Yummy Vegan Cooking - No Really!

Sally is a really cool new addition to my life. She is the delicious creator of the 24-7 Foodie blog looking for the next best dish, one tasty morsel at a time on the foodie trail. One thing I quickly found out about Sally is that she also has allergies. I know what you're thinking...what foodie can fully enjoy cuisine when you have to deny yourself of so many specifc foods?

Well, rather than just coping with not eating anything with dairy, corn or eggs, Sally has embraced vegan cooking. With some of the most dececious foods using tofu, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and veggies, she offers a variety of yummy creative combinations. Her poached pears in red wine and potato crusted halibut are out of this world.

But my ultimate favourite? Her vegan rum balls! From the first bite, I was hooked! And an added bonus, she had graciously shared her recipe with me and my Amaryllis Events followers! So, this is a must make if you want a tasty bit of heaven without being sinful!

Give this recipe a try and tell me what you think at the end of this blog!

Averie’s No Bake Vegan Rum Cake Balls-Gluten & Soy Free

Ingredients:

1/4 c Cashews–Grind them first, then add the remaining ingredients.
1/2 c Medjool Dates
1/4 c Raisins
1/2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (or similar clove, cinnamon, lemon spices)
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Dark Rum (or a rum you enjoy; note that schnapps such as banana, mango, peach, or pineapple schnapps would all be heavenly in this recipe)

Optional Ingredients & Tips: (I used all and in the amounts listed)

2 Tbsp Agave (or stevia to taste)
3 Tbsp Almond Meal (or 1/4 c almonds that you grind)
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

For more amazing food blogs and scrumptious recipies, visit Sally's 24-7 Foodie blog at:

http://24-7foodie.blogspot.com/

Till our next tasty tidbit!

You Gotta Be Here!

Question... What Vancouver attraction is to Vancouver what Disneyland is to Anaheim? What can hold a fully loaded 747 or 96 elephants?

...If you said Capilano Suspension Bridge to both questions you are right!

Not only did they wow us with the Bridge spanning 137 meters and 70 meters above the Capilano River, but then came the Treetops Adventure offering a squirrels eye view of the forest floor 30m below. Now, they just launched the new spectacular CLIFFWALK attraction described as a "heart-stopping cliff-side journey [that] takes guests through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above Capilano River to previously unexplored areas of the park.

I was one of the lucky first comers at their Grand Opening Celebration last week and let me tell you it's not for the faint of heart. Its high, narrow and in some sections, glass (very strong glass albeit) is all that separates guests from the canyon far below. It was a great experience that isn't just for tourists; every Vancouverite should put this on their "to do list" this Summer and get a bird's eye view of their beautiful city! Like the saying goes during the Olympics..."You Gotta Be Here"!

Meet The Person Behind Amaryllis Events!

Heather Baker is the owner and Founder of Amaryllis Events. But what do we really know about Heather other the fact that she is an amazing event planner?

I had a chance to interview her some questions about her event planning company, family, and hobbies.

Q: How long has Amaryllis Events been in business?

I started Amaryllis Events in the Spring of 2000. I can't believe it's been so long.

why did you decide to become an event planner?

I have always been the party girl – I either am the life of the party or planning the party. I have been involved in planning and organizing events all my life so its just a natural extension of what I have always done.

Q: What is something unique about you?

I also have a degree from SFU in Woman Studies.

Q: What do you like to do on your spare time?

I love to cook, garden read and most of all, travel. In the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to have had some really cool trips. My favourites and most memorable are: a month in India travelling over 2,800km through historic Rajistan and then some R&R in Dubai on the way home; a 17day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and 10 days in Shanghai at Expo using our home made VIP badges to avoid the long line ups at all the pavilions. My next adventure is a hike on the West Coast Trail.

My other passion – Gardening! It makes me really happy and I feel at peace in my garden. I even placed 1^st place in a North Shore garden contest. That’s why I decided on the name Amaryllis Events, it’s one of my favourite flowers.”

Q: Do you have any pets?

“I do. I have two beautiful pugs, Toby who is 13 and his daughter Maggie. Toby loves to eat everything in sight! He once ate a dead crow on a walk and pooped feathers! He’s a riot! Maggie is calm but she loves being the dominate female of the family.”

By: Anna Louie
Amaryllis Events

Mr. Sandman, Bring me an Airstream!

Coming Soon to Amaryllis Events...

What will Amaryllis Events soon have in common with huge Hollywood super stars such as Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Pamela Anderson, and Colin Farrell? This week, I have travelled to Portland, Oregon to purchase the new member of our family...Consuela, a 28 ft Airstream trailer!

Photo Courtesy of Heather Baker

Now, I know trailers haven’t necessarily had the best reputation over the years; with the ridiculous stereotypes that these vehicles are reduced for people of a lower economic status, notorious for outdoor enthusiasts ready to climb Mount Selkirk, or the retired population. Let us break these preconceived notions that have been hammered into your brains by pop culture and I’ll show you Consuela can be the next trendy attraction at your event.

The Airstream has been making a comeback these past few years where it’s popular for celebrities to name their trailers. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie have the “Luv Sub”, Matthew McConaughey has “The Canoe”, and Pam Anderson’s “Lovestream”, complete with a vibrating bed and stripper pole – How’s that for trendy! Even Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie travelled from Florida to their home in Beverley Hills in an Airstream in the TV show, The Simple Life.

Photo Courtesy of Sean Flanigan

So, what could you possibly do with an Airstream trailer at an event you ask? Well, transportation for starters, but also equipped with a full bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen area making it perfect for a bridal party powder room, or an event command centre. Complete with a classic streamline appearance to incorporate it as the main attraction at a vintage style wedding as a unique bar, a fast food kitchen, or even serve gourmet snow cones to your guests during the hot summer months. The possibilities are endless!

Photo courtesy of airstream bar by kate mefford