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.

 

 

Many years ago, I was making pancakes and realized that I didn’t have any maple syrup in the fridge. I then had a “MacGyver Moment” and pulled out three ingredients that would replace the need for maple syrup: a banana, some brown sugar and butter.

Not only did it work, but I swear this sauce has totally replaced the need to have Maple Syrup in my fridge.

Ingredients:

one banana

1/4 cup brown sugar

2-3 tablespoons butter

cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt the butter and the brown sugar.

2. Add the sliced banana. *the hotter the pan…..the better, so take your time to ensure that everything will caramelize  (this is a good thing!!)

FINAL PRODUCT

Sprinkle with cinnamon if you want!!

I serve this sauce with french toast or pancakes and without fail it’s always a hit.

Happy Cooking.

My weekend was indeed full of amazing adventures. That’s what’s life is all about, non?

It started off on Saturday morning, with a trip to Bruce’s Mill Conservation area for some amazing pancakes with maple syrup and a short hike. I’ve been participating in maple syrup festival since I was a child and it’s one of my favorite Spring time activities. The Maple Syrup Festival continues till April 7th. Advice: wear snowboots or rain boots

On Sunday morning, I went to check out The Big Cannoli for their famous fresh filled cannoli. I found out about this place from @ali_bidabadi who tweets about this place, practivally every Saturday morning (along with photos of the cannoli). After reading these tweets, I knew that I wanted to drive to Woodbridge one Sunday morning to check it out! Ali knows his cannoli – this place is da best.

On Sunday afternoon, I went to the Firkin to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I was looking for a mid town bar that served Molson 67 and the Firkin is the answer! Believe it or not this was my first time having a green beer. Sadly I didn’t discover that they served Deep Fried Pickles till I was on my way out. (how did I miss that on the menu?) Looks like I will need to return!

For more information:

Bruce’s Mill Conservation area 3291 Stouffville Road,  Stouffville ON (905) 887-5531

The Big Cannoli, 28 Roytec Road Unit 11 (905) 850 6699

Quail & Firkin, 1055 Yonge St. (416) 962 0782

Temperatures have been skyrocketing and there is no better way to take advantage of these warm temperatures than to visit the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. I have been going to a maple syrup festival since I was a kid and have continued the tradition. (I’m now just a big kid). This weekend, Toronto will see WARM temperatures once again…so why not take a drive out of the city.

I swear, in no time at all (i.e 20 minutes with no traffic) you can be at either Kortright Centre or Bruce’s Mills Conservation area to enjoy pancakes, a nature walk, bird watching, maple syrup, and wagon rides.

Things I have learned over the years:

a) go early to avoid line ups. Seriously.

b) wear rainboots. I can assure you that it will be muddy

c) visit with an empty stomach. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to eat pancakes at these festivals (see the photo of the pancakes on the top left? do I need to explain?)

d) take advantage of the wagon rides (like I said, I’m a big kid).

e) bring a camera and take pictures of the great outdoors.

What a great way to TAP into Spring !! (I stole this line from the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority – they should get the credit).

P.S the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival takes place this year from March 3 to April 9th.

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Rd, Stouffville ON (3 kms east of Highway 404)

Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan ON (south of Major Mackenzie Drive)

What do you prefer……pancakes or french toast? It’s a hard question, don’t you think?  I don’t even know the answer to this question..I truly like both. I posted this question on twitter tonite and here’s the results: 8 people preferred french toast and 3 people preferred pancakes. Good thing this blog post is about French Toast!!

A few months ago, I came across a recipe called CRUNCHY FRENCH TOAST and I thought that it would be fun to try, seeing as I make the same type of  french toast ALL THE TIME.

The recipe is from a cookbook called Bubbies Brunch Cookbook by Ron Silver.  I only tried this recipe once but I would certainly like to try more from this cookbook. i.e Banana Walnut Pancakes. YUM.

Here’s what you need:

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups crushed cornflakes

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons sugar

4 extra large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

pinch of salt

8 thick slices of bread

butter for the griddle (or skillet)

METHOD:

1. Crush the cornflakes (I simply used my hands).

2. Mix the crushed cornflakes,1/4 tsp cinnamon and the sugar and put on a plate

3. Whisk or use a mixer and beat the eggs until frothy. Add the buttermilk, brown sugar, salt. 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Beat for another minute.

4. Dip the slices one at a time into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides.

5. Carefully place the slice onto a griddle or a skillet on medium heat. Flip over after to 2-3 minutes.

FINAL RESULT:

I think you will agree with me, that this is delicious. The addition of the crushed cornflakes really kicks it up a notch. I certainly know that I will be using this recipe again.

So, back to the original question: French Toast or Pancakes?

Can’t wait to hear your answers.

Here’s three things to do this weekend:

a) Visit Maple Towne at Mountsberg Conservation. Hint: go as early as you can. I’ve been going for years and it’s one of my fav. activities. Spring wouldnt be the same without pancakes and maple syrup at a conservation area. If you don’t have a chance to go – I hear from @hypnoflair that Bisquick makes a mean pancake.

b) Visit the One of A Kind Spring Show and Sale at the Direct Energy Centre (March 30 to April 3rd). I went yesterday to the show and discovered a new food product. Does this surprise  you?  It looks like a candy apple but it’s not…it’s gourmet cheesecake on a stick and then rolled in a topping (over 15 different types). YUM. Hot Lollies are located in aisle C – Booth 38.

c) Visit Yorkdale. Thomas Sabo is opening his Ontario Flagship Store at Yorkdale on April 1st and this is amazing news. I own a little red heart necklace and everytime I wear it, I get tons of compliments.

d) Organize your cupboards..Just Kidding.

Enjoy your weekend. It’s going to be nice and sunny in Toronto …so celebrate.

I have been using the same pancake recipe for a long long time and everyone has been happy.

But last weekend, I was in Ottawa at the Landsdowne Farmers Market and came across a vendor (Castor River Farms) selling oats, oat flour, and other grains. I stopped and noticed a recipe for oatmeal pancakes. I was intrigued so I purchased oats and the oat flour that I needed for the recipe.

I returned home and made the oatmeal pancakes for dinner. Actually I made two batches. One batch was made with the FRESH oats from the vendor at the farmers market and one batch was made with the Quaker Oats bag from my pantry.

I asked three people to tell me which one was the one with the FRESH OATS…two out of three got it right.The texture was chewier, the pancake was denser and all in all it was better tasting pancake.

I love taste tests…we have compared real oreos vs. fake oreos, organic milk vs. non organic milk and now the oatmeal pancakes. The kids think I’m nuts. (but in a good way).

Here’s the recipe for Oatmeal Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups of freshly rolled oats

2 cups of milk (dairy, soy or almond)

1 cup oat flour

1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp baking powder

1 egg, beaten

1/4 oil

Let oats and milk sit for at least 10 minutes. Mix ingredients 3-7 together, then add to oatmeal mixture. Add egg and oil and mix well. Makes 10-12 pancakes. Note: They are very filling

This recipe is from Castor River Farms, 2696 9th Line road, Metcalfe.

They are a regular vendor at the Ottawa Landsdowne Farmers Market where I will be returning, to buy more oats!!

Happy Pancakes!!