M. and I are off to The Grove for drinks and dinner. Enjoying some time together since I've worked 55 hours this past week. Great kick off to the long weekend. Enjoy yours too!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
So... cold...
It looks like our summer is ending sooner than we all would have liked. This past weekend certainly proved it! M. and I had planned to take the Friday off and go out to Bird's Hill for a picnic and a long walk with our dog but those plans abruptly changed. An opportunity came up at work to work some over time and with how the weather was turning less sunny and more rainy, my relaxing weekend turned into an errand running/ working weekend. You win some you lose some. I even had plans to try out two new recipes to blog about; asparagus risotto and meringue kisses but I didn't even do any of the cooking all weekend. It was all M. He made simple but tasty meals.
I am holding on to summer though and this upcoming weekend will all lift up our spirits as it seems to be bringing on some better weather. For a last hurrah, here is a recipe I have been enjoying this past season. What's a better way to say good bye to summer than to make some ice cream? Not just ice cream, but VEGAN ice cream!
Corn, garlic bread, salad and marinated tofu with yellow beans from the Farmers' Market.
I am holding on to summer though and this upcoming weekend will all lift up our spirits as it seems to be bringing on some better weather. For a last hurrah, here is a recipe I have been enjoying this past season. What's a better way to say good bye to summer than to make some ice cream? Not just ice cream, but VEGAN ice cream!
This was the first attempt. I made chocolate coconut fudge ice cream that looked like soup! The texture was less than ideal but it had a good flavour though.
The second time I made it, it turned out a lot better. After I churned the ice cream, I put it back in the freezer for an hour, the texture was harder and very creamy. I topped it off with some chopped pecans. Enjoy!
Chocolate Coconut Fudge
Ingredients:
- 2 1/1 cups (600ml) unsweetened 100% coconut milk
- 2/3 cup of organic cane sugar
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- 8 oz of semisweet chocolate, chopped
Special tools:
- Candy thermometer
Directions:
- Prepare an ice bath in the sink or a large heatproof bowl. I used my soup stock pot and filled it up half way with ice and some cold water sitting just above the ice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, syrup and whisk vigorously until smooth and combined. Clip a candy thermometer to the saucepan and set the pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring regularly with a rubber spatula and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent the syrup from sticking and burning, until the mixture reaches 155 degrees F.
- Turn the heat to low and add the chocolate, stirring constantly until completely melted. Remove from the heat. Transfer the mixture to the ice bath and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Transfer the cooled base to an ice cream maker and churn it accordingly to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer the sorbet to a storage container. Serve immediately or harden in your freezer for 8 to 12 hours for a more scoopable sorbet.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Around The World in a Few Blocks!
I mentioned quickly in a post last week that M. and I were going on a date night by taking a food tour in the West End hosted by the West End Biz. Our long time friend, Joe, was hosting and organized all of the tours. He did an incredible job.
The premise of the tours is that every Wednesday for the month of August, you will go on a walking/ food tour around the West End where you try out 3 or 4 restaurants in the neighbourhood. While walking to each restaurant, you are entertained with stories about the neighbourhood such as where the street names came from and how West End was one of the first established neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. There were also some pop quizzes. I was embarrassed over how little I knew about Winnipeg.
Every tour has a different route and a different restaurant to try so there are no duplicate tours. At each restaurant you are given a sampler of what they have to offer. Because this is such a diverse neighbourhood, it does force you to try new foods that maybe you would never have been brave enough to try on your own. All part of the fun!
The price feels a little expensive at $45 per person and then an additional fee for alcohol (you pay $6.50 for imports and $4.50 for domestic) but we did end up having 4 small meals (4 small AMAZING meals) and so M. and I felt it was worth it. Our total came to $120 which included 4 import drink tickets. This did not include tips for each restaurant that we left. (Also to note, this is not a vegan friendly tour.)
We were twelve for this particular tour and our first stop was at the corner of Sargent and Langside where a Chinese/ Vietnamese restaurant called Thanh Huong is located. They had the largest summer rolls I have ever seen. Our vegetarian option were two summer rolls with deep fried tofu instead of the shrimp and deep fried spring rolls with accompanied sauces. It was a great way to start. M. and I shared a Chinese beer which was also light and refreshing.
We then made our way to X-Cues. We found it odd that we were making our way to a pool hall for dinner but we were game. It's also the go to spot for all west enders to celebrate the World Cup! X-Cues is also still run by the family of the original Italian owner who opened this location as a members-only espresso bar in the 60's. They still have an espresso bar set up. We didn't get to caffeinate ourselves this round but we are tempted to go back. We were served fresh pasta with tomato sauce, an omelette and a salad. Our import beer was Heineken which was too bad because we found out later that there was an Italian beer we could have tried. The food was okay. Not our favourite but we really enjoyed the atmosphere.
We took a longer walk down Sargent and made our way to Central Park to go to Merkato's, an Ethiopian restaurant. We had to get very cozy with the other participants because you eat the food with your hands and the food is shared with everyone. We had our vegetarian dish that had lentils, potato, salad, spinach and mixed vegetables M. and I have gone to Massawa, an Ethiopian restaurant on Osborne a number of times and so we weren't foreign to Ethiopian food. We really enjoyed our meal.
Finally, for dessert, we took a walk by the University of Winnipeg and made our way to Homer's, which has undergone some recently renovations. It looked great! We had Baklava with coffee to end the evening with tales from the original owner about his village in Greece and how he turned this restaurant that was once a Dairy Whip into one of Winnipeg's favourite go to Greek restaurants.
I highly recommend this tour. It was very well organized and only lasted 2 and 1/2 hours. M. and I thoroughly enjoyed the food but we think Thanh Huong was our favourite. It was vegan friendly as well and we can't wait to introduce this restaurant to our friends.
If you are interested in joining a tour, click here. The West End Biz's plan is to make this an annual event if it is successful. So far so good, says Joe!
The premise of the tours is that every Wednesday for the month of August, you will go on a walking/ food tour around the West End where you try out 3 or 4 restaurants in the neighbourhood. While walking to each restaurant, you are entertained with stories about the neighbourhood such as where the street names came from and how West End was one of the first established neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. There were also some pop quizzes. I was embarrassed over how little I knew about Winnipeg.
Every tour has a different route and a different restaurant to try so there are no duplicate tours. At each restaurant you are given a sampler of what they have to offer. Because this is such a diverse neighbourhood, it does force you to try new foods that maybe you would never have been brave enough to try on your own. All part of the fun!
The price feels a little expensive at $45 per person and then an additional fee for alcohol (you pay $6.50 for imports and $4.50 for domestic) but we did end up having 4 small meals (4 small AMAZING meals) and so M. and I felt it was worth it. Our total came to $120 which included 4 import drink tickets. This did not include tips for each restaurant that we left. (Also to note, this is not a vegan friendly tour.)
We were twelve for this particular tour and our first stop was at the corner of Sargent and Langside where a Chinese/ Vietnamese restaurant called Thanh Huong is located. They had the largest summer rolls I have ever seen. Our vegetarian option were two summer rolls with deep fried tofu instead of the shrimp and deep fried spring rolls with accompanied sauces. It was a great way to start. M. and I shared a Chinese beer which was also light and refreshing.
We then made our way to X-Cues. We found it odd that we were making our way to a pool hall for dinner but we were game. It's also the go to spot for all west enders to celebrate the World Cup! X-Cues is also still run by the family of the original Italian owner who opened this location as a members-only espresso bar in the 60's. They still have an espresso bar set up. We didn't get to caffeinate ourselves this round but we are tempted to go back. We were served fresh pasta with tomato sauce, an omelette and a salad. Our import beer was Heineken which was too bad because we found out later that there was an Italian beer we could have tried. The food was okay. Not our favourite but we really enjoyed the atmosphere.
We took a longer walk down Sargent and made our way to Central Park to go to Merkato's, an Ethiopian restaurant. We had to get very cozy with the other participants because you eat the food with your hands and the food is shared with everyone. We had our vegetarian dish that had lentils, potato, salad, spinach and mixed vegetables M. and I have gone to Massawa, an Ethiopian restaurant on Osborne a number of times and so we weren't foreign to Ethiopian food. We really enjoyed our meal.
Finally, for dessert, we took a walk by the University of Winnipeg and made our way to Homer's, which has undergone some recently renovations. It looked great! We had Baklava with coffee to end the evening with tales from the original owner about his village in Greece and how he turned this restaurant that was once a Dairy Whip into one of Winnipeg's favourite go to Greek restaurants.
I highly recommend this tour. It was very well organized and only lasted 2 and 1/2 hours. M. and I thoroughly enjoyed the food but we think Thanh Huong was our favourite. It was vegan friendly as well and we can't wait to introduce this restaurant to our friends.
If you are interested in joining a tour, click here. The West End Biz's plan is to make this an annual event if it is successful. So far so good, says Joe!
Monday, August 18, 2014
Soup time
What a miserable afternoon this is turning out to be. Even though it's still quite humid outside, I am in the mood for some soup! Cream of asparagus soup please.
As you can see, I am being supervised.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Date Night in the West End
Mid-week date nights are the best. With two more sleeps until the weekend and with how this week started (puppy making it a habit in waking me up around 4 am because it's play time in puppy world) a little break is more than welcomed.
M. and I had booked this particular outing a month ago; West End Food Tour- Around the World in a Few Blocks which is hosted by the West End Biz. Every Wednesday for the month of August, you are guided around this multicultural neighbourhood to try out various restaurants from different cultures. Tonight we are off to visit the following restaurants where we are teased with samplers;
Thanh Huong
X-Cues
Merkato
Homer’s
X-Cues
Merkato
Homer’s
Every week there are new restaurants to try out. At $45 a person ( alcohol is an additional cost) it is a very good price to get out of the burbs' and try out some new foods out of a Folklorama setting. As a bonus, we will be entertained with our very own Jane's Walk and learn about this diverse neighbourhood.
I can't wait! For more info on how you can join on a food tour, click here.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
RHFM treats
I hope that everyone is enjoying their weekend. It was pretty busy around here with house stuff and enjoying the company of friends. Poor me ;)
I did get a chance to go to the River Heights Farmers' Market this past Friday and I picked up some beautiful, colourful and yummy produce. What a lovely within 100 miles feast.
We grabbed some snap peas, red potatoes with dill and carrots. We also baked tofu (a la Superstore).
Perfect meal to end the weekend. Now time for a nap according to our puppy.
Perfect meal to end the weekend. Now time for a nap according to our puppy.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Green + Carrot
The Green Carrot Juicing Co. has landed in Osborne Village for a few months now and it seems to be a welcome addition. It's located where the art gallery used to be and is now nestled in between the chiropractor and Optical store.
As you may have noticed from my last post, I ventured in over my lunch break to understand more about this juicy world and understand the latest fad. Is it me or is every fitness magazine talking about the latest juice craze or liquid diets?
All looked and sounded good even the clever names (Strong Like Bull anyone?) to describe the available freshly pressed juices and smoothies (all dairy free!)... until I saw the prices. Depending on which juice you choose, you could be looking at $9 for 493 ml of juice freshness. Really? Luckily I decided to try this place out on customer appreciation day which meant I could buy 1 juice and get the other 1/2 off. I decided to try Summer Breeze and Morning Greens since they are the most popular choice. They also had a display of brownies that I couldn't pass up. Who wouldn't want a Quinoa Chia Cacao Brownie? No one that's who! It was delicious and worth the $5. It was also vegan!
When you walk in, right away you are hit with a hipster vibe decorated with an industrial twist. I loved the relaxed seating area and the chalkboard with all the information one would want to know (me) about this interesting world. Are the ingredients local? Health benefits? How will this put a little more pep in my step?
All looked and sounded good even the clever names (Strong Like Bull anyone?) to describe the available freshly pressed juices and smoothies (all dairy free!)... until I saw the prices. Depending on which juice you choose, you could be looking at $9 for 493 ml of juice freshness. Really? Luckily I decided to try this place out on customer appreciation day which meant I could buy 1 juice and get the other 1/2 off. I decided to try Summer Breeze and Morning Greens since they are the most popular choice. They also had a display of brownies that I couldn't pass up. Who wouldn't want a Quinoa Chia Cacao Brownie? No one that's who! It was delicious and worth the $5. It was also vegan!
M. tried out the Morning Greens for breakfast the next day. I think the price of each juice deterred us because as he said "it's okay but couldn't we make this at home'? Yes. I felt the same way. It was a nice treat and I am happy to support a local business but $9 on a juice even once a week feels expensive. For both juices (one at 1/2 off) and the brownie was $21 total. However, i'm the girl that stops at Starbucks every morning because of convenience so maybe I should re-evaluate my priorities.
That being said, the juices are good, fresh and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The Green Carrot is unique for Winnipeg and not part of a mall which is always a plus. They focus on cold pressed juicing which you can find out more about here. There is a great variety of juice (perfect for picky eaters or those who want to hide their daily vegetable intake in something fruity), smoothies and some food and baking.
I encourage you to try this new cool spot next time you find yourself in Osborne Village. This treat may be expensive but it's healthy and refreshing. A lot less calories and no sugar added compared to certain other businesses who are promoting tea lemonades for only a couple bucks cheaper.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Juice and a Brownie
Picked up these treats over lunch today at Green Carrot Juice located in Osborne Village. Can't wait to try the brownie out for dessert tonight!
Monday, August 4, 2014
Intermission
Hello NJPC fans...
Are you still out there?
This blog is back up and cooking! I was away a little longer than I would have liked and I have missed the whole blogging process but things have been a little busy around here.
This happened...
and this....
Now that my new normal feels 'normal' and my new routine established, I can finally focus on one of my passions; food. I have missed talking, making, exploring, learning, trying and researching food. I have missed getting out of my comfort zone and expanding my palate. I even have all of my new friends to help me get back into my groove...
and even these...
Thank you to friends and family for the very generous wedding gifts.
and even these...
Thank you to friends and family for the very generous wedding gifts.
WARNING: You will notice that the style of Not Just a Plate of Carrots 2.0 (or is it 3.0?) will have slightly changed but most of it will stay the same. What can you continue to expect? I will continue to try a new recipe every week and chat about my experience and also where you can find the obscure ingredients (if any were used). I will also talk about new foodie experiences through restaurants around town (even international experiences? hint! hint!). What will change? A post from time to time will be focussed on my new fur baby boy, Helo (He-Low) and what my husband and I do for his diet since I plan to make many of my own treats. Yup, these veggies will even start playing with meat! Boy, is our puppy ever spoiled.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
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