Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

May 31, 2019

Leaning Into Local Seafood Species

Filed under: Food,Food for Thought,Seasons,Travel — gardener @ 7:52 am

Hundreds of thousands of tourists pass through Vancouver every year, eager for culinary experience as well as some outdoor fun. Well, visitors asked and the city answered, all with a bit of help from a few friends with fins. Vancouver is known worldwide for its fishing industry. With opened access to oceans and water ways, there is never a bad time to track down a popular catch like salmon. Fresh seafood is a great export but for residents, it is practically a way of life, in both diet and recreation. There is a “catch of the day” in nearly every restaurant along the coast but some people prefer to catch their dinner the old fashioned way.

Throughout Vancouver, there are whole markets dedicated to the sale and purchase of fresh fish, but it doesn’t get any fresher than with chartered fishing excursions. Booking one of these experiences means clients can safely catch their own fish while spending the day on opened water. Is there anything more satisfying than catching and cooking your own dinner?

Because fish is such a staple of the everyday diet in the British Columbia area, both residential and commercial kitchens needs to be able to work around this staple food. Fish, in all forms, is a versatile main course but cooking it does require a bit of skill and the right tools. Outdated or inconsistent tools and appliances only hinder results with seafood. Updated restaurant equipment can make or break meals from ceviche and grilled fish; to sea urchin and prawns. Any eatery looking to take advantage of local species and availability has to create a well-outfitted space in order to meet customer needs.

For those who are fans of fresh seafood, there is no better place to go than Vancouver. From the ocean to your table, both residents and visitors are able to be a part of this industry at every level.

March 18, 2017

Time Flies

Filed under: 5k Training,Food,Life — gardener @ 12:14 pm

It has been a busy few weeks and with us being gifted some pretty amazing weather, I’ve been hard pressed to find any desire to come inside, much less sit in front of the laptop. Today, the weather shifted and it was not only rainy, but also chilly and seemed more like Fall. I did manage to duck out between rain showers and get in good 5 mile work out- so that was the silver lining. I’m on day 18 of Whole 30, and I am feeling fabulous.

I am finally back in my work out groove and adding the Whole 30 for an extra reset is the boost I needed. Bring on London! I’ll be ready!

February 14, 2017

Free Lunch on Valentine’s Day

Filed under: Food,Holidays,Life — gardener @ 11:19 am

FullSizeRender (6)A few days ago I joined in on a ‘Give Away’ that one of my Instagram followers was doing for a free lunch on Valentine’s Day. I thought it sounded like fun especially since I love trying new places, plus we had no plans to celebrate today.

To my surprise, I actually won the give away and spent the afternoon with my favorite guy at this cafe I’d never been to. Since I was craving salad, plus I’m trying to slim down- I opted for the warm goat cheese and spinach salad and I am SO glad I did. It was delicious. I skipped the bread since I’m trying to keep carbs somewhat at a minimum, but the salad- out of this world. Marcel had a club sandwich and french fries, which also were a win.

The food was good, the vibe good- and the coffee also a winner. Can’t beat that combination. Oh and did I mention the people were also super friendly?

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?

September 21, 2016

Leaning into Fall

Filed under: Food,Life — gardener @ 10:36 am

You ever have one of those days that call for comfort food? Today is one of those days for me. I don’t know what it is- but the cooler temperatures and the shorter hours of daylight seem to have me feeling like I want to slow down- to enjoy a good book- to have a little comfort food.

img_9368Since I was also cooking for my mother-in-law, who just got out of the hospital, I decided to cook some Dutch comfort food. Kale with potatoes, mashed together. The Dutch call it borenkool stampot, but I simply call it good. I tried to make mine a little healthier- as it is traditionally served with smoked sausage, so I ate mine with seasoned turkey breast and my kale ratio was much higher than the potatoes. I did add bacon, but hey- we all need to indulge on occasion, right?

I’m still squeezing the last bit out of summer though, and I’ll be making some lemon cupcakes for an upcoming ‘harvest party’ this weekend. To balance out the harvest- I am also making a Pumpkin Spice Latte cake- which I can’t wait to try- Have a great week!

August 24, 2016

Whole 30 – Take Two and Going Strong

Filed under: Food,Health/ Fitness,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 1:19 pm

Since my last post- several weeks ago, Marcel and I have embarked on the Whole 30 adventure together.  It’s my second time and his first.    We started on the 15th, and while he wanted to give it up at around day four-   he decided in the end to stick with it and he’s doing great now.

It has been a lot more time consuming this time.   Mostly because with BOTH of us doing it-  it means a LOT more meal prep time since he can’t take his usual sandwich to work.  That means egg muffin cups for work- and omelettes for breakfast.  It’s time consuming, but definitely worth it.

Plus this week we’ve had some really warm weather and that meant me spending a LOT of time in the kitchen yesterday meal prepping for salads for the rest of the week.    The fridge is stuffed to the brim with various greens, bacon, turkey breast, roasted tomatoes, roasted zucchini and eggplant, grated carrots and beets, boiled eggs and the list goes ON..   It makes it so simple to toss together a salad of our choosing and it’s delicious!

I haven’t asked Marcel many questions on whether he feels like Whole 30 is changing how he feels, because I believe it’s too early to tell.    I’ll give it a few more weeks, or maybe he’ll discover it on his own.   I’m definitely having a little more energy than I was before, but still not at the tiger blood stage I got to at around week 2 before.   I am waking up earlier in the morning and feeling more rested- but not sure if that’s from Whole 30 or the warm weather.   Time will tell.

Have you tried the Whole 30 plan?  What were your thoughts?  I would love to hear your experience.

August 6, 2016

New Month- New Adventures

Filed under: Food,Gratitude,Home,Life — gardener @ 10:36 am

It is hard to believe that August is here and Marcel and I recently celebrated our 12 1/2 year anniversary.  I know, that is an odd anniversary to celebrate, but it’s traditional here-   I guess half way through to your 25th is worth celebrating.  Personally, I believe every day is worth celebrating, and I do celebrate every breath- even if some days I’m more focused on it than others.

IMG_7342One thing I did do this week was whip up some biscuits for Marcel.   Occasionally, I really crave a good buttermilk biscuit and Marcel is always game to eat them, as he loves them.    I had some good bacon, so I pre-measured everything the night before, had my butter grated and in the freezer, my dry ingredients measured and in the fridge.   The following morning I snuck out of bed and got everything mixed up and going before his feet ever hit the floor.   He isn’t one to like to ‘wait’ for breakfast, so I was glad  I could get it going before-hand.    He opted for no egg, and gobbled up two biscuits with ham.    I, on the other hand, made a meal out of what you see in the photo.  Add a cup of coffee (or two) and a huge bottle of water, and I was set.

Sometimes you just have to abandon the Greek yogurt and fruit for something a little more indulgent.   This was one of those days.

As this first week of August comes to an end, we are gearing up for a little travel.   A ‘break’ to get away from it all & I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures those few days bring.

This is going to be an amazing year.

 

 

July 10, 2016

Summer Lovin’

Filed under: Food,Gratitude,Home — gardener @ 12:12 pm

Aren’t y’all just LOVING the fruits and vegetables available for summer?    I always think each season brings my favorite fruits and vegetables, but truth is-  I believe it’s summer.    I have probably easily eaten 20 pounds of strawberries this summer, and just when I was feeling somewhat saddened that their season was almost gone for the  year-   here come the cherries, peaches, watermelon and nectarines.   I have been enjoying berries and also a few cherries, but this time tomorrow they should be taking center stage in my birthday cake.      I’m not going to spill the beans fully, but I do hear that chocolate and cherries are part of the fun.

I am going to ‘try’ (key word there) to only taste this cake, as I’ve been baking too many luscious goodies for this celebration month, and I know I’m going to be needing to kick up the exercise a HUGE notch.  Thank goodness Marcel and I are going to be starting Whole 30 soon, because I can tell my body is in need of a cleansing and I need to cut the sugar.

That will definitely be part of the gift to myself towards the end of this upcoming week-  cutting out the sugar.  I’ve had more than my share lately, and it is time to find a balance without it.

Our home projects are also about to get kicked up a notch or three-  plus I hear some traveling is in the hat to happen sometime in August-  maybe even September.

I’m sure I’ll be filling y’all in on all that as it all unfolds.  In the meantime-   the bath awaits.

 

January 28, 2016

That Tiny Grain, Teff

Filed under: Food,Health/ Fitness,Things I Love — gardener @ 10:58 am

Being the forever curious I am, I love when something new crosses my path that strikes the core of my curiosity. In this case, it was the tiniest grain in the world- Teff. Back in the day, quinoa had become a huge favorite of mine long before it was as readily available as it is now. To this day it’s my favorite and I buy in bulk. I use it instead of rice in most everything and the nutrition can’t be beat, but I digress- we aren’t discussing ‘that’ grain, we’re discussing Teff.

I had read bits and bobs here and there over the years about Teff, but nothing that really struck me. Last week, though- I was perusing Instagram and came across this Teff porridge and immediately my ears and tastebuds perked.

After pulling out my trusty BFF for all information (Google), I found several recipes that I knew I’d want to make.    I went to my ‘go to’ website for all the healthy grains and other healthy products I enjoy (vitamins, freeze dried fruits, flours, grains, essential oils and more).  I love one stop shopping and I was able to find the Bob’s Red Mill Teff for a great price.  I’m a HUGE fan of the quality of products that Bob’s sells, so I added some to my cart at <a href=”http://iherb.com/?rcode=QJK747″ Target=”BLANK”>iHerb</a> and checked out.     I’ve been using iHerb for years, so I know that not only is the one-stop-shopping amazing, but also that their customer service is outstanding BUT their delivery quick.     All huge reasons they continue to be my ‘go to’ place to this day.

My Teff order arrived yesterday and today I made an amazing porridge with the recipe straight off the back of Bob’s Red Mill bag.     I personalized it a little to suit me, but it was so delicious!

My next experiment will be creating some deliciousness with some Teff flour- that I’ll be ordering soon!

If you would like to order some Teff flour or anything for that matter-  Use the code “QJK747” when you check out and you’ll receive a discount on your first order-   Trust me, it’s worth it.  You won’t be sorry-  plus those hard to find things you can’t seem to find-  they probably have them if it’s relating to a healthy lifestyle.

Enjoy-   and if you’ve tried Teff, I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

 

 

 

 

September 18, 2014

Best Lives

Filed under: Food,Inspiration,Life,Things I Love — gardener @ 8:42 am

Some of you who read my site regularly- or who know me in real life know that I own a small baking business. Sharing happy moments with others and doing that through baking is one of my passions, so I decided to make it an official business. I love it- and have learned a lot along the way. In fact, I continue to learn, which is another one of the things that I love and adore.

I’m part of a cake group- and I love how people come together and not only share cake ideas, business thoughts, but also the simple things like wedding venues and wedding dj contact information for certain areas. It is so inspiring to see people co-creating and living their best lives.

June 4, 2014

Summer Fruits

Filed under: Food — gardener @ 12:04 pm

One of my absolute favorite thing about summer is fruit. I love ALL summer fruits- Mango, strawberries, pineapple, cherries and the list goes on. This past weekend, I went to the farmers market to pick up a few things, and I noticed they had a box of 9 ‘ripe’ mangoes for 4.00. It doesn’t take long to do the math to find out this is a fantastic price, and since they had some sliced and were allowing for samples- I grabbed a sample, and then chose the box with the mangoes that all felt perfect, and I bought them.

I brought them home- used my mango pitter tool, and within 15 minutes I had them peeled, chopped and portioned into 2 cup portions in freezer bags. Delish!

I mentioned it on Facebook, and a friend that I grew up with, mentioned that she has a recipe for ‘mango bread’ that she got when she lived in Cuba with her husband, (who is now retired Navy). I asked if she was wiling to share the recipe, and this morning she sent it to me.

Needless to say- I am itching to get back to the market this weekend to grab some more- so I can make some of this bread. It sounds too good to pass up.

I’ll be sure to share a photo when I make it- which will probably be sooner rather than later. I may not be able to wait and end up pulling it out of the freezer and making some puree and going with that. I can almost taste this bread- Summer bites of happiness.

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