Chocolate love

I'm obsessed with these and have been eating them like there's no tomorrow. They're Japanese and oh, so delicious (oishi!). They also have a version with rice crisps in the chocolate but I have yet to find them here in Toronto. I've already spoken to Sanko on Queen Street telling them about this tantalizing variety. I also asked if it might be possible to stock Mango Gokuri in their shop. They only have Gokuri's 'Miracle of Grapefruit' drink at the present time.

If they bring these two items in, then I will have the makings of a perfect lunch: konbu onigiri (yum!), Mango Gokuri, Meiji chocolate-covered almonds with rice crisps and of course, some kind of fruit. :)

A hot recipe for a cool day

It's a damp day here in Toronto. The perfect day for wooly socks, making cards, writing in your journal, cozying up to a good book and having something warm (or hot) to chill those bones. Here's a recipe that won't disappoint those who appreciate a little heat...

Chipotle Avocado Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups organic plain soy milk
2 1/2 cups frozen organic white and/or yellow corn, defrosted
1/4 cup organic silken tofu
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced
3-4 canned chipotle peppers, drained and rinsed
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
black pepper to taste

Directions:

Combine the soymilk, tofu, peppers, 2 cups of the corn, and 3/4 of the avocado, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Add the remaining corn and avocado. Pour into saucepan and use medium heat to warm.

[We actually used a chipotle sauce instead of jalapenos and it turned out delicious]

To round out the meal, we had some fresh bread and some spicy vegan sausages.

Serves: 4

What's Your Story? Grasshopper

The dreadlocks, plastic grasshopper, flashy sneakers and little record stand were impossible to resist. My latest post on What's Your Story features Derek, aka Grasshopper.

What's Your Story? Be true to yourself

Some people are born with an impeccable sense of style but when you couple this with a charismatic personality to boot, you feel like you might have just met the coolest person on earth. This is what I experienced when I met and interviewed Jules for the latest post on What's Your Story?

I was walking along Queen St. with my cousin who was visiting from Vancouver when I passed a record store where the ever-so-elegant Jules was leaning against an iron gate in front of a record store. I couldn't help but notice how stylish he was with his sharp hat, stylin' sports jacket, fitted vest, vibrant colors and yes, even a printed silk hanky peeking out of his breast pocket. I had to approach him and what I said was, "My husband would kill me if he knew I passed by you and didn't ask to interview you". (Of course, I was being facetious and the reality is, I probably wouldn't have forgiven myself if I hadn't approached him.) So began my spiel...

Jules graciously agreed and to my delight, he wasn't only a pleasure to interview and speak with but he was also a very fun 'subject' to photograph. He had a wonderful way of speaking and the kind of laugh that made you feel all warm inside.

To read his interview, please visit What's Your Story?.

What's Your Story? Graffiti Artist/Superhero

Meet Lewter - Graffiti Artist/Superhero.

To read his interview, please visit the latest profile on What's Your Story?

Vegan chocolate cupcakes

I was in the mood for something sweet after dinner so I whipped up the following recipe (courtesy of chow.com):

Ingredients:

1 cup soy milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, chocolate extract, or more vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder, Dutch-processed or regular
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

* Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
* Whisk together the soy milk and vinegar in a large bowl, and set aside for a few minutes to curdle.
* Add the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and other extract, if using, to the soy milk mixture and beat until foamy.
* In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add in two batches to wet ingredients and beat until no large lumps remain (a few tiny lumps are OK).
* Pour into liners (or greased muffin/cupcake pan), filling 3/4 of the way. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.

They've just come out of the oven and are cooling as we speak. Mmm...they smell delicious. Can't wait to frost them and have one with a cup of caramel rooibos tea. :)

Things happen...

What kind of things? Sounds intriguing...

Defcon 4

Guess what's on the tube right now?

Spork, Speef and other delights

What's Your Story? Yoga in everyday life

Cynthia Funk is the owner of two yoga studios here in Toronto. The Yoga Sanctuary on College Street, her first studio, is a lovely space to practice and do your teacher training.

She first learned yoga at age 19 when she was a treeplanter.

For the complete interview, please visit the latest post on What's Your Story?

Smile

The Paper Place launches online shop!

This post is dedicated to all you paper lovers out there. You know who you are - you secretly like to rub wonderful papers against your skin and can be seen with a dreamy look on your face as you handle those intoxicating pieces.

The Paper Place on Queen Street here in Toronto has just launched their online shop! And right now, everything online is 15% off for their 'Sneak Peek Sale'. (How wonderful is that?!)

You can choose from the following categories:




Within each of these categories are pictures of the lovely patterns and colors that are available including a little write-up about each. It's a great opportunity for those of you who can't pop into the lovely store for a visit. (As always, phone orders are also welcome.)

If you've never had the pleasure of visiting The Paper Place, here is a peek:

[All photos courtesy of The Paper Place website]

What's Your Story? Bows and the feel of lentils

Adriana and Gabrielle are the creative forces behind the new shop, Trap Door, located at 2993 Dundas Street West here in Toronto. Their shop is dedicated to showcasing local/Canadian fashion and accessory designers, as well as artists.

I had the pleasure of interviewing them for the latest post on What's Your Story? To read their interview, please visit the latest post on What's Your Story?

Is it too early to think about...

Halloweenie?
Or the holidays?

Hmm...

These are strange ads. I don't think I like them.