Citrus Maple Ginger Soba Noodle Salad

Citrus Maple Ginger Soba Noodle Salad

Walking down the road yesterday I commented: "It's really nice today! A little chilly though." My companion responded with: "The rest of Canada hates you for saying that."

At about 10°C and sunny, he was probably right. Despite my wimpy comment, I have been loving the weather lately. It seems spring as sprung early this year. But of course I've just gone and jinxed it now. My bad. There are flowers blooming, the days are getting longer, and there is hope at the end of the winter tunnel! Seriously, can you tell I couldn't live anywhere in Canada other than the west coast? We legitimately have quite a mild winter, I'm such a baby about the cold (Unless there's snow! Which makes it rad for a bit!). But this great weather has me shifting away from comfort food and towards light and refreshing meals. This noodle salad hits the spot and can be whipped up pretty quickly:

Citrus Maple Ginger Soba Noodle Salad
2 Soba Noodle Bunches
1 Cup Edamame Beans
1 Cup Shredded Red Cabbage (Packed)
1 Grapefruit (Meat, pith removed)

1 Lime, Juiced
2 Tbs Maple Syrup
1 Tbs Grated Ginger
2 Tbs Sesame Oil
Pinch Salt

1. Cook your soba noodle bunches as the package directs. When cooked cool down the noddles in cold water to prevent further cooking. Drain out all the cold water once noodles have cooled and set aside.
2. Shred cabbage a thinly as possible, I like to use a mandoline slicer.
3. Combine noodles, cabbage and edamame in a large bowl.

4. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and beat with a fork to mix. (The best way to grate the ginger is on a small grater - it creates a watery-sort-of-paste that combines well in the dressing. If you are unable to do this, chop as small as possible.)
5. Combine dressing in the salad bowl.
6. Break your grapefruit meat into smaller pieces and now combine gently into the salad.
7. Serve and enjoy! (serves about 2 large portions)

This meal is best served fresh, I find the noodles lose their texture over time. For an extra kick try a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Ps. Those are black sesame seeds as garnish!

Has spring sprung where you are yet?
Thanks for reading, have an awesome day :)

Orange Sage Sugar Body Scrub

Orange Sage Sugar Body Scrub

I guess I don't have it bad as far as cold winters are concerned.
The west coast is just really wet and foggy...
Despite the mild weather, dry skin is still an issue for me in the winter.

But you know there's a fix for those winter dry skin blues, don't you.
It comes in the form of this totally refreshing scrub.
A little herb-y, a little zesty, and super moisturizing.

These measurements are just suggestions, alter them to get the texture of scrub that you prefer. You could also use essential oils instead of/in combination with the orange zest and sage leaf.

Orange-Sage Sugar Body Scrub

1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 tbs Finely Chopped Sage
1/2 tbs Orange Zest
1/4+ cup Olive Oil

Combine the sugar, sage, and orange in a bowl. Mix well, crushing against the sides of the bowl to help release to oils in the sage and orange zest. Then mix in the oil gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Store in an airtight jar. In the unlikely event that mold should appear, dispose of the scrub.

While I have used this scrub on my face, I wouldn't necessary recommend it. It's quite harsh. I especially like to use it on my hands and legs!

Do you suffer from dry skin in the winter?
What are your favorite ways to beat it?

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-Fiona

Superfood Raw Egg(less)nog

Superfood Raw Egg(less)nog

Yeah that's right, superfood. Why not?
Nuts, spices, and honey. Sounds pretty super to me.

While I am neither raw nor vegan, I do like to substitute healthy alternatives on occasion. This raw/vegan drink is a lighter and healthier version of the classic, and totally hits the spot!

Egg(less)nog

1 cup Raw Cashews (+ water for soaking)
2.5 Cups Water
1 tbs Raw Honey (or other sweetener, to taste)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (or Vanilla Bean)
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp Ground Nutmeg

1. Cover cashews in water, and soak for 6-8 hours.
2. After cashews have soaked drain and rinse.
3. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender, and blend well. If you do not have a high speed blender, you may wish to consider straining through a cheese cloth or nut milk bag after blending.
4. Store in the fridge.

Hey, by the way: This recipe was featured in the latest issue of Raw Food Magazine!!

Do you like eggnog?

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer Fruit and Thyme Kvass

Summer Fruit and Thyme Kvass

Sometimes I feel like a sheep. Following food trends. Is it just a coincidence that I am brewing kombucha while everyone else seems to be? I like to think I'm just curious, and enjoy trying new things. Especially when they promise health benefits!

In the spirit of trying something new: Kvass is similar to kombucha, in that it is also a fermented beverage. I came across it on Green Kitchen Stories (A fabulous and georgeous blog!). While kombucha takes at least a few days, kvass only takes 48 hours! It's light, fresh, tangy, and a little bubbly! This particular brew is a lovely shade of coral. Easy, healthy, delicious - count me in!

Check out Fermented Fruit Kvass for the method, the comments are also informative!

Summer Fruit and Thyme Kvass
- Peach
- Plum
- Apricot
- Blueberries
- Couple sprigs of Thyme
- Tsp Honey
- Water

Exact measurements will depend on the size of your jar. Make sure your fruit is washed well. Also a good idea to wash your jar with vinegar and hot water.

Happy fermenting!

Do It Yourself: Green Cleaner

Do It Yourself: Green Cleaner

It's no secret that chemicals are everywhere. It's unfortunate.
I'm always excited to find new (and cheap!) ways of reducing my exposure. So obviously this post on pintrest captured my attention!

It's ridiculously easy too, bonus!
Just add a bunch of orange peels into a jar (I added a lemon peel too), fill with white vinegar until the peels are covered, and let it sit for a week or two. After it has steeped, strain out the liquid and store it in a jar or spray bottle.
*I've actually added a few sage and rosemary leaves to the strained mixture to add an extra umph.

So far I've used it successfully to clean my kitchen counters, my kitchen floor (diluted), my bathroom, and it worked quite well getting the icky smell out of a travel mug that had coffee in it for too long (just put a little in and shake it around).

I'm actually getting a little low now, and if I keep using it at this pace I'll need to make more soon. These are some options I'm thinking about for the next batch:

Orange
lime
Lemon
Grapefruit
Cinnamon Stick
Sage
Rosemary
Mint
Lavender

And I'm sure the list could go on, do you have any ideas?

Hope you're having a fantastic Sunday!