BEST OF OTTAWA 2021: Vegan and vegetarian restaurants

 After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top spots for takeout, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share

Be the best version of you with Perfect Press® oils

 Are you the best version of you that you can be? Plenty of people ask that question, and ask it often. But on this journey of self-improvement, the next good question to ask is this: what are you using to become the best version of you? And is that thing,

Millet – not just for the birds!

 Above: A little-known grain, millet is a healthy alternative to rice.  In North America millet is mainly used for bird food and is not something people eat very often, if at all. But, there are many health benefits that can be gained by including this amazing little grain in your diet. It's

America’s most popular peanut butter sold on Amazon — PBfit comes to Canada

 PBfit, the wildly popular peanut butter powder with 87% less fat and 1/3 the calories of regular PB is now available on Amazon in Canada. PBfit is the game-changing peanut butter powder taking the internet by storm. Not only is it the #1 selling peanut butter on Amazon in the

Riceberry — a whole grain rice that’s a whole lot of delicious

 Full of antioxidants, Riceberry is a hybrid rice developed in Thailand that has a beautiful rich purple hue. Thailand produces tens of thousands of varieties of rice but Riceberry's nutrient-dense qualities and nutty flavour has made it popular around the world.  The distinctive colour is from a naturally occurring flavonoid pigment that is

French Canadian Cranberry Pecan Gluten-Free Stuffing

 Recipe created by author Kathy Smart, North America’s Gluten Free Expert, courtesy of Udi’s Gluten-Free. This easy stuffing combines traditional French Canadian flavours. Serve this holiday favourite as a side, or toss it into a casserole with other post-festivity leftovers. Each bite receives a burst of cranberry and a pecan

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

 Looking for a fun summer appetizer? Try Nanny Hudson's sweet and sour meatball recipe! Prep Time: 20 minutes Makes: 6 to 8 servings Cook Time: 50 minutes Ingredients Meatballs: 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef 1/4 cup (60 mL) gluten-free breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (60 mL) grated onion 1 egg, beaten 1 clove

The Gluten Free Diet: Why it Might Not be Helping You

 I have lost count of the number of clients at Ottawa Holistic Wellness that I have advised to go on a gluten free diet because I determined it would help their symptoms. For the vast majority, it was a positive experience. Their long-term chronic symptoms disappeared. For the minority, the

Snickerdoodle Apple Crumble

 Recipe created by Tristaca Curley, MSc, RD at Fueling with Food, courtesy of Udi’s Gluten-Free. This recipe is an easy favourite for those looking for quick, gluten free dessert. Best served warm, it’s a lovely, sweet and crunchy treat. Ingredients: 1 box (227g) Udi’s Snickerdoodle cookies, crushed 10 cups (approx

Maple Cinnamon French Toast

 Recipe created by author Kathy Smart, North America’s Gluten Free Expert, courtesy of Udi’s Gluten-Free. Coconut milk gives this Cinnamon French toast with Canadian maple syrup an unexpected twist. Gluten free, and perfect for a cozy breakfast. Serves 1. Ingredients: 2 pieces of Udi’s Whole Grain Bread or Millet and

Take a bite at Café Urban

 One year after the opening of Café Urban at Saint Paul University, the kitchen is busier than ever. Handmade sandwiches, granola and soups are flying onto the trays of hungry students and faculty. Café Urban aims to supply the university and public with locally sourced food for breakfast, lunch and

Udi’s Kid Friendly Turkey Quinoa Meatball Hoagie

 Recipe courtesy of Udi's Gluten Free. This kid-approved meal is a hit with people of all ages. Kids love the meatballs with tomato sauce and cheese – healthy items, like quinoa and mushrooms, get parents’ nutritional stamp of approval. Serves 6 Ingredients: 6 Udi’s Classic Hot Dog Buns      

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Fresh Dill Appetizers

 Recipe courtesy of Udi’s Gluten Free. Serves 2 The classic cream cheese, local smoked salmon and fresh dill combination is delightfully transformed with a simple twist: fresh lemon zest in every bite. Food styling suggestions White plate with focus on the contrast between pink salmon and green dill, adding a fresh

Kale, Brown Rice and Butternut Salad

 Recipe courtesy of USA Rice Federation. Kale and brown rice are a match made in nutritional heaven. Toss in crunchy slivers of butternut squash and drizzle with this refreshing dressing for a delicious, impressive salad that is ideal for the summer or fall, lunch or dinner, any day of the

Healthy Bibimbap Rice Bowl

 Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish that means mixed rice. Its rise in popularity might be its simplicity and flavourful kick in every mouthful. What could be easier, or more fun, than tossing vegetables, protein and rice in a bowl, crowning with an egg and then stirring together all the

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Grilled Sandwich with a Balsamic Glaze

 Recipe courtesy of Udi’s Gluten Free. Makes 1 serving Enjoy a summertime twist on a gluten free grilled cheese sandwich by adding fresh local strawberries, local goat cheese and zesty balsamic vinegar. Food Styling Suggestions Grilled Cheese cut on a diagonal with the contrast of greens against the strawberries Served on

Cedar-Planked Salmon Stuffed with Brown Rice

 Recipe courtesy of USA Rice Federation. Planking is easy, good for the body and deliciously rewarding in this salmon with brown rice recipe. Whether cooked on the BBQ or in the oven, the cedar infuses the salmon with a light smoky flavour and keeps it moist and tender. Consider cooking

Slate Grilled Chicken with Lemon Olive Rice

 Recipe courtesy of USA Rice Federation. Slate cooking, a rustic method popularized in France, makes outdoor grilling more versatile and entertaining. Using a sizzling hot slate tile is a great way to grill chicken alongside a delicious side of brown rice, which is not often prepared on the BBQ. Using

Udi’s Lemon Gremolata Chicken Pizza…With a Twist!

 Recipe courtesy of Udi's Gluten Free. Perfect for fueling your body for race day and for rebuilding muscles following your run, this pizza combines the classic Italian tastes of fresh parsley, garlic, Parmesan cheese with fresh lemon and chicken for a flavour explosion in every bite. Serves 6 Ingredients: 1/3 cup

Udi’s Ahi Tuna, Avocado and Mango Salsa Sandwich

 Recipe courtesy of Udi's Gluten Free. This recipe uses tender ahi tuna, creamy avocado and fresh mangos to create a sweet and salty sandwich fit to impress any guest. Serves 2-4 Ingredients: 2 Udi’s French baguettes                            

Flour Faux-pas! May is Celiac Awareness Month

 Image Courtesy of Udi's Gluten Free Two-thirds of Canadians believe going gluten free is more than just another food frenzy, according to a new Canadians Attitudes to Gluten Free survey by Udi’s Healthy Foods. The study comes out just in time for Celiac Awareness Month this May. Celiac disease is

Epic Blend: Protecting Your Lips The Natural Way

 Who knows chapped lips better than Canadians? Epic Blend, a West Kelowna, BC company has been in the business since 2007. Epic Blend offers an all natural solution and for chapped lips.  These premium lip palms are petroleum free and made from organic sunflower seed oil, hemp seed oil, and

Udi’s Caramelized Apple Ricotta Mexican Crepe

 Recipe created by Stephanie Clairmont, MHSc, RD at The Clairmont Digestive Clinic courtesy of Udi’s Gluten Free. Sweet apples and creamy ricotta cheese come together in this Mexican-style crepe that’s irresistible when it comes straight out of the oven. The perfect balance of savoury and sweet makes this a flawless

The Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” Winner Shares Tips for Holiday Desserts

 If there’s one downside to fabulous, food-filled holiday celebrations, it’s the gurgles and groans of post-feasting indigestion. “We assume it’s because we overate, but for a lot of people, that pain and sick feeling may not be about how much you ate but what you ate,” says Kyra Bussanich, (www.kyrasbakeshop.com), three-time winner of The

Two-Time ‘Cupcake Wars’ Winner Shares Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts

 Bakery Owner Tosses the Flour but Keeps the Flavor More than ever, people understand that our bodies just weren’t designed to handle the amount of processed flour found in many of today’s foods. Some people with vague, undiagnosed illnesses feel better after cutting out gluten, a protein in flour-based foods.