Dancing Shoes and Lemon Love

There’s something about a hot mug of Lemony Love.

The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.

~ Albert Einstein

When thinking of simple pleasures, there really is nothing better than a Friday afternoon.

Is there?

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, there is always something to brighten the mood of you and those around you when the countdown to the weekend is inching to a close! It’s here!

My favorite thing to do on a Friday is to come home, drop the bags, the phone, all the noise of the week, and hit the outdoors.

Alternatively, if the weather is the way it was all this week (with rain and more rain), I love nothing more than to curl up on the couch with my grandmother’s afghan, my laptop or a book, and a hot cup of sweet honey lemon.

This is my go-to fasting drink, and a way to soothe the soul and perk up any old day. This drink (to me) is a classic.

Growing up, my mom used to make it with boiled ginger (a few thumbs of fresh ginger in a boiling pot of water for 30 minutes), or simply as shown. We always had in our family kitchen a giant bucket of local honey from a beekeeper named Albert (as I recall that was his name). When we weren’t prying it open to steal spoonfuls, we used it as a seat to rest our tired legs.

I respect and admire all the reasons to avoid honey – every drop is a beautiful and sacred thing – and I am always sure to appreciate it and regard it as an extremely special and beautiful gift from the bees.

After all, without the bees we wouldn’t have these:

Life is the flower for which love is the honey.

~ Victor Hugo

They are a treasure, and so are the bees that pollinate our fruit. We enjoy honey and use it very sparingly, and with gratitude. Of course, hot honey-lemon can easily become hot maple-syrup-lemon, and both are yummy and extremely beneficial either way.

The More:

More lemony goodness means more cleansing vitamin C and healthy vitamins for your body. More soothing hot beverages means you can enjoy it over more time. More slow sipping means more slow living. More slowness is nice. So relax and enjoy, it’s Friday after all!

The Less:

Less refined sugar sweetened lemon drinks means less of the white stuff in your clean water. Less coffee, tea and other sweet drinks means less calories, milk and all the other things that go with them. Less outsourced drinks means cheaper nourishment for you and less waste overall.

Hot Honey Lemon Drink:

• (1-2) organic lemons
• (2-3) tbsp local unpasteurized honey to taste (or maple syrup)
• (2-3) cups boiling water
• (1) favorite mug
• (1) sprinkle cayenne powder (optional)

Put up a kettle to boil of clean water. Squeeze the juice of your lemons in to your favorite mug, adding a few slices to crush inside. Crush your lemon slices with a spoon or fork until juicy and pulverized. Add honey to lemon juice and lemon slices and crush together. Add optional dash of cayenne powder.

When the water boils, pour directly into the cup and stir. Taste to see if sweetness is right (and add more honey if desired).

Grab a book or a bright corner with a window and enjoy the view. Breathe deep and enjoy….because you can. I call that a great way to start the weekend.

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

~ Socrates

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, I hope you do it in style – after all it’s not the start of the weekend everyday!

Here’s a little shot of something that made me smile this week.

My daughter returned home from her grandparents house (my parents) with these shoes – my jazz shoes from the stone ages (I was about 12).

I was (just a little) overjoyed to see them as I had no idea they were still around. I was even more pleased to put them on, and believe it or not they still fit! (but if you must know my toes are popping out (just a little) a bit).

Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.

~ Unknown

So now when I talk about kitchen dancing, you can be pretty certain I might just have these on 🙂

• How are you planning to ring in April?
• What’s your favorite way to start the weekend?
• Are you a lemon drink fan too?

Thanks to all of you for reading this week and for my new IPOM followers!

I was beyond thrilled this week to receive comments from old friends, new friends, and family from afar – I just love to connect with you over food and sharing enthusiasm with you all just makes my day..

Next I’ll be sharing about those french lentils, a new breakfast bar, and a wonderful recipe sent to me by a fellow blogging buddy…;)

Cheers to Friday or whatever day it is in your part of the world!

Yours in Less,

Recipe: Sweet Summer Smoothie

Is it summer yet?

A life without love is like a year without summer.

~unknown

Alas, that is an (ever so slightly) bittersweet question as I write this.

With spring officially here, it takes a special something to ward off the disappointment at the weather continuing in its normal Vancouver fashion…..yes, in rain!

And lots (and lots) of it.

These are the days we look for other reasons to smile, when the sun is there but hidden, and the light that brightens our outlooks has to come from within. As much as we keep our own spirits up (because really it’s not that bad), sometimes a little boost can help. This smoothie really does the trick!

Fresh, light, and creamy, the flavors of this smoothie can be our reminder that summer really isn’t far off, even if you grab it to go with your umbrella (yet again).

As much as we enjoy supporting and eating local foods whenever possible, there is really no substitute for the juicy tropical flavor of a fresh mango. Paired with creamy almond milk, ice, and red strawberries, it’s divine. It’s definitely enough to get you through to the next real sunny day.

“Summer is where the girls go barefoot and their hearts are just as free as their toes.” — Unknown

At this time of year in North America, there is also a glut of California strawberries that flood the market and are cheap as borscht (well, maybe not quite but that’s another post!).

As much as I try to freeze a good supply of local berries in the summer, my little freezer just doesn’t hold enough to last through the winter. On my list this year (maybe finally?!) – a deep freeze! It’s been a long time coming and its overdue.

There is nothing like the taste of frozen local berries, but when those are not available, at least I can get a generous amount of imported berries at this time of year that are still delicious and affordable.

The Less:

Less pasteurized fruit drinks means less cooked sugars and more vital energy in your beverage. Less added foods means easier blending and easier sourcing. Less looking to the future means you can feel the way you want to today – just because summer isn’t here doesn’t mean you can’t be there.

The More:

More lively fresh fruits means more natural sugar highs. More natural sugar highs means avoiding nasty sugar lows. More natural carbohydrates means less cravings for them elsewhere. More good summer vibes means more happy thoughts as you eat – because who doesn’t daydream about long summer days when it rains?

Sweet Summer Smoothie:

• (1) cup fresh strawberries, stems removed
• (1) cup almond milk
• (1) cup ice or 4-6 regular sized cubes
• (1) mango – I like the Ataulfos (the yellow ones – pictured here is ta tree ripe Mexican produce department cast off)
• (1) ripe Bartlett pear (optional)

Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend on high until smooth. Serve as you wish and enjoy!

Of course with all smoothies – be creative! This is one of my favorite combos and the addition of almond milk makes for an ultra creamy sweet (yet still totally light!) treat. I added a ripe pear here simply because I needed to use it up (my daughter doesn’t like that so much – but I tell her too bad – we aren’t wasting it!).

No matter what the weather, you’ll be thinking of your favorite summer dresses and the smell of salty ocean breezes in no time (or not, but at least you’ll have a delicious smoothie)!

“Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet.”

~ Bob Marley (lyrics)

So it may be still a biiiit early for that quote. But you get where I am going and as sure as the rain falls today, summer will come in all its glory…and it will go.

Enjoying what we have today (even if it’s not perfect) and looking forward to the future is a big challenge – but its a good one that won’t ever go away.

With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s a good life, isn’t it?

For now, I’ve got this little butterfly to tide me over when I need a little hit of summer lovin’.

My daughter gave it to me just today and I found a home for her right away – hanging from my car mirror 🙂

I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful week – thanks for stopping by the blog and for all your lentil love!

I’ve got a little favorite coming up with french lentils – stay tuned and keep me posted with any feedback on any recent recipes!

• What’s your favorite way to enjoy mangoes and summer fruits?
• Do you have a deep freeze to freeze away all of your local treasures for a rainy day?

I’ll let you all know when I check it off the list. For now, I am off to put some reggae on. Time to dance 🙂

Yours in Less,

Recipe: Red Lentil Vegetable Curry

Happy Monday Everyone!

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.

~ Albert Einstein

I hope you all had a truly fab weekend soaking up the spring sun and taking it all in!

As for us, we’ve got a new layer of topsoil in the garden and a clean fresh outlook – here’s to the new season…and Easter coming up!

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

~ Seneca

Today’s post is (once again) dedicated to the simple easy pleasures in life. Healthy food made delicious by the addition of simple (and rich) spices!

A vegetarian’s palette of inspiration is only as limited as the spice cupboard, and inexpensive staples can go from pretty meh to pretty mean in a few seconds with (just a little) bit of spice.

Indian spices in particular are so wonderfully varied, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with combos (but it can be done) – and there are a few easy ones that everyone should be familiar with.

They would be (for me): cumin (both ground and seeds), ginger, turmeric, black mustard seeds, coriander, garam masala (so many kinds!), cardamom..there are a few others – what are your classic faves?

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

~ Confucius

There are so many different spices to name but I’ve always had good luck preparing delicious veggie curries and bean dishes out of the ones listed above. They are known for being widely beneficial to digestion, and gentle and calming for the soul (maybe that part is just for me – anyone else?).

Side Note: Here in Vancouver – home to one of North America’s most widely celebrated Indian restaurants (Vij’s) – we are lucky to have a few high quality haunts (from budget to high-end) to frequent for a taste of the real thing. My recent (1st!) trip to London also brought me to Brick Lane, which was a very special experience, and I’ll never forget my 1st taste of that delicious lime pickle…amazing!

Alas, I don’t think a trip to India will ever be in the cards for me (but never say never), and I would never consider my home cooking a substitution for the real thing……but it isn’t all that hard, and cooking this way is:

Delicious, cheap, and good for you.

Straight up!

The Less:

Less complicated ingredients means you are more likely to make this. Less canned or jarred spice mixtures mean cleaner, simpler food. Less cream and animal based curries means lighter, cheaper meals. Less heavy beans means your body might not mind eating these (especially if you are sensitive to beans and legumes).

The More:

More flavorful vegetarian dishes in your repertoire means more yummy foods to cook often. More vibrantly colored food means more visual pleasure for your senses. More ginger and spices means more help for digestion. More cheap dinners means more money for other things. Straight up and simple, this dish a classic.

Red Lentil Vegetable Curry:

• (2) tbsp olive oil, canola oil, or ghee
• (2) tbsp black mustard seeds
• (1) onion chopped (about one heaping cup)
• (2) tsp salt
• (2) tsp turmeric
• (2) tsp cumin
• (2) tbsp fresh chopped or grated ginger
• (3) carrots, chopped (about one heaping cup)
• (2) medium potatoes (about one heaping cup)
• (1.5) cups canned diced tomatoes (1 398ml can)
• (1) cup red lentils
• (4) cups water
• (1) lemon
• black pepper to taste
• fresh cilantro for garnish

The trick with this style of cooking is to have all of your spices ready and veggies chopped and ready to go.

Everything happens pretty quickly and even for experienced cooks it’s difficult to be prepping and measuring while the cameras are rolling. So be ready!

In a medium large pot, heat the oil on medium high. When hot, add the black mustard seeds and stir until they start to pop – don’t leave the stove – this takes about 30 seconds only!

Once the little seeds start dancing (and popping!), add the chopped onion and salt and cook, stirring about 5-6 minutes, or until golden. Add ginger and remaining dry spices and cook, stirring for one minute on medium heat. When spices are fragrant, add tomato and stir all well for about a minute or two until well integrated.

Hang tight – now you can almost step away….

Add lentils, chopped vegetables and water and stir all to well combine. Bring to a light boil on medium-high with the lid on. Once boiling temperature has been reached, turn the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 30-40 minutes stirring frequently to prevent the lentils from prevent sticking to bottom of the pot.

Once ready, add the juice of lemon. Simple, zesty, and ready to serve!

Serve with ground pepper, a dash of butter or olive oil, plenty of freshly ground pepper and chopped fresh cilantro – don’t forget the side of rice if desired and buttery naan bread too!

This will get more delicious the longer it sits in your fridge and I highly recommend making it a day before you serve it. I’ve been making this curry as long as I’ve been cooking it seems – it never gets tired, and it’s always incredible!

So there you have it! An easy dinner on a cold night, or a starter to a great Indian meal.

I’ve got a bit of this leftover and I am thinking tonight’s dinner may just consist of a bowl of curry..straight up and simple.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

~ Dalai Lama

On another (slightly ironic and very sad) side note – we went to go for said Indian last night at our families favorite budget haunt here in town, only to find it had been destroyed by a fire!

Now we’re on the hunt for a new budget favorite – can’t wait to see what we find – and I hope they re-build and wish them well…lots of great memories and gratitude were had at that delicious place 🙂

How about you?

• What are your favorite curry dishes with lentils?
• Got any spices we should all add to the list?

I hope you are all starting a wonderful week – anyone tried the recipes for the Sweet Life Chews or Lively Cilantro Sauce?

I’d love to know how they turned out. Drop us a line – we’ll be so happy you did!

Yours in Less,

Recipe: Sweet Life Coconut Chocolate Chews

There’s always room for a little sweetness in life.

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

~ Mother Teresa

Want to stay sweet?

Life is quick, yes – and so it should be good.

And by good, I mean full of sweetness and joy – not just for us as individuals but for those special people we share our lives with.

Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.

~ Plato

Being good (comes with being sweet) isn’t as easy as we wish it was. Like anything worth doing, being good, consistently, is hard work.

So make it easy for yourself. Start with you!

Treat yourself as you would have others treat you!

Whip up a batch of these delicious bars, throw them in the fridge, and enjoy a healthy feel good treat whenever the mood strikes you.

Share them with friends. Live the sweet life. Never look back.

The Less:

Less processed foods in your sweet treats means more real energy to infuse goodness into your cellular self. Less flour based treats means easy simple sugars, protein, and whole foods in their pure form that are a snap to break down and provide long burning fuel that doesn’t need baking. Less refined ingredients in the form of oils and less heat from not cooking means your food stays in tact in its raw state. Less ingredients mean your stars can take their sweet spot at center stage.

The More:

More real chocolate, nuts, and coconut means more rich satisfying goodness that will feed your soul and your stomach. More super foods and dried fruit means less of the sugared stuff is needed to be satisfied. More sweetness on your tongue means more sweetness where you speak, so whispering sweet words and spreading kindness have never been easier.

Sweet Life Coconut Chocolate Chews:

• (200) grams good dark chocolate
• (3) cups shredded coconut (part can be roasted lightly)
• (1/4-1/2) cup cocoa nibs
• (2) cup pitted dates soaked 4-6 hours in cold fresh water
• (1) cup raw whole brazil nuts, coarsely ground
• a pinch of good sea salt (or two)

Start by soaking the dates 4-6 hours in advance using the same method as I described here for Coconut Date Bliss Balls.

Once ready to make, begin by melting your chocolate using a double method of your choice (I outline mine here).

Grind your brazil nuts using a hand blender grinding attachment, a food processor, or my latest accessory: a hand nut grinder ($12.99)! If you choose to roast a portion of your coconut, heat the oven to 350 degrees and roast the coconut for a few minutes only, 2-3 minutes should be plenty.

Drain the soaked dates (reserve the soaking liquid in case you need any) and add to a blender. Blend the dates on high without additional water until blended (it’s okay if there are a few chunks). If you feel you need to, add a little of the date soaking water to facilitate better blending, just be careful not to make it too wet.

Combine all prepared ingredients – melted chocolate, roasted or raw coconut, blended dates, cocoa nibs and ground nuts – in a large mixing bowl and mix together by hand. Add a little pinch or two of good sea salt to the mixture if desired (you’ll want to do this part but only with really good sea salt).

Good sea salt is important.

Line a 9 by 9 inch square pan with parchment paper (if you don’t have parchment paper a little oil or butter inside the pan will be fine). Spread the mixture into the pan and press with your hands to make a firm even layer of yummy. This is like a massage of love onto your dessert and so essential to the taste!

Think good thoughts while you do this (maybe take a few long deep breaths too)!

Once pressed (and blessed), throw the pan into the fridge to set for an hour or so. Remove from fridge to cut into whatever shape you desire and store in a sealed container either at room temperature or in the fridge (I opt for the fridge).

Enjoy your sweet treats – you deserve them…really! We all deserve sweetness, whether bestowed on ourselves (by ourselves) or by others.

That it will never come again is what makes life sweet.

~ Emily Dickinson

Wherever you find yourself on this gorgeous March day, I hope your day is smelling sweet, and your kitchen is smelling even sweeter!

As for me, I’ll be taking in the sights and sounds of the soccer field sidelines and reveling in the sweet moments I am collecting to tide me over for my future. My kids won’t be young forever – and neither will I 🙂

• What are you reveling this fine weekend?
• Any good deeds you’d like to share with us?

Go ahead, make our day!

Thanks to all of you for coming back to visit – your support, comments, and blogging inspiration are truly wonderful and I love hearing from you – so wherever you are on this fine day: thanks for being you!

Yours in Less,

Feeding the Soul and (just a little) Inspiration

“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost.”

~J.R.R. Tolkien

Happy Friday IPOM readers and fellow blogging friends!

Yesterday was a fun day of travel for work, evidenced by the relaxing seaplane trip I took to do my business, and the slight break in me and the families normal routines.

Days like yesterday are truly refreshing.

I dare say they are also quite inspiring.

“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

~Christopher Robin (to Pooh)

Especially when my surroundings are cloaked in fresh ocean air and brilliant morning sunshine.

Fuel comes in so many forms, doesn’t it?

Our food is certainly our primary source of energy, and nothing could be more inspiring (or deliciously promising) than a basketful of greens and a few spare hours to create in the kitchen.

My main source of inspiration and an art form in itself!

Turn up the tunes, widen the smile, get on your (kitchen-friendly) dancing shoes, you favorite tattered apron, and away you go…

But as much as I love those times (and I LIVE for them) – give me a sunny day, a pen, a few empty pages, and a fresh outlook and I’m fed on a whole new level.

I often fast on a travel day too – making sure to catch up with healthy sustenance when I really feel hungry and hydrating with lots of fresh water and herbal tea for comfort if I feel like it.

The day seems to fly by when I do this and before I know it my mind is clear and so is my body.

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart…”

~William Wordsworth

I am curious to know with all you fabulous and inspired (and in turn, totally inspiring!) bloggers out there, just what feeds you outside of the wonderful food we all share and revel in?

A nap is always a welcome treat. Especially on the top of a mountain.

A Recipe for Inspiration (all items optional):

• (1-2) good shots of fresh espresso
• (1) ball point pen
• (1) clean notebook (I have sooooo many)
• (1) good sleep the night before
• (1) bottle of fresh water
• (1-2) rays of sunshine
• (1-2) long deep breaths of fresh air
• (1-2) moments of silence
  

These few simple ingredients make for a super calm, super relaxing time – no matter where you may be! Of course you can add or delete as you wish..

With all we have to do in life, it’s not always practical to get away on that much needed vacation in the sun, and it’s not feasible for many of us to just jet away on that silent meditation retreat we think will do us a world of good (ever tried just not talking?!).

Sometimes the best we can do is to work with what we have right in front of us.

This moment. Today.

So with that thought,  I’d love to know your recipe for inspiration, and what feeds you….

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.”

~Vincent van Gogh

Coming up for your eating and cooking pleasure:

• Summer smoothie
• Lentil curry
• a little something with chocolate and coconut!

As always, I absolutely adore your comments…feel free to share with us below!

I hope you all have a truly inspiring day!

Yours in Less,

Recipe: Lively Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce

An easy take on a few fresh favorites (for all)!

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.

~ Goethe

Good day folks! Here it is, as promised, the brightest, greenest, freshest sauce to hit our fridge (that won’t go brown) in a long long while!

I should start by stating that I could eat foods inspired by Mexican flavors everyday without any issue (really, at all).

I mean, really, this food is made with quite possibly the simplest, freshest, and most flavorful ingredients out there – not to mention being outright cheap and easy to obtain and prepare.

I’ve yet to meet a person who disagrees with me on this either – and I think I’d be challenged to based on the general love I see for all things taco related online and elsewhere (delicious food truck anyone?).

Let’s just say: LOVE.

Yes, there it is – for veggies and meat eaters alike to vegans and gluten free folk. There is something for everyone here….most all an abundance of fresh flavor that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy!

Let’s go through the list when it comes to the amazing flavors that have permeated our house these days:

Limes: easy to find and cheap. Cilantro: easy to find (and grow) and cheap. Green onions: same.

The rest? A little goes a long way here: a few nuts (which could easily become dairy too if preferred), a little oil, water and salt (and don’t forget to add a little kale of course!) – and you are set!

A gorgeous any-day meal inspiration to top just about anything.

This sauce is part of a trio of sauces I have been playing with – so far this version has gotten the most play simply for the ease of ingredients, and the fresh color and flavor.

I’ll be posting the other sauces too, but let’s get started with the basics!

The Less:

Less store bought cooked and pasteurized sauces means more freshness to enhance your favorite foods. Less salt, sugar, and other additives means less stress and more rest for your hard working cells. Less wondering what to put on your food makes less work of enjoying whatever (just happens) to be on hand.

The More:

More fresh greens in your everyday repertoire means more of the good stuff without trying. More lively citrus juice means more zip and flavor without sacrifice. More homemade raw goodness makes more (of any) foods come alive. More lively food means more lively meals, which can lead to more liveliness at the dinner table and who knows just where else?

Lively Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce:

• (3/4) cup raw whole cashews or pieces
• (1) whole bunch cilantro, stems removed (yup – the entire bunch!)
• (1) fresh jalapeno pepper
• (1/2) bunch green onion (tops only – about 1/3-1/2 cup, no need to chop!)
• (1-2) leaves green curly kale
• (4) tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
• (1) cup water
• (2) tbsp canola or vegetable oil
• (1) tsp good sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high. Keep things moving with a spatula if you like, and let it go until it is well blended and super duper bright green!

Use the whole jalapeno if you don’t mind a little kick, otherwise feel free to remove the seeds first if you prefer a milder flavor.

There you have it – pour into a jar and keep sealed in the fridge. This will last at least a week in the fridge – see how long it lasts you!

This sauce works brilliantly (as you can imagine) smothered on a freshly warmed corn tortilla and topped with any range of beans, chopped veggies, with or without meat or cheese. It also works to top any kind of veggie burger and is delicious on the Quinoa Protein Bites posted here!

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here it is with a few Ancho Chiles blended in..

The beauty and simplicity within each of the ingredients in this recipe remind me that good food is always just a step away and needn’t be complicated to be prepared well, or enjoyed.

On a personal note, I am so enjoying the comments and feedback from all of you this week – particularly the notes on your favorite childhood snacks – it’s so fun to be taken back for just a moment to what we ate in the good old days!

Thanks to all of you for taking part – I hope you are enjoying the week!

• Are you a giant fan of Mexican inspired foods?
• What are your favorite cheap and easy meals?

Feel free to share your lively thoughts below – and enjoy this one!

Yours in Less,

Finding More in (just a little) Snacks & Magic.

Do you believe in magic?

Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.

~ Goethe

I think it’s safe to say there’s no shortage of magic in our household these days.

Evidence of this over the weekend was made by a visit by not one, but two of our (reasonably) regular household visitors – the Leprechaun and the Tooth Fairy (she’s been around A LOT lately).

I would say that one of the best parts about having kids is keeping up with all the magic.

There’s been a lot of other magic around these parts too of late, that being the wonder of the flowers that are (once again) poking their heads out of the cold earth to bring us cheerfulness and a renewed sense of possibility.

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

~ Albert Einstein

A few peeks at the garden waking up.

For those of you who visit IPOM regularly (for which I am so grateful!), you have probably noticed the penchant over here for quotes and inspirational tidbits.

Keeping magic alive is a big part of the mystery (and fun) of life (IMO) and I am always game to look for (just a little) of the make believe here and there.

Part of it has to do with this:

There is no lack of creative juices in our household..there is a lack of desire to clean up though (another story entirely).

Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?

~ Sun Tzu

Another part is to do with this:

The Leprechaun leaving a trail behind..

I mean can you blame me?

I spent the weekend keeping up a bit of magic on St. Patty’s Day, making green chocolate bark (thanks to the ever creative genius of Cara over at Fork and Beans), and enjoying the simplicity of kid friendly snacks, and a long, looooong, walk in the fresh air.

The classic Ants on a Log.

I mean, with all the pressures we face to keep fit and exercise (run! ski! yoga! gym! bike!), the bottom line is our shoes are always there at our back door, ready to be laced up and taken for a walk.

That’s a magical and empowering thought (or reminder) in itself now isn’t it? Something so simple can be so special.

Not such a bad place to be on a walk about, hey?

Magic is always just right out your front door.

So with that, dear IPOM readers, I’ll leave you today (I’ll be getting saucy on my next post). What I’d really like to know is:

• Do you believe in magic?
• What gets your imagination going?
• What are you favorite snacks from your childhood?

I’d love to know how you keep the magic alive!

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

~ Dr. Seuss

Thanks (as always!) for stopping in!

If you want to find out how the peppermint bark is made, simply have a gander over to Cara’s website – I made the minty delicious filling to her confection (white chocolate, green food coloring & peppermint extract, that’s IT!).

This week I’ll be posting more magically delicious recipes, starting with Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce (and friends!).

Happy Monday to you all!

Yours in Less,

Recipe: Quinoa Protein Bites

It’s the weekend!

To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.

~ Winston Churchill

Happy Saturday all!

I hope you are all enjoying the start of a wonderful weekend as spring has officially sprung, our days are getting longer, and we are starting to plan for the spring and summer season ahead!

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a reasonably busy gal…

“You too? I knew it!”

Eating well on limited time is always a challenge – especially when we want to be outside during the warmer months coming up.

Enter this recipe.

I make these little nuggets of pure complete plant protein and have them in the fridge to heat up (or eat cold) when I come in and need a quick healthy meal that will make me feel great. They are rock solid in a salad, or wrapped in a lightly heated corn tortilla and doused in this yummy cilantro sauce (an upcoming post!).

Quinoa is indeed an almost perfect food. I mean, it’s got it all, doesn’t it? Few are the foods which provide such solid nutritional sustenance and complete proteins while being tasty, light, easy to cook, and so versatile!

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.”

~ Dr. Seuss

The Less:

Less heavy protein from animal sources can add a little more (light) variety if you are an animal protein guy or gal. Less processed vegetarian ‘protein’ foods means cleaner, more accessible nutrition. Less worrying about complete proteins as vegetarian means more freedom in choosing your foods.

The More:

More complete protein means better all round nutrition in one stop. More nuts and grains means more grounding and more satisfying texture and flavor. More easy to eat homemade ‘convenience’ foods means easy snacking when time is tight. So make these almost perfect nuggets ahead of time and don’t look back!

Quinoa Protein Bites:

• (1) cup uncooked quinoa cooked in 1 3/4 cup cold water*
• (1) cup walnuts ground fine
• (2) tbsp chia seeds, soaked in 5 tbsp water (or sub one egg for the chia)
• (1) cup nut milk, soy milk, or regular milk
• (1/2) cup quick oats
• (2) tbsp Bragg’s Aminos or soy sauce
• (1) tsp salt
• (1) tsp cumin ground
• (2) tbsp chopped scallions/green onions/chives
• roasted sesame seeds to top the bites before baking (optional)
• olive oil for the pan

Put up the quinoa to cook by combining the water and quinoa in a pan. Cover the quinoa and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat with the lid still on. Cook, covered, on low for 20-25 minutes.

While the quinoa cooks, soak your chia in a small bowl with the water. Stir after a minute to ensure the water and chia soak together evenly. Grind the walnuts, using either a hand grinder or the attachment to your hand blender (or your food processor 🙂 )

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Chop the scallions, and combine with the salt and cumin in a large mixing bowl.

Once your quinoa is cooked, add (1/2)-(3/4) of the cooked grain to a blender (or food processor – hehe) along with the soaked chia, nut milk, and Braggs or soy sauce. Blend to a paste, stirring as needed with a spatula.

Remove the mixture into the mixing bowl with the seasonings and follow with the remaining cooked quinoa, oats, and ground nuts.

Get in there and mix this with your hands – and have fun!

You should end up with a beautiful mix that will stick together beautifully to form wonderful round discs of protein madness (add oats if they are falling apart at all).

Oil a flat cookie pan with olive oil. Form your bites and add to the pan, one by one, mindfully (and don’t worry about them being perfect). Add sesame seeds to one side one by one with a little spoon if you like, it looks nice and they add a nice flavor.

Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes on each side, turning them over at the halfway mark. Remove from oven and cool! Voila! Perfect little protein bites.

These little guys will keep in the fridge for about a week and will also freeze well. To re-heat, you can fry them a little in a skillet, or bake them with or without cheese on top. Serve with any sauce you desire – they are shown here with a Jalapeno Cilantro sauce (posting soon and so good!).

I was pleasantly surprised to awake this morning to a similar post this morning from Emmy over at emmycooks – proving that there are so many great ways to use this grain and enjoy a little bit of perfect protein heaven – I love Emmy’s version as she makes a brilliant use of leftovers from a previous meal.

Of course if you have a favorite way to eat quinoa, I’d love to know…feel free to share your faves in the comments today!

Be intent upon the perfection of the present day.

~ William Law

• What does perfection mean to you?
• Are you a convert to quinoa?

I hope you all have a super mindful and deliciously fab weekend – and as always – I love to hear from you all!

As for me? I am off to get the new trowel (just a little) dirty for the 1st time this year…

Yours in Less,

Recipe: Everyday Green Smoothie

Okay, who is totally loving the extra daylight?

To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

~ Buddha

And now for something completely different…and maybe (just a little) more healthy. After all, it is spring, and spring calls for:

• lighter food
• lighter clothing
• lighter thinking
• lighter evenings (yay)!

It’s time to talk smoothies (just a little).

Can we just stop here for a moment in revel in the health benefits and yummy flavors of endless possible combinations of blended fruits?

Okay. Good.

Now, lately (and I know I am not alone here), I have been enjoying many versions of the green smoothie. I like to add avocado to make it creamy and satisfying (again, sooo not alone here). The other fruit I add is totally dependent on what’s around. In keeping with the theme of ‘less is more’ – I try whenever I can to incorporate cheaper, more local fruits into my blended delights – like the frozen cranberries pictured here (a giant BC crop that is largely exported), or cast-off apples, frozen BC berries, etc. But the beauty really is – anything goes!

The Less:

Less heavy meals means easy work for your body and mind, not to mention a light energetic feeling to boot. Easy to digest fruit sugars give the body a nice buzz that doesn’t crash and leave you down in the dumps. Less pasteurized fruit juices and over the counter smoothies means more fresh enzymes and less additives, sugar, or other things you don’t want or need.

The More:

More fresh fruits means more vital energy pulsing through your veins. More blended live enzymes means the body gets a hand digesting (imagine digestion that wasn’t taxing!) More greens, fiber, and good fat from this combo will result in all round feel good vibes. Everyday.

Everyday Green Smoothie:

• (1) avocado (feel free to use a half or a whole)
• (1) cup chopped fresh or frozen fruit (berries, summer fruit, apple, mango)
• (1) banana (you can sub this out too)
• (1) cup liquid – apple juice, water, almond milk*
• (1-2) leaves kale or a handful of fresh spinach leaves
• (1-2) dates (optional)

Add your ingredients to the blender, blend on high for a minute or two, and enjoy!

* Start with one cup of liquid and add more if needed.

One the topic of liquid, I am a little old-school and have a thing about mixing fruit with other foods – years ago (like almost 20 years or so) I read a number of books on proper food combining and have never really dropped the idea that fruits should be eaten alone or not at all.

With that said, almond milk in smoothies is utterly delicious. My own personal experience tells me almond milk can combine with longer digesting fruits like banana, but it is up to the individual to find what works for them on this one.

For more current info on this topic by someone I really admire, check out the beautiful New York based raw food cleanse guru Natalia Rose here.

This is one of my go to post-fast meals, especially for the morning after a fast day. Or, if I feel that I can’t go without food entirely on a fast day (it happens), it’s common for me to whip up a fairly generous portion of this to take with me to consume when I need it (but never before).

Because fasting isn’t always about not eating, and consuming smoothie for a portion of a day would be a great way to ‘go without’ for many who typically eat heavier, more taxing foods as habit or preference.

The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.

~ Deepak Chopra

• What is your fave smoothie fruit?
• Are you enjoying the extra daylight too?

I love receiving your feedback and know many of you will have a lot to add here – I’d love to know your favorites!

On another note, my feet really look great – though who are we kidding, I think I only go for the massage!

I looked for some of the suggested shades (thank you!), was unsuccessful, and ended up choosing something called “Clubbing all Night” by OPI. Don’t quote me exactly on the name, but it’s a delightfully sparkly orange that is making me very happy – not to mention making me imagine myself as (just a little) bad ass with that name…

Next up: a little something with quinoa!

I hope you are all having an amazingly wonderful week – and here’s to lighter living in honor of the arrival of spring!

Yours in Less,

Recipe: DIY Peanut Butter Cups

Don’t get the sandals out just yet!

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

~ Abraham Lincoln

It’s snowing/sleeting/spitting here today (ugh!) – a bit hard to swallow after last weeks heavenly sunshine, and even harder to believe after buying myself a new and much needed (flower-printed) hand trowel yesterday and a few (ever cheerful) pansies for my front stoop.

Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.

– John Lennon

Despite all this, I am doing my best to stay cheerful – to look forward – and get ready (this is code for I am getting a pedicure!).

I truly believe one must make time for themselves in this busy life, but to appreciate it is key (like it is with most things really).

As a rule, the mind, residing in a body that has become weakened by pampering, is also weak, and where there is no strength of mind there can be no strength of soul.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

So with that in mind, here is a recipe for true self-indulgence and pleasure (especially if you are a peanut butter lover).

Rich, satisfying, and easy as 1, 2, 3 these are!

So go ahead and enjoy the simple pleasures.

The Less:

Less packaged confections means less litter and less guilt. Less pesticides from heavily sprayed conventional peanuts means better health for you and your loved ones. Less refined fats & unpronounceable ingredients in your diet means more support for your body as it breaks down your fuel. Less stress on the system means better living. Y’know?

The More:

More satisfying richness from more real ingredients means less craving for calories elsewhere. More protein, real healthy fat, and intense flavor in your treats means more long term satisfaction so you can consume less, less often (you won’t need a lot). More peanut butter and chocolate together means (quite simply) more delicious. Straight up.

DIY Peanut Butter Cups

• 400 grams good milk chocolate (buy it bulk – you could also use dark!)
• (1) cup good smooth or chunky natural organic* peanut butter at room temperature
• paper muffin cups (any size – fancy ones would be nice!)

Honestly that’s it!

Here’s how to impress your peanut-butter-chocolate-loving friends..and a little ‘tip from the top’ today: men love these!

Put up your chocolate to melt in a double boiling mechanism (I describe how I do it here). Melt your chocolate, stirring to prevent caking or burning. Once the chocolate is melted, keep it on the heat (very low) and add the peanut butter.

Stir together until the mixture is a gorgeous warm blend of pure glory. Feel free to add more peanut butter once you taste it..you really can’t mess this one up.

Once you have eaten as much as you can handle from the stirring spoon (don’t be shy), prepare your muffin cups on either a flat cookie sheet or in a muffin pan (you might need 2 muffin pans as this makes more than 12). Spoon the mixture into the cups carefully – 2-3 tbsp per muffin cup or more depending on the size of cups you have.

You don’t want to make these too big or you might not be able to finish a whole one in a sitting (or maybe you will)!

Shake the pan to even out the cups and pop these babies in the fridge or freezer to cool and set! You can store these in the fridge forever….(I’d love to know how long they last you)..

* A word about peanut butter: it is really really important to use real natural organic peanut butter (I am sure most of you don’t need to read this) – processed peanut butters contain heinous amounts of saturated fats and refined oils that are straight up not good for you – peanuts are naturally oily as they are! Peanuts are also grown conventionally with heavy amounts of pesticides – so eat organic if you can!

These super rich treats are great to have around in your fridge when you need a sweet hit.

Creamy, rich, and oh so yummy, they’ll hit you right where it counts and you might just impress a friend or two. I like to use them as topping for ice cream – straight up french vanilla or homemade white chocolate hazelnut – say what? Yup, I’ll share that in an upcoming post…

While I wait for the sun to return, I am dreaming of fresh cut grass, picnic baskets, and sandals.

I am thinking I might pick a sunny orange color for my toes today.

• How do you pamper yourself?
• What’s your favorite nail polish color?
• Are you a peanut butter fiend like me?

Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.

~ Henry David Thoreau

Thanks to all of you for reading this week – anyone out there with leftover kale pesto?

My last batch is dwindling too….I think I’ll make another pizza….what did you do with yours?

We’d love to know..

All the best to you all fine IPOM readers (as always) – and regardless of the weather, Happy Wednesday!

(Even if it is sleeting, snowing, spitting, slushing, and blustering)

Yours in Less,