December 7/24
The winter wonderland had my husband throwing out some choice curse words as he headed outside to shovel for the third time. I did offer to help, perhaps half-heartedly, and when my husband declined I gleefully threw my snow shoes into the car that he had so nicely brushed off. As the weather had made driving treacherous, I stayed close to home and only ventured as far as the Wye Marsh, and even that was a tense five minute drive through whiteouts. The Marsh was open, though only a few brave souls had ventured out. All the better for me, guaranteeing a peaceful time on the trails.
I strapped on my snowshoes while listening to the sounds of chickadees flickering overhead, hopeful for a handout of sunflower seeds. These tiny birds will sit in your hand for a photo op, however patrons are asked to refrain due to the spread of avian bird flu. Obviously the chickadees weren’t made aware of this, as they gather on the small twigs overhead in anticipation of a handout. I left the birds behind and continued out to the Graham McDonald snowshoe trail. No one had been out here, and even with my snowshoes I was up to my knees in soft snow. Breaking trails is an incredible workout that will have your legs burning and a sheen of perspiration on your brow. This is when those layers are so important, using fabrics that will whisk away the moisture. Cotton kills, as it absorbs moisture and holds onto it, putting the wearer at risk for hypothermia. Synthetics and wools are a smarter choice.
The heavy snow had settled on the bushes and trees, causing them to lean heavily across the trail. Initially I tried to duck under these, but with every accidental touch the cold, wet snow would fall on my head and back of my neck. This is when I had the bright idea to knock the snow off before ducking. Off came the snow with a smack of my mitts, and I smiled at my genius. Maybe not, as with the weight of the snow gone the branches flung up and smacked me in the face. Mother Nature has a twisted sense of humor some times. Another lesson learned, and I made sure to stand back and use my poles to knock off any further snow covered branches.
Once on the Graham McDonald snow shoe trail follow the orange blazes around the loop, a short 2 km trail. You can also take the green blazes off the loop and out to Freshet creek. This is a more remote trail and I rarely find anyone out here. The silence is deep, as the thick snow continues to fall around me to soften the squeak of my shoes. Only the dark tree trunks and green cedars break the stark whiteness. Above me the snow higher up in the trees began to fall off with regularity, as the west wind picked up and shook the bare branches. It was time to head back, as the weather was turning and another squall was on its way. This is not an area that I would want to be stranded in during a storm. I made better time on my return, as the trail was already broken in though starting to fill in with the soft new snow. As I returned home and pulled into my driveway I admit to feeling some guilt. My husband was still out shoveling and had a mantle of snow on his shoulders and a scowl on his face. Karma was out to get me, as a tickle in my throat soon turned into a horrible flu and our home became a plague house. There would be no more outside time for me over the next week, though my poor husband continued to battle both the flu and the piles of snow.
Jo Knows Nutrition
by Joanne Nijhuis
CLEMENTINE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
There is something magical about Ontario winters, especially when clementine season arrives! From late November through February, these easy-to-peel citrus treasures brighten up even the coldest days. Perfect for snacking, but why stop there? Clementines are a versatile alternative to oranges in so many recipes, including this delicious dessert that is sure to charm your family and friends.
DID YOU KNOW?
Clementines are small, but mighty when it comes to nutrition! Packed with Vitamin C, just one clementine provides almost half of the daily needs for healthy, non-smoking adults. Not only do clementines support your vision (beta-carotene) and your gut (fibre, water, vitamins), they also contribute to keeping your immune system (vitamins, antioxidants) healthy during the colder months.
INGREDIENTS
5-6 clementines, peeled and sliced into rounds
2-3 clementines zest and juice
1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted melted butter or vegetable
oil, divided
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) packed brown sugar or 1 1/4 cups (313 ml) maple syrup or honey, divided
1 1/3 cups (333 ml) white or whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk, sour cream or Greek yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Spray a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Thinly slice 5 or 6 clementines and set aside.
- Zest the remaining clementines and set aside.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the melted butter or oil into the bottom of the cake pan.
- Add 3/4 cup (188 ml) of the brown sugar or 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the maple syrup or honey on top.
- Arrange the slices of clementine in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping in the cake pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk with an electric or handheld mixer the eggs, remaining brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, zest and juice from the 2 to 3 clementines, the remaining melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, sour cream or Greek yogurt. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Gently pour the batter over the clementine slices and smooth with a spatula.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean in the middle of the cake.
- Cool for 15 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
- Carefully invert the cake onto serving plate. Let cool before slicing.
ENJOY!
Joanne Nijhuis MSc, RD is a consulting, media and culinary dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne offers cooking demos/classes and individual counselling. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com