Fall Colours

I love this time of year. Although cooler, it's still bright and full of unique colours everywhere you look. Nature has such an amazing way of putting colours together that you may not think really go together and making it work.

This is the inspiration behind our "Oaks and Acorns" design. The purple and green colour scheme pops on the light natural apron but still remains soft and pretty. 

Our friend Sarah, the gourmet goddess

We hope this apron encourages the "gourmet goddess" in you to do some cooking with the rich and vibrant root vegetables that are in season.

Or, if you prefer the sweeter side and are more of a "baking beauty", go apple picking and try out this apple yogurt cake with a cinnamon sugar streak from The Kitchn. I made it last week...it lasted for 3 days...Yikes!

Enjoy.
xo

Not Another Turkey Sandwich...

Don't get me  me wrong, I love a good sandwich. But, before you get sick of another turkey, tomato on rye, why not try something a little different with your leftovers? There's nothing like a warm meal on a cool Fall evening.

Healthy and easy, try out this turkey curry recipe from the Good Food Channel in the UK (they know their curry!) The spices in Indian cooking can be so comforting and delicious.

The best part is that it tastes just as good the next day and the day after that etc...etc...It freezes well too!

So, make a big pot and enjoy.

xo

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

image from catchmyparty.com

We are hosting family from New York City this weekend and have been thinking of what to do while they are here. I love having out of town guests because it gives us a chance to hangout with friends or family we don't get to see often and also, me, a chance to be a tourist in my own city. It's a reason to wander through different neighbourhoods or take part in events that you might not otherwise think of doing.

I enjoy looking for "off the beaten track" places or unique things to do whenever we go traveling. So, because it's Thanksgiving in Canada, I thought it would be fun to explore some different things happening this weekend across the country.

Vancouver:
Swallow Tail Tours is hosting a chef guided rainforest walking tour. On the 2 hour walk, you'll discover edible herbs, berries and mushrooms and learn how these earthy ingredients are whipped into culinary delights. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with wild herb tea served in a mountain cabin by the river.

Calgary:
Check out the exhibits at the Glenbow Museum. Made in Calgary is a 5 part series and they are showing "The 1980's" this weekend. As Calgary soared to economic power during this time, it also brought a new energy to the arts.

Saskatoon:
Because we are a part of a wonderful "handmade, artisan and craft community", we have a soft spot for ventures where artists and designers show and sell their wares. Support made in Canada products at the pop up shop Mix and Match.

Ottawa:
Did you know there was a Canada Agriculture and Food Museum? There is and it's in Ottawa! They have fantastic Thanksgiving events this weekend. Everything from making apple cider to guided tours of how renewable energy is generated from natural resources.

So, what are we going to do this weekend in Toronto? We're going to do what we like best. Going for brunch at Cafe Belong, check out the farmer's market and go for a hike all at the Evergreen Brickworks.

Happy Thanksgiving!
xo

Hanging onto Summer

As we try to ward-off the inevitable season change, there is a way to keep a little summer with us all year round...preserving!

Join the vast growing preserving community. It's fun, easy and healthy and, you always have something delicious on hand. While you do have to set aside a bit of time to do the actual preserving, why not get a friend or two together and do it as a group thing? Host a "make and share" party!

Here's an easy recipe to make your own peach jam from pickyourown.org, a website that provides local listings of pick your own farms in numerous countries including Canada, United States, Australia and South Africa. They have great tips and you can always check to see what is growing seasonally in your area.

Of course while you are making your own preserves for yourself or as lovely gifts for all your friends and family, you have to look good doing it. We have a stunning apron called "Jars of Love" designed for the canner in you. It also has the cheeky message "well preserved" to be taken any which way you like :)

Enjoy!

 

Getting Ahead

There is always a sense of accomplishment when you feel organized, when you have more things checked off the list than not. One item that is always on my list is to have a healthy breakfast. But, who has time to do more than toss some cereal into a bowl and pour milk?

Well, I found this recipe from savvymom.ca. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and you have a healthy breakfast for the next day! 

via savvymom.ca

Make-ahead Breakfast: Overnight Oats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (2% or more)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 tablespoons raisins or currants
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 apple peeled and coarsely grated
• 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except raspberries, in a glass bowl or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour raspberries over top. Put the lid on and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. In the morning, stir in the raspberries. The oats can be served on their own, or with additional maple syrup, sliced fruit, nuts, and/or granola.

Enjoy!

Make-ahead Breakfast: Overnight Oats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (2% or more)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 tablespoons raisins or currants
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 apple peeled and coarsely grated
• 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except raspberries, in a glass bowl or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour raspberries over top. Put the lid on and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. In the morning, stir in the raspberries. The oats can be served on their own, or with additional maple syrup, sliced fruit, nuts, and/or granola.

- See more at: http://kiwiandbean.com/overnight-oats-bircher-muesli/#sthash.ByVZPais.dpuf

Make-ahead Breakfast: Overnight Oats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (2% or more)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 tablespoons raisins or currants
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 apple peeled and coarsely grated
• 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except raspberries, in a glass bowl or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour raspberries over top. Put the lid on and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. In the morning, stir in the raspberries. The oats can be served on their own, or with additional maple syrup, sliced fruit, nuts, and/or granola.

- See more at: http://kiwiandbean.com/overnight-oats-bircher-muesli/#sthash.ByVZPais.dpuf

Make-ahead Breakfast: Overnight Oats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (2% or more)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 tablespoons raisins or currants
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 apple peeled and coarsely grated
• 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except raspberries, in a glass bowl or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour raspberries over top. Put the lid on and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. In the morning, stir in the raspberries. The oats can be served on their own, or with additional maple syrup, sliced fruit, nuts, and/or granola.

- See more at: http://kiwiandbean.com/overnight-oats-bircher-muesli/#sthash.ByVZPais.dpuf

Make-ahead Breakfast: Overnight Oats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (2% or more)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 tablespoons raisins or currants
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 apple peeled and coarsely grated
• 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except raspberries, in a glass bowl or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour raspberries over top. Put the lid on and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. In the morning, stir in the raspberries. The oats can be served on their own, or with additional maple syrup, sliced fruit, nuts, and/or granola.

- See more at: http://kiwiandbean.com/overnight-oats-bircher-muesli/#sthash.ByVZPais.dpuf