FamilyLife - March 2021

FamilyLife

YOUR SPRING CHECKLIST

Trending paints of 2021 Quinoa recipes for all seasons March 2021

5 dessert bars to make it now

March Contents

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ADVICE

ORGANIZE

15 Picked Up a New Hobby?

45 31 Brush Up On 2021’s Prettiest Everything You Need To Know About Tim Hortons’ Paint Colours New ‘Roll Up To Win’ 39 A Room-By-Room Guide To Buying Rugs

21 Benefits of Pet Ownership for Kids with Special Needs 25 Playing Favorites

FEATURES

FOOD

21 IN EVERY ISSUE 13 Editor's Letter 68 Last Look

51 Bake the Best 63 Mighty Quinoa

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FamilyLife EDITOR IN-CHIEF Karine Ewart EXECUTIVE EDITOR Suzanne Moutis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Paddon EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Olga Goncalves Costa TEST KITCHEN FOOD DIRECTOR Soo Kim SENIOR FOOD ASSOCIATE Stina Diös CONTRIBUTING FOOD SPECIALISTS Donna Borooah, Cara Tegler ART DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Lena Diaz ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Sarah Big Canoe CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Leanne Gilbert PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Genevieve Pizzale EDITORIAL SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Megan Howard FEATURES EDITOR Mary Levitski COPY EDITORS Debbie Madsen Villamere, Stephanie Zolis EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Marianne Davidson, Sarah Dziedzic HOME & GARDEN HOME & STYLE DIRECTOR Ann Marie Favot DESIGN EDITOR Morgan Lindsay NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGERS, TORONTO David Lawrence, John McDowell, Nicole Rosen, Roberta Thomson NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER, MONTREAL Ingrid Barfod NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, VANCOUVER Renee Wong BRAND OPERATIONS MANAGER Terry Smith

VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE SALES & DIRECTOR, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Brandon Kirk DIRECTOR, MEDIA SALES Mike Lambe ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN & CEO Tony Gagliano VICE CHAIRMAN John Gagliano PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Ken Hunt VICE PRESDIENT, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY Sean McCluskey EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Trimble DIRECTOR, LIFESTYLE CONTENT Sasha Emmons DIRECTOR, CONTENT OPERATIONS James Reid DIRECTOR, CIRCULATION Allan Yue MANAGER, CIRCULATION Lisa Rivers DIRECTOR, BRANDED CONTENT, AUDIENCE & EVENTS Nadine Silverthorne PROJECT MANAGER, BRANDED CONTENT Milena Boskovic EXECUTIVE EDITOR, BRANDED CONTENT Meaghan Yuen DESIGNER, BRANDED CONTENT Leo Tapel Family Life is published by St. Joseph Communications, 15 Benton Road, Toronto, M6M 3G2. Contents Copyright 2021 by St. Joseph Communications. may not be reprinted without written permission. Article proposals and manuscripts must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and sufficient postage; otherwise they will not be returned or acknowledged.

While the publishers will take all reasonable care, they will not be responsible for the loss of any manuscript, drawing or photograph. ISSN 0128-1839. Single copy price $5.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (6 issues), $15 + tax. In the U.S., 1 year $45 + tax; Other countries $75 + tax, Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada. Family Life, it's affiliate and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, distribute, store and archive such as unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensate of any sort.

St. Joseph Communications can be reached at 15 Benton Road, Toronto, M6M 3G2

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Editor's Letter

What is happening?

In the world of magazines, we’re always working ahead. So, while this is our March issue, we were finalizing it in the first weeks of January, just as the Asian tsunami and its aftermath dominated the news – and conversations – everywhere. My plan had been to write this editorial about the joy of colour – how the right shades can lift your mood and spirit, especially during this dreary “winter’s not quite over, spring seems weeks away” time of year. But now, that just doesn’t feel right.

Cynics doubt our care will extend beyond those first few urgent weeks [in Southeast Asia]. But I think they’re wrong. In the faces of children donating allowances, teenagers leading school fundraising efforts and adults signing cheques, I see commitment.

I don’t think any of us want our tears to be drops in the ocean. Because together I think we can turn the tide.

Karine Ewart Editor In-Chief

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Advice

Picked Up a New Hobby?

Great reasons to keep it going

By STEPHANIE LOUX

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Advice The freshness of spring, a new season of life and the desire for something pleasurable during this stressful time in history are all reasons to feel the pull toward wanting to learn something new. Hobbies can vary due to interests, time, budget and more, but hobbies are a healthy activity to incorporate into our daily lives.

According to CNBC.com, hobbies can help you have better work performance, can improve your physical health, as well as help to reduce stress. Over the past year, an unprecedented number of people have picked up—or at least considered—new hobbies because they have more time on their hands. Sourdough anyone?

A new year often brings ideas for change and goals, but new seasons can also be a great time to reevaluate and start anew. Spring tends to have an overall freshness about it too, so now is a great time to think of something you might like to try or incorporate into your daily life. If fitness was a nice thought in January but hasn’t amounted to anything quite yet, perhaps you can start with some outdoor walking as the weather warms up. Listening to music or a podcast, or reveling in the quiet, can add an important layer to your new walking hobby.

Tara Brune, mother of two, says a hobby she has recently picked up is calligraphy and brush lettering. “I carry my favorite pen and notebook with me, so I can do it anywhere! It’s cheap therapy! I love the Tombow Fudenosuke brush pens and a dot journal. That’s all you need!”

New seasons of life can also be a time to start something new and add a new layer to your personal identity. Examples of this could be any move, marriage, divorce, addition of a new child, a new pet or a new job.

I’ve always been very aware of the importance of not losing my own identity as a parent—especially as a stay-at-home mom. Hobbies become a way to claim your talents and interests.

As a new mom roughly a decade ago, I took up running to get out of the house with my baby and dog. A decade later, I mostly enjoy running solo for a break from caring for my kids all day. I also expanded my hobby of exercise to include biking, hiking, dance fitness and bootcamps. As a new mother, I also took up blogging and creating photo books for our family during this early season of motherhood. As my last baby was entering his preschool years, my love for reading came back, as well as a new interest in listening to podcasts. I also picked up photography as a side gig which has been rewarding.

Kelle Szumilas had a similar experience as a new mother. She says, “Running was never my thing until baby number two. I needed something of my own, and it turned out to be a sort of meditation for me. It’s been one of the best hobbies I’ve tried!” Alli Stevick, mother of two, reiterates the importance of having something of your own while caring for your children.

“Technically I’ve always loved reading for fun, but since the kids were born, it became newly important to me,” she says. “It was something I could do (quietly!) while someone napped on me or near me. It is something that can be picked up and put down as needed without losing progress.”

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Lori Tate, mother of three, says she’s recently picked up living room yoga. “Pandemic parenting—and I needed to have a physical outlet and relax all at the same time. I also started running, but that didn’t last. I injured myself, and well, I just hate running. I’ve been using SarahBeth Yoga on YouTube. I’ve been doing it in the afternoons while my youngest has lunch, but I’m going to try to get it done in the mornings before the kids get up.”

Mother of two Kelly Smoak says, “I started sewing dresses for my girls and then clothes for myself as well.

Now I’m working on my first quilt! I don’t have much family support to get breaks and time to myself, so I needed to find a hobby that I could do in my home with my kids around. Sewing fit the bill. I started about three years ago.”

Carly Rickard, mother of two, has a couple of hobbies she enjoys. She says she has gotten back into crocheting, as well as picked up cross-stitching. “I received a cross-stitch kit for my birthday, and it was harder than I thought! I had to teach myself but I really loved it! It’s really satisfying! I learned to crochet from my mom in high school and then just got out of the habit. I have a blanket I’ve been working on for years and want to finish it,” she says. “I honestly probably would never have picked cross-stich up had I not gotten a kit for my birthday. I think in a normal year, I might have been too busy to keep at it, but because of the pandemic, we didn’t have much going on, so I really stuck with it,” she says.

Advice Other factors that play a part in maintaining a hobby include time, whether it’s a solo or group activity, and whether you can meet in person or virtually. As far as time goes, if you value something, you can usually make time for it. Personally, a good reminder for the time that I have is to take an honest look at my phone’s screen time report. Amiright? There’s also the idea of utilizing the fringe hours of the day, as author Jessica Turner writes about in her book The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You. That might mean heading to bed sooner to be able to get up and use some more of those morning hours, waiting until the house is quiet at night, or setting aside a specific time during the day (maybe even using a timer) to focus on your hobby. I actually do a mixture of all three, which can sometimes lead to a tired mommy—but sometimes being fulfilled overrides sleep.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with trying to come up with a new hobby, might I suggest scrolling Pinterest for hobbies and see what pops out at you. Or ask those closest to you if they notice any activities that spark joy in you. Think about it in terms of categories like being creative or doing something physical or mental. Examples could include drawing, painting, creating music playlists, crafting, cooking, baking, woodworking, hiking, biking, a new form of reading, or even taking luxurious baths routinely. A hobby should add joy and fulfillment to our lives after all.

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Advice

Benefits of Pet Ownership for Kids with Special Needs Pet ownership can bring joy and happiness to any home. For children with special needs—particularly for those with sensory processing disorder, autism, ADHD and social or behavioral issues—adopting a domesticated pet can provide wonderful benefits. Here are some great reasons to consider adding a pet to your family.

By SARAH LYONS

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Advice

Helps grow social skills

Promotes learning

Kids who spend time playing with a pet typically enjoy interacting with people more than kids who don’t own a pet. They also learn to develop skills such as trust and interpreting nonverbal cues. Owning a pet can also encourage empathy toward animals and humans alike.

Many parents have found that having their pet near them during virtual learning or while doing homework helps children stay calm and focused. “My 11-year-old has anxiety and depression. For her birthday, she received a guinea pig. Lilly, the guinea pig, has been a game changer,” says Tiffany Nolan, mom of five. “Virtual schooling was especially difficult for her. Suggesting she snuggle Lilly will dramatically improve her mood and demeanor. For her (and for us) it has had a huge positive impact.”

Lowers stress Having a furry friend to play with, pet and cuddle can lower stress and elevate mood. Stroking a pet’s soft fur can have a calming effect on people. “When my daughter is crying, our cat will come running and snuggle up to her,” says Katlyn Purkapile, Edgerton mom of three. “It has been amazing to see the change it has made with her. My daughter starts petting her and calms down quicker than any other techniques we have tried. It's a really special relationship.” According to a study done by Frontiers in Psychology, people who spend time with a pet on a regular basis have lower blood pressure, lower heart rate and less stress.

Patients that were visited by a service animal while in the hospital also reported less pain.

Helps develop life skills Kids who have the opportunity to care for a pet will also develop important life skills, such as time management, responsibility and an understanding of the importance of schedule for feeding, walking and cleaning their pet.

Builds stability Kids who crave stability and routine will benefit from having a pet in their lives. Pets can provide a different type of stability that they may not get from peers or family members. “My 8-year-old has ADHD. We recently got him a kitten, and he sits still and is calm with her for long periods of time,” says Olathe mom Pricella Edwards. “I believe it helps him.”

Pets are a great addition to any family but can be a huge help to kids with special needs. Before adopting a pet, consider what type of animal would best fit your lifestyle, space and budget. “It’s important to do your research and get a pet that will work for your family,” says Becky Smith, Olathe mom. “I was very careful about getting an older cat with a calm demeanor to best get along with my kids.” Ask your children for their input and let them help choose what type of pet they would like to join the family. Chances are your new pet will have a positive impact on everyone in your household.

Important Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet Cost - Pet ownership can be expensive. Before adopting an animal, research the cost of purchasing the animal, vet bills, food and any other items needed. Depending on the type of animal, the cost could go on for many years.

Space - It’s important to choose a pet that is a good fit for your home and yard size. If you are renting, check to make sure your property owner allows pets.

Care - Determine who will be responsible for your pet. Some special needs children may not be able to clean up after or manage some of their pet’s needs. Who will be responsible?

Are you willing to commit to this for the lifespan of the pet?

Attention - What does your child’s schedule look like? Does your child have time to give the attention the pet deserves?

Are you home enough to walk a dog? Do you travel often?

Who would take care of the animal while you are at work, school or on vacation?

Noise - Some kids may have sensitivity to loud noises. If this is the case, you may not want to adopt a dog that barks loudly. If your child is a light sleeper, you may not want to have a nocturnal animal’s cage in the room at night.

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Advice

Playing Favorites

By LAUREN GREENLEE

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Advice My mother-in-law has an ornament that makes its way up on the Christmas tree every year. On it are the words, “I’m Mom’s Favorite.” My mother-in-law informed me once that her mom bought her this ornament—and her two sisters, who were within earshot, were quick to add that they each received the same gift, as well! This keepsake always produces raucous laughter in the family, but for those who have experienced favoritism, they can attest that it is no laughing matter.

Parental favoritism can be described as “when one or both parents show preferential treatment to one child over another.” Favoritism is often displayed through gifts and privileges, time spent together or greater lenience with discipline. Most parents don’t intend to pick a favorite but oftentimes do so unknowingly. And although Mom and Dad may be clueless of their preferences, children intuitively pick up who is the favorite of the family (or who isn’t).

Just why do parents play favorites? Common reasons include having a child that looks or acts like you or has talents or personality characteristics you are drawn toward. Children with easygoing temperaments are naturally more enjoyable to be around than ones that are critical and defiant. Because girls are innately more affectionate and less aggressive than boys, parents tend to favor daughters over sons. Favoritism can rear its ugly head when parents are facing crisis or hardship, such as financial stress or divorce. Another factor? Birth order. According to sociologist Jill Suitor’s research, firstborns and last-borns tend to have one common quality that makes them more easily favored than their middle child counterpart: time exclusively alone with their parents. Middle children will always have a sibling around throughout their entire childhood, whereas the firstborn gets Mom and Dad all to himself at the onset, and the baby of the family gets her parents’ undivided attention when older siblings fly the nest. Typically, this equates to firstborns’ receiving more privileges while last-borns get more affection.

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Mallory Williams, LCSW, says that the consequences of household favoritism can be catastrophic and longterm. “The biggest long-term dangers are depression, anxiety, unstable or even traumatic reactions in personal relationships, and performance anxiety for both the favored and unfavored children,” Williams says, adding that the feeling of rejection and the lack of self-esteem that follows often plague children into adulthood. An unfavored child ultimately comes to a point of giving up when he realizes there’s nothing he can do to attain the same amount of affection and attention that a favored sibling will receive. Because the parental relationship is foundational for developing expectations for other relationships, this feeling of helplessness can carry over into school or job performance, as well as interpersonal relationships.

Another surprising consequence is that non-favored children can end up becoming isolated and withdrawn.

After all, if you learn to live without Mom and Dad’s seal of approval, it’s easy to avoid seeking deep personal relationships altogether.

Being a favored child isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either. When Mom and Dad dole out the praise for their golden child, inevitably it’s only a matter of time before siblings grow resentful and bitter about the dynamic.

Accolades mean little to a child when it comes at the cost of a healthy relationship with brothers and sisters.

Parents are often surprised that preferential treatment hurts their favored child more than it helps, since they feel they’ve given their favorite an advantage in life.

Williams points out that favoritism actually produces the opposite effect.

“Because of the praise and favoritism they experience, [favored children] often have difficulty with failure of any kind,” says Williams. “They often feel so much pressure to keep up their star performance that they feel that there is no room for mistakes. They also are prone to rejection or a tense relationship, at the very least, with the non-favored sibling, and find it hard to repair such a relationship, considering that they did nothing to create the situation.”

Advice Favoritism has consequences that children may not outgrow, but if parents aren’t careful, they can make it worse over time. Preferential treatment actually tends to increase with adult children, this time for new reasons such as how close by a child lives, whether or not she shares similar values, or how much financial or emotional support the child has provided.

So what can parents do to avoid such a mistake?

First, acknowledge that fairness does not constitute equality. Many family dynamics are forever changed by the impact of a child with special needs, and there will be seasons of life when one child will need extra attention, be it a high needs newborn or a wayward teenager. Because needs within the family are ever shifting and changing, your ability to serve them will be different as well. When this is explained with compassion and care, siblings are often more gracious and understanding of your limitations. Children may think they want equality in how they are treated by their parents, but, ultimately, no one wants to be viewed as a carbon copy of a brother or sister.

Expectations for a toddler and a teenager should be different. Honest and trustworthy children should receive different outcomes than children that are defiant and dishonest. When it boils down, children want to be acknowledged for the ways in which they’re unique and one of a kind. Parents serve their families best when they strive to avoid comparison between children, praise consistently but differently, and show a vested interest in each child’s success, whatever that may look like. Second, acknowledging your own story (both the good and the bad) from your childhood experiences, can be a great motivator to help you strive to create a healthy home atmosphere, as well.

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Organize Brush Up On 2021’s Prettiest Paint Colours Yearning for a fresh coat? Here are six trendy hues to keep in mind for your next project.

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Organize

Blue-Winged Warbler, Sico “We’re turning to nature for comfort and relaxation after months of feeling unsettled,” says Martin TustinFuchs, senior marketing manager for Sico. The watery hue does just that with its Zen-ish vibes and nod-tonature name (the blue-winged warbler is commonly found across the eastern United States and southern Ontario).

Sap Green, Farrow & Ball Sap Green—which the England-based paint pioneer created in collaboration with London’s Natural History Museum—is an apt choice for halls and entryways. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace a stronger colour with a mid-century modern feel, suggests colour curator Joa Studholme.

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Organize

Urbane Bronze, SherwinWilliams For a warmer alternative to stark black, SherwinWilliams’ Urbane Bronze delivers in spades. This earth tone is a blend of deep chocolate and modern grey, and pairs perfectly with the woven textures and raw woods that are popular of late.

Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore “Aegean Teal is a grounded combination of blue, green and grey,” says colour-design expert Sharon Grech.

She credits this tranquil tone with being “naturally harmonious.” Who couldn’t use a little more harmony at home?

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Organize

The Hammer, Digby Paints “This is a blackened mineral green with endless possibilities,” says Jill Torrance, co-founder of Digby Paints, an online paint retailer based in Hamilton, Ont. Try The Hammer on an accent wall for a down-toearth dose of colour.

Passionate, HGTV Home

by Sherwin-Williams Craving colour after a bleak year? Passionate, a saturated magenta-meets-red, is the ultimate paint pick-me-up. “The current cultural climate has created a state of overstimulation . . . but that doesn’t mean we need to forgo having fun with colour,” says Ashley Banbury, the brand’s senior colour designer.

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Organize

Living room Generally speaking, the rug should be big enough that the front feet of your couch and main chairs are on the rug. For this reason, 6 x 9 and 8 x 10 are the most common choices.

A Room-By-Room Guide To Buying Rugs Here's how to find the right size for your space.

By BETH HITCHCOCK

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Organize

Dining Room Aim for at least two feet of clearance on all sides—you should be able to comfortably pull out chairs and have all the legs remain on the rug to avoid annoying snags.

Kitchen Previously a rug-free zone, the kitchen’s now a popular place to try out a fresh pattern and splash of colour. Use a hallway runner beside your longest wall of cabinetry, and choose a busy pattern or an indoor/outdoor fabrication to hide or repel stains. Rag rugs are a washable and durable option.

Bathroom Placed in front of a vanity or a freestanding tub, a rug can add major decorative impact in the home’s most used room. Mats that are 2 x 3 or 3 x 5 should do the trick.

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Bedroom You want a rug that’s wide enough for you to put your feet on it when you get out of bed and long enough to stick out two to three feet from the foot of the bed.

The rug doesn’t need to go all the way back to the head of the bed—you can lay it under ¾ of the bed’s length. Rugs that are 6 x 9 and 8 x 10 work best with queen beds, while 9 x 12 are better suited to kings.

When you are knitting socks and sweaters and scarves, you aren't just knitting. You are assigning a value to human effort. You are holding back time. You are preserving the simple unchanging act of handwork.

-Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

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Everything You Need To Know About Tim Hortons’ New ‘Roll Up To Win’ For starters, every 'roll' is now a winner.

Tim Hortons’ Roll Up The Rim To Win is going to look different this year. The company is back with a new, all-digital version of its popular yearly contest.

Last year, the contest had to swiftly pivot due to health concerns over the emergence of COVID-19. This year, with the pandemic still very much a part of our lives, Tim’s has announced a new, revised, more-COVID-friendly version. Here’s what you need to know about Tim Hortons’ new ‘Roll Up To Win’ for 2021.

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What’s new this year?

For one thing, the name. The contest is no longer Roll Up The Rim To Win, but simply Roll Up To Win— signifying the end of the formerly essential act of rolling up a coffee cup rim in hopes of winning a prize.

Last year, the company scrapped paper cups from the contest at the last minute in response to public health concerns about COVID-19, and this year, the contest is permanently implementing that change. In a press release, the company announced its two main goals this year were to pivot to digital, and to retire the “Please Play Again” message, which means every roll is now a winner. Also new: In addition to hot beverages, guests will now also win prizes with the purchase of select cold beverages, breakfast sandwiches and breakfast wraps.

How does it work?

By scanning your Tim Hortons app or a Tims Rewards card when making a purchase, you will earn one or more “rolls,” which will reveal a prize. In addition to instore purchases, delivery orders through the Tim Hortons app will earn a roll for each qualifying item. To reveal your roll’s prize, you can either visit the Roll Up To Win website or use the Tim Hortons app. The new digital version will provide the look of rolling up the rim, and will even make a noise, the company says.

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If every roll is now a winner, what do the prizes look like?

Now that every roll is a winner, there are, the company says, more prizes available than ever before. Aside from the traditional prize pool—which consists of electronic devices, coffees and donuts, among other items—there will now be digital prizes. New this year, guests can win subscriptions to popular streaming services, as well as Tims Rewards points—which will act as a replacement for the losing “please play again” message. Customers can earn points with each roll per eligible item, which differs from Tims’ regular rewards system, where you earn 10 points per purchase, regardless of how many items you buy. Points can be collected and redeemed for items on the menu: 50 points will get you a baked good, while 220 points will get you a lunch menu item, like a sandwich. The company has also expanded the prize pool to include 1.8 million reusable mugs, as part of its sustainability campaign.

When does it start?

Roll Up To Win is launching on March 8, and running until April 4. The company says they’ll be back with more announcements about prizes closer to the launch date.

Food

Sweet Dreams Faster than anything requiring a pastry crust and perfect for socially distanced porch drop-offs, these dessert squares are truly bar none.

Photography, Erik Putz. Food Styling, Dara Sutin. Prop Styling, Krystin Leigh Smith.

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Bake The Best

These dessert squares recipes celebrate irresistible flavour combinations—both new and old—that we’re excited about.

From bright pink squares that channel summer afternoons in the sun, to decadent chocolate-studded squares that have a surprise in every bite, there’s a recipe here you’ll want to try.

Photography, Erik Putz. Food Styling, Dara Sutin. Prop Styling, Krystin Leigh Smith.

Box-ofChocolate Brownies

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Roasted White and Brown Butter Chocolate Blondies

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Pink Lemonade Squares

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Salted Maple Squares

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Classic Nanaimo Bars

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Food Roasted White Chocolate and Brown Butter Blondies PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 45 MINS 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , (210 g) 3/4 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter 2/3 cup packed brown sugar , (140 g) 1/2 cup granulated sugar , (105 g) 2 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted cashews 1 tsp flaked sea salt , (optional) Roasted White Chocolate 1 170-g pkg white chocolate , chopped 1. Roasted White Chocolate: Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 250F. Spread chocolate in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until chocolate is deep golden, about 1 hr, folding and smoothing out chocolate with an offset spatula every 10 min. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 min, then refrigerate until firm enough to chop, about 1 hr 30 min. Finely chop 1 1/3 cups and set aside.

2. Blondies: Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 350F. Line a 9×13-in. baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides.

3. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

4. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium. When it starts to foam, whisk until it turns golden brown, 4 to 5 min. Remove from heat and add 2/3 cup chopped Roasted White Chocolate, whisking until melted and smooth.

5. Whisk in brown and granulated sugars until dissolved. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking until combined. Whisk in vanilla. Fold in flour mixture until just a few streaks remain. Fold in cashews until just combined. Scrape into prepared pan and smooth top. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup of Roasted White Chocolate overtop, then sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.

6. Bake until top is light golden, 22 to 24 min.

(Blondies will appear slightly underbaked but will continue to cook as they cool.) Transfer to a rack and cool to room temperature. Lift parchment and transfer the blondies onto a cutting board. Cut into 18 squares. Blondies can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

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Pink Lemonade Squares PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour , (210 g) 1/2 cup icing sugar , (60 g) 1 tbsp lemon zest 1/4 tsp salt 2/3 cup unsalted butter , cubed Filling 100 g frozen cranberries , thawed (about 1 cup) 3/4 cup lemon juice , (from 4 or 5 lemons) 6 large eggs 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar , (470 g)1/2 cup all-purpose flour , (70 g) Garnish icing sugar lemon slices 1. Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 350F. Line a 9 × 13-in. baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides.

2. Crust: Whirl flour, icing sugar, zest and salt in a food processor. Pulse in butter just until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Sprinkle evenly over bottom of prepared pan, then firmly press down. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 22 min.

3. Filling: Meanwhile, whirl cranberries with lemon juice in same food processor until smooth. (No need to clean the bowl first.)

Add eggs, sugar and flour and whirl until combined. Let mixture stand for 10 min.

Spoon off and discard any foamy bubbles on top of mixture.

4. Remove pan from oven and set on a heatproof surface. Reduce oven temperature to 300F. Pour lemon mixture through a sieve onto hot crust.

Return to oven and bake until filling is slightly jiggly but set, 25 to 30 min.

5. Transfer to a rack and cool completely, about 1 hr. Refrigerate for at least 2 hr to set filling.

6. Cut into 24 squares. Squares can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

7. Garnish: Dust with icing sugar and top with thin lemon slices before serving, if desired.

Food Classic Nanaimo Bars

Salted Maple Squares

PREP TIME:20 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR

PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 15 MINS

3/4 cup graham-cracker crumbs , (77 g) 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut , (60 g) 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts , (40 g) 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder , (20 g) 1/4 tsp salt 1/3 cup unsalted butter , melted

1 cup all-purpose flour , (140 g) 3 tbsp packed brown sugar , (35 g) 1/8 tsp salt 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter

Filling 1 1/2 cups icing sugar , (180 g) 1/2 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature 2 tbsp custard powder 2 tbsp milk 1 tbsp vanilla 1/4 tsp salt Topping 1 170-g pkg dark chocolate , finely chopped 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1. Line an 8 × 8-in. baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides.

2. Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with coconut, walnuts, cocoa and salt in a large bowl. Stir in 1/3 cup melted butter until combined. Sprinkle evenly over bottom of prepared pan, then firmly press down.

3. Filling: Beat icing sugar with 1/2 cup butter, custard powder, milk, vanilla and salt using an electric mixer on low for 1 min. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 min. Spread over cookie base and spread evenly to the edges. Refrigerate until just firm, about 30 min.

4. Topping: Microwave chocolate with 3 tbsp butter in a small bowl, stirring halfway, until smooth, 30 sec to 1 min.

Pour melted chocolate over chilled custard and spread evenly to the edges. Chill until chocolate is semi-firm but easy to cut without cracking, about 20 min. Cut into 16 squares. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Squares can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

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Filling 1/3 cup packed brown sugar , (70 g) 100 g maple sugar , such as Farm Boy 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1/2 cup 35% cream 1/2 cup maple syrup 2 large eggs 3/4 tsp flaked sea salt 1. Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 400F. Line an 8 × 8-in. baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides.

2. Crust: Whirl 1 cup flour with 3 tbsp brown sugar and 1⁄8 tsp salt in a food processor until combined. Add cubed butter and continue whirling until dough clumps together, about 1 min.

Sprinkle evenly over bottom of prepared pan, then firmly press down.

Bake until light golden, 20 min.

3. Filling: Meanwhile, whirl 1/3 cup brown sugar with maple sugar and 1 tbsp flour in same food processor until combined. (No need to clean it first.)

Add cream, maple syrup and eggs.

Whirl until smooth.

4. Remove pan from oven and set on a heatproof surface. Pour maple mixture over hot crust. Return to oven and bake for 10 min. Remove pan from oven and set on a heatproof surface. Reduce oven temperature to 300F. Sprinkle flaked sea salt over maple filling.

5. Return to oven and bake until top is slightly cracked and no longer jiggly, 30 to 35 min. Transfer to a rack and cool completely, about 1 hr.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hr to set filling.

6. Cut into 16 squares. Squares can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

Food Box-of-Chocolates Brownies PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:50 MINS 1 cup all-purpose flour , (140 g) 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder , (20 g) 1/4 tsp salt 170 g semi-sweet chocolate , coarsely chopped 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar , (210 g) 2 tsp vanilla 16 pieces assorted chocolates , such as caramel- or creamfilled 2 tbsp heart-shaped sprinkles , (optional) 1. Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 325F. Line a 9 × 9-in. square baking dish with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides.

2. Stir flour with cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Combine chocolate with butter in a medium bowl. Microwave on medium until almost melted, stirring halfway through, 1 min. Stir until smooth.

3. Whisk eggs with sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Scrape in warm chocolate mixture, then stir until combined.

Gradually stir in flour mixture, just until almost mixed.

(Overmixing toughens brownies.) Spread half of the batter in prepared dish. Arrange chocolate pieces on top and push down into batter. Pour remaining batter overtop to cover chocolate pieces, then smooth surface.

Scatter sprinkles overtop, if desired.

4. Bake until edges are firm and middle is set, 35 to 45 min.

Transfer pan to a rack and cool completely, about 2 hr.

Cut into 16 squares. Brownies can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

What's inside?

A chocolate candy is hidden inside each brownie square!

Use your choice, but we like a variety to make each square an amazing surprise.

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Quinoastuffed peppers

Mighty Quinoa Quinoa is a small but mighty seed. Cook some up in these easy and healthy recipes—we've put it in some surprising places.

Photography, Erik Putz

Family Life ‐ March 2021

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March 2021 - Family Life

Quinoa sushi

Family Life ‐ March 2021

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Food

Quinoa-stuffed peppers PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:35 MINS 2 large red, orange or yellow bell peppers 2 tbsp canola oil 1 cup chunky mild or medium salsa 1 cup cooked quinoa 398-mL can low-sodium black beans , drained and rinsed 3/4 cup frozen corn kernels 2 tsp Tex-Mex seasoning , such as Clubhouse 1 ripe avocado , thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 1. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat broiler.

2. Cut peppers in half lengthwise.

Remove seeds and membranes.

Rub inside and outside of peppers with oil, then place cut-side down in an 8 x 8-in. baking dish. Broil, flipping halfway, until lightly charred and softened, 8 to 10 min.

Remove dish from oven. Preheat oven to 400F. 3. Stir salsa with quinoa, beans, corn and seasoning in a large bowl.

Season with black pepper. Divide quinoa mixture among cavities of peppers.

4. Bake until peppers are fork tender, 10 to 15 min.

5. Serve peppers topped with avocado and cilantro. Serve with more salsa, if desired.

Overnight maplealmond quinoa oats PREP TIME:5 MINS TOTAL TIME:5 MINS 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/3 cup cooked quinoa 1/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats 1 tbsp chia seeds 2 tsp maple syrup 2 tsp almond butter , (optional) 1/4 tsp vanilla , (optional) Toppings raspberries blueberries sliced strawberries toasted sliced almonds 1. Whisk almond milk with quinoa, oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, almond butter and vanilla (if using) in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2. Serve cold, or warm by microwaving in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 min. Top with berries and nuts before serving.

Quinoa sushi PREP TIME:25 MINS TOTAL TIME:25 MINS 3 cups cooked quinoa 1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise , such as Hellman's 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar 4 sheets nori (seaweed) 1/4 cup vegan caviar , such as Ikea Sjörapport (optional) 1 ripe avocado , thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper , thinly sliced 2 mini cucumbers , quartered lengthwise 1 cup matchstick carrot slow-sodium soy sauce , (optional) pickled ginger , (optional) 1. Combine quinoa with mayo and vinegar in a large bowl.

2. To assemble rolls, lay out bamboo mat so the sticks are parallel to you.

Place a piece of plastic wrap overtop.

Lay one nori sheet, shiny side down, on plastic wrap. Spread 3/4 cup of quinoa mixture over sheet to the edges, leaving a 1-in. nori border at the top.

3. Spoon 1 tbsp caviar (if using) in a horizontal line in centre of quinoa.

Arrange a row of avocado slices over caviar, followed by peppers, cucumbers and carrots.

4. Roll, lifting the bamboo edge closest to you up and over the filling in the centre. Gently squeeze the sushi and tuck the seaweed edge slightly into the filling to form a tight roll. Dab the top border with water, then continue rolling the sushi upward.

5. Cut rolls into 8 slices and serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger, if desired.

Cooking quinoa 1. Combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa with 6 cups water in a pot. Set over medium-high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Gently boil until quinoa has sprouted, about 10 min for white quinoa. For tricoloured, red and black quinoa, cook an additional 5 to 7 min.

2. Drain quinoa through a sieve and rinse with warm tap water. Use in recipe or transfer to a resealable container. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

3. Makes 3 cups

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Last Look

Movies

Raya and the Last Dragon Streaming March 5, Disney+ Long ago, in the world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it's up to a lone warrior, Raya, and her pet pill bug companion Tuk Tuk, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she'll learn that it'll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it's going to take trust as well.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

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