Vancouver Cheese and Meat Festival - Sept 2016

Cheese and Meat Festival

Vancouver BC

September 17, 2016

Cheese and meat. 

Meat and cheese 

Cheese and meat. 

Meat and cheese.

However you want to put it, it's all music to my ears. And delicious food in my mouth!

This is the first year for this event and Vancouver was quick to show their love. Tickets almost sold out in the first hour! 

The festival will take place in the most beautiful settings. Attendees will walk at leisure around the grounds enjoying bite size tastes of cheese and meat while pairing the bites with wine, beer, and cider. It is an exciting time in British Columbia. With the abundance of artisan shops, and restaurants in BC showcasing fantastic product, as well as the relaxing import laws on dairy allows us to share the best the world has to offer. 

The event has three tastings at 11am, 3pm and 7pm. They've also created two seminars that provide an intimate look at wine and cheese pairings and the art of charcuterie. 

Some of the vendors that are already making my mouth water are Mt Lehman's Cheese Co, Two Rivers Specialty Meats and Bon Macaron. 

If you didn't get tickets this year make sure to act fast before they sell out!

Cheese and Meat Festival Vancouver 

http://cheeseandmeatfestival.com/

When: September 17, 2016

Where: Terminal City Club

How much: $75-$200

Paleo Gluten-free Chocolate Mousse (Vegan too!)

The worst is when you buy a bag of big juicy avocados and within a day they're all going too soft. So this recipe is win win because it's Paleo and you get to use up your avocados!

This recipe is Paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and just really good for anyone.
Yes you can taste a bit of the avocado, but that's not a bad thing. Obviously if you hate avocados don't make this recipe.

Paleo Chocolate Mousse 

Ingredients
1 Large Ripe Avocado
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
1Tsp Vanilla Extract

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Refrigerate before serving if you prefer more cold and firm or eat right away if you don't. Works great as frosting for a cake, a topping for berries, or just as in out of the bowl.

Pairs well with red wine :)

Yes. I believe wine is Paleo.

Paleo Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereal

I have recently injured my foot so I've had to change my calories and food consumption for the day. I used to do yoga about 5-6 times per week and I would run about 1-2 times per week.

Since I can't really do any exercise now, I give myself about 800-900 calories per day.

For breakfast I have created this yummy little Paleo Gluten-Free Cereal. Honestly since converting over to Paleo about 3 years ago, the one thing that I miss is cereal. I used to love to eat bran and oats and even quinoa for breakfast. 

But I've created something even more delicious and with huge nutritional value. 

This is great for breakfast, or before a workout, or even as an afternoon snack. I've never tried heating it up but that might be yummy as well. 

I make a big batch of this and then keep it in a mason jar in my fridge. I have about 1/2 cup of it for breakfast with 1/2 fruit and almond milk. 

Paleo Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereal

1/2 cup organic chia seeds

1/2 cup organic hemp hearts

1/4 cup organic flax seeds

1/2 cup organic ground flax

1/2 cup organic almonds (whole or flakes)

1/3 cup organic almond meal

1/3 cup organic dried goji berries 

1 tbsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Transfer into large mason jar and store in fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

Add approx. 1/2 cup almond milk and fresh fruit, and 1/2 cup of cereal mix and enjoy! 

(I add a splash of egg whites if I know I'm going to have a long day and need more protein)

Yield: 12-14 servings

My 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge: December 2014

November 30 2014

Well it's December again and just like every year, I take this time to kick my own butt into gear. It's so easy to let things slip by and indulge into the goodies and sweets and treats and drinks, so that's why I want to make a conscious effort to keep things in line.

For me personally, I work a lot harder at goals if I am kept accountable for them. So here goes. I want to post every night and keep a diary of how the day went.

Obviously I will be focusing a lot on my diet, but I want this to be more holistic. I will be looking at diet, physical exercise, mental exercise, professional development, stress levels and fun levels. I really hope it goes well!

So to send off November I will be having a lovely dinner with my parents, and yes, I will have a nice plate of delicious Persian rice. And tadeeg. mmmm....

Starting weight: 118lbs
Goal weight: 110lbs

Paleo Brownie Power Balls

Paleo Brownie Power Balls

I started making these Paleo Brownie Power Balls for my co-workers and it soon became a weekly tradition. They were a huge hit when I first brought them in and I have perfected the recipe and put my own little spin on it.
The only downfall is that they are so good that no matter how much you make, there are never any left over for the next day :( But I guess that's every chef's best compliment :)

Another great recipe for Paleo desserts is Paleo Banana-Coconut Cookies.

Please put your own spin on the recipe and let me know what you did! I always love to try new creations.

Paleo Brownie Power Balls

1 1/2 cup walnuts

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cup pitted medjool dates

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp cinnamon powder

1/4 cup egg whites

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

In food processor add walnuts and cocoa powder. Process these until they are coarsely mixed, but you don't want to over process because then the walnuts will start to become like a butter. Add dates, vanilla and cinnamon. Process until everything is mixed together in a big clump. Add egg whites to soften everything. 

Remove mixture and put into a large bowl. In a smaller bowl put coconut flakes. Measure out a tablespoon of the mixture and make them into bit sized balls by rolling them in your hands. Then dip these balls into the coconut flakes. 

**sometimes I like to dip my balls into other ingredients like hemp hearts, ground flax, and cocoa powder**

Place all of your balls into a cookie tray lined with parchment paper. Put in freezer for at least two hours, and then you're ready to enjoy!

I love to keep my balls in the freezer because I love the frozen hard texture, but some people prefer to store them in the fridge. They will last up to a month in the freezer, and about a week in the fridge. 

The amazing thing about these bite sized balls is that they are SO satisfying, they taste like they have chocolate in them, and they have protein as well. Great as breakfast, pre-workout snack, and that perfect guilt-free pleasure. 

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 0 min

Yields: 30 balls