Food Revolution Day 2013

As some of you may know Food Revolution was yesterday. I would have posted this late last night however I was a bit tired. I had spent most of the afternoon with my son's class at a gymnastics field trip. Fun as that was... I had to hurry home to get cooking. 

Unfortunately, I wish my event wasn't the only one in Edmonton however it was and that didn't dampen my spirit. But it did get me thinking as to why more Canadians or should I say western Canada seem to lag behind in participating. Could it be that the long weekend over shadowed this event? Or the fact that Food Revolution was on a Friday threw everyone for a loop? Last years event was held on a Saturday. Regardless I enjoyed my participation and tried to inspire others. The above picture shows my meal in it's fullest... trust me everything went fast! 

We made these salad rolls with rice paper wraps, lettuce, carrots, cucumber and water chestnuts. Very yummy and fresh. I made a simple dipping sauce of mixing honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil together. 

The second dish was a vegetable medley. I took thinly sliced green cabbage, green peppers, celery and green onions. Sautéed them in a bit of canola oil for about 5 mins then added a tablespoon of soy sauce. Tossed to coat. Then serve. Very simple and very fast. 

Here was the focal point of the meal. I say focal point because oddly enough I have never made lemon chicken before. It was easy and done in about 40 minutes. Very... very tasty! I will definitely me making this again. 

I know Food Revolution just isn't about cooking a meal using fresh local ingredients. It's about awareness, education, community and sharing. Four days prior to Food Revolution Day we planted golden raspberries and radishes in the garden. Today we bought more seeds... lamb lettuce and yellow beans. I picked the lamb lettuce and my daughter picked the yellow beans. I talk to my kidlets about food, where it comes from and why we eat what we eat and the healthier food choices we should make. We even exchange recipe ideas. Our dinner table is a great place to discuss this. Even if I am the only one in Edmonton at least I am showing my kidlets it is important to participate, regardless, when others do not and it is important to stand up for what you believe in. Happy Food Revolution Day! - JW   

Measuring Spoons and May 17th...

I found these measuring spoons at Winners. They are magnetic which makes them stackable. Which is great for storage. They come with a pinch of salt and a dessertspoon measurement. Which is handy because my pinch of salt and Jamie Oliver's pinch of salt could be two different things. Also I have some vintage cookbooks which call for a dessertspoonful of this or that. I now can appreciate those recipes.  

On May 17th I will be participating in THIS...

If you haven't guess... Food Revolution Day is May 17th. I will be hosting an Asian infused family dinner. I have the menu set and we are excited to be participating again this year. When I registered I was the only one in E-town which is a step up considering last year, I believe, our dinner was the only one in E-town and Alberta for that matter. This year there is an event being hosted in Calgary. There are plenty things to do on that day. It's not just about cooking "real food" it is about education, awareness, communities, people, shopping local, sharing... Go visit the Food Revolution site by clicking *here*... Check it out and sign up! - JW  

Jamie's Food Revolution

After this weekend there is no doubt this was going to be my next cookbook. Jamie's Food Revolution: Rediscover How To Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals by Jamie Oliver, 2008, First U.S. Paperback Edition; pp.[7] 359. This cookbook has a story to tell!


In the introduction he reveals his passion behind Food Revolution. Jamie Oliver tells us his inspiration, British cooking legend Mauguerite Patton and why he is continuing to petition for better food choices in schools and in homes around the globe. He also explains the idea behind the pass it on movement. Not only is he a celebrity chef he is a parent and you get the sense that he sees the larger picture. And where are you in that picture? In the kitchen cooking and baking easy recipes that are delicious for family and friends. This cookbook is for everyone and is meant to be shared. 


The recipes are easy to read. Key ingredients are highlighted with red lettering. So if you are making a grocery list, like I was, it's easy to write down the things you will need. I have this cookbook in my regular rotation of cookbooks. One of my favourite recipes being the baked creamy leeks. There are mouthwatering photographs of recipes. Step by step photos to help guide you. To make the most of your kitchen experience the book offers a list of Essential Kitchen Equipment and a list of Essential Cupboard Ingredients. Most ingredients listed you should have in your cupboard, refrigerator and freezer already. I know how my mum stocked her pantry and that is why I try to have a well stocked one too. To me nothing beats a well stocked pantry! 


I have watched Jamie Oliver's School Dinners, Ministry of Food and Food Revolution and found it informative and eye opening from across the pond. Jamie Oliver is carrying a lot on his shoulders. One could say the weight of the world. He is trying to educate the masses, undo convenience food; processed and pre-packaged, debunk junk food and level out sugar. People are listening. Look at everyone who participated this past Saturday in Food Revolution Day. People stood up! but is this enough? I am sure Jamie Oliver thinks so. One person can make a difference. I know I think about the food choices everyday... for myself and for my children. I make them aware. My kids have watched the pink slime video. They do know about healthy eating but hey they are kids. They like what they like. I can only try. I will leave you with a sentence or a quote if you would like to call it that came from the cookbook. - JW  


     "Anyone can eat good food on any budget as long as they know how to cook."  

My Food Revolution Dinner!

As you know Food Revolution Day was and still is today. I did my part and participated by hosting a dinner party. On the menu was chicken fajitas, corn on the cob with lime, fresh homemade guacamole and salsa and a mixed field green salad with homemade salad dressing. Nothing process or pre-packaged except the whole wheat wraps and sour cream. 


The corn on the cob was a last minute addition. I boil the cobs of corn in a large pot then I mixed melted butter, freshly squeezed juice from half a lime, grated lime rind a bit of salt and pepper. That was served with the corn on the cob. It tasted wonderful! It is now my favourite way to dress corn on the cob. If I had a barbeque I would have roasted the corn with the flavoured butter and slices of lime. Everything went over very well and the kidlets had fun assembling their fajitas. 

The aftermath! Plates were clean and everyone was satisfied and happy. I had lots of fun preparing this dinner. It is quite rewarding when you see your efforts being enjoyed by all.  

That's me... my party was a registered event! The only event in E-town! I hope everyone who took part in Food Revolution Day had fun too! Until next year. -JW 

Food Revolution Day!

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Food Revolution Day is this Saturday! I know what I am doing. What are you doing? I was surprised when I saw that there is no organised event in my area! Canada... Canadians should be participating! Jamie Oliver hasn't brought his Food Revolution on Canadian soil... he has to our neighbours to the south, that shouldn't stop us from planning an event, hosting a dinner, making schools aware, kids aware, adults aware, shop local and have a garden for fresh fruit and veg. What better way great way to start the holiday weekend off then getting involved. So Saturday I am doing a dinner party for Food Revolution Day. I will be serving chicken fajitas, homemade guacamole, homemade salsa, a salad of mixed greens with veg and homemade dressing. Before Saturday hits I have been cooking a few things up in the kitchen... like I always do. The two meals pictured below are a few of the ones I do make on a weekly basis.   

Sweet and sour chicken stir-fry with mixed veggies served over basmati rice. This is a real easy dinner to make. Low in sodium and fat. Fresh and crisp, the kidlets almost licked their plates clean!   

Next is the butter chicken with mixed veggies and tofu, for extra protein. Topped with sour cream and chives and served with spaetzle... German pasta. Worlds are colliding and another dish where the plates were just about licked clean. The kidlets found it fun to add sour cream and chives and we got into a discussion on other things to add to future dishes. It's great sitting at the dinner table chatting about what goes into each dish and what they would add or not add. Why we include certain ingredients and about recipes. 

Yes that is me! I signed the petition, yesterday at 8:31 London time. It's not to late to sign up, sign the petition or get involved. Go to his website *here*  and join Food Revolution Day! I will post pictures of dinner on Saturday night. I do own a copy of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Cookbook. I will be reviewing that book next week. Have a great long weekend and a great Food Revolution Day! -JW