sites and smells of everdale.

my first week at everdale is complete. and it was grand.
above are a few shots of the sites and smells of the farm. my friend from peterborough has been here all week as well, volunteering on the fields by day and cooking up mean farm dinners with us by night.

i spent all of yesterday doing the farm store's inventory and creating the displays for our opening on thursday. i was happy to see that our biggest seller is my favourite cookbook: simply in season. it is organized by winter-spring-summer-fall, featuring recipes that coordinate with what fruits and vegetables that are in season in north america. none of this pineapple in january bit. it's a must have for those who frequent their local farmer's market.

the same authors (a mennonite community) have gone on to create two others that i'll be excitedly using this summer: extending the table - recipes from argentina to zambia and more with less - eating better and consuming less of the worlds limited food resources.


what's your favourite cookbook?

chocolate granola balls

a sunny afternoon in my backyard with chocolate.

if there is any sweet treat i love, it's chocolate.
those who know me well know that i have a dark chocolate bar stashed in my purse at all times. 24/7. go ahead and check. i'll share. ♥

this is an extremely quick treat to make in a pinch and the results are heavenly.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups vegan chocolate chips (look for "unsweetened"/"pure" chips, they are usually vegan)
  
• 2 cups granola, any kind
• dried cranberries
  
  + add in any other favourite dried ingredient kicking around such as raisins, hemp hearts, flax, or currants
  

Preparation:

Line a baking tray or large dish with wax or parchment paper.
On low, heat the chocolate chips until melted, always stirring . Remove and gradually stir in the granola.
Drop by spoonfuls or get in there and get messy, making one tablespoon balls.
Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool before serving.