Whirled Peas

Birthday Week!! Woo Hoo!

2012-02-15T13:48:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that Sir Bunbun is 11 years old! He's still as spry as ever, curious, playful, cuddly, & enjoys an active life. He's going to get a tiny road trip as a belated birthday gift in a few weeks so the adventure continues!

I'm so grateful for his wee little soul in my life & we thank you all who love & appreciate him too!

Happy Birthday to Me! Hee Hee

2012-01-18T17:43:00.002-05:00

Vegan Lemon Cupcakes w/Vegan Raspberry Cream Cheese Icing

So, as a gift to myself, for the 19th, and to you since I have been neglecting the foodie stuff, I decided to try to make cupcakes for the first time. Always a fan of lemon & raspberry, I thought I'd give this combo a whirl. I think it turned out well for my first time filling & icing anything! And it sure looks purdy!

A basic lemon cake mix was the base for the cupcakes & some lovely raspberry jam filled a wee spot in half of my experiment!

For the icing, I blended on medium speed for 5 minutes, 1/2 cup of Earth Balance & one container of Tofutti Cream Cheese. I opted to thaw out frozen raspberries & puree them in my awesome little blender; adding 1/3 of a cup to the fluffy mix of Earth Balance & Cream Cheese (you could use actual raspberry preserves instead) blending until well, blended. I began to add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. First 1 cup, then a half...blending on high until it was smooth.

Piping on the icing was fun; starting on the outside at 9 o'clock working clockwise to the inner circle of the cupcake. I would play with the icing next time, preferring it to be a little stiffer, other than that...a general success!

Frankenbunny!

2012-01-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

The last chapter in Sir Bunbun's eye adventure - getting out his tiny little stitches! He reminds me of a little stuffed bunny that is coming undone in this first picture!

The most gentle Melissa McPhee, clearly another bunny lover, was so great to see Bunbun on short notice; putting the final touches on Bun's eye surgery ordeal. The stitches came out easily & cleanly despite being about a week later than they could have come out. GI Stasis kept Mr Binx close to the litter box, ahem, so we didn't travel to further stress his little system. Great news too, he is up nearly half a pound after a kinda dramatic 3/4 pound loss before the surgery. When you're just 4 pounds to start with that is a big deal.

Thanks to all who have followed my wee guy's big eye ordeal. We appreciate the care, warm thoughts & comments & as always, welcome any questions that further the good care of bunnies!

Rabbit Eye Health

2012-01-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share exactly what had happened to Sir Bunbun's eye for those of you with bunnies in need of eye information. As you can see, above the yellow line the eye was slowly being shaded by a dark tumour that luckily did not bulge but in 6 months had come to cover 1/3 of the eye. The 2nd thing to occur was a golden cataract at the back of the eye that was very obvious. With the cataract making the eye brighter inside, the ruptured blood vessel was instantly visible. Lastly, the eye began to fill up with blood starting from the bottom of the eye, despite Pred Mild being administered in order to reduce the pressure in the blood vessels.

This is Bunbun only 2 weeks after having his eye removed (enucleation). He has adjusted beautifully, is running around, very affectionate & most peculiarly seems to have a great awareness of the left side of his head. It is like he's looking at you with his little furry side! All is well.

Bunny Success! Viewer Discretion

2012-01-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the year Bunbun had shown some tenderness on his brow bone while he was getting his daily face lovin'. After examination by the lovely Dr. Agius, it turned out that there was a tumour (ocular melanoma) in his eye. It did not make the eye bulge out but was more like a curtain coming down from the top corner of his eye. A cataract then developed which was like a shiny gold coin had been placed in the back of his eye. It was quite the thing to see. We were on dutiful bunny eye watch daily for changes, administering Metacam for any possible pain that Bun was experiencing.

We noticed against that shiny gold in the back of Bunbun's eye that a tiny blood vessel had broken, so off to the vet's office for an opinion. Dr. Cameron had a look at Bun's eye & had the paperwork sent nearly before we had left the office to see the Bunny Opthamologist the very next day! At that point we thought we'd try some drops before going to surgery. After 2 weeks, the eye bleed did not improve despite giving Pred Mild drops to try and reduce the pressure in the blood vessels.

So, it was time to freak out a little & make the decision to remove the eye. Upon returning back from holidays, Dr. Klys didn't think twice about doing the surgery that morning after finding us waiting in the office. We appreciated it more than you can imagine. Dr. Klys made us comfortable & even happy to have the surgery after many tears & much worry.

The wonderful Dr. Klys who loves bunnies as much as I do!

Less than 2 hours after beginning his surgery, Bunbun was up & ready to get back to some munching. You can see in the above photo & video below that Bun was doing great!

4 days later Sir Bunbun is doing great. Healing, napping, munching & getting lots of love. He is a trooper & no doubt has more adventure ahead of him!

My sweet bunny healing up nicely. Soon his brown fur will be back looking handsome as ever.

These are the tools of any good bunny recovery!

Kale, carrots & tops, banana, pb & toast, some canned pumpkin & Oxbow Critical Care recovery food for Herbivores.

We invite any questions that you have about our experience. The world is short on good bunny info!!

Happy New Year!

To Love Some Bunny...

2011-12-22T01:20:00.001-05:00

Those of you who know & love Sir Bunbun will no doubt keep him in your thoughts in the coming week. On December 28th it will be attempted to remove his left eye due to a tumour & bleeding within the eye.

Since he is such an old bunny at nearly 11, the anesthetic may be too much for his wee ticker; a ticker that is much loved by me & those who love us.

We wish you a happy holiday season full of as much love as is rockin' here at this house. xoxo

Bun Wow!

2011-11-22T23:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, you've all seen it. The insane middle of the night commercials pitching the Sham Wow from a guy who looks & sounds like he's had about 20 cups of coffee before he went on air.

I have nothing to say about the cleaning benefit of this "as seen on tv" item, but boy can I testify to the bunny lovingness of it. While looking for a soft alternative for Bunbun on a 18 hour drive, I decided to put recycled newspaper pellets underneath the legendary shamwow....now always to by known in my home by the BunWow! Since Bun getting an eye tumour & thoughtful consideration to be given to a wee bun with declining vision, this was the solution that was arrived at. No sharp hay poking in nearly blind eyes, no powdery dust to tear up already sensitive eyes.

Not only did Bunbun enjoy standing, sitting & laying on the coziness of the wow....it was an easy item to handwash or machine wash for all those other unexpected treats that occur when, lets face it, most of us, travel days in a vehicle.

On a side note, as I typed this post I had to fight off Bun with one hand from stealing the lettuce out of my sandwich! Oh, the life of a wee spoiled bun.

For those of you who appreciate my bunny posts...thanks for reading....for others...what brought you here!! I'm still waiting for questions from the audience!! Anonymously or not!

Woo Hoo! Its Your Birthday..sorta

2011-11-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

Sir Bunbun has hit another milestone!!

Spry as ever, enjoying life, lots of yummy nibbles, running around new places all the time, making new dog friends always & of course getting lots & lots of love!

Man, I love this little bunny. And I'm quite certain he thinks I'm not a bad deal either!!

In honour of Sir Bun, have a nice healthy nibble today!!!

Just Be...

2011-11-02T14:03:00.000-04:00

Sometimes this is all you need.

Someone to stand by you, beside you, with you; offering a supportive hand & nothing more.

No words, no judgements, just that little bit of extra strength that only someone who truly loves & cares for you can provide.

xo

To Love Some Bunny

2011-10-17T00:48:00.003-04:00

While personally not a user of wool products, I could not resist sharing the sweetness of this wee little bunny. His sweet little face makes me smile.

I wuv him.

Please check out Abigail Swenson's Etsy page to see more of these delightful little muffins.

*On a side note, Abigail has assured me that the wool for her creations comes from a local farm of 30 Alpacas & sheep who each have their own name & personality & enjoy a pampered life with loving human companions & that quite enjoy getting a haircut now & then.

Just What I Need

2011-10-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

Sometimes to find the exact thing that you need in life; all you have to do is put yourself in the middle of nowhere & open your eyes.

Ontario is a magical place in the fall & I was not disappointed by my last outing!

I decided to enjoy the sights more...rather than dive for my camera every 2 seconds, so sadly I can not share the photos of the wee red fox that came out of the forest & stared back at me for a while, or the cute little black weasel that dashed across the road moving from one lake to another, or the insane red squirrel that was not very happy that I was standing so close to his tree, & certainly not of the tiny chipmunk who was trying to get a closer than recommended view of the truck!

Alas, the colour show is nearly over & a new adventure will soon begin with our very cold temperatures & hopefully just a little bit of snow! Luckily you can experience the best of times with wonderful animals all year long! Can't wait!

*I haven't quit making yummy vegan foods; for those of you who come by to check for new recipes....just living a very full summer/fall. I hope to experiment with some new recipes & will post pictures & reviews as I go!

My best wee foxy photo after staring at each other for a while.

2011-09-30T14:09:00.000-04:00

Ontario Fall Colour Report

It's happening!! Woo Hoo! I really love fall. The air changes, the critters are getting prepared for the long winter. Lots of scurrying about.

I don't mind the rain, the cool breezy days, the lack of sunshine makes it all that more special when it pops it's head out in the sky. The air is fresh, the smells of the rotting leaves, the change in the lakes...all beautiful!

What am I doing inside!! Off to report on the deer & foxes I expect to see this weekend!!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

2011-09-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

As I lay here listening to the rain gently fall outside mixed with the soft beeping sounds of nuthatches, I realize that though summer is over & fall has arrived; it is only the beginning of a new adventure.

It is hard to say goodbye to summer but the glorious things that Ontario has to offer in the coming months are a treasure in themselves. I can't wait to go exploring!!

What If?

2011-09-25T19:18:00.000-04:00

"What" & "If" are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put the together side by side & they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life. What if? What if? What if?.....

A quote today from a friend, & for a friend.

Life has the possibility of being your own precious Wonderland.

Be Happy.

Happy Birthday Bunbun!!! 10 & a half!! Woo Hoo!

2011-08-16T10:24:00.002-04:00

Bunbun enjoying some grass & sunshine a few days before his birthday.

Technically it is a half birthday but at 10 & a half....we are celebrating!!!

Bunbun's Dinner

2011-07-20T18:15:00.001-04:00

Is this a new fangled organic hippie salad? Or perhaps an experiment with sprouts & berries?

Nope! Just Bunbun's dinner tonight...had to take a picture & share. Of course the side of carrots were forgotten! No complaints to the chef though....so far!!

Hee Hee....no wonder I have a bunny rabbit that is almost 10 & a half!!

Spanish Gazpacho w/Cilantro Avocado Twist!!

2011-07-14T15:42:00.001-04:00

aka Gazpacho

Summertime Yummies...can't get enough of them. I hope you will enjoy this spicy cold soup over the coming hot days. The glass in the photo is one from a tavern that my Grandmother worked at in 1944....designed at that time no doubt for gentlemen only. Good girls didn't drink whiskey I'm sure!

5 tomatoes 1/4 inch dice

2 red peppers 1/4 inch dice

2 english cucumbers peeled & diced

1 jalapeno pepper minced

4 cloves garlic minced

3 shallots minced

2 avocado 1/4 inch dice

2-4 tbsp each of fresh coriander & basil

juice of one lemon

2 tbsp of red wine vinegar

4 cups of veg stock (I have used 2 cans of V8 & 2 cups stock for more colour)

In a non metal bowl, place to chopped tomato, cucumber, red pepper, avocado, garlic, shallots & jalapeno. (I use a mini chopper to mince the garlic, shallot & jalapeno, but you can take out your days aggression & mince it on the cutting board.)

Use your food processor to pulse the rough cut veggies with a small amount of liquid to where the texture is best for you....still some chunky bites is the best. I have to do this in two parts for the amount of veggies....place into a large plastic or glass bowl & then add the chopped herb, lemon juice, red wine vinegar & veggie stock & stir it up!

One can add vodka to this & serve it as an appetizer/before dinner cocktail if you are having a party.

Happy Summer!

This just makes me happy!!

Yes I "borrowed" this photo; I wish I was so lucky as to have been behind that camera!

Big Major Spot Island, Bahamas I know where I'm heading when the snow flies!!!

Hee Hee

Happy Canada Day/Joyeuse Fête du Canada

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Have a wonderful long weekend my fellow Canadians & my honorary Canuck peeps!

Canada

Whip It ... Real Good!!

2011-06-27T20:31:00.002-04:00

Vegan Whipped Cream

Since Summer is upon us an fresh berries are abound...I thought I would try a new product. I had given up on finding a "whipped cream" that had the texture & taste of one that I had known in a previous life, but was so pleasantly surprised with MimicCreme's Healthy Top.

"Healthy Top is the first totally Non-Dairy, Non-Soy, shelf stable Whipping Cream" Shelf stable is the big sell on this for me. To be able to keep it in the pantry until you need it...whatever side up, not like some that you have to store very specifically, makes this dessert item an easy food staple to store.

In one of my previous recipes for Frozen Raspberry Cheesecake, I had swapped out the whipped cream that was originally in the recipe & used Tofutti Vanilla Ice Cream; since it was a frozen recipe. I am looking forward to trying Healthy Top in this recipe to once again bring the yummy raspberry V. cheesecake filling back to its deservedly fluffy self!!

Anyhow, that's my review! I wish you a happy summer.....this is likely my last post until the fall.

Thanks for popping by!

An honourable mention goes to Soyatoo for providing a yummy alternative made from rice & for allowing me to stick the nozzle of the can in my mouth & spray!! It had been years!! Hee Hee

2011-06-24T20:31:00.001-04:00

For those of you who know & love Sir Bunbun, I must tell you that his current eye problem has turned out to be ocular melanoma....aka cancer of the eye. He is as good as he ever was & for a bun of over 10 he is still acting like the wee kitten that he ever was.

Love & comfort are on the menu, as they always have been; as opposed to removing his eye as the given option.

He will enjoy a wondrous trip this summer; visiting the ocean, various critters & many fresh smells to stimulate his senses! Lots of veggies, grass & soft sweet soil to dig his toes in to!

Since y'all have seen how sweet his little nose & face is...it's time you saw his cute little bunny bum!

Thanks for being a bunny friend...we have appreciated it!

Anything goes!

2011-06-24T20:03:00.001-04:00

Southwestern Bean Salad

This was kind of a mish-mash of several recipes...being a simple gal at heart I felt no need for fancy vinegars & all that. 28 ounces of black beans, 2-4 cups of corn, some red onion, red pepper & half a cup of cilantro mixed up with a quarter cup of olive oil, juice from one lime & as much chili powder as you like...makes a tasty summer salad. Chill it while you chill out...& enjoy.

Daiya Macaroni Salad

Another "what do I have in the fridge" recipe. Chop up some mushrooms, broccoli, red pepper & garlic....or whatever you have & saute it in olive oil. Add some macaroni, a package of veggie mozzarella cheese & some rice milk...season with salt & pepper!! For me this is "junk food"!!

Usually I keep my blog related to food or animals but I made this necklace & thought I would share! The chain is handmade from brown coloured copper wire which I wound on a mandrel, handcut the rings, & then wove into the wonderful Queen's Chain or Box Chain Weave....this wee little chain is comprised of 16 feet of wire!!! The pendant is a great piece of beach glass that I found last summer which I wrapped up & dangled from the chain! Whaddaya think???

Happy Summer people!!

Don't Be Stupid....Stoopid

2011-06-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

Something I stumbled across today that made me smile.

Hope y'all are enjoying some heat, some flowers, some healthy food

& most of all lots of love.

Love is good.

Happy Summer!!

Should It Be True.....

2011-05-20T15:47:00.000-04:00

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like,
and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

Badly Done!

2011-05-17T09:11:00.002-04:00

Although a vegan, I have always enjoyed watching Top Chef & when I heard that there would be a Top Chef Canada; I was very excited. I have tried to give it a chance, but in my opinion the challenges, the food prepared, & most of all, the judges have paled in comparison to its US counterpart both in talent & tact. That was my opinion until last evening.

With their decision to put horse flesh on last nights episode, they have displayed a gross gluttony that I have no desire to continue to watch.The network is saying that it is trying to reach Canada's vast demographic, but since when is eating horses cool here in Canada?

I grew up on a 100 acre farm, we milked our cows, we ate our cows & chickens, I helped prepare the chickens & furs with my uncle at a young age. Just because I have not eaten animal flesh in 22 years does not mean that I am naive about the ways of the "meat" world. But seriously...

While I'm at it, I'm pretty sure this is an unnecessary evil that Canada still perpetuates. But thanks again Top Chef Canada for putting seal flesh on your menu also & showing that amidst all us nice, polite, agreeable Canadians, that there are a group of real assholes as well. No one includes this group when they talk about our biodiversity!

Rescue A Horse

Stop The Seal Hunt

Just because a thing is, doesn't mean it should be.

.
.

It's a Wrap!

2011-05-06T22:46:00.004-04:00

Since I can't literally share my lunch with you, I thought I'd at least share a pic of my tasty wrap.

Usually I do not think twice when someone asks me "what does a vegan eat" & I do a quick rundown of the foods that I enjoy cooking & eating, but never have I felt more living up to the "hippie granola muncher" reputation as when I describe this wrap to someone.

I just can't help it; I love it! But let's face it, it is pretty "earthy".

Cube up some tomato & mix it with a smashed avocado, a splash of fresh lemon juice & some salt. Get a whole wheat wrap & lay some vegan mozzarella down on it, add a little swipe of vegan mayo if you like, then add your avocado/tomato mix. My favourite part, snip some pea sprouts from your pea plant, or wherever you must get them, & lay them on top of it.

Wrap it up, pop it in your mouth & chew each bite 36 times!

Hope you like it!

On a side note.....if you know me, you know I love Canada.

This is a MUST see!! Journey to the Edge of the World

If you have to beg, borrow or steal, you must watch this wonderful look at some of the most beautiful & remote places of my country.

Yes, it's mine. I own it!

Happy Spring!

2011-03-21T11:32:00.000-04:00

Is that truly spring that I see, peeking slowly back at me??

Time to get out the gloves & clean up all that mess outside your door! My snowdrops & crocuses are flowering & the daffodils are half up! It is a particular comfort to see new life popping up from the ground in this crazy world. The robins are bouncing around, the squirrels getting excited to start making babies.....ah, I do love spring.

Springtime Yummies

2011-03-21T10:59:00.002-04:00

I've been bad lately for sharing my yummies with those of you that find my yummies yummy, so hopefully this catchup post will satisfy!

Linguine w/Gremolata - This is a great dish warm or cold.

From Vegan Planet

Gremolata

3 Cloves of Garlic minced

Grated Lemon Zest of 1 lemon

2 Cups of Parsley chopped

1 lb Linguine Noodles

4 large Shallots

3 Cups of Oyster Mushrooms

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil

Mix the parsley, lemon zest & garlic together & put in the fridge for several hours.

Put a large pot of water on to boil for linguine. While pasta is cooking, heat the shallots in a large oiled frying pan & cook about 5 minutes, then add the oyster mushrooms. When they are soft, add them to the drained linguine; because you should have paid attention to your pasta & drained it already!! Then add the Gremolata mixture from your fridge & the remaining olive oil. Toss it up, smell that awesome aroma & munch away!

Honestly, name this one what you want! LOL

Basically just slice in half some red/yellow/orange peppers & thinly slice some zuchinni & onions. I would add mushrooms to this next time personally. Put the veg uncovered (cut side up for peppers) in an oiled casserole dish for 15-20 minutes until tender. Cook up some quinoa with a sprig of rosemary in it & when you are ready, build a little pepper pocket full of yum like the picture that I took above. Laid out on a bed of mixed greens with a shot of lemon juice! Very springy.

Sweet Potato/Black Bean Burrito
*This is my top 5 favourite thing ever!!!
5 cups of Sweet Potatoes
2 cans of Black Beans
1/2 cup of chopped Coriander
Juice of One Lemon
8-10 8" tortillas
3-4 cups of minced Onions
1 tsp of Ground Coriander
1 tsp of Ground Cumin
Salt - just for you!
Vegan Sour Cream
Salsa!

Ok, so peel & dice up your sweet potatoes & cook them until they are soft. Once drained, mash the sweet potato, black beans, fresh coriander & lemon juice together in a large bowl. Set this aside.
Turn your oven on to 350C now, must not waste hydro!
In a frying pan, cook the onions with the ground coriander & cumin until the onions are soft. Once cooked, add the onion mixture into the mashed sweet potato mixture. Have a taste now & add salt until it tastes how you personally like it. Because shouldn't we all have exactly what we want??
Get out your tortillas & add 1/3 or so cup of mixture to the centre and roll it up! This is something that only gets better with practice. Lay your rolled up burritos onto an oiled pan with the seam side down. Once you have all your burritos finished cover the entire pan/tray/cookie sheet/ with aluminum foil. Put them into the oven for 30 minutes. I prefer to turn them after 20 minutes so that there is a nice toasty tortilla on both sides. When finished cooking, add some yummy salsa & vegan sour cream to the top & enjoy.
*A recent mutation took place where I had some leftover filling & leftover brown rice, so I mixed it up & fried it! May work well in the burritos with the rice too!

Hold On...

2011-03-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

Some days when all your world may seem askew,
Fear not dear one, it is merely a new point of view. (djs-2011)

There is value to be had in even the worst of times.
But hugs certainly help!
Big hugs go out into the universe for whoever needs one today!!

Get Corked!

2011-02-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

About the Cork Oak Tree

I admit it, I am fascinated by most things in nature, but this wonderful cork tree is a thing of beauty. When people talk about renewable or sustainable resources thoughts usually turn to replanting, where it pertains to wood, paper or pulp, but the cork oak is never required to be cut down.

Last night I watched a wonderful program that showed the hand harvesting of these wonderful trees. I was impressed by the fact that modern technology has not come up with a way to do this with a machine; leaving it in the careful hands of generations of people who learn this skill & will continue to pass their knowledge on to future cork tree harvesters.

It is amazing how such an old growth tree may remain majestic, it's unique forest housing & hosting a varied & unique ecosystem unto itself.

Cork will certainly receive more consideration from this earth friendly girl!

WWF's Info About the Cork Oak

Be the change you want to see in the world!

Birthday Bunny!!!

2011-02-19T00:00:00.005-05:00

The Birthday Bunny!

I can hardly believe that my little Bunbun is now 10 years old!

Neither can any veterinarian, or any other animal professional who I tell his age to! He is exceeding his life expectancy for a Hotot now. And I am grateful!!

He is as lively as he has ever been, & aside from a wee lump in his left shoulder, healthy as can be! People who know me joke that it must be the bottled water & organic vegetables! I think that the hours & hours of physical contact he has received has done his heart, & mine, good.

Bunbun has only seen the inside of a cage when travelling, or for his protection in a strange home. Fortunately he has been able to see many strange homes & done some Canadian sightseeing! On his last trip, a friendly bunch of tourists from Beijing were taking video & photos of Bun & I; one lady even coming & putting her arm around us to pose for a pic! It was a strange feeling, but cool that people on the other side of the world have pics of Bun & I!! Felt famous for about 5 seconds!! Hee Hee.

Anyhow, I love my little guy. He brings joy to my heart & I know he has a few fans out there in the world!!

Bunspace!

Bliss Balls!

2011-02-15T13:45:00.002-05:00

This is about the most delicious chocolaty treat that a little vegan girl could hope for! And to get them on Valentines Day too!! Yummy! Not only are they vegan friendly, they are environmentally friendly, packaged in containers derived from corn starch!

This isn't my first time munching on these most magnificent mounds of mouth watering madness, BUT I did think it was about time that I shared!! Just the info, not the Bliss Balls.

I admit, I have shared them, & I do try to be kind & sharing with most things, but let's just say it was down to one Bliss Ball & you..... LOL

http://www.newworldnaturalfoods.ca/index.html

It's amazing how such a little thing can do so much. xx

Vegan Lasagna

2011-02-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

1 medium eggplant, 1/4" dice

1/2 cup olive oil

8 ounces of spinach, I like baby

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 cup chopped mushrooms, chopped

9 lasagna noodles, oven ready or not

Sauce Ingredients

1 tbs olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

28 oz can of chopped tomatoes, or equal fresh chopped

1 tsp cane sugar

2 tbs chopped basil

shredded mozzarella, one package

salt & pepper

Vegetable Mix

Heat olive oil in large frying pan & cook the eggplant for 3 minutes.

Add spinach, mushrooms, garlic & cumin.

Cook until vegetables are tender.

Sauce

Heat olive oil in a small saucepan & saute the onion

& garlic for 2 or 3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, sugar & chopped basil.

Add salt & pepper to your own taste. Bring to a boil & reduce heat,

simmering for 5 minutes. Cook a little longer if using fresh tomatoes.

Put it all together!

Ladle a little juice from the sauce into the bottom of your lasagna pan.

Lay down 3 lasagna noodles. Spoon half of your vegetable mixture

onto the noodles & top with 1/4 of the mozzarella.

Repeat this layer once, except for the spoonful of juice

from the sauce. On the top layer, lay down 3 lasagne noodles

& put the entire tomato mixture on top of the noodles.

Put the remaining mozzarella on top of the tomato mixture.

*You can also stuff giant cannelloni tubes with this and add

the tomato mix & cheese on top of them.

Now, put this in the oven at 375ºC & bake for 30 minutes

until cheese is melted on top. A few minutes under the

broiler can help wonky vegan cheese.

Short & Sweet Quinoa Corn Chowder

2011-02-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'm a huge fan of Quinoa; a great ancient grain Quinoa has all the amino acids that make up a complete protein...makes it perfect for this little vegan gal.

This chowder is super easy & if you feel like a little, make a little, if you feel like a lot....

2 cups of water

1/4 cup of quinoa

1/2 cup of white potato, cubed

2 tbsp of carrot, diced

1/4 cup of onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups of corn, fresh or frozen

2 cups or soy or rice milk

salt as you like it

black pepper

parsley for garnish if you like

In a medium sized pot simmer quinoa, potato, carrot &
onion until tender. Add the yummy corn.
Bring to a boil & then simmer for 15 minutes.
Add soymilk & bring just to a boil.
Season so it's just how you love it..garnish with parsley.

This is a nice summer chowder no matter what the humidex!

Hope you try it & enjoy!

Lean on Me

2011-02-10T12:41:00.000-05:00

I can not get enough of this photo. LOL The dog looks great, handsome face, big smile, great posture, but this cat man, he freaks me out!! He is just way too cool in all manner of stance, facial expression & that outfit, he sure wears it well.

Normally I don't go for messing about with animals but I strongly believe that these 2 are well loved & no harm was involved.

Hello 2011!

2010-12-31T06:27:00.006-05:00

Be happy, be healthy, be safe & believe!

For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning

Farewell 2010!

2010-12-22T09:50:00.002-05:00

Ok folks, I am out of here until some time in 2011. I take a moment now to wish you happiness & safety over the coming weeks. Mother Nature is laying down some dangerous pathways for some of us so please be careful out there.

I hope that you all find many moments that will make you smile, keep your heart warm, & give you faith that you are loved by at least one person in this world. Whether they are covered in fur or not!

I thank you for peeping at my wee little weird blog & taking time to directly message me. I promise there will be more yummy foods in the new year to try, or just drool over the photos at least. Of course, the odd deep thoughts will continue!

If anyone needs me, & you can find me, hee hee, this is where I'll be!

Oh Canada indeed.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-18T15:12:00.011-05:00

Silent Frozen Heart

Dangerous December!

2010-12-15T11:55:00.003-05:00

Woo Hoo! Winter in Ontario is here! Most people would not feel this excited about it but me, I'm groovin' on it. It's like when the cold weather hits & your bunnies, dogs & cats start running around all excited & spazzy & acting like goofy little babies....that is me!! Being outside with the cold air & the snow blowing makes me so high on life & happy & super goofy!!

Yes, driving in it is the worst, but if you can just take a moment & enjoy the beauty of it & the outdoor fun it allows, you will be a happier person.

You really can't fight Mother Nature. So just love her & find something to do that will make you smile. If you are lucky, you will run into a couple of sweet little critters like these lovely deer

Stay safe & warm friends!

This Is It

2010-12-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it is winter, but I can not help but adore this floral delight & say that this will be THE cake. So precious with the lovebirds cuddled lovingly together on the top.

Surprisingly there are not many people who make vegan wedding cakes here in Ontario! Maybe I should start my own vegan wedding cake business!

And I know that all girls have there own taste in dresses & what they would wear for their own special days in life, but this grabbed my attention being simple yet delicately lovely at the same time.

Friendship & Cake...what could be better!

2010-12-05T12:10:00.000-05:00

So, I don't have my own photos of this food project, yes folks, project...but I thought I would direct you to a place that you can check it out. Of course I veganize my recipe & you will easily see where to replace your vegan ingredients.

Friendship Cake Recipe

I usually make this every Xmas but I will be on the road & out of my kitchen this year. I will have to fantasize that one of my vegan pals will take this on, if not for Xmas, for the New Year.

If you haven't had a friend to pass along the starter fluid, Apricot or Peach Brandy does the trick.

Healthy & Sweet, Looks Too Good To Eat

2010-12-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

4 sweet potatoes, peeled & roughly chopped

2 tsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, peeled & crushed

2 celery stalks, trimmed & finely sliced

1 white onion, peeled & finely sliced

small butternut squash, peeled, chopped 1/4” pieces

450 ml vegetable stock

410g can kidney beans, drained & rinsed

410g can black-eye peas, drained & rinsed

2 red peppers, deseeded & sliced

2 zucchini, trimmed & sliced

4 tomatoes, sliced in half

1 dessertspoonful arrowroot powder

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to about 375 ºF

Steam/boil the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes until tender.

In a medium-sized saucepan add 2 tablespoons of water to the

oil, garlic, celery & onion & cook for 3 minutes. Add your squash

& cook for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently. Add the veggie

stock & bring to a boil. Cover, lower the heat & simmer for 10

minutes. Then you can add the beans, peas, peppers,

zucchini & tomatoes & simmer for a further 5 minutes.

Mix the arrowroot with a little water & add along with the parsley.

Drain the sweet potato & mash.

Put the veg mixture into a pie/lasagna dish & add the sweet

potato mash on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the sweet

potato begins to brown.

I have no after oven pic for this one but trust me,

it explodes with flavour & is about as natural & delicious

as it gets.

Just food....no crap!! LOL

Black Bean Chili

2010-12-03T11:44:00.000-05:00

Here's another dish I quite like....I hope you will enjoy also!

You can spice this one up to your own heat level, I generally put in 2 jalepeno's and that works quite nicely for me. The rosemary might seem like a strange thought but it gives this dish a pungent, in a good way, undertone that, well I find Yummy!

Black Bean Chili

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 sweet green pepper, chopped

3 large Ontario Greenhouse Tomatoes, chopped

2-19 oz cans (540 mL) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder

1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin

1 tsp (5 mL) crumbled dried rosemary

1 tsp (5 mL) salt

1 cup (250 mL) grated Ontario Greenhouse Cucumber - garnish

Cool days call for hot, brimming bowlfuls of this zesty chili/soup that's almost a meal in itself. It's so quick and easy to prepare, that you can whip it up after work or during a Saturday of chores.
In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook garlic onion, carrot, jalapeno pepper and green pepper, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin and rosemary; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes. Season with salt to your own taste.
I have salt issues so I wait to put mine into my own bowl. I think it has something to do with the fact that when I was a child I used to go around licking the big salt blocks that were strewn about the farm for the cows!! LOL

Preparation time: 10 min

Cooking time: 25 min

Makes: 4 servings

This dish is amazing with whole wheat dinner rolls.
My strong recommendation when beginning to do your chopping is to open a lovely bottle of red wine, pour a tiny bit, have a little taste before the chili is done, & a little more with the dinner when it is ready!

But that's just me!

Clean & Kissable

2010-11-26T14:53:00.003-05:00

Ok, today there is no food, no poems, no strange items that I found in a box; just a plain endorsement of a couple of things that I like. For those of you who have explored the sidebar in my blog, you will have found yourself at Crazy Rumors, usually 2 words that I want nothing to do with. Well okay, crazy is in my daily life, but rumours, not so much.
This is the best lip treat you can find as a vegan. I'm partial to the Brew Orange/Bergamot & as of today (delivery arrived yay) the Plum/Apricot lip balm aka Leaping Bunny, & my oh my, the HibisKiss Lip Colour in Pearl. Yummy.

Product #2 today, which amazes me every time I try it on a new surface. Attitude is an amazing eco friendly cleaner, which happens to smell like lavender, & man, does it take the crap off anything! And the best bonus of all????? Made in Canada!!

On a side note, I heard yesterday that we will be getting 3 times the amount of snow as last winter here in Ontario, ahhhhh! Having a good pair of boots makes all the difference & luckily I found a great vegan boot, also Made in Canada here Pajar These are one of my most favourite things that I own. Put 'em on & you are ready to kick some snowman ass!! LOL Have a great day people.

From my Heart....

2010-11-18T11:19:00.006-05:00

My heart breaks for the loss that you & I share

The death of the one we have loved leaves our hearts bare

Never was a tender soul showed more love & kindness

Soft memories of love that will never be behind us

Time is only what healing will take

To slowly ease this lonely heartbreak

Until then I share in your sorrow as you do in mine

And what will remain is sweet memories...in time

In Loving Memory of PS.

Made In Canada, Eh

2010-11-15T14:12:00.002-05:00

Some folks think that I am a little too preoccupied with things

that are made in Canada. I do not think this!

Although passed on over 20 years ago, some of my grandfathers,

Percy, belongings are still with my grandmother.

I received a lovely box full of a mix of his tools & such, the box

being a lovely wooden box that housed dynamite which was used

as part of his job putting in the original hydro lines that run through

northern Ontario.

The part that thrilled me the most was this old paint brush,

which after looking at for a long time came back in many memories.

Once upon a time things were actually

Made in Canada.

These 3 wonderful words were on many things & never would

it have been dreamt that a time would come that you would have to

scour the countryside to find them.

Even Canadian companies, like Roots, for example,

only have a tiny section of their clothing that is actually

made in our own country.

I liked it when the world was a smaller place,

foreign places held mystery, you had to wait until 6 o'clock to hear

the news, families ate dinner at the dinner table & if you needed to

make a phone call you had to walk to the corner, open a door,

step inside & drop a quarter in the phone booth.

The thing that I am happiest about the most that was

"Made in Canada"

is me!

Lest We Forget...

2010-11-06T15:51:00.000-04:00

In Remembrance of the many who have

perished trying to bring peace to the world.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

November 11th, take a moment of respect for the fallen.

Lieutenant Colonel John Alexander McCrae

Cauliflower Curry

2010-11-03T11:22:00.000-04:00

1 cauliflower

1 package of firm tofu

green beans (I use ratio half:cauliflower)

2 cloves garlic

half inch of ginger

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 tbsp curry of choice

salt to your taste

Adjust all to your taste after you try it.

Wash & cut cauliflower into small florets, cut green beans into half inch pieces, & cube tofu into quarter inch pieces. Set veggies aside for now.

Heat a large skillet/wok with olive oil & fry the mustard & cumin seeds, & the curry for a few minutes, then saute ginger & garlic for few minutes more.. Add the tofu, cauliflower & green beans to the pan & cook until the veggies are your desired mushiness!!

I add a little water as I go, not too much...just to keep things juicy.

This is a very tasty dish, imo, & if you are watching your weight, you can eat it all & not feel guilty!

You Are Missed...

2010-10-29T00:38:00.007-04:00

On the anniversary of the loss of my friend...

.
~
Although I grieve
the loss of you in my life,
I am thankful for the
memories of you that
make me
smile.
~
.

Canada the first to declare BPA toxic!

2010-10-21T14:56:00.005-04:00

→BPA News←

While considering myself a healthy vegan cook, it occurred to me

that until I use ALL ingredients that are truly free of toxic chemicals,

it is all a little bit redundant.

It saddens me greatly that we are at the mercy of money grubbing,

corner cutting bureaucrats who only see the "bottom line"

& not "the big picture".

Being a hippie at heart, I dream of shared gardens for those

who don't own land, produce that is locally grown

in our grocery stores, but most of all I dream of the day

that the people will start to force the "deciders" to

make the right choice in all matters.

We have a voice, a big voice,

it is time that we demand to be heard.

Be the change you want to see in the world!

Warm Me Up!

2010-10-14T20:27:00.014-04:00

Rarley do I find a perfect food on the perfect day.

Today, listening to the rain all day hitting the

brightly coloured red maple outside,

wishing for that cozy fall feeling as the weather

changes, I decided to make this wonderful soup.

It was perfect.

1/4 - 1/2 cup of pearl barley soaked overnight
(it won't be a disaster if you do not soak it)

9 cups of veggie stock

Drain barley & place into a large pot with veggie stock.

bring to a boil & reduce the heat
to simmer for about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile....

Chop up 8 - 10 cups of your favourite mushrooms

(I use white button, portobellini & shiitake..this time)

Olive oil for frying - 1 tbsp

5 large shallots chopped

4 tsp of fresh thyme, chopped or leaves

3 small bay leaves

2 tsp of Dijon mustard...more if you like

And good old salt & pepper

Okay...so as your barley is rolling away,
turn on a large skillet & add the oil.

Add the shallots & thyme & when your

shallots are translucent, add all those crazy mushrooms.
Well, not THOSE mushrooms!

Once your veggies are prepared, & your barley is

happily bouncing in its hot veggie bath, you will add

the veggies to the broth & barley.
Now you may add the bay leaves, Dijon, & salt
& pepper. I like to simmer for an hour.

Served with whole wheat rolls is lovely.

Some October friends!

Ancient Grain - Quinoa

2010-10-08T13:18:00.007-04:00

All About Quinoa

As a vegan, this is a dream superfood.
Having all the amino acids that make up a full protein, high in
magnesium, calcium & iron, how can it be ignored!

I like to chop up broccoli, carrot, red pepper, mushroom,
zucchini, garlic & a about an inch of fresh ginger
to mix with 2 cups of quinoa. You can use this as a substitute
for rice, couscous or potatoes with a main course or
as an alternative to oatmeal for breakfast.

Super healthy & easy to cook.

Go ahead....try something new....life is short!!

Happy Thanksgiving my Canadian friends!!

How Sweet It Is...

2010-09-08T16:59:00.005-04:00

This is a strange little salad but so tasty. I found

this recipe in the Planet Organic Cookbook.

Sweet Potato Salad

8 cups of sweet potatoes in bite sized pieces

1 cup of vegan mayo

1/2 cup of golden raisins

1/2 cup of unsalted chopped pecans

3/4 tsp of minced fresh ginger

1/2 cup of diced celery

1/2 cup of diced red onion

1/2 tsp of sea salt

1/2 tsp of ground pepper

2 tsp of fresh lemon juice

Steam potatoes until fork tender, then cool.

I like to give them a cold bath to

prevent further cooking.

In a large bowl, mix all the very odd ingredients

& toss gently with cooled, cooked potatoes.

Gently so that your potatoes do not fall apart.

Chill in your refrigerator before serving.

I prefer this in the fridge over night.

Cute little ladybug that was enjoying the day.

A New Love...

2010-09-05T11:47:00.022-04:00

It is funny you know, you may never know that

you love something

unless it has been put in front of you
& you are given a chance
to experience it.

From the first piece of glass until the last,

finding sea glass was very exciting, & addicting.

Whether it was a wee tiny speck of green

sticking out from the sand or the massive mussel shell

size white glass that I picked up, it was all like

finding hidden treasure from the sea goddesses.

I am further convinced of this by the wonderful piece

of brown glass that was so elegantly presented

to me in half a mussel shell.

I hope I can do it equally a lovely justice

when I make it into a piece of jewellery.

I know I will never walk on a beach,

or near water for that matter,

in the same way again.

My eyes will always be looking for those

little shards of colour that are so apparently out of place.

White, Green, Aqua, Olive, Brown & 1 special piece of Pink Glass.
6 pounds in 6 days....wow.
Check the tide?

What a Difference....

2010-08-18T17:51:00.004-04:00

There is a saying, "What a difference a day makes."

Well isn't that just the real truth. In a matter of a few hours

you can change your entire outlook by just hopping in the car

& moving yourself to a different location. In only a few hours

I find myself in a land of a different language, a different, slower, more relaxed way of life, surrounded by trees, the ocean, wild animals, & the best of Acadian life & music. Cutting wood, watching deer eat our apples, rescuing baby hummingbirds who are only just learning to manouvre their surroundings, dipping into the Ocean while watching seabirds & herons, catching baby lobsters & fish with my bare hands....returning them to the sea of course after a thorough inspection. Ahhhh, such a life. Feeling the warm sun on my skin & yes, I'm a weirdo, licking the salt from the sea off my arm while pondering life. LOL A life that is beautiful, full of wonders, full of music, & full of love.

Today is a happy day.

xo SP

Best Cookie Ever!

2010-08-03T01:15:00.007-04:00

I leave you for a while, but I leave you with treats!

I find myself in need of some rest, recovery &

rejuvenation of the body & mind.

I hope to return in Autumn.

3/4 cup Vegan Shortening

1 1/4 cups of brown/golden sugar - lightly packed

One egg replacer

2 tbsp of soy milk

1 1/2 tbs vanilla

1 3/4 cups of all purpose flour

1 tsp of salt

3/4 tsp baking soda

1 cup of vegan chocolate chips

1 cup of chopped pecans

Turn your oven on to 375ºF while you prepare the cookie dough.

In a medium sized bowl, cream together the shortening & brown

sugar. Use a blender on medium speed for about 2 minutes or

until it becomes light & creamy.

Add the egg replacer, "milk", & vanilla & beat for one minute or

until you see that it is blended nicely.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt & baking soda. I like to

whisk this dry before I add it to the creamed mixture. Beat this on

low speed for 1 minute until it is just blended.

Stir in the chocolate chips & pecans.

Don't bother resisting putting some of this raw

dough into your mouth! DO IT!!

Drop 2 tbsp spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet 2-3 inches apart.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, you know your oven. These will look

fairly moist when they are done, but they are done. Trust me.

Set them on a cooling rack for 2 minutes & enjoy.

I usually put them on the cooling rack & stare at them as long as

I can before I begin to munch!

We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds;
our planet is the mental institution of the universe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(\(\
(='.')
o(_")")
♡♡♡♡♡

Scratch & Sniff??? I wish!!

2010-07-28T00:37:00.005-04:00

Ok, there is really no recipe to share here.

This is just a plain white cake & strawberries! Or is it??

Once a year, I love to take fresh strawberries,

mash them with a little bit of sugar &

then put them in the refrigerator

until they are really cold.

While the berries are chillin', I make a plain white cake,

which within minutes of coming out of the oven,

is bathed in sweet strawberry juice &

lovely berry bits.

I could live a happy life if I could

smell this wonderful

aroma every day.

It is heavenly.

Of course some vanilla soy/coconut milk

ice cream makes this one of

summers sweet delights for me.

Give it a whirl!

Love truly is everywhere.

Everything is Peachy

2010-07-20T13:21:00.010-04:00

Isn't it wonderful that you can take a lovely piece of fruit

that is about as delicious as it comes to begin with

& with a little bit of sugar & flour, & love of course,

turn it into a tasty piece of peach treat that melts

in your mouth??

I admit that I cheated in this particular recipe by using a

white cake mix from, gulp, a box. I've yet to find the perfect

white cake recipe that can soak up all the sweet peachy,

brown sugar goodness that drips from this cake.

1/4 cup of margarine

1/2 cup of brown sugar

3-5 peaches

white cake - mix or from scratch

Melt the margarine & brown sugar, then divide

between two 8inch cake pans. You can blanch your

peaches to make the removal of the fuzzy skin a

little easier or just peel them.

Slice the peaches & lay them in a spiral pattern

on top of the margarine/sugar mixture.

Gently pour your white cake batter over the

peaches, equally between the 2 pans.

Use time & temperature according to

your cake recipe.

Pop it in the oven, get ready to smell the

most heavenly smell. Vanilla ice cream is a must.

This is amazing for me - Coconut Milk Ice Cream

I love this statue.

She watches for the sailors to return home safely.

Vegan Tofu Lasagna

2010-07-14T01:55:00.003-04:00

9 Oven Ready Lasagna noodles or Spinach noodles work nicely

1tbsp Olive Oil

1 Onion diced

3 Carrots thinly sliced

2 Zucchini thinly sliced

10-12 Mushrooms sliced

700 ml of your favourite Pasta Sauce
(I use Mushroom/Garlic & I use double)

One package of herbed tofu grated - My Tofu

If you choose to use non oven ready noodles...

put on some water & cook those & set aside.

In a large saucepan, saute the carrots & onions until soft

then stir in sauce & 1 cup of water per jar of sauce.

Bring to a boil, watch out for flaming tomato sauce,

then add the zucchini & mushrooms.

Reduce your heat & simmer until the zucchini is soft

but not falling apart.

Using a 13x9 glass baking dish, add a thin layer

of sauce onto the bottom of dish. Then lay

down 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the sauce,

& half of the grated tofu. Repeat this

to make a 2nd layer & then top with the

remaining 3 noodles & remaining sauce

on top of that.

Add what you like to it, salt, pepper,

hot sauce....it's your party!!

Carrot lasagna just makes Bun's toes curl!!

Happy Canada Day

2010-06-30T17:55:00.007-04:00

♥♥♥ There's No Place Like This ♥♥♥

O Canada!

Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Canadian Heritage

Crazy Arms

2010-05-21T12:05:00.010-04:00

I had a really abstract thought today….I'm very happy to have arms.

What prompted this? Watching a little critter eat with only the option

to put it's face to the ground & bite. I've often thought about that
with Bunbun…that's why I buy him shredded carrots; easy to pick
up, & lots of leafy, spriggy type greens.

Seriously though, what great things arms can do.

They can offer a hug, they can hold someone or something you

love, carry things that you need, carry a friend in need, pick up

a child, or a furbaby, loop through the arm of another to feel

connected, wave up in the air to express joy & freedom.

I had to stop on that word, freedom.

How wonderful it is to feel free & happy in a world

that is a wee off kilter of late.

I think it's easy to get tangled up in feeling unhappy, or stressed
with our lives & we'd all be a little better off if at least once a day,
when the moment was right, we said out loud

"I Love My Life".

And of course the other thing…tell someone that means something
to you that you love and/or appreciate them in your life.

Ok, I swear…I only had sugar today!! LOL

And of course arms are great for guitar playing!

Hallo!

2010-05-11T18:35:00.004-04:00

Yes, Hallo. Not Hello. My friends at VeganWheekers told

me that Hallo was a much nicer greeting than any word

that began with Hell! LOL I hope it will not be minded too

much if I adopt this kind greeting! Lot's to post but currently
away from all my gear! I hope you'll check back for some more
yummy foods & of course the great adventures of Sir Bunbun.

Sitting here on a lovely cool, overcast day, watching

the lake roll in front of me, a lovely grey heron
just breeze by & sipping on a nice cold beer,

I'm hoping my blog buddies are finding a moment,
at least, in their day that brings a
warm smile to their face & their heart.

Avocado & Cucumber Soup - Raw

2010-04-29T11:42:00.006-04:00

This is a yummy summer dish, but enough of this kind of thing
will also help you get in shape for summer!

3 large english cucumbers

1 very large avocado

1 red pepper, finely diced

1 yellow pepper, finely diced

2 cloves of garlic

juice of half a lemon

I'm afraid you need actual "gear" for this one!

A juicer & a stick blender.

Take 2 cucumbers & run them through your juicer.

In a bowl, use the stick blender to blend together the

avocado, remaining cucumber (chopped into pieces),

the lemon juice & the garlic.

You can adjust the garlic if you like.

When all is going "smoothly", add the juice & pulp

from your juicer to the mix, then add the lovely peppers.

Stir it up & enjoy.

Wonderful chilled or at room temperature.

If I sit very still maybe he'll come to me!

Bass Lake Bunny!

2010-04-19T10:41:00.008-04:00

Bunbun sure loves springtime in Muskoka!
At 9 years old, I love that Sir Bunbun had yet
another chance to see Spring & to breathe in
all those yummy springtime smells!

Mmmmuffins!

2010-04-19T10:23:00.004-04:00

Banana Bran Muffins with Walnuts

5 or 6 over ripened bananas

4 egg replacers or eggs for you ovo folks "eggs"

1 1/2 cup of brown sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup soy milk

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cup of natural bran

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

In a mixing bowl, combine bananas & "eggs" & mash/mix well.

Add the sugar, oil & milk & blend well.

In a large, seperate, bowl, mix together the remaining dry ingredients,

then add the moist ingredients.
Mix this only until the entire mixture is moist.

Spoon the batter into muffin tins that have been greased with

your favourite form of, well, "grease"

Bake at 375º for 25-35 minutes.

I like to time at 20 minutes & then watch how they look.

Again, having no aversion at all to nuts....
I add 1 cup or more of walnuts.

Awesome cut in half with some peanut butter on them!!

No Easter Bunny

2010-03-31T01:49:00.012-04:00

Links
No Easter Bunny

Poem About Easter Bunnies That Were Forgotten

The first day that I saw Bunbun, he was a little white speck in the middle of my back yard. A strange site indeed for the middle of a city. I knew that he needed some form of intervention; so an hour later & after lots of running, he was in a safer place. My place. It was Mother's Day weekend, I remember it well, as after keeping Bunbun for the entire weekend I was sure I'd made some woman's life hell with their child crying for their bunny.

This was not the case.

I walked up the street knocking on doors, asking about rabbits, & what I found out was this. Some people had moved & thrown 2 rabbits out like the trash. Bunbun was still a kitten, & he had been someone's Easter Bunny present.

And by Mothers Day he had become trash.

As of February this year Bunbun turned 9 & I believe that he has had the life he was meant to. He has never been caged, has experienced life as a free house rabbit, using a litter box, wrangling the stray cats that have also found homes either in my home or in others' & spent plenty of time both indoors & outdoors, safe & protected & not alone.

I implore people to look beyond cuteness or instant gratification of giving a gift or receiving a gift & realize that animals deserve as much consideration as children. They are dependant on their humans for their physical & mental welfare, stimulation, growth, & happiness.

A full & happy life should not be denied to any creature.

Twitterpated

2010-03-29T15:21:00.019-04:00

Every spring I can't help but think of this

wonderfully quirky song that I sang as

a kid at the Kiwanas Music Festival.

Our choir teacher was a master of

getting us little ones to sing with concise

diction & an everlasting smile.

Thanks Sheila.

Click to sing along!

Everything is Twitterpated in the Spring

Skunks smell sweet,

Rabbits sing.

Daffodils go daffy when the bluebells ring,

The whole wide world's in love.

Froggies turn soprano & the birds sing bass,

Squirrels go nuts

Every place,

There's a Twitterpated look on every face

Cause everyone's in love.

When you can't control your grin

When your head's inflated

Love just socked you on the chin

Pal you're Twitterpated

Things begin to happen when a boy meets girl,

Deer meets doe,

Squirrel meets squirrel,

It's a topsy-turvy Twitterpated world,

When everyone's in love.

Paralympics Vancouver 2010

2010-03-21T22:09:00.004-04:00

A huge congratulations to all of the Paralympic Athletes!

Team Canada did amazing!!

It was a shame that there was not more live coverage to

be found, but thankfully there was enough to keep

up with all of the events. I truly hope that in the

future, all countries will broadcast the

Paralympics with the same full live coverage

as the Olympic games.

Networks should not make the mistake of thinking

there is not a demand for it.

There is!

Yay Canada!

AWESOME Closing Ceremonies!

Bunny Gone Wild

2010-03-03T01:12:00.004-05:00

Do you ever feel this way??

I do.

Right now!

Sharing makes me feel so much better!

I suspect this pic may re-emerge from time to time though!

Spicy Noodles & Veggies

2010-03-02T19:25:00.009-05:00

500g package of noodles...I use fat udon!

1 bunch broccoli

1 large carrot

1 yellow pepper julienned

1 package of veggie protein - I hate calling it "beef" See!

1tbsp corn starch

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1 tbsp dark sesame oil

1 1/2 tsp hot chili garlic sauce

4 garlic cloves

vegetable oil

1/4 cup of water

Cut broccoli florets into small pieces. Using a vegetable peeler, peel long, wide strips from carrot. Prepare the yellow pepper & get your protein ready. In a bowl, stir cornstarch with 2 tbsp of teriyaki sauce until dissolved. Stir in remaining 1/3 cup of teriyaki & sesame oil, chili garlic sauce & garlic.

Add a "normal" amount of oil to a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Add the protein to the pan, stir, then add the teriyaki mixture. Add broccoli, carrot & pepper & add water. Stir often until veggies are cooked to your own personal taste.

Oh yeah, you should have had some noodles cooking at the same time!!

For your first go at this recipe, don't worry, the veggies can sit for the

few minutes it takes to cook the noodles!

Once the noodles are done, drain them well,

then put them in a nice large bowl.

Then add the veggie/sauce mixture to that big bowl & mix it well.

Personally I like to do a little dance in the

kitchen tossing noodles up in the air!

We all like to get fed treats once in a while!

And if your belly hurts afterwards,

try a little love.

Thanks Canada

2010-03-01T23:28:00.011-05:00

Well, I know that I had a helluva good time!!

I hope that the watching world enjoyed the Olympic Games

hosted in Vancouver, British Columbia

as much as we loved watching them at home.

I've always had a feeling since I was a kid

that I lived in a place that was special & as the

years go by, I'm amazed, & grateful to

what this country has to offer. Put aside the general

polite demeanour of the Canadian people that

is so spoken about around the world, & focus purely

on a land that has breathtaking beauty that stretches

nearly 8000km from coast to coast.

I've been fortunate to drive this great country from

coast to coast, hop on a ferry & see the islands of each coast,

& the land is a thing of beauty.

Canada truly has it all.

Come see us!!

Oh Canada

Vegan Alfredo Sauce

2010-02-21T20:48:00.007-05:00

1/2 cup vegan margarine

2 tbsp corn starch

8 oz vegan cream cheese

1 cup of soy milk or rice milk

1/4 cup of nutritional yeast flakes

2-3 garlic cloves minced

salt & pepper

In a small saucepan, melt the margarine (v) & add corn starch.

When thickened, add the vegan cream cheese & stir

continually until it is melted. Once cream cheese is melted, add the

remaining ingredients & stir until mixed & thickened.

You can add this to any pasta you like,

personally I like tagliatelle pasta.

I also like the combination of broccoli, mushrooms & zucchini.

Add what you like or just throw it all over the pasta alone!

Some days I think I could put it in a coffee cup & drink it! LOL

Sir Bunbun approves of this message!

Proud to Be ...

2010-02-13T15:58:00.023-05:00

I A M C A N A D I A N
I'm wishing all the athletes the best of luck at the

Vancouver 2010 Olympic games!
Take a sweeping tour of our national pride
- the vast, wild beauty we call
Canada
http://www.cbc.ca/geologic/index.html

Go Suck a Soybean!

2010-02-08T11:22:00.002-05:00

Tofu Salad

1 package of firm tofu

3 tbsp red onion minced

3 tbsp celery minced

1/4 cup tofu mayonaisse

2 tbsp dijon mustard

2 tsp tumeric

salt & pepper

A great alternative to eggs if you have chosen not to eat them.

Crumble the tofu into an appropriate sized bowl for mucking around.

Add the onion, celery, dijon, mayo, tumeric,

salt & pepper & mix until everyone is happy.

You can add less or more of the mayo & dijon to suit your tactile needs!

I prefer making this the night before I would

like to eat it as the flavours are well blended

& the tumeric has worked its yellow majick!

Oh yeah, while you're at it, suck a pickle too!

A little more inspiration for my lovely English friend!!

It Lets You Know That You Are Alive

2010-01-28T11:18:00.017-05:00

My thought today....

Know how sublime a thing it is to suffer and be strong.

A Cherokee elder was teaching

his grandchildren about life.

He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me…
it is a terrible fight between two wolves.

One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret,
greed, arrogance, hatefulness, and lies.

The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, humbleness,
kindness, friendship, generosity, faith, and truth.

This same fight is going on inside of you,
and inside every other person, too.”

The children thought about it for a minute.
Then one child asked his grandfather,

“Which wolf will win?”

The Cherokee elder replied…

“The one you feed.”
~~~~~~~~~
How much time do we all spend "chasing our tails" trying to separate all the tremendously powerful feelings that we have. What is right, what is wrong, what takes us to the highest levels of joy & happiness & to the lowest levels of pain & despair. I must think to my post "Just Be" & echo the words there...why can't we all just be...be still, be quiet, be kind, be ourselves.
We are who we are & that is all we can be.

Of course we all need minor renovations from time to time...
but never to be levelled & rebuilt from the ground up!