Morels are as delicious as they are dear in price, so you might want to start by experimenting with other mushroom varieties. The exotic varieties are common enough in Canada and carry both good nutrition and a broad range of flavours and textures.
1 lb (450 g) fresh morel mushrooms, rinsed
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) flour
8 cups (2 L) chicken or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream
Pinch mace or nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
Clean and halve the large mushrooms and set aside. In a saucepot, melt the butter, add the vegetables, and saut until fragrant (about 1 to 2 minutes). Stir in the flour and blend to combine. Slowly mix in the cold stock and stir until smooth and simmering; add the herbs. Allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in whipping cream and season with a pinch of fresh mace or nutmeg and salt and pepper. Before serving, remove the whole herbs. May be served with a sprinkle of porcini powder or truffle oil.
Serves 6.
source: "Emerald Lake Lodge", alive #305, March 2008
Custardy French toast drizzled in pure maple syrup is a cozy, cold-weather breakfast classic. We’ve given this recipe a vegan makeover by swapping out eggs in the batter with mashed banana and a bit of ground flaxseed. This clever swap makes the French toast reminiscent of banana bread. Top it off with a decadent drizzle of raspberry syrup and you’re just a quick stint in the kitchen away from breakfast bliss. Citrus swap If you don’t have any bananas around, consider swapping for an orange. In blender, add zest of one large orange along with peeled fruit and other batter ingredients. Blend until smooth and proceed with the recipe as described.
A satisfying plant-based dinner or packed lunch, quinoa and beans add filling protein, while greens, cucumbers, roasted veggies, and a probiotic-rich dressing bring texture and flavour. Try it with a creamy plant-based cheese on top, or goat cheese for non-plant-based eaters. Mix and match Use this recipe as a guideline. Add in your go-tos such as chopped walnuts or hemp hearts, pitted sliced dates, roasted cauliflower, and crumbled feta (plant-based, if desired).
Brown rice and two varieties of lentils cook in one pot with broth, coconut milk, and simple spices. Nourishing spinach and sweet green peas bring this meal to life. It’s true sunshine in a bowl for those cold winter nights. Main grains White basmati rice, short-grain brown rice, quinoa, or millet can be used in place of the brown basmati rice. Try a mixture of grains for added nutrition and taste (e.g., millet and basmati rice, quinoa and millet, and so on).
Sprouted tofu and mushrooms soak up a delicious tamari marinade before being baked along with prepared vegan potstickers and bok choy. A tasty sauce, sesame seeds, and a bed of whole grains to serve tie everything together. Adjust the heat level of this dish in the sauce or at the table so kids can partake. Salad swap Once cool, the tofu mixture can be served on a bed of crunchy romaine for a packable lunch that’ll spark office envy. Keep the sauce on the side and dress right before serving.