I'll have the Balls. (That's what she said!)

Every time I watch Eat Street, I wonder where they heck all these Food Trucks are? I would love to jump on this delicious wagon craze but don't want to drive an hour to do so.

I have recently learned that there's a pilot project going on in the Kitchener/Waterloo Region (my hood). The City of Waterloo is running a pilot food truck project until Dec. 31, 2013. Licensed food trucks can operate in areas in uptown Waterloo, as well as in other locations throughout the city. 

One of those other locations is Kitchener City Hall.  All summer long there will be food trucks parked out front on Thursdays, from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, until August.
You can bet I'll be at all of them.

You can check out the full summer schedule here: Kitchener's Downtown Live 2013
(Thanks Hilary for sharing all the deets).

May 21st was Day One.. the rain held out so I lined up at Kitchener City Hall with my appetite.

Schmuck Truck is a Gourmet Food Truck that satisfies your cravings for something different. They prepare great local food daily. You can follow when and where they are going to be on twitter and their website. You can follow Schmuck Truck on twitter here. 

The Pulled Pork Sandwich was the first menu item to catch my eye but was disappointed to learn they had run out! (I heard it was that good, aw well next time!) It was actually a blessing because my second choice was something I normally wouldn't have ordered. And it was super-taste. 

I asked for the balls...(the Risotto Balls you nut!), and grinned from ear to ear when the woman replied with "That's what she said." I have a feeling the get that a lot. Regardless, I had to go for it anyway. 

Delicious and definitely worth trying something new! A great option for only $6.
Inside: mushroom rice, basil and goats cheese. They are a great vegetarian option and are served with fresh and zesty marinara.

NEXT FOOD TRUCK DATE: Tomorrow! Thursday May 30 2013 @ Kitchener City Hall. 

The SWAT Truck, Sandwiches With A Twist will be on site from 11:30 - 2:00 PM. 

More info on facebook! 

Perhaps I'll see you there!

If you'd like to read more info on the Food Truck pilot project currently underway in the Kitchener Waterloo Region, visit http://www.waterloo.ca/en/government/foodtrucklicences.asp 

Canadiana Baked Beans - Contest Entry Love Your Lentils Contest

VOTE HERE

"Canadiana Baked Beans" - My lentil recipe entry for the Love Your Lentils Blogger Contest.

"Did you know here in Canada we grow the worlds best lentils?" 

Well if Chef Michael Smith says this, then I'm a believer.

Simply put: I heart Chef Michael Smith and have set a goal to meet him someday, and ok if he's willing, have him cook me a meal too. ;) 
Every time I'm able to tune in, he teaches and inspires me to make healthy tasty food. I just began following his Facebook page, only to learn that there is a contest underway this month of May- with only one week remaining!! Is there time for me to enter? YES! But I'll need your help! (please and thank you!)

Catching my eye was the "The Love Your Lentils Campaign."

May is Love Your Lentils Month...who knew? (me neither, so mark it on your calendar for next year!) 

Chef Michael explains the contest here... I'm submitting an entry as a Blogger and I need your help, DAILY, from now until May 31st - KINDLY TAKE A MOMENT, VOTE & SHARE.

The TOP 10 recipes in each segment as voted by the public will be reviewed by Chef Michael and his team. I am currently in 10th place after only 24 hours - but I need your help to remain there until the contest closes May 31st!! 

My dish, "Canadiana Baked Beans" is a take on traditional Canadian Baked Beans - made with Canadian bacon, maple syrup and lentils.

Anyone who knows me would say I'm a proud Canadian et j'adore Canada.  I have aspired to create something simple, fun and delicious - with hopes of providing a realistic meal option that can make its way to dinner tables across Canada.

HERE IS THE LINK TO VOTE!  I'll publish the recipe on Eclectic Kitchen with an update after the contest closes on May 31, 2013.

Thank you in advance for your time, support and votes. 

Oh and there's a BONUS in this for you: One lucky voter will be selected to win the contest as well! Check out the site for full details and I wish you luck, too. 

Honey Ginger & Soy Lettuce Wraps (crockpot style)

I'm sure you have been there. I invited a friend to drop by after work for a bite and hockey game... I then said to myself: awe shit, now I have to make something. I decided to "do research on pintrest".... which really meant 20 pins and 30 mins later, I remembered what I was REALLY looking for. :)

I can't seem to find the original recipe that inspired this creation, but I opted for an easy clean up version and used the ol' crockpot.

You can easily add or eliminate items from your wrap, whatever suit your taste buds. For example, I have added to mine fresh mango, pickled ginger, thin vermicelli noodles and additional Saracha (but only when I'm feeling like a baddass).

Here's what you need (basic recipe):

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
(season with black pepper and slightly brown)
1/3 cup of low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 tbs rice wine vinegar
3 cloves of minced garlic (incase you haven't notice, I like garlic)
1 tbs water
1 tbs Saracha hot sauce...aka "the new ketchup"
1 tbs onion powder
1 tsp sesame oil
1.5 tbs corn starch (add in final 20 mins)
1/4 cup water (to mix with cornstarch)
top with 2 tsp sesame seeds
Lettuce...I used the romaine I had on hand
(Bib lettuce is best, fyi)

Cut chicken into bite size pieces and season in black pepper


In a medium bowl combine ingredients except water, cornstarch and sesame seeds

Pour over chicken and cook on low for 4 hours

Then in a small bowl dissolve cornstarch + water and add to crockpot stirring well

Cover and cook on high for 15 mins


Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds

Serve in lettuce...apparently bib lettuce is the best to use though I had romaine in my fridge.

I appreciate your posts and comments about the blog, including the recipes you've tried. I'm having fun and can't wait to get grillin'.