Movies filmed in Vancouver, BC

The past three years in Vancouver, I would often spot film sets and famous actors. For example Juno was shot in Vancouver. Here is a list of some of the movies filmed in Vancouver.

Time for some white chicken chili

Here is a great recipe for:
White Chicken Chili

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 4-ounce cans diced green chilis
2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium, if desired)
2 16-ounce cans navy beans, rinsed and drained
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
½ teaspoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
½ teaspoon white pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup light sour cream
½ cup half and half
½ cup Mexican-blend cheese made with 2 percent milk, finely shredded

In a heavy stockpot, cook onion in 2 tablespoons butter over moderate heat until the onion is softened.

Add the green chilis, chicken broth, beans, garlic, chicken, hot sauce, cumin, oregano, cilantro, white pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a boil and gently simmer for about 20 minutes to combine flavors.

Remove the stockpot from the heat and stir in the light sour cream and half and half until mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese over each bowl just before serving.
Source: McClatchy Newspapers. Adapted from a Gourmet magazine recipe.
Servings: 8

Per 1-cup serving: 273 calories, 9.8 grams of fat, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 644 milligrams sodium, 28 grams protein, 19 grams carbohydrates, 6.8 grams fiber.

Oscar Watch

Typically, I am lucky if I see one movie that has been nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards. However, this year I have been fortunate enough to see four out of the five nominated for the Best picture Oscar. I haven't seen Atonement...

Here are my choices for best picture:

4. No Country for Old Men - Last but not least. Tommy Lee Jones is great in this film. However, the performance by Javier Bardem (who should get the best supporting actor award) is amazing as his performance as an evil person is unequaled in recent memory.

3. Michael Clayton - A poignant story of how difficult it can be to live ethically in corporate America.

2. There will be Blood - A marvelous performance by Daniel Day Lewis (I think he should win the best actor award) and a great message on how dangerous it is to sell your soul for black gold (oil) or anything else. The movie does a good job of portraying the likely results of putting financial interests above family and friends.

1. JUNO - I loved this film! It is hard to find a comedy that has substance to it. Juno does a good job of approaching topics people don't like to talk about, such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, and adoption. However, I don't know if Juno will get the Oscar because it is an independent film.

Homemade Granola Bars

I found this recipe in the Kansas City star and look forward to making it. It replaces sugar with honey which looks to be a good thing. It is also comforting to know that these do NOT contain either high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils.

Homemade granola bars

Makes 22 bars

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with aluminum foil. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir well, using hands if necessary, and be sure all ingredients are evenly moist. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan using the back of a spatula.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until nicely browned. Place on rack to cool. While pan is slightly warm, carefully cut into small bars.

Store in a sealed container for up to a week or place in plastic freezer bags and freeze.

Per bar: 107 calories (23 percent from fat), 3 grams total fat (1 gram saturated), 1 milligram cholesterol, 16 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams protein, 1 milligram cholesterol, 61 milligrams sodium, 1 gram dietary fiber.

Recipe developed for The Star by professional home economists Kathryn Moore and Roxanne Wyss