Broccoli and Swiss Potatoes au Gratin

If you're going to doubt any recipe I post, don't let it be this one.

This one is a keeper. In fact it's so good I shouldn't have made it. I could eat the whole pan.

I adapted it from a "basic", "low-fat" potatoes au gratin recipe.

When I was done with it, it was neither basic, nor low-fat. 

I just wanted to get this out of the way first.

Be prepared.

Broccoli and Swiss Potatoes au Gratin

4 big potatoes. Slice 'em 1/4" thick. And because I'm Canadian, by that of course I mean just over 0.5 cm... Some people peel em, I didn't. The good stuff's in the skin.


Arrange half of the slices in a dish. My dish is huge. Accomodate what you have folks.

Also, don't forget the salt.

 Carmelize some onions and add some garlic. Sprinkle half of that on the 'taters.

Chop up some broccoli and throw those on too. 

Add the rest of the 'taters.

Add the rest of the onions/garlic.

 Make some Bechamel sauce. You heard me.

2 Tbsp butter, 3 Tbsp tapioca starch, 2 cups (2%) milk. Go.

 Sprinkle some chili pepper flakes in thurr.

Add a cuppa swiss cheese.

 Stir. Pour over the dish's beautiful contents.

Stick that in the oven 375F for 40 mins or so. Until the 'taters are tender.

 Add another cuppa cheese. Yep, go on.

Do you hear angels singing? 

Maybe that's just me.

Enjoy!

Blanketed Campus

We've seen our first snowfall here in Montreal. Here is a glimpse of our humble little campus, nestling in for a long winter's snooze. 

 McEwen Field.

McEwen Field again!

 Sun setting over the Mac-Stewart building around 4:30pm.

 My front yard

It was actually quite warm today, but looking out at this in the morning sure makes me shiver! 

Can't wait til there's enough to ski!

GF/DF Crunchy Quinoa Salad w/ Lemon-Dill Dressing

I used to insist on wearing a bathing suit in the dead of winter, and sweaters in the sweltering heat of summer. It was only recently that I finally grasped weather-appropriate clothing, though I still have trouble giving up my flats when winter hits.

However, I still seem to make quite inappropriate food choices, weather-wise.

It has finally snowed here in the western bit of Montreal. 

Normally, that would have me loading up on hot chocolate and playing Christmas tunes. 

My reaction this year however, was one coated with indifference. My first glimpse of the fluffy stuff yesterday morning earned only the faintest shrug of my shoulders. How strange.

So when dinner-time rolled around, rather than heating up soup, or cooking some pasta, I decided to make a cold quinoa salad.

Perhaps it was the need to use my veggies before they gave in to the rot. Either way, it was delicious. I also discovered I have a child-like fascination with oil and vinegar.

I would love to be a vinegar droplet in a pot of oil. Gloop. Gloooop.

Here is the recipe:

Crunchy Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing

 First, cook some quinoa. Let it cool in the fridge while you chop.

 Chop up some broccoli, an apple, 2 smallish celery stalks, one carrot, 1/4 green pepper and dice a tiny onion. Tear up some tiny pieces of lettuce.

Throw all of that in the bowl with the quinoa and put it back in the fridge.

Then...marvel at the interaction between olive oil and balsamic vinegar...

 Gluuurb...bloop...

 It would be terribly fun to be a tiny vinegar droplet skating across a rink of olive oil.

Add some lemon juice to the mix! SEE WHAT HAPPENS!?! Amazing.

Alright alright, I'll stop. Add some honey after that, and then shake some dried dill into your palm. Rub it with your other thumb until it's almost powder. Throw that in too.

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE!

You can add the dressing to the whole thing, or drizzle it over individual servings.

I prefer the latter method. :)

Enjoy!

Dinner Date Outfit

The other night, I spent the evening helping (trying at least) to make an extremely delicious seafood stew, which was then feverishly inhaled almost immediately.

It was pretty nummers. Onions. Garlic. White wine. Tomatoes. Mussels. Scallops. Shrimp. Two species of fish (can't remember what they were...). 


Wow. Yum.


Anyway, I had limited time for picture-taking before I was whisked away, so here's the only good (debatable) one I managed to get! 


(Taken in my kitchen...moments before I foolishly began hunting/chasing down a huge house-fly. I learned that if it won't actually land for long enough to smack it...spraying it with Lysol does the trick...)

Jeans: Jacob (thrifted)

Boots: Browns

T-shirt: H&M

Sweater: Mexx

Belt & Necklace: RW&Co.

I can sometimes dress the part...

...but I am not, nor could I ever be, a bad-ass.

I'm too happy.

I need sunglasses to conceal my smiley eyes.

 

Without em, you can tell I'm not really a punk-ass kid.

 Not that I make it hard for you or anything.

I tried.

 Eyes can't lie.

Juice-Lovers Anonymous

Apart from the tattoo, and [lack of] outfit, this is what my heaven looks like.

Some people...really like chocolate.

Other people can't live without recreational drugs.

Many people need coffee 5 times a day.

Me? 

I love juice.

Any kind of juice. You name it. Orange, apple, strawberry-kiwi, grapefruit, cranberry, etc. etc. etc.

In fact, quite often, I will experience a day when I feel completely dissatisfied with everything I ate that day, except for the one glass of juice I limit myself to.

I set this limit because if I didn't, I would chug an entire carton of juice for breakfast.

Then where would I be? Up a river that's where. With a ruptured bladder and no juice.

And I don't like being out of juice. When I am out of juice, I become frustrated and discontented. If I can't purchase more for several days, I become twitchy, irritable, and slightly manic. 

 

If it were at all safe, healthy, sustainable or sane of me to do so, all I would need, ever, would be juice.

Forget solid foods. Just stick an IV in my arm and prepare to witness the complete bliss that would ensue.

Is there such a thing as Juice-Lovers Anonymous? I need to get in contact with my local chapter. Not that I want to stop...I just want to meet like-minded folks to guzzle juice with. 

PSA #8: Make Time for Old Friends

For some of us, out of sight truly means out of mind. 

As in, when you move away, you forget to think of the friends you left behind.

I can be like this, which is exactly why Facebook has made me a much better friend. I may not SEE my old pal from high school or undergrad, but their status updates in my news feed remind me to say hello and keep in touch. 

Without Facebook, everyone would forget about/hate me.

But this is not a random plug for Facebook. I'm merely reminding you that it's not all that difficult to stay in touch. I'm not saying it's necessary to talk on the phone every night with every friend you've ever had EVER. I'm just saying...a little goes a long way. 


You could:


1. Send an email with a little life update. Ask what they're up to. Tell them if they're ever in your neck of the woods to let you know! It's a small reminder that you're thinking of them and still consider them a pal, even if you don't talk much.

2. Skype! If webcams make you a bit twitchy, join the club. However, for those extra special friends who you adore so much that their departure left a large void (*cough* Penny *ahem*)...Skype is your saviour. Beats the phone because you can see them too! But the phone is also a pleasant option. Texting also rocks from far away.

3. Give them a call or some variation of conversation on their birthday. Friends rarely forget each others' birthdays. For example, I still remember the birthdays of all of the kids I was friends with in elementary school. Every year when the date hits Nov. 17th, Oct. 31st, Sept. 23rd, etc, I immediately remember them. And I remember what the birthday parties were like...puts me in a sugar coma just thinking about it.

4. Make an effort to see them when you're visiting home. You may not be able to see everyone, but even letting them know you'll be around is indication enough that you haven't forgotten them. 

5. If they DO appear in your neck of the woods, don't back down from your promise to see them. See them. Get coffee, have a party, catch a movie, go mall-wandering, give them a tour! 

Words to the wise (or unwise rather, since the wise don't need advice):

When playing catch-up, don't make it a competition. 

Yeah, maybe they went further with school than you. 

Yes, maybe you have a great job and they don't. 

Sure, maybe they lost a bunch of weight and you put on a few pounds. 

Who cares. Focus on what matters...your friendship! Joke around, people-watch, make it feel like no time has passed at all. 

And to be honest...

 

Some things really never change. :)


Perfect example:


Two of my high school gal-pals and I met up in Toronto in April to go shopping for a few days. In the first 5 minutes of being together again, we had all completely reverted to our pre-university/college days, teasing each other and laughing hysterically at absolutely nothing/everything. Any growing up I'd done in those 4 years was completely reversed for 3 splendid days. Except now we had money and could drink. Yeehaw! 

Conclusion: Time spent playing catch-up is good for the soul.


Amen.


And if that's not enough reason for you...get out the Kleenex.

 

I didn't even plan this post based on the video...the post reminded me of the video and BAM, perfect ending message. 

I'm bawling. I love that story.

The Kindest Words

 

If you must stick to a gluten-free diet (or if you have any food restrictions for that matter), it can be very difficult to find meals while away from home for the day. It is a terrible feeling to hear your belly rumble and be unarmed (in terms of snacks).

Until this past weekend, I thought that the only place I could get something safe to eat in Montreal's Eaton Centre (huge mall in downtown Montreal, with a gigantic food court) was Tandori, which serves Indian food. The only wheat present on their menu is in the naan bread.

On Saturday, after my mad rush to Future Shop to demand a new battery, and then to Forever XXI to hunt down a full-length skirt, I was starving. My belly was speaking to me quite angrily and unfortunately, it was 6pm.

Tandori was closed.

I began walking away, staring with curiosity at the various Asian take-out spots, to see if they were still open. I was dreading the long bus ride home with a grumbling tummy.


Then a lady approached me from one of them, Chee Chan, asking "Can I help you?" 

It took me by surprise. Not because she asked the question, but that I could tell by her eyes that she was genuinely concerned and entirely focused on helping me.

I replied "I don't know...I can't eat wheat." 

She immediately made it her mission to feed me something safe. I told her no soy sauce. She told the chef "no soy sauce!". I asked her if he'd clean the pan. She said "he makes every order fresh! He cleans the pan every time." 

She smiled. I smiled. 

I thanked her 19 times. She told me not to. She said "it's not your fault you're allergic to things! You deserve to eat too!"


That made me laugh inside. It also made me tear up a little on the outside. 


I think I love that woman. It is quite rare that I want to hug a stranger. I rarely hug friends.

So I ordered something with shrimp and rice and spinach. Have you ever had spinach that was crispy and tasted like french fries? Well I hadn't. I'll never be the same.

When I was done (it was delicious), I caught her eye as I left and said thank you again.

She smiled. I smiled.


I'll be back, Chee Chan. You just wait...

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ALoA #10

This makes me homesick.

Did you know that there is a good kind of homesick? 

The bad kind comes with being upset with where you currently are, and being tragicly mournful of where you wish you were.

The good kind is a quiet excitement. A slow simmering beneath the surface. 

It comes a couple weeks before a return home, when memories of past visits, childhood nostalgia and a subdued pride in your roots start to burst forth in your mind. It's the longing for more stories around the dinner table, or watching waves crash 5 feet away as your father attempts to beat his own record of "biggest bonfire ever" or noticing that your mother can still never finish a cuppa tea before it gets cold. 

It brings a feeling that you will soon be surrounded and comforted by the familiar. 

I likes it. And that is pretty much how my week has been.

It drove me to purchase an ($8) iTunes album for the first time ever. Great Big Sea.

In the weeks leading up to going home, I listen to this band almost constantly. 

The pipes, the fiddles, the bodhrán.

The songs about mines and bar-fights and an everlasting adoration and respect for the sea.

Sigh. 

That may not sound awesome...but trust me. I'm pretty pumped to get back to the crashing waves, plaid jackets, smiling faces and rain so cold it hits your bones before your skin.

Um...but on to the other awesome things this week...(sorry for rambling)

1. I won a $50 gift card from Winners! I got it in the mail the other day. I like guilt-free shopping.

2. I got accepted as a special undergraduate for next semester (and the three semesters after that). I was on pins and needles the past month or so waiting for admissions to get their act together. Finally got the news today. I'm 4 semesters away from becoming a Registered Dietician. :) 

Unless I go mad, rip all my hair out and run away to Kathmandu before that.

3. Getting a presentation over and done with for my class last Friday. Such a relief. Luckily it was on a topic I am genuinely interested in (geriatric nutrition) which made it a lot easier to discuss freely without a script. Whoopee! 3 exams and 1 paper before I'm free!

4. Christmas lights. Seriously. If you live in the Montreal, take a gander at rue Sainte-Catherine. Gorgeous. I stand and stare in awe.

5. Getting the battery in my new laptop replaced without any sort of interrogation. Hopefully it'll last a lot longer than the first one...

6.Maritime weather here in Montreal

When you walk around outside in 5-10 degree weather with random gusts of wind, when the sky is grey and the pavement is wet like it just rained (but it didn't), and the air makes your face feel cool and wet...that's how Nova Scotia feels. <3

7. The kindness of strangers. You'll hear more about this tomorrow. :)

Have a lovely rest of the week! If you're expecting snow, stock up on hot chocolate and old musty novels. Lovely.

My Favourite Work Shirt

 Oh hai! Welcome to the lab. Ima show you what I do.

 Step 1: Think. Stare into space.

Step 2: Look more purposeful while thinking.

Stare at lab bench.

Step 3: Eventually decide to work with cells!

(Mine are colon cancer cells....they're soooo cute.)

 But first...another belt-knot variation. ooo. aah.
Thank you Elaine, you've changed my life. :)

On this day (Sunday), I divided my cells from one dish into more dishes.

They were making babies too fast.

(Look how hard I'm thinking! Go me.)

And then I'm done!

You know the best part of going to work?

Coming home and taking a proper photo.

PS: Denim shirt: Dynamite, Belt: RW&Co, Shoes: Aldo, Jeans: Jacob (thrifted), necklace: Ardene

PPS: Shirt is a really strange word. Say it out loud about 11 times and the world just won't make sense anymore.

PPPS: I accidently ran 1.5 hrs (got lost) the day these were taken and that's why I avoided straight-on shots of my face. I.looked.EXHAUSTED. 

The End.

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GF/DF Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Muffins

Before I give you this recipe, I want you to know how special it is.

These are my mom's pumpkin chocolate-chip muffins. She started making them for us while I was in high school, and I believe it was one of the first things she ever made on a regular basis in the non-holiday season.


(Mom never liked baking)

(Or cooking)


(Or cleaning)

So baking something on a regular basis is a pretty big deal.


ANYWAY.

We got addicted. 

When I went off to university, she'd make them every time I came home. Aww.

Then when my brother and I discovered that gluten was a real downer and gave it up, mom converted the recipe. So even now, when we come home, there is a bag of these muffins (marked "GF") in the freezer.

When mom's feeling particularily loving (the first few days I'm home, before I start to get annoying), she's armed and ready with a cup of coffee and a warm pumpkin chocolate-chip muffin for me in the morning.

She's so nice. No matter what anybody says! :P (love youuuu!)


So here you go. If you'd like to show someone how much you care...this is the ticket.


Mama's Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Muffins (makes 1 dozen)


Mix together:
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. canola oil
1 c. pure pumpkin 
 
*important: don't use the canned pumpkin pie mix, use the canned pure pumpkin. For one, because the mix has wheat in it...but also because it's wrong. Just wrong.)

Then, in a second bowl, mix together:
1 1/2 c. Bob Red Mill's All-Purpose GF flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp guar gum

Mix dry with wet and stir it up (not too much!)

Add 1 c. chocolate chips (oh yeah!) 

Pour into a greased or non-stick muffin tin and bake at 400F for 16 mins!

These are even good cold. The chocolate chips have an odd and lovely texture when thawed but not heated. Try it!

Btw: mom's are much more orange (as in...they are a deep burnt orange colour). 

I think she adds more pumpkin than she says...I will try that next time and report back.

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All That Glitters

I gave in and purchased something sparkly. 

I think all the Christmas lights downtown got to me.

My original intention was to find a full-length black skirt (concert attire for the choir), which sounds SUPER boring.

So, while perusing Forever XXI for a skirt, I found a glittery sweater that didn't make my eyes hurt.

Then I found a long, body-skimming, slinky black dress with 3/4 sleeves, which will look exactly like a long black skirt once I put a long-sleeved white blouse on over it.


Three cheers for deception!

 Sweater and dress from Forever XXI

Earrings and bracelet from Bizou

Heels from Nine West (a looong time ago)

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My Kryptonite

I like pretty dresses. 

I like them a lot. 

I ordered both of the dresses below from JCPenney this summer, at $20 each. 


(I'll admit, I had low expectations, but I was very wrong.)

They are shockingly well-made AND both are lined.

Besides that...well my lord, they're just too gosh-darned sweet!

Dress #1

(Belt: from a random store downtown, $30)

 

(Necklace: RW&Co., $15)

Dress #2

 (Please excuse the strange lighting that gives me a strange tan line).

There is no tan line. I assure you.

(Necklace: Ardene, $3? $5?)

Do people still have garden parties?

I would totally wear this dress to one....RIGHT now.


...


Oh wait. It's -1 degrees outside.

Sigh.

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