Ingredients :

• • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 large onions, halved and sliced
  • 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up, skin removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken paste mixed with 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Hot cooked couscous, quinoa or rice.

Directions:

Place carrots and onions in a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle chicken with salt; add to slow cooker. Top with apricots and raisins. In a small bowl, whisk broth, tomato paste, flour, lemon juice, garlic and seasonings until blended; add to slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 6-7 hours. Serve with hot cooked couscous or quinoa.

The post Spiced Moroccan Chicken appeared first on The Granary.

The Plant a Seed See What Grows Foundation is a Canadian Not-for -Profit organization whose mission is “to help create a healthier generation through experiences that connect us to the land and provide opportunities to improve our communities”. They work hard to improve communities across Canada and the communities ability to…

• Help feed children
• Help the sick
• Help people who help the sick
• Help preserve the original seed strains
• Provide opportunities to experience the seed-to-table food cycle
• Feed the micronutrient deficient

The Carleton Place Youth Centre is a local Not-for-Profit organization whose mission is “to inspire, engage and celebrate youth through social, educational recreational activities and community participation encouraging a youth base invested in their local community.” CP Youth has been providing services and programs for youth aged 8-18 in our community for over 25 years. A large portion of their programming involves food. Whether it is free after school snacks, Kids in the Kitchen, baking nights, Foodie Friday or other programs, good food plays an important role. That is why the partnership with the Plant a Seed See What Grows Foundation is a natural fit.

With the help of Plant a Seed See what Grows and The Granary, the CP Youth Centre will be able to improve and expand its community garden. The new garden will have the ability to provide fresh produce to the Centre with extra being donated to the Lanark County Food Bank. Youth attending the CP Youth Centre Programs, free drop ins and Summer Camps (sign up now spaces are filling fast!) will have the opportunity to help in the garden and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The benefits of gardening, community gardens and connecting children with food are all well documented and positive. This is a fantastic opportunity for Carleton Place to get growing together!

Shop Local, Support Local

Much of the funding for Plant a Seed See What Grows comes from the Supplement line Whole Earth & Sea, sold at The Granary. Whole Earth and Sea is a high quality, Canadian made line of health products that contain a nutrient rich base of organic plants grown, harvested and raw processed right here in Canada. Their multi vitamins, Proteins, Greens and more are expertly formulated to provide maximum health benefits. $2.00 from the sale of each and every product goes to support the foundation. By shopping local at The Granary and supporting your own health you can help give back to your community through this awesome partnership.

Want to give back more? The CP Youth Centre is always looking for volunteers, corporate sponsors, board members and more. Contact cpyouthcenter@gmail.com or visit their website for more information.

Plant a Seed & See What Grows

The post Youth Centre – Growing in Carleton Place appeared first on The Granary.

Ingredients

2 tbsp canola oil 

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

1.5 tbsp grated fresh ginger
(or 1 tsp ground ginger)

3 tsp Better Than Boullion Vegetable Paste mixed with 900ml water to make broth

1 can Coconut Milk

2 cups frozen diced butternut squash

1 1/4 red lentils

1 1/2 cup water, divided

6 cups chopped kale

1/3 cup miso paste

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt & Pepper to taste

*Bolded items available at The Granary!

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pot and add the onion and carrots.Cook until softened (5 min) Add ginger and continue to cook until fragrant, approximately 2 more minutes. Add the broth, coconut milk, lentils and 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and sinner until lentils break down and start to thicken the soup.

Stir in the the chopped kale and cook until wilted (1 min). Whisk miso and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the soup and remove from heat. Finish with a splash of lemon juice and salt and pepper.

Red Lentil Coconut Miso Soup goes great with crusty bread for dipping.

The post Red Lentil Coconut Miso Soup appeared first on The Granary.

The trick to most coconut flour pancakes is getting the ratio righ, without it your pancakes will take a whole lot more like omelette (which isn’t necessarily bad, but not what we are going for) This recipe has been proven to get the ratio perfect!

INGREDIENTS

The post Coconut Flour Pancakes appeared first on The Granary.

Make sure to check out some of the amazing local sugar bushes in our area to a fun and informative day out for the whole family. Some of our personal favourites are Temple’s Sugar Bush, Fultons’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush and Wheeler’s Pancake House, Sugar Bush & Museums. It’s no wonder Lanark County is considered the Maple Capital on Ontario!

Maple Cake Ingredients

2 2/3 Cups Light Spelt Flour (All Purpose would work too)

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 Cups Maple Syrup

1 cup Apple Sauce

2/3 Cup Softened Coconut Oil or vegetable oil of your choice (sunflower, org canola etc)

3 tbsp ground flax seed + 1/2 cup water mixed together

1 tsp pure vanilla

2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2-1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

PreHeat oven to 350* F. Prepare 2 8″ or 9″ round cake pans with a light coating of oil. Line the bottom of the pans with parchment for easy removal of the cakes after baking.

Whisk together all Dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add maple syrup, apple sauce, oil, flax mixture and vanilla. Stir until the flour is absorbed. Quickly stir in Apple Cider Vinegar just until its evenly distributed.

Portion the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 25-35 min or until the tops are domed and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 min before transferring to a rack. Cool Completely before icing.

Maple Buttahcreem Icing (vegan)

Beat 2/3 cup Coconut oil or other vegan margarine in a medium bow with an electric hand mixer. Add 2 3/4 cup powdered icing sugar about 1/2 cup at a time. Sweeten with 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat until smooth. Do not over beat as the coconut oil will start to settle and lose its creamy texture. Spread icing evenly over completely cooled cake.

Recipe from Jae Steeles’s book “Ripe from around Here, A Vegan Guide to Local & Sustainable Eating”

The post Maple Cake appeared first on The Granary.

Most of us celebrate the emerging tree buds, sprouting flowers and bursts of colour in our gardens and countryside that declare the arrival of spring!  But for seasonal allergy sufferers, the explosion of pollens throughout spring and summer can bring on miserable symptoms that feels like anything but a party.  The good news is, real allergy relief can be found, naturally.

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, like all allergic reactions, are the result of an exaggerated immune response to a substance the immune systems interprets as threatening.   These substances (such as pollen) aren’t actually harmful to the body, however they will trigger the body to release histamine which creates inflammation of the mucous membranes and can cause reactions of varying severity.   An over sensitive immune system may respond to these triggers with itching, swelling, skin or eye irritation, coughing, increased mucous production and/or nasal congestion.  

An immune system that has been overwhelmed by unidentified food or environmental sensitivities will produce a heightened response to seasonal allergens.  Gut health plays a role in seasonal allergies as well, given that a large portion of immune system cells are found in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.  A healthy gut = a healthy immune system! Physical or emotional stress may also increase symptoms for allergy sufferers.  Genetic factors play a role as well; a child whose parents suffer from allergies has a 70% chance of developing allergies themselves.

Reducing Symptoms

Avoiding the allergen itself is the best way to avoid allergy symptoms however this can be challenging with a substance like pollen.  Allergy sufferers can decrease allergic reactions by limiting exposure to allergens and immune system stressors by keeping these tips in mind:

• Pollens are at highest concentrations in the morning between 5am and 10am but lowest after it rains.  
• Protect your home and workplace from pollens by keeping windows closed while pollens and other allergens are in the air.   
• Consider using an air purification system.
• Be sure to exercise indoors.  
• Smoking and exposure to second hand smoke weakens the immune system therefore increasing the body’s sensitivity to allergens.

Improve Overall Health to Decrease Seasonal Allergies

A healthy immune system and great overall health go a long way in reducing seasonal allergy symptoms!  The pillars of good health to decrease stress, make healthy food choices, exercise regularly and be well rested may seem simple, but their effects on the body can be enormous!   In addition, regular cleaning with herbs like dandelion root or milk thistle can reduce the buildup of allergens in the system.  You can also support the immune system by:

• Choosing foods that are high in antioxidants such leafy greens and berries
• Taking a probiotic to keep gut flora in balance
• Supplementing with vitamin C and vitamin D supplement year-round
• Identify any unknown food or environmental sensitivities

Conventional Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

Conventional treatment of seasonal allergies is targeted at decreasing symptoms.  Antihistamines, which block the release of histamine, are the most common treatment for mild to moderate seasonal allergies.  Histamine is released by mast cells and binds to receptors in the blood vessels which causes them to swell.  Histamine attaches to other receptor sites as well causing redness, swelling and itching.  By blocking histamine from being released in the first place, antihistamines  prevent these symptoms from occurring.  Although antihistamines can be an effective treatment for seasonal allergies, they can cause drowsiness and foggy thinking.  Luckily, there are several alternative options which can be just as effective in getting you through allergy season.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Did you know that humans and hamsters are the only mammals that don’t produce their own source of Vitamin?  Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine which destroys the molecular structure of histamine, thereby decreasing the amount of histamine in the blood.   Taking a Vitamin C supplement which also includes bioflavonoids increases the efficacy of the Vitamin C.  Keep in mind, the half-life of Vitamin C is only 30 minutes!   After that, it is no longer effective for the body. This means that taking Vitamin C throughout the day is essential for maximum benefit to combat seasonal allergies.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Flavonoids give flowers and fruits their vibrant colors and are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Quercetin specifically is also a natural antihistamine.   By calming mast cells, quercetin prevents or reduces the release of histamines when taken regularly.  Quercetin works very well in combination with Vitamin C.

Nettle Leaf

Nettle Leaf (or Stinging Nettle) can be taken in capsules, tincture or as a tea.  It is a mild tasting herb that can be used to relieve allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells which release histamine.  If using the tea, steep for 10 minutes and drink 1-3 cups a day – the more the better!  For best results, sweeten a cup of Nettle Leaf tea with raw local honey!

Raw Local Honey

Consuming raw local honey has been an allergy relief go-to for years.   When consuming local honey, the person is also ingesting tiny amounts of local pollen spores.  Gradually over time, this exposure can help the body become desensitized to local pollens. Look for raw honey so that trace enzymes, minerals, amino acids and vitamins are intact.  Enjoy a spoonful a day!

Real Relief All Allergies (tabs)

Homeocan Allergies (pellets)

If you haven’t been taking your Vitamin C, Quercetin, Nettle Leaf or Raw Honey or your seasonal allergy symptoms are overwhelming , homeopathics can offer quick relief of acute seasonal allergy symptoms.   Homeocan offers homeopathic relief of seasonal allergy symptoms in tablet or pellets.  Tablets can be taken by adults and children over the age of 6.  Pellets can be taken by adults, children and babies.  They also offer a similar product in liquid format for children ages 0-9.  

Pollen Plus

Pollen Plus is a preventative homeopathic treatment which desensitizes the immune system to seasonal allergies.  It should be taken starting one month before allergy season begins and then throughout allergy season to boost immunity.   The Pollen Plus formula is taken only once weekly and is suitable for adults and children over the age of 2.  Pollen Plus can be used in conjunction with other seasonal allergy remedies.

Deep Immune for Allergies by St Francis Herbs

One of the most effective products to relieve seasonal allergies is Deep Immune for Allergies by St Francis Herbs.   It is a unique formula which combines herbs and homeopathic ingredients to address acute allergy symptoms while supporting the immune system and any underlying, chronic issues which may be the cause of allergy symptoms in the first place.   

Optimal immune function requires balance between competing sets of immune cells. Allergy sufferers are known to have a predominance of T-helper cells – as are those with autoimmune diseases and cancer!   Taking a balancing product like Deep Immune for Allergies can help restore appropriate immune function while also offering seasonal allergy relief.

To support overall immune function, it is best to start taking Deep Immune for Allergies 4-6 weeks ahead of allergy season.  However, quick relief of acute symptoms can still be expected even without advanced supplementation. 

The post Real Allergy Relief, Naturally appeared first on The Granary.