Brought to us today by Gail Greenblatt, a new friend and food writer/editor - a quick, yummy, healthy soup for these never ending winter days. Enjoy!!

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER APPLE SOUP

Ingredients
A 16 ounce package of frozen cauliflower flowerets
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon of curry powder, or to taste
2 only 4-ounce cups of apple sauce
1 15 ounce can chicken or vegetable broth, plus 1 cup water

Directions
Cook cauliflower as directed on package in a large microwaveable bowl.
In a smaller bowl heat olive oil, curry, onion and garlic until softened, about
3 minutes on high. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Add apple sauce, broth and water to cauliflower, along with onion mixture. Stir.
Microwave on high 5 minutes, stir.
Microwave on power 8 for another 5 minutes.
Let cool.
Puree with immersion blender.
Adjust seasoning

I love brussel sprouts, but sometimes i just want to do something different with them.  I’ve roasted, baked, fried, sauteed, and steamed them in water, butter, beer (extra yummy!), but tonight, I took the cute little leaves off each sprout and I made Brussel Sprout Chips.

It was totally worth the effort.  Just rub a bit of rice bran oil on them and put in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes.  Shake the pan periodically.  Then take them out, put in a bowl, sprinkle with some sea salt and voila!

(waste not want not….i saved the little middles and will chop them up to put in veggie soup tomorrow!)

We’re one full month into 2010, and for many of us, that new years resolution to keep the stress to a minimum is slowly spinning out of control - again.

ivillage.com wants to share some great tips to lower your stress now.  Here are the headlines:

1. Give yourself breathing lessons - breathe deep and slow several times a day.

2. Take a tea break - black tea can lower levels of stress hormones.

3. Seize control over what you can - a small to do list of small tasks is a great way to start.

4. Ban the Word from your Vocabulary - stops saying “stressful” and being negative

5. Use Good Scents - dab a bit of rose oil on your wrists.

6. Reinvent your daily grind - stop going through life on auto pilot, and take a relaxation break while you’re working on your daily chores.

7. Pour your heart out - on paper - get rid of your angst by writing it down.

8. Give you work space a makeover - create visual resting spots.

3 Things To Do in Vancouver BC

Vancouver, BC is hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games (February 12 – 28). This city and surrounding area is an ideal spot for an active getaway. Vancouver is consistently voted one of the greatest places to live. The region has plenty to offer residents and visitors with year-round outdoor activities (skiing, water sports, hiking, biking), breathtaking mountains and vistas, hip urban neighborhoods, markets and a cosmopolitan food community. During the late summer, my husband and I spent an enchanting weekend in Vancouver, here our favorite things to do to experience in this multifaceted city:

Worth-Standing-in-Line-For: Vij’s

Ask locals and visitors for a restaurant suggestion in and you’ll hear rave reviews for Vij’s Indian cuisine. Follow their lead to this not-to-be-missed dining experience. They don’t take reservations, so plan to arrive early to make the first seating or come a little later to mix and mingle with Vikram Vij, owner, while waiting for a table. The menu changes frequently and is skillfully prepared each day by an all female cadre of cooks. The spices are fresh and on the mark, ingredients local and the menu mouthwatering. Details: Vij’s Restaurant Inc, 1480 West 11th Avenue Vancouver, BC, (604) 736-6664

Vancouver, BC

Browse-Away-An-Afternoon: Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Public Market - Vancouver, BC

Stretch your legs and amuse your senses at this walkable island. Check out the covered market with a varieties of deli offerings, fish, meat, cheese, fruit and bakery stalls, It’s a great place to pick up items for a picnic or make plans to spend some time in the area –there are several places to sit and enjoy. Continue to walk around the island to view the wares of local crafters, artists and other fascinating shopkeepers or checkout a show. There is something for every age in this artistic community.

Stanley Park - Vancouver, BC

Fresh-Air-And-Stunning-Vistas: Stanley Park

Consider bringing your picnic fixings to Stanley Park. It’s recognized as one of the great parks of the world. Vancouver’s first park and one of the city’s main tourist attractions, it’s an evergreen oasis of 1,000 acres in the metro area. There is always something happening in the Park, so check their website to plan your visit. The park abounds in plants, walking and biking trails, gardens and plenty of space to explore.

Do you have a favorite Vancouver experience? If so, please leave a comment below to share with others.

Bring your walking shoes and sense of adventure - enjoy Vancouver, BC.

Healthy Cooking Made Easy

Mama Says, "No More Frozen Pizza!"

It only looks like a pizza box…

Valentine’s Day is 2 weeks away. It’s time to mail your cards and make plans to shower those you love with special thoughts and deeds. Mama Says, inspire your Valentine to cook for themselves.

Great Gift Idea: healthy recipes delivered to their door….rather than flowers, candy or pizza!

The Mama Says, “No More Frozen Pizza!” recipe collection contains recipes for main courses, sides, and salads. The durable, laminated cards can withstand even the newest chef’s mishaps and require few ingredients (most are pantry staples). Each recipe card features a photo of the completed dish and easy-to-follow instructions. Order today for delivery by Valentine’s Day.

Wishing you a fabulous 2010 - gather your friends and family around the table to share a home cooked meal. - Mama Says