Organic Granny

Of course, Easter is a Christian holiday that purports to use the egg as a symbol of Jesus having risen from the dead. The egg was before Christianity, a symbol of Spring fecundity and the return of the sun. It seems rather obvious that the egg has pagan origins and was co-opted by Christians. But how ever this might be, the egg at Easter is a significant part of many traditions and meals.   Celebrating Ukrainian culture Ginger Kulas spoke to a full house at the Minden Community Centre on April 5. Kulas, who is married to Ukrainian-Canadian Bill Kulas, spoke on Ukrainian culture and gave a Ukrainian Easter egg demonstration. Find more at Pysanky for Easter The beautiful pysanky, or painted eggs that the Ukrainian diaspora brought into our lives, is an example of how the egg has made its way into Christian symbolism. Priests in the Eastern rites of the Orthodox Church have a service for blessing the pysanky after the regular Easter Church service. Blood red dyes were originally used on

As you can see, a delicious piece of carrot cake, is being taken down. This is a vegan carrot cake baked by my dear friend, Bonnie. It followed a yummy meal our friends made as a sort of celebration of our dropping by to see their new home and meet their furbaby, Abbey. Bonnie and Stephen aren't vegan so it was very sweet of them to go to the trouble of making something for us that they might not ordinarily eat. We were touched. Recipe next with more notes and chitchat to follow that, for those who are interested. VEGAN CARROT CAKE  by BONNIE INGREDIENTS + Method Preheat oven to 350 F/175 C Grease 9×13 pan or use parchment Grate 2 cups of carrots and set aside Also put aside 1/2 cup dried pineapple pieces *see Notes Whisk the following 'dry ingredients' together in a bowl: *1 cup All Purpose flour *1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour *1 teaspoon baking soda* see Notes *3 teaspoons cinnamon *1/2 teaspoon nutmeg *1/2 teaspoon sea salt Mix the 'wet ingredients' together in a

Oat-based vegan cheese sauce Here is a delicious, healthy Mac and cheese recipe, particularly important for those following a diet geared for low fat heart health.  Besides no dairy, this Cheesy dish contains no poured oils and no seeds or nuts in this recipe! Check your pantry for the following and you are ready to go: Oat flakes (gluten-free, if needed), corn or tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, half a red pepper, salt pepper, a half a lemon (or apple cider vinegar will do) and some Mexican spices if you so wish. Also either onion powder or a half an onion (chopped), liquid smoke (optional, but I use a capful) and a blender . Now go here to the recipe from Mrs. Plant in Texas and get all the measures of the ingredients used. We have been enjoying this quick and easy sauce over pasta, broccoli and cooked other vegetables, and punched up with a little more heat, as a dip.  I know you will enjoy it too!

 The three vegan chocolate truffle recipes that follow are easy to make, delicious, and healthier than many such recipes for trifles.  These recipes do no contain any dairy or processed sugar.  If you are carefully following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute gluten-free oat flour.  I think there is something yummy here for everyone! Cheers! Red Bean Truffles The picture above is from marta_kozlowska84 on Instagram.  Her recipe is in Polish but I am guessing it is very similar to Candace Feldman's in her lovely book " Lean Into Plants: 100+ Simple  & Delicious Primarily Plant-Based Recipes Designed for Weight Loss and Fueling Your Body. "  This is one of many very quick, delicious and healthy recipes designed to "nourish your whole self: body, mind and spirit". 1 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips 1/4 cup of smooth almond butter Form into about 10, 1" balls.  Roll in various toppings and