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Feel toasty in the winter with two healthy dishes by Julia Hanna 7 | Friday, January 24, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A Founder of HealthyFam s Canadians, we have so many interesting things to talk about other than the weather. I have made a conscious effort to engage in conversation that doesn't mention the sun, rain or snow. My intention has failed miserably this winter; for how can anyone avoid discussing something that has profoundly affected us all? This has been one of the most challenging winters in quite some time. As Canadians, we shouldn't be surprised, however this season has shocked us all. It has reminded us that no matter how prepared we think we are, Mother Nature is truly in charge. The ice storms, power outages, and bonechilling cold has brought out the best in many of individuals. We became aware of the people around us by inviting families that were left without power into our homes. The effects of the weather brought my family an exceptionally precious Christmas gift this year in the form of a two-week-old bundle named Arjun Christian. His mother and father found themselves without power in the wee morning hours of Christmas Eve and we had the joy of spending his rst Christmas with them. It was fortunate for those who had places to go when their homes were temporarily unavailable. However, for some, that was not the case. As a member of the Halton Poverty Roundtable, I have been made aware of the daunting statistics of those who face homelessness every day -- not just during a power outage. The frustrations and fear felt by those who faced temporary blackouts was a look into a small window of the challenges faced by many people on a daily basis. Knowing that this cold weather isn't going anywhere for a while, here are a couple of dishes that are healthy, will keep you warm, and are delicious, too. Squash, carrot and potato soup The potato gives this soup a creaminess without the fat of butter or cream -- serves 6-8. Ingredients: · 1.5 lbs. (750 g) butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks -- you can buy squash cleaned and cubed · 1 lb. (three-four medium-sized) carrots, peeled and cut into chunks · 1 lb. (two medium-sized) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks · two yellow onions, cut into chunks · three large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped · four fresh thyme sprigs · two tablespoons fresh basil, coarsely chopped · quarter cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling · four cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more for thinning the soup -- you can use low-sodium vegetable stock instead · four slices of prosciutto (optional) · salt and pepper Method: · Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). In a roasting pan, combine squash, carrots, onions, potatoes, garlic, thyme and basil. Season with one teaspoon of salt and a grinding of pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and see High on p.9 Squash, carrot and potato soup and honey and black bean dip are warm dishes to help thaw you out during winter. | photo by Adam Simopoulos .00 1700 & DON'T PAY FOR 6 MONTHS SAVE $ UP TO LENNOX REBATES ciency Furnace OR 0% FINANCING FOR 36 MONTHS OAC · Call For FREE In-Home Estimate www.atlantisair.com HEATING · AIR CONDITIONING · FIREPLACES 905-845-4009 SAVE $100 VISIT OUR WEDNESDAY, Open House on February 5 AT HSC, I AM ENCOURAGED TO TRY NEW THINGS. Outdoor Education provides opportunities for students to challenge themselves. In order to be a successful leader, you must have a team that is willing to work with you. - Nancy Rocca, Student Life Coordinator SIGN UP ONLINE www.ultimatedrivers.ca WEEKEND: FEB 8 - 9 - 15-16 FEB 22-23 MARCH 1-2 4-DAY: JAN 30-31 FEB 1-2 EVENING: FEB 10 - MARCH 5 Now accepting applications for September 2014. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten students to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. Call Scott Barton 905-389-1367 Gift Certificates Available 905.825.1172 407 Speers Road Suite 213, Oakville