Recipe: Creamy quinoa and squash risotto

Quinoa is one of my favourite food finds. Quicker, and packed with more protein and fewer carbs than rice (because it's not actually a grain), quinoa is usually a good substitute for the fluffy stuff in any dish. Here, it gets a rich and creamy treatment to make a faster and healthier version of risotto. The dish is also vegetarian, and easy to turn vegan (sans milk and cheese). 

Restaurant Review: Aravind

Aravind (596 Danforth Ave.)

I had heard about Aravind through some other Toronto food blogs, which said it was a refreshing change to Toronto's many Indian restaurants. Aravind, smack in the middle of Greektown, may not look like it based on the rather rustic decor -- aside from turquoise sponge painted walls not much stands out -- but it's higher end than those staple butter chicken and naan type places. If you're looking for share plates or either of those classics, Aravind is not the place. Instead, the restaurant specializes in lighter Southern Indian fare from the Kerala state --which means, basically, fish and vegetables are the crux of pescetarian menu that focuses on local ingredients.

Tasty detox DIY brunch

After a party Saturday, I invited some friends over for Sunday brunch as it is much cheaper than those $14 breakfasts we pay for when we're hungover and want someone else to cook for us.

Detox day 4: Indian detox date night

After a relatively uneventful day 3, meal wise (oatmeal AGAIN, plus leftovers) I have only to report back that I was CRAVING. Man, I went into Starbucks on my break and surrounded by all these smells of coffee and holiday themed drinks, alas I ordered my green tea. I wanted every sweet in the shop too, especially because its the time of year they have those irresistible cranberry bliss bars out. Anyway I digress, thought I'd just skip ahead to day four and let you know about the feast my fellow detoxer friend and I cooked on a very healthy Friday night.