Enchanted Chameleon

local love :: qoola frozen yogurt bar

When I was in my teens and the girls and I were hanging out for movies or sleepovers we'd head over to the grocery store and pick up some treats.  My favourite was a peach frozen yogurt with little chunks of peach in them.  It was so full of sugar!  It was like pure sugar as I remember and the little peaches, looking back now, didn't even seem like real fruit.  But OH how I loved it!  It came in smaller containers just like a pint of yogurt and the whole thing never stood a chance!

Froyo has certainly morphed into something new since then.  From little pumps at ice cream parlours and TCBY to now with all the Pinkberry's, Yogurty's, Menchie's and local variations like Yetti's Yogurt here in North Van.  We certainly have no lack of options but in today's day and age it seems like our culture has evolved a little and low fat/sugar free options won't permanently cut it.

Enter Qoola!

How does a frozen yogurt bar that serves GMO Free, organic and pure cane sugar sweetened yogurt sound to you?  Not to mention that it's a Proud Canadian Company giving back to the community and sourcing from other Canadian companies?  It sounds freakin fantastic if you asked me!

C and I had a chance for some hefty sampling of Qoola Frozen Yogurt Bar in the Oakridge Centre and I assure you nothing could have been qooler!

There was a sweet selection of frozen yogurt that were gluten free as well as a dairy free option.  A great variety of quality dressings, fruit and high end syrups.  Not to mention their beverage of choice for the extra thirsty customer in your party: coconut water.  What a dream!  They also offered smoothies and cakes for pre order and just like other frozen yogurt bars, but totally GMO free, waffles for the extra hungry.  It was everything that a frozen yogurt parlour has nowadays and so much more.  Or should I say so much less?  How great to the know the quality guaranteed in each cup.

So it is my recommendation now that you all go there and make it a huge success so I can petition Qoola to build their next location in North Van right next to the swimming pool to make C and my Tuesday afternoon routine complete.  Or just go and REALLY treat yourself the next time you're out for froyo.  You deserve this!

XO, Suzanne

giveaway :: nature's path basket + fraser valley food show tix

source

Hey friends! Today Enchanted Chameleon is hosting a giveaway with Nature's Path Organics and the Fraser Valley Food Show (presented by Nature's Path Organics).  I personally love a good food show.  I've been attending a variety of different food shows about once a year since I moved to BC almost 12 years ago.  This one is especially great because of the 2nd Annual Gluten Free Living Expo.  You know I can't pass up the opportunity to sample every table of this section freely and unencumbered!

I'm also a big fan of Nature's Path.  Not only do they offer great products, they are HUGE backers of GMO Labelling and I've even happened to hear the leadership of Nature's Path speak at a GMO Labelling rally.  These are the kind of products that I like to have in my home.  They have a great line of Gluten Free Products that both C and I enjoy.  He is an especial fan of Peanut Choco Drizzle Crispy Rice Bars.  They are a sure win in lunch boxes and completely go missing on mornings when I decide to catch a little extra sleep. A total go to product when I'm not baking things myself.

So would you like to win something?  Cause it's officially my job today to SPREAD THE LOVE!

GIVEAWAY - One lucky reader will win a Nature's Path Organics Gift Basket (value of $100 - exact basket is NOT featured above) and 4 Tickets to the Fraser Valley Food Show October 3-5, 2014.  A total value of $136!

TO ENTER - Follow the directions of the Rafflecopter entry form below for 18 chances to win!

Good Luck!
XOXO Suzanne

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ blueberry green tea pick me up ~

I've been trying to dream up, well, pretty much anything to get on here and get my mind and my fingers moving again.  But more specifically, I've been trying to dream up more original smoothies.  One challenge that I have in making smoothies, is using plain water as the liquid base.  It's boring.  Sometimes I find just adding coconut water, apple cider, orange juice or lemon juice reduces how much sweetner I want to add or brings all the other flavours together.

Any inspiration for something different is always welcome, so when I came across this smoothie on Martha Stewart using Green Tea as a base, I knew I had to give it a try.  For one, green tea is delicious and full of antioxidants and 'good' caffeine.  Also, it's much more affordable than fresh juices and coconut water.  After a few attempts at making it taste the way I want to enjoy a refreshing green tea smoothie I came up with the below that C enjoyed as well.  This was perfect in the afternoon when we needed something refreshing to pick us up.

Blueberry Green Tea Pick Me Up, adapted from Martha Stewart Blueberry Green Tea Slushie
Serves 1

Needed:  1 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1 cup cooled green tea, 1 mango, honey or agave to taste (I added a teaspoon of agave)

Blend and enjoy.

Do you have any favourite liquids to put in your smoothies?  I would love to hear about them and give them a try. XO Suzanne. 

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~ serendipity smoothie ~

I love blending.  That's why you're here aren't you?  It's sure why I started here and ended up here.  That is for shizzle.  A blender would be my coat of armour.  That and some knitting needles and Persol glasses and if possible, without looking overaccessorized, flip flops.

I'm not sure that I've come flat out and said it here but I'll say it today:  I sold the Juice Caboose.  It's true.  It lives on in my soul and in memories and the blog that is still up to taunt and tease Vancouverites with the possibility of it coming to a venue (not intentionally, just sheer laziness and hope that it may come in use again).

It was a bittersweet decision.  Naturally I didn't want to give up my dream but in so doing I have freed up my life and finances in a way that I wouldn't have been able to do before in order to be with my family throughout my father's sickness this past year and a half, not to mention giving me a ton of space and time to heal.  Sometimes even marriages that aren't meant to be and past their expiration date require time for mourning.  Another dream, gone.  Grieving, a necessity. 

One hard thing about giving up the Caboose was giving up the Vitamix blender.  My Cuisinart was great and I know how to work a blender to make things like a Vitamix but still, it's a nice piece of kitchen bling that is hard to part with.  However, the decision to sell the business included that piece of equipment.  It was a package deal and regardless of what I wanted, the right decision was to keep the package together.  So I let it go.

Not long after, I was visiting Harvest Project, a place where I shop once a month for free groceries for low to no income people, a place that has helped me stay afloat and treading comfortably since I became a single parent.  They offer career counselling and professional clothing as well for those in need.  An amazing and award winning not-for-profit here on the North Shore that I'm eternally grateful for and hoping to repay someday with time, money or whathave you that I can offer when the opportunity arises.  I was there for my monthly shop and one of the volunteers approached me with a paper bag and asked me if I juice or blend.  Well, yes, if anyone does, I do.  Thinking she was handing me a bag of culled apples or juicing carrots I accepted the bag from her only to discover a practically new Vitamix Blender.  I but but butted, that this was a Vitamix.  The volunteer agreed it was in fact a really nice blender and it was mine to keep. 

After nearly falling over and scooping my jaw from the floor I thanked the Universe.  Sometimes when a dream comes to an end, it is easy to think one is not deserving.  I couldn't have questioned my deserving in any measure at that moment.  Again, thank you Universe, Higher Power, Good Rich Person of the North Shore that Didn't need a Vitamix?!?!  Thank you, you made my life.

It took me a little time to warm up to it.  It sat on my counter like a very expensive piece of art for the first few weeks till I finally mustered the acceptance that it wasn't going anywhere and it was mine to keep.  And naturally, just like my beat up used one that was from craigslist that went off into the sunset of someone elses dreams, so did this one magically start to make delicious smoothies from random who knows what I had in my fridge, was on sale, etc., just like I used to do in the truck.  Enter my Serendipity Smoothie.  The most delicious smoothie to touch my lips since October 2012 when the Caboose unknowingly sold its last batches.

Isn't she a beaut?

Serendipity Smoothie, fills a Wide Mouth Mason

Needed: 1 young thai coconut water and meat, 1/2 large bunch of fresh cilantro, 1/2 large bunch of fresh mint, 1 large mango or 2 small, 1 lemon, juiced, honey or agave to taste (I used about a tablespoon), 1 cup ice if you prefer it chilled (don 't bother with ice if you use frozen mango)

If you are blending with a regular blender or a bullet, first don't feel bad, I have used them for years.  Blend the greens with the liquid first until smooth and then add fruit and meat.  If you are fortunate enough to have a Vitamix or a Blendtec just throw it all in a blend up this delicious smoothie.  Enjoy.

XO.  Suzanne

 

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just-like-pumpkin-pie-no-pumpkin-smoothie

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gluten free zucchini muffins with orange glaze

All stories must start somewhere.  Today, I start with a simple, delicious recipe as opposed to all the ups and downs of life that the last year and half have brought me.  Those stories will unfold slowly as time passes.  Today, I go easy on myself.  I'll start with muffins.

I mean, where would we be without muffins?  They are a staple in many people's diets.  An easy snack, a replacement meal, something cheap and easy to pick up on the go.  Filling.  Yummy.  When gluten free though, it's not such a staple.  First, you can't just pick up one muffin from a place that carries gluten free muffins.  You usually have to buy a $10 box.  And that's if a store even carries them.  If you make them, maybe they are super heavy like many gluten free foods can be.  I want to be full but I don't want to be walking through sludge the rest of the day just trying to digest my meal.

Although I normally like to make everything from scratch with my own mix of gluten free flours, I came into possession of the Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix.  Except that my narrow brain seemed to keep skipping over the part that said baking and was only using it for pancakes.  What an awful oversight!  I took a stab at the muffin recipe on the back of the package and what a light fluffy, perfectly tasty gluten free muffin did it make.  Super simple.  What a delight.  I had to make a second and third batch to keep up with the demand in my home.  Not all recipes go over so well.  This one was a hit.

Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins with Orange Glaze, makes 5

Needed:  1 1/4 C Pamela's Gluten Free Baking and Pancake Mix, (ingredients according to recipe on package - egg, vanilla, water, sugar - I used 1/4 C Coconut Palm Sugar), 1/2 C shredded zucchini, 1/8 t ground anise, 1/8 t cinnamon, coconut butter for muffin pan, 1/2 C icing sugar, 1 1/2 T orange juice, 1/4 t orange rind.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all the ingredients up to the cinnamon in a bowl.  Grease muffin pan with coconut butter.  I used a muffin top pan (so cool, I know, total find at the thrift shop) and the Fred and Friends Teacupcakes.  Bake in oven for 18-20 minutes.  Let cool for 10.  

MIx glaze ingredients together and glaze onto muffins once cool.  Let sit for 20 minutes for glaze to harden before serving.  Enjoy.  Suzanne

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thanksgiving! gifts & gluten free

I've taken a new position on at my store, it's kind of like a special project manager where I essentially manage holidays!  Fun!  It's been a little bit deco, a little bit talking foodie and a lot of troubleshooting as its a new position to take over the chaos that normally occurs before the holidays.  I've already been dreaming about turkey orders and I will not lie, I am spending the week mentally preparing myself for turkey and meal pickups this Saturday as we still have 6 days to go and already we have over 75 people coming in just to see me!  And we haven't even really been super busy taking orders yet!  The real 'fun' begins this week.  

In between the bumpers of the pinball machine that these first couple of weeks have been like I've managed to come up with a little love of Thanksgiving, my creative contribution to my little corner of the store.

Normally at this time the store kicks out the perk and has cider sampling on overdrive.  It's a tradition and our guests at the store look forward to it.  However, I didn't want to just be the apple cider sample table.  I wanted a segway to talking turkey and deco and food.  I put two and two together and I came up with a very well received idea for Hostess Gifts, especially if the dinner you are attending is a famly, with the Apple Cider and Mulled Spice gift pack.  As pictured above we have a giant jug of Jim's Apple Cider from BC apples tied up simply with a pack of reuseable muslin pot pourri/spice sacs and the incredible Mulling Spice Pack from Gathering Place Trading Company (please click that link and tell me you don't want to visit this family for Thanksgiving).  People are just in LOVE with this gift!  I recommend it over anything else this Thanksgiving.

Anything else but a pumpkin centrepiece!  If it isn't love with the cider gift, than it will be full on soul mates with the beautiful green pumpkin carved out, decorated with fushia, red and orange flowers!  Or a white pumpkin with luscious rich fall coloured flowers or a butternut squash vase with sunflowers or gerbera daisies in a rich red colour. Oh the possibilities!  Seriously, visit Pinterest for inspiration (just click, the search is there!) if you aren't feelin me on this cause a carved out pumpkin bouquet/centrepiece is just the most luscious, decadent, epitome of beauty and harvest at the Thanksgiving table (here's one I made a few years ago with a Moulin Rouge Sunflower and Mum's from our old garden plot at Maplewood Farms).

I figured that while we are on the topic of Thanksgiving, I mean, it's just a week away (!!!) I would include a link to my Gluten Free Xmas Dinner post that I wrote last Christmas as a part of the 12 Days of Traditions with Vancouver's Top Mommy Bloggers.  A lot of the info posted in there from stuffing to gravy and of course, pumpkin pies can be really useful this time of year, and I went into a little detail if you are new or just hosting a guest that is gluten free and how to best handle having a gluten free experience for them.  Hope you find a little something extra that you hadn't thought of before you head out this week on your holiday shop!  

XO.
SUzanne 

just-like-pumpkin-pie-no-pumpkin-smoothie

The legend of the Juice Caboose comes alive again this fall season with one of its best selling, seasonal smoothies - the Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.  This smoothie is completely raw.  Nothing canned is contained.  And why should there be, it's a freakin smoothie!  A smoothie should be fresh and alive and easy to digest, not masked with a bunch of stuff to make it taste better.  If it doesn't taste good with natural and wholesome elements, you shouldn't be drinking it as a smoothie, you should call it something else, in this case a pumpkin pie.  Let's call a spade a spade.  (if you want to know why health experts are saying smoothies are bad for you, it's most likely they AREN'T A SMOOTHIE!)   

Ok, ok.  Passion for pure smoothies aside, this thing is delicious and you don't have to feel guilty that it isn't a smoothie.  CAUSE IT REALLY IS!  And it really tastes like pumpkin pie.

Just-Like-Pumpkin-Pie-No-Pumpkin-Smoothie

:: 1 Cup Ice

:: 1 1/2 C Carrot Juice

:: 1/2 Avocado

:: 2 T Honey

:: 1/2 t Pumpkin Pie Spice

Blend all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

You can also substitute the 3-4 soaked dates for the honey, or a good quality raw agave syrup.

Enjoy this as a treat or a meal.  For those of us that would love the taste of a Pumpkin Spice something without all the calories and such.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!  We started drinking them today, another sign of fall and Thanksgiving upon us.  

XO.
Suzanne

taste of thanksgiving - tonight!