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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Many years ago, my friend use to invite guests over on a Sunday afternoon for “tea”. It was a nice way to end a Sunday afternoon, and we always met new people without the formality of a sit down dinner.

I decided after writing my blog post about my china collection, that it was time for me to host my own tea party and to actually use my china and not just stare at it in the cupboard!!

Here’s some tips how to host a tea party:

1. I invited 10 woman from 3-5 p.m.

2. I set the table with china cups and saucers. (my favorite part)

Love Setting a Table

3. I served: orange almond scones (recipe to follow in another blog), fruit, a cheese platter, party sandwiches, and of course tea!! It was just the right amount of food.

4. As for the tea: I was SO lucky to have met a tea sommelier a year ago at a food show and she graciously brought her collection of tea and actually educated my guests about tea. My guests enjoyed her line of Tea and All its Splendour plus Sloane tea as well!! I brought out the new Perk Tetley Tea (with added cafferine) as well but no one seemed to want to try it. (sniff)  No question, my guests did not leave thirsty and they left inspired too.

Raelene with her line of Tea and All its Splendour

5. Raelene (Tea and All Its Splendour) even brought the right tea kettle so that the water could be boiled at the correct temperature!! I was so impressed.

I’m not kidding, my tea party would not have been the same without her presence. Full Disclosure; I did not know how to make loose leaf tea till this tea party…she saved me!!

It was a great afternoon and I’m sure I will do it again…now that I know how to make tea!!

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