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Etsy Project Embrace

So many causes, charities, relief organizations and support groups grab out attention during this season.  It is all good!  But for me,  I am feeling really comfortable with the idea of an ongoing commitment that will just part of me.  I have chosen to join Etsy Project Embrace.

We are a Universal Coalition of Artists, Suppliers and Vintage Collectors who initially were brought together as a way to help our friend and wonderful Etsian, Laura Slocum who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Today, our group not only supports the American Cancer Society (ACS), but also The American Hospice Foundation (AHF).

I have chosen to affiliate with the American Hospice Foundation  through Etsy's Project Embrace.

If you are interested, it is really very easy. A lot of the satisfaction comes, at least for me, through a continuing connection through Etsy.

Take a look, and join if you like, or simply support by passing  the word.  Again, it's all good!

(Tiny) Piccolo Potatoes, Sundried Tomatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms, Chives and Poached Egg Stack

So simple yet very satisfying.

Ingredients:

mini potatoes
olive oil
chives
sundried tomatoes
mushrooms
salt & pepper to taste
red pepper flakes
eggs, for poaching in water


Directions:

1. Boil your baby potatoes until done, set aside.  Sauté your sliced mushrooms in a little oil, set aside. While your egg is poaching, arrange your potatoes on a plate (season to taste) , stack your sundried tomatoes on next. then add your sautéed mushrooms and chives.  When your egg is ready, carefully stack it on top, season again to taste.  Top with more chives and some red pepper flakes.  Voila!  healthy breakfast stack!

Yellow Lentil Soup with lots of Cilantro

I made this soup with Toor Dal (Yellow lentils), You could easily make it with brown lentils and save a bit of the cooking time.


Ingredients:

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
pinch of ground cayenne pepper
1 heaping cup of yellow lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 small onion, halved
1 bay leaf
salt, to taste
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup chopped cilantro
(optional- plain yogurt for non vegetarians)

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot on medium heat.  Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Stir in the cumin and cayenne pepper.  Stir together briefly and then add lentils, onion, bay leaf, and 1 1/2 quarts of water.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours, until the lentils are tender and the broth aromatic.  (if using brown lentils your cooking time may be as low as 40 minutes).

2. Salt and pepper to taste.  Discard the onion and the bay leaf. 

3.  Puree half of the soup in small batches in a blender.  (be sure to cover the top of the blender with a towel and press firmly on the lid to make sure hot liquid doesn't spill on you).  Return to soup pot, stir and heat through.

4. Stir in cilantro just before serving.  (if you eat dairy, add a dollop of plain yogurt to the top of each bowl)  Will serve 4.

Piña Colada Quinoa

For breakfast or a nice sweet snack, serve hot or cold

1 cup quinoa
1 14 oz can light coconut milk
1 14 oz can crushed pineapple
1 Tbsp sucanat
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
salt to taste


Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and coconut milk to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.  Turn off heat and leave standing for 6 more minutes.

2. Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice.  Stir 1/2 cup of the pineapple juice into the cooked quinoa.  Add the sucanat and vanilla and mix well. Add a bit of salt to taste.
Stir the crushed pineapple into the mix and serve.  Keeps for 2 days in a sealed container in the fridge.



Like a tropical holiday in a bowl :)

I Usually Leave This Bag In The Car

Sharen Heath from I Love Langley

Facebook friend posted this picture.   I have to say, I am in such a complete fog half the time, I have to go back to the car to get the canvas bags I have made for myself.  The serious side to this is that there has been some buzz about the safety of some reusable grocery bags due to some imports having a high level of lead. Please do not go back to single use plastic grocery bags. If you are not sure about the ones you already own contact the company. If you are still  not confident about using the reusable bags that stores sell, buy cotton canvas types.

This Turtle Thanks Courtesy EcoKaren