Groundhog Day, Nazis and Kiddie Porn,

It seems that yesterday the groundhogs were very confused about the weather predictions, the two Canadian groundhogs, Wiarton Willie and Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia (the latter I had never heard of before) both predicted an early spring. However, the American animals were saying something different. It all depends on whether there is any sunshine and/or snow for them to see their shadows or not. Round here it was a very dull day as it apparently was for the two groundhogs so they didn’t see their shadows: therefore spring is on its way. However, Punxatawny Pete from Pennsylvania saw his shadow which means 6 more weeks of winter. In fact, in this part of Ontario, we haven’t had much in the way of winter anyway, so there isn’t a whole lot to worry about unless we suddenly start getting snow storms. The snow we did have over the weekend has completely disappeared. Wiarton Willie is, as far as I know, the only white groundhog famed for weather prediction. The picture is of some seniors waiting for the groundhog prediction. There have been a couple of funnies on Facebook too regarding groundhogs.

Having lived through the second world war, I find it horrifying although I guess I am  being naive, that there are neo Nazi groups in Canada, or anywhere else. If only these groups had any idea what went on during the war, how many people were treated by the Nazis, not just Jews although they were the biggest sufferers. These neo Nazis are now complaining that they have been hacked and it is an invasion of privacy. I guess its not illegal to be a neo Nazi but I wish it were.

Not only that, they have just broken up a child porn ring and arrested 60 people, they are asking people to come forward if they think anyone in their household is accessing such sites or involved in any other way. The figure people must know. Maybe, but would they betray a family member I wonder? When you live in Canada and interact with the average Canadian, you cannot imagine that there are people who do this kind of thing, but I suppose it isn’t confined to our country, and I don’t suppose arresting 60 people will put a stop to it. Whilst people are prepared to pay there will be others prepared to provide. I would certainly report anyone I knew was involved, but luckily I don’t. In the article they say these people come from all walks of life, all occupations and all age groups.

Today I will be starting on preparations for Matt’s birthday dinner tomorrow. He is doing some of it although I guess, being the birthday boy, he shouldn’t have to, but then he enjoys cooking as much as I do.

I got a most unusual recipe from Mushrooms Canada the other day so obviously I had to share it.

Cranberry Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom Mania Contest 2nd Place Winner: Louisa of
Living Lou

Louisa Clements is the writer, recipe developer and photographer behind the Canadian food blog Living Lou. She creates healthy, nutritious and wholesome recipes that are simple and fun to make. You can also find Louisa blogging for The Kit as a Health and Wellness Blogger. Louisa Clements is the writer, recipe developer and photographer behind the Canadian food blog Living Lou.

Ingredients

12 button mushrooms, stems removed
1/4 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1 tbsp butter
Olive oil for pan
1 medium sausage link
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tbsp white wine
1/4 cup goats cheese
1/4 tsp dried sage
3/4 tsp maple syrup
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Parmesan

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
Dice 6 of the mushroom stems, discarding the remaining 6.
In a pan, melt butter over med-low heat. Add cranberries and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the mushroom stems and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool in bowl.
In the same pan, turn up the heat to med-high and add a little olive oil to coat the pan. Next, add the garlic and sausage meat. Cook and crumble until sausage is fully cooked.
Leaving the sausage meat in the pan, add the white wine, scraping up all the brown bits on the bottom.
Turn off heat and add the cranberry and mushroom mixture back into the pan. Add in the goats cheese, sage and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow goats cheese to melt then stir together to combine all of the ingredients. Spoon the mixture into the mushrooms and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
After the 15 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan. Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes.

Have a great day