Love the Holidays

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you were surrounded by those who mean the most to you.  I know I did! Although I had a wonderful time...I can't help but feel sad.  Sad that Christmas is over.  Now, for those of you who know me...you know that I am a HUGE Christmas lover.  It is my favourite thing of all time.  But it isn't really the day of Christmas that I love...but everything leading up to it.  Baking, cooking, getting a tree, decorating, watching Christmas movies, visiting, being cozy by the fire, visiting with friends and family...and the list goes on and on.  All of that seems to come to an end after Christmas day...which is very sad :( Oh well...I know that it will be here again before I know it so I'm not that upset ;) I'll get over it!

So enough of this sad talk...let's get down to business! From the time I got home to Christmas night I was busy busy busy.  Shopping, organizing, cooking, baking, wrapping...you name it I was doing it! I'm not complaining though because it was SO MUCH FUN!

I baked a few dozen shortbread cookies and dipped them in chocolate and covered them in sprinkles!

please note my fab Christmas attire I rocked for about 3 days straight...cute, I know!

the boys stepped in and decided to help...

I stepped back and watched the magic happen.

Dad was getting the hang of it...

As pretty as they looked with the chocolate...I definitely prefer them plain.

I also made something I never ever thought about making and they turned out fantastic!

PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS

4 packages of unflavoured powdered gelatin 

1 1/4 cups water

2 cups sugar

2 tbsp light corn syrup

pinch salt

2 large egg whites

1 tsp peppermint extract (I added another half tsp, which I definitely recommend)

red or green food colouring (optional but highly recommended by ME)

1) Line 9 by 13 pan with plastic wrap and coat with cooking spray.  In a bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 3/4 cup water. Set aside, allowing gelatin to bloom

2) In medium saucepan stir together remaining 1/2 cup water, sugar, corn syrup and salt.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.  Raise heat to medium-high and allow syrup to boil, without stirring, until it registers 240 F on candy thermometer.  Meanwhile, beat egg white in bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.

3) Working quickly, whisk gelatin and peppermint into hot syrup.  With mixer running on medium speed, slowing add hot mixture to egg white in a thin stream.  Whisk on high until mixture is very thick and almost cool, about 10 minutes.  Pour mixture (marshmallow) into prepared pan.  To create a marbled effect, drop dots of food colouring over the surface and swirl colouring into marshmallow using a toothpick.  Leave to set uncovered at room temperature for 4 hours overnight.  Oil a knife and cut into squares.  Serve in hot chocolate or as desired (my mom really loves it in coffee).

**Make sure to pour the marshmallow into the pan after the 10 minutes are up.  Do not wait.  I waited for about 1 minute contemplating a few things and it started to set by the time I poured it in.  By doing this I wasn't able to create the marbled effect that I really wanted**

**Read all of the instructions before you start :)**

you can see how it looks quite clumpy on the left side...

looks pretty gross actually...but once you put them into little squares and put them in your warm drink...you or your guests won't even notice!  

Especially once they melt and let all of their minty goodness swirl into your drink!

super melty and gooey...

in coffee...

putting it in the sprayed plastic wrap makes it easy to get out and cut into pieces!

Christmas Eve was busy getting last minute things together...but we managed to fit a little bit of fun in there! Francis and I went on a beautiful run in the trails and then we got bundled up and went ice skating with my parents! They had Christmas music playing and it was very festive! When we got home we got ready and headed over to my Oma's for dinner and presents (traditional for Europeans).  They used to put their Christmas tree up Christmas Eve in the evening and decorate it and put the presents out and nobody was allowed to see the tree or the presents until that night! We don't really go by that anymore...but we do still have dinner and open gifts!

It was a little different this year because my sister was working, so it was really weird for me and I missed her a lot! BUTTTTT this was the first year Francis spent Christmas with my family so I was beyond excited about that...so was the rest of my family!

Me getting things ready to bring to my Oma's.  Isn't this the most beautiful kitchen? I want it... I'm taking full advantage of it and cooking in it as much as possible while I'm here!

Dinner at my Oma's! She made mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, mushroom caps (SO GOOD), roast beef and red cabbage (my favourite thing she makes!).  I had everything but the beef and it was sooo delicious! Homemade cherry wine my Opa made on the side!  Our group isn't as big as it used to be but I still enjoy going over to my Oma's and spending as much time with her as I can!

After dinner...TIME TO OPEN PRESENTS!

I was definitely excited to give presents this year and see everyone's faces when they opened them!  Francis was super stoked on those socks...

my dad is excited to smell good again...so are we dad...so are we...

My Oma's face in this picture is just so cute!

I love her face and my mom's face in this one! so happy!

She got a bird feeder from Francis! My Oma loves feeding her birds...

Francis got some shin pads, which he really needed! AND they fit! All ready for hockey to start up again!

I don't think they fit me...

Beautiful tree on Christmas Eve!

...and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care? Well...not really.  They were so heavy that the mantle tipped over and we broke an ornament. not good. we had to put one of the stockings on the ground. they look kinda funny, but cute!

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Christmas morning!

I made my dad and Francis some special hot chocolates on Christmas morning!  Hot chocolate, baileys, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles! I love making pretty drinks...

PRETTY!

They were gone in about 5 minutes...I think they liked them...

okay okay...I guess I did change my Christmas outfit a little bit...the t-shirt...probably because there was flour all over it and my headband...because I'm cool like that ;)

Getting breaky ready.... on the menu this year? Eggs benedict with lox and capers!

They were so delicious! After breaky we went into the living room and started to open up our stockings!

Don't worry Francis...nobody's going to steal your stocking!

STOCKINGS!

Mom opening one of her gifts from my Dad....notice the Frasier Fir candle my mom bought to burn during the holidays! Our entire family loves the scent! I have three of these candles at my apartment in Vic! Two smaller ones and one this size! I burn them all the time around the holidays, because it makes everything smell like Christmas! My sister put some of their soap in my stocking :) If anyone in the Victoria area is interested in buying some of these products, Emporia Boutique sells them! Be sure to stock up for next season :)

back to Christmas....SNOWSHOES!! My mom was hoping she would get these :) We are going snowshoeing up at Mt. Washington tomorrow to try them out! I can't wait...I LOVE snowshoeing...and the mountain.  

After the presents were opened the boys went and had a hot tub with hot chocolate and whipped cream...again!

Mmmmm....

So cozy! Fireplace on the tv...funny considering we had a fire going at the same time this was on! Oh well...the more the merrier :)

wearing a new sweater my mom got me for Christmas!

Christmas dinner....with my sister and Jeff's dogs, Sadie and Leelu

brussel sprouts, peas, sweet potato, potatoes and a veggie casserole!

I had cranberry sauce and a jalapeño mustard on the side...

A few action shots...

Casserole....

After dinner we all relaxed and visited...

Dad enjoying a Christmas drink...

This is what happens when you leave the camera sitting on the table...

who knows...

Christmas night we hung out and watched Christmas movies! Perfect way to spend the evening...by the end of the night we were exhausted!

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Now for a few things that aren't at all related to Christmas!

Yesterday my mom made this delicious coconut curry dish with brown rice noodles! She used fresh thyme from her garden!

It was SO delicious...I don't know what was in it though! If you are interested let me know and I will find out for you!

I had to take a few pictures because my dad's camera is amazing and I want to take full advantage of it! PLUS the lighting in their kitchen is perfect for photography!

My family and I also played some fun games with my sister and Jeff a few nights ago...

Cranium fun!

Mom doing the humdinger...whistling a song! We had to try and guess it. It's so hard to do this without laughing hysterically! Last night I decided to put my new ice cream/frozen yogurt maker to the test...I made mango gelato!  Quite complicated actually...but I will post the recipe soon!

It was quite delicious! We put it in the freezer overnight and are going to actually have it for dessert tonight!  I am excited to try making ice cream with coconut milk and all natural sweetener, such as agave or stevia!

This morning I decided to make Bircher Museli from the Rebar cookbook I got from my sister for Christmas!

BIRCHER MEUSLI

serves 2

1 cup large flake rolled oats

2 apples

juice of 1/2 lemon

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp sunflower seeds

2 tbsp sliced almonds

1 cup fresh berries

1) In the evening before serving bircher meusli place oats in a bowl and cover the water by 1 inch.  Covery and leave it to rest on the kitchen counter overnight (i put mine in the fridge)

2) In the morning, briefly toast the nuts and seeds in a heated skillet (you can do this the night before).  Peel the applies and grate them into the bowl with the soaked oats.  Add the lemon juice and the remaining ingredients.  Stir thoroughly, divide among 2 bowls and serve!

**I made my berries into a pulp before adding them**

Very refreshing and filling! Super tasty as well :)  If anyone has been to Harrison Hot Springs and has eaten at their amazing breakfast buffet, this will remind you of the muesli (meusli? - my cookbook spells it this way) they serve! SO SO GOOD and super healthy!

Well...I think that's enough for you to have a look at! Have a great day everyone!

Amy

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Well, first of all...I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas Eve Eve :) I can't believe it's December 23rd already.  December has gone by so fast and I really don't feel ready for Christmas yet.  I mean, I'm done my shopping and everything is wrapped...but mentally I'm just not there yet.  Hopefully I will be very soon because I don't have that much time left!

I have been extremely busy getting things organized the last few days, but of course I made time to make a few delicious meals for my family :) In celebration of Christmas Eve Eve I decided to make my parents a warm, yummy breakfast that would nourish our bodies and keep us going throughout our busy day!

Carrot Cake Oatmeal 
adapted from ohsheglows.com

1 heaping cup finely grated carrot

1 cup almond milk

2 tbsp coconut cream (from top of can)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1 tsp nutmeg

pinch of salt

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp chopped walnuts 

2 tbsp raisins

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut, for garnish

coconut milk cream and maple syrup, for garnish

**I doubled the recipe to make enough for 3-4 people**

This either makes 2 good sized portions or one HUGE portion for a very hungry person who has just gone for a very VERY long run....just sayin'

1) Whisk together almond milk, coconut milk cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and pinch of salt in a medium sized pot over medium heat.

2) Add oats and carrot.  Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

3) Cook for 8-9 minutes until the mixture is thick.

4) Take off of heat, add in vanilla, walnuts, raisins and maple syrup.

5) Distribute into 2 bowls, top with maple syrup, coconut milk cream, shredded coconut.

Mmmm....

Delicious

This filled up my tummy and made me nice and warm.  Perfect way to start off my Christmas Eve Eve!

Okay...so now for a couple OTHER recipes that I am super excited to share with you!

Vegan Alfredo Sauce

1 package of silken tofu

1/4 cup - 1/2 cup nutritional yeast

1 cup unsweetened soy milk

1 tsp dried dill

1 - 2 tsp salt free seasoning (I used Mrs. Dash)

sprinkle of red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

Put all ingredients in the food processor and process until smooth.  The mixture will be very watery, don't worry this is normal.

Once smooth, put mixture into a sauce pan.  Add mixture of 1 tbsp water and 1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Cook over medium heat until heated through and has a thick consistency.

Add your favourite sautéed veggies to the sauce and pour over pasta of your choice.

I sauteed mushrooms and tomatoes! I am not a huge pasta fan, but I do really love brown rice pasta.  There is something about the consistency.  The fact that it is super healthy is just a bonus.  I added the cream sauce, sautéed veggies and about 1 cup of chopped spinach to the pasta.  Mixed until combined.  I put the lid over top of the mixture and let sit for about 5 minutes to wilt the spinach.

And to unveganize the meal...a little parmesan cheese on top.  Freshly grated pepper to finish.

Absolutely fantastic.  This tastes exactly if not BETTER than alfredo.  I fed it to my boyfriend, Francis who loved it and to my mom who thought the same.  She even asked me to make it for dinner over the holidays.  I'd be happy to mom :)

And the last recipe I'd like to share with you....

Peanut Butter Protein Bars (vegan)

adapted from neverhomemaker.com

2 cups quick oats (or rolled oats -  I've used both and both work fine)

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1/2 cup crushed pretzels

1/2 cup crushed walnuts

1/2 cup crushed almonds (or roughly chopped)

1/2 cup sesame seeds (I used raw unhulled)

1/2 cup raisins (I highly suggest using these if you don't add chocolate chips - so good)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (haven't used these but I'm sure they'd be awesome)

1 cup natural peanut butter (I used unsalted crunchy)

1 cup brown rice syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 by 13" lasagna dish with favourite vegan or non vegan butter/oil/spray.  Set aside.  Add all dry ingredients together.  Mix well. 

my super clean, organized (NOT) work station :)

 Add peanut butter, brown rice syrup and vanilla together.  Mix well.  Put in microwave for about 1 minute to soften the mixture, making it easier to work with.  Take out of microwave and mix well.  

Add wet ingredients to dry.  Mix with large spoon, or if you are like me, wet your hands (so the mixture won't stick to you) and mix with your hands.  

Spread mixture into prepared pan.  Press down with wet spatula (again, so it doesn't stick) and smooth the top.  Cook for about 15 minutes, and turn after 7 1/2 minutes to ensure even cooking!

Nice and brown, fresh out of the oven.

The first time I made this, I was very impatient (surprise surprise) so I tried to take the ENTIRE bake out to put it on a cooling rack.  Did it work? Let's just say the granola bars turned into granola chunks...luckily the flavour did not suffer!

Once cooled, cut into 16 squares, or more or less depending on the size you want them.  Store them in a glass container or wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for a healthy, easy to grab snack for on the go!

All right...it's time for me to go and get my busy day started! Lots to do!  I'm sure I will get for another run in the trails behind my parents house today! Can't wait! I've gone a few times since I've been here and I am SO happy about it.  It is one of my all time favourite things to do when I'm home! I would go every.single.day. if I could...but I'll do as much as I can while I have the chance to do so!

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve Eve and be ready for some more posts, that I'm sure will include plenty of cookies and other baking...including the Lebkuchen recipe I promised you last week! That is on the agenda for today :)

9 days until Christmas

9 days left until Christmas.  Can you believe it? We are in the single digits...that's scary, but also super exciting because I LOVE Christmas more than anything!

I can't wait until I am off for the holidays so that I can go home and visit and spend time with family!  On my last two days I had a little preview of what it is going to be like!

The holidays always include a lot of cooking with my mom....

For dinner one night I decided to make a balsamic roasted vegetable quinoa dish.  I had high hopes for this dish.

one large egg plant, one large zucchini, 1 red pepper, 1 red onion, 1 lb mushrooms, all sliced and shopped about 1" by 1".  Grapeseed oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper drizzled on top and veggies all nice and coated.

Please note: the second time I made this (last night) I roasted 2 eggplants and 2 zucchini, which turned out to be the perfect amount.

so many veggies I had to use two large bowls and trays before putting them into the oven.

While the veggies were in the oven I put on a pot of quinoa (2 cups quinoa with about 3-4 cups of water) to cook while the oven was keeping busy.

my adorable mom played my bf's (Michael Buble's) Christmas album while we worked on dinner.

roasted veggies out of the oven.  It's amazing how much they cook down.

quinoa and veggies all mixed up...minus the final dressing.

dressing: balsamic vinegar, olive oil. salt, pepper, freshly chopped basil, zest and juice of one lemon.

how delicious does this look? and it is just as good as it looks...it's great warm and cold too, which is a bonus!

here's the dinner we had the second night.  Leftover quinoa, butternut squash, coleslaw and sesame ginger tofu (one of my all time favs. My mom has been making this for years and it never gets old!).

mmmmmm......k I was to have this for dinner tomorrow! definitely a possibility. 

Well, that was a short post but I am tired and am off to bed now.  Stay tuned for a recipe involving lebkuchen (german gingerbread).  So excited to make them :)

This is the lovely tree I get to stare at night after night.  Ahh...gotta love Christmas :)

Goodnight,

Amy