Autumn is when we put our yard work to bed and I look forward to staying inside, where I can be warm and cozy.
I am inspired to edit all the things that have built up over the year as we transition to cool weather. That includes the kitchen, the closets and the personal care products.
Starting with the kitchen, I found some great food lurking in the back of my refrigerator. Here are some of the dishes that have evolved from those shelves.
Spiced zucchini cupcakes
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I found a couple of small zucchini that needed attention. Why not turn them into something sweet? I also added some hemp hearts to provide a nice boost of protein and flavour. When serving these cupcakes, offer a side of fresh fruit like some blueberries. It provides a nice dose of healthy antioxidants.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/3 c. sugar 325 mL
- 1/2 c. oil such as olive or canola 125 mL
- 1/2 c. orange juice, fresh squeezed if available for a boost of flavour 125 mL
- 1 tsp. vanilla 5 mL
- 2 1/2 c. flour 625 mL
- 2 tsp. baking powder 10 mL
- 1 tsp. baking soda 5 mL
- 1 tsp. salt 5 mL
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 10 mL
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 2 mL
- dash of nutmeg
- 1 1/2 c. shredded zucchini, with some liquid removed 375 mL
- 1/4 c. hemp hearts 75 mL
- 1 c. packed brown sugar 250 mL
- 1/2 c. butter, cubed 125 mL
- 1/4 c. milk 60 mL
- 1 tsp. vanilla 5 mL
- 1 1/2 to 2 c. icing sugar 375 to 500 mL
Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Prepare baking pans.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the first five ingredients. In another bowl combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to egg mixture and blend well. Stir in zucchini and hemp hearts.
Fill the muffin cups two-thirds full.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
If you are looking for extra indulgence make a glaze to top the cupcakes.
Combine brown sugar, butter and milk in a large saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat then cook and stir until thickened, one to two minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool slightly then beat in confectioners’ sugar until the mixture reaches a good consistency.
Spread over cupcakes. Source: www.tasteofhome.com.
Egg-fried rice
I discovered a beautiful tray of eggs longing to be cracked. Using eggs in our menus is a boost of high quality protein. They are simple to incorporate in our diets and good for our bodies, especially our skin, hair and bones which could definitely use a boost as we head out into the cold and slippery winter months.
This is a great recipe to use up garden vegetables such as onions and carrots.
- 3 tbsp. butter, divided 45 mL
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 finely chopped fresh mushrooms
- 4 broccoli stalks, cut into small pieces
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 c. frozen peas 125 mL
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper
- 4 c. cooked and chilled rice (I prefer short-grain white rice) 1 L
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 c. soy sauce, or more to taste 60 mL
- 1/2 tsp. sesame oil 2 mL
Variation: Add in cooked chicken and/or cooked and cooled lentils.
Melt 1/2 tbsp. (7 ml) of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add egg, and cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Remove egg, and transfer to a separate plate.
Add an additional 1 tbsp. (15 mL) butter to the pan and heat until melted. Add carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, onion, peas and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about five minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Increase heat to high, add in the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. (20 mL) of butter, and stir until melted. Immediately add the rice, green onions and soy sauce, and stir until combined.
Cook for about three more minutes to fry the rice, stirring occasionally.
Then add in the eggs and stir to combine.
Remove from heat, and stir in the sesame oil until combined. Taste and season with extra soy sauce, if needed.
Serve immediately, and refrigerate leftovers. Source: www.gimmesomeoven.com.
As we approach the 2021 holiday season, I remind consumers to shop locally and Canadian when possible. Local companies need our support and offer quality products that will make a lasting impression in your home and the homes that you gift them to.
Here are some tested products that I am happy to share with you.
Pantry pleasers
Aunt Kathy’s Homestyle Perogies are made in Saskatchewan. My pick is sauerkraut, which is filled with nutritious fermented cabbage and offers a flavourful change from the regular cheese variety. Add some fried onions if desired.
For a dessert, try the saskatoon berry perogies, which are prepared as usual and can be served in a dessert bowl and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. These are available in the frozen section of some grocery stores.
For ice cream alternatives, try the dairy free Co-op sorbetto. Our pick is the strawberry lemon or raspberry varieties.
Also check out Righteous Dairy Free Sorbetto in raspberry lime. These are refreshing little offerings after a meal or for a quick flavour burst anytime.
Dr. Oetker’s thin crust rising edge pizza comes in many varieties and is another good item to have on hand. All kinds are delicious and you can always add on your favorite topping, whether that is grated old cheese, or a mixed cheese or some green onions sprinkled. Get creative. These little touches really make a difference.
A2 Milk is new to my local grocery store and I was happy to try it. The label must read A2 because this milk has different proteins than regular dairy milk.
A2 has been in the food news as an alternative for people who cannot tolerate A1 or regular dairy milk. The problem is not always the lactose, but rather the proteins in the milk that wreak havoc for many. For more information go to www.a2milk.ca.
GC Honey Bees is small batch, creamed honey produced near Smeaton, Sask. I was given a jar in vanilla chai flavour. It is soothing and hits the spot on toast on a cool morning or at coffee break. As soon as I tried it, I knew that it was a keeper for my Christmas baskets.
We have been through three jars in just a few months and have tried different flavours, which were all delicious.
Really, you can’t go wrong with eating anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-boosting honey. Check this product out at www.gchoneybees.com or call 306-276-1561.
North Prairie Gold Cold Pressed Canola Oil is manufactured near Saskatoon. It has a buttery taste with golden rich colour. It is pure, unrefined and non-GMO. It is a great addition to your pantry and good for recipes that call for oil. It is available at Co-op’s grocery stores across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia.
For more information go to www.northprairiefamilyfarms.com or call 306-651-4680.
Here is a recipe courtesy of North Prairie Gold.
Golden bread dipper
This is a dressing for dipping bread in, but also good over pasta, on meat or over a green salad.
- 1 c. oil 250 mL
- 1/2 tbsp. basil, dried 7.5 mL
- 1/4 tsp. thyme dried 1 mL
- 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. lemon juice 5 mL
Add the dried herbs to the oil and mix. Add in the fresh minced garlic and lemon just before serving.
Little Northern BakeHouse offers something for those following a gluten-free diet. The products can be expensive, so it is important to know which products are good. This bread is our new favourite. Ask at your local grocer.
In the personal-care category, those who have dry hair or scalp or have lifeless hair should try Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner. It is made with clean ingredients and is silicone-free so it washes away build-up and soothes the scalp to promote growth and shine. You can use it every day if desired. It is available at health food stores, and online at places like Well.ca.
While you are treating your locks, pick up a WetBrush detangler. It can give you a great massage while brushing while also reducing breakage. It is the only brush we use.
Many consumers are also using oils in their personal care. A product to have on hand is a 100 percent pure argon oil to use when your hair or skin is very dry. I like Josie Maran, which is available at Sephora, but there are many companies that offer beautiful pure oils at drug stores or health food stores.
Put a few drops in the tub for extra moisture. While there, pick up a bottle of 100 percent pure apricot oil. A nice one is sold by Now, which is also very moisturizing.
For cracked lips, try EOS lip balm in any flavour and keep it in your pocket. For colour, try Tarte Sea H2O gloss, or Quench Lip Rescue Balm or Balm Lip Tinte, which are available at Sephora in store or online. There are mini holiday sets available.
Himalaya Toothpaste is another fun product to try for those who are looking for a more natural brand. Check out the neem and pomegranate original paste. It is available at health food stores or online.
Everyone Lotion and Soap 3-in-1 is a great duo to add to your personal care regimen. Unscented is delightful, but there are naturally scented options available.
These can be picked up at many retail stores, pharmacies or online.
For people looking for a skin-care company that offers clinical formulations for different skin types at reasonable prices, the Ordinary brand is available at the Bay and online.
Part of personal care is destressing and creating a relaxing environment. Check out the Saje Starry Night Diffuser. These can diffuse the air with healthy essential oils of your choice. My favourite is lemon all year round. For more information, stop at a Saje store or visit www.saje.com.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and a member of Team Resources. Contact: team@producer.com.
