Blog Aid: Haiti

I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I have a second blog and a second creative outlet in writing. The focus for most of my freelance writing is food writing. As a result of this passion I've developed a lovely and generous network of food writers.

One of my mentors and friends, Julie Van Rosendaal sent out an email 3 weeks back.  She was motivated to take action in response to the earthquake in Haiti. So she asked some fellow writers and bloggers to contribute to a cookbook project.  In just three weeks she led the charge on the newest version of the community cookbook.  Blog Aid: Haiti is a collection of recipes from over 25 writers around the interwebs.  The recipes range from my own Chai-Spiced Granola with Pistachios (only available in the book) to the ultimate Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie, from Blueberry Galette to Bulgogi, and from Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream to Concord Grape Sorbet.  

All Recipes, photographs, design, and editing were freely given.  The artwork gracing the cover is by the lovely artist Beth Snyder. All proceeds will go directly to The Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders to help with relief efforts in Haiti. And the publishing houses, West Canadian and Blurb are matching the proceeds realized.  So that triples your donation when you purchase a book.  Buy before February 12 in Canada and all donations will also be matched by the federal government. So in addition to a very leveraged donation you will also get a rather stunning cookbook.

Did I mention that each recipe has a photograph? And that contributions are coming from folks like The Gluten Free Girl and Chef, Seven Spoons, Tartelette, Under the High Chair, and Christie's Corner? Seriously, stunning is an understatement.

The book is available for US $25 in softcover and US$50 in hardcover.  You can buy it here, or click on the button there in the sidebar.  It is available on a print on demand system, so you should get it about 8 days after ordering.

For more information on the book, the project, and all the contributors, visit the official Blog Aid website.

Refreshed and Recharged

Hubby and I had a fantastic weekend away sans kids and dogs. I am ready to take on the world now! Of course, I can only do that after feeding the family, cleaning house, working on my second and third careers, and maybe just maybe getting some quilting in. And a little exercise.

The above image was taken on our trip, a Food and Wine Writer's Workshop in the Okanagan. Now you know why I need the exercise. For more details of the trip, follow me over to Backseat Gourmet. And while you're there, learn more about my TV experience this week.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, I totally know what I'm doing with the water quilt now. I just need to find the time to get it done!

Snack Food

When this is what is taking up your days and nights it sure is nice to have some help around the house. We've kept the Monster in daycare for the time being. It gives me some crucial bonding and nursing time with our new baby and some quiet for Hubby to get some work done (his office is at home, in the living room). Since Elena's arrival we've had both moms down for visits. My mom planted my garden and did some cooking. And Hubby's mom did a whole bunch of baking for me.

My mother-in-law made a couple of batches of muffins and some cinnamon buns for us. First she made these chunky banana bran muffin. They look nothing like Ina's on the show or in her picture, but they sure are tasty. She also made a wholewheat peach muffin, in both "Susan" size (what I call her muffins because she refuses to fill a muffin tin and makes small muffins) and these mini ones with a new muffin tin she bought me for my birthday last week. They are good, but I need to modify the recipe a little before it's perfect.

And now I have treats to eat in the middle of the night while my baby eats her fill.

Rocks, Road, and Ice Cream

Well, so much for no sugar... Last week I developed an unnatural craving for ice cream and had it every day. Damn pregnancy. I can tell you that Haagen Dazs makes a rather yummy strawberry ice cream.

We are back from our week in the Okanagan. I got zero done on the binding for the wallhanging. The roads to get there are just too windy for handwork or reading. It does involve crossing the Rockies afterall. I managed a little bit of knitting, but generally had little motivation. Mostly we sat around and chatted. I read a lot - when the Monster was napping - and tried a few different cinnamon bun recipes. Still need to work out the kinks on the recipe.

We did discover a great bakery/cafe in Peachland. Bliss Bakery makes a fabulous sandwich (on their own bread) and very yummy muffins, tarts and danish. In the end we went there three days in a row. All our visits were capped off with a stroll on the beach to throw rocks into Lake Okanagan.

There were a couple more food adventures thrown in there. We drove down a very twisty road - from spring to winter - to pick up some aged Gouda and Balkan yoghurt at Gort's Gouda in Salmon Arm. The farmer even let us in the barn to see the calves, but the Monster was much more enthralled with the big guys outside. And we also took a run to Summerland Sweets to pick up some pear syrup and their pumpkin bagel butter. Yum.If you ever visit this neck of the woods you will be overwhelmed by vineyards, orchards, and the lake amidst the mountains. We spent our trip overwhelmed by the adventures of Grandpa and the Monster. It's all about the rocking chair.