Chunky Monkey Vegan Cookies

 Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

I have two different sets of vegan guests coming this weekend and wanted to bake something that could double as a little welcome treat in their rooms but also serve as a baked good on the sideboard at breakfast (in place of the banana bread the omnivores will get).

I browsed a few dozen vegan cookie recipes for inspiration and came up with an end result that I just have to share. They are that good, if I do say so myself. And, no, you don't have to be vegan or have an egg allergy or lactose intolerance to enjoy these babies.

I call them Chunky Monkey cookies because they're chock full of banana, peanut butter, peanuts and dark chocolate chunks. I'll be making them again the next time I have an over-ripe banana.

Chunky Monkey Vegan Cookies

• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 1 medium very ripe banana, mashed
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (add an extra tablespoon if your peanut butter is so thick it holds it's shape when scooped)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2/3 cup chopped dark chocolate (use dairy-free if making vegan)
• 1/3 cup unsalted roasted peanuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

In a small bowl whisk together the ground flax seed with warm water and set aside for at least 20 minutes. It will become somewhat thick and viscous and acts as a replacement for an egg.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, peanut butter and vegetable oil until smooth. Whisk in the sugars, vanilla, and the flax seed mixture.

Sift the flours, baking soda and salt over top and stir until almost combined. Add the rolled oats, chocolate and peanuts and stir until no dry bits remain. Dough will be very thick.

Shape about 2 to 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball (a bit smaller than a ping pong ball). Set on prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Repeat, leaving an inch of space between cookies.

If dough is sticky: wet your hands with cold water and shake off excess before handling dough. The extra moisture won't hurt the cookies. Repeat when your hands get sticky again.

Bake until toasted and dry on the top and golden around the edges, about 11 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cool completely before storing in an air-tight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Makes about 18 cookies.

Summer Events in Muskoka and Almaguin

July and August are full of organized events of every type including festivals, art gallery tours, competitive sports, live theatre, community fairs, wildlife education... and the list goes on. Find something that tickles your fancy and come on out for a great getaway.

This list is some of the highlights around Huntsville, north Muskoka, Algonquin Park and the south end of the Almaguin Highlands. Check back often as we'll add events as we hear about them. Got an event going on? Let us know so we can add it, too.

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Canada Day Celebrations
Huntsville
Join the party in River Mill Park and celebrate Canada.
July 1

Muskoka Heritage Place Strawberry Social
Huntsville
Canada Day festivities include free admission to the Muskoka Museum and regular Pioneer Village and Train admission. Includes strawberry scones, Canada flags and stickers, while supplies last. Costumed narrators, historical demonstrations, strolling minstrels and the Portage Flyer steam train chugs down the track. Visit Muskoka Heritage Place for details.
July 1, 10am - 4pm

Reel Paddling Film Festival
Huntsville
Algonquin Outfitters brings this annual event to the Algonquin Theatre, showcasing the world's best paddling films. Be inspired by scenes and stories of rivers, lakes, oceans, and extreme adventure in wild places. Tickets $16. Visit the Algonquin Theatre for details.
July 4, 7pm

Photography Workshop: Flora & Wildflowers
Algonquin Park
Learn about the beautiful wildflowers that carpet Algonquin’s hardwood slopes and how best to capture them in photos. Photographer/teacher Debbie Bradley will demystify camera settings and techniques and a Park naturalist will accompany the group for plant identification and to explain the natural history of the plant species we find along the trail. Enjoy a day of photography capturing the natural beauty of Algonquin Park, including an indoor instructional session and review, and hands-on experiential field excursion for practice. Group size is limited to 15 participants. For pricing and information, see the Friends of Algonquin Park.

July 7, 9am - 3:30pm

Look, See, Paint Workshop - Adults

Algonquin Park

Experience artist Jeff Miller's unique style of instruction and participate in watercolour painting to view Algonquin's spectacular surroundings in a whole new light. During this half-day painting excursion, participants will learn the Look, See, Paint concept while appreciating the natural environment of Algonquin Park. Workshop includes all necessary paint, paper and brushes; instruction from Jeff Miller;  valid Park permit for the day of the workshop. Maximum 15 participants, aged 16 years or older. See the Friends of Algonquin Park for pricing and registration.
July 8, 1:30 - 4:30pm

Creative Changes Art Show & Sale
Kearney
Annual event showcasing local artists and artisans. Featuring paintings, pottery, woodcarving, jewelry and more. Wine and cheese reception Friday evening for $5. Free admission all day Saturday and Sunday. At the Kearney Community Centre. See the Town of Kearney for details.
July 7, reception begins at 7pm
July 8 & 9, beginning 10am

Nuit Blanche North
Huntsville
Take a walk on the wild side with a night of free interactive art and performances in downtown Huntsville. For one night, artists fill the streets and public spaces of downtown Huntsville with street theatre, music, sculpture, film, and fun exhibits. Come explore, discover, debate, create and participate in this magical event. See Nuit Blanch North for details.
July 14, beginning 8pm

The Limberlost Challenge
Limberlost Reserver, east of Huntsville
This endurance event is a trail runners dream with challenging terrain alongside lakes, through wetland, up and over steep inclines, and through the occasional creek or mud hole. Includes a well marked course, post-race meal, chip timing and points-qualifying distances. Four race distances to choose from: 14k, 28k, 42k, and 56k. Wow, that's an endurance race! See The Limberlost Challenge for details.
July 14th, first race starts at 8am

Cooking with Jeff
Huntsville
Great food plus informative and memorable entertaining and dining ideas are on the menu as celebrity chef Jeff Suddaby of 3 Guys and a Stove grills, tosses and sears up four delicious foods in the al fresco kitchen at Sandhill Nursery. Come out to Sandhill Nursery, west of Huntsville, and watch, learn, enjoy the food and sip a little wine. Tickets are $40. For menu and details, visit Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
July 15, 12 noon - 4pm

Firefly Festival
Huntsville 
Main Street in Downtown Huntsville will be closed to traffic and shops will move their merchandice out to the streets to show-off their wares and sales. There'll be live entertainment, food and fun until midnight!  For more information visit Downtown Huntsville Adventures BIA.
July 20, beginning at 5pm

Jian Ghomeshi
Huntsville
Award-winning broadcaster, writer, musician, producer host and co-creator of the national daily talk program,“Q,” Jian will share some moments from his show and thoughts on current events and pop culture. Q&A to follow. At Huntsville's Algonquin Theatre. Tickets $33. See Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 21, 8pm

Muskoka 5150 Triathlon
Huntsville
This competitive sporting event features eight races, including an international distance triathlon. Races begin at the Summit Centre in Huntsville. See Trisport Canada for registration and details.
July 22

Jazz in the Garden
Huntsville
Smooth jazz fills the air, bring your lawn chair and sit amongst the beautiful gardens at Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant. Tempt your tastebuds with light snacks and refreshing drinks. Tickets $20. See Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 22, 1pm - 3pm

en Plein Air
Huntsville
Cheer on renowned local artists and area dignitaries as they create masterpieces on the streets of downtown over the space of four short hours. After watching your favourite work of art being created, you'll have the chance to take it home with you at the live auction at 3pm on the Town Hall steps. Pop in to the Shutterbug Gallery or visit the Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 26

Band on the Run 2012

The racers starting the half marathon. The sky was overcast but the air was muggy and heavy.

Runners, supporters, volunteers and sponsors filled River Mill Park in downtown Huntsville for the first Huntsville Half Marathon - Band on the Run. The event offered three race distances--5k, 10k, and half-marathon (21.0957km in case you're wondering)--and with over 300 racers total, it was a huge success for the first year.

Next, the 10k runners start out. That's Jim wearing #142.

A few canoe-heads and a troop of firefighters begin the 5k run.

Some of the highlights of the 5k run were the "canoe-heads", including our friend Randy Mitson and two of his colleagues from Algonquin Outfitters, portaging (yes, carrying a canoe!) the entire distance and a group of Huntsville firefighters running in their heavy bunker gear.

The 5k finish line. Cheers to the Huntsville Fire Department!

Now that's determination. The firefighters ran the full 5k together in their heavy gear under a blazing sun. It was 32°C by the afternoon and it was hard enough to stay cool in shorts and tees!

Our very own Jim ran the 10k and came in 9th overall out of 108 runners and 2nd for his age group. I'm so proud of him! Next up for Jim: his first try-a-tri and eventually a triathlon.

Overall, the event was a great day filled with music, food and community spirit. The organizers have said they'll do it again next year so we hope to see you here!

Back at home, Jim with his medal and prize. The next day he was walking a little slowly...

Moose Sightings

Spring is a great time to see moose as you're driving the roads and highways of the region. In early spring, the animals are drawn to the tasty road salt that has washed into the ditches.

Later, in May and June, when the bugs are thick in the deep of the woods, moose come out to the road sides where the open air and breezes give them a break from the black flies and mosquitos.

We've seen a lot of moose this year and our guests have reported seeing them, too -- sometimes multiple sightings in one visit! The big beasts have been spotted on Fern Glen Road, Hwy 11, and (of course) Hwy 60 in Algonquin Park.

We always tell our guests: If you're driving along Hwy 60 in Algonquin Park and you see cars pulled over on the shoulder, stop (carefully) and pull off road. Chances are someone has spotted a moose! It's generally safe to get out of the car and take pictures as long as you keep your distance from the moose. While they are typically not aggressive, they are still wild animals -- make that BIG wild animals -- and must be respected.

On busier, faster highways such as Hwy 11, it's best to just drive on by and not create a road hazard by stopping. I've been lucky in that I saw two moose beside Hwy 11 just as I was getting to my exit. Since there were no cars behind me, the off-ramp was a safe place to slow down and pull over for a better view.

I can't talk about seeing moose from the road without a warning about moose on the road. If you see a moose on the road ahead, put your four-way blinkers on and slow down. Stop if necessary. Give the animal space and time to get safely off the road. Drive slowly on winding country roads and use your high beams (don't forget to switch back to low beams when approaching on-coming traffic or coming up behind another vehicle). 

June Events in Muskoka & Almaguin

There's lots happening in and around Muskoka, Algonquin Park and the Almaguin Highlands in June and beyond. You can also like us on facebook to keep up to date with news and events.

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Huntsville Home Show

Canada Summit Centre, Huntsville

Home and lifestyle show, including health & wellness, decor, leisure, sports & recreation, and more. Seminars, demos, entertainment, food, vendors and giveaways. Visit the Hunstville Home Show for details.

May 26 & 27

Spin the Lakes Cycle Tour
Huntsville
Great day to cycle the scenic roads of Muskoka. Four distances to choose, from 20km to 170km. Visit Muskoka Cycling Club Spin the Lakes for details.
May 27

The Huntsville Half - Band on the Run
Huntsville
Lace up your running shoes for a 5km, 10km or Half Marathon run. The day includes great music, food and fun while raising money for Habitat for Humanity. Jim is running the 10km and hopes to see you there! Visit The Huntsville Half - Band on the Run for details and to register.
June 10

The New Moon in June Star Party
Mew Lake Campground, Algonquin Park
Join volunteers from the Toronto Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as they view the Algonquin night sky. Telescopes are set up on the beach for a first-hand look. At Mew Lake Campground beach (at km 30.6 along Highway 60). Visit Ontario Parks Events for details.
June 14

The Cottage Dog Show

Canada Summit Centre, Huntsville

A weekend expo all about pooches in Cottage Country. Demos, performances, contests, vendors and more. Visit Cottage Dog for details.
June 15 - 17

Aboriginal Day Celebration at Muskoka Heritage Place
Huntsville
Tour a First Nations museum display and encampment. Learn traditional teachings that resonate with today's environment. Visit Muskoka Heritage Place for details.
June 21

Burk's Falls Rodeo
Fair grounds, Burk's Falls
The Ontario Rodeo Association comes to the Almaguin Highlands for the Canada Day weekend. Featuring bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more. Visit the Ontario Rodeo Association for details.
June 30 - July 1

Butternut Cranberry Waffles with Cranberry Maple Syrup

Last fall, I was asked by Savour Muskoka (an organization promoting food producers and artisans in the area) to contribute a recipe to be included in a calendar. The recipe was to highlight locally-grown products and ideally it would be suitable for making throughout the year and not just during the short growing season.

Butternut squash, cranberries and maple syrup are all produced in Muskoka and they all have longevity beyond their harvest time. And they all taste absolutely delicious when combined in these hearty waffles!

Savour Muskoka hit some snags and never did print those calendars, but this is a recipe worth sharing at any time of year.

Butternut Cranberry Waffles

We love butternut squash for the sweet, mild, nutty taste but any winter squash (or canned pumpkin) can be substituted.

Winter squash—such as butternut, hubbard, and kabocha—are harvested in the fall before the first hard frost. They can be stored in a cold cellar or other cool, dry place for many months and the prepared puree can be frozen in pre-measured portions for easy convenience. Fresh cranberries freeze beautifully (do nothing to them but toss them in a ziptop freezer bag). This allows us to enjoy our local produce long after the growing season has ended.

Makes 4 servings

• 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour 
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 
• 14 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
• 1 cup butternut squash puree* 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 tablespoon sunflower or vegetable oil 
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain milk soured with a splash of lemon juice) 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the butternut squash puree, eggs, oil, maple syrup, buttermilk and vanilla.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Don't over mix (a few lumps are okay). Let the batter rest for 20 minutes.

While the batter is resting, soak the dried cranberries in hot water for 10 minutes to plump up. Drain in a mesh sieve. Stir the drained cranberries into the batter.

Cook the waffles in a preheated, greased waffled iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

Serve waffles hot, topped with Cranberry Maple Syrup, toasted pecans and a dusting of icing sugar. Enjoy!

* To make butternut squash puree: Carefully cut squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out and discard seeds and strings (or bake seeds until toasted and eat as a snack!). Place squash halves cut side down in a baking dish. Add 1/2" water to the dish. Bake in a hot oven until tender throughout, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Peel away and discard skin. Mash squash in a bowl with a potato masher (or whiz in a food processor) until smooth and lump-free. Butternut puree can be used in the waffle recipe above, added to soup, mashed with yellow or sweet potatoes, or baked in a casserole. Unused puree can be frozen, well-wrapped, for up to two months.

Cranberry Maple Syrup

• 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen 
• 1 cup pure maple syrup 

In a sauce pan over medium high heat, bring cranberries and maple syrup to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst. Serve warm.

Leave it to Beavers

Beavers have been working away from both sides.

Amazing to see the tooth marks chiseled in the wood.

In a previous post, I included a picture of this big, beautiful maple tree that is quite clearly a work-in-progress for a very ambitious beaver. Since then, Jim and I have taken some guests on a guided tour of our property and we included a visit to this tree and the area around it.

Our guests found it as remarkable as we do, so I thought I'd share some more with you. The photos don't quite do it justice (they never do), but I'd be happy to show you in person during a visit to the inn.

Talk about ambitious -- I can't even get my arms around it!

From mossy trail to beaver pond.

A couple years ago we discovered a little beaver pond in the woods just off our mossy trail. We couldn't see it from the trail but could hear a loud chorus of frogs singing and went to investigate. 

What we found was a stretch of pond--shallow and rather murky--clearly not from a steady flow of fresh water. It's not a large pond, from what we can tell, but it's hard to get a look at it for all the debris of trunks and branches. What's remarkable is the sheer number and size of the trees that were obviously taken down by beavers.

One of many stumps.

Tree down!

The tree I mentioned is still standing, but for how long? A beaver (or beavers) have chewed chunks out of both sides. There are others that are just stumps and others that look like pieces of a giant "pick up sticks" game.

While it's easy to think of the beavers as "destructive", keep in mind that the changes they wreak on their environment also create habitat (for frogs, for instance) and open up parts of the forest to sunlight, creating opportunities for sun-loving plants to take route and flourish. A forest is never static. It's an ever-evolving system and beavers are just one tool of change.

Giant game of Pick Up Sticks

To my fellow Canadians out there, I have to say: If you've ever bemoaned the fact that our national animal is a large, buck-toothed rodent; if you've ever wondered why we didn't instead choose to represent our country with an intimidating grizzly or polar bear or a majestic bull moose... bemoan no more. 

The beaver is underestimated, quietly yet assuredly effective, fiercely determined, analytically intelligent and adaptable, charmingly cute, and has a wickedly dry sense of humour (I'm just guessing on that last one). Leave it to beavers to be the surprisingly apt ambassadors of the true north strong and free.

The busyness of beavers.