1. Saigon Cinnamon
Last month I tried my first jar of Saigon cinnamon, and as you can probably tell, I really enjoyed it! Saigon cinnamon is stronger and more fragrant than traditional Ceylon cinnamon, so I find a little bit goes a long way. I just need to find it in bulk because these tiny jars were clearly not made for cinnamon addicts like myself.
[edited to add: Some of you brought to my attention that Saigon cinnamon may lead to liver damage. It contains coumarin which can be toxic in small amounts. I now buy Ceylon cinnamon (“true” cinnamon) which is considered to be a safer form of cinnamon without the potential effects on the liver.
2. Sauerkraut
Where have you been all my life? Can you believe this month was the first time I tried sauerkraut? For those who aren’t familiar, Sauerkraut is finely chopped fermented cabbage. Due to the fermentation process, it’s filled with healthy bacteria for a happy gut. I really wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did, but friends, it’s absolutely fabulous. I’m putting it on toasted sandwiches, veggie burgers, wraps, salads, and more. You know what comes next…making my own! I hear it’s pretty easy.
[photo via Chickpea Magazine]
3. Chickpea Magazine
I recently had the honour of being interviewed by the lovely Amanda Aldinger for Chickpea Magazine in this quarter’s Winter 2013 issue! Chickpea magazine is a whole foods, plant-based, 100% vegan magazine available in digital and print copies. Anyone who is familiar with this magazine knows the high quality content and photographs in each and every issue. I’m constantly in awe of the work they do and I couldn’t be happier to be featured. Thanks again to the entire team at Chickpea Magazine!
4. The Ghosts In Our Machine
I recently participated in a pre-screening of a new animal liberation documentary called The Ghosts In Our Machine (released this month!) which “illuminates the lives of individual animals living within and rescued from the machine of our modern world”. The documentary features the talented, inspiring, and courageous Jo-Anne McArthur, who is an award-winning Canadian photojournalist documenting the plight of animals in factory farms, the mink fur trade, animal lab testing, marine parks, and zoos across all 7 continents. Jo-Anne says her mission in life is to raise awareness about animal issues and to photograph the predicament that animals are in because of humans.
“I truly believe that it’s innate that we’re all compassionate and that if we are given the opportunity to care, we will.” ~ Jo-Anne McArthur
I can’t tell you the profound impact this documentary has had on me. I’ve watched it twice now and I’m telling everyone to go see it as soon as possible. To locate a screening in your area (or to request a screening!), see this page. You can view the trailer below:
Well, this is getting long so I think I’ll end on this note today. Hoping you take a moment today to remember those who gave their lives for this beautiful country. xo
[photo via Wikipedia under the Creative Commons license.]
Costco has Saigon cinnamon! Its not organic, but its a HUGE container, for about $5.
Cool, thanks for the tip! I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for it.
Oh man, I love that Bubbie’s sauerkraut. I go through a jar every couple of weeks on my own — I love using it instead of salad dressing on top of salad. It gives it just enough zip when mixed in to be the perfect topping. I also like a little on top of some avocado toast! :-)
Thank you for sharing about “the Ghosts in our machine”. I cried just by watching the trailer. I have to watch this.
Have some tissues nearby – it’s heart-breaking, yet inspiring all at the same time.
Angela, weird question–I thought you were Canadian? Or Canadian living in the US? I just wondered because of the last thought, which is an American holiday (or do Candians also celebrate it?).
I too love that brand of sauerkraut–just wish is wasn’t so expensive. My kids LOVE it too–funny, huh? I’ve found with kids, you just never know what they’re going to love..or hate.
Nov. 11 was the end of WWI–Canadians celebrate, too.
Yes- it’s Remembrance Day here in Canada today!
That’s so great your kids love sauerkraut. who knew?
My kids also LOVE nori seaweed. My husband thinks it’s the weirdest thing in the whole world :)
That got me wondering how many other countries mark November 11:
“Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11th, according to the History Channel. Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.”
In Britain we observe both: the 11th November, AND the Sunday nearest to the 11th.
Ange, you’ve got to get yourself to Costco!! Their Saigon cinnamon is my all time fave and it comes in a Costco-sized container for like $4!! I go through heaps of it and love its spiciness… I’ve yet to find anything that compares. Congratulations on the magazine interview! That’s a new one to me but I’m going to check it out now. Happy Monday!
Lol just read the first comment – guess I’m not the only one!
How did I miss this at Costco? Will have to get some next time I’m there.
As other commenters have noted, Saigon cinnamon has been known to contain high levels of courmarin, which can cause liver damage. It has been restricted/banned in Europe. Ceylon cinnamon does not have high levels of the toxin and is supposed to be much safer. I have recently been reading about this since I have two containers of the costco stuff at home.
Thanks for the cinnamon tip! I’ll have to check it out since I’m a huge cinnamon fan!!
I haven’t had sauerkraut in a few years, but my grandma used to make the absolute BEST! Homemade always beats store bought!
Not all sauerkraut is created equal. I too became a fan when I first tried Bubbies Sauerkraut. It’s a bit pricy, so I tried a less expensive alternative. After a couple forkfulls, it ended up going down the drain. If you’re just getting started, I’d suggest spending the extra $$$ on the Bubbies.
That’s interesting…I would’ve assumed they were all basically the same! Thanks for the heads up. Have you ever made your own?
It was a flavor preference thing for me… like soy chorizo! I’ve thought about making my own, but the value proposition of just buying it won out. :-)
I grew up with home made sauerkraut. I prefer the store bought. :-)
I have been buying Saigon cinnamon without even knowing lately… it is MUCH stronger, I agree. I accidentally have dumped too much in my oatmeal… we buy ours at Costco!
Also haven’t thought about saukerkraut lately but have been hearing SO many good things. I always like it when I have it – I should just buy/make it more often!
I have never tried Saigon cinnamon, I am going to have to look for it!
The best cinnamon of all time, and available in bulk is from Penzy’s Spices: http://www.penzeys.com/. It may be a little more money but oh so delicious.
Good to know! Thanks
Hah-I accidentally just commented the same below! Penzey’s is a local company for me – their spices are AMAZING. Grocery store spices don’t compare.
I agree with the thumbs up for Penzeys spices! I have been using their Vietnamese Cinnamon for years. MUCH better! I find everything I make that I add one of Penzeys spices to is much better. They are fresh, economical, and make everything better!!
I’m a huge sauerkraut fan…again only in the last couple of months! Another food my mum convinced me was horrible and I LOVE it! Here’s a good post on how to make it! http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-easy-homemade-sauerkraut-in-a-mason-jar-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-193124
Isn’t saigon cinnamon the best? I can’t ever go back to the regular ceylon kind now. And also yes to Sauerkraut being unexpectedly yummy! Definitely make some, because I would love a good bacon-less Sauerkraut recipe!
I love Saigon cinnamon!! I also buy mine in bulk at Costco – it is such a great price!
Chick Pea magazine sounds like the coolest magazine ever!
Great Post!
xoxo
berrybloomxo.blogspot.co.uk
I can’t wait to get a hold of Chickpea magazine! Also, I adore that cinnamon!
Chickpea magazine looks awesome, and I love that you can get it digitally too :)!
Here’s a great use for sauerkraut: Hummus, Avocado and Sauerkraut Sandwiches! It sounds crazy and it is: crazy good! Also, mix it with guacamole for a surprisingly good dip. and the secret to good sauerkraut is to buy the kind without vinegar, the naturally fermented kind like Bubbies and Hawthorne Valley are far superior to the blah salty canned varieties. Loe your blog!
how did you know I’ve been making hummus, avocado, and sauerkraut toasted sandwiches? Maybe the best thing ever! hah
I just tried sauerkraut for the first time this year too! A local vegan restaurant in Cincinnati has a tempeh reuben sandwich with a locally made sauerkraut. Sooo good!
Sauerkraut is awesome! I’m from Holland and it’s a typical winter staple here. You can buy it all year round but we mostly eat it when the weather is getting colder. Just a few more weeks until sauerkraut season and I can’t wait! (yes I could totally eat it now but it just wouldn’t feel right).
Wow I need to see that documentary! Looks so intriguing! Thank you for sharing.