Snack Break with Melinda Josie
photo by Celine Kim
Welcome to my new series called Snack Break where I interview interesting people about their snacking habits. I get questions from my clients all the time wanting more interesting and easy options for healthy snacks and I thought I would reach out to people I admire and see what they say. A snack is a personal experience, a moment in your day to tide you over, satisfy and spark joy.
Today we’re speaking with Melinda Josie an illustrator based in Toronto, Canada. She has been been working full-time as a freelance illustrator from her home studio for the last 12 years. Her love of food both cooking and illustrating is evident in her work, she has worked in the food sections of Real Simple and Oprah magazine. Melinda also illustrated one of my all time favourite cookbooks: Six Seasons by Joshua McFadden.
salted chocolate chip cookie, the perfect snack if you ask me.
What is your favourite time of day for a snack?
I don’t really have a favourite time. I tend to graze and have a little something if I’m feeling hungry throughout the day, rather than eating larger meals at specific times.
Are you a sweet or salty snacker?
I think generally, I tend to crave salty snacks. I’ve also got a pretty major sweet tooth, but lately I’ve been trying to curb it a bit.
Are there any specific components you need in a snack?
I love something crispy, crunchy and salty.
cheese, crackers and kimchi with a side of baby pickles
Do you have a desert island snack?
Hawkins Cheezies would definitely be up there on the list. They’re perfectly crunchy, salty and cheesy.
I also love the homemade tzatziki and pitas from Agora on Queen street. . Their pita’s are so soft and fresh, and make the perfect snack with a side of olives .
What snacks do you always have on hand?
I have a filing cabinet beside my desk where I like to stash some snacks to grab quickly. I almost always have Smart Sweets gummies tucked away in there. They’re great if I feel like something sweet, but they’re sweetened with stevia and keep my blood sugar stable, so no drops of energy after! Smart Sweets is also a female-run Canadian company, so I feel great supporting them.
I generally like keep an assortment of nuts and crackers and tortilla chips in the pantry for when I feel like something salty.
In the summer, I love snacking on fresh cucumber and Sunflower Kitchen’s Jerusalem Hummus, made with fresh herbs. .
Is there a snack you’ve been loving a lot lately?
One of my favourite snacks that can easily turn into a small meal is the guacamole recipe from Bon Appetit, titled BA’s Best Guacamole (it really is the best!), with a side of good tortilla chips. I love making this as a snack before dinner, especially if we’re making tacos. It’s satisfying and still feels fresh and healthy.
Bon Appetit’s Best Guacamole
INGREDIENTS
3 large ripe Hass avocados
¼ white onion, finely chopped
1 serrano chile, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
and chips, for serving
DIRECTIONS
Smash avocados with a potato masher or fork in a medium bowl or with a molcajete (a Mexican mortar and pestle) until very coarsely mashed. Mix in onion, chile, garlic, lime juice, salt, and ¼ cup cilantro. Taste and add more lime juice, if desired. Top with pepitas (if using) and more cilantro; serve with chips alongside.
To learn more about Melinda and see some of her beautiful work find her online at www.melindajosie.com or on instagram @melindajosie