I try hard to participate in Meatless Mondays and thought I would share what I made last week. This plate contains; arugula salad with shaved parmesan and tomatoes, wilted spinach, and cucumber noodles topped with sesame seeds. Not bad for Meatless Monday eh?

This meal should be called: Three Shades of Green!!

An hour later, I had a “not-so-healthy” moment as I had discovered a recipe on Pinterest (click on the link to see my Food Board. Hint)  that I always wanted to try: Banana Fritters.

Before I knew it, I was whipping up dry ingredients and mixing them into the wet ingredients. Then I was DEEP FRYING. I even brought out a thermometer to make sure the oil was hot enough!

Here’s the recipe for this super easy but not-so-healthy-dessert:

Banana Fritters (recipe courtesy of OMG Chocolate Desserts)

Ingredients

Approximately 4 large bananas

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup sugar

Pinch of salt

1 cup plain greek yogurt

1 egg white

Vegetable oil for frying

Powdered sugar for dusting…(I used cinnamon)

Instructions

1. Peel bananas and cut into 1.5 inch long pieces .
2. In a bowl mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cinnamon.
3. Add egg white and yogurt into dry ingredients and stir well with a wooden spoon until it’s smooth.
4. Heat about 2 inch oil in a frying pan.( Be careful not to over heat the oil or the fritters will be too brown, it should be about 350F). This is an important step!!
5. Using a fork dip each banana slice into to batter to coat it well and transfer it into oil and fry until it’s golden brown. Work in small batches because you have to work fast. (agreed – I had to work fast. Do not answer the phone or do anything else)
6. Remove fried fritters to a paper towel lined plate to drain .
7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve

Happy Meatless Monday Everyone!!

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Oats & Ivy has you covered when it comes to health food and convenience!! They know that their customers have busy lives and have limited time to prepare healthy food, so they take care of that for you. Sweet eh?

It’s easy to find Oats & Ivy due to the bike cart (which is sponsored by Thorium Power Canada) that was located right in front of this take out kitchen and juice bar!

They take their cooking very (very) seriously and make everything from scratch. That’s right – the almond milk is made fresh daily and they even ferment their own sriracha. Their menu includes sandwiches, soups, lunch boxes and treats.

I’m impressed with this statement that I found on their well-designed website : “Quality is king in our kitchen! From free-run eggs to organic apples, grass-fed whey protein to hand-harvested sea salt, fair-trade coffee beans to compostable packaging. We use the best because you deserve the best!”

At the media event, we made delicious egg free, dairy free and wheat free cookies. If you want the recipe, please ask!! Happy to share.

Hope you get a chance to visit Oat & Ivy in the near future.

For more Information:

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Today, Aroma Espresso Bar introduced a nutritious AND delicious new salad made with Freekeh!

I had never heard of this  ancient Middle Eastern grain before but rumour has it that its the next trendy superfood. This salad will now be available to health-conscious consumers as new salad at aroma espresso bar.

I had the chance to try it last week and I loved it. Then again, I love all the salads at Aroma! This particular salad agreed with me, due to the lemony dressing and the dollop of labneh cheese with za’atar sprinkled on top. Other ingredients in this salad include: black quinoa, and brown rice blended with organic baby kale, tomato, cucumber, carrot, pickle, red onion, and parsley!

“The 28 aroma espresso bar locations across Toronto and GTA stores are the first among the global chain’s 165 locations to carry the signature salad, which could be adapted in other countries based on Torontonian’s reactions. #verykewl

Freekeh Facts:

• A flavourful ancient whole grain used for centuries throughout the Middle East, freekeh is made from fire-roasted wheatberries
• The word freekeh comes from the Arabic faraka referring to the wheat-roasting process
• High in protein
• High in calcium
• High in wholegrain fibre (up to four times the fibre of brown rice)
• Low glycemic index
• Rich in probiotic properties
• Low in carbohydrates
• Slightly sweet, nutty taste
• Vegetarian
• Kosher
• Not gluten-free

Hope you get a chance to try it soon. I have no doubt that this new salad is going to be a hit with their customers.

For more information:

Website: www.aroma.ca

Twitter: @aromaespresso

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AromaCanada

Disclosure: I was invited to a media event however all opinions are my own

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For many years, every time I travelled to Ottawa we would stop at SUBWAY for lunch in Kingston. It was right off the highway and offered us a quick and healthy meal.

My relationship with SUBWAY continued as I recently turned 50 and served my guests a 6 ft subway. It was a HUGE hit with my guests (sorry..couldn’t resist the joke). Take a peek at this enormous box that it’s packed in!!

Not sure if you know this, but there’s a Build a Winner contest that is taking place now, that invites SUBWAY Canada fans on Facebook to build out their unique sandwich combination!

There’s weekly draws for a $100 SUBWAY cash card, and a grand prize of $1000 up for grabs.
Please click on this link for further information http://bit.ly/1Gbmdzx.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SubwayCanada

Twitter: @SubwayCanada

Hashtag; #BuildAWinner

Hope you get a chance to enter this contest soon as the contest ends May 31st, 2015!!

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored however all my opinions are my own

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If you asked me “what is my definition of a healthy meal?”…this is how I would reply.

The meal would consist of fruit, veggies, protein and some carbs.  Now how would I ensure that these meals would appeal to kids?  Let’s see…here’s a few TIPS.

a) Make sure that the meal is colourful.  It’s funny how presentation can go  along way!

b) A deconstructed salad (see photo) is a great way for your kids to choose what THEY like. This is perfect for those families where one child doesn’t like tomatoes and the other child does. (you know exactly what I mean..LOL).

c) Have fun with your food! Again – presentation goes a long way. This is a photo of a homemade healthy pancake with just a touch of Nutella.

d) Invest in a Spiralizer and turn boring vegetables into FUN vegetables. Trust me – this works!!

To ensure that I stay within my budget, I always shop at No Frills so I can get the best prices and take advantage of using my PC Points.  I signed up for the PC app when I attended the launch of the PC Plus program back in May 2013. I’ve been a faithful user ever since. In fact I’m pretty sure I was downloading the app while Kathy Buckworth was talking about it at the launch. (yup – I’m an eager beaver when it comes to saving $$)

There is no doubt that making healthy meals is important to me and it’s also important to me that I spend my money wisely. No question that the PC Plus program and No Frills helps me obtain my goals.

For more information:

No Frills: www.pcplus.ca

Instagram: #PCPlus

Disclosure: I am blogger participating in a program with No Frills. I have received compensation for this blog post however all opinions are my own.

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There are some people who have 3 complete meals and never snack and there’s other people who have 3 meals and snack throughout the day.  I fit into the latter category.

So when I’m shopping at No Frills, I’m always on the hunt for ingredients for my meals AND my snacks. Not sure if you know this but PC Plus is now available at No Frills (hooray).

In the event you are wondering what’s PC Plus..…here’s your answer: It rewards customers with points toward dollars off your grocery bill. I don’t know about you…but I ALWAYS want to save money on my grocery bills. ALWAYS.

I now have the PC Plus app so it’s super easy for me to see weekly offers and to continue to save money. A Win Win if you ask me!

Here’s what I usually find myself snacking on: 

1. PC GREEK YOGOURT: I usually add some berries (raspberries, blueberries or blackberries) and before you know it …I’ve got myself a nice healthy snack that fills me up. Note: When those berries are out of season, I will use frozen berries.

2. SLICED TOMATOES:  One tomato goes along way. Sometimes I add some avocado on top and other times I add cheese. The end result is a healthy snack that looks oh-so-pretty! (don’t you think?)

3. SOUP: I know it seems weird but I adore soup and often find myself having a bowl in the middle of the day. It fills me up and it’s not expensive to make at all. Last week I noticed that canned tomatoes were on sale.  Naturally I ran home and made some soup: 1 tin of tomatoes, added 1/2 a boiled potato, a bit of fried onion and whizzed it up in my beloved Blendtec with some water. I had 4 cups of soup for less than $1.50 TOTAL.

4. Popcorn: To be perfectly honest…I want to snack on chips but it’s really not healthy for you. ARGHH. However popcorn isn’t a bad option. Therefore popcorn (air popped) has become a great alternative that in my opinion is “cheap and cheerful”.

None of the above snacks hurt my bank account and are pretty healthy…wouldn’t you agree?

I really wish I was one of those people that didn’t snack as much but I do. I try to be mindful to make sure that I’m not snacking cause I’m bored but that’s a whole separate blog post!!

The good news: No Frills and PC Plus…. helps me find the right snacks at the right prices! YAY PC Plus points…I love collecting them and love redeeming them too!

Hope you get a chance to sign up for PC plus soon. It’s easy and rewarding…what more could you ask for?

For more information:

Website: www.pcplus.ca

Twitter; #PCPlus

Disclosure: I am a blogger who is participating in a PC Plus No Frills program and have received compensation for my participation. However all opinions are my own.

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Out of nowhere…I’m noticing a lot of Cauliflower recipes. I strongly believe that Cauliflower is the new Kale!! I’ve noticed on Facebook this week, not just one cauliflower  recipe but two.

For some reason, I’m wired to try new recipes..so I did. I liked the fact that I didn’t have to chop anything AND it was uber healthy. Not to mention pretty too!

Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

SPICY WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER (from www.purewow.com)

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Back in November I was invited by the workshop leaders of Love Thy Carrot, to attend a Healthy Desserts Cooking Workshop. I should mention that it also said that “all workshops are dairy free, gluten free and sugar free.

I was intrigued seeing as my desserts are all about butter, sugar and flour. Repeat – all about butter, sugar and flour!! OK…throw in some chocolate too!!

How did I meet Love Thy Carrot? Well I was introduced to Love Thy Carrot by  The Bumpercrop a few years ago and have been following her blog for at least a year. I was delighted to hear that she branched out and was teaching workshops too! The workshops are taught by Marla – who is passionate about leading a healthier lifestyle and Karen, who is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

During the class we learned how to make an amazing Black Bean Brownie – which I will definitely be making again. That’s how good it was!

We also learned how to make Chia Pudding with a Maple Glazed Coconut Crunch.

Plus we learned how to make Buckwheat Pancakes with Caramelized Pears. These pancakes are way healthier than the pancakes that I make with regular flour!!

The workshop was informal but informative and included a wonderful handout at the end of the class so that I could go home and recreate these amazing dishes. Not to mention that Marla took the time to talk to us about her favorite kitchen appliances and motivated me to go purchase a Vegetable Spiralizer. (which I’m loving). I also loved that she included the basic essentials regarding what a healthy pantry should include!! (note to self: pick up agave)

Upcoming workshops include: One Pot Winners to Warm  the Winter Soul (Wednesday, February 5, 6:30PM – 8:30PM and Thursday, February 27, 11am -1:30PM

and Vegan Comfort Food (Feb 13 from 11 to 1:30 pm). Note: Each workshop costs $80.

Please don’t forgot to check out Love Thy Carrots amazing blog as well. I’m a huge fan of her photography and her content!

For more information:

Love Thy Carrot,

Email: marla@simplexity.ca

Twitter: @LoveThyCarrot

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Believe it or not, I occasionally use a few recipes from selected cookbooks that I still own. One such recipe is called “Spiced Bulghur Pilaf with Nuts and Raisins” from a cookbook called Gourmet Vegetarian Feasts by Martha Rose Shulman that was published in 1987!!

This side dish is full of flavour, simple to make and a nice alternative to rice or potatoes. The only issue you might have with this dish – is that you don’t have all the ingredients. I solved this problem with a quick trip to my local bulk store. I ONLY bought 2 tablespoons of what I needed and the one cup of bulghur that was required. Smart move, eh?

Please note: this dish will be that much better if you use fresh ginger and not powdered ginger!

Spiced Bulghur Pilaf with Nuts and Raisins.

INGREDIENTS.

1 cups of bulghar

1 tablespoons of vegetable oil

2 tablespoons slivered almonds

2 tablespoons of cashews

2 tablespoons of pine nuts

5 tablespoons of raisins

1/2 tsp of cumin

1/2 teaspoon cardammon

1 small onion, minced thin

1 clove garlic, minced

1 inch piece of FRESH ginger, grated

3 cups of water

salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a saucepan or a frying pan and saute the onions.

2. Heat another frying pan and saute the cashews, pine nuts and almonds till fragrant and slightly brown. 

3. Add the sauteed onions to the nuts and then add the raisins, cumin,cardamon, and ginger,

4. Add the bulghur and stir together. Then add the water. Bring to a boil, add salt to taste and COVER WITH A LID. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and the bulghur is tender.

5. FINAL PRODUCT

Happy Cooking!

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I did it. I purchased a Blentec and I totally blame Costco for this. I kept passing that demo lady and just couldn’t resist.

My life for the last 3 days hasn’t been the same. I’m too excited for words that I’m now a proud owner of a Blendtec. I’m enjoying a lot of smoothies at the moment but my intention is to be making soups with it.

Blueberry Smoothie

Kale/Spinach/Avocado Smoothie

Things I’m loving about the Blendtec:

-I love the timer feature as I no longer  need to guess what 90 seconds is.

-I love the easy to clean wide pitcher

-I love that it pulverizes everything

Things I’m not enjoying:

-it sounds like a 747 airplane

-I still have to cook my soup. I thought I cook just add raw vegetables and some stock and make a quick soup – WRONG. You really need to brown the onions.

-my freezer has no space as I bought these huge bags of frozen fruit from Costco.

It was an investment to purchase this Blendtec but I think it was a wise one.

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