Here is what your Be Well Team is loving for May – enjoy and let us know what’s on your list!
What Jenn’s Lovin’:
Tiber River Naturals – This is my go to place in Winnipeg for body butters, salt scrubs, foam soap, lotions and so much more. They have delicious scents like Carmello, Bellini, Coco Cabana and Yuzu (to name a few of my favourites). This is also my go to spot for pedicures. Did I mention that the homemade Tiber River salt scrubs contain canola oil. An added bonus in my books! Hey Dads and kids don’t forget Mom on May 13 for Mother’s Day! Check it out – Tiber River Naturals.
Manitoba Food Bloggers – In connection with Food Revolution Day the MB Food Bloggers are “standing up for real food” and holding a Bake Sale on Friday, May 18 from 10am – 2pm at Aqua Books (274 Garry Street). This is the perfect way to stock up on homemade sweet treats for the long weekend. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of the MB Food Bloggers and if there is one thing they know – it’s food! This will be a bake sale you won’t want to miss! See you there – I’ll be the one first in line!
Sunny Spring Days – I just can’t get enough sunshine. There is nothing I love more this time of year then to sit outside in the cool air with a big blue sky up above and the warm spring sun on my skin. Don’t forget the sunscreen! If you plan to be out for more than a couple of minutes you are best to put some on. Even when it’s cool out those sun rays can damage your skin and since I’m living to be 100 I best take care and slather it on.
What Ellen’s Lovin’:
Cilantro and Coriander Seeds – Cilantro is one of my favourite herbs. It has a distinct fresh flavour, often in Mexican cooking and goes well with spicy food. I’ve shared with you my herb flavour chart and my 10 Great Herb Tips. Check them out. What’s your favourite herb? How do you use it?
Canadian Gardening Magazine – It’s that time of year again and this is one of my go to magazines, Canadain Gardening.
The Food Lovers Companion Book – It is the guide to everything foodie. You can read more about the book “The Food Lover’s Companion Cooking Guide” by Barron’s Educational Series Inc here. Or you can find it on Amazon if you want to buy it.
What Wendy’s Lovin’:
Plantains – as a member of the banana family they look just like a banana except they’re larger, firmer and have a thicker skin. The main difference between bananas and plantains is that plantains are starchier. They’re a staple in African, Caribbean and Latin American countries and very diverse. I grew up eating them for breakfast. My mom would slice them up and fry them in a bit of oil. Unlike it’s raw form, once cooked they are quite sweet. If cooked when they are still green, they are a great alternative to potatoes in stews. They cannot be eaten raw.
Here’s my mom’s very easy fried plantain recipe:
(feeds two, double the recipe for more)
1 large ripe plantain (not green)
4 tablespoons of canola oil
- Peel plantain and cut into two.
- Take each half and slice into 4 slices (lengthwise).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in large skillet, drop the slices in.
- Fry until golden brown (about 4 minutes) then flip over to cook on the other side. Add the remaining oil when turning them over.
Vanilla Bean Chai Tea – My flavour of the month, I bought it on a whim and I can’t seem to get enough of it. I drink it anytime of day because it is not too overpowering.
Natural Red Velvet Cupcakes – As mentioned in the March edition, it’s no secret I love beets. It’s also not a secret (to my friends and family anyway) that baking isn’t my greatest strength. This past month, I conquered my fear and decided to try my hand at red velvet cupcakes. After researching recipes for hours, and comparing recipes that used food colouring to beets, I went with a recipe that gives the cupcakes that red velvet colour naturally using pureed beets and canola oil. It was an easy decision and my attempt was a success! I might even explore this baking thing further…
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