Mary Coin and A Beautiful Truth

Just finished this amazing novel which examines the (fictionalized) lives of subject and photographer of this iconic Depression era photograph taken by real life photographer Dorothea Lange. It was riveting - I couldn't put it down and that says something to me as a reader. It travels from turn of the century Oklahoma to modern day California - to the modern day descendent of this migrant mother.


The second book is equally riveting. Colin McAdam's "A Beautiful Truth" tells the heart wrenching story of Walter and Judy Ripke,a childless couple who decides to fill their void by acquiring a chimpanzee - with tragic results. Paralleling their story is the saga of the lives of captive chimpanzees at a research facility in Florida - partly told through their unique voices. Utterly compelling, disturbing and poignant.

Krazy for Kiwi

I was contacted by Eva a rep from the Zespri Organic Kiwifruit people to extoll the virtutes of that fuzzy brown fruit with the juicy emerald centre. As we are coming into the fall and winter months we still need our fruit - that's where this little power packed gem comes in - I especially like the non fuzzy ones with a more golden centre - you can eat the whole thing!

Below are some nutrition facts courtesy of Zespri:

One serving of Zespri Organic Kiwifruit has more vitamin C than an orange, more potassium than a banana, is packed with iron, and has a naturally occurring enzyme called Actinidin, which aids in good digestion. Zespri Organic Kiwifruit comes from a grower-owned network in New Zealand, where it takes over three years to prepare the soil and orchards to become certified organic. Zespri also uses 100% recycled packaging.

Raw, Quick and Delicious

Doug McNish does it again! Another wonderful raw food "cookbook" - this time super fast and easy - not to mention of course, delicious!

Above is the Spaghetti and Seed Balls - raw zucchini noodles, a marinara sauce and sunflower seed based "meatballs". A scrumptious late summer treat as we are having a steady harvest of zucchini!

To the right are the incredibly rich tasting Almond Bliss Balls and so aptly named - you will be in a state of bliss after eating them. I added my own touch my rolling a few in cocoa powder. I did find the seed ball mix a little crumbly - maybe not blending the seeds as much as I needed or using a not smooth enough almond butter..I confess I added a little water to hold them together.

So far, these are the two I have tried - would love to try out his Red Velvet Smoothie, one of the many juices - a Citrus Pineapple Carrot  or Apple, Blueberry and Cabbage  - how's that for a flavour combination? There are lovely looking salads of course Lemony Wilted Kale and Beet, Watermelon and Cashew, Grapefruit and Arugula. Main courses include Carrot Pad Thai and Cashew Almond Gnocchi, Squash Burritos and on and on.

It's filled with mouth watering photos and includes recipes for anything from sauces,smoothies, sides and salads to desserts, breakfast to dinner. I think you'll find it a worthy addition to your cookbook collection!

P.S. Doug had a packed house for his cooking demos at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival recently - he is getting quite the reputation. It was standing room only - so I decided to let someone else have my sample - if there were any left!

The book is published by Robert Rose Publishing and available where good books are sold - and also at the TVA Resource Centre on Baldwin Street.

Vegetarian Food Festival

I had an amazing time as usual this past weekend - the 29th - wow, I know!!! - annual Vegetarian Food Festival. I got to assist the wonderful Jenne Claiborne from New York via Atlanta on preparing her BBQ Tempeh wraps - with cabbage, sweet potato and carrot (roasted) in the fabulous Leon's at the Roundhouse demo kitchen. We also prepared peaches and topping for her raw crumble desssert.  Roberto Martin also came in while I was finishing my shift - I got to sample his Red Beans and Rice at his Sunday Cooking Demo. His book is "Vegan Cooking for Carnivores" - and it's a beautiful book. He was making an appearance on Global TV's morning show.  I am having the Red Beans and Rice for dinners this week..yumm..along with some of our numerous zucchini and fresh beans from the Trinity Bellwoods Farmer's Market

Jenne is a personal chef - check out her website www.thenourishingvegan.com. We had great chats about places we like to eat in New York. She is warm, sweet and radiant - her Avocado Chickpea Tartine and sweet raw treats with buckwheat, cacao, pecans and dates were simply - I mean that literally delicious. I also checked out cooking demos from Doug McNish, Jennifer Cornbleet and Alan Roettinger as well as a panel about sanctuaries and a talk from John Pierre - author of "The Pillars of Health". He spoke about what we need to be feeding ourselves especially to help with cognitive function - omega 3, blueberries and how important hydration is for our well being.

Sampled way too many scrumptious baked goods from Bloomer's, Tori's Bakeshop and Bunners - tarts and cookies and doughnuts, oh my! One of my fave desserts was from "Live On Chocolate" - her raw puddings are incredible - I bought Raspberry, Coconut Lime and Caramel Mocha. This was the first year of using the new space on the eastern side of the Harbourfront Centre - so hopefully it will catch on more next year. That being said it was a good place to go and escape the crowds. I got addicted to Tiffinday's "Timpa Wheels" - I can't do justice to describing them other than to say they are to die for! Ditto anything from Green Zebra.

Do yourself a favour and become a member of the TVA - you will get a newsletter filled with articles and recipes, suggestions on new places to eat, and get discounts from many restaurants in the GTA. Visit www.veg.ca