Mmmmmexican cooking
I have started teaching myself Mexican cooking. Mexican food is not Taco Bell so get that idea out of your head right now. It's healthy and flavourful and easy to make! I made these two items for friends this week. Everyone had seconds:
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice: http://www.food.com/recipe/rice-cooker-mexican-rice-159900
Herbed Pumpkin Seed Mole: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Herbed-Pumpkin-Seed-Mole-365369
The only ingredient that will be hard to find is epazote. Don't even bother trying to find it fresh if you live in Canada. There's a great store called Manotas Organics in St. Lawrence Market that has all the Mexican herbs and spices: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manotas-Organics-and-Fine-Foods-at-The-St-Lawrence-Market/171500949544252
...and here's everything you ever wanted to know about epazote. Try it on garlic bread. It is soooo good! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysphania_ambrosioides
Toronto World War II
My great uncle took this photo in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during World War II. Below it is the same street today! The orange MAC-FAB store used to be the Orpheum Theatre that's in the old photo. Thanks to Marion Hunter for the photo and to Fin Thomson for identifying the address!
Fruits of my labour
It's been a busy summer! My first attempt at growing heirloom tomatoes from seed was a moderate success. I've had several meals from them and they are much tastier than anything in the grocery store! The yellow ones are Peruvian Banana and the tiny ones are a commercial variety. I think I'll stick to just a couple plants next year and try other veggies:
Launching a new website
I worked on this site for my photographer friend Nathan. I think we're both quite happy with how it turned out!
Dill Beans
This is a recipe my mom and grammie made for many years. Everyone in my family loves them and an open jar rarely needs to go into the fridge because we eat them all! I made 12 jars of them myself last weekend. Here's the recipe if you want to try:
Garlic Dill Beans
Place in the bottom of Mason Jars:
1 glove garlic
¼ teaspoon of red pepper or ½ whole pepper.
¼ teaspoon pickling spice
Stem of dill (10-20 florets) or a small bunch of leaf dill.
Steam beans for 8 minutes. Can also do coarsely julienned carrots (make similar diameter to the beans if you want to combine them).
Stand in mason jars
Heat scant 2 cups of vinegar
2 good cups of water.
¼ cup of salt.
Bring to a boil.
Pour over beans arranged in jars. Cover. Wait for seal to pop. Refrigerate any jars that don't pop and eat soon. They should site for 2 weeks for full flavour development.
-Special thanks to Sherrill Chown for the recipe.
Hals-und RachenTee!
My good friend Nathan just got back from a whirlwind European trip and look what he brought me! I have always loved German packaging. I think it looks classy! The tea itself is VERY good! Thanks Nathan!
Thanks Nathan!
My favorite animal posts on YouTube!
My friends are all sick of me showing these so its time to share them with the world
Gasland
This is an eye opening documentary about the natural gas industry. I had never heard of "fracking" before watching this. What these companies are getting away with is astonishing. The documentary is very timely as I've seen on the news that some US states have asked for a full list of the chemicals used in the fracking process and these companies are dragging their feet. The same process is also being used extensively in Canada. (I know people in New Brunswick that have lost their drinking water). Look for it in your city! ... or on dvd when its released: http://gaslandthemovie.com/
Slow Death by Rubber Duck
...and to continue my trend of cheery posts, here's another uplifting item...Slow Death by Rubber Duck. I read this a few weeks ago. It was a well written discussion on the chemicals that surround us in everyday life. Unfortunately I was not surprised to learn that chemical companies are more interested in making money than preserving the health of people and the environment.
This is an especially good read for those of you planning on having a baby! A lot of the chemicals build in our systems over a lifetime so its good to limit exposure from the start!
Terrifying, yet essential, viewing.
Dirt, The Movie
The End of the Line
I recently watched these documentaries and I think they should be required viewing for everyone on the planet. We've lost a massive amount of our topsoil to intensive oil economy based farming and we've fished our seas to the point of collapse. Watch these so you know how to make the right choices as a consumer. You might also develop the conviction to pressure your government into action before its too late.