Moving on up

As I have packed up my entire life and headed north, I have also packed up my blog and headed to a new location.

Please head to www.asimpleloveforfood.wordpress.com

Due to certain difficulties I will be posting all new recipes there. You can find all the recipes on this account there too.

Love and thanks,

Leah

Soup Season

Fall is here!

Warm cozy sweaters. Tall boots. Falling leaves. Smell of colder air. Rosey cheeks. Mittens and scarves. Shorter days, longer nights. Fire side. Sipping hot drinks. Brisk walks and crunching leaves under toe.

Chilly weather means hearty foods that warm you up from the inside.

Here is a round up of the soups I have made over the last year and will be making again soon as we dive deeper into fall.

Enjoy!

Tomato Soup with Lentils

 Sausage, Bean and Spinach Soup

 Loaded Potato Soup

 Spicy Coconut Chicken and Rice Soup

 Chicken Noodle Soup

 Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Mustard Croutons

Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Mustard Croutons

It is officially soup season!

Soups have become one of my favourite things to cook. They tend to be inexpensive to make, they tend to come together quickly and most recipes make a lot of servings so you have meals for days, or you can freeze them and eat when you don't want to cook.

I have had a lot of success with soups in the past (check some out here, here, here, here and here) and this one is another home run! If you do make this please do not skip the croutons (unless you hate mustard....) they send this soup to new heights. I added 3 or 4 to my soup but ended up dunking in another handful - I couldn't get enough!!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Icing

Today we are welcoming the first day of fall with arms wide open!

There is a chill in the air, the wind is twirling the first fallen leaves around and it is definitely a day for a jacket and scarf.

To celebrate the new season, I made cupcakes, because every celebration is better with cupcakes.

And not just any cupcakes, pumpkin cupcakes with delicious brown butter icing smeared over top, because nothing says fall like pumpkin... and sugar!

Buttermilk Pancakes

There are certain recipes that people have that are their "go-to's". A recipe that they have found, over years of trying others, that works and is perfectly in line with what they were searching for from the beginning.

Go-to's are tried and true recipes that they know are crowd pleasers, recipes that are executed properly every time they are made and they are recipes that make that person proud to serve to people they love.

There have been many Sunday mornings spent with me in the kitchen trying a new pancake recipe. In the few years I have been cooking I have google searched and tried numerous recipes, but each one lacked that certain taste I was going for.

Happy Birthday!

It's been over a year since I started this blog!

Thank you for continuing to read and come back.

I hope you have enjoyed what you have seen so far.

I think a makeover is in order. Nothing drastic, just something to go with the changing seasons and the changes happening in my life, I'll elaborate at a later date.

Anyway..

Happy 1 year!

My favourite pancake recipe will be up soon to celebrate :)

Product Review: Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner

I skipped a week!

Last week I had an extra long weekend, Monday was a holiday but I took the Friday off of work as well to spend some time with myself. This summer has been so busy I haven't had a few hours of alone time in a long time. I made myself a big breakfast and did girly things, it was great and definitely needed! Always remember, no matter how hectic life gets, spending time with just you is essential, don't forget about treating yourself once in awhile.

I'm back today to tell you about my favourite natural shampoo and conditioner. In my switch to natural products I have tested many hair care products, toothpastes, deodorants (still on the hunt! what's with natural deodorant? I smell worse with it on....) and plenty of other body and makeup brands.
The first products I bought of Desert Essence was their Green Apple and Ginger shampoo and conditioner. I remember the scent being intoxicating and enjoying both products and how they made my hair look and feel, but when it was time for a refill the weather had change to winter and I needed some extra moisturizing for my scalp so I picked up the Coconut line. 

Whole Grain Bread

I am still new to the whole bread thing.

However, I am an expert at the smothering it with butter and eating a whole loaf of crusty bread in one day thing.

The whole activating yeast, rising and kneading process is still new to me, but it has become a great learning experience.

Mmm.. nothing smells better than fresh bread

With cooking I can adjust the flavours, throw some more sauce in, add some more spice. With bread measurements need to be exact and you need time and patience to let the yeast do its thing.

Don't let this intimidate you though, just take your time, know that the bread needs a little more attention than, say, cooking a stir fry would.

In the end, I think you'll be surprised at how simple it is to create, from scratch, a beautiful loaf of whole grain bread. Even if the bread is a little dense, has some brunt sports on top or didn't rise as much as you hoped, it is totally satisfying to eat something that you created with just a few ingredients.

Natural Living Friday - Scrub Your Tub Green!

Hooray! We made it through the week!

It's Friday so that means I'm back with another green living tip and this week we're getting in the tub!

There is nothing more cringe-worthy than trying to get your body clean in a dirty bathtub. Right?!

Keep you bathtub super clean and sparkly with 2 products!

1. Castile Soap

2. Baking Soda

Sprinkle about 1-2 tbsp of baking soda around your tub. I use the Kiss My Face brand of castile soap, it works great and has an awesome scent.
Take the bottle and give the tub a good squirt or two out of the bottle, I bet it would amount to 2-3 tbsp of soap, I always just eyeball it.
Now, take a soft bristle brush or a sponge with a scrubber pad on it, in a circular motion go around the tub cleaning off all the grim. Rinse with water.
The castile soap helps to get things clean while the baking soda works as a gentle scrub to get grim off, it also helps to make your tub super white.
See it sparkle?

I've been using this method for a few months now and find the baking soda really helps to get the job done quickly. It's stopped me from buying tons of different cleaners too which is always a bonus!!

Have a great weekend!!



*images not originals by me*

Chicken Noodle Soup

I know what you're thinking, 'Soup! In this heat?'
Hear me out...
Ryan has been sick, it's the flu or some kind of bug and it breaks my heart to see him so down and out.
I've been doing my best to make him feel better, trying to keep him hydrated and giving him medicine.

I decided on Saturday that I would make a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup. Sure, I could of just cracked open a can and heated it up, but seeing him so down, I thought maybe making it from scratch and throwing a whole lot of love into the pot would help cure him.
He's not 100% yet, but he's getting there.
It may just be time, or it may be the soup.

Natural Living Friday- Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Have you heard about Coconut Oil?
If you've hung out with me, you're probably sick of hearing about it.
If you are into natural living, I'm sure you've run into an article or video about it somewhere on the Internet.
The thing is, if you have ever used Coconut Oil, whether for beauty or cooking, it's hard NOT to rave about it!!
Coconut Oil has an incredibly long list of uses, which I won't get into right now. Maybe I'll save that for a future Friday post.
The reason I love Coconut Oil so much is because it's extremely healthy for both the inside and outside of your body.

Today I'm sharing with you the best deep conditioning treatment I have used on my hair.
This is a perfect time of year to do a treatment, being out in the sun or swimming in chlorine pools can be damaging to your hair, if it seems a little dry or is lacking some softness and shine, give this a try!

Summer Linguine

Oh sweet summer, how kind you have been to me.
Thank you for keeping me up late at night watching gorgeous skies of pinks and purples while I sip on sweet, fruity wine.
Thank you for the beautiful bounty you have given and the tomatoes that are growing eagerly on my balcony.
For the sand in places I can't name.
For my sun kissed skin.
For countless road trips around the province, boat rides and bug bites.
Thank you for continually reminding me why you are my favourite (shhh!.. don't tell the other seasons!)
And finally, thank you for making it so hot outside that I have banned my oven from being turned on until the fall.

Natural Living - Product Review - Cocoon Apothecary Ancient Mud Face Mask

Oops!
Can we rewind and pretend I posted this two days ago?
I'm on holidays. Well.. this is my last day of holidays (womp womp!)
I've been travelling, relaxing, boating, swimming, drinking, eating, bachelorette partying and simply having a good time!
It's all been great but now it is time to get back to reality, back to work and daily routines.
I'm ready to rock it! I have a ton of recipes to try in various cookbooks and I can't wait to get back in my own kitchen and get cooking.

Today I want to tell you about a new company I recently found. Cocoon Apothecary, another great Canadian company, selling products for face and body.
The product of theirs that I am totally loving is their Ancient Mud Face Mask.

This mask means serious business. It gets all the gunk and junk clogged up there in your pores and throws it down the drain.
It is super natural (100% that is!) with Dead Sea Mud, great for purifying the skin and Glacial Marine Clay, which helps detoxify and exfoliate. It is a deep dark green colour so you look super attractive while the mask is on your face :)
Once I rinse it off and apply the Rosehip Oil Serum of theirs (review to come at a later date) my face feeling so smooth and so fresh, it's like brand new skin day whenever I use this!

If you are into face masks or are looking to give your skin a good deep cleaning, I recommend this product!

Here is a link to the Cocoon Apothecary website and product
http://cocoonapothecary.com/products/Ancient-Mud.html

*photo from Cocoon Apothecary website*

Natural Living: Razor Burn and Bumps

I had two ideas when starting this blog, sharing recipes and sharing natural solutuions for health and beauty. I have only posted a handful of natural solutions in the (almost) year that I have had this blog but I have so much to share with you!
This brings us to a new weekly installment:

Natural Living!

Every Friday I'll post a new trick/tip, information on products and/or a product review of something I love/not worth spending money on.

I hope you'll enjoy this weekly segment and find it helpful. Whether you've made the switch to natural products, have just started to research, or know nothing about it, you'll find something helpful and informative here.

Fight Razor Burn and Bumps

Here is a quick an effective way to eliminate nasty razor burns and bumps!

After shaving, take your regular moisturizer, for me that is Jojoba Oil.

Add your regular amount in the palm of your hand and add 1 to 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil.

Rub hands together to mix the oil and moisturizer and smooth evenly over legs, armpits, bikini line.

*there are precautions with Tea Tree Oil such as if you are pregnant or have certain conditions Precautions are always written on the lable, please be aware*

Things I Love - July

Oh boy
This is the busiest summer I've ever had.
With friends getting married, others having babies and planning my own wedding, it's non-stop!
I'm on the road almost every weekend, it's fun, exhausting, expensive and totally awesome!
Best summer I've had in a long time.

Because I've been so busy, I haven't been posting. I have been browsing the web though and here are some of my favourite things I've come across, used, ate, loved, etc. for the month of July

I will make this cake, I will make this cake, I will make this cake!! - Joy the Baker's Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Cake

I've been thinking about a juice cleanse, have you done one? thoughts? - Epic Beauty Guide - Juice Cleanse

Ate my first soft pretzel - EVER! So good. Best enjoyed while at a baseball game with an ice cold beer!

My tomato plants are flowering (I think my plants are behind) but once I have some fresh ripe tomatoes I am  going to be all over this! - Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

Spending Saturday morning at the farmers market - look at that haul!! All under $50!

These snack bites have totally intrigued me! I want 10 of them right now - Sesame Almond Brown Rice Balls

I am back into loom knitting! My best friend just had a beautiful baby boy and I'm trying to whip up a few things for him before I meet him this weekend! It's an easier process then normal knitting and I work faster on them. Here are the looms I use - Knifty Knitter

Trying to make my bucket list of 3 books, but I've been on this one since May (I put it down for awhile, highly recommend not to do that!) The next 2 will have to be easy quick reads if I want to make that goal!

I made Jamie Oliver's Spaghetti alla Trapanese this month and haven't stopped thinking about it. So simple and so fresh! Here is the recipe I posted - Spaghetti alla Trapanese


Came across this site recently and fell in love, beautiful photos and recipes! - Shades of Yellow

Summer is easy meals, like these Zucchini Boats and Potato Salad

Gin+blackberry+summertime = the best cocktail I've seen in awhile! - Blackberry Gin Fizz 

Need to know how to cook corn on the cob any which way? This site has you covered!

 *Psssst! One more month left of summer, LIVE IT UP people!

Spaghetti alla Trapanese

Where is the one place on this planet you HAVE to visit?
What country, city, ocean, forest, mountain do you have to see before your time here is gone?
There is so much to see and do in this world it is hard to pick just one spot.
For me it is Italy.
The food, wine, culture, landscape, everything about it is calling my name and has been for a long time.

If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be pasta.
Dress it with olive oil and Parmesan and I'm happy.
Douse it in Alfredo sauce and I'm in heaven.
Toss it in roasted tomatoes and goat cheese and I'll kiss you on the mouth. That's real.
Coat it in fresh homemade pesto... well, there are no words!

Potato Salad

This is nothing new

Nothing fancy.

Everyone has a potato salad recipe.

But it's summer and summer equals salads, specifically potato and pasta!

Green salads are a staple year round but for some reason potato and pasta salads are best in the summer. They are easy to take along to picnics, parties and making ahead for a week of lunches!

Either you like it mayo or vinegar style.
I am a mayo girl.
If I am eating french fries, you better believe I am dipping them in mayo.
Don't give me that look! I'm half dutch, what do you expect?

Things I loved in June

Awhile back I had started a "Things I love" series with the plans of doing it weekly. It was a nice thought.

Summer happened.
Life happened.
Wedding planning happened. (AHH!)

Weekly has now turned to monthly! I am going to do a roundup of my favourite things I've seen/heard/tasted/bought etc. this month.

Herbed Ricotta Bruschetta

Sometimes life gets crazy. Crazy busy.

One week is full of traveling, tears and family. The next is celebrating love, dancing till your feet hurt and drinking too much apple pie moonshine (for real). 

That is life. It's up one day and down the next, you never know what the new day will bring. 

When life gets crazy and people need you, you need to be there. Drop your prior commitments and be there.

And that's why I haven't been here, but now I am back and have a few things up my sleeves to post this week. 

Summer 2012 Bucket List

The sun is shining, my closet has been rearranged for skirts and dresses and my socks are tucked away not to be seen until the snow flies. SUMMER IS HERE! Well... offically it's here next week, but the weather has been unreal and it's time to get full swing into summer mode!

Chai Tea Latte

I love tea.

I am head over heels in love with tea!

So many choices. So many flavours. 

My cupboards at home and desk drawer at work are stock piled with different kinds - green, red, white and black and different flavours - peppermint, matcha, Chai, blueberry, pomegranate, Christmas, etc. There is so much variety out there, that's what makes tea so great! 

Spicy Coconut Chicken and Rice Soup

It is hot today, like summertime hot!! Fun, flow-y summer skirts and sandals kind of day. Naturally, on a day like this I would be grilling something on the BBQ and making a salad on the side so we can stay nice and cool.
Well, today was a bit different.
Today I made soup. Spicy hot Thai like soup... it totally makes sense, I know!

My fiance is sick. Crazy cough, stuffy nose, sleep deprived kind of sick! Boooo! The poor baby wanted soup so baby got soup!
We sweat the sick out of him hopefully!

Things I love...week 2

Another week has passed! This week we celebrated our mothers and the amazing women in our lives! I wish I could of visited my mom and been able to tell her in person how much I appreciate her but a beautiful bouquet of flowers and funny card were sent her way, hopefully it made her smile! This week was also full of list making as I am getting ready for a camping/canoeing adventure this weekend!

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

1 -Tracy's nack for packing and list making helped me out!

I'm so glad I am not the only one who goes crazy with list making when it comes to packing. Make a list, cross it off as you pack, that way you know you have it!! Or be like my fiance, throw some stuff in a bag and hope for the best. Sigh....if only I could be this easy going!

2 -My favourite nail polish colour!!

For the moment anyway.. haha! This colour, called Jamaica Me Crazy, is the perfect shade of pinky/fuchsia, with a little sparkle, it is so girly and lasts a long time! I have it on right now, it makes my nails look happy :D!

3 -Boulder Canyon Natural Foods - Hickory BBQ Kettle Chips

I am a chip nut. Put a bowl in front of me and I'll eat them all. It's dangerous!!! As healthy as I try to be with  my diet, chips are my weakness.

I just discovered this brand a few days ago. Super flavourful, great crunch and all natural ingredients! Hurray!

4 -My fiance!

A little obvious I know, but this weekend we're celebrating 5 years together, holy smokes time flies!! Next year instead of celebrating an anniversary we'll be celebrating our wedding! I am so lucky to of found someone who wants to wake up beside me every day. Thank you for being awesome and patient. Can't wait to see what the next 5 years brings!!

5 -Arguing with Goat

This goat doesn't take any crap hahaha!

HAPPY LONG WEEKEND!!!

Quesadillas!

Here is a simple recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights! In my case, I made these one night when I was cooking for just me, they turned out so good I made them the next day for my fiance and he loved them. They are sweet and very cheesy!
One of the ingredients that makes this recipe taste so good is the addition of chili sauce, I used a style of chili sauce that had chunks of peppers, onions and tomatoes.

Things I love...

Some weeks my kitchen is the hot spot, new recipes are flying out of the oven and the dishes are forever dirty. Other weeks, it's like tumble weeds are passing through, not to say I'm serving up packaged food or premade meals, just that the creativity and motivation aren't there.
When I have those tumble weed weeks, my blog sits here begging to be updated and I kick myself because I have nothing to give it. I needed something to keep me writing, keep me posting and keep you entertained (hopefully!)

I am always checking out other blogs, new recipes, random videos, product reviews and I'm forever trying new products! Since I have found a lot of these blogs, recipes, products, etc. from other peoples suggestions, I want to do the same.

I'd like to share with you, weekly, the fun and interesting things I've come across and hope that they'll inspire you, make you laugh, give you a good read or just help you pass the time until work is over... I mean...I don't browse while at work... what?

Here we go!!!

What I am loving right now....

Strawberry Jam Oatmeal Bars!
Totally made these, they were delicious! I just recently came across Megan's site and am loving it! Great recipes and beautiful pictures!

Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo
I keep buying new shampoos and conditioners but I always come back to this. The smell is AMAZING! For an organic shampoo it lathers sooo well, it is gluten free, vegan friendly and there is a long list of bad things it doesn't have, which i LOVE! (Can be found at health food stores, in the natural section at the grocery store, Wal-mart and Zellers.)

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
I love Jamie Oliver for many reasons, one big one is the work he is doing to bring awareness to childhood obesity and what we can do to stop it. He has a television series call Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and now he has made a Food Revolution Day - May 19, take a stand for better food! Follow the link to learn more!!

Sausage Carbonara
Speaking of Jamie... this pasta is on my hit list!! I've been prepared to make this all week and haven't got to it yet, I looooveee pasta... maybe tonight??

Polenta - a must try!
My New Roots is one of my new favourite blogs to visit! It is so fresh and Sarah is so knowledgeable. When I read her blog, I learn... and I LOVE that and her for sharing all she knows. I have never tried polenta but her Spring Spirit Polenta makes me want to dive right in. I will try it. I must.

Funny Noises
And we'll end this post with something funny! The broken goat and turtle were my favourite!

Happy FRIDAY! Have a wonderful weekend :)

Rosemary and Garlic Chicken with Roasted Beets and Sauteed Beet Greens

I was a little skeptical half way through making this meal that it wasn't going to be very good.
Don't you hate that? You've dedicated your time and effort and you're not feeling positive about the final results.

Sometimes my doubts are for good reasons and the meal is a dud, it happens, I eat it and I don't make it again. But other times, I hit the jackpot and the meal totally exceeds my expectations! Yes! I did it right! Gold star!

Strawberry Compote

Once upon a time I was allergic to strawberries. Yes, this beautiful red fruit was once my enemy.

It wasn't always this way, I could eat them by the handfuls and be fine. Then one day red spots started showing up all over my body and from that point on, I was cut off.

How could you cut a little girl off from her favourite fruit?! It was pure torture, not just for me but for my whole family as my dear Mother didn't let them come into the house. I think everyone secretly resented me...

Qunioa Cakes

I have been wanting to make these for awhile.

I spotted them on other food blogs and each one was different and looked delicious.

The recipe comes from the beautiful cookbook - Super Natural Everyday by Heidi Swanson, this is the second recipe I have tried since picking up this book a few months ago. The first one, a rice and mushroom casserole, didn't turn out the way I was imagining but these Quinoa Cakes, are better than I thought they would be.

A true test to them being as delicious as everyone says - my fiance had second helpings! Second helpings of something that has no meat! I struck meatless-meal gold with this recipe!

Product Review - Cheeky Cosmetics

I love makeup.

I don't wear a lot of it and I tend to stick to the safe side in terms of colour choices but I love how much variety there is out there.

When I was making the switch to all natural make up I came across Cheeky Cosmetics and fell in love with the company. They are a Canadian company out of British Columbia, all their products are natural, handmade and vegan friendly.

The great thing about their shop is the ability to order samples in almost every product they make so you can try it out before making the commitment to a larger jar of product.

Over the past year or so, I have purchased around 10 eye shadows, primer, bronzer, mineral veil and lip gloss (I have previously talked about their lip gloss here!)

My Fav Five

There are several websites/blogs I visit regularly, two of them are Shutterbean.com and Joythebaker.com, both ladies are truly inspirational in cooking and photography! The two of them do a weekly podcast which I listen to when work is SLOW and I need something to make me smile and laugh. Last week they asked listeners to make a list of their five favourite things at the moment.


Here is my list!
1. Liberte Organic Yogurt - Strawberry

Ohhh baby. This yogurt is thick and creamy! On its own it feels like a treat, like dessert, but I also love adding it to smoothies or for breakfast with some granola and berries. SO YUMMY! Strawberry is my favourite flavour so far.

All-Natural Spring Cleaning

Spring is here! Hurray! 

Winter has melted away into warm breezes, longer days and sun shining through my windows... my filthy, filthy windows.

There is something about spring that reminds us how dirty everything got over the winter. My shelves are that dusty?? My windows are THAT dirty!? Goodness, winter's grey skies really hide a lot don't they?

Peanut Pasta with Chicken

This recipe is my attempt at recreating one of Ryan's (my fiance) favourite dishes that he orders whenever we go out for Thai food. With trying to save money and also to test out my abilities in the kitchen when the craving for peanut pasta kicked in, I decided to attempt it on my own. I have never cooked anything Thai before so I did some research and used what I had on hand to create this dish.

Baked Falafel

These are not your traditional felafel's.

I love felafel's but dislike that they are deep fried. I am trying to stay away from deep fried food (it's hard.. everything tastes so good deep fried!) so when I came across this recipe I was super psyched to try it out!

Macaroni and Cheese

OK, so this may not fall into the "healthy" category of my lifestyle but I do feel strongly about the right to indulge every once in awhile! When the mood for comfort food hits, mac and cheese is the winner! Creamy, cheesy, goodness on a cold winter day... now that is comforting!

No-Knead Bread

There once was a time that I was afraid of dough. Maybe it was yeast or all the kneading that was required to form the dough... then what happens if it doesn't rise? What happens when you bake it and take it out then it falls flat? I just spent all that time kneading and letting it rise and I don't have anything to show for it!?!!!

These were all the reasons why I did not go near recipes for homemade bread, pizza, begals... anything that required yeast and kneading, I steered clear of from the beginning.

Then one day I found this recipe, I looked at my bag of flour and then myself in the mirror and said "Let's DO this!!"

Quick Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Sage and Garlic and Simple Brussel Sprouts

This meal looks like it means business.

Beautiful roast pork tenderloin with brussel sprouts reminds me of Sunday dinners when we would have a big roast dinner that would spend all afternoon cooking in the oven.

Luckily this meal can be made any night of the week, requires little prep time and is impressive enough to stand up to Sunday roast and serve to guests.

Happy New Year!!

A new year is a great time to start setting goals for yourself. A new year is a fresh start, new beginning, let's embrace it!!

For the past 2 years I have practiced yoga here in my home. I first started on the Wii Fit and then bought a few DVD's, also picked up Yoga Journal magazine and started finding videos online. I really love yoga for how it makes my body feel but also how I am in tune to what my body is telling me both during the practice and in everyday living.

Although I have been practicing for the past 2 years, I have been in and out of routines. I used to get up every morning at 6am and did 20-30 minutes before getting ready for work. Lately, I've been lazy. Only doing it once or twice a week, sometimes not even that. It's been hard, it's winter and my bed is so warm that when 6am comes and I am suppose to get up to start my day, I usually stay in my warm toasty bed until the last possible minute and regret it for the rest of the day.