Eating Animals

Yesterday  I completed the book Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. He's more known for his novels- Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Neither of which I have read, though I probably should. 

I sort of figured a book called Eating Animals would ask some hard questions and that it might effect the way I looked at food.  I even waited to start it until after we'd returned from our Paris-Portugal-Madrid-Honeymoon adventure before starting it. Thinking ahead to places like Spain and the famous jambon (didn't want to think about where that cured meat had come from). 

Basically without saying too much it's a good book that points out a lot about the production of animals/meat that most of us, likely, already suspect. I think best of all he presents all sides. Although he does argue for vegetarianism, he also speaks highly of responsible farming and the importance of becoming informed about the farm and slaughterhouse you support when you make your purchases.

So, good news... there are options. 

A buttery blog

I just discovered this gem of a blog, Always With Butter. Seriously beautiful photography complete with cute collection of mouth watering recipes and tips.  Best of all I am so inspired. If it wasn't so warm out I'd make this Cheese and Chive Bread, pronto. 

Sandwich Sans Meat

I've recently been trying to eat only free range, organic, loved animals or no meat at all. No meat at all seems easier as it's hard to know if the animal had a good life or felt pain. So you can bet I was thrilled when I saw this!

This open-faced sandwich I found over on NICOMADE makes my mouth water and it's meatless. Also added bonus is that I can use my grill. And fresh basil from our little patio garden!

Best Chocolate Treat

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I guess over the holidays I pretty much did nothing, ha. My nothing included movies, drinking good wine, visiting with family and old friends and eating, a lot.

One problem with a week of 'nothing' is that it takes a little bit of time to get back to 'normal'. I find myself craving loads of chocolate and yummy richness but sheesh you've got to say no at some point. Well one really fun and yummy way to eat a little sweets but not too much is to treat yourself to a piece of salted chocolate. O man, Lindt with a Touch of Sea Salt. Yum!

For that I am grateful!

Dining in Edmonton: Urban Diner

If I could go anywhere for breakfast in this city and not have to wait to get in, I would choose Urban Diner.  And I would order the French Toast (cranberry mascarpone, maple fried bananas) and a coffee. Yumm.

Though I'm also a very lucky gal because J is a fantastic cook so my own house is pretty much the best place to be on a Sunday morning.

Photo via Urban Diner website. 

Dining in Edmonton: mrkt

I thought it could be fun to compile a list of great places to dine in this city I call home (there are tons). But for now I will name one that J and I recently visited for lunch. It's called mrkt and it's a sort of cafeteria style meets fine dining. It's located on Jasper Ave (10542 Jasper to be exact). Right above Red Star for those who know the city by it's landmarks (which I do).

It was the perfect, quick & fresh kind of lunch that you just got to love. The seating situation is about 5 long tables with 6-10 chairs so you have the opportunity to sit next to stranger, the way you might in Europe, which is kind of a new concept in edmonton and turns out it's super cozy.

Another awesome thing about mrkt is that they tweet (mrktcafeteria) their features daily, so every morning I can get excited for the special, which today was 'Chipotle roasted bell pepper cream tossed w/penne, w/pesto and caramelized onions'. Or the daily salad or one of the three soup specials (Veg, Meat or Fish).

Although I've only been once, I plan to return, and hope you will stop in for a visit if you haven't already - mrkt is a gem.

Photos via foodosophy

Butter chicken dreams

Today for dinner I made J and I some butter chicken (translation: organic chicken with a store bought jar of sauce) with Naan (translation: store bought packaged version) and basmati rice. Oh it had so much promise. Unfortunately after all our mouth watering excitement it turned out to be a major dud. Nothing like the yummy indian food pictured. I hate when that happens.

Hmm... coffee

Yes on Mondays I need coffee and usually lots of it. This Monday especially. I would gladly take it any of the above ways. We had a crazy busy weekend complete with driving, folk music, dancing, meeting Dan Mangan (photo proof coming soon), strolling, dining, visiting and all in totally wonderful sunny weather.  I love summer.

Last Saturday

Last Saturday was lovely and sunny. J and I started the day with yummy homemade pancakes with real maple syrup. 

After breakfast we roamed around Whyte Ave. When we were bored and mighty proud that we managed to not spend any money, aside from the market and a few coffees, we decided to head home for supper. 

I made us some lettuce wraps – so yummy and fresh! It was also so easy. 

Here's how:

Chop up some carrots, green onions, yellow pepper, cucumber and any other vegetables you like. Wash some butter leaf lettuce. Top the lettuce with chow mein noodles, veggies, some miso gravy, (we used the famous Naam miso gravy), cilantro and peanuts then roll and devour. Oh yes and we added some grilled spicy tofu but you could use chicken or just veggies and it would still be delightful. 

Here's the tofu marinade for those who may be interested:  (T=Tablespoon, t=teaspoon)
- 350 pkg extra firm tofu (press it before you marinate) 
- 2 T soy sauce
- 2 t ground ginger
- 2 t hot chili-garlic sauce
- 2 t freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 t chili powder
- 1 t brown sugar