I don’t know many people who can say “I love my work!” There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think that very thought mostly because the definition of “work” for me means writing to inform and entertain others, sometimes as below but also here:
Feast of Fields is right, this event moves from field to field each year celebrating the organic horn of plenty that Ontario is.This is the first year that I have been a part of the outdoor event which, if you know me, the outdoor part may be what took me so long.That said, I was thrilled to be a part of it.
Over the past few months, I have been squirreled away developing some product for Hallelujah Organics, a small organization that connects organic meat farmers with consumers who want only the best, naturally raised, organic meat, chicken and wild line-caught fish. Some of our products will be hitting the shelves in the next few weeks, likely in health food stores at first. One of those products is a Provencal spice rub that caused quite at stir at this event as it was rubbed on the chicken, then used in the dish that we presented. It is remarkably rewarding to create something small, in isolation, test it, send it out for someone else to re-create, retest it and then bring it to an event like this to have contemporaries and guests alike go….mmmmmm!
Much of the time, I was manning the bbq with my main man, Pierre who can work beside me in any tight kitchen, anywhere. The man has peripheral vision as well as a vision for what needs to be done next, without my input. (and, the guy’s a painter , sheesh). The rest of the team, plated like pro’s and did the dish proud with their explanations and accepted the compliments with grace. Occasionally, when I looked up, I would see the guests take a bite of our Hallelujah Organic Provencal Chicken Stack and wait. I would wait for their eye brows to go up even before they had finished the first swallow.When the eyebrows go up as the chin nods once and the corners of the mouth twitch downward, it means, mmmm, surprise, delight, mmmmmm.
It is the motion that we look for, we 60 sweaty chefs (note the tippy toes when posing with Michael Smith!It is the approval that we seek after weeks of planning, days of prepping and hours on our feet in the sun. It’s one of the simple things in life that I have learned to take pleasure in. Thanks everyone, awesome feast!
I am always trying to find ways to be a better person, more aware, more a part of the solution and less judgmental. It makes my time in this endeavor so much more efficient to keep in mind that the most powerful tool that I have beyond the voting booth is my wallet.(And, yes, I do well up when I cast my ballot knowing that there are still women in this world who do not have this right!)
Making change with my change purse is a simple way for me to play on the right team. It is why I was intrigued 2 years ago when I met the (then) GM of Cadbury at a Bullfrog Power event.I was happy to hear that this company chooses to use Green Energy in its office and factory. Hmm, good corporate citizens, perhaps I will look a little closer at my treats.But still, where did the chocolate come from? I became well aware that my rights as a voter weren’t the only ones to be coveted when my 10 year old told me all about “slave children” picking my cocoa beans after seeing some movie in grade 5. Sometimes it takes the kids to rattle the cage.
That in mind, exciting news came across my desk this week. This same company that believes in saving the planet also chooses to go the extra mile in ensuring that their cocoa is certified fair trade. Yes, sir, ma’am that Dairy Milk bar frequently hidden in my husband’s pants pocket will contain the Transfair stamp as of 2010.Not only will they pay the premium to obtain this internationally recognized third party nod, they will also invest in social dollars for the farmers in Ghana so they can actually plan their crops, know how much money is coming to them and build their community.
I am still not saying eat two chocolate bars a day, mind you. I am saying if you choose to have a treat (and I do believe that humans must indulge in chocolate for chocolate sake and yes darker is better but, c’mon live a little) why not vote with your dollars? It feels good to know that some kid can go to school because I couldn’t make it through the gas station without my Dairy Milk Bar.You’ll see it on every Dairy Milk bar everywhere come the New Year. See? Being a better person gets easier and easier every day.
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My favorite place to be in Toronto is in Kensington Market, I love the vintage shops, my favorite tea shop, the open air feel of the fruit markets, the cheese shops…all in a few square blocks! But best of all, you can find Toronto’s tastiest street food.
For instance, there is shop on Augusta on the west side that serves up enchiladas of chicken, beef or vegetarian.The vegetarian is to die for, wrapped in a corn husk you will find the polenta like mush that has the taste of fresh creamed corn (not the over-sweet canned stuff) and the texture of polenta. Steamed and set into a slow cooker, it is, like , three bucks worth of the best three minutes of the day.
The gal who served me said it was easy, brown some onions, stir in some basil, scrape off some fresh corn and simmer. When pushed a wee bit, she admitted that the original recipe doesn’t contain any corn meal back home but that the corn here was different and in order to make it creamy enough, she has to stir in some masa harina.
I am thinking that this dish has to grace my next dinner party, just think of it! These tiny little personal packets will cause such a stir and this is a way better starchy side dish than mashed potatoes both in terms of nutrients and panache.I’ll have to fuss with it a bit but the corn husks are free with the corn and they can be made well in advance and then re-steamed right in the crock.Can’t wait to play with this one!
Just snuck out to the movies in the middle of a work day. But, it was kinda like research cause I spend a couple of hours with Julia Child..Oh, and that other Julie. Having read some of the book (but wasn't fascinated enough to finish) I was hoping that there was more Julia and less Julie in the movie, and there was, but I didn't expect to see any Theresa.
Somehow this movie became very personal for me. Having been through some of those "development" meetings for both my cookbook and tv I could feel the squirm in Julia's belly when the execs ripped apart her years and years worth of heart and soul's work. Luckily, I, too am married to the uber supportive man who says, Meh! They don't get YOU. Keep going. The funny thing is that, once you have done it, you expect it to be easier the next time. Book 2, TV show 2 are still in development and I rejoice in each step along the way. As long as I get to keep talking about food and people are listening I am happy. Just like Julie's early blogging days.
But, it isn't easier. Each and every new idea is like a giving birth to a new child. Just because this one slept on cue and never barfed in the car doesn't mean that one will provide a repeat performance. You are starting new. Each and every bloody time. This pioneer-ism is not for the faint of heart nor for the unsupported. If you are going to forge something new you need a mighty hot oven. A few key people holding up each corner cause the legs are always wobbly. Be sure they believe in you. Be sure their hearts, too are in it. Be sure that they, too, can take the heat. I think that is what that Julie chick learned in the movie. I learned it long ago, sheesh, woman, catch up.
Back from vacation and back at my desk. This happens to me every year...I loosen my rules for a few weeks and bango-blubber. Oh, it's not bad just a couple of pounds but on a five foot frame, I really feel it. Maybe its good, it reminds me why I have my rules in the first place. They are my first defence in feeling good.
Now the bad devil on my shoulder says: "you sure felt good eating those home made donuts and drinking that wine" "you sure felt good, sleeping in rather than putting on your stupid running shoes and getting out the door" "you weren't complaining about feeling good when the bowl of chips were right there in front of you and they went so well with the beer!"
But the good angel on my other shoulder is usually right. She tells me: "this is the path to actually feeling good, having energy and not having to buy new pants" "you remember, its actually easy to have energy and eat it too!" "don't be swayed, just get back on the path, you can take care of this..."
So, back to my own rules for myself:
1. Get back to the gym (5x per week), weight training really does make all the difference.
2. No wine during the week and no more than two per day on weekends.
3. Skip the bread and double the veg.
4. Dessert happens once a week and behave like the French...3 bites!
5. Stretch, meditate, relax, it will give you courage.
Thanks, good angel, I will have this bit handled in no time, you are truly a lifesaver.
