Monthly Archives: February 2012

Bake: A Review

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When Jen Misura, owner of Bake in Lethbridge asked if I’d like to sample some gluten-free versions of their cookies, I jumped at the chance. Yes, yes, yes please!

In a city full of cupcake bakeries, Bake has set itself apart by featuring an array of artisan cookies and pastries such as French Macarons, Sicilian Cannoli, Buttercream Sugar Cookies and much more.

 Everything is baked to order, never frozen, and customized orders are accepted. Plus, orders over $24 include free delivery.

I received a sample pack featuring:

  • Maple Pecan Melts
  • Strawberry Buttercream Sugar Cookies
  • Salted Mocha Caramel Macarons
  • Strawberry-Chili Macarons

The Maple Pecan Melts were first up. This sweet and salty cookie is packed with crunchy nuts and sweet buttery, maple flavour. It just might be the best cookie I’ve ever tasted. Actually, I’m positive it’s the best cookie I’ve ever eaten. Final answer.

Next up: Macarons! I’ve been dying to try this traditional French confectionary for ages, and I’ve never been able to find them  for sale in Lethbridge. Plus I’m too intimidated to attempt a recipe.

These melt in your mouth delights are filled with buttercream or jam and sandwiched between two sweet almond meringue cookies.  Oooh la-la!  Je t’aime, Macarons!

And lastly, the finale to my sweet feast:  Strawberry Buttercream Sugar Cookies. A soft, delicate cookie decorated in ribbons of strawberry buttercream. Why are these so good.

I could’ve (and probably would’ve) eaten 40 in one sitting.

You need all of these in your belly immediately.

To order, visit: www.bakecustomcookies.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/BakeLethbridge

 Save a cookie for me, will ya?

Winter In Waterton: Part 3

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In case you missed it:

Winter in Waterton Part 1

Winter in Waterton Part 2 

During my stay in Waterton, I planned on snowshoeing and cross country skiing (weather permitting) but only had the opportunity to snowshoe. This season has been unusually warm, and the chinook wind mixed with dry winter air turned my face into leather. I forgot to pack moisturizer! What was I thinking? Obviously I was too busy packing my entire kitchen  into a camping cooler.

Breakfast was served in our cozy kitchen: 

Hard boiled eggs, smoked salmon, spinach (my plate!), fruit, a muffin and coffee. Feel free to bring me on your next trip to Waterton. I’ll bring the food and make breakfast!  If you don’t like my cooking, you can head down the Vimy’s for breakfast, or across the street to the Glacier Cafe. 

I’m kind of mad at myself for choosing hard boiled eggs over the Glacier Cafe’s french toast… 

 After breakfast, I dressed in my snowshoeing outfit:

knit leggings
yoga pants
snow pants
tank top
long sleeved shirt
hoodie
winter coat
fleece socks
Uggs
Thinsulate gloves
knit hat
sunglasses
a scarf, then changed my mind, because I couldn’t look down. 

It was +5C outside. 

My husband borrowed a pair of my knit leggings for extra warmth. “I love how my legs feel in these!” He kept saying. Hahaha.  He threatened to smash my camera if I took a picture. Don’t worry, I will try to catch him on camera next time.

Once my layers were in tact, I waddled down to the lobby to rent snowshoes ($15/day). One of the employees fitted me with a pair and then we were on our way!  Check out our ride: 

 Just kidding. (Can you imagine?!) The hay rides are free for guests staying at the lodge, and (weather permitting) they host hourly hay rides around the village. 

The Akamina Parkway (Cameron Lake road) is maintained throughout the winter to allow snowshoers and cross country skiers access to the parks designated trails.  We chose a trail called the “Dipper”. 

Before I put my snowshoes on, I removed a layer of clothing. At the higher altitude, it was around 0C and 17 layers of of winter attire seemed a little silly. Plus I was on the verge of heat stroke. 

 As someone who’s passionate about fitness, I had a blast snowshoeing. It felt nearly effortless, and since I’m a runner, I couldn’t resist jogging up and down some of the hills we encountered. The Dipper has a bunch of mini hills, and winds through the forest along mountain streams (which were still flowing!) over a few mini bridges and ends near Cameron Lake.

After a quick Google search, I found some snowshoeing (fitness) facts:

  • Snowshoeing uses every major muscle group, and you can burn upwards of 500+ calories an hour. 
  • Low impact, and great for cross-training. Use of the poles provides your upper body with an additional workout and helps to condition the back, arms and shoulders. 
  • Almost everyone – of any age or fitness level can participate. You can set your own pace and intensity – I liked running and climbing hills, but a casual pace was fun too.

About an hour into our trek, we needed a quick refuel snack. Thank goodness I found a snack in my snowpants… 

 My snowshoes were pink, by the way.

Time flew by, and we stayed out in the forest until our boots were wet and our tummies were rumbling.  Back to the lodge at once!

 After changing into dry clothes (I’m fairly certain my husband secretly wore my leggings under his pants for the remainder of the afternoon) we were ready for lunch at Vimy’s. 

 Look at it. Have you ever seen such a delicious looking taco salad? It was packed with crisp veggies, juicy shrimp and fresh avocado. Be still my heart.  I annihilated my husbands sweet potato fries too. I would’ve done a number on his smoked turkey and gouda clubhouse, but managed to refrain. I want to eat those fries again and again! If you’ve ever experienced the fries from Wieners of Waterton during the summer months… yeah, they’re like that. 

 After digesting lunch, we spend some time at the community fitness centre lifting weights and working up our appetites again. We had big plans for dinner: Elk Chili and Bison Stew (at Vimy’s of course. Their food is SO GOOD!).

Dinner was rounded out with a glass of wine back in the room, and a movie on the laptop. 

What a great mini-vacation. I can’t wait to go back soon for more snowshoeing, cross country skiing and a juicy bison steak at Vimy’s. I like winter now.

Winter In Waterton: Part 2

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The Waterton Lakes Lodge has the key to my heart: they set us up in a room with a mini kitchen. Perfect for foodies like myself who travel with an entourage of peanut butter, yogurt, fruit, veggies, etc. (I can’t believe I contemplated bringing my Keurig – I know, insane)  Because I wasn’t sure what the dining options in Waterton would be, I brought a bunch of snacks and mini meals.  

One of the views from the lodge property:

View from the room: 

Where is the snow?!

Since we had some time to spare before dinner, we walked over to the Waterton Health Club & Recreation centre to use their gym and work up an appetite.  Guests staying at the lodge have free access to the facility which includes a full service gym, pool, hot tub and sauna. 

While running on the treadmill, I didn’t even need my usual ipod/iphone distractions to keep me sane. Watching the sun cascade it’s remaining rays upon the western mountain slopes was just what I needed.  

A highlight of visiting the park in the shoulder season: Getting away with wardrobe catastrophes like this: sweatpants tucked into Uggs. (Wait, who am I kidding. I do this at home.) Try to not be jealous.  In my defense, I was trying to avoid puddles – remember, I only packed 43 pairs of sweats. 

Before heading to Vimy’s for dinner, we walked to Cameron Falls to see if it was still flowing (yes and no), then made another loop around town. I noticed some visitors driving into the park, heading straight to Cameron Falls, then leaving. Don’t do that! Instead, park your car and stay a while. 

During the summer months, this is an outdoor patio. I’m already looking forward to going back!

Once my husband and I  entered Vimy’s, a server asked if we had a reservation because it was going to be a full house with limited seating. (What?! Who would’ve thought…) We took a seat on the third level of the restaurant and ordered a glass of wine. So cozy…and relaxing. I could’ve fallen asleep at the table. 

My entree was outstanding: local, organic bison steak in a Madeira sauce, baked potato and seasonal vegetables. Hands down, the best dinner I’ve experienced in Waterton. I ate slow, savouring each bite and wishing my meal would never end. My husband ordered the stuffed chicken, which was packed with pesto bruschetta and mozzarella. 

After dinner, we weren’t quite ready to go back to the room, and needed a sweet tooth fix. My husband and I bundled up and walked across the street to the Glacier Cafe for dessert. This cozy cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus they supply movie rentals. 

I overheard quite a few guests ordered lobster corn dogs. I wish I wouldn’t have been full from dinner, otherwise I would’ve loved to try them!  Instead, we ordered a glass wine and a slice of red velvet cake. 

The red velvet cake hit the sweet spot – it was light, moist and layered with cream cheese frosting. With full bellies, we slowly made our way back to the room to unwind and settle in for a long winter sleep. We needed our energy for the following days activity: snowshoeing!

Chocolate Cherry Bomb Cookies

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A little treat for Valentine’s Day, perhaps?

 I made these with the intention of having them for weekday breakfasts… but then we ate them all the same day. Cookies always force themselves on me. I don’t know how to say no.

‘the flax egg’

Chocolate Cherry Bomb Cookies

Yields one dozen

Preheat oven to 375F

Combine:

1 cup all purpose (gluten free or regular) flour
1 cup oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: 3 tbsp cocoa

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

1 ‘flax egg’ (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or 1 egg. (If using a flax egg, allow it to thicken for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients)
1/3 cup non dairy milk
1/3 cup palm sugar (or sweetener of choice. If using liquid sweetener, decrease the milk)
3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup dried, unsweetened cherries
1/3 cup chocolate chips

 Add dry to wet, then stir in cherries and chocolate chips. Drop by the spoonful onto a non-stick baking sheet, bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden. I used a heart shaped cookie cutter as a mould.

What is your favourite Valentine’s theme treat? Chocolate dipped strawberries will forever have my heart…

Winter In Waterton: Part 1

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Winter isn’t my favourite season, but I make the best of it. Thinking back to when I was a kid, I don’t remember winter being intolerable. Granted, I had my parents to bundle me in layers of winter clothing (did anyone else’s mother regularly zip their neck and chin up in their winter coat?)  and drive me to school. But I also remember playing outside despite the frosty temperatures. I loved building snow forts, tobogganing on my GT Snow Racer and ice skating on backyard skating rinks. Back then, I instinctively made the best of the situation.

After this years holiday rush was over, I embraced my long-lost (winter) inner child, packed a bag and headed to Waterton to partake in some winter fun.

What I packed: heavy knits – sweaters & scarves, a blanket, knit leggings – for layering, down filled jacket, snow pants,  boots and gloves. Plus gym clothes and a swimsuit. And fleece pajamas. I tried to pack my yoga mat, but it wouldn’t fit. I basically needed a sherpa by the time I managed to stuff my suitcase full of “worst case scenario” items.

What I actually needed: aside from the outerwear – a light sweater and gym clothes. 

The park is open year round, and  although the townsite is nearly vacant, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to participate in.  Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, tobaganning, or even just strolling around the townsite.

I arrived early afternoon, and headed straight to Waterton Lakes Lodge to check in. I was surprised by a couple of things: the lack of snow; and the abundance of vehicles in the lodge parking lot!   While I waited for my room to become available, I took a seat in Vimy’s Lounge & Grill among the remaining lunch crowd.  

 

 


Vimy’s is located in the lodge, and is one of two restaurants open year round. I ordered a quinoa and spinach salad that was packed with fresh mandarin orange slices, candied pecans, creamy goat cheese, and avocado dressing. This was my first time eating at Vimy’s and the salad was delicious. I was excited to discover they offer vegetarian and vegan options, which can be rare to find in Waterton. Bonus points! 

By the time I was done eating, my room still wasn’t ready, so I headed out for a walk around the village….

For me, winter is a time of introspect. A time to reflect over the past year and look forward to new beginnings. What better way to end 2011 in a place that I like to think of as ‘one’ of my homes. I felt like I had Waterton to myself that afternoon. Just me and the Rockies.

‘Cure A Cold’ Miso Soup

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I’m positive I jinxed myself into getting sick. A few days ago I was congratulating myself for not catching a cold in over a year.  Then I developed “that alarming tickle” in the back of my throat before bed.  The kind where you’re not sure if the air is dry or you’re getting sick. Mind over matter… “The air is just dry! Remind Court to turn the furnace’s humidifier up” I thought as I drifted off to sleep. I woke up two hours later with a fiery inferno in my throat. Damn.

‘Cure a Cold’ (I hope!) Miso Soup

Serves 2-3

Bring 4 cups of water (or pre-made broth) to a boil. Dissolve veggie cubes, then add onion. Reduce heat to medium and let onion cook for about 5 minutes before adding the carrots and celery.

1/4 red onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 cup chopped kale

1/2 cup brown rice macaroni

3 tbsp miso paste

1 cup bean sprouts, set aside

2 tbsp chopped green onion, to garnish

Allow soup to simmer for approximately 12-15 minutes, then add the kale and macaroni. Continue simmering until noodles and veggies are tender.

Reduce heat to low and allow soup to cool slightly before stirring in the miso paste. (You don’t want to destroy the probiotic benefits.)

From The Conscious Life:

(I love this site – if you’re a nutrition facts junkie like me, check it out!)

  • Health Benefits of Miso:

    Besides containing a good amount of readily absorbable protein, miso is alsohigh in vitamin B12. It also supplies trace levels of minerals such as zinc, copper and manganese which are crucial for good health.

Add bean sprouts to soup bowl, then ladle the soup over top and garnish with green onion. I added an extra spoonful of miso – I love it!

Mmmm, it warmed my achey muscles. I rounded out my hot meal with an ice cold orange, along with a spoonful of raw honey to soothe my throat.

What do you eat when you’re sick?

Ps. Daytime tv is awesome – I just discovered a new talk show to love –  ”The Revolution.” How have I not heard about this until now?! I should get sick more often…

Planning a Hawaiian Itinerary

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When I first started thinking about taking an extended vacation, I racked my brain with ideas on how to get away for as long as possible, without spending too much money.

Hawaii can be very expensive – especially when travelling as a couple on a budget. And especially if you’re married to Mariah Carey a diva. (Hint: I’m not the diva).  Since I wasn’t able to convince my friends and family members to take five weeks off work and split the cost of a vacation home, I needed to come up with another solution. 
I began thinking about what I wanted to do in Hawaii. Swim, surf,  hike, eat – yes. But what else? Why did I feel so drawn to the islands? Like everyone else, I’d love to live there, but how would I create a life there?  I’ve always dreamed of owning an acreage… then it came to me. I remembered Court’s cousin telling us he had a friend who worked on an organic farm in Hawaii. We should do that… I need to do that! After a quick Google search, I found the farm apprentice source – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms . You can go anywhere in the world, but it seems to be most popular throughout Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia.

I signed up for an account, paid an admin fee, then set to work searching for suitable farm hosts. I sent at least 15 emails – mostly to farms located on the Big Island, and a few to Maui and Kauai. Within a few days, I heard back from a host on the Big Island asking to set up a phone interview. When it came time to introduce ourselves over the phone, the host (who runs the farm with his wife), asked me a lot of questions about why I wanted to visit and what my intentions were. 
He explained volunteers are provided with accommodations and a food allowance in exchange for five hours of work per day, Monday through Friday. The main rules: “No partying, no drugs, no heavy drinking.” Well, I should hope so…
Towards the end of our interview, he said: “You’re welcome to stay at our place, just email me your flight confirmation and we’ll see you in March!”  
Following our conversation, I couldn’t stop squealing, jumping up and down and waving my arms. This happens when I get really, really excited about something.

We won’t be wwoof’ing the entire time – we’re spending four weeks at the farm, with 12 days to spare.

The first two days will be spent here, at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel:

Followed by the farm.

Then a week at the Kaawa Loa bed & breakfast:

And finally, back to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel for the last two days.

Now that accommodations are arranged, I need to plan some fun activities and adventures! So far, I’ve signed up for this:

March 18, 2012
15th ANNUAL BIG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL MARATHON – HILO
26.2 Mile Marathon, 10.8 Mile Run & 3.1 Mile Fitness Run/Walk. Run the coast of old Hawaii along the Pacific Ocean, through tropical rainforests, past exotic waterfalls, and along black lava beaches to finish at historic Hilo Bay Front. Run with elite runners in a small running field. Start to mile 10 is a net downhill of 500 ft. with some hills in the first 8 miles and then fairly flat after that. Hilo is located in one of the cooler lush areas of Hawaii, which translates into good running conditions. Enthusiastic volunteers cheer on the runners at well-stocked aid stations and at the finish line celebration. Time: 6am. 10.8 mile runners run the first 10.8 miles with the marathoners. The 3.1 Mile Fitness Run/Walk is from Hilo Bay around Queen Lili’uokalani Gardens. Info: Wayne Joseph 808/969-7400 or visitwww.hilomarathon.org


Have you visited the Big Island? Any ‘must-see/do’ activities I should check out? 

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

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I hope you weren’t offended by my Maple Glazed Bacon Sprinkle donuts the other day. I also hope you don’t have coronary artery disease now. Sorry about that.

Lets wipe the slate clean with a healthy cookie recipe.

Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Yields 1 dozen
gluten free, dairy free, egg free

Preheat oven to 375F, lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Mix together:

1 cup all purpose g-free flour (or regular)

1 cup oats

3 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or 1 egg, beaten

3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

1/3 cup cane sugar

1/3 cup non-dairy milk or water

Add dry to the wet, then mix until combined. If needed, add more milk/water to slightly thin the dough. Now stir in a couple handfuls of dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Drop cookie dough by the spoonful onto the cookie sheet. For chewy cookies,  bake for approximately 12- 15 mins, or until the sides are starting to lightly brown. For crispy cookies, bake for approximately 20 mins.

Favourite cookie? And go!

Ps. I’m really jealous of my mom in law. Look what she’s waking up to today:

Indian Wells, California. What a jerk.