Yoga For Air - The Heart of the Amazon

It was about 3 years ago when we had one of those beautiful evenings with good friends, where the conversations flowed and so did the wine. We talked about places we would love to explore and the Amazon Rainforest was on top of that list. Of course, we didn’t give this serious thought at the time, because who goes to the jungles besides trained explorers from National Geographic? So when the opportunity manifested a month later, we took it as a sign from the universe and found ourselves impulsively saying YES! 

The Amazon Rainforest is enriched and bustling with life, providing 20% of the planet's fresh oxygen supply, which we could immediately feel in each breath. The murky brown water at first appears polluted due to the fine sediments, however, it has traveled thousands of miles through a network of plant roots that detoxifies it and is probably one of the cleanest fresh water supplies in the world. 

The most noteworthy detail about the Amazon Rainforest is also the most intangible to measure and describe. As yogis through our practice, we open up our bodies as well as our minds. With each vinyasa, we become more hyperaware of the vibe and energy of our surroundings and how it affects us. In the Amazon, the best way to describe the energy is pure and full of life and it was magical.  

Near the end of our trip during one of our hikes, we came across the sad reality that threatened this magical place: deforestation. The Amazon Rainforest functions like a giant air purifier by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and in turn, produces oxygen. When cut or burned down it does the opposite and releases all those toxins back into the atmosphere. Deforestation also leaves many beautiful and endangered animal species homeless and their young vulnerable to illegal poaching, as well as destroying many undiscovered plants that could potentially be key to the next medical breakthrough.

Having the privilege of experiencing the energy in the Amazon enlightened us with simple solutions to complex world issues. It begins with the dedication and love to healing ourselves by healing the earth. Waking up each morning to the sunrise and hearing the animals celebrating the start of a new day, humbled us into realizing that we’ve been given another opportunity to make the world better. 

Through the many moments under the bright starlit skies, watching macaws flying above the jungle canopy, or hearing the howler monkey mark their territory through deep guttural growls, the spirit of the Amazon asked us to protect it. In those moments YOGA FOR AIR was brought into being and where our story begins. 

We wanted to create a brand that embodies the things that we LOVE most - yoga, nature, and modern design. Prints were photographed during a recent expedition up the Las Piedras river to one of the most pristine and biodiverse regions in the world. Our aim was to capture the raw essence of the Amazon jungle and express beauty that is natural and free-spirited.

Our yogi pants are made of a lightweight breathable high performance fabric designed for yoga. They offer the right amount of compression in order to fit perfectly like a second skin, allowing you to move freely. The yarns are spun from high-quality recycled PET to reduce plastic water bottles from being dumped into our earth and oceans, and printed using an eco-friendly process that does not use toxic chemicals or acids.

With each purchase you are supporting conservation of the Amazon Rainforests, as a portion of the proceeds goes towards Junglekeepers.

YOGA FOR AIR
Eco-friendly Apparel | Made in Canada

- Steven Phan

​​​​​​​From Luna Yoga to Banff Yoga Festival

From Luna Yoga to Banff Yoga Festival

I spent my twenties living between Montreal and Banff. This beautiful dichotomy of mountain and city life was thrilling but sometimes left me wondering where I truly belonged. I found a sense of belonging at Luna Yoga, a beautiful studio in Old Montreal. I knew I found it because resources and geography aside, I would across the city, through the Montreal's cold winters, just to get to class. 

This was a place where yoga, music, and chanting not only could help you get through your Vīrabhadrāsana II, but even help you realize that your boyfriend, in last's nights argument, was just trying to do the best that he knew…

Fridays in Montreal became like Sunday service . This consisted of Jenn’s noon class followed by lunch with my favourite people at Olive & Gourmando. It was never missed. and if it was, life was a little more chaotic, busy, and just a little bit harder.

I went on to do my yoga teacher training with them in 2011. Still, I find that the teachings from Luna Yoga and Jivamukti have become a source of inspiration for what I do and who we involve in the Banff and Okanagan Yoga Festivals. It’s often assumed that the teachers and spaces with  the biggest Instagram following, the best website, and the best yoga photos should be the ones chosen to teach at our events. That probably would be a great driver of ticket sales...

But Luna Yoga is a precedent for the type of event BYF and OYF seek to become. Luna’s longevity is a testament to its authenticity. It’s one of the longest standing yoga studios in Montreal. And I think, It's because it has never veered away from their values, lineage, nor the traditional teachings of yoga.

At BYF & OYF, I seek the Luna Yogas of the world. I seek the Jennifer Maagendans, Terri McCulloms, Jeff Mahs, Mark Darbys, Mystee Maisonets, Lydia Zamoranos... The Erins, Randelles, Kates, Jillaines, Tiagas, Trishs, Lauras, Taras, Kristens, Andrews… The humble teachers you would walk across the city on the coldest day for.  These teachers act as a vessel to the teachings of an ancient lineage, none of us should ever claim as our own. Their goal is not to be Instafamous but to help you build a consistent relationship with yoga.  And while sure, I just name dropped, they would never. They would tell you not to practice only with them, but to find yoga in everything and everyone.

They help students build a consistent practice with yoga. How beautiful is that? And alas, this has become what the BYF and OYF seek to exude; consistency, foundation, and authenticity. That is, if I am a slave to the trends in our society, then I will always be at the mercy of their fluctuations. Sure, we will be vulnerable  and open to these trends, but only to reinforce who we are and what we stand for. Yogaś citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ. Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.  The experience of ceasing these fluctuations allows you to see and act from a place of intention versus reactivity, enabling you to be more authentic and true to your purpose and your place in this world.

I found a sanctuary and a sense of belonging in a quaint, character studio amongst the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, whose teachings and community have inspired what I do today. And now, when I work, and when I travel, I seek to find authenticity, consistency, and the experience of Yoga.

Don't miss Jenn at the Banff Yoga Festival June 1st - 3rd!

- Kaeleigh Doherty

Fundamentals of Yoga

FUNDAMENTALS

I am so excited to offer this 4 part workshop. It teaches an understanding of the anatomy and construction of the postures so that you can sense proper alignment of your body to catapult your practice and ensure it’s safety.

I came to my yoga mat as an adult, never having been a very physical child. I lived in a body of muscular tension and with a mind that was constantly racing. I started with videos at home - a great practice, but with no one to teach me alignment, I started questioning my body. Was I supposed to be feeling downward dog across my shoulder blades? As I moved forward in my practice, I noticed my body cracking open ever so slightly and my thoughts starting to slow. I needed the recipe for this magic, which turned into an AMAZING year of teacher training. I was blessed to land at Luna, which teaches a strong, mindful practice based on safe alignment and hands-on assists. AHHH, so this is what I was missing!!!! I was suddenly guided deeper into my body, and with a clear mind, was able to follow my teacher’s cues. Teacher training broke down each pose, and built it up with language and breath so that it had purpose and direction. My mind was blown wide open.

Now I aim to give you the same understanding. This workshop provides you, the beginner or seasoned yogi, the tools to mastering your own body, and the guidance to move into it. We will explore anatomy, alignment, props and cues, so that whether you have an active practice, are just stepping onto the mat for the first time, or are recovering from an injury, you do so safely and more effectively. This workshop will help unlock your understanding of you and your relationship to your body and your mat.  

- Andrea Rubin

---

To sign up for Andrea's Fundamentals of Yoga workshop click the button below:

Vegan Gingerbread Yogi Cookies

Frances loves treating her students to Gingerbread Yogis the last class before the holidays!

VEGAN GINGERBREAD YOGI COOKIES

from Simple Recipes for Joy by Sharon Gannon

1/2 pound (2 sticks) vegan margarine, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the baking sheet.
*I like to use the vegan butter brand "Melt" and I grease my baking sheet with a coconut oil aerosol can
1 cup sugar
Egg replacer equivalent of 1 egg
*I use a tbsp of ground flax whisked with 3 tbsps of water
1 cup molasses
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

In a large bowl, cream the margarine and sugar. Mix in the egg replacer, molasses and vinegar and set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. 
Divide the dough into 3 equal balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or damp dishcloths and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 12 x 14 inch baking sheet with vegan margarine and set aside.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for 5 minutes, until it is soft enough to roll. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball of dough out on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too crumbly, mix a very little bit of water into the dough to help it stick together. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. For a traditional gingerbread man or woman, use a human-shaped cutter, but don't limit yourself - gingerbread cats and dogs and cows and chickens are people too and just as tasty and so much kinder than the real thing Trees, houses and geometric shapes also make great cookies. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are brown.

Remove from the oven, cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, make the icing.
*I use this super easy 3 ingredient Royal Icing recipe: http://theblenderist.com/vegan-royal-icing-aquafaba-recipe/ 
I like to add a little more icing sugar to get it thicker for easier piping.
When the cookies are cool, fill a pastry bag with the icing and using a number 2 tip, decorate your cookies.
Decorating options: Apply the frosting as an outline to suggest clothes or cover the whole surface of the cookie with frosting. Press into the frosting raisins, currants, chocolate chipes or nuts to form eyes, mouth, nose, buttons, etc.
*I use Patti Paige's (creator of Baked Ideas) piping tutorial on YouTube to decorate my Gingerbread Yogis! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzCg-OoelrI
*This recipe makes about 45 Gingerbread Yogis. 

- Frances Vicente

*I purchased my yogi shapes from https://www.bakedideas.com/ She is presently out of stock because they're so popular, but keep an eye out for when she has them back up! They are so worth it!

Vegan Holiday Recipes

3 Vegan Appetizers to Bring to Your Next Holiday Party

The holiday season is upon us! We took three of our favourite easy-to-make vegan appetizers and prepared them to share with you. 

The first recipe we made was an Artichoke and Spinach Dip from The Full Helping. This dip is creamy and delicious, and it's not difficult to eat the whole thing in one sitting.

This recipe takes the most time to prep and cook, but it's well worth it! The recipe calls for Daiya mozzarella-style cheese, but instead we used Daiya cheddar slices and cut it up into smaller pieces (it still worked well and would work with any vegan cheese that's meltable). Pair the dip with your favourite raw veggies, crackers or bread! 

https://www.thefullhelping.com/vegan-artichoke-and-spinach-dip

The second recipe we prepared was Quinoa Buffalo Bites from Mallory Maddox. These bites are perfect for dipping and easy to share with your friends and family! 

The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of oat flour, but we suggest 2 1/2 - 3 cups. Add just a little bit at a time until you find the right consistency (it should be easy to form the balls, but not be too sticky). We would also suggest adding more hot sauce to give the bites a little more oomph! Add your favourite dip on the side (they suggest vegan ranch, but it's also delicious with a Sriracha mayo - 1 cup of vegan mayo, 2 tablespoons of Sriracha hot sauce).

http://www.mallorymaddox.com/quinoa-buffalo-bites-vegan-gluten-free

The final recipe is one of our favourites, super easy and a crowd favourite at any party; vegan nachos! The crunch from the fresh veggies and nachos, and the creamy queso makes for a delightful balance of textures and flavours. This recipe is so quick and simple that it can be made last-minute with ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. 

We use an easy vegan queso from Hummusapien. Spread out a layer of nachos, add any fresh toppings you like (we used black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños and mashed avocado) and pour your vegan queso on top. No need to bake, only takes 10 minutes of preparation time and you're done!

https://www.hummusapien.com/vegan-queso

We had a great time making these recipes and we hope you enjoy sharing them with your friends and family this holiday season!

- Anna Kowaleski & Jaime Schmidt-Little

Veggie Spots in Old Montreal

HAPPY WORLD VEGAN DAY!

When the studio first opened there were only a handful of veggie friendly spots to eat. Now we find ourselves recommending so many yummy new places! Here are some of our faves:

Flyjin: small coffee shop, our favorite chai lattes, fresh pressed orange juice, ultra friendly service

Lov: delicious vegetarian/vegan restaurant. Beautiful decor.

Mandy's: mostly vegetarian salads and bowls, but there are vegan options! Founded by 2 Montreal women.

Olive & Gourmando: some veggie options (the "24" salad is our fave), great coffee and treats. 

Tommy's: funky coffee shop with some vegan desserts, lots of seating

Venice: lots of veggie options, surfer ambiance. 

Vivalia: lots of veggie options, juices & smoothies, cafeteria style or take out.

Lola Rosa: vegetarian/vegan take out, with a couple of small tables if you want to sit for a quick bite.

You can also check out the Montreal Vegan Festival at Marché Bonsecours this weekend, from Saturday November 4th to Sunday November 5th!

Happiness in a few simple steps

Coming from a long line of women who believed in natural beauty and simple skincare, my appreciation for clean beauty started early in life. The women who raised me were full of life and laughter and didn’t have much time or patience for complicated skincare routines. In the early days, my choices for skincare products were rooted in botanical ingredients — hippy-type rituals — so I naturally looked for keywords like ‘fresh’ and ‘natural’ before purchasing any products. Yet, after reading packaging ingredients which I could barely pronounce, and not wanting to be guided by marketing jargon alone, through many years of research, I reached a turning point which inevitably led me to a deeper understanding of cleaner beauty, and the eventual creation of Audre Leigh.

What is clean beauty, you might ask? The clean beauty movement takes the ‘all-natural’ products that we normally find in health food stores, infuses them with a little glam and turns them into “must-have-non-toxic-ultrachics” with the ultimate goal of keeping consumers safe from harmful chemicals from standard beauty products.

It turns out, we don’t really need all those toxins in our products and that many of the ingredients we use in our healthy eating habits are equally potent in skincare regimens. For example, organic maca powder often added to smoothies is a skin brightening ingredient found in our Root Clay Mask, while our Earth Cleanse face exfoliant is made with organic hemp, organic rice powder, chamomile and pineapple powders. Organic plant oils and extracts are incredibly skin-healing and make the next step to a more natural approach to your skincare that much easier.  Using pure, organic ingredients means your skin is absorbing only what it should, and doesn’t have to contend with the synthetics and silicones in standard products, that offer nothing to your skin. The same goes for perfumes and chemically enhanced ingredients known to irritate skin, which offer literally no benefits.

So, with my own modern take, based on a curated list of botanical formulations, emphasizing an eco-conscious awareness towards ingredients and packaging, I breathed life into Audre Leigh. To me, clean beauty is happiness in a glass jar! A simple step towards skincare, for you and the world around you, feels good — and happiness always looks beautiful.

For more information on ingredients found in many household or beauty products that are known skin irritants or associated with endocrine (hormonal) toxicity, check out environmentaldefence.ca and join the movement of kicking toxins out of our daily lives!

****************************

Shannon will be officially launching her clean beauty products on November 17th at Luna. Click here to register for the Audre Leigh Launch: A Beauty, Wellness and Karma Event

For more Audre Leigh products, check out our Prana and Savasana lotions on our online shop, made with organic and eco-certified ingredients or visit https://www.audreleigh.com/ for a wider selection of products!

Gratitude

When I was about 8 or 9 years old I went to a  water park with camp. My mom would have me all signed up for camp as soon as I was out of school for summer vacation. I loved it. I made friends, I went to the pool, we went for hikes, went to the zoo – what an awesome time. After the water park incident though, I wasn’t very keen on going back the following summers. I did, but I didn’t enjoy it as much. I never developed a fear of water – but a fear for being alone in a place I didn’t know or with people who didn’t know me.

As a child, I remember being at a water park in a wave pool just a few feet in. I wasn’t a strong swimmer but I could tread water for a long time. I just hadn’t tried treading water when there were waves big enough to cover my head. I remember loving them at first, but waves tend to pull you in a little deeper, even in a pool. Eventually, the waves got bigger, and I could no longer control the direction my body went. I was being swooshed left and right, back and forth, sometimes my feet would touch the ground but if they did, the water was above my head and I had to kick the ground hard to get back to the top – to breathe. I managed to do that for a while but my muscles tired out quickly and I had no idea where I was in the pool. Slowly, the more I tried to gasp for air, the more water would fill my throat, my mouth. I still remember the heavy taste of chlorine, the smell of it. The burning sensation in my nose going to the back of my throat. That itchy but painful sensation. But I wanted to keep breathing – just one breath of fresh air was all I needed. But I just couldn’t make it to the top. I was too deep and I couldn’t kick up anymore. My arms were of no use to me.

As I grow older, I realize that life can sometimes feel like that incident. You’re constantly treading, trying to keep yourself afloat. Sometimes a big wave comes crashing onto you and you feel like you might be at a loss. You try to take back that control, by fighting, kicking hard, but your environment is impossibly stubborn. It shifts relentlessly on its own.

A few years ago that pain came rushing back. Every time I took a breath in my rib cage felt like it couldn’t expand anymore and I used to get this sharp familiar feeling at the back of my throat moving all the way to rest right in the middle of my chest. And it hurt. It hurt so much that I had to find ways to cope. I couldn’t deal with the hurt anymore. I needed a breath of fresh air. My coping mechanisms weren’t healthy, so eventually, just a little over 3 years ago, I found a healthier way to process the pain. I started yoga. I started talking. I started opening up. I started but I haven’t finished. There’s still a lot of tug and pull going on.

The incident in the water - when I’d come to, I was by the side of the pool and there were a few people around me including one of my camp counselors. It was a weird feeling opening up my eyes and not seeing anyone I really knew. They were just a bunch of strangers bobbing their heads above mine. Someone had pulled me from the water – they’d come down the emergency ladder and pulled me up to safety. I was a kid back then. I was still learning how to swim. I only knew how to tread water.

Assuming you’ve practiced at Luna before, you know that the energy in the space is always a welcoming one. It’s not only bright lit studio, the music or the enchanting décor that invites you in. It’s the people. It’s a place where no matter who you talk to, there’s a bond being made.  There are no strangers. It’s in this space where you can’t help but feel lighter. You roll out your mat, you take a seat, and then – it finally comes. That breath of fresh air. The breath you’ve been looking for.

Today, swimming is a special part of who I am. I love the ocean. I love to dive and snorkel and I love the waves. I love the feeling. And I’m grateful to my practice for that. I was taught to see things differently. I was taught that perhaps, moving with the waves, letting them take you on a journey, is OK. It might feel scary at first, but there’s a reason the wave is taking you there. There’s something you have to experience. And we can all find it in us to keep on treading.

Here’s a challenge for you:

When things ever feel a little shaky or out of your control, find one thing, whether it’s your practice, your breakfast, your dog. Find that one thing – that day – that you’re most grateful for. Sometimes, it can make all the difference.

October Thanksgiving challenge:

I can’t assume that anything I wrote was relatable, but if there’s anything at all that seems a little familiar, maybe today is the day you make a shift. Let the waves form, but as they pass, instead of letting the fear and uncertainty take over, make a conscious decision to find something to hold onto. Something to keep you steady.  Today, maybe even tomorrow, choose to be grateful for one thing in your life, your day.  

We’ve created a ‘10 Things, 10 Days’ gratitude card that you can download and print out to keep you motivated! Try to update it once a day for as long as you can. It is the month of thanks after all, so maybe your challenge is to keep going until the end of the month!
Printable Gratitude card

Mindful Eating for the Fall season

I recently went back to a desk job after a few years and it really encouraged me to be more mindful and proactive when it comes to preparing meals. Starting your back to school/work season mindfully can make all the difference, from how you approach the day to navigating your way through it. Here are some tips that I hope prove to be helpful!

1. Plan your meals – put everything together the night before so that morning runs smoothly and
nothing gets forgotten. Set the coffeemaker the night before. Put your takeout mug right next to the coffeemaker or kettle (if tea or hot lemon water is more your thing). Defrost your frozen oatmeal breakfast smoothie that was prepped on the weekend. A simple way to have a great supper ready to go when you get home is to use a slow cooker. Prep everything the night before and put the cooking dish in the fridge, covered. The next morning just pop it into the heating unit and turn it on. Dinner should be simmering as you walk through the door at the end of the day.

Meal planning tools are really important. Here are some links to free online meal planners with
recipes included:

www.soscuisine.com
www.eatracker.com
https://ohmyveggies.com/category/meal-plans/

A new meal planning site, for minimal fees, can also help, since it groups all of the best bloggers’
recipes and allows you to choose a week of menu planning based on your taste preferences:

www.realplans.com

You can also check out my Pinterest page at: www.Pinterest.com/nutritionmtl/

And some great downloadables for menu planning and grocery shopping are:

http://thecottagemarket.com/2017/01/free-printable- meal-planner- set.html
http://dearcrissy.com/free-printable- meal-planner/

2. Plan your activities – know what’s coming up so that you can support your activities with planned snacks and meals. Give yourself enough time to get from one place to another without stress. Say no to things that are overwhelming. And make sure to schedule in some fun!

3. Plan your outfits – put your yoga clothing in your bag the night before. That way when you’re in a rush, or when you wake up not quite motivated, your better judgement will have your back. Make sure all of your laundry is done and put away for the week so you’re not running around for that perfect shirt without a clue where it’s hiding.

4. Find balance between work and play. Balance studying with pleasurable activities. Studying
outside is still studying – disconnect by focusing on the way a leaf blows in the wind or how a squirrel eats a nut. Schedule in something to look forward to every day, even if that means committing to ending the work day at a certain time.

5. And if you need reminders, and sometimes we all do, keep some positive affirmations around. I
like to keep a reminder on the lock screen of my phone that reminds me to “BREATHE.” Little post-its around your computer may also help. Here’s one to get you started eating mindfully: “Don’t chew your worries, your fear, or your anger. If you chew your planning and your anxiety, it’s difficult to feel grateful for each piece of food. Just chew your food.”  ― Thich Nhat Hanh, How to Eat

Enjoy a happy back to school, a happy back to work, a happy fall season. Step into it peacefully and mindfully, and you will find balance through this transition and positivity in more trying moments.

An Anniversary Celebration!

Our anniversary celebration was a huge success again this year, complete with a full class, sharing of stories, delicious food and fun surprises!

Before class Jenn shared a few words and stories about the studio's humble beginnings and how she never anticipated the impact that it would have in the community. Frances expressed how much the studio means to her, and how Jenn & Jason have positively impacted so many. And Bram, throughout the whole class, shared funny stories and anecdotes (as he always does!) but mainly emphasized how much gratitude we all share for our treasured studio space.

There was a lot of talk about community, and the anniversary class really brought that out... From the class taught by Bram and assisted by Jenn and Frances, to all the helping hands who put the gift bags together, to the delicious food prepared by one of our generous yogis, Mit, along with the delectable cookies baked by Jenn and Frances that very day. And of course, most important of all, all of the wonderful yogis who attended, some who have been there since the very beginning (and even before the studio opened!) and others who are new to our Luna family!

We extend so much humble thanks and gratitude to you all. Without you all the studio would simply not exist, and your presence, support and love is the foundation of your beautiful space.

There were many requests for us to share recipes from the event, so here they are!

Mit's Vegan Patties

Ingredients

• 100 grams of cooked rice cooled overnight
• 500 grams potatoes
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 kg carrots
• approx. 10 zucchinis (or any summer squash of your choosing)
• olive oil
• cumin and/or coriander seeds
• salt, pepper, turmeric to taste
• tarragon and coriander herbs
• fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• mint leaves
• fresh coriander
• salt 
• pepper
• bread crumbs (optional)

- Boil the potatoes until they soften. Peel and let cool for 20 mins.
- Chop the cauliflower thinly and wash/rinse thoroughly.
- Put a frying pan on high heat with a few drops of olive oil, plus a pinch of cumin/coriander seeds, add cauliflower.
- Fry cauliflower to coat with olive oil, not cook through. It should still be hard on the outside, and a little softer on the inside.
- Lower the heat add salt, pepper and turmeric to taste and let sit for 5-7 mins.
- Remove from heat and transfer cauliflower into a bowl. Season with tarragon, coriander and a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Toss and let cool for 20 mins.
- Lightly mash cooled potatoes until it makes a paste. Season with salt, pepper, half of a green hot chili pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 mint leaves, a couple of coriander leaves a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
- Mix cauliflower and potatoes together.
- Rinse carrot and zucchini (or squash) and grate into thin slices. Massage in 3-5 tsps of salt.
- Drain thoroughly (may take up to 30 mins to dry completely)
- Add seasoning to your liking: pepper, green herbs (parsley, coriander, mint, tarragon, rosemary)
- Add carrot and zucchini mixture to potato and cauliflower mixture.
- Mix pre-cooked rice and add seasoning if necessary.
- If you find the dough too moist you can add bread crumbs. This also adds a nice, crunchy texture. 
- Separate dough into round patties, about 1-2 inches thick. Cool in the refrigerator for 30-45 mins.
- Fry patties in olive oil on medium-high heat, 2-3 mins on each side. 

Veggie Side Dish

Ingredients

• cherry tomatoes
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• rosemary
• 5 medium-sized onions
• 2-3 red peppers
• 2 carrots

- Cut in halves at least 5-7 boxes of cherry tomatoes of various colours, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper and rosemary.
- Bake for 90mins on 300F minimum, or overnight-slow heat is very good if you have time.
- Thinly cut onions, red peppers, carrots or any other desire grilled vegetables, bake for 90min on 300F the oven.
- Mix them with cherry tomatoes and add any desired green herbs, refrigerate this dish for 4-6 hrs before serving.

Ginger Cookies
Cowgrrrl Cookies
Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

We're already looking forward to next year's anniversary festivities! Hope to see you then!