I can’t say enough how much I love putting these posts together. Maybe I’m just weird, but the first thing I think of when I try a new food is, I can’t wait to share it on the blog. It’s fun to share stuff with you! After spending my teens and early twenties subsisting on fat-free diet “foods”, it’s a real joy for me to be able to celebrate my love for all kinds of new foods. Plus, putting together these posts gives me a nudge to try new things and bust out of my food ruts.
Without further ado, here are this month’s foods I’m loving lately…
1) Delicata squash
(also known as sweet potato squash)
I don’t know why it took me so long to try Delicata squash, but am I ever glad I did! It has to be one of the easiest squash to prepare. Because the skin is so thin, you can forgo peeling and just eat the (delicious) skin with the flesh. They are also fairly small, making them very easy to slice. Lately, I’ve been roasting them in olive or coconut oil, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. So good!
2) Lentils & Split Peas
I’m on a big lentil and split pea kick lately. They are just so easy to throw into soups and salads and easily boost protein. I love that they don’t have to be soaked or fussed over like dry beans. Until I get that pressure cooker I’m coveting (cannot. wait.), lentils seem to be my go-to right now.
3) Carrington Farms Organic Coconut Oil from Costco
I was at Costco in Burlington a few weeks ago and I almost died with excitement when I saw that they now sell HUGE 1.5kg/3.3lb tubs of organic cold-pressed coconut oil for $16.99 CAD.
I immediately text this news to my coconut oil obsessed family:
(Don’t mind the creepy dolls, we were doing a little Christmas shopping!)
4) Seasnax
I have to admit – I thought people were crazy when they said they loved these nori seaweed snacks. While I can’t say I loved them at first, the taste grew on me. I love cutting it up and adding it to soups and salads. If I have a big salt craving they usually do the trick. Eric thinks they are absolutely vile, so to each their own…
5) Coconut Nectar Syrup & Coconut Sugar
I recently discovered Raw Coconut Nectar and I must say I am impressed. It’s simply the sap from tapped coconut trees and it’s very high in nutrients. I’ve been using it as a substitute for brown rice syrup in some of my recipes and it binds almost as well. It has a low Glycemic Index rating (35) meaning that it releases into the blood slowly and is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. The biggest surprise when I tasted the coconut syrup? It doesn’t taste like coconut! At least not to me. It’s very sweet so I find a little bit goes a long way. Eric also loves using coconut sugar in his tea as a swap for refined white sugar and I also enjoy it for baking.
6) Pears
Aren’t pears so beautiful? I love taking pictures of pears and of course eating them this time of year. I’m quite impatient when it comes to waiting for fruit to ripen so whenever I have pears, bananas, or avocados that need ripening I stuff them in a large paper bag and fold the lid to trap some of the gas. It seems to speed things along.
7) Glo Bars up for auction
I’m excited to let you know that Susan is hosting an online auction (starting today!) for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As you might recall, Susan was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer over a year ago and she is quickly approaching a year in remission. In 5 months, Susan will be travelling to Scotland to run a half marathon for the society’s Team In Training and needs to raise all the money she can.
I’ve donated a box of Glo Bars for this great cause which has a special place in my heart as my grandpa is currently fighting multiple myeloma. The winning bidder will get to select the flavour of their choice and I can also make the bars gluten-free and/or nut-free upon request. This is a rare opportunity to snag a box of Glo Bars since the bakery is closed for the time being!
Please head on over to Susan’s auction and check out all of the amazing prizes up for grabs!
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments below what foods you are loving lately too.
The sqaush looks delish! What Grocery chains in Ontario carry that type of squash? I’ve never seen it before! I’d LOVE to try it
Any idea which pressure cooker you are going to buy? I have been planning on getting one for a while now, but not sure which one.
I LOVE delicata squash, roasted. I love they are so easy to cut and the skin is delicious. Yum! I also love the sea snax treats. Actually, I love the Trader Joe’s seaweed snacks, but it is an acquired taste. The first time I tried them, I literally pulled my car over and spit them out. Now I tear through an entire bag in 1 sitting. LOL
I stumbled upon a huge bag of coconut sugar at our Costco (in Montreal) last weekend. I think it was a kilo for $9.99. I’m so gonna check to see if they have coconut oil next time I’m there. They sell agave syrup at ours now too. I love that they carry some of these healthier products :)
mmmm! I just had my first delicata the other day – sooo good!! I roasted it in rings, and then made a dipping sauce with almond butter, almond milk, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup -this was literally like candy :)
You will LOVE the pressure cooker! I use it for steaming vegetables quickly, beans, brown rice, etc. I just saw the coconut oil at Costco too!
My mother is diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I’ve written about it here: http://kellyizzo.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/blue-is-for-my-mother/
I know how much of a struggle it is to have a loved one going through cancer treatment. My thoughts and good wishes are with you.
Thank you Kelly, that means a lot to me. I’m sorry to hear that your mother is also going through multiple myeloma. My thoughts go out to you both!
I’ve never tried delicata squash but I need to! It sounds delicious! And I love lentils too, they’re so tasty and full of protein!
Pears are the fruit of the moment – we run a fruit and veg and wholefoods store and restaurant in Ireland so as you can imagine we’re mad about all things “plant”…nothing like a good juice dripping pear! Your bars looks amazing btw!
Currently loving squash too- I actually just made a batch of butternut blondies. I really want to find some acorn squash but it’s nigh impossible to get my hands on it over here in the UK. Ah yes, and maple syrup, gotta have some of that stuff too.
I just started using coconut sugar and am happy with it. Now to convert my husband….
I want to look for the coconut nectar, too.
The foods I’m loving lately are your Maple-Cinnamon Almond Butter with hemp seeds, chia seeds and flax seeds. I got some hemp seeds recently and am enjoying finding ways to use them. And honeycrisp apples. And both together. :)
I love these posts as well…it’s all about sharing…:) And I only descovered Delicata squash this year too and absolutely love it…the rings just look so be-a -u- ti- ful <3
Dates. I’m really into medjool dates right now. I use them to sweeten my oatmeal in the morning and have one for a snack if I feel like I need some extra energy. Delicious.
As for the coconut sugar, do you find that it is relatively cost effective since you are using less? I’ve seen it in the grocery stores but I seem to recall the price tag discouraging me from my purchase.
It tends to be a 1:1 swap for other sugars so I wouldn’t say I use less. I do use is sparingly and Im very picky about the recipes I use it in (tried and true).
Lentils are finding their way into all of my food lately! There are even recipes for lentil cookies!! They look delicious and I can’t wait to try some. Maybe I could persuade you to make a vegan version??
I am clueless when it comes to lentils. I never know which color to use for which thing or how to prepare them! I have a huge thing of brown lentils just hanging out in my pantry. Any ideas??
I was going to post what I’ve been loving lately, but realized it’s the same thing that I posted on your last “Foods I’m Loving Lately” – Larabars! Hehe I need a new favourite food.
Where did you get the SeaSnax?
Hi Sarah, I bought them at Organic Garage I believe
Hi Angela –
I’ve been wanting to get a pressure cooker. Since I’ve read your blog long enough to know that you are thorough in your research, would you share which one you are coveting?
BTW I live near Encinitas. I loved your post about your San Diego trip. Hopefully soon a Native Foods Cafe will be opening in Encinitas, if you are ever near one, you must try it.
Be well!
Hey Wendy! I havent actually found one yet, but I will certainly share which one I purchase.
Oh Encinitas is sooo beautiful. We just loved it there.
I’ve never heard of delicata squash before! I love split pea and lentil soups though, and I use coconut sugar all the time. I really feel like it impacts my blood sugar less than other sweeteners. Lately, I’m enjoying curries! I recently read about turmeric and its numerous benefits, so I’ve been trying to get more of it into my diet. :-)
Hi Angela!
Just wondering if you know of any cheap(er) places to buy or order coconut sugar? I have a small bag, but I can never force myself to swap it for sugar in baked goods because it feels like such a waste of money.
I think I saw some at costco but I didnt catch the price.
I have never tried delicata squash-I’ll definitely be looking for it!!!
awesome thank you
HI!
I love coconut everything!! I have to check out my Costco to see if they have that huge coconut oil tub :) THanks for sharing!
Question for ya… do you find you can simply replace coconut nectar for any usage of agave syrup in a one to one ratio? I am trying to reduce my use of agave…
blessings to you…
Yes I think you would be able to sub it for agave. goodluck!
I never heard of Seasnax but will have to give them a try. Where do you buy them – are they sold at Whole Foods or T Joe’s? I recently had my first Sushi experience and actually liked the seaweed (raw fish not so much…)!
So glad you reminded me about delicata squash! I was obsessed last year and just slipped my mind this fall I guess.
Right now I’m obsessed with pomegranates, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and Barney Almond Butter! If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend!
I know what I’m buying at Costco next time…oh and I also love that marinara sauce :) It has like 6 ingredients.
I love coconut sugar! It’s the best to bake with. I haven’t used coconut nectar yet – where did you find it?
Wow – great foods – and many that I have been very into as well – love coconut sugar in cookies and muffins – though I am a bit hesitant to use it freely as it is pricey (ie I have not allowed my family to use it – it is just mine for baking!!!) – have not heard of the nectar but it is now on my list of must finds!!! Thanks for that
Love lentils as well – using mostly sprouted green as I bought huge thing of them in bulk – put them in soups, salads, wraps…I agree – they are so much easier than beans! BTW I have a pressure cooker – though not sure how to use it completely – I bought it at a yard sale – like new for $5!! I lived in India and used one with no problem – but am at a loss now!
I must try the squash – I love all things sweet potato/squash /pumpkin!!! Had not even heard of that squash..another must find :)
I tried your pumpkin, maple bean cornbread casserole – what a hit!!! We loved it and I even made some of the cornbread into mini muffins and they were great (with WW flour). Thanks for another great meal idea!!!
Oh – I also tried the seaweed snax – the texture was tough for me to deal with. I am going to keep trying and see if it grows on me! And Pears – yum – esp anjou pears! (that covers it – I think I addressed almost every food you presented! – don’t want to leave anyone out :)
Just got back from Mexico, so I am avocado obsessed right now. Chickpeas are always a favourite and I am a big squash fan. Thanks for the reminder about the Delicata and the tip on coconut oil at Costco! :)
LOVED your blog and all the great tidbits of info. Will have to check out Costco for that coconut oil. I love putting it on my popcorn along with nutritional yeast….Yum! I also love pears and there exquisite shape and amazing flavor. Don’t you just love some in a pretty bowl sitting on the table?! Today I made an apple and blueberry crisp with a cashew pear cream on top. The pear cream was so yummy…don’t miss whipping cream at all!!
Keep up the great work, Angela:)
I am loving Acorn & Butternut squash and tons of lentils this time of year! A co-worker of mine brought me an amazing squash prevolent to India, the OPO Squash which they call Lauki or dudhi. I am going to add that to my stew this weekend. She says it’s got the same texture as zuchinni, but has more water content. I have got to get a membership to Costco, everyone I talk to and every website I read talks about Costco. I use coconut oil for just about everything I cook. YUM!!!
Squash roasted in coconut oil gets my vote! I am also adoring velvet textured cauliflower soup, made with a lot of garlic, onion and thyme. Deliciously warming.
Delacata Squash is amazing! Try it stuffed for perfect individual portions: Autumn Quinoa Stuffed Delacata http://shar.es/GyEd5
So sweet. Like Squash Candy. No oil or honey needed.
Seaweed snacks are my favorite, especially when I’m just craving something salty, but don’t want to splurge.
I just got some coconut sugar. Can you substitute it for both white and brown sugar in baking?
OMG I was at Costco in Mississauga (the one in Heartland Plaza) and saw the coconut oil too and practically squealed! Sadly I didn’t buy any because I’ve been buying the 860 g Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil at Bulk Barn when its 15% off and I have a $3 coupon ( I currently have two of those 860g jars in my pantry—#coconut hoarder) but the costco one is still cheaper! Now that I know that they have it at Costco I can hardly wait to buy more! I also bought the white linen pasta sauce and it was so delicious with some spaghetti squash. Costco is where its at when it comes to good healthy staple foods!
Oh! I am likewise impatient with the ripening of fruit! So excited to have read about your process for catalysing the ripening. I shall try it!
GREAT list! I too am on the Delicata Squash kick. Every day all day too! It is just so buttery and easy to make. :)
I love coconut sugar and nectar, too. I find that coconut sugar is a great sub for brown sugar in recipes. As far as the nectar goes, I love having a low-glycemic liquid sweetener that’s sweet but not too sweet.
That’s great you’ve been enjoying delicata squash so much. It’s one of the most underrated squashes in my opinion. I just love how creamy it is!
I tried the delicata squash a couple days ago and all I can say is THANKS!!! It was amazing. I will be eating this a lot more in the future.
Isn’t it great? Im glad you tried it out too!
I have to be honest and say that I’m not Vegan or Vegetarian I love my meats, and I have always struggled to get more varied selection vegetables into my diet, but ready through the post in your blog has given me some great ideas … so thank you ps I just want to say good luck to Susan for her half marathon in Scotland
Delicata squash for sure! I like mine with chili and lime. Butternut, too, and oh, heirloom pumpkins!
Angela, what pressure cooker are you coveting? I have been looking to get one and I bought a stove top model but I’ve recently been turned on to the simplicity of the electric models, so I might return it and get an electric version. I’d love to know your thoughts and which one you are hoping to get! Thanks!
I am new to using Coconut Oil so I was wondering if I should buy refined or unrefined coconut oil? Thank you.
Is Coconut Oil bad for your heart, or bad for you in any way? Someone was telling me this, and I had never heard that before.
O*K*R*A … cannot get enough and since it is Fall I can drop it into just about any potful of goodness bubbling on the stove!