This is SO easy and SO delicious, I wonder why it took me this long to tackle. I have a few versions of roasted cauliflower, one that involves par-boiling first, but this one is even easier. Simply separate a head of cauliflower into roughly equal sized florets, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and parmesan cheese and roast in a hot 400 F oven, turning pieces every 15 minutes or so, until deeply and evenly browned and tender, about 40 minutes. The sweetness of the veg sings out like never before, dispelling any memories of sulphurous odours linked to the cauliflower. Vegans may wish to omit the cheese. The dish is still fabulous without it. Expect crisp and toasty nuggets of succulent vegetable. You may play with some flavour options here: a bit of curry powder in the mix would be nice, as would a squirt of lemon juice or the inclusion of thickly cut onion wedges from a sweet onion like Walla Walla or Vidalia.

Of course you could eat the roasted cauliflower as is, but I have an enhanced flavour-packed treatment for these tender, golden vegetables you will want to try. Roast your cauliflower florets to your liking and set aside in a mixing bowl. Take a can of anchovies in olive oil and spill the oil into a saute pan. Mince the anchovies and place them in the pan with the oil. Add in 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped, a large pinch of pepperoncini (hot pepper flakes) and 2 tablespoons of minced capers. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the garlic is golden and the anchovies have melted down to a moist paste. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Be careful the garlic doesn't get too dark, as it could easily scorch and turn bitter. Scrape this fragrant mixture onto your cauliflower florets and toss to coat everything well. Season to taste with salt and fresh cracked pepper. I like to add some green to this mix in the form of fresh chopped Italian parsley which adds jolts of herbal joy and marries well with the garlic/anchovy/caper elements in the dish. Serve immediately. This gutsy, lusty vegetable creation pairs nicely with other Mediterranean offerings, including tomato-centric pastas, grilled fish, or savoury meat pies.

You need never be bored by the humble cauliflower. Roast it!

I recently came across this new title, There's Lead in your Lipstick: toxins in our everyday body care and how to avoid them. I approached it with trepidation as I usually like to have makeup on when I go out the door, not being able to rely on the fresh-faced flush of youth. According to author Gillian Deacon, lead, a known neurotoxin, long banned from use in paint, ends up on our mouths frequently. It is considered a contaminant rather than an additive and therefore doesn't have to appear on ingredients lists for cosmetics or other personal care products

Deacon deals extensively with the subject of greenwashing. She lists the products that have organic or botanical ingredients, but are not necessarily non-toxic because they contain widely-used controversial contents such as parabens. This section was a real eye-opener as many such products are sold in health food stores.

As scary as the concept of toxic personal care products is, I was pleasantly surprised by Deacon's positive approach. She lists plenty of safe alternative brands for shampoo, shaving cream, lotions, anti-perspirant and cosmetics. Her book is Canadian so these products are readily available on-line and in stores here... you can still wear your mascara if you must. Deacon even provides home recipes for simple, pure personal products for do- it-yourself-ers and those on a budget.

by Mel

We have received some great new books for the travel collection recently, both for armchair travellers and for those whose sights are set on distant shores.

The Best Travel Writing 2010: true stories from around the world is the seventh in the series which covers everything from high adventure to romance to hilarity and misadventure. The stories are written by both well-known travel writers and newly emerging writers. So sit down in a cozy chair and experience the world without moving a muscle.

We also have:

This very popular book edited by the New Yorker's Bill Buford showcases writing by American authors about their travels around the globe to exotic locales such as East Africa and Surinam. There are also point-of-view stories such as David Sedaris's discussion of meeting strangers on trains.

The Best Women's Travel Writing is available in regular print or as an electronic version.

Maui Revealed is the newest in the series of books written on the Hawaian Islands by Alexander Doughty. His books on the islands are considered to be some of the best. Check out his other titles as well, Ultimate Kauai Guidebook (on order), Hawaii, the Big Island Revealed and Oahu Revealed: the ultimate guide to Honolulu, Waikiki and beyond. Doughty is a long-time resident of the islands and has written these humorous, in-depth and easy-too-use guides from personal experience.

Set off on your trip to paradise well-informed and ready to experience all the pleasures of the islands. Aloha!!

The kids will be off for 5 fun-filled days during Teachers' Convention and Family Day Weekend. What do you do with them in the middle of February?

Calgary Public Library is always a great place to take the kids to spend a few hours, looking for great books and movies. What is better than time spent browsing through the children's collection? For information on locations and hours, visit our webpage.

On Thursday, February 17 from 7:00 - 8:00, Fish Creek Library will be offering the Almost Teen Book club for kids between the ages of 10 and 12.This will be the first of three evenings and gives the almost teens a chance to talk about the great books they have read. Register through our home page.

Also, on February 17, Country Hills Library will be hosting "Marvelous Movies". They will be showing movies from the library's video collection from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. A fun way to spend a few hours!

Heritage Park is featuring "Family Quest" at their Gasoline Alley Museum. From Thursday February 17th to Monday February 21st, you can take part in fun-filled family activies and begin creating your own family stories album.

The City of Calgary is having a free skating party at the Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arena on Family Day, February 21 from 1:00 - 2:30. There will be face painting and cookies. There is also a Kidsport Skate Shack in case you need to borrow skates and a helmet. Call 311 for more information.

Don't forget that there are a number of outdoor skating rinks in Calgary, such as the Bowness Lagoon. To find information on these rinks, go to Calgary Outdoor Rinks and Arenas.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller will be having special programs from February 19 - 21, with such fun-filled activities as fossil casting and an interactive game, Alberta Unearthed. To see all the details visit their webpage.

Head Smashed-in Buffalo Jump is featuring a great day of activities on Monday, February 21st. Take part in a simulated dig, guided site tours, educational tours, Napi's puppet theatre and kids' crafts. All that and free admission too!

Enjoy a great Family Day weekend with your kids!!

My uncle and aunt are world travelers. On a wall in their basement is a map of the world, with various coloured pins sticking out of nearly every continent.

One pin reminds them of their safari in Kenya; another symbolizes shopping in Thailand. They’ve flown and cruised and walked and driven their way around gorgeous territory, both near and far.

So, when I want to plan my next trip, I often call on them for help. Here’s a list of some of my uncle’s best travel tips:

• When packing, use items that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. All items should dry easily, too. This is because ideally, you want to have only carry-on luggage. Better to have only a few outfits in your carry-on than dozens in your lost(!) suitcase.
• Every time you step out of your undies and socks, wash them in your sink, and wrap them in your bath towel. Then, step on the bath towel to squeeze out the excess water. You won’t have to pack as much clothing, if you’re washing it often. Which brings me to the next point:
• Clothespins! Bring a few of your own, and you’ll be able to hang dry your laundry. Most showers will have a clothesline.
• Make several copies of your passport and leave a few in the safe, and a few back at home with your loved ones. Heck, why not go a step further and leave your credit card numbers and your itinerary with someone you trust?
• Always wear a money belt under your clothes. I had originally resisted this suggestion (I’m too cool for that dorky thing!) but thieves have many creative ways of getting into your pockets. Some are even bold enough to grab your purse right from you, or cut its strap! Additionally, you want to keep your hands free to take pictures, browse the markets, etc. Cumbersome bags are just that: cumbersome!
• Do your research! My uncle recommends the following websites:

hipmunk.com for flight information and searching.

hotwire.com for hotel bookings.

travelzoo.com for last minute travel deals.

• Finally: have fun! My uncle and aunt always say that travelling will give them memories for the old folks’ home. They’ve met interesting people, eaten bizarre food, and come to realize that ours is indeed a small world.

If you need guidebooks, maps or pocket dictionaries, then visit your local library. We’ve also got travel DVDs, like the popular Rick Steves series.

Bon Voyage!