Finding rhythm (and a recipe)

Over the holidays, it seemed one minute life was infused with chaos, the next minute everything came to a halt. But I'm not complaining. We needed this! We've all been catching up on some much needed sleep (even the kids have been sleeping in a bit later in the mornings), and it was just plain nice to be home by ourselves with an open "schedule". We all regained our health as well during the holidays, and I can't even tell you how nice that is!

But one thing that happened to me over the holidays, as it does with almost everyone else for that matter, is that I ate foods I don't normally eat. I think for most people, usually that means desserts filled with sugar, for me, it meant meat and dairy. I am not vegan, but I try to eat mostly a vegan diet at home. I am seriously lactose intolerant, and I don't digest meat well at all. So after a week straight of this, my body had had enough.

Now, don't go thinking that I decided to go on a diet for the new year. Not this gal! I don't do diets. I believe in lifestyle changes. And for some, those changes happen over night. But for the average person, it takes much longer. In my case, years... and it's still a work in progress.

So on New Years eve, I was home alone with the kids and we had no plans whatsoever. I decided it was time to fill my freezer with healthy meals and snacks! So after a quick stop at the grocery store, I came home and got to work!

I baked some cinnamon rolls and banana muffins (both vegan) for the kids snacks and then made a huge batch of veggie soup. Then new years day, I decided to do more... (After a few months of being sick and feeling like I was running around like a chicken with a head cut off, I would only cook by necessity and hadn't really baked snacks for the kids in a while. But on NYE, I got my kitchen mojo back :)

So I made a batch of vegan brownies and another recipe that's been a favourite of mine lately... Curried tofu quinoa

I used to only like soft tofu in desserts and smoothies, but not the firm stuff in meals... until I learned how to cook it properly!

So if you've been thinking of trying tofu in a meal, this would be a great meal to try!

Curried Tofu Quinoa

For the quinoa:

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 Tbsp oil
• 1 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 lime, zest and juice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water

In a pot, saute first 4 ingredients in oil over medium heat. When the onions are soft, add quinoa, lime zest and juice, coconut milk and water. Cook quinoa according to package directions (I just leave it on medium to medium-low heat, partially covered until all liquid is absorbed, between 20-30 minutes).

For the tofu:

• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 1 paprika
• 1 tsp sugar or other sweetener
• pinch sea salt
• 1 Tbsp Madras curry
• 1 package of firm tofu

When you open your tofu, discard all the liquid. Lay it flat on a board and slice it into about 10 slices. Then stand some slices together and cut them in about 8 cubes each. You just want to make sure your cubes are not too big. Put your tofu in a bowl, then add all the spices and toss to coat. In a pan, heat a bit of oil and saute the tofu until golden. Set aside.

When everything is cooked, you can just add the tofu to the quinoa and stir. I like to add some chopped fresh cilantro (when I can find it) and I usually add at least a cup of frozen peas as well. Once you toss, the peas will cook with the heat of the quinoa within a few minutes. You could also do lightly steamed broccoli :)

And voila! If it's your first tofu meal might, it not be the last anymore ;) I'll admit though, my kids won't even touch this dish, but I love it so much, I make it anyways. It's perfect for when your in a rush, or those left over nights when you fed everyone and realized there is nothing left for you, LOL.

And the great thing about this dish, is that it freezes and reheats beautifully.

So now I have a freezer full of healthy homemade foods, we are all rested, I had time to catch up on some projects and start some new ones. I found my rhythm again!

I am ready for this year, it's going to be a great one!