From Sha Sha….with Love!

Last Monday, family day – Ryan and I went to the Sha Sha Co. factory. If you aren’t familiar with this incredible product line, it is about time you are! Sha Sha Bread Co is a Canadian bakery company that is responsible for making some of the most incredibly nutritious and tastiest products on the market. From a variety of sprouted breads, to delicious heart shaped cookies, and more recently launched is their new bio buds and a sprouted buckwheat snack.

I have been in love with thier products (breads, pizza crusts, flatbreads) for years now, as they embrace spelt as a staple grain, they take pride in the baking process by soaking and sprouting their grains and everything they make just tastes so good and is made with love.

I will be featuring some of thier products at our wedding and Ryan will be fueled on ShaSha goodness for his treck to the north pole – see more here!

It is one thing to love a product and buy it and use it. But it is another thing to actually meet the creator himself, Sha Sha, and go to visit the factory. Everthing just seemd happen coincidentally. Ryan and I were planning to go and visit the factory on Family Day, and just the weekend before, I attended the annual Organic Groweres Conference and listened to Sha Sha speak at two seperate lectures over the weekend.

Sha Sha is purely passionate about what he does. He is a baker at heart and wanted nothing more than to make the most nutritoius breads and baked goods. He set out on this mission and now has a full thriving business because of it. I can totally relate to this, as a good business just doesn’t come with hard work and money – it comes with passion and love. Something I take pride in everyday with my own business. So after hearing the voice behind the breads and goodies I have been indulging in for years, this made me even more excited to visit his home…the ShaSha Co. factory.

I call it a home, because that is truly what the factory felt like. Being a family run business – it is has the warmth and feel as if we were invited into Sha Sha’s home. With kids and families part taking in the free event on family day you could just see how excited kids actually get about their products. Using bright colours and friendly packaging also thier facility is nut free – which opens it’s doors to even more avenues. The factory also implements green practices that have the environment in mind like re-using water, being efficient with energy and power usage, managing waste and paper trails and sourcing local and organic products as much as possible to keep the costs and travel emissions low! Sha Sha is truly innovative in everything that he does and we all get to benefit from it as a result!

The array of products that Sha Sha offers

Sha Sha educating his visitors

Lots of Love!

Ready to be enjoyed!

 

 

Happy with our goodie bags of treats!

 

Can’t all factories be like this? Filled with love, making delicious happy and healthy products that everyone can enjoy?

Thanks Sha Sha for being a frontier!

 

Have you tried Sha Sha breads or products? if not…..

Tell me why you love them and I might just send you some delicious spelt ginger heart cookies!

Get Ready for a Delicious Year!

Wow 2011. I am rather excited for this year as it is going to be filled with some great experiences. A few personal ones like my 30th birthday on November 11th, 2011 – not that it is so exciting to be getting older, but it is rather special having my elevens lined up all on one day!  Also, on July 31st, I am getting married to Ryan. We have an incredible weekend event planned in Niagara on the Lake – I couldn’t be more excited for that! Two big special life moments all in one year!

Aside from all of that, my Delicious business is going to be beaming this year with many classes, events and retreats. I am really taking things to the next level and offering my community multiple opporutnties to get Fully Nourished.

If you haven’t checked out MY CALENDAR so far, please do so – as spots are filling up fast for my all my upcoming classes. I have all kinds of class themes with various group packages to choose from. There is something for everyone !

Whether you are into Cultured Cuisine and want to learn how to cook up some Indian, Italian, Moroccan these exotic classes are full of flavour or  maybe you want some Health focused classes like Calci-Yum, Heart Healthy, Gluten Free or Acid Alkaline Balance or for some good overall Balance you may want to consider Green Goddess, Super Suppers, Raw and Ripe, Guiltless Desserts – I’ve got it all!

I also have a few wonderful Workshops to choose from:

Filling Your Kitchen with the Best

Super Food for Super Health

Raw Essentials

I will also be hosting at least three Retreats – one at Grail Springs in Bancroft Ontario, one in Collingwood with the House of Verona and one in Costa Rica – details to be deteremined. So please stay tuned.

Then there is my Delicious Book Club starting in February – this is the best way to get cozy and connected with your health!

Speaking of books, my very first Delicous Cookbook in the making and lots of other little suprises that will be popping up all over the place. So be sure to check in regularily to check out what is cooking over here at Delicious Knowledge!

Pure Pleasure

SEE DETAILS BELOW for my PLEASURE YOURSELF CONTEST!

I am going to stray away from food in this post. Part of living a Fully Nourished lifestyle includes taking active steps to do things that contribute to your wellness on every level. Just as important as eating, so is relaxation and rejuvenation. You need to nourish you soul and your mind, just as much as your body – and taking some time to for just you is what this post is all about!

One of my goals of 2011 is to take some time for myself. Some true time to work on my own healing and relaxation. While taking part in weekly yoga, getting 8 hours of sleep each night, and focusing on deep breathing – I also plan to round this all out with a plump pillow filled with healing essences.

I have had the pure pleasure of testing out an incredible product by Mette Vangso San Francisco. It is a pillow filled with herbal, pure fragrant natural lavender and organic buckwheat. The combination of the both creates a blissful experience that is purely relaxing.

So for those of you who need just a little extra help to make your eyes sleepy or to ease the tension from your day, this will help. I will also help with muscle tightness, cramps and just feels nice especially when warmed or cooled. The eye mask is delightful when pulled out of the freezer and rested on your eyes and forehead – want to get rid of morning puffiness? This is it!

I know that holiday gift giving is over, but there is such a thing as a belated gift or how about a gift to yourself? If you want to bring in the new year with a warm healing embrace order yourself a pillow or eye mask and try it out for yourself. I love that I can put the pillow anywhere on my body for instant relaxation. I know this sounds like an infomercial add – but I am being honest. I was watching a movie last night with my family on the couch, rested the pillow behind my head and not only had a comfy cushion to hold my head up but the soothing fragrance of lavender melted my mind within moments, I was ready for bed almost immediately. It is aromatherapy, deep relaxation and a natural sleep aid all wrapped up in one cushy, luxurious pillow!

I am fortunate enough right now to be in on vacation to give this the true test. I am forced to relax being taken out of my daily routine. But if it works here, I can’t wait for it to “de-stress” me when I am home in the daily grind of life.

—-Since I have posted this post I just want to share how else I have pleasured myself with this product and how Mette Vangso has healed and soothed me. I had a bit of a strained wrist (no not from chopping) but from Yoga – I wrapped the eye mask around my hand for an hour or so, and the inflammation completely went away! Also, I had my little monthly friend come and visit me last week, day one is not so much fun, but with a half hour of the big pillow on my lower abdomen – the cramping subsided and I felt amazing!

I just wanted share my incredible experience with this amazing product!

Do you want to PLEASURE YOURSELF…(who doesn’t?)

If you want the opportunity to get your very own Pillow and Eye Mask (and you Live in Toronto and can come and pick it up) here is how you can WIN!

The person who shares this post and information about this amazing product and contest with the most people will win!

1. Share a comment below – or as many as possible. Tell me why you want to pleasure yourself with this indulgent pillow pack

2. Share on Facebook and Tag + Become a fan of Delicious Knowledge and Mette Vangso in your post!

3. Tweet + Follow  @marniwasserman and @mettevangso in your tweet!

4. Share on your Blog and let me know here that you shared and connect your blog back to Fully Nourished or to Mette Vangso

The effort is worth it, after all your hard work you can reward yourself with the most incredible, luxurious and healing pillows you will ever experience!

Read what Mette Vangso had to say about me and our shared values!

The Right Raw Chocolate

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I am a “chocoholic” like many others. I am always sourcing and looking for the latest and tastiest ways to create chocolate recipes at home and every once in a while I come across a great product that inspires me (and makes a great addition to my purse or travel bag!)

I discovered righteously raw about a year ago, when  friend of mine told me I had to try this raw chocolate bar that wasn’t like anything else. Not only are the ingredients incredibly pure, but each variety is loaded with a layer of superfoods – which makes the bar extra chewy and extra delicious.

It’s not easy to find a raw chocolate that tastes as good as this one. Plus it is nut free and has the added benefit of all my favourite superfoods from goji berries, acai, lacuma, maca and cacao. This would make anyone very happy and of course very healthy!

You can find them at various different health food stores in Toronto, so if you can, get your hands on a bar and test it out. Or WIN one for free (see below). It’s also the perfect time of year to get one to put into a stocking for a loved one or give it as a gift. Your making the RIGHT decision by supporting this pure, organic, vegan, raw, gluten/nut free and kosher chocolate!

Check out their website to find out more on why they created this incredible chocolate bar. And yes, I can call this a chocolate bar – because it is that and so much more!

TELL me why you are eager to try this chocolate – I will send one to you! The contest ends at the end of this week!

There is only ONE winner, so I am looking for a good answer!

Post it on Twitter

Post it on my Facebook Page

Leave a comment below – either way!

Honey…your so sexy!

The newest addition to my pantry is my trio of NUDE BEE HONEY’s. This line came out in Toronto by two local boys. I love it. What is sexier then two men starting a honey line?

This brand in particular has some fine packaging, with a slick black label. It is a long tall jar, which is thin and elegant. I would take this honey out for a taste any day of the week. I would even love to just spread it, pour it and blend it into anything I create. It would make for a sweet addition that is smooth balanced and rich. That’s my kind of honey!

I should also mention that is honey, is untouched, raw in it’s own virgin state. What can be better than that. It hasn’t lost anything; it’s got everything it needs to give me what I need. Nutrients, enzymes, minerals and an unparalleled flavour.

It is also organic, coming from the purest of sources, no chemicals or strong or smelly aftertastes. It was created to be enjoyed… from bottom to top.

Now don’t get too picky, there are three fine honey’s to choose from:

Star Thistle – Works well with all natural of teas and can dress or top any dessert. This superstar possesses after notes of vanilla and lemon.

Honey Dew – This is a darker richer honey, which means it contains more vitamins and minerals. It is rich and fragrant so get your hands on some and add it to some fruit for a warming compote or natural jam.

Wild– The most versatile of the bunch, blending different local nectar’s. This honey goes both ways, and lends itself well to both raw and cooked recipes.

You can’t go wrong really – they all share similar qualities with subtle differences. I think you will be satisfied, no matter which way you go!

Take your honey a little further and use it to your benefit and create something magical together…. a recipe!

Feel free to pour your honey all over anything and everything that you are eating!

Wild Honey-Lemon Poppy Loaf

4 cups light spelt flour

1 cup Wild Nude Bee Honey

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp sea salt

½ cup poppyseeds

zest of 2 lemons

3 lemons, juiced

½ cup vanilla rice milk

½ cup grapeseed oil

1 tsp pure vanilla

½ cup filtered water

1.     oil and flour a 9x 5 inch loaf pan. Set aside.

2.     Stir together spelt flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt poppy seeds and lemon zest. Set aside.

3.     In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, honey with rice milk. Add to the dry ingredients in mixing bowl.

4.     Add grapeseed oil, vanilla and water to dry ingredients. Mix wet and dry ingredients together thoroughly.

5.     Pour the batter into loaf pan.

6.     Bake for 1 hour at 350F or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Photography by Assaf Friedman

Review: Chocolate Kale Chips…say what?

Well they have done it – matched two unlikely combination’s to make the perfect tastiest snack. Chocolate Kale Chips, can you think of a better combination? These are two foods that I tell people to eat just about everyday but why not eat them together? Not only that, their nutritional profile proves to be loaded with magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and fiber – delicious!

Blue Mountain Organics has truly proven to be a mastermind at creating to most unique blends of raw, organic snacks, treats, flours and desserts. I have had the extreme pleasure of enjoying their RAW Cashew Ice Cream (sorry no nutters, you are truly missing out). It is absolutely to die for! Words can’t even describe how good this frozen non-dairy dessert is. They also have a wide variety of unique supplements like carob powder, sunflower lecithin (soy free) along with sprouted beans and whole grains.

And of course some raw nut butter spreads from cashew, tahini, almond, pecan… you name it! They are called Better than Roasted because  for a RAW nut butter they taste pretty fantastic! Their online store, packaging and marketing is very cute, friendly and inviting. If you aren’t teased into at least buying 5 items on their website, I would be shocked! (and please make sure that Chocolate Kale Chips are on that order!!)

What is also truly amazing about all of their products, (and obviously why I am such a supporter) is that they are all superfoods, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, raw, kosher and organic. I wish there was a Blue Mountain Store right here in Toronto! But for now I will have to just order online – and pick up what I can at various health food stores in Toronto.

Real Life at the Whole Life

When you are as immersed in the nutrition and wellness field as I am – it’s hard not to classify yourself as a junkie. Most of the time, it’s for personal pleasure and just plain old keeping up to date with the latest! But more often then not, things are loaded on my plate? (No pun intended). Meaning – because I am in this line of work, people naturally approach me and ask all kinds of questions. Which is great, keeps me on my toes – but sometimes I don’t have the time or all the answers. That is why it is important that people empower themselves and become their own junkies. Find out what’s real and what’s not.

Which is great to a certain extent. We are in at age in society where we have everything we need available at our fingertips. Almost everything can be found online, in a book, magazine or health food store. This can be confusing and overwhelming though, as there is SO MUCH information out there. I’ll admit, it is tough when you are sitting at home by yourself trying to sift through articles, books and web pages…so why not get off your butt and experience your health in real life!

If you have the opportunity to go to a venue where all like-minded individuals and experts in the field come together for a weekend to bring you all of their wellness services, products, specialty foods and more – then why not take advantage. What I am talking about here is the…

Annual Whole Life Expo 2010

It is  at Metro Toronto Convention Center (North Building) – there will be a plethora of goodies to choose form, a range of talks, lectures and workshops to attend – and you may just get to experience whole health at first hand in person.

So on November 26, 27 or 28^th – come and make it out to the show. I will not have a booth at this show – but I will be there walking around, schmoozing and saying hi to all my like minded “nutrition junkie” friends!

Or if you are committed to BOOK YOUR TICKET ONLINE NOW -  post a comment below letting me know you did so and you will get 10% off your next Fully Nourished Cooking Class!

Hope to see you there!

UPDATE: I HOPE YOU MADE IT OUT THIS WEEKEND!

If you didn’t, here is a brief description of what you missed and what you can look forward to the next time you attend. I came on Friday night and again on Sunday. One day is never enough, especially when I have so many people to say hello to and so many goodies to pick up. Some of my favourite people to visit and products to pick up are :

Natural Calm: My good friends Dale and Linda are the perfect team to represent this amazing product line. Natural powdered magnesium, relaxes your body, calm’s your nerves (literally) and makes for a nice elixir before bedtime. Having trouble sleeping and keeping your leg’s still? Then you need a daily dose of magnesium. I should also mention that you can only absorb the calcium in your body with enough magnesium. Dale and Linda are also the people who I went to Africa with in May. A large portion of their proceeds go towards Organics 4 Orphans – and incredible organization that supports communities in Kenya to eat more Greens!

The Fairy’s Tonic: Zoey is miss Kombucha herself. This is one of the tastiest fermented health promoting beverages you will ever drink. Just 1 oz, and your body and mind are buzzing. Sip before or after any meal throughout the day and your body will be very happy!

Vega: For incredible, raw, vegan, plant based supplements – Vega has it all. Bars, shakes, smoothies to go. You don’t need to think twice about getting healthy food in on the go. Vega’s products are so complete and well rounded, loaded with protein, fiber and slow burning carbs you will feel amazing all day long!

Raw Elements: My friends Dawn and Brent are behind this amazing company. They are my supplier for all good things raw from goji berries, probiotics to my favourite protein powder Sun Warrior. If you didn’t get any at the show, you can order online and use the coupon code MW007 to get 5% off your order.

Upaya Naturals: An incredible resource for all your raw supplements, foods and equipment. They are always up to date with the latest products. Even the incredible cashew ice cream I mentioned last week from Blue Mountain Organics.

Some new friends include:

Girlnola: Stephanie is just buzzing with energy. Her granola is packed with antioxidants and superfoods. She also makes yummy truffles that are delicious and make great little gifts especially for the holidays.

Nud Fud: With Julia you will get a collection of healthy, organic and even raw bars, chips and cereals. Loaded with whole foods like nuts, seeds, dried fruits and veggies.

Some other Fav’s

Mark and Bridgette’s Chocolate

Two Girls Cooking

Traditions Miso

Camros Eatery

Vita Mix

Prana

Live

Delicious Snacks For Everyday Enjoyment!

Okay it has arrived, the blog you have been waiting for! How to make delicious snacks, you will get some ideas here on how to be a Smart Snacker, but if you want the full experience then join me on  November 1st, where you will learn how to make Delicious Snacks and get your very own copy of my new book.

The inspiration for the focus on healthy snacks is because everyone always asked me what they should snack on. I feel that people don’t really know what to eat when it comes to snacking. They either don’t think about it at all and pick up whatever they can find or think about it too much and get overwhelmed and give up. Then there are those people that follow the three meal a day rule and don’t believe in snacks at all. Well that just isn’t right, your body need to be constantly fueled by wholesome, nutritious and organic snacks – ideally made by you. If you can’t always make the time to do this then be sure to look at my approved packaged snack guide. But if you are ready and willing to take on making your own snacks, don’t fret, it is much simpler than you may think.

All you have to do is set aside some time, even an hour during the week to put together a simple delicious snack. This could be as basic as a trail mix or as intricate as apple-cinnamon muffins (which are still pretty simple) especially with my recipe! Whatever it is, if you have things on hand at home, then you are more likely to make healthy choices. When you have things that are ready to go  at home, then you can also pack them up and bring them with you to work, to school or even to the movies!

At the Vegetarian Food Fair this year the focus of my cooking demo was on healthy snacking. I got up in front of a room full of people who loved snacking as much as I do! It is also that time of year were everyone is getting there lives back on track after the summer, sending kids of to school and getting back on a regular work schedule. Which means it is also time to make time for your health and this includes snacking! The last thing I want is for you to pick up fatty, sugary and salty snacks that a full of empty calories and nutrients. I want you to have the opposite. Fresh, delicious snacks that you can enjoy every single day that are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fat and nutrients!

Here is a little taste of my demo at the Food Fair!

Setting up for my Delicious Snacks Demo!

The line up of ingredients used in my Snack Recipes

Making some Delicious Snacks!

Lining up to sample some of my Delicious Snacks

(Smoothie, Guacamole and Power Bites)

 

Liquid Nutrition Smoothie

What’s in it?

2 cups rice, coconut, almond or hemp milk 

2 tbsp to 1 scoop plant based protein powder (sun warrior or vega)

½ cup blueberries or mixed berries, fresh or frozen 

1 banana, fresh or frozen

½ cup chopped mango, peaches or pear 

1 tsp raw honey 

½-1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves 

Optional Superfood Additions (1 tbsp of ) goji berries, cacao nibs, coconut oil, flax oil, chia seeds, carob powder, maca, matcha green tea powder, almond butter, acai berry powder, lacuma, mesquite etc..

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and no lumps remain. Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy + sip with a glass dharma straw!

Wholly Guacomole

What’s in it?

1 cup cooked green split peas (1 cup frozen green peas, blanched)

4 green onions, 2 inch slice

3-5 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander

1 clove fresh garlic, crushed

½ bunch parsley

¼ teaspoon sea salt

2 large ripe avocados

¾ cup chopped tomatoes

How to make it!

1. Put peas, green onions, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, (jalapeno) and salt into the food processor and process until well blended and smooth.
2. Cut avocados in halves, remove pits and scoop out flesh into a medium sized mixing bowl.
3. Mash avocados and mix in ingredients from the food processor.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, taste and adjust seasoning. Chill.
5. Serve with organic corn tortilla chips, slices of jicama or whole grain crackers.

Sweet Heart Cookies or Power Bites

What’s in it?

1 1/2 cups whole raw almonds (or sunflower seeds for a nut free option)

2 tbsp hemp seeds

1 cup chopped dates

1/4 cup goji berries

2 tbsp cacao nibs or cacao powder

1 tbsp raw honey

1 tsp mesquite powder

1/2 tsp vanilla powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp sea salt

** for an extra boost – add 2 tbsp Sun Warrior Protein Powder

How to make it!

Place all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until you get a thick “doughy” consistency. Spread out and cut into “heart” shapes with a cookie cutter or roll and flatten into 2 inch cookies. Or feel free to roll them into little balls for quick power bites – perfect for your purse or a midday snack after a workout!

Do you love Delicious Snacks?

Do you want to come to my Delicious Snacks Class on November 1st?

Get Your Greens in!

My Article in Tonic Toronto, December 2009 Issue

But Greens are relevant all year round…read on!

My clients always ask me, “if there is one thing I can do to better my health or one food item I can add in that is amazing for me…what is it?” My answer is always greens! If there is any place to start – it is with greens. No matter what your diet currently consists of – whether you are an omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian (little bit of this and a little bit of that), or raw foodie – it doesn’t matter. Getting your greens in is the first step to optimal and long-lasting health.

Most people do not eat enough green veggies, even though they have immense nutritional value. Recent studies have confirmed that populations with diets rich in green leafy vegetables run a far lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Not to mention that they support bone health, aid in detoxification and are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. Leafy green vegetables are one of nature’s richest sources of nutrients, so look beyond spinach and broccoli and get familiar with things like kale, collards, Swiss chard, arugula and bok choy.

Depending on what you like, there are so many ways to get your green veggies in. The good news is that each one offers a very different, unique taste and texture. Even if you have to sneak them into a smoothie for the fussy ones in the family, I promise you – there is always a way!

Whether you are following a vegan diet or just want to take your nutrition to the next level, greens should be an essential component to your day. Choosing a leafy green such as kale, will boost up your meal, give your body an extra dose of much needed calcium, magnesium, iron and fiber, and compliment anything and everything on your plate. Kale is fantastic when it is just lightly steamed, sautéed or chopped up and marinated raw into a salad. They even make great ‘chips’ (see recipe below). This goes for any green by the way, so the possibilities are endless and you really can’t go wrong.

It is very common to get overwhelmed when it comes to greens. My suggestion is to start basic. Pick one new green a week to ‘play’ with until you have found a way for you and your family to enjoy it. The number one complaint is that greens are too bitter. Well, yes collards and kale can be bitter, especially if they are new to your palette. Once you find a way to get them into a meal – whether they are added to a smoothie, tomato sauce, chickpea stew, chunky vegetable soup, grain dish or simply dressed with olive oil and sea salt, there is no turning back. You will be hooked because you will suddenly start to feel better, have more energy and you may even lose weight. That doesn’t sound bad does it?

Experiment with nature’s emerald gems, have fun and to make sure YOU get your greens in everyday. Just remember that a meal isn’t a meal unless there is something green on your plate!

Zesty Kale Chips

Ingredients:

• 2 head Kale, washed and torn
• ¾ cup Tahini
• ¼ cup Tamari
• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• ½ cup Water
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1 Lemon, juiced
• ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
• ¼ cup of Nutritional yeast or hemp seeds

Procedure:

Place the kale in a large mixing bowl. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth to get a thick consistency. You may have to add more water. Pour over kale and mix thoroughly with your hands to coat the kale. You want this mixture to be glued to the kale.

In Dehydrator:
Place kale onto a Teflex sheet, on top of a mesh dehydrator screen, and dehydrate for 6 hours at 115 degrees F. You’ll need to use two trays. Rotate kale occasionally to dry uniformly.

In Oven:
Place on parchment paper on a sheet tray, and bake on a low temperature for about 30 minutes (or more). Keep an eye on it and turn often to ensure even drying.

Marni Wasserman
~ is a natural personal chef and holistic nutritionist
www.marniwasserman.com/

Cooking With Stella!

I am having another CONTEST! For those of you that live in Toronto – there is a screening of a film called Cooking With Stella coming up in March and I need to get rid of these tickets fast!

Click on Image to view the trailer.

“A warmhearted social satire about a Canadian diplomat (Lisa Ray) and her chef husband Michael (Don McKellar) who are posted to New Delhi. Upon arrival they inherit a household of Indian servants headed by the charming, totally inspiring — and wily — cook Stella (Seema Biswas). When Stella agrees to become Michael`s cooking guru, to teach him traditional Indian dishes, little does he know that she`s cooking up a scheme of her own.”

The screening is on Thursday March 11th at 7 pm.

I have 7 tickets for two to go and see the film. If you are available and interested please let me know!

The first 7 to respond will be the lucky winners!

Please leave a fun comment of why you want to go and your email address so that I can contact you easily!

Also if you are not currently following me on Twitter – start now!

And become a Fan of Delicious Knowledge while you are at it!

And if you have a blog – mention this blog and this contest and film!

Have fun – and good luck!

Thank You Mongrel Media for bringing this film to theaters!

Two for Tea… and Tea for YOU!

Yes you heard me, tea for you! I am giving a away a whole tin of Nourish Tea‘s looseleaf tea. If you haven’t tried one of their teas yet then you are truly missing out. Nourish tea is a Toronto based company that brings the purest and most wholesome organic teas to consumers. Their tea spectrum ranges from green teas to white teas, black teas and their newest line of amazing herbals teas. However a favourite among many is Chai and for that reason I am going to give away a whole tin of YUMMY CHAI – but first let’s talk about Chai!

This flavourful blend of traditional Indian spices like cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and other warming delicious spices that make this tea unique. If you want to find out more on chai read my post.There are some great reasons here as to how chai tea began and what chai actually means. Most traditional chai is made from black tea, however you can also make it with red tea if you have a caffeine sensitivity like me. Every now and then, I treat myself and enjoy nourish teas’ chai and it is fabulous and fresh.

For me…this tea is best in the morning!

Marni’s Morning Chai Latte

1-2 tsp Yummy Chai

2 cups vanilla rice milk or almond milk

1 tbsp honey

pinch of cinnamon

1. In a small pot bring “milk” to a boil. Lower head and add Chai tea. Stir and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Pour through a tea steeper into a large mug.

3. Stir in honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Now in order to be the owner of this delicious tea…I need a couple of things from you! There are a number of ways you can win this contest.

1. Leave a comment here and tell me your favourite kind of tea or why you love Chai!

2. Post a link to this post on your blog and come back here letting me know you did so!

3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this post and your favourite tea and let me know on this post! You can also click on Twitter Icon at bottom!

4. Become a Fan of Delicious Knowledge and leave a comment on my fan page and/or on my blog! You can also click on Facebook Icon at bottom!

5. Follow my blog and of course, leave a comment!

I will then assign a number to every post, comment and tweet  for the next week and then randomly pick a number. (This means of course you can share more than once in multiple ways – as it will only increase your chances to win!) I will then announce the winner on my blog and get in contact with you!

It’s Tea Time!

Simple and Delicious!

If you were at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair this past weekend and you saw my cooking demo, then you would know exactly what I am talking about. If not, I will tell you anyways. It is always so much fun to get up in front of people and teach them about how easy it can be to make whole foods apart of your everyday life! That was the goal at my demo, to educate people on how everyday eating can be simple and delicious which will ultimately lead towards a path of optimal happiness, health and healing!

I am going to provide you with a brief overview how you can Stock Your Cupboards Full of the Best Quality Ingredients!

Choose whole, fresh foods!

• Raw, living and sprouted foods
• Fresh organic vegetables and fruits
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts)
• High quality vegetarian protein (tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, seeds and greens)
• Whole and gluten free grains (spelt, quinoa, millet, brown rice)
• High quality fats (fresh pressed oils: olive, coconut, sesame) nuts, seeds and avocado

Choose organic, bio-dynamic and local foods as much as possible

• Organic foods have few or no chemicals, they have more minerals, nutrients and energy
• They support local family farms, increase agricultural diversity, and reduce the need for transportation of imported foods (less pollution!)
• They taste better and promote eating food in season

Choose a variety of foods everyday

• Rotate your foods and get the most out of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds
• When planning your meals or creating recipes – get a balance of flavours whether it is sweet, sour, salty, bitter and astringent, pungent.

- Sweet: grains like rice, sweet fruit, carrots, beets, nuts, honey and other sweeteners

- Sour: lemons, tomatoes, grapes, plums, vinegar

- Salty: seaweed, celery, leafy greens, some cheeses (feta)

- Bitter: green leafy greens, endive, chicory, parsley, coriander, coffee

- Pungent: cayenne, chili peppers, ginger, garlic, leeks, radishes

- Astringent: beans, lentils, apples, pears, cabbage, broccoli, potatoes

For overall balance and diversity:

- Be sure to use different colours (taste the rainbow) textures (crunchy, soft, chewy, crispy), shapes (get creative when cutting fruits and veggies)

To go along with this I have some videos of the recipes I covered (along with the recipes of course!)

White Bean Dip with Dill

A delicious spread to enjoy with flatbread, crackers or served with crunchy raw veggies!

Ingredients:

1 cup soaked or 1 can of navy beans

2 cloves garlic

2 tbsp – ¼ cup tahini

1 bunch of fresh dill or basil, finely chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

(Add water if a thinner consistency is desired)

Procedure:

1. Cook soaked beans in large pot for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
2. Place garlic, lemon juice, and half of the beans into blender or food processor and blend well.
3. Add the remaining beans, tahini, olive oil, salt and pepper and blend until smooth (add water if necessary).
4. Transfer spread to bowl and stir in the fresh herbs.

Citrus Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

½ teaspoon salt

½ cups hazelnuts

½ cup cranberries

½ cup orange juice

¼ tsp ground fennel seeds or Chinese 5 spice powder

½ cup orange segments

1 cup of broccoli florets

Vinaigrette

Zest of one orange

¼ cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon + 1 tsp lemon juice

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ cup olive oil

1. Rinse and drain quinoa. Add 2 cups of water and salt and bring to boil.  Lower heat and simmer, covered, until grains have burst and are tender but still chewy (about 12-15 minutes). Drain and set aside in medium bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 325 F. Toast hazel nuts in oven until center are golden, about 5 -10 minutes. Let cool and rub in towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. (Or you can purchase organic dry roasted hazelnuts!)
3. Soak Cranberries in orange juice for 5-10 minutes.
4. Cut broccoli into small florets and blanch (place in boiling water for 1-2 minutes) and set aside.
5. Add the soaked cranberries and the 5 spice to the warm rice. Toss with Vinaigrette.
6. Just before serving, combine hazelnuts and cranberries and broccoli with quinoa. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with orange segments.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Ingredients:

2 avocados

1 tbsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp maple syrup

4 Medjool dates (soaked overnight or boiling water for 20-30 minutes)

1 tbsp of pure unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp almond butter or 1/2 cup raw almonds (soaked in water overnight for 8 hrs.)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 ripe banana (optional) for extra flavour!

Procedure:

1. Combine the ingredients in a blender and whirl on high until well blended into a thick creamy pudding.
2. Divide the pudding into 2 servings
3. ENJOY!