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. 

Natural Energy Bars

Natural Energy Bars

I'm not a big fan of protein powder (insert gross face here). In my opinion, it looks and tastes like chalk and I can't pronounce half of what is listed under its "ingredients." 
So I decided I wanted to try and make an alternative to snack on for good energy. 

Here you have it... my alternative. 

They are perfect before or after a workout, and make a fulfilling breakfast on-the-go. These natural energy bars are very easy to make, and you can switch up what is in them with whatever tickles your taste buds!
...cranberries instead of raisins you say, go on with your creative self! 

Just stick to 1 cup - 1.5 cup of each when measuring your proportions. 

All these ingredients are super foods; high in omega 3s, iron, zinc, good fats and protein. 

                                                                                                   Here's what you need:

4 cups - Oats (You will not toast these like the others)

1.5 cups - Raisins 

1.5 cups - Crushed Almonds 

1.5 cups - Peanuts

1.5 cups - Flaked or Shredded coconut

1 cup - Pumpkin Seeds 

1 cup - Sunflower Seeds

1 cup - Sesame Seeds

1.5 cups - Wheat Germ (aids in binding)

Liquids: 

1 cup of Honey OR Maple Syrup

1/2 cup of Brown Sugar (optional)

3/4 cup Olive oil

Prep your baking dish and preheat oven to 350.  I use 2 square brownie pans with parchment paper covering bottom and sides. 

Toast all your ingredients before combining them all in the same bowl (except the oats!). 

It is best to toast the ingredients individually using a small fry pan as they have different toasting times. Pay attention to your heat because a burnt taste will ruin your final product.

Once everything is combined, stir in liquids until everything is well coated. 

Press into baking dish, disperse evenly and firmly pat down so the top is level. You may need a second dish. 

Bake at 350 for 25-30 mins. You'll see it start to bubble mid way, and brown on the top. 

Let cool for one hour and cut into desired size. 

Wrap individually with saran for up to 2 week freshness.