Willow Creek Organic Oat Bran ++

Don't you love the name?  I do - it conjures up wholesome prairie days of long ago.  I also love it when I find organic products from our next door neighbor - Saskatchewan! Watson, Saskatchewan to be exact. They're busy there growing all kinds of beautiful, healthy organic foods that are good for the land and good for our body.  One of my favorite past recipes is my Gluten Free Oat Bran Muffins that I just don't tire of. Still enjoy them even after the 50th batch (possibly more)! These are so versatile - I just tried a carrot/raisin combo this week and I'm hooked! Hooked on trying as many other combinations as possible too!  I purchased some ripe, juicy, and delectable strawberries for my next batch and will post pictures of all as I try them out.  Here's the carrot raisin one:

Check out their website and sign up for their weekly free recipes delivered to your e-mail box. Great organic products priced right for what you are getting!

Here's a pic of a quick cold salad I made using GF rice noodles and garbanzo beans - a delicious and filling GF/Vegan food item for your summer picnics. I added a few tablespoons of super quick homemade salad dressing (olives, tomatoes, olive oil, ketchup, garlic powder) and some finely grated carrots for extra yumminess!

Spring Storm on the Prairies and Prunes!

It's a crazy day on the prairies here in Alberta! Yesterday I was listening to the happy whirl from my neighbor's leaf blower as he cleaned up his yard! Right now I'm listening to the heavy sounds from his snow blower as he tries to plow through the slush and snow! Take a look at the above photo that I snapped 2 hours ago from my front door - UGH!  Especially cruel, in light of the fact, that the day before I was happily sitting on my front porch feeling loved by the beautiful rays of sunshine engulfing my poor pallid body!

The only thing I would really really love to do on a day like today is to go bake a batch of cookies but I must resist!  The cookie monster in me needs to be tamed but it's not easy.  I went to the kitchen in search of something - anything and lo and behold I came up with a jar of PC brand Organic prunes!  I had bought them to keep on hand for adding to muffins but I was feeling rather desperate!  I opened the jar and started spooning it into my mouth! Was I ever surprised - this was seriously like candy in a jar! It says for 6+ months so that definitely applies to me :O) I had to read the label because I thought perhaps they had added a lot of sugar - it's that deliciously sweet!!Much to my surprise there are only three ingredients - water, organic prunes and ascorbic acid.  Went to the PC website to check out the reviews and I see that I in good company amongst those who love this product. I thank mother nature and President's Choice for a divine and natural treat! I'll be picking up a whole lot more of these to keep on hand - for baking, babies and me :O)

GF Banana Mini-Chocolate Chip Muffins

What else can you do when faced with 3 very ripe bananas? There's no choice but to whip up a batch of muffins and since my nephew Austin has decided to go gluten free I thought I'd create a "new GF" recipe for his files! I also had a bag of  "Only Oats Pancake Mix" in the cupboard so thought I'd use a bit of that as well.

Here's what I decided to go with and I have to say they turned out a-okay! I'll be making them again when faced with the blackened bananas that have no future left other than getting baked! In fact with how tasty these turned out I'm looking forward to some overripe bananas soon! Quick and easy to make - even with a 4 year old helper at your side!

Dry Ingredients:
1/3 cup Only Oats Pancake Mix
1 cup of  *gluten free flour mixture*
1/2 cup organic brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:
3 very ripe bananas
4 tablespoons soy milk
4 tablespoons juice
3 tablespoons organic canola oil

Sift the dry ingredients through a sieve into a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Whirl the wet ingredients together in a blender.  Pour wet into dry - blend together.  Measure 1/4 cup batter into lined or oiled muffin cups. Bake at 375 for about 16-18 minutes.

*Gluten-free flour mixture: 2-3/4 cups organic brown rice flour, 1/2 cup tapioca starch plus 1/4 cup Almond Meal flour. This makes 3-1/2 cups gluten-free flour.*

Conscious Foods Summit - Feb.25-26th

I received the following e-mail this morning and I'd like to share the information with others as it sounds like a exciting way to learn more via webcast:

"In college, I read a book called Diet for a New America which gave me a potent wake-up call, showing me how the foods I ate were contributing to suffering and environmental destruction. It led to immediate and profound shifts for me - and better health!

Our growing awareness of food - what's in it, where it comes from and how its produced or grown - is part of the higher consciousness that is beginning to express itself through us. 

What could be more essential to our personal and planetary vitality than the nourishment we put in our bodies and the crops we sow in our Earth? 

Conscious foods and nutrition is a big topic, and it can be difficult to know where to find the latest insights and information. That's what our upcomingConscious Foods Summit is all about, and it's happening THIS WEEKEND, February 25-26th. 

Get all the details and register for FREE here:http://consciousfoodssummit.com 

Over these two days, you'll learn all about the most vitalizing foods for your body, mind and spirit; plus food-buying practices that promote economic justice and sustainability throughout the world. 

Join us and you'll discover:

• Easy-to-follow nutritional programs that can optimize your wellness
• The best nutrition for your personality type
• Foods that help prevent cancer and other diseases, while enhancing your body's systems
• New ways of eating that are in alignment with your spiritual values
• The best foods for your body, health state and lifestyle, including the latest raw food and super food nutritional programs
• Healthy foods that do your body and the planet good.

The expert panelists at the Conscious Foods Summit will also address individual, community, national and global benefits of eating organic and locally grown food. You'll hear from top nutrition leaders such as: 

Bo Rinaldi: Cofounder of VeganFusion Cuisine, a pioneer of the organic food movement and the best-selling coauthor of Vegan Fusion World Cuisine, The Complete Idiot's Guide To Eating Raw and other books. 

Steven Prussack: Host of Raw Vegan Radio and a nutrition expert with a focus on foods that advance personal and global transformation. 

Kris Carr: Self-described "wellness warrior" and NYT's bestselling author of Crazy Sexy Diet, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor and Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips. 

Charlotte Gerson: Founder of the Gerson Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing and preventing chronic and degenerative diseases, based on the work of Dr. Max Gerson. 

Dr. Will Tuttle: Author of The World Peace Diet, Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony, recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award and a former Zen monk. 

Jill Nussinow: Vegetarian, vegetable and plant-food expert and author ofThe Veggie Queen: Vegetables Get the Royal Treatment and Pressure Cooking: A Fresh Look, Delicious Dishes in Minutes. 

...And many other speakers who'll open your eyes to more conscious foods and nutrition! 

Many of us try to eat locally grown and organic foods, nourishing our bodies to prevent disease and build vitality, so that we can show up fully in our own lives, for our loved ones and our communities. But our choices about the food we grow, buy and eat can have a global impact as well. 

You'll expand your knowledge - and your choices- at the Conscious Foods Summit. 

Register here: http://consciousfoodssummit.com 

Don't miss one of the last summits of our extremely popular Winter of Wellness season. Even if you can't make many of the live calls this weekend, you can still register and you'll have access to the recordings that you can listen to during the replay window. 

Do join us at the "table" and satisfy your hunger for your healthiest, most vibrant self! Free registration here: http://consciousfoodssummit.com

In spirit, Stephen Dinan founder, The Shift Network"

MEET YOUR MEATLESS MATE

Well with Valentine's Day coming up shortly I thought I'd give you all the heads up (well those age 20-35) about an event hosted by Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta.  "Meet Your Meatless Mate" is scheduled for February 9th!  Act quickly - registration closes February 4th! Register for it at info@vofa.ca or directly through Noorish Cafe. You are able to pay for your enrollment online. You must pre-register to participate. It's a good opportunity to check out not only the local singles scene but also the Noorish Cafe  as that is the meet up location for this event. Drinks, tasty treats and conversation - $20.

And for the rest of us that don't fall into the above age range well how about we just go check it out whenever!  Open every day except for Mondays. I love their full name - says it all:  Noorish Conscious Eatery and Superfood Elixir Bar ( 8440 - 109th Street). They  offer a whole lot more than just wholesome food:  Cafe - Retail - Teaching Kitchen - Yoga  -Meditation.  Do check out their website - there is too much to list here.

Handmade Vegan Chocolates by:  The Chocolate Doctors

If you're looking for vegan peanut butter cups (and who isn't?) check out The Chocolate Doctors. I adore peanut butter anything!  Of course - I'm always willing to experiment - especially if it involves chocolate. Take a look at this special chocolate that they are offering for Valentine's Day - sounds divine!

"Try our new Mayan Spice Chocolate just in time for Valentine’s Day. It's filled with a chocolately caramel-like filling with a hint of cinnamon and cayenne."

You can find them at the Alberta Avenue Farmer's Market on Thursday nights from 5-8 p.m.  And if you really need another reason to visit Noorish Cafe this clinches the deal!  Apparently they do stock their chocolates there as well -- got the following little tweet from their website:
"Making chocolate all day today! Stocking up the fridge at Noorish with all 3 box sizes!"
They are also willing to cold ship to several major cities in Canada:
Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto.

Vegetarian Tastes of Toronto

The recipe book pictured above is pretty self-explanatory -- it's a collection of recipes put together by the Toronto Vegetarian Association.  It was published in 1996 and contains my favorite pate recipe of all time which I've written about previously and you can find all that here.  Anyhow the point of today's post is to ask if anyone out there knows of anyone who might have a copy they're willing to part with.  A reader is looking to replace his copy which was lent out and never returned. I have to agree - overall it's an awesome collection of great vegan recipes.

I'm glad he asked me about it because I had it tucked away in a box and had to hunt a little as I have quite a few corners in my house with boxes - which I should label but unfortunately I'm not always super organized. I'm getting better.  The last few boxes I put away I did put big bold labels on them so I know exactly what's in them.  I know -- if you have stuff in boxes do you really need it??  Most likely not that bad but for now I'm not willing to part with some things.  Don't get me wrong - I do let go of stuff -- in fact I hit up Goodwill yesterday and dropped off two bags of stuff so I'm not an all out hoarder or anything!

And did I come back with a little bit of stuff?  I sure did!  But I restrained myself - I was happily filling my cart but sat down - took a deep breath and after some deliberation returned several items. I came home with 3 beautiful balls of  yarn (which will be used to make my beloved African Comfort Dolls which are donated to Icross Canada) and a book for my daughter Nicole - 7000 most loved quotations. She loves quotations...there's hardly a day that goes by that she doesn't put one out there so you can see it was a very necessary item and will be well used.  I also bought a box of  sparkly beads which will  be used on some future comfort dolls and that was it. If you ever have a few spare dollars to donate I would really recommend keeping Icross in mind - they help the poorest of the poor and it's 100% volunteer run.

Below are two sample pages from the cookbook.  I've always wanted to make the quiche one but never have yet!  I love red lentils and it sounds delish!  It would make a great Valentine's Day recipe - made with red colored lentils and good for the heart.

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Rice Rusks & Fontaine Sante Hummus

Crispy yet soft rice rusks are specifically geared towards toddlers but perfect for anybody looking for a nice light gluten free cracker that lends itself well to almost any topping!  I've been using them for a snack anytime I don't feel like racking up a bunch of calories and yet want a little something.  The size and shape makes them perfect for dipping.  Of course hummus is always my number one go-to-dip and if you're not feeling like making it yourself - Costco is carrying a Canadian made brand - Fontaine Sante that is creamy and not over garlicky! But maybe I'm getting immune to garlic so perhaps I might be a poor judge on this one.

It's a little thinner than my homemade hummus and those you typically buy - you can see difference in texture by checking out photos below -- that will give you an idea. Homemade hummus is pictured with the baby mum mum and fontaine sante is in container. However don't let that deter you -- it's really really good and it made a "hummus convert" out of my husband who formerly wouldn't touch it! Voted Number #1 dip by Canadian Consumers - my husband would agree.

President's Choice offers an organic brand of rice rusks and so does Baby Mum Mum - price difference is $1 with PC coming in lower at $2.99 for a box.  They taste identical so whichever is more convenient to pick up will do the trick. I also like them with raspberry jam and my 4 year old grandson loves to dip them in peanut butter. Like I said they go with everything and with gluten free becoming more and more necessary for so many people I'm all for keeping such items on hand to use as an alternative to wheat based products.