Eloquent words...

From Moonpointer this morning, here is a link to a posted remark from a lady named Jane.

Her words are so eloquent and to the point. Click here to read further... scroll down on the page to "Comments".

Source: http://flickr.com/photos/elparaisodemari/1214738823/

All of life is motion -- birth, death, and rebirth -- that binds men to the truth within them. All things exist because of co-dependency (LET's not KILL this beautiful animal!)

He should not kill a living being,
nor cause it to be killed,
nor should he incite another to kill.
Do not injure any being, either strong or weak, in the world.

Sutta Nipāta 2.396

Affinity Vegetarian Restaurant, Hamilton, Ontario

Affinity Vegetarian Restaurant is now or will be offering a buffet style option (January 2008). For those of you not familiar with this restaurant, it is located on John Street near the Undermount. The current owners opened in what was formerly the Budapest Hungarian Restuarant. I am not sure the exact date that the buffet bar is scheduled to open, however, I have linked the name above to a site that provides the address, directions and telephone numbers.

Having been to this family style restaurant a few times, I can vouch for their tasty cuisine (their faux "meat"and candied lotus root slices are always dead on the mark without fail!) There is also a wall display of unique tea pots, teas and tea accessories all for sale; I am always fascinated by the original and creative shapes and designs of the pots. While you are waiting for a place to sit or on your way out, you will pass by this area - it is well worth taking a few moments to view this little "museum" of tea artifacts.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tortugadeldesierto/1627205600/

Orange Date Muffins

On the weekends that my husband is not working, it is our habit to go out in the mornings for a coffee, take the dog for a walk and just spend some time together. Lately, we have discovered a new coffee shop that we have both fallen in love with. It is called My Dog Joe Cafe (located in Westdale on King Street West beside the Westdale Theatre.) The interior is lovingly decorated with local artists work on the walls (for sale), recylced chairs, kitchen tables and an old couch with coffee table facing the large picture window on the street front. The young staff bake all their own muffins, cookies and deserts, using organic ingredients. They serve fair-trade, shade grown coffee and various teas. Light luncheon fare is also on their menu. We love the atmosphere and what we have tried so far (muffins, cookies and coffee) have all been delicious!
After this mornings treat, I was inspired to do some baking of my own. So upon my return home, I put together these Orange / Date Muffins, tweaking an old basic muffin batter recipe (and veganizing it!). Very quick to assemble and quite tasty.

2 cups whole wheat flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 to 3/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup soya milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup canola oil
2 flax eggs*
3/4 cup chopped, pitted dates
(*1 egg = 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water*)
( let the flax eggs stand a bit to thicken before using)

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
Whisk together the wet ingredients.
Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until moistened.
Add dates and stir into mixture.

Prepare muffin tin (or use cupcake liners).
Bake at 375 deg F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Recipe makes 12 medium sized muffins.