Summer Recap 4: Fruit Harvesting

I already blogged a bit about our garden.

In the end it was better as a fun family project than a source of food but I'll take what I can get.

And as I already said, our plum tree is shutting down and gave us no fruit this year.

We had much more success in the food gathering department as members of Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton {OFRE}.

The highlight was our visit to Horsehill Berry Farm.

They invited the members of OFRE for a glean.

The kids were really excited at first but faded pretty quickly. 

 Cedric ate even more than he picked {after dipping into all of our buckets}.

 Luckily we coordinated this outing with Diana and Carly.

The kids love them and it's basically like having three parents for two kids.

Can you say "best case scenario"?

 We came back with enough raspberries for 10 jars of jam even after snacking for a couple of days.

The other harvest we have taken advantage of is apples.

 We are addicted to Apple Butter {this recipe is to die for} and Apple Streusel Bars {made with this recipe} so I have been processing apples like a mad woman.

I was thinking that we actually went a little overboard since I have a LOT of apples on my hands still.

Then I was talking to a friend on the weekend who has apple cider on her to do list.

 So I may just have a use for the lot after all.

Shrimp Skewers

This was a first for us.

To be honest, we really don't "skewer" enough.

I took some shrimp out of the freezer {yes, I buy the cheap frozen stuff} to make a shrimp risotto last week.

I was underwhelmed at the thought of further heating up the house by cooking inside.

 I also remembered the bamboo skewers I had purchased for my wine club dish.

A quick online search {and alteration of recipes to fit my pantry and level of laziness} produced this combination.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers

1lb of shrimp {deveined}

1 yellow bell pepper {chopped}

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup parsley 

{ideally fresh but I keep a bunch of chopped and frozen stuff because I can never use it all before it wilts}

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper {this is an estimate as I just used 4 turns of the grinder}

Mix it up in a tupperware, throw in shrimp and bell pepper, shake it up and let marinate for preferably an hour or more.

Soak your skewers for this hour as well.

Skewer it all up, alternating, and grill until pink.

{Overcooking makes them rubbery so really, as soon as they're pink, off they go.}

You could obviously add a lot more veggies but this was what I had and it complemented the shrimp well.

Don't be fooled by Fiona{the perpetual ham}'s face.

The kids loved these, definitely will be a regular this summer.

The Amazing Date

I feel like I can't say often enough how great our families are.

We both grew up with much of our extended family in another province.

So for our babes to have two sets of grandparents, 4 aunts, 1 uncle and even a great-uncle close by is a dream.

It also means that Jeff and I get the occasional night to ourselves.

Last Saturday night we had just that.

The kids were off to my parents {thanks Mom and Dad} and we had a date night.

If any of you parents out there are all "date night, what's a date night?" as we were until recently you're gonna want to have one of these.

Jeff and I sat next to each other, chatted without interruption, held hands and strolled leisurely.

No joke, there was leisure.

We finally made it to Noorish for dinner.

We have been meaning to go since Uncle Will gave us a gift card for Christmas.

And this place is amazing. 

Completely vegetarian with many vegan and gluten free options.

The majority of their ingredients are also organic and locally sourced.

The menu opened our eyes to many combinations and food prep that we weren't aware of.

Have you seen Baby Mama? 

It felt at first like we were in that restaurant with the "yeast ball for the table".

Then the food came and blew us away.

We had onion rings to start, a coconut curry and their award winning Bohdi Tree Burger.

It was all delicious and so satisfying that Jeff had to bring half of the curry home.

After dinner we headed down the street to the Movie Studio.

Also not a joke, there is still a movie rental store kickin' in Edmonton.

After a quick search it looks like there may even be a couple more.

This was a truly nostalgic experience for us.

Remember when video stores were huge?

It wasn't even that long ago.

 When we moved into our neighbourhood in 2007 there was the cutest little independent video store tucked into a local block of shops.

Once the big guys took the late fees away, she was done for.

It wasn't long before those big guys followed suit though.

Jeff and I have always loved browsing the aisles for movies.

We were two of the 15 people who were devastated when Rogers and Blockbuster shut their doors.

We had assumed that they were all gone so you can imagine our excitement when we noticed this little gem was still alive.

They even dish out free popcorn.

The night was amazing but that free popcorn really took it to the next level.

McBet

You know how it is when you work late nights.

You'd do almost anything to break up that 14 hour day.

Well, the shop is BUSY right now.

Everyone has really been stepping up lately and working a ton.

Jeff is working so much we barely get a chance to share the day's events.

But when we finally did get a chance last week this is what I get to hear about.

{Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that I'm not always kept up to date on the shenanigans at the shop.}

On one of said late nights Jason bet Jeff that he {Jay} could eat 20 cheeseburgers.

20.

I mean we're not talking quarter pounders, but still.

I'm assuming when they took this pic Jay had already started on 1 as you'll only count 19 {which is the first thing I did}.

I'm relieved sorry to report that Jason lost this bet.

"What did Jeff win?" you might ask, I did.

Not only did Jay have to pick up the tab for the meal that, I assume, made him see something resembling the above photo.

He's also on the hook to wash Jeff's car in his skivvies.

A free meal, clean car and humiliating his partner, I'm pretty sure that's as good as it gets for Jeff.

Post-Christmas Detox

No, I am not going on a cleanse or starting a juice diet, promise.

{I am interested in doing green smoothies though, mental note.}

I'm not the only one in this house who needs to detox.

And, I'm certain that submitting a toddler and baby to a fad diet is a form of child-abuse.

You know how it is.

The month leading up to Christmas is chock full of goodies.

And don't even get me started on the hoard we have afterwards.

As far as I'm concerned we can't eat it up fast enough.

This is part of the problem for me.

I justify gorging on gifted chocolate by telling myself that it's better to rid our house of it quickly.

We all know this isn't true though.

It's worse, much much worse {says my stomach}.

One of my Mom{the dietitian}'s great lines is "better to waste than to waist".

As in, if it's not worth it toss it.

Every year I try, I really do, but it doesn't happen.

It's all gone to waist.

And not just mine.
This was the first year that Fiona really was old enough to be aware of the "treats".
It's not that she's completely deprived for the rest of the year but the moderation I usually try to practice goes out the window during the first and last months {despite my best efforts}.
Now the post-holiday slump has left us with a treat-addicted-sugar-withdrawing little girl.
I hear mention of "tr-eats" multiple times per day and don't know how to stop it.
I'm guessing that this will have to be one of those "time heals all" afflictions.

In the meantime, anyone have a good "green smoothie" recipe they want to share?

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

The first time I ever cooked for Jeff I made an amazing 5 bean dish.

I thought it was so delicious and Jeff ate his serving {seemingly} happily.

Little did I know this guy hates beans, HATES them {it's a texture thing}.

Well, now that we're married, and he doesn't feel the need to spare my feelings, I am well aware of this.

I now have a bean-less chili recipe and have given up curried chickpeas.

The only time we ever have deep-browned beans, falafel or lentil soup is for lunch when Daddy's not home.

Last night, however, I took advantage of the fact that Husband was working {really} late and made this dish.

I was introduced to the combination by my friend Michelle.

I guessed quantities and added some ingredients for my own version.

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

1 cup uncooked Quinoa {cooked}

1 19 oz can of Chickpeas {rinsed}

1 red Bell Pepper {chopped}

2 stalks of Celery {chopped}

1/2 cup Raisins or Craisins {we added a little more than this}

1/2 cup of Walnuts {chopped}

1/4 cup Parsley {chopped}

Drizzle with Olive Oil and season with Salt to taste

**A couple of suggestions from my friend Diana to switch it up:

1. Sesame Oil instead of Olive Oil, I'm sure this would be delicious.

2. Toast the Walnuts, I would definitely do this since they were a little bitter.

{325 degrees for 10 mins should do the trick.}

Baby Led Weaning {Cedric's Story}

This is not a professional review, nor is it a sponsored post {getting paid to do this is still but a dream}.

This is my opinion based on our experience with Baby Led Weaning.

Now that that's out of the way, here's what I think.

Baby Led Weaning {aka the most natural child transition I've ever seen} is great.

I started offering Cedric purees {I use that word loosely} at just before 6 months.

It was canning season so I used some cooked fruit {before turning it to jam} and stewed tomatoes.

I also cooked and processed some peas, squash, sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, chicken, chick peas, lentils...you get the idea.

All good stuff, all fresh so really tasty.

Then just like I did with Fiona, I would heat it slightly in the oven {this is a no microwave house, I know} and attempt to spoon feed it to Cedric.

He was utterly uninterested and unimpressed.

I even let Fiona give it a go.

The crazy part was that he was so interested in food.

If I held him at the table he would be grabbing for my meal, my plate, my fork.

I knew he was ready to eat solids.

I had heard about Baby Led Weaning from some women in the Mom's group I joined after Fiona was born but hadn't ever looked further.

Feeding Fiona was a breeze.

She would have her mouth open before you could get more food on the spoon.

I mean, does this look like a baby that refuses food?

I thought it would be the same with Cedric.

Ha ha ha, sigh.

To think my two kids would do anything the same.

I laugh at my naivety.  

Then, out of the blue my friend Irma Coumantarakis comes over with a copy of this book.

I'm not saying she endorses this method but she was intrigued and looking into it.

I opened it that same afternoon and was immediately hooked.

It was like I was reading what I already knew.

Initially I thought I would read the whole book and then give it a try.

I couldn't wait, I was fired up.

I was going to put this into action, now.

I made sure to read the section on anything they don't recommend.

{I, like most are, was concerned about choking.}

Then we did this.

I gave Cedric a perogie {cut in half} a large piece of turkey sausage and a wedge of cooked cabbage.

That's it, put it in front of this then 8 month old and let him at it.

I couldn't believe the difference.

He actually ingested a good portion of it.

But the best part was how happy he was.

Don't even get me started on the fact that I ate my own meal {with both hands you guys} 

And I had a conversation, a real dinner conversation {as real as it gets with a 2.5yo that is}.

The point is, we were ALL happier.

We have since had the same success with {from top left to right}.

Tofu Thai noodles

Turkey and avocado sandwich

Homemade Pizza {somewhat healthy I promise}

Cucumbers/snowpeas

Tacos {just gave him a full one slightly baked so it crunched easily}

Yoghurt

Beans and hotdogs

Oranges

And many many more that I didn't photograph.

In fact, I have not changed the way we eat and have not yet come across a problem meal.

Last night we have shrimp risotto and he was able to eat the rice easily.

**It has always been my belief that following natural instincts is best.
My mantra for childbirth was "I trust my body, I trust my baby."
So why stop now?
That sentiment is repeated throughout this book.
Trusting that your baby is choosing to eat what he needs to is so important.
Of course you decide what to put in front of them so it's not like they'll be going for the cake and chips.
They wrote about a study in which they monitored multiple babies and what they chose to eat.
Some days they would eat only vegetables, some days only meat, some days almost nothing.
The outcome, however, showed that in the long run, they were choosing a balanced diet.
There is even evidence that if we let our children control what they are putting into their mouths from the beginning that they will be more willing to try new foods {aka less picky}.

As I said above I was concerned that Cedric would choke on the large pieces of food that are recommended.
In fact, the opposite is true.
He learnt very quickly how to "chew" {no teeth at the time so "gum" really} and manipulate food in his mouth.
The book also goes into other skills, such as dexterity, that they learn but I won't go into that.

The bottom line is that I was so impressed with my little guy.
I'm sure this isn't for everyone but I would do it again without thinking twice.
{No that was not a pregnancy announcement, 2 is good thanks.}

P.S.
One of my favourite lines from the book was in the FAQ section about cost.
{Because a lot of food ends up on the floor at first.}
My experience is that it still costs less than preparing separate food.
They also pointed out that if you have pets you can reduce the amount of pet food you buy because they will eat what's dropped.
At first I laughed at this but it has proven to be too true.
Our dogs have set up a permanent camp under Cedric's highchair.

Christmas Aftermath

I could describe today in two words.

Thankful and Recovery.

We always feel very lucky but never more than at Christmas.

There was, of course, so much generosity.

We spent hours today going through all of the gifts.
Hours.

What I am thankful for more than anything though is the time spent with family and friends.

I know, it's cliché but nothing makes me happier than having 14 people share a dinner at our house.

I love setting the table.

I love the meal planning.

I'm even {learning to} love the meal prep.
Oh, and I LOVE getting the kids dressed up.

This year was a little tricky since Jeff was it out of commission.

He was sicker than a dog and in bed for the better part of the day.

He's usually the turkey/gravy guy but I managed to flub my way through.

Thank goodness for parents to help with the cooking and carving.

The meal turned out great and the company was unbeatable.

Now for the recovery.

Jeff slept for about 14 hours and is feeling much better.

I've been cleaning and organizing but the house is still not fully recovered.

I actually like to leave it set up for a little while.

Christmas passes too quick so anything to hang on for a bit right?

The kids are having a blast with their loot and are doing a little recovering of their own.

Suffice it to say there have been no sleep protests today.

Mason Jar Coffee

That's right, mason jar.

A couple of days ago my french press shattered.

I was devastated.

I have come to love my french press.

I've done drip, espresso and even had a short stint with instant.

{In my first trimester with Cedric I couldn't stand the smell of brewing coffee.}

I have found that the press produces the smoothest cup.

{I'm sure the half and half doesn't hurt.}

Just go buy another right?

I probably would have if the kids weren't in bed already.

Ok then just take out one of the other methods.

I almost did.

But I had just had a bunch of beans ground for the french press.

Besides I just didn't want to go back to these other methods.

I thought "I'm sure I can simulate a french press."

And so was born my version of Mason Jar Coffee.

{Patent pending, not really.}

1. Boil water.

{I know the visual is really helpful right?}

 2. Get your supplies.

Mason Jar

Coffee (course grind)

4"x 4" piece of porous fabric

{I used tulle since I had a bunch leftover from some projects a couple months ago.}

Chopstick

Cloth of some sort

 3. Put coffee in jar.

I usually do a heaping tbsp for each cup (250ml) but that may be a little weak for you.

Many websites say 2 tbsp for each 250ml in a french press.

 4. Pour in boiling water.

This is getting complicated, I know.

 5.  Put the lid on {not the ring} and let steep for about 5 mins.

You should have that nice bloom on top.

 6. Give it a quick stir {I just used a chopstick} and the grounds will sink a bit.

 7. Place the fabric in top.

 8. Screw the ring over the fabric.

9. Pour! 

This is a 2 hand job so I have no pic but I think it's pretty self explanatory.

The jar does get hot hence the washcloth or something to hold it with.

That's it.

I even tested this method out on my former-barista sister yesterday and she gave it a thumbs up.

I love the fact that I didn't spend any money on this or add more gadgets to the house.

{I am a little anti-gadget for those who don't already know this about me.}

It's a keeper.

Tap That

{It's not just you, the titles are getting worse.}

I have roots in Ontario.

Both my parents lived there until they were in their mid-twenties.

We went back every year to visit.

When coming home we often brought back a bucket of maple syrup.

That's right folks, a bucket.

Maple syrup is a staple out east.

Salt, pepper, sugar, maple syrup.

Not in that order.

So I grew up with an intense love for maple syrup.

REAL maple syrup.

I have often settled for "maple type syrup" because of the price difference.

Recently I discovered President's choice 15% maple syrup.

It's not the same as the real thing but it's a decent stand-in at a fraction of the cost.

Well, Diana and Carly were at the cabin a while back.

 Jeff, of course, made his to-die-for french toast.

And I took out the good old 15%.

Cut to a couple weeks later when they showed up with this...

...tied up with a bow no less.

Well, seeing as dinner was in the works, I wasn't about to whip up a batch of pancakes.

{I'm not above having pancakes for dinner.}

But I really wanted to dive into this jug.

Then I remembered something my Mom used to do.

Looks good right?

It is.

Vanilla ice cream sprinkled with granola and drenched topped with maple syrup.

{A special thanks to Kim for leaving the ice cream after our meeting last week.}

Impromptu Bib Success

Something wonderful happened last time we were at the lake.

I forgot Cedric's bib.

Ok, you're right, that doesn't sound wonderful.

I didn't think so at first either.

Then I grabbed a tea towel, folded it in half and tied it around his neck.

Voila, the best bib you've ever put on your baby!

I'm not kidding you.

It has it all.

You know how you pay out the wazoo for the food catching pouch?

It has that.

You know how you pay extra for those super large bibs that cover their shoulders because inevitably the dog will bark or the toddler will scream by and the baby will whip their head around before you get a chance to spoon off that extra food and it ends up all over their shirt?

I know you do.

It has that!

You know how you also break the bank for a bib that kind of makes your baby look like a really cute cowpoke/hipster?

It has that too!

I love a good discovery, especially the thrifty kind.