Foodie Friday : Mennonite Red Borscht

Growing up in a Mennonite family had its perks, and that included the food. My dad is the cook in our home and still to this day when he makes something traditional his children get an invite to either dinner, or to come and snag some leftovers if we can't make it to dinner. My father's mom is his inspiration in the kitchen and her love shows through the food as much as his does. This Borscht is no exception.

Mennonite Red Borscht

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of chopped Meat (ham or ground beef)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 small head of cabbage, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 cups chopped Carrots
• 1 cup chopped Celery
• 1 tbs Dill
• 1 tbs Parsley
• 1 can of Tomato soup

Instructions
Bring meat to a simmer in water for 2-3 hours, include ham bone if you have. Add vegetables with the Dill and Parsley and cook until vegetables are tender. Add Tomato Soup and let simmer for 10 more minutes. 
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream. 

Foodie Friday recipe submitted by Amanda of Silver Moose Arts

Wildwoodrose Vintage Market

Even with the wind and rain we still managed to have a fabulous turn out at the Vintage Market on Saturday. We had a few WESTie's present among the other sellers at the sale and they bravely withstood the elements and we had a lot of wonderful visitors who still came out despite the sporadic wind, rain and sunshine. 

WildWoodRose Vintage

Silver Moose Arts

Bitchin Kitsch Kitchen

Upcultured

Okay so this last one is not a WESTie, but boy, is that a cute booth!

To see more of the vendors that were there or to find out more info visit the Event Link: 

Wildwoodrose Vintage Market II

Foodie Friday -- classic banana bread

Back at it this Foodie Friday -- Classic banana bread recipe from WESTie Amanda of SilverMooseArts!

Classic Banana Bread All-purpose flour 2 cups Baking soda 1 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Butter (or hard margarine), softened 1/2 cup Granulated sugar 1 cup Large eggs 2 Mashed overripe banana (about 3 medium) 1 1/2 cups Lemon juice 1 tbsp. Vanilla extract (Bonus-as desired) Chocolate Chips Nuts 1 tsp. 1/2 cup 1/2 cup

Measure first 3 ingredients into large bowl. Stir. Make a well in centre. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar in medium bowl. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add remaining 3 ingredients. Stir. Add to well in flour mixture. Stir until just moistened. Spread in greased loaf pan. Bake in 350°F oven for 55 to 60 minutes until wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean. Let stand in pan for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool. Cuts into 16 slices. If you prefer smaller portions like these pictured mini loaves bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.

WESTie Wednesday featuring Silver Moose Arts

Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we better get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Today we meet with Amanda of Silver Moose Arts. Amanda shares a love for anything Handmade and Local and Etsy provides the platform to find just that.

(source)

"Hi! I am Amanda and my little Etsy shop is called Silver Moose Arts. I was born and raised and am still living in the small town of Landmark, MB. I started making jewellery during early Spring 2013 and my shop opened on October 2nd of 2014. I sell jewellery made and designed by myself. I have a fondness for timeless things, so I try and use quality material that will last, along with upcycling vintage components. My shop was created out of necessity; my obsession with sterling silver and gemstones got a bit out of hand. As pieces started to pile up I had to start somewhere. My favourite items to make are necklaces, they are my weakness. My shops name is Silver Moose Arts. It was named after my addiction to sterling silver and my pup Moose. We named him after my favourite animal: you guessed it, a moose."

(source)

"My Shop has Sterling Silver and Gold Vermeil and Gemstone Necklaces, earrings and studs, Natural Stone Bracelets and Sterling Silver Rings. All items are quality, lead and nickel free, and handmade with love and a passion for colour! My goal is to make beautiful things that are everyday wearable and a little bit glamorous. I am proud of everything I make. I only design what I want to wear and what I think a Silver Moose Arts customer will love."

(source)

"Etsy has been a pretty stellar start to my little business. Can't wait to see what they do next!"

Look out for Amanda's updates on her shop's Instagram and Facebook page!

Who's New Monday: Silver Moose Arts

Happy Monday everyone!! Let's welcome a new face to the WEST team, Amanda

Where are you from? 
I was born and raised, and still live in the small town of Landmark, MB.

What is your Etsy shop name?
My shop name is Silver Moose Arts.  

It was named after my addiction to sterling silver and my pup Moose.  We named him after my favourite animal--you guessed it--a moose!

When did you start your Etsy shop?
My shop opened on October 2nd of 2013.

What do you sell?
I sell jewelry made and designed by me!  I have a fondness for timeless things, so I try and use quality material that will last.

What is your favourite item to make?
My favourite items to make are the necklaces; They are my weakness.

What are your long-term Etsy goals? 
My goal for Silver Moose Arts is to have it sustain my jewelry making habits in the beginning, and then eventually give me the ability to "Quit My Day Job."

Make sure to follow along with Silver Moose Arts on their Facebook page