Friday, June 19, 2020 7 Brooklin Town Crier Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson "Greening" your day I was listening to a Rachel Hollis podcast a few weeks ago. She's an American motivational speaker and blogger. She talked about adding greens to your lunch and dinner, no matter what else you're eating. The reason is that greens such as kale, spinach, and collard are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are full of micronutrients, the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. Greens are the one food we can all agree are good for us, no matter what style of eating you follow: a flexitarian, paleo, keto, or vegan diet. While it's easy to think of salads as a way to get greens, they can be boring unless you use a wide variety of leafy greens and really top them off with other veggies, seeds, and legumes. Breakfast greens People don't often think of greens for breakfast. However, it's great to add them to smoothies as they break down entirely in your high-speed blender. The best way to do this is to freeze them first. This way, you ensure they will break down easily. I freeze kale, spinach, or any salad mix that may be getting a little wilted. At lunch, it gets easier because you can add sprouts and fresh greens to sandwiches and wraps. But don't limit your sandwich toppings to iceberg lettuce. Experiment with kale or spinach to add a new twist. I love to pile on baby spinach and sprouts. Many who avoid carbs use collard leaves as the wrap for their burgers and sandwiches. To try this, choose large leaves, lightly steam them then let them cool so they're soft to work with. Raw collard wraps break easily and you'll end up with your sandwich on your lap. Now sprouting... Sprouts are another way to add in greens. Try them on your burgers, in your salads, and on your sandwiches. Hollis mentioned in her podcast that broccoli sprouts are one of the top five nutrient dense foods in the world. I've ordered organic sprouting seeds and cheesecloth and will be sprouting them soon. It's been 30 years since I grew sprouts in my kitchen and I'm excited to start again. I hope to share some great recipes and tips with you in future columns. As for dinner, I always try to have something green on our plates, I jokingly tell my husband that when he sees greens, it's my way of saying, "I love you." You can also add them to your pasta, chili, and lasagna. This recipe is from one of my favorite blogs. I hope you try it and enjoy it.https://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-collard-green-burritos/ Sheree's Hack: Freeze all your wilting greens for use in smoothies. They will break down entirely and be virtually tasteless. But they still add a nutritional punch. Copper Branch Seeking New Home By Richard Bercuson It's back to the drawing board for Copper Branch owner Trish Paterson who is again seeking a Brooklin home for her restaurant. After nearly four years in its location on Baldwin, she says she and the landlord had mutually agreed in January to a separation. Then, of course, came COVID, and she "hit a wall." She'd originally had an option to go into the new building under construction at the corner of Way and Baldwin. But the pandemic slowed the project and she found herself floundering. "I love Brooklin," says Paterson, a resident of Raglan, "and really love our customers. I wanted to stay but it just wasn't working out. I got about 85 personal messages from people when word got out we were closing. It was a very emotional decision for me." That's when she got a call from the owner of Endless Ideas on Cassels Rd, across from Grass Park. The invitation was this: Bring Copper Branch to that building, using the ground floor, while the upstairs remains as Endless Ideas. There was just one catch: zoning. "The current zoning," Paterson said, "allows a bake shop. Food can be manufactured on the premises but needs to be eaten off the premises. Which means we could do takeout until we get a zoning amendment." The plan then was to operate as a takeout business till mid August and apply for that amendment. Then, this past week, came another shot between the eyes. She was notified that the Endless Ideas option was no longer available. They were doing "something else." That's left her once more poking around the area for a location. A few options have presented themselves and Paterson plans to keep investigating. Her other location in Bowmanville is thriving but downtown Brooklin is a place where she'd love to stay. Canada Day The Durham Way Talent Lineup Join us on July 1 as we celebrate Canada Day the Durham Way-- an uplifting, virtual celebration of Durham Region communities. This first-of-its-kind event will feature an exciting lineup of local performers and family friendly entertainment including: Juno award winner Jack De Keyser The President's Choice SuperDogs animal trick show Three-time Juno award nominees Sultans of String Country artist Leah Daniels Children's entertainer Jungle Jack Live animal features from Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Steel pannist Aaron Roberts Doug the Great (World Record) Stilt Walker The livestream will also feature shout-outs from local celebrities and representation from each municipality in Durham Region-- celebrating the region's diversity and heritage. What: Hosted in collaboration between the Region of Durham and all eight local area municipalities, Canada Day the Durham Way will be a way for residents to celebrate the region's unique attractions, see familiar faces and stay connected--while staying physically distant. The virtual event will be a celebration of our multicultural landscape and cultures; exciting performers; one-of-a-kind children's activities; and musical talent. Where: Canada Day the Durham Way will be broadcast through Durham Tourism Facebook Live and on Rogers TV Durham, 2 to 5 p.m. Why: In response to the cancellation of traditional Canada Day events--due to the COVID-19 pandemic--the Region and all eight local area municipalities decided to celebrate through a collaborative and virtual event. Note: Show your national pride by sharing photos using #DurhamStrong on social media. Post your photos and tag your local municipality or @RegionofDurham on Facebook or Twitter for a chance to have your photos featured during the live event. Please visit your respective municipality's website or durham.ca/CanadaDay to learn more.