Kate Squared: Trials, Tribulations, and Handbags

Thai Quinoa Salad

You know those weeks that it feels like you cannot stop, you cannot slow down, and if you do you will be doomed? Well that’s been the last few days for me. Between a huge event occurring at work, my best friends wedding, and the usual business I haven’t had a moments rest. I’ve been running around like a crazy woman; organizing social media accounts, booking hair and makeup appointments, and trying to keep my head above it all.

Since I have been so busy, I have barely had a moment to make a full out meal, and have been relying on nutritious salads that can be scarfed down quickly at home or brought to work. Since I have a passion for all things asian I decided to whip up this quick Thai inspired salad this week. I made enough to last a few days and happily munched away like a bunny. Thankfully the end is insight as I am really craving to whip together a full out meal next week.

Thai Quinoa Salad
Serves 4 to 6

1 cup uncooked quinoa (I usually use red or multi colored)
2 cups carrot slaw
1 bell pepper (I prefer red or orange, avoid green)
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup diced green onion
2 chicken or turkey breast cut into strips (optional, I didn’t do this, this time however I have in the past when serving this as a main and it works quite well)
2 handfuls of raw cashews
Fresh lime juice

For the dressing:
1/4 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
1 tbsp grated ginger
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1/2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil

If you are using meat start cooking your meat. Usually I bake it with some garlic to keep it healthy. You will also want to start cooking your quinoa. I just cook it according to the package directions. While the quinoa is cooking start washing and chopping your vegetables.

Once the vegetables are chopped throw them in a large bowl along with the carrot slaw. Once the meat is cooked you can either leave it in strips or chop it up. Add to the bowl.

Once the quinoa is cooked fluff it with a fork and allow to cool in the pot. Once cooled add into the vegetables.

Finally create he dressing. Grab a small sauce pan and add all the ingredients.

Turn it down to a low heat and stir while melting. This won’t take more than 5 to 10 minutes. Watch it carefully and don’t allow it to burn.

Once melted add into salad and toss!

I usually scoop this into bowls and serve with the cashews on top.

If I’m not eating right away I usually just chuck it all in the fridge and keep the cashews separate as I find they tend to get soggy. Now, wasn’t that bloody easy?

Tags: Food, Recipes, Stress, Work

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Categories Food, Recipes, Stress, Work

The Emerson

8 Jun

A few nights ago I decided to try pole dancing for the first time. Pole dancing you say? Yup that’s right pole dancing. I got turned onto this kind of exercise by a colleague a few months back that came into work complaining that her everything hurt after just one class. I knew I had to try it. I took my first class at Brass Vixens and completely fell in love. It’s hard work. My arms are still sore, but it is a really fun workout. I found a lot of the moves and stretches were similar to ones I’ve done in yoga, so it was easy for me to know when to tuck my abs in, how to push my shoulders into my back, and the like. I’m taking a second class next week and I’m pretty excited.

To celebrate all my hard work, James and I decided to finally try The Emerson. I’ve been wanting to try this place ever since I moved into the neighbourhood and I am happy that we finally did. The atmosphere in the restaurant was cool and relaxing. The staff was also really friendly and I adore the open kitchen.

For dinner, James and I ordered the same thing: lamb shanks with gnocchi. For some reason we frequently order the same meal. I actually wanted to order one of everything but decided to take the non-piggy route and stick with one main.

We also decided to order two of the side dishes to share: the brussels sprouts au gratin and the fries. I really liked how you were able to pick and choose sides to share or order them all for one price. I think if I was in a group I would have gone for all of them but alas we held back.

The lamb was cooked to perfection and fell right off the bone without the use of a knife. The gnocchi was also prepared really well and pared perfectly with the lamb. I never thought of putting the two together to be honest. My standout side was the brussels sprouts. I loved them. They were cooked well and tasted amazing. I could have eaten the whole dish to myself. The fries were also perfectly crispy and cooked well. They served them with a nice mayo which James turned his nose up at. If you haven’t tried fries and mayo I highly suggest it. I always grew up doing this and was recently told its a “French thing”. Who knew?

James took advantage of all the craft beers they served while I stuck to cider. The above beer had the cutest label I’ve seen in a bit. We cleared our plates and the waiter decided that dessert was in order. James being the sweet tooth that he is cannot say no to a good dessert and decided upon the brownie sundae.

The sundae was really nice. I’m not much of a sweets person but the few bites I got in were good. Not sure if I could eat a whole one but James lapped it up. We paid up our bill and left quite full and satisfied.

Ah yes the face of satisfaction.

The Emerson is located at 1279 Bloor St West, the closest intersection is Lansdowne and Bloor.

Tags: Fitness, Food, Restaurants, Toronto

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Categories Fitness, Food, Restaurants, Toronto

Asian Shrimp with Brussels Sprouts

1 Jun

I am finally back home in Toronto. While it was sad to leave my parents it is nice to be back into my own routine of work, James, yoga, and cooking. Getting back this week was a bit hectic to say the least. I only worked a handful of days the past few weeks, so when I opened my inbox on my first full day back I had 200 plus new emails. Yikes!

Before I went away I also pretty much emptied my fridge of food. There is nothing worse than coming back from holiday to find an odd smell and something you think was once an orange. The night I returned I came home rather late and rather hungry. Since the flight is only an hour (probably less actually) they almost never feed you so with my tummy grumbling I headed out to the nearest fruit and vegetable market to pick up a few things to make this quick and yummy little dish.

A good friend and I both share a love for brussels sprouts and she passed this little gem along to me. I’ve made this countless times and it has yet to fail me. You are supposed to marinate the shrimp however it is not necessary. When I made this a few nights ago I did up the shrimp and just let them sit in the marinade while I made everything else up and the flavour was still excellent.

Asian Shrimp with Brussels Sprouts
Serves 2 as a main

3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced (dried works okay, but the fresh has the best flavour)
1 pound shrimp deveined and detailed
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 to 4 green onions
2 tsp sesame oil
Sesame seeds to taste

In a large bowl whisk together 2 tbsp honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger. Whisk until they make a marinade and add shrimp. Coat the shrimp and allow to sit in the fridge. I usually like to let it sit for an hour or two however as little as 15 minutes will do just fine.

Next prep the vegetables. Quarter the brussels sprouts and discard the outer leaves. Many people hate brussels sprouts because they have never had them cooked correctly! Trust me when cooked correctly you can convert almost anyone. Mince your garlic and cut the white part and green parts of the green onion however keep them separate.

Next heat up a skillet with some of the olive oil. Once hot add in the brussels sprouts, drizzle with honey, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Once they are tender and caramelized remove from pan and set aside.

Next add in a tad more olive oil and reheat the pan. Add in the white part if the onion and the garlic. Sauté on low heat until translucent. Remove the shrimp from the fridge and drain away most of the marinade then add to the pan. Cook until cooked through. Shrimp cooks quickly so keep an eye on it otherwise it will turn into rubber.

Re add the brussels sprouts to heat them for a few moments then plate. Drizzle with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and the green parts of the onion.

I have a serious obsession with this recipe. I personally adore Asian flavours and the brussels sprouts are amazing. If you have yet to be converted over to the brussels spouts loving side this dish will do it. I’m also keen to try this with tofu for my non meat enjoying friends, I think it might be a hit.

Tags: Family, Food, Recipes, Work

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Categories Family, Food, Recipes, Work

Cumin Scented Chickpea Salad

25 May

I am finally in Ottawa. On Wednesday evening I left work behind and headed to the Billy Bishop airport. I was quite delayed on my arrival due to a terrible thunder storm but after 3 hours and a ton of turbulence I have finally made it home to my family. It has been a good few days here so far and my dad is making leaps and bounds daily. Yesterday he stood for a whole 10 seconds. Considering last week he couldn’t lift his head this is amazing.

Since arriving here I have been spending long days in the cardiac centre with my dad and taken over the majority of the cooking for my mum. Since I am trying to cook healthy sustainable food this recipe came to mind. Both my mum and I are huge chickpea fans I decided that this would be the way to go for dinner. I personally enjoy this dish warm but it also is a hit cold. Usually when I cook this I make enough for dinner and a lunch later in the week, because any week that I get double chickpeas is a good week.

Cumin Scented Chickpea Salad
Serves 2 as a main

1 can chickpeas
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp cumin
1/4 tsp dried chili peppers
2 cloves of garlic, minced
5 to 7 sun dried tomatoes (rehydrated)
1 sprig of mint leaves, chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 cucumber (I used English)
Soft goat cheese (optional)

Grab a non-stick skillet add in the extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot add in the cumin, crushed red peppers, and garlic. Allow to cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the spices become fragrant.

Once the spices have become fragrant add in the rehydrated tomatoes and chickpeas. I usually tend to buy my sun dried tomatoes not packed in oil and then rehydrate them myself. For me the oil is just a bit much. If you have never rehydrated sun dried tomatoes it is stupid easy, just stick them in some hot water for a few minutes until they puff up. It makes them easier to cut and cook with. Cook on a medium heat until the chickpeas warm and brown a touch.

While the chickpeas are cooking chop your cucumber and mint leaves. I like to cut my cucumber into quarters and leave them chunky. I love cucumbers. Next zest your lime over the chickpea mixture and cook for another few moments.

Transfer chickpeas into a large bowl with the mint and cucumber. Squeeze in the lime juice and toss. If necessary add in a bit more oil. Serve warm or pop it in the fridge to cool. If desired add in your goat cheese. Mix and chow down.

I am also still onto my chia seed addiction. I added them to this dish and they worked really marvy.

Tags: Family, Food, Recipes, Travel

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Categories Family, Food, Recipes, Travel

Caribbean Steak

18 May

Happy long weekend to everyone! I am quite happy for this much needed break however my social calendar has filled up quite fast. Dinner at Panorama with friends from out if town tonight, a birthday lunch on Sunday, and a BBQ on Monday. I also have a very short work week next week as. Will be travelling to see my Dad who is finally back in Canada. At some point I would also like to catch up on my sleep however I’m not hopeful.

Since a lot of events this weekend revolve around food I decided to make something on the lighter side for dinner last night. Since James was joining me I knew I couldn’t offer him up just a salad so I decided to make this Caribbean Steak recipe and serve it with some coconut rice. The steak turned out beautifully and the rice was lovely with a nice hint of coconut. It makes you wish you were in the Caribbean!

Caribbean Steak
Serves 2
3 tbsp pineapple juice (I bought a can of Jumex and it worked great)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp grated ginger
2 tsp raw honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp chili peppers or more
Enough steak cut into strips for 2 people
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 can light coconut milk

Start by taking your steak out if the fridge and bringing it up to room temperature. Someone once taught me this trick as a way to cook a near perfect steak, it’s worked almost every time.

While the steak is warming start in on the rice. To make the coconut rice simply add equal parts coconut milk and water to your rice and cook as you normally would. I am terrible at making rice so I would suggest doing a quick google if you aren’t sure how. I usually just follow the directions on the bag.

Next grab a bowl and whisk together the pineapple juice, lime juice, garlic, ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes.

Next grab a skillet and heat. Once it is brought up to temperature add the juice mixture and the steak. Sauté on medium heat until the steak starts to brown. Once browned, add in the bell pepper and continue to cook until steak reaches medium rare or desired doneness.

Once steak is done allow it to rest for a few moments off the heat so it can absorb the juices. Finally serve atop the coconut rice.

Both James and I quite enjoyed this dish. It left us satisfied and since it was a lovely evening we were able to dine al fresco on my back deck. Next time I make this I think I will double the amounts and serve it to a crowd.

Happy long weekend all, I do hope you can get out and enjoy this amazing weather.

Tags: Family, Food, Recipes, Weekends

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Categories Family, Food, Recipes, Weekends

High Park

11 May

What the difference a week can make. Last weekend it was warm, sunny, and a balmy 25 degrees. This weekend the temperatures have cooled and the weather man is calling for rain. Lets hope he’s a liar. Since last weekend it was so lovely outside, James and I decided to she’d our winter clothes and walk over to High Park to see the cherry blossoms.

I simply adore cherry blossoms, they are the most beautiful pink colour and when in clusters look just incredible. The past few years we have missed them so this year I refused to let that happen again.

We started our walk by getting lost in a partially residential area but it worked out for the best as we got to see some wildlife and walk along a river.

Can you spot the snake in the first image? James was quite excited by the prospect of seeing that little guy. Luckily I am not afraid of snakes. Spiders however are another story. I was quite pleased by those ducks. I absolutely adore ducks, they are by far my favourite animal. It’s okay go ahead and laugh, at one point I considered stealing that mallard and keeping him for a pet.

Once we got into the actual park it was packed with people and geese. The cherry blossoms were out in full force and I’m quite sure everyone in the city wanted a glimpse of them.

Since I’m only 5’2″ on a good day I had to pull on that branch a bit but it all worked out. We were going to try and visit the High Park zoo and see the new play structure however with all the people we decided to leave that to another trip, and got iced coffees instead for our hike back home to Bathurst and Bloor. In the end I think we made the right decision.

Tags: Fitness, Spring, Toronto, Weekends

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Categories Fitness, spring, Toronto, Weekends

Brass Taps

4 May

This past week has been nothing short of a stressful, emotion driven, sleep deprived week, and frankly it doesn’t look like it will end any time soon. Last Saturday my dad suffered a heart attack down while visiting Florida (they live in Ottawa). He has been poked, proded, had tubes stuck in and out of him, and is still pretty heavily sedated in the ICU. Any blog post I had dreamed up for this week quickly went out the window in favour of googling on WebMD and long distance calls to my mum. Thank goodness for James who is keeping me fed and laughing otherwise I don’t know what kind of state I’d be in.

Since a few nights ago was probably the worst of it, he suggested we visit an old haunt in my former neighbourhood: Brass Taps. When I first moved to Toronto I lived right around the corner from this place at Dovercourt and College (great location, not so great roommate) and would frequently go here for a cider and one of their amazing pizzas. It is definitely a place to go with friends, the pizzas are meant to be shared and there are other shareable dishes on the menu.

First we decided to order a pitcher of cider. James always indulges my cider cravings despite the fact that he is a stout man. We opted to sit inside by the open windows however there are two nice patios here; a smaller one on the front sidewalk and a larger one in the back of the restaurant.

After gulping back some of our cider the food came. We decided on the chili fries and a pizza. Clearly we eschewed healthy eating with a firm hand.

I adore their chili fries. The chili is quite nice and not overly salty. The fries are also crispy right down to the final bite and don’t go overly soggy. There is the right amount of cheese to chili to fries ratio so one does not overpower the other. In short it is a trifecta of yum.

As for the pizza we ordered the Racolta that is made with a pesto base, goat cheese, roasted red pepper, and eggplant. I always enjoy this pizza as it is thin crust and doesn’t have a ton of cheese on it. The pesto base is a nice change from the usual tomato sauce and I adore eggplant.

James and I gobbled this back and were quite full. The pizza is definitely made to share with two or three people depending on how piggy you feel. We both ate two slices and had another two left for later. The prices here are also quit reasonable with pizzas at around $12 to $14 dollars. The atmosphere in here is great and the staff always friendly.

James and I finished off our drinks and proceeded to waddle home. It was good to get out away from everything. This week has been hard and I apologize to blog readers in I am somewhat inactive over the next few months. Things are on the upswing and the road to recovery is on its way and hopefully my dad will one back to Canada soon.

Brass taps us located at 934 College st. in Toronto on the north east corner of Dovercourt and College.

Tags: Family, Food, Restaurants, Stress, Toronto

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Categories Family, Food, Restaurants, Stress, Toronto

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