Sweet Eats
(Family Features) Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones. From the first days of the season to the last, many families spend their precious time together with favourite activities and the best foods the holidays have to offer.
This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to update
Apple Wreath Salad
Recipe courtesy of “The Produce Moms” (@theproducemoms)
INGREDIENTS
Balsamic Dressing:
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salad:
10 ounces baby arugula
3 Envy apples, sliced
9 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
3 ounces pomegranate arils
3 ounces pecans, toasted
DIRECTIONS
1. To make balsamic dressing: In small serving bowl, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
2. Place dressing bowl in centre of large board or platter. Arrange arugula around dressing bowl in wreath shape.
3. Place apple slices on top of arugula. Sprinkle on goat cheese, pomegranate arils and pecans.
classics due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavour, uplifting, fresh aroma, delightfully satisfying crunch, beautiful appearance, and naturally white flesh that doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like this.
Find more memory-making recipes at EnvyApple.com.
Brown Butter Apple Pie
INGREDIENTS
Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Filling:
4 tablespoons butter
2 pounds Envy apples, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons flour
1 deep dish frozen pie shell
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. To make streusel topping: Mix flour, chopped pecans and light brown sugar. Stir in butter using fingertips until incorporated with small lumps of butter visible. Refrigerate.
3. To make filling: In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until amber, stirring often. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla and flour using spatula. Pour brown butter over apples and mix, scraping skillet with rubber spatula to incorporate brown butter bits.
4. Place frozen pie shell on baking sheet. Add 2 cups apple mixture into shell, gently pressing apple slices for even base. Add remaining apple slices and gently press. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over apples.
5. Bake 30 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake 35-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples feel tender when pierced with fork.
Publisher’s Note
Our community is important to us and we take pride in being part of the
Thank you to all of our readers, contributors and advertisers for your
Publisher
Victoria Ledden
OWNER/PUBLISHER/AD SALES
Victoria Ledden | 705-429-0761 | vledden1@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER Don Beaulieu
DESIGN
Project 818B Marketing | kim@project818b.com
MAILING ADDRESS
2-291 Main Street, Suite 434, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 0E8 whatsupgb.com
John and Nickel (his unlicensed assistant)
JOHN ARMSTRONG, Sales Representative john@armstrongs4u.com Cell: 705-351-2767
Collingwood Office: 330 First Street Collingwood and THE ARMSTRONG TEAM! Brenda - Cell: 705-828-4571 Candy - Cell: 705-817-1007
Wasaga Beach Office: 1249 Mosley St. Wasaga Beach
• Implant Retained Dentures
• Complete & Partial Dentures
• Same Day Relines & Repairs
• Lab On-Site
• New Patients Welcome
• Complimentary Consultations
NEW KITCHEN CABINETS
Refinish your existing cabinets or install new doors, hardware, sinks, counters, even add to your existing cabinetry.
Showroom: 1470 Mosley St., Unit 5, Wasaga Beach 705-429-9382 info@georgiangraniteworks.ca georgiangraniteworks.ca
Kim Dadswell, DD
Master Gardener
• After a warm, no, it was a HOT summer, plus some lovely summer days in September, FALL is definitely here with a possible risk of FROST.
• There is much talk in the fall about “Putting Your Garden to Bed”, I think they mean preparing your garden for the winter. There is an annual argument among gardeners as to whether you should cut back your perennials, ornamental grasses, etc., in the fall, or leave them tall for “winter interest”, and to feed the birds. However, up here, most perennials are covered by 2+ feet of snow, so you can’t see them anyway and there are no seedheads for the birds. Spring Clean-Up can be daunting. There may be wet weather, or a late spring. For these reasons, I am opting for a BIG FALL CLEAN-UP again this year to get a jump on next spring.
• It’s time to trim back perennials and divide them as needed if your garden is crowded, or to give to your neighbours, or to pot them up now and put them back in the ground for the St. George’s plant sale, planned for Saturday May 31st 2025. Plant donors get an Income Tax Receipt for the value their plants sell for, if you donate 15 or more perennials. When digging and potting up, always make sure it is a cool, cloudy day and add bone meal fertilizer to the pots, or to your new plantings.
• Remember, October is a great time to plant shrubs and perennials. They get a big jump on plants you might plant next spring.
• Buy and plant spring flowering bulbs NOW. Add a little bulb fertilizer, like bone meal, to the bottom of the hole and add water to the hole to get the bulb’s roots started. Your efforts NOW will bring big dividends in April and May 2025.
• For a longer bulb bloom season, plant a variety of bulbs, each with different bloom date, like winter aconite, snow drops and crocus to start the season. You can also plant early, middle and late blooming tulips and daffs for a much longer bloom season.
• Place chicken wire just under the surface of the soil over any tulip bulbs you plant. The squirrels will hate you. Daffs should not need this protection.
• If there is an early frost warning this fall, cover tender annuals overnight with an old bed sheet. They should make it through the night and keep on blooming.
• Bring in house plants when the evenings start to cool down, or if you get a frost warning. First, give them a thorough spray with insecticidal soap, so that there are no unwanted hitchhikers coming into your home.
• Fertilize lawns with a “high” first number, no “second” number and lower “third” number, or advertised as a “Fall Formula” fertilizer. Don’t use that fertilizer you have left over from the spring.
• Start cutting your grass much lower than in summer to avoid winter matted long grass next spring that you will have to rake out.
• Water shrubs, evergreens and trees weekly and deeply at least until frost.
Submitted by John Hethrington
Things to do in your garden each month taken from the Ontario Master Gardener Calendar by John Hethrington, Past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario. For more information, OR TO OBTAIN YOUR OWN COPY of the 11” x 17” colourful calendar of the full year’s tips for a $2 contribution to Master Gardeners, call 519-599-5846.
What’s Up? Georgian Bay
5 Easy Ways to Nourish Your Brain
(BPT) - What are you doing to nourish your brain on a daily basis? Many people eat a balanced diet and work out to nourish and support their bodies and their overall health, but it’s just as important to support the brain. It can lead to greater mental focus, a longer attention span, sharper memory, greater mental energy, and can even enhance your mood and mental health. And it couldn’t be more important. Why? It’s because the brain is the epicentre of, well, everything. It’s about experiences, memories, attention span and so much more. Nurturing the brain isn’t just about delaying cognitive decline or aging - it’s about embracing life to the fullest. A healthy brain means meaningful activities, deep relationships, engrossing passion. There is a profound impact of brain health in every aspect of the human journey. Cognitive vitality and unlocking the potential of each moment resonates with everyone. When the brain thrives, so does daily life.
Whether you’re a young professional looking to optimize your cognitive performance, an older adult focused on maintaining mental clarity and memory, or a kid just trying to get through final exams, it’s wise to boost your brain. The good news? It’s easy to do. Here are some ways to give your brain some love.
Eat right. There are many reasons to eat a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats, and brain health is high on that list. Eating foods packed with antioxidants and other nutrients is great for your brain. Omega-3 fatty acids also play a crucial role, and can be found in fatty fish, nuts and seeds.
Get your Cognizin Citicoline on. What’s that? Citicoline is a naturally occurring brain chemical that has neuroprotective properties. In other words, it helps protect and repair brain cells and supports focus and memory. Cognizin® Citicoline is one of the most comprehensive brain ingredients on the market. An innovative form of Citicoline, which has been clinically researched for its role in cognitive function, Cognizin® is a clinically studied nootropic to support mental energy, memory, focus and attention. Many other cognitive health ingredients only enhance brain performance, but Cognizin® provides brain performance as well as brain health support over time. This brain health nutrient has demonstrated through multiple clinical trials that it provides essential brain health benefits to people of all ages.
Exercise. When you exercise, you’re not just burning calories. You’re increasing blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function. How much exercise does the trick? Thirty minutes of moderate exercise on most days is a good guideline. And hey, all of that good food and exercise will help your body, too.
Focus on sleep. A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed what many of us already knew - sleep is vital to brain health. If you’ve ever slogged through the day after a bad night’s sleep, you know how groggy and “off” you feel. But this study showed that sleep is an integral part of “brain plasticity,” or the brain’s ability to adapt to input. After a bad night’s sleep, we actually have trouble processing anything we learned the next day and have trouble remembering it in the future. Can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday? A bad night’s sleep could be the culprit.
Challenge your brain daily. Love Wordle? How about a crossword puzzle or other type of brain teaser? Doing them is like a workout for your brain, and helps keep you sharp. It’s easy to check off a good diet, sleep, exercise and puzzles each day. What about Cognizin? It’s actually in more products than you might realize, from beverages you see regularly at the grocery store to supplements to protein bars, even lollipops! There are currently 200+ products out there right now that contain Cognizin.
Franchising
BOOK YOUR FAMILY THANKSGIVING DINNER PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY
Bring in this completed coupon for 10% OFF your next meal.*
Email:
theironskillet.ca
*Exp. October 31, 2024. One coupon per customer.
Visit Cognizin.com/en/buy-cognizin to get started.
A few easy lifestyle changes can show the love to your brain every day. It’ll love you back, guaranteed.
BARRIE . WASAGA BEACH . COLLINGWOOD
A Creative Twist on Halloween Carvings
(Family Features) When it comes to Halloween, carving the same pumpkin designs each year can become routine. This year, save a pumpkin and carve your spooky masterpiece into a watermelon instead.
Nutrient-rich watermelon can be a healthy alternative to other sweet treats full of added sugar during Halloween festivities as it’s a source of vitamins A and C as well as the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline.
Because they are made up of 92% water, watermelons can be an effective way to stay hydrated during trick-or-treating, and creations like Jack O’Melon can help satisfy sweet cravings while keeping friends and family members frightfully delighted.
To get started, consider these carving tips and tricks:
Jack O’Melon
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS
Knife
Round watermelon
Melon baller
Dry-erase marker
Toothpicks (optional)
Battery-operated light
DIRECTIONS
1. Using knife, cut thin slice from bottom of watermelon to provide stable base.
2. Cut circular piece of rind from top of watermelon big enough to reach into and remove flesh. Carefully remove top section and reserve for use as “lid.”
3. Remove flesh from inside watermelon using melon baller, reserving melon balls for snacking. Hollow out remaining watermelon flesh and use blender to juice scraps and excess juice.
4. Using dry-erase marker, draw outlines of eyes, nose, mouth, hair, ears and other features on side of watermelon. If mistake is made
• To make cutting and slicing easier, the watermelon should be at room temperate when carving.
• Cut a small, thin, flat piece from the bottom of the watermelon to provide a stable base for carving.
• Draw the design on the watermelon rind with a dry-erase marker before cutting. If you make a mistake, this can make it easier to wipe off.
• Use a sharp knife with a pointed tip for easier, cleaner cuts. Consider a paring knife with a smaller tip for ease of detail.
• Blend scraps of watermelon that are too messy for dicing or slicing to create an easy juice.
For more watermelon carving ideas, visit watermelon.org.
with marker, wipe off using paper towel to start over. Following outlines, carve features into watermelon and remove excess rind.
5. Safe, battery-operated light can be firmly placed inside watermelon to provide haunting glow.
6. Place circular piece of rind back on top of watermelon.
7. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and use kitchen knife to cut off 1/4-1/2-inch of rind from bottom to provide sturdy base, being careful not to cut too deep into white part of rind. Cut 1-2 inches from stem end to create opening for bowl to be added.
8. Using dry-erase marker, draw eyes, nose and mouth, along with wavy slits around carving. Use paring knife to cut them out, being sure to cut through to red flesh to let more light flow through.
9. Use melon baller to hollow out inside of watermelon. Reserve watermelon balls. Use scoop to remove remaining watermelon.
10. Using vegetable peeler, remove green skin off outside of watermelon, similar to peeling cucumber.
11. Wrap thin strips cheesecloth or gauze around mummy carving and secure with straight pin, if needed.
12. Place battery-operated candle or light inside carving and fit small bowl into top of carving. Trim away excess rind to make bowl fit securely.
13. Fill bowl with melon balls. Attach candy eyes or blueberries using a toothpicks, pins or glue.
Halloween Safety for Your Pet
(NC) Halloween isn’t just for kids. Pets are joining the festivities too, but it’s important to keep safety in mind while you celebrate. To make Halloween a real treat for pets and ensure they stay safe and happy, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
ENTERTAINING AT HOME Is your dog easily spooked? Even the friendliest pet may be alarmed by a ghost or witch at the front door. One of the best ways to help eliminate unwanted surprises is by establishing a safe, pets-only room in the house. This may also put trick-or-treaters who are uncomfortable around pets at ease.
“Before having pets join in the Halloween festivities, it’s important to assess whether your pet will be comfortable participating or if the festivities will cause undue stress,” says Dr. Robyn Jaynes ,a pet care expert at PetSmart. “If you have a young or senior pet, or one that is shy around others, it’s better to give them a quiet space away from all the activity or host a small family celebration where they’ll feel more comfortable.”
PET-FRIENDLY TREATS Chocolate is particularly tempting for pets, but it can make them seriously ill. Pet parents should keep all Halloween candy out of pets’ reach. Also, choose a treat that will help pets celebrate Halloween and includes health benefits, such as Greenies Dental Chews, which keep dogs’ and cats’ teeth clean and breath fresh.
SAFETY FIRST Is your pet ready to step out on the street? Reflective leashes, collars and ID tags with flashing lights are essential accessories for any pet Halloween costume. Pets should also have proper identification that includes pet parents’ contact information. Finally, make sure that an adult is holding the leash and that the pet is at ease around strangers and crowds.
More tips on pet safety as well as Halloween costumes and toys can be found at PetSmart or petsmart.com.
A Fabulous Fall Lunch
Classic Cream of Mushroom Soup
A savoury soup suitable for lunch, dinner or a hearty snack
(NC) This is a deliciously rich and creamy mushroom soup that you make in one pot. It makes a hearty supper served with a warm buttered roll or rustic crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers can be packed in a thermos for a homemade school lunch, or a heart-warming snack after a fall outing.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp (30 ml) oil
1.5 lbs (680 grams) mixed mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster), sliced
1 cup (250 ml) yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp (2 ml) each, salt and fresh ground pepper
4 tbsp (60 ml) butter
1/4 (60 ml) cup all-purpose flour
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
Fresh thyme or chopped parsley for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook, stirring occasionally until the
mushrooms are browned and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Remove half of the mixture from the pot; set aside.
2. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to the pot; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add butter, stirring until melted. Add flour, stirring to coat mushrooms, about 30 seconds.
4. Slowly add broth, stirring to combine. Allow soup to simmer, about 10 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Return reserved mushrooms to the pot.
6. Add cream, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened and creamy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley.
TIPS
Remove and discard the stems from shiitake mushrooms as they can be woody.
Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half cream (10 per cent fat) to reduce the fat.
Spiced Pumpkin Carrot Cheesecake Cupcakes
(Culinary.net) Pumpkin is the flavour of the season when fall comes around, especially when used in heartwarming desserts and sweet treats the whole family can enjoy.
This autumn, when your loved ones start searching the kitchen for sweets, you can turn to Spiced Pumpkin Carrot Cheesecake Cupcakes for a tasty handheld way to appease those festive cravings. Combining pumpkin quick bread with a handful of household ingredients, this easy recipe makes it simple to serve up traditional tastes in a matter of minutes.
Plus, with kid-friendly instructions that call for minimal complicated tasks, the whole family can enjoy creating these cupcake masterpieces together as a celebration of moments spent together.
Find more seasonal desserts at Culinary.net.
Serves: 12
INGREDIENTS
1 box (14 ounces) pumpkin quick bread, divided
1 cup carrots, shredded
3 eggs, divided
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup pecans, chopped
3 tablespoons butter, softened
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In large bowl, stir 1/2 pumpkin quick bread package, carrots, 1 egg, milk, raisins and oil until blended. Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full.
3. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining eggs, sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spoon cream cheese mixture over cupcake batter.
4. In medium bowl, use fork to combine remaining bread package mix, pecans and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over cream cheese in each cup.
5. Bake 25 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack.
Create a Family-Friendly Grazing Board
(Family Features) A beautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.
No matter what you call it, charcuterie boards, grazing boards and snack platters are all basically the same thing. The boards make a trendy addition to an entertaining menu, but a platter or kid-friendly board can be equally pleasing.
What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate nuts, crackers, dips and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating your own board means there really are no rules; you can add just about anything you want.
To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind:
• Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration, heat or will lose its shape or flavour if it rests for an extended amount of time.
• Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be
a simple cutting board or a cute platter. There’s no specific size requirement but err on the side of bigger; spacing out your goodies can be more attractive and less messy.
• Use high-quality ingredients to ensure every bite is delicious and nutritious. While shopping, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favourite items in the produce department, as adding these flavourful fruits and veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community.
• Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kid-friendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colours; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colourful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients.
Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Classic favourites are all you need. Even kid favourites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks and chocolate chips are fair game for a family-friendly board.
Find more ideas for creating family-friendly treats at healthyfamilyproject. com.
Taco Tuesday Board
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook
Guacamole
Salsa
Queso
Hard and soft taco shells
Ground turkey, seasoned and browned
Lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Chopped onions
Chopped peppers
Sour cream
Cilantro
Lime wedges
On grazing board or platter, arrange guacamole, salsa, queso, taco shells, ground turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, peppers, sour cream, cilantro and lime wedges.
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook
Hard-boiled eggs
Cooked sausage links
Mini frozen waffles, toasted
Mini frozen pancakes, toasted Mini muffins
Yogurt
Fresh fruit
Syrup
Jelly
On grazing board or platter, arrange eggs, sausage links, toasted waffles, toasted pancakes, muffins, yogurt, fruit, syrup and jelly.
Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board
If there’s an award in Clearview Township for the funkiest, most-unusual business in this municipality, it should go to Mark Bint and his business, We Get It.
Mark, who has history as interesting as all the goods inside his Stayner store, is revolutionizing retail business one item at a time and one dollar at a time.
If there’s an award in Clearview Township for a store owner who can enthusiastically and candidly chat with a customer about his store’s history and about his dreams for growing his business, Mark Bint should get it.
In Stayner recently, I visited We Get it and chatted with Mark. He told me about his store and his dreams. We Get It is crammed with used and sometimes new items. Almost everything is for sale for a dollar. There are some things, perhaps furniture items, which are obviously worth more than a dollar and will cost a customer more than a dollar.
But, almost amazingly, Mark Bint offers value for hundreds of items and dreams of making his store more of a focal point at its east-side Stayner location.
In fact, a newly-established relationship with a southwestern Ontario company called Coops, Crappers and Tiny Cabins, is fueling Mark’s newest dreams of helping find value and better ways in which to live.
It’s possible that We Get It could put Stayner on the commercial map as the go-to place to find out more about tiny homes. Tiny homes are in the news a lot these days and Mark is determined to make his store a “tiny homes central”.
It was a tiny home that drew my attention to We Get It as I pulled in from Highway 26 at the east end of Stayner’s main downtown core. I parked alongside a structure which looked like a tiny home, or perhaps a sauna. It was neither. It was a well-built chicken coop!
Inside We Get It I wandered at will, having left my cellphone in my pocket and understanding that no cellphone use is allowed inside We Get It. That’s a rule from Mark and he’s not bashful about telling visitors about it. Unfortunately, I did not ask him why. I took the easy path and simply did not take my cellphone out of my pocket.
I found two items that I needed. One, a device which could be used as a tow strap for a vehicle. It has hooks at each end of a strong strap. The second package, which had never been opened, containing some translucent window-cover material. I bought both items for a dollar each.
I almost felt criminal giving Mark two dollars for the two items because in my heart of hearts I know that these items are worth more. But a dollar each was the asking price!
Goods at Mark’s store change from time to time, perhaps almost daily, as he receives donations, or finds items that he can sell for a dollar.
I was in Stayner working on a project that I am developing. I left We Get It with my bargains and visited Clearview Township’s municipal office and the Stayner branch of the Clearview Library system. At both places I received a friendly welcome and assistance. Overall, it’s worth the drive to Stayner because in addition to my aforementioned stops there are many other interesting businesses, ranging from restaurants to clothing stores, there.
But none are as funky, or as unusual, nor do they have an outspoken character for an owner, as We Get It.
Yes, we get it and wish Mark Bint continued success as he paddles the rapids of retailing adventures!
Submitted by George Czerny-Holownia
Home Reno Projects to Tackle
Before it Gets too Cold!.
(NC) When the days are starting to get shorter and the nights get colder, it’s time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the fall and winter months. Before the weather starts cooling off dramatically, review and tackle this checklist:
PERFORM A ROOF INSPECTION AND REPAIR LOOSE SHINGLES
Have a professional check your roof to ensure your shingles are intact. Also, make sure your gutters and downspouts are free and clear of leaves and branches. Apply roof repair glue to any loose shingles to help avoid leaks or damage. If your roof needs a fix, many local hardware stores like The Home Depot Canada have installation services to help. Make sure to schedule the work before the weather gets too cold.
TURN OFF EXTERIOR FAUCETS
Turn off all exterior faucets and drain water from outdoor hoses, pipes, valves and sprinkler heads to prevent bursts. You should also consider installing frost-proof faucets.
INSTALL HEATING CABLES
Roof heating cables will help you avoid long-term damage caused by freezing and ice dam build-up. Before installing the cables make sure your eavestroughs and roof have been thoroughly cleaned. Affix roof cable clips in a zigzag pattern. Finally, attach and secure your heating cable to the clips and connect the power supply.
SEAL GAPS AND CRACKS
“Sealing the gaps and cracks around your windows and doors when the weather is still warm is essential to keep your home comfortable while using less energy this winter,” says Jack Rende, senior building materials merchant at The Home Depot Canada. “Any gaps wider than the width of a nickel between your siding and window or door frames should have caulking applied to them. Use your finger or a wet caulk-smoothing tool to smooth your seal within 2 to 5 minutes of application.”
CLEAN GUTTERS AND ADD GUTTER GUARDS
Clean gutters allow water to easily flow from your rooftop and away from your home, preventing damage to your foundation and ice buildup on your roof. Installing gutter guards is a great way to avoid the buildup of leaves and other debris in your gutters.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
9:00am to 1:00pm Saturdays until October 26th
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
9:00am to 1:00pm Saturdays in December
INDOOR WINTER MARKETS
Check our website for dates + times. creemorefarmersmarket.ca
LOCAL MUSICIAN EVERY WEEK. VARIETY OF VENDORS
Creemore Farmers’ and Craft Market located at the Station on the Green, 10 Caroline Street East, Creemore.
WEATHERSTRIP YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS
Weatherstripping your windows and doors is another great way to keep the cold out. To find out where weatherstripping is needed, wet your hand and run it along your door seam or window casing. The moisture on your hand will help you detect any incoming drafts. Door sweeps and adhesive-backed insulation foam are also very effective draft deterrents.
Things You Might Not Know About
Canada’s Railways
(NC) At some point, most Canadians have taken a train trip somewhere. Maybe, it was to a different province to visit friends or family, or maybe it was sightseeing on a historic tourist train. Maybe it was simply heading downtown on a daily commute to work. Many of us may take for granted how important railways are in our lives. Here are four things you might not know about them.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE In the late 1800s, the drive to create a cross-country railroad was at the core of creating the nation known today as Canada. In fact, its completion was essential for British Columbia to join Confederation as Canada’s sixth province.
The famous “last spike” of this railway was driven into a railroad tie on November 7, 1885, near Eagle Pass in the B.C. interior, connecting the country from coast to coast. It was just one of about 30 million iron spikes used to complete the line.
Countless new communities developed along railway lines across the continent, and the tracks opened up access to farmland, forests and other natural resources that literally helped build the country.
ECONOMIC IMPACT The fleet of freight trains traversing Canada is one of the economic engines driving the national economy. There are more than 2,000 locomotives that haul 50,000 freight cars across more than 40,000 km of railroad track in Canada. Trains carry nearly $400 billion in goods to and from ports, trucking yards and major manufacturers and distribution outlets every year.
Canada’s rail network is also closely connected with our North American free-trade partners, carrying goods back and forth between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
Plus, every year, millions of passengers travel on regional and inter-provincial rail networks to get to work, visit family or go on holiday in Canada. VARIOUS OPTIONS While shipping freight is by far the most common use of railways in Canada, there are other important and entertaining uses for Canadian tracks.
Many of Canada’s historic steam trains are still in operation, taking tourists on scenic outings through forests, canyons and mountain passes. There are also modern luxury trains that take passengers through remote parts of the country you couldn’t otherwise see.
And we can’t overlook the many municipal commuter rail cars that people use daily, including subways, streetcars and light rapid rail lines.
SAFETY FIRST Given the significant role railways play in so many aspects of the economy, keeping the lines and equipment secure is a top priority for operators. Freight train companies employ their own private police services that have similar powers to other peace officers, such as local municipal or provincial forces.
There are also strict laws against trespassing on railway property, including around tracks and marshalling yards, or tampering with rail equipment. If you do see someone who shouldn’t be on or near train tracks or railway equipment, contact the authorities immediately.
Learn more about the security of Canada’s railways at tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation.
Embracing Bamboo
Five Benefits of this Sustainable Resource
In the quest for sustainable living, bamboo emerges as a hero, offering a myriad of advantages that make it a standout choice in various applications. From eco-friendly construction materials to versatile everyday products, bamboo’s rapid growth and remarkable properties are transforming industries and lifestyles.
1. Rapid Growth and Renewability
One of bamboo’s most compelling features is its astonishing growth rate. Unlike traditional hardwood trees that can take decades to mature, bamboo can grow up to 35 inches in a single day under optimal conditions (of course slower in Georgian Bay climate) . This rapid growth rate makes bamboo an incredibly renewable resource. Most species reach maturity in just 3 to 5 years, meaning that bamboo can be harvested regularly without depleting natural resources. Its ability to regenerate quickly makes it an ideal material for sustainable practices.
2. Eco-Friendly Attributes
Bamboo plays a significant role in combating climate change. It absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen at a rate significantly higher than that of most trees. Additionally, bamboo’s extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it a valuable ally in maintaining soil health and preventing landslides. By opting for bamboo products, consumers contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental stewardship.
3. Versatility and Durability
Bamboo’s versatility is truly remarkable. It can be used in a wide range of products, from flooring and furniture to clothing and utensils. Its natural strength and durability are comparable to hardwood, yet it is often lighter and easier to work with. Bamboo flooring, for instance, is not only visually appealing but also resilient and hard-wearing, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. In addition to its practical uses, bamboo’s natural aesthetic adds a touch of elegance to any space.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Despite its many benefits, bamboo is often more affordable than traditional materials. Its rapid growth cycle means lower production costs, which can translate to savings for consumers. Whether it’s bamboo toothbrushes, cutting boards, or even bicycles, or replacing single-use plastic utensils, the cost-effectiveness of bamboo products makes them accessible to a broader audience while still promoting sustainability.
5.
Health and Safety Benefits
Bamboo also offers health and safety advantages. Bamboo products are often free from toxic chemicals and additives that can be present in other materials. For instance, bamboo bedding and clothing are naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making them a good choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Additionally, bamboo’s natural antimicrobial properties help reduce the presence of bacteria, making it a hygienic option for various applications.
In conclusion, bamboo is more than just a trendy material; it represents a sustainable and practical solution to many environmental and practical challenges. Its rapid growth, eco-friendly benefits, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and health advantages make it an excellent choice for those looking to make more environmentally conscious decisions. By incorporating bamboo into our lives, we not only support sustainability but also enjoy the practical and aesthetic benefits it has to offer.
LOCAL ACTION PRODUCES GLOBAL IMPACT
Engage with Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team wasagabeachclimateaction.com Info@wasagbeachclimateaction.com
Submitted by Gerard Dusastre
CollingWORD
The South Georgian Bay Writers’ Connection, in collaboration with the Collingwood Writers’ Collective and the Wasaga Beach Writers’ Club, is thrilled to announce our upcoming literary event. CollingWord will be hosted by the Collingwood Public Library on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. It is scheduled to kick off Ontario Public Library Week (October 20-26) in the Georgian Bay area.
OPLW is a celebration of the valuable role libraries play in the lives of Ontarians. One of the ways they do this is by fostering literacy in its
THE PRESENTERS
Jesse T. Cook, a Collingwood-based producer of award-winning feature films, discussing how story is translated from the printed page to the screen.
Arlene F. Marks, a critically-acclaimed novelist and short story author, explaining how to bring characters to life in a narrative.
Marilyn Kleiber, owner of Sun Dragon Press and author (as J.M. Tibbott) of the fantasy series The Pridden Saga, revealing the secrets of building an engrossing fantasy world.
Patricia Copeland, an experienced journalist, sharing what she has learned from making the transition to first-time novelist.
Walter Weckers, a novelist and playwright, and Patricia Sands, a multi-published author of women’s literature, describing and comparing their self-publishing experiences.
Tasneem Dairywala, an author of children’s books, showing how to turn life experiences into engaging tales for young folks.
Panels will include discussions about planning and editing written work, concluding with a Q&A about the writing life in general.
As well, the library has arranged with the Happy Day Café, a community initiative in partnership with E3 Community Services, to offer hot beverages and snacks on site from 10 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 2 p.m. The café operates on a donations basis.
Media inquiries and requests to contact conference participants may be directed to the attention of the Promotion Committee: SGBWCollingWord@hotmail.com
FIND US ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1767395917123474
The Collingwood Public Library
55 Ste. Marie Street, Collingwood, L9Y 0W6
Phone: 705-445-1571
Email: info@collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca Information about CollingWord
various forms, in particular by providing assistance and meeting space to writers’ groups and book clubs. It is this contribution to the community that CollingWord will be honouring.
CollingWord is a day of presentations and panels designed to inspire authors of all stripes while also introducing readers to some of the many poets, wordsmiths, and storytellers in the region. In the Vendors’ Room, browsers will be able to enjoy scheduled readings by published local authors with a wide variety of books for sale.
October 19, 2024
SCHEDULED PRESENTERS
10:00 - 10:50am “The Dimensions of Life” - Arlene F. Marks
11:00 - 11:50am “Creating a Fantasy World” - Marilyn Kleiber
1:30 - 2:20pm “Writing Childrens’ Books” - Tasneem Dairywalla
1:30 - 2:20pm “From Page to Screen” - Jesse T. Cook
2:30 - 3:20pm “Starting Again” - Patricia Copeland
3:30 - 4:20pm “Using Amazon to Publish”- Walter Weckers and Patricia Sands
PANNEL DISCUSSIONS
10:00 - 10:50am Plotters vs Pantsers
Panelists: Deborah Buehler, Carlo Gallina, Suzanne Raby, and Sephora Xuereb
Facilitator: Krista White
11:00 - 1150am Short vs Long Fiction
Panelists: Irene McGhee, Bianca Lakoseljac, Krista White, and Sephora Xuereb
2:30 - 3:20pm Revising/Editing Your Own Work
Panelists: Connie Cook, Bianca Lakoseljac, and Benjamin Rempel
3:30 - 4:20pm The Writing Life
Panelists: Carlo Gallina, Marilyn Kleiber, and Paul Yanuziello
Facilitator: SusanKulkarni
Submitted by Arlene F. Marks
FALL WHEELS
(NC) Many Canadians take joy in the sight of big, fluffy snowflakes during winter. However, driving in winter isn’t always so picturesque. Keep safe - and out of the snowbanks and ditches - with these tips from Co-operators:
GET YOUR VEHICLE WINTER-READY
• Schedule a pre-winter tune-up to check that your battery, brakes and other essential systems are ready for winter driving.
• Winter tires are well worth the investment. The deep treads and unique composition of winter tires provide up to 50 per cent better traction in cold temperatures. Better traction means better accident
6 Elgin St. S, Thornbury 519-599-2010 www.carquestthornbury.ca
206020 ON-26, Meaford 519-538-2311 www.carquestmeaford.ca
prevention – which is why some insurers will even discount insurance premiums when they’re installed.
• Ensure you can keep a clear view of the road by replacing old wiper blades that leave streaks. Before you head out, top up the windshield washer fluid (with de-icer in the -40°C range) and stow an extra jug in your vehicle.
• Always carry a sturdy scraper and snow brush in your car. Be sure to clear your vehicle entirely of snow before driving to ensure you can see.
• Pack emergency supplies to keep you warm and provide traction, as well as a shovel.
• If you’re an ATV-er or snowmobiler, make sure that you are properly insured. It’s easy and affordable to secure coverage that makes for happy (and safer) trails.
KEEP
COOL AND IN CONTROL
• Turn off cruise control when road conditions are wet, icy or snowy. You won’t feel your wheels lose traction with your foot off the gas pedal.
• Always adjust your speed to road conditions.
• It takes longer to stop on snow and ice. Maintain space between other vehicles on the road.
• Slow and steady wins the race. Accelerate smoothly, maintain steady pressure on the gas pedal, and brake gently and early to avoid skids.
THERE’S
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GOOD JUDGEMENT
• Be choosy where you drive. Major roads are plowed and salted more frequently, which can help you stay safe driving in snowy or icy conditions. And, because passersby are more likely, you’ll be able to signal for help safely in the event of an accident.
• Be even choosier when you drive. Avoid driving in freezing rain or snow squalls. Wait for calmer weather and clear, salted roads whenever possible.
• Give yourself more time than usual when travelling, in case weather conditions worsen.
Winter weather can change quickly, so stay tuned to reports and pay attention to what’s around you. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, pull over somewhere safe for a cup of coffee or turn back home. Find more tips on how to prepare your vehicle(s) for winter at cooperators.ca.
Cottage Cleaning
Autumn is here; time to consider your final cottage cleaning.
If your cottage is winterized and you use it occasionally in the winter months, you still need to do the following chores.
CINSIDE
lean the cottage from top to bottom!
• Empty the fridge and freezer.
• Wipe the appliances out, removing any stains, spills and dirt.
• Disinfect the inside, leave doors open throughout winter to allow airflow and avoid mildew.
• Clean all your window ledges and covers. Close blinds, shutters, curtains.
• Wipe the kitchen cupboards inside and out. Remove any food item; preventing any unwanted creatures to feast on it.
• Put all bed linen into drawers.
• Place duvets, pillows, blankets into garbage bags and leave them on the mattresses. Cover mattresses in plastic sheets to protect them from mice.
• Disconnect all your appliances and any plug-in items (TV, night lights etc...)
• Clean the toilet. Turn off the water that runs into the toilet. Empty the toilet of all water and dry the bowl and tanks. OUTSIDE
• Clean the bbq, turn off and disconnect the tank and cover it.
• Vacuum your outdoor area rugs. Remove any stains and dirt accumulated on it throughout the cottage season. Roll them and put in storage.
• Clean your outdoor furniture (aluminium, metal, and vinyl, plastic). Brush off dust and dirt. Spray it down and scrub it with a nylon brush dipped in a bucket of warm water and dish washing liquid to remove dirt, pollen, tree sap and other nasty grime. Use an old toothbrush for cleaning hard to reach spots. Rinse it by spraying with the hose.
• Move outdoor furniture and other outdoor items (games) into a closed area (shed, garage).
• Clean out the eavestroughs; remove leaves and branches from the roof.
• Make sure all your windows and doors are closed/locked.
• Take all your garbage to the dump.
Taking care of your cottage inside and outside, using the proper cleaning methods, prevents future damage.
Enjoy your autumn season!
If you have any questions regarding this article or any other cleaning related issues, I am happy to help you.
Please contact me at: 519-938-1702 or email to: grcleaner@gmail.com
Fire Safety Tips to Keep Your Family Safe
(NC) Every year in October, we recognize Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12, 2024). It’s well timed as this is when we start to use things like space heaters, fireplaces and candles, all of which come with a certain degree of risk. Did you know most home fire deaths occur in homes without properly working smoke alarms, or no alarms at all? Fire safety is a critical aspect of home maintenance, and these simple yet effective tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Test & Maintain Alarms
Maintaining your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is an important part of helping keep your home and family safe. However, according to Statistics Canada, of the Canadians who experienced a residential fire between 2015-2021, just one-in-three had a working smoke alarm in their home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that alarms be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Remember to test your alarms regularly, and if you’re using battery-powered alarms, change the batteries at least every six months.
Sealed-Battery Alarms
To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a combination model with a 10year sealed battery, such as the First Alert’s 2-in1 Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Alarms with two-in-one technology protect against both types of dangers. The sealed battery eliminates late-night battery chirps as well as the need for battery replacements.
Monitor Your Home Smartly
Many Canadian homes have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. But have you considered upgrading to a smart home monitoring system? In addition to helping deter burglary, these systems can also alert you to water leaks, carbon monoxide or smoke. Some insurers, including TD, may offer their clients a discount on their home insurance premiums for installing these systems. tdinsurance.com
Fire Extinguishers
Create a Fire Escape Plan
To make a fire escape plan, start by identifying two ways out of each room, then assign an outdoor meeting spot a safe distance from your home. Dedicate someone in the family to assist with any pets, elderly family members or infants. Once you’ve established a plan, practice it with the entire household at least twice a year. Find more fire safety advice at firstalert.ca.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Nothing creates ambiance or a festive feel like the flicker of candles. But they can become a fire risk if a wagging tail or batting paw accidentally knocks them over. Never leave lit candles unattended. Consider switching to flameless candles for a safer, yet still calming, ambiance.
Prepare For the Holidays
Holiday decorations should be treated with care. Christmas trees are responsible for 200 fires every year in Canada and the risk increases as the tree dries out. Co-operators recommends you always turn the lights off when you leave the house or go to bed.
In addition to working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers are another important safety tool to have in your home. Fire extinguishers should be stored in easyto-reach places and in key rooms where there is a higher risk of fires starting, such as the kitchen and garage. An easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is with the acronym PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
With outdoor lighting there is also a higher risk for electrical shocks. Only use cords that are intended for outdoor use. Keep them elevated, away from snow and water, and as dry as possible. cooperators.ca October 6 - 12
Holiday Recipes to WOW Your Guests
(NC) While turkey may be seen as the main attraction for your family’s holiday meals, it’s the sides and desserts that truly make it a feast. Here are two simple side dishes you can impress your guests with this year.
Looking for ways to make your holiday feasts more sustainable? Swap your regular eggs for Burnbrae Farms Naturegg Solar Free Range eggs; made using 100 per cent clean energy at their solar-powered farm, making them among the most energy efficiently-produced eggs in Canada.
Festive Stuffing Bites
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Makes: 24 bites
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh sage
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh rosemary
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper
1/3 cup (75 ml) chicken broth
¼ cup (50 ml) dried cranberries
4 cups (1 L) small cubes of day-old crusty bread
3 eggs
DIRECTIONS
1. Melt the butter in a large, non-stick skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, sage, rosemary, salt and pepper; sauté for 5 minutes or until fragrant and tender. Stir in the broth and cranberries; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until most of the fluid is absorbed. Cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan well. Toss the cooled onion mixture with the bread and eggs until well combined. Divide the mixture between the mini muffin cups.
3. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until bites are golden and set. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm.
Pecan Pie
Nutty, gooey and simply delicious. This traditional pie comes together in a snap.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60-70 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 cup (250 ml) light or dark corn syrup
3 eggs
1 cup (225 g) sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, melted
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (190 g) pecans
1 deep-dish pie shell, uncooked
DIRECTIONS
1. Place uncooked deep-dish pie shell on a cookie sheet.
2. Spread pecans in the bottom of pie shell.
3. Mix syrup, sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla with a spoon until blended.
4. Pour mixture over pecans.
5. Decorate top of pie with pecans if desired.
6. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 60 to 70 minutes.
Find more holiday recipes at burnbraefarms.com.
Fantastic Fall
CHESTNUTS CINNAMON COLOURS COSTUME
COZY CRISP CROWS DESSERT FAMILY FRIENDS
GRAVY
HALLOWEEN
HARVEST
LEAVES MOVIES
OCTOBER PIE
PUMPKIN RAKING
SWEATER TURKEY
Go Meatless on Mondays
(Family Features) Getting back into a routine during the fall can be a struggle. Consider a schedule that dedicates more nights to long-term wellness with easy, nutritious recipes.
Registered dietitian Alexis Joseph recommends Meatless Mondays, which help her family create fruit- and vegetable-forward dishes with nutrient-dense ingredients. One ingredient to consider is prunes - a good source of vitamins and minerals that help maintain bone and heart health, keep you feeling full and are an all-natural source of fiber and healthy fat.
“Dedicating time each week to your overall nutrition with ‘Meatless
Cauliflower
Tacos
with Peanut Sauce
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 6-7 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
8 tortillas
chopped green onions, for garnish prunes for serving peanuts, for garnish lime wedges, for serving
Cabbage Slaw
3 cups shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Peanut Sauce
4 prunes
1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
1/3 cup natural salted peanut butter
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon sriracha
2 tablespoons water, plus additional for thinning (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 F.
On large baking sheet, place cauliflower in single layer. Add olive oil and salt; toss well to combine. Roast 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
To make cabbage slaw: In medium mixing bowl, add cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup and salt. Toss to combine; set aside to soften.
To make peanut sauce: In blender, blend prunes, milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, sriracha and water until smooth. Taste and add more water, if desired.
Warm tortillas, fill with roasted cauliflower and top with slaw, peanut sauce, green onions, prunes and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.
Mondays’ will motivate you to add healthful staples like prunes to your diet and make getting back into a routine easier,” Joseph said. “It can also yield results. Research suggests eating 5-6 prunes each day may help prevent bone loss and improve risk factors for heart disease and inflammation.”
Consider Joseph’s Cauliflower Tacos with Peanut Sauce or Veggie Stir Fry for your next weeknight meal. Both spotlight prunes as a substitute for unhealthy fats and sugars to reduce calories and increase health benefits without losing flavour.
Find more mealtime inspiration at sunsweet.com.
Veggie
Stir
Fry with Prune Teriyaki Sauce
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 large onion, diced salt, to taste, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cups shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium zucchini, diced
8 ounces sugar snap peas pepper, to taste, divided 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews, plus additional for serving, divided
1 cup edamame
2-3 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving 1/3 cup sliced green onions, for serving prunes, for serving
Prune Teriyaki Sauce
1 cup canned pineapple, plus 1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup prunes (about 6 prunes)
6 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon sriracha
DIRECTIONS
1. In large skillet over medium heat, warm sesame oil. Once hot, add onion and pinch of salt; saute 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, snap peas and pinch of salt and pepper. Saute 10 minutes, stirring often, until veggies are crisp tender.
3. To make teriyaki sauce: In blender, blend pineapple, pineapple juice, prunes, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic and sriracha until smooth.
4. Remove veggies from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cashews, edamame and teriyaki sauce to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve on bed of rice garnished with green onions, prunes and additional cashews.
