2019/20: Eats | knightwatch

EATS (2019-2020)

The Cozy Comfort Foods of Fall

By: Rebecca Plante

Once again, the time for fluffy scarves, warm mugs of apple cider and changing leaves is upon us. Perhaps best of all, is an excuse to dust off all of our favourite cozy comfort food recipes! My parents have always loved to cook, and in honour of the turning season, I thought I’d share some of my families favourite fall recipes.

First up is my great grandmother’s friends casserole recipe, or as we like to call it, Mrs. Gold’s Casserole. Everytime my mother would visit her grandparents in their home in Kirkland Lake her grandmother was sure to have a casserole in the oven ready to eat. As such, it has become a long standing tradition in my family to make her casserole anytime someone is in need of a pick me up, and what better time than the cool and often grey early days of fall?

Next on the list is my Nana’s Chicken recipe. For as long as I can remember, Nana has been making this chicken the exact same way, and every time we see her. It has become a staple in our house, and after so many years of eating it, it still never gets old. One of the easiest recipes to make, it is the quintessential comfort food and is easily one of my favourites year round.

Finally, the family’s favourite dessert recipe, Aunt Katie’s Chocolate Cake. A Southampton classic, this is a recipe that has been in my family for generations now. Served in a square pan and covered in a layer of gooey condensed milk icing, Aunt Katie’s chocolate cake is the cure to all your problems. Don’t know what to make for company? Aunt Katie’s Chocolate Cake. Feeling down for no particular reason? Aunt Katie’s Chocolate Cake. Spontaneous cake craving? Aunt Katie’s Chocolate Cake.

5 Quirky Places to Eat in Ottawa

By: Trillium Whitewolf

There are plenty of great restaurants to enjoy a meal in Ottawa. However, if you desire a more interesting, out of the box experience, here are some quirky places to check out the next time you’re looking for a place to eat:

1. Feline Cafe- Is there a cat lover out there who would pass up a nice coffee with cats by their side? Besides having tasty food, this Cat Cafe is extra special because all their cats are from a local rescue. Feline Cafe’s mission is to provide space for cats without a home, then take care of them and promote their adoption. Located on 1076 Wellington Street. Be sure to stop by the next time you're craving some quality cat time!

2. Level One Game Pub- Ever get too bored at a restaurant? If so, Level One is the place for you! At Level One you get to choose from a large selection of board games to play while eating a meal or snacking on one of their candy bowls. This is a great place to go with friends, and is also the perfect way to spend time with new people as the board games help avoid any awkward silences. Located at 14 Waller Street in the Byward Market.

3. The Works - You can't live in Westboro without already knowing about The Works, but with measuring cups for glasses and a burger called The Hipster, how can this not make the list? In case you're new to town, or have just been living under a rock, stop by The Works at 326 Richmond Road.

4. Hangout Bubble Tea - Bubble tea is a trend that is growing bigger and bigger in Ottawa. There are many places to get bubble tea, Chatime Tea being one of the more popular ones. However, Hangout is certainly the place to go for a quirky experience. Like Level One, the selling point of Hangout is that they supply plenty of board games to play. There is also the added aesthetic bonus of fairy lights hanging from the ceiling. Located at 839 Somerset Street.

5. Tavern on the Falls - Enjoy the view of the Rideau Falls while eating some gourmet hot dogs and tacos on an outdoor patio. Tavern on the Falls also has live jazz on Wednesday and Friday evenings, as well as Sunday afternoons, so you listen to some great music. This restaurant is located at 1 John Street, but because it is outdoors it is only open seasonally, so you may have to wait until spring to get a chance to pay a visit.

Quick and Healthy Snacks

By: Gabby Mosurinjohn-Lockey

I am constantly on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. The following 3 recipes are my favourite healthy snacks. Out of all the recipes that I have found and tried. These recipes show how delicious healthy snacks can be.

Pictured above: Chia seed pudding, topped with frozen blueberries, frozen pomegranate seeds, frozen raspberries, cinnamon, and shredded coconut.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse - https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/

This avocado chocolate mousse is a super quick (less than 5 minute) recipe. Not only is it easy to make, it’s also really delicious. The chocolate overpowers the avocado flavour making it taste like a normal chocolate mousse!

Ingredients

2 avocados
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ melted chocolate chips
3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
⅛ tsp salt
Maple syrup to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Add more milk if you want a smoother consistency.
Enjoy!

Overnight Chia Seed Pudding - https://ohsheglows.com/

This chia seed pudding is one of my favourite things to either eat for breakfast, or as an after school snack. With only 3 main ingredients you can make this in no time! I enjoy customizing the pudding with granola, frozen fruit, and cinnamon in the morning.

Ingredients

3 cups milk
½ to ¾ cup chia seeds (depending on how much pudding you want)
1 tbsp maple syrup

Directions

Whisk the milk, chia seeds, and maple syrup together in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes then whisk again.
Chill for either 4 hours or leave it in the fridge overnight.
Stir before eating. If you find the mixture is to liquidy add in more chia seeds. If it is too thick, add more milk.
Add any toppings (ex. granola, fresh or frozen fruit, cinnamon, more maple syrup).

Peanut Butter Cup Bites - https://minimalistbaker.com/

Out of the 3 recipes, I would say that this one is definitely the easiest. Whenever I make these bites I always take a few to school the next day for a healthy snack. If you love chocolate peanut butter cups this is a perfect snack for you!

Ingredients

1 cup dates
3 tbsp peanut butter
¼ cup chocolate chips
1 tbsp chia seeds
⅔ cup oats
1 cup shredded coconut

Directions

Pulse dates in a blender until they are able to form a ball.
Add peanut butter, chia seeds, and oats and pulse until the mixture is combined.
Roll into small balls using your hands.
Roll ball in shredded coconut.
Chill in fridge for 15 minutes, then eat!

How To: Honey Joys, the flourless baked goods

By: Anna Berglas

Flour is hard to come by in grocery stores these days; the past three visits, the shelves have been empty. However, baking is a popular activity to do while self isolating - it passes time and results in a tasty snack afterwards. The perfect compromise is in my mother’s Honey Joys, an Australian desert that I’ve learnt to cherish over the years. It’s simple, fast, and easy.

Ingredients

90 grams of butter (⅖ cups)

70 grams of brown sugar (⅓ cups)

1 tablespoon of honey

4 cups of cornflakes

Preheat the oven for 135 C, or 275 F. Melt together the butter, sugar, and honey in a pot over medium heat, stirring until all items are combined. Meanwhile, place cornflakes into a large bowl. Pour the heated mix over the cornflakes, and stir together, careful to avoid crushing the cornflakes unnecessarily. Spoon the mixture into paper cups (the same you’d use for cupcakes) and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Let chill, then enjoy. Makes twelve.