Spring is Here!!!! March 21, 2011

 

 

 

 

The arrival of spring has always reminded me of fields and fields of beautiful tulips! Spring arrives with such energy and excitement. The breath of fresh air, buds creeping through thawing soil, the happiness of birds singing in the trees and the innate urge to clean!!!

 

Now in some parts of our province, spring is taking it’s time to properly arrive so this allows us the time to jump into spring cleaning without concern of missing warm weather. Our days may still be overcast but it affords the time to clean our cupboards – remove holiday season crumbs and restock with the essentials for new recipes.

 

Be sure to check our Heath and Safety tips section for quick and affordable ways to clean your produce as well as your kitchens. A good vinegar solution is great for cleaning cupboards as well as disinfecting the fridge. Remember to replace your baking soda package as well – rule of thumb is to replace it every month for ultimate freshness in your fridge.

 

If you have ideas on how to tackle spring cleaning: how best to re-organize a kitchen, best essentials for your spice rack or necessities for the fridge – send us a note as we would love to post them. As well, pass on your photos of your spring clean up escapades.

 

Happy Spring 2011!!!!

A Green Day – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! March 16, 2011

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th!

It is considered a lucky day for the Irish and the Irish at heart!

The history of St. Patrick’s Day is based on the patron saint of Ireland who became a celebrated religious figure who had a very difficult life until he was able to settle into a life of priesthood. He is credited with bringing in the written word to Ireland as well as laid the ground work for hundreds of monasteries and churches. It is believed St. Patrick died in the 5th century on March 17th.

Whether you are Irish or not, today most people take the opportunity to celebrate the lucky and green day of St. Patrick. Many people choose entertaining activities such as parades, shamrocks shakes, green beverages to traditional Irish cuisine. Below are some links offering a few interesting activities and tasty recipes to enhance your lucky day. Enjoy and remember to wear green in honor of St. Patrick and the Irish.

Celebrations in Canada

All Recipes St. Patrick’s Day recipe ideas

Recipes from Chatelaine

Ideas of crafts, to clothes to games from Kaboose.com

It’s Pancake Tuesday! March 8, 2011

We know spring is around the corner because today is Pancake Tuesday or also known as Shrove Tuesday. Historically, the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday signified the last day to rid the family fridge of all fat as 40 days of fasting or lent would begin. Today, some people refer to Pancake Tuesday as Fat Tuesday as they would feast on foods such as Pancakes made of tasty butter, milk and eggs – ingredients that are forbidden during lent.

Below are some interesting links offering various pancake recipes as well as interesting facts about Pancake Tuesday. Even if you don’t acknowledge Pancake Tuesday, it does provide a break for your typical cooking ideas for the week. Who doesn’t like breakfast for dinner.  Have a happy cake day!

Chatelaine Pancake Recipes

Irish Culture and Customs

Sweet and Savory Pancake Recipes

CBC Food Festival

About.com – Fat Tuesday

Green Living Pancake Recipe

Tired of Winter Blues …. March 7, 2011

Spring appears to be taking it’s time to arrive! While you wait, indulge in super foods that take the bite off of the cold days.

 

Superfood Parfait

• 6 ounces vanilla or plain yogurt
• 1 ounce granola cereal
• 4 ounces blueberry compote
• 4 ounces trail mix
• 1 teaspoon ground flax

Time estimates

Prep time: 2 minutes

Total time: 2 minutes

Directions

Layer ingredients in parfait cup according to preference. Stir before eating.

Serves 1

March is Nutrition Month! March 1, 2011

 

 

Spring is fast approaching – 19 days and counting. In preparation for us to spring into action, March is nutrition month. This is a great opportunity to review your kitchen cabinets and eating habits and start the new season off with a healthy step.

The following links provide fabulous information on nutrition month as well as tasty recipes to help you set a healthy path.

Nutrition Month 2011

Dietitians of Canada