Monday, June 14, 2010

Oh, Sophies'.





Most Vancouverites' have been to Sophie's Cosmic Cafe on 4th, today, M, B, and I went for a late lunch. It was (to say the least) Cosmic.
B, very much intrigued by the toys, littered all over the walls, and most other surfaces. He was entertaining himself quite nicely.
I ordered the Ruben with the house Salad. It was everything I craved. House made Corned Beef and Sauerkraut....need I say more?
M had the 7 oz Beef Burger and Fries. B had the Cinnamon Pancakes, with Whip and Berries.
A couple of Caesar's later, with full bellies, we left with 3 bottles of their house-made Hot Sauce (which is amazing, and, could easily accompany anything).

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Miksa's Mentha Garden.






I just finished planting 5 varieties of Mint outside of Miksa. (I know it's quarter to Midnight, but, I was so very excited to get them in the ground). The main purpose for the Mint is, of course, for Mojitos!!! Fresh, Minty, Limy Goodness!

Types of Mint I've Planted:

Chocolate Mint:
'Mentha piperita species' (this herb actually smells like Chocolate Mint and tastes even better).

Apple Mint: 'Mentha suaveolens' (The leaves of this plant can be used to make Apple mint jelly, as well as a flavoring in dishes such as Apple mint couscous. It is also often used to make a mint tea, as a garnish, or in salads).

Pineapple Mint: 'Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata' (which has beautiful variegated white leaves).

Garden Peppermint: 'Mentha sachalinensis'




Monday, June 7, 2010

Sprouted, Raw, and Fermented.


Mmmmm.... This evening I had the treat of tasting some true Russian fare. I indulged on some 'Kislaya Kaputsa' - or Raw Russian Sauerkraut. It was absolutely mouth-watering. Cabbage, Ginger, Apples, Cumin, Cranberries, Carrots, Kosher Salt & Sugar. Delicious and extremely healthy. The fermentation process apparently can take up to 4-5 days (so I don't think this recipe is for the faint of heart's). It is an excellent source of vitamin C, lactobacilli, and other nutrients. Studies suggest that fermented cabbage may be even more healthy than the raw vegetable, with increased levels of anti-cancer agents such as isothiocyanates. It also provides various cancer-fighting compounds including isothiocyanate and sulphoraphane.

I also got to enjoy....

Some Raw-Sprouted Onion Bread! Amazingly delish. It is prepared in a food dehydrator, and it's ingredients are all raw, and sprouted. Flax seeds, sunflower-seeds, julienne onions, salt and more...