on top, garnish with 1 TBS sliced almonds, and some grated dark chocolate.

I have a thing for beans...

and the colour orange lately - lucky me, found a three-bean salad recipe in the Alive magazine with three types of beans and mandarin oranges:
In large bowl, mix 1 can navy beans, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can chickpeas (drained & rinsed), 4 plum tomatoes (I will use my garden cherry tomatoes), 1 can mandarins (drained), 2 celery stalks (sliced thinly), 1/2 red onion (chopped fine), and 1 cup curly parsley (chopped). For dressing, whisk together 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp. agave syrup, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, and salt & pepper to taste. Add and mix dressing to beans, may drizzle with lime juice. Chill in fridge 2 hours - It would be nice to add to healthy lunches the following day!