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India – Part Two – Varanasi
Our second stop in India was Varanasi, just a quick one hour flight from Delhi. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire world, dating back to 2000 BCE. It is also considered to be the holiest city in India. In Hindu tradition, Varanasi is the most sacred place for cremation, as it is believed that if one’s ashes are laid in the Ganges river they may escape the cycle of rebirth, aka ‘moksha’. I loved my experience in Varanasi. For some reason I found the narrow, twisted, labyrinth-like streets less overwhelming than those in Delhi. The ‘ghats’ made it easy to keep track of where we…
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Quick Pickled Onions
I have been pickle obsessed since I was born. I would hoover baby dill pickles, jar after jar as a kid and it’s really no different now. Pickle juice? No problem….I’ll drink it. Now that I’m an “adult” (ew!) I enjoy pickles in a variety of ways such as, picklebacks – where you take a shot of Jamison Irish Whisky and follow it up with a shot of pickle juice. I have also come to enjoy a variety of other pickles like pickled beets, mustard pickles, pickled beans, pickled asaparagus and of course pickled onions!! I think that Vancouver taco craze got me started on pickled onions. The sweet, tangy,…
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‘Winter Buzz’ Bailey’s Almande Hot Chocolate
Ever since I heard about Baileys Almande last year, I had been awaiting it’s release with coffee cup (or hot chocolate mug) in hand. Lucky for me, Santy Claus brought me a nice big bottle of it – what a treat on Christmas morning. Finally! A boozy, creamy and sweet Baileys just like it’s dairy-based counterpart but made with almond milk so I can sip away with no tummy aches afterwards. Can I get a what whatttttt! Of course it’s amazing in a strong cup of coffee but it’s also great in hot chocolate. I found a beautiful vegan hot chocolate mix made on Bowen Island from Cocoa West. For…
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Coconut Vegetable Korma
By the time you read this I will be in India celebrating my best friend’s wedding – woohoooooo! In anticipation of all the amazing Indian food we will be consuming, Jared and I decided to have a little curry night before we left. We cooked up basmati rice, naan bread, aloo gobi (a mixture of potatoes, cauliflower and spices) and my favourite, vegetable korma. Korma is a dish consisting of meat or vegetables braised in yogurt or cream, stock and plenty of spices. Korma is a supa saucy, fragrant and flavourful dish! But as you know, me and dairy don’t get along so great, so korma has been a no-go…
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Hasselback Potatoes
Oh Hasselback potatoes…a side dish from heaven. These are basically what you make when you feel like french fries but want to look fancy. By thinly slicing the potatoes but not all the way through, you’re able to create lots of room for the olive oil and coconut oil to get all up in thurr and crisp up every edge. The inside is left soft and creamy and you get plenty of that french fry texture on the outside. Ohhhh baby! The only downside is that I can’t stop thinking about David Hasselhoff every time I think of Hasselback…. You can leave these babies simple (sea salt, pepper) or do them…
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Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
The other day I went to a potluck with a group of girl friends (see below! <3 ) and we were doing an Indian themed meal. We had two different kinds of curry, rice, salad and plenty of wine. My contribution was the salad and I had to wrack my brain for the perfect salad to accompany curry. In the end, I decided that something sweet and tangy with just a hint of spice would be the answer. There are so many different textures and colours in this salad! Creamy avocado, sweet mango, crunchy bell peppers all on a bed of tender mixed greens. Let’s not forget the flavour-packed pepitas (pumpkin…
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Virtuous Pie – Plant Based Pizza Joint And Creamery
I recently had the pleasure of trying out Vancouver’s only plant-based pizza joint and creamery. I had been hearing so much about “Virtuous Pie“, I knew I had to get there as soon as I possibly could. I love the entire concept of Virtuous Pie. Their mission is to change the way people eat and change the planet, one slice (or scoop!) at a time. Owner and executive chef Jim Vesel’s aim was to create an ethical and sustainable menu without sacrificing great taste. I believe he has accomplished just that. The eight pizzas offered on the menu contain creative and delicious combinations of ingredients and the house-made nut-based cheeses…
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Cumin-Lime Quinoa Salad
I love me a quinoa salad when I’m looking for something fresh and tasty but packed full of protein. Quinoa is an awesome little grain (well, seed technically speaking) and it contains about 8 grams of protein per cup. Mixing it with black beans for extra protein and lots of fresh vegetables makes it even healthier. Bring this to your next summer event like a potluck or barbecue and help everyone to nourish their guts in the yummiest way!! The cumin-lime vinaigrette is a nice smoky accompaniment to this dish with just a little kick to it. I got my chipotle olive oil at Coastal Olive Oils and I just love…
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Pumpkin Seed Pesto Zoodles
I would like to preface this post by saying that while I love zucchini…I currently have so much of it in my fridge that I cannot possibly accept any more “gifts” from family members and friends hoping to pawn off their surplus of garden zucchini on me. Anyone who has ever grown zucchini knows how it is- haha! One of the ways that I like to use zucchini is to spiralize it into noodles a.k.a. “zoodles”! Zoodles are a great gluten-free alternative to pasta but they can also be used as a base for a variety of other dishes. I love to use zoodles in stir-frys, soups or instead of…
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Fruity White Wine Sangria
SANGRIA! My favourite summer cocktail to abuse on a beautiful day. I’m normally a pink or red sangria kinda girl, but on my birthday weekend in Whistler I went out of my comfort zone and gave the ol’ white sangria a try. What was I thinking!? White sangria is the bomb! Not too sweet and full of delicious summer, fruity flavour – nectarines, peaches, blueberries galore! This will make the perfect addition to any barbecue or party, or take it in a sneaky sippy cup as you float down the River of Golden Dreams! Fruit-infused white wine sangria perfect for a summer party or BBQ!
