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This Is Your Life | Live Your Dream
Published on 2012-03-07 19:55:00
It’s just over four years since I published my first post on this blog. And it is with some sadness that I put it to rest. No, I will not be deleting it. I just won’t be adding new blog posts to it for the foreseeable future. The reason? I have accepted a dream job in food publishing and will be dedicating myself wholeheartedly to that. "those who don't believe in magic will never find it" roald dahl Blogging about food has let me share my passion, continue to learn and has connected me [..] > read more
Savvy Grapes and a Winterlude Winemakers’ Brunch
Published on 2012-02-09 22:07:32
Debbie Trenholm of Savvy Grapes hosted a Winterlude Winemakers' Brunch last weekend at the National Arts Centre. The brunch was catered by the team under Chef Michael Blackie of Le Café and included his famous General Blackie's Chicken. (According to FoodiePrints, "the crispy fried chicken is sauced with a mixture of hoisin and kecap manis".) And I want the recipe! :) Other brunch items included poached egg with English muffin and shaved black forest ham, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, bana [..] > read more
Ottawa and Taffy on the Snow
Published on 2012-02-06 05:44:53
Taffy on the Snow is nature's best candy. Though I usually associate it as a sugar shack tradition, I was excited to see it offered at Ottawa's Winterlude. As part of our skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is the world's largest skating rink, we stopped to indulge in this sweet treat. While talking to the taffy maker, I learned that in one week he has gone through 300 kg (over 600 pounds) of maple syrup! For the "snow", he grinds up bags of ice cubes. And each taffy pop costs $3. Th [..] > read more
Taste&Travel hooks up with Ferran Adrià!
Published on 2012-02-02 12:34:44
Taste&Travel will be at the Cancun Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival March 15-18, 2012. Special guest will be Ferran Adrià, famous chef of El Bulli. Taste&Travel is the principal media partner for Canada for this event. The Cancun Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival 2012 will host over 30 innovative events for lovers of food, music and culture. Here is just a sampling: • celebrity Chef and Winemaker Dinners (including a tribute dinner in honor of world-celebrated chef, Ferran Adrià • [..] > read more
Ottawa and BeaverTails
Published on 2012-01-23 06:06:47
The best part of Ottawa is the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is the world's largest skating rink. When all sections are open, it stretches 7.8 km (4.8 miles). The season seems short as the ice tends to last for four to six weeks, if we're lucky. And a skate on the canal for me always ends with a BeaverTail. Freshly made bread dough is dipped in hot oil and then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. The line ups are always long, but worth the wait for this bite of sweetness. BeaverTail shacks have bee [..] > read more
Taste & Travel (Issue 2, Summer 2011)
Published on 2012-01-22 21:44:49
The Summer issue of Taste & Travel is on store shelves now. Travel to several countries and savour the unusual and delicious recipes between the pages of this gorgeous magazine. This issue covers the Yucatán, Paris, Rome, Adelaide, Merida, Malaysia, and New York. You'll see a preview of David Sterling's forthcoming book on the cuisine of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, a feature about the glorious food in Ottawa's backyard, details about the legendary Knysna oyster from South Africa and get a [..] > read more
Bringing Mexico Home: Pescado Zarandeado
Published on 2012-01-09 05:32:40
Pescado Zarandeado is a signature Mexican dish that varies depending on the chef creating it. It can involve marinating a whole fish in a combination of lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce and lime. The choice of fish is often Pargo, which has sufficient fat content to prevent it from drying out during the grilling process. However, other types of fish such as Snook or Red Snapper can also be used. Then, the fish is butterflied and grilled over an open fire. Pescado Zarandeado is thought to have [..] > read more
Gingerbread Cookies
Published on 2011-12-22 06:17:53
You'd think with all the food that appears on this blog that there would be clouds of flour and aromas of cinnamon wafting throughout my home. But, like everyone, I'm scrambling to find the balance of working, blogging and family life. One year, I made over 500 cookies before Christmas for friends and family. This year, I was able to pull off a batch of gingerbread and shortbread! My girls love decorating gingerbread cookies. So one night we spread out all the sprinkles I've collected an [..] > read more
November Highlights
Published on 2011-12-07 06:06:27
Though it's already December, I'm still trying to catch up on my November to do list! Here are some highlights from last month. November started out with an amazing trip to Mazatlan, Mexico for a Gran Fiesta and Culinary Tour. Here are a couple of the food highlights: Horchata and Huevos Divorciados. I'll be writing more blog posts and sharing some of the hundreds of photos I took. Two of my recipes appeared on Natalie MacLean's blog: • Mushroom Risotto with Butternut Squash Reci [..] > read more
Bringing Mexico Home: Huevos Divorciados
Published on 2011-12-03 20:09:54
I haven’t touched a palm tree in many years. For me, a palm tree is my centering thought, the one thing I visualize when I’m tense or stressed. It was the image I was going to use during labor, but now it’s one I use during everyday life. It had been too long since I felt the bark of the palm. And I don’t intend to let time slip away before I’m shaded by a palm tree again. Hotel Riu, Mazatlán, Mexico I have long been a fan of Huevos Rancheros, that popular Mexican [..] > read more
Bringing Mexico Home: Horchata
Published on 2011-11-14 13:05:14
Horchata I love food, and I love travel. Experiencing life in a different place, tasting new flavors, smelling salty or unfamiliar air and trying to capture it in my memory or through the lens of my camera resets my soul, makes me smile and reminds me of what life offers. sunrise in Mazatlán, Mexico sunset in Mazatlán, Mexico One year ago, I was recovering from surgery to remove more thyroid cancer. A year later, I’m feeling the sand between my toes, listening to the [..] > read more
Charlotte Malakoff (Almond Cream Charlotte)
Published on 2011-07-04 06:26:59
Here’s a dessert to celebrate a victory at war when the French captured a Ukrainian town in 1855. The Charlotte Malakoff has a fortress of ladyfingers protecting a kirsch-flavored almond cream decorated with Chantilly cream and berries. Dessert is > read more
Clafoutis Normand (Apple and Cream Tart)
Published on 2011-06-27 06:33:27
Is it a pie? Is it a pudding? Is it a cake? No, it’s clafoutis. Or maybe it should be called a flaugnarde since it doesn’t have cherries in it as a dignified clafoutis would. This baked custard contains apples (preferably from Normandy) with a da > read more
Tartelettes aux Fraises (Strawberry Tartlets)
Published on 2011-06-20 06:20:17
This is such a simple dessert. Baked pie crust + whipped cream + fresh strawberries. It's strawberry season in Ottawa, so I walked over to the fields by my house to the local "pick your own" farm and pinched off fresh, sun-kissed red strawberries. An > read more
Tartelettes aux Fraises (Strawberry Tartlets)
Published on 2011-06-20 06:20:17
This is such a simple dessert. Baked pie crust + whipped cream + fresh strawberries. It's strawberry season in Ottawa, so I walked over to the fields by my house to the local "pick your own" farm and pinched off fresh, sun-kissed red strawberries. An > read more
Taste & Travel International Magazine and a Giveaway
Published on 2011-06-17 21:50:17
A cool new magazine has just hit the market! Taste & Travel International is hot-off-the-press and available at Chapters bookstores across Canada. Credit for launching this new magazine goes to publisher, Janet Boileau, who identifies culinar > read more
Hospitals and Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies
Published on 2011-06-17 21:08:07
It's been awhile. I've been busy. With life. With cancer. With three kids. With work. With moving houses. With separation agreements. With radiation. With loneliness. With emptiness. With happiness. With hope. I've spent a lot of time lately at ho > read more
Cancer and Almond Fried Chicken
Published on 2011-06-17 21:07:25
The the best fried chicken is one that you dry with a paper towel first. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then dredge in flour. And then soak in the egg and cream mixture. And finally dip in the best almonds you can find that have been ground in a > read more
Hope and Sticky Toffee Pudding
Published on 2011-06-17 21:06:02
When I go out for dinner and dessert, I’m always hoping for a dessert menu that doesn’t include the standard items of crème brûlée, cheesecake, pie and a chocolate option. I prefer the napoleons, bananas foster, or sticky toffee pudding menus. > read more
Birds and Spicy Pumpkin Pancakes
Published on 2011-06-17 21:05:14
One of my favorite meals is brunch. And this Mother's Day, we're heading to the sugar bush (even though we've missed the prime tree-tapping-maple-syrup time). Wheeler's, which is just outside of Perth, Ontario, serves a delicious breakfast every day > read more
Expectations and Peanut Stew
Published on 2011-06-17 21:03:49
This is an easy, comforting stew that can remain vegetarian or poured over chicken. The crunch from the peanuts and the peanut butter give it a distinctive (and addictive) taste. Toast the peanuts for extra flavor, and try cashews instead of peanuts > read more
Tarte aux Agrumes (Citrus Tart)
Published on 2011-06-14 13:17:34
I've always had trouble with pie crusts (or pâté brisée sucrée if you want to be all French about it). But this crust came together easily for me. I didn't use the traditional method of putting the ingredients on the counter, making a well and "f > read more
Tarte aux Agrumes (Citrus Tart)
Published on 2011-06-12 23:01:01
I've always had trouble with pie crusts (or pâté brisée sucrée if you want to be all French about it). But this crust came together easily for me. I didn't use the traditional method of putting the ingredients on the counter, making a well and "f > read more
Dacquoise (Nut Cake)
Published on 2011-06-06 06:14:27
It’s time for sweetness and whisking up a Dacquoise, which sounds all fancy schmancy but not when you spell it like this: DAH-KWAH! And though the ingredient list is simple and short, I know from experience that those recipes are the hardest to pul > read more
Dacquoise (Nut Cake)
Published on 2011-06-06 06:14:27
It’s time for sweetness and whisking up a Dacquoise, which sounds all fancy schmancy but not when you spell it like this: DAH-KWAH! And though the ingredient list is simple and short, I know from experience that those recipes are the hardest to pul > read more
Expectations and Peanut Stew
Published on 2011-05-29 23:03:38
I'm me with hopes expectations secrets issues fears dreams Do I turn these off Fit a mold Put up walls Settle Listen Observe Watch Is that the expectation? I'm a verb I will grab life jump dance play climb fall cry > read more
Birds and Spicy Pumpkin Pancakes
Published on 2011-05-07 23:15:00
Lately I notice birds. A robin looking for worms. A morning dove cooing her murmuring song. A pair of geese flying together overhead. A lonely bird on a wire. To me, they mean freedom. Fold up winter. Unpack summer. Hope for new life. Sing a new song > read more
Taste & Travel International Magazine and a Giveaway
Published on 2011-05-01 23:01:00
A cool new magazine has just hit the market! Taste & Travel International is hot-off-the-press and available at Chapters bookstores across Canada. Credit for launching this new magazine goes to publisher, Janet Boileau, who identifies culinar > read more
Dorie and Oprah and Chocolate-Banded Ice Cream Torte
Published on 2011-04-20 20:49:53
Thank you Dorie (@DorieGreenspan) for mentioning my variation on your cake as one of your favorites to the people at O (Oprah!) magazine. What an honor. Dorie is an inspiration who takes the time to respond and encourage people to follow their passio > read more
Dorie and Oprah and Chocolate-Banded Ice Cream Torte
Published on 2011-04-17 23:01:02
Thank you Dorie (@DorieGreenspan) for mentioning my variation on your cake as one of your favorites to the people at O (Oprah!) magazine. What an honor. Dorie is an inspiration who takes the time to respond and encourage people to follow their passio > read more
Hope and Sticky Toffee Pudding
Published on 2011-04-10 23:01:02
What do you hope for? to be thin? to be rich? to be loved? to be healthy? to be happy? hope keeps you dreaming keeps you wanting keeps you smiling keeps you loving keeps you alive I hope for hope When I go out for dinner and desse > read more
Wishes and Yogurt Coffee Cake
Published on 2011-03-27 23:01:03
My daughter wrote this poem when she was eight. Things are Perfect the Way They Are Did you know that I don't have any wishes to put in this world because the world is perfect the way it is. Rainbows have perfect colors so I think that > read more
Cancer and Almond Fried Chicken
Published on 2011-03-20 23:01:01
Last year I looked in the mirror and said "I have cancer" The reality and the reflection didn't fit The jigsaw piece didn't match I didn't believe it I felt healthy Yet there was cancer in my cells This year After two surgeries and radiati > read more
Whisk-ey
Published on 2011-03-14 20:52:24
I get approached through my blog to do reviews of all sorts. When Masters of Malt contacted me to review their Drinks by the Dram, I knew I couldn't do this review alone since I'm not a connoisseur or even one who chooses to drink Whiskey. But I have > read more
Hospitals and Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies
Published on 2011-03-07 06:13:54
I want to be That old woman At the hospital Who leans into him with a smile And says "I get to go with you when you have your scan" I want to be That old woman With long gray hair in a braid Stroking his wrinkly hand in his wheelchair As > read more
"14 Days of Chocolate" at BlogHer
Published on 2011-02-09 18:22:06
Are you a chocoholic? Well, you can check out Julie Ross Godar's series on BlogHer leading up to Valentine's Day with "14 Days of Chocolate". Several food bloggers who are part of the BlogHer Publishing Network have been asked to share their favorite > read more
Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event: Lepine and Cloutier's Kushi Oyster
Published on 2011-01-26 22:00:30
Here is the recipe from the Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event created by Chefs Marc Lepine of Atelier and Mathieu Cloutier of Kitchen Galerie in Montreal, QC. Many elements went into this small bite. Chef Lepine demonstrated how to start&n > read more
Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event: Moffatt and Walsh's Drunken Squab
Published on 2011-01-25 22:08:24
Yesterday, I spent 12 hours immersed in food. The day included celebrity chefs, demonstrations, tastings, and time to share this experience with other people who are just as passionate about food. The event was the Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event > read more
Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event
Published on 2011-01-25 01:10:11
Chef Michael Blackie has taken food entertainment in Ottawa to a new level. As Executive Chef at the NAC, he's launched an annual “gala event” that is a treat for all people passionate about food. This year, it started in the Studio theatre > read more
Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event: Chef Michael Moffatt
Published on 2011-01-21 20:47:05
The Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event at Ottawa's NAC is being held Monday, January 24. Eight of Ottawa's top chefs will be paired with eight celebrity chefs from across Canada. These chef pairs will be doing live cooking demonstrations follow > read more
Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event
Published on 2011-01-16 22:54:32
What are you doing Monday, January 24? I'll be at the Canadian Celebrity Chefs Event at Ottawa's NAC where 8 of Ottawa's top chefs will be paired with 8 celebrity chefs from across Canada. These chef pairs will be doing live cooking demonstratio > read more
Miracle Berry Party
Published on 2011-01-09 23:01:03
Imagine this. You are living in West Africa thousands of years ago, and you are exploring the bush, when you come upon a shrub with brilliant red berries on it. You pick a few, and eat them, chewing them thoroughly before swallowing. Still hungry, yo > read more
Christmas Baking Favorites
Published on 2010-12-19 23:01:02
This is the time of year when people tend to ask me: What are your favorite Christmas treats?What are those tried and true favorites that never disappoint?In this busy season, we all look for recipes that are guaranteed to deliver in both taste an > read more
Taste of Winterlude in Ottawa
Published on 2010-12-19 10:07:55
Snowman made by Le Cordon Bleu If you haven't bought all your Christmas gifts yet, you may want to consider some of these unique food events for those hard-to-buy-for people in your life. Taste of Winterlude in Ottawa starts January 27 and runs > read more
Cornfields and Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Published on 2010-12-06 04:49:44
Running through cornfields with my three beautiful daughters who thought I was crazy and unlawful to trespass just to play tag! But we have fun memories. You can see the joy in Anna's face! We Giggled, Squealed, Got muddy. And felt t > read more
Gold Medal Plates: Recap
Published on 2010-12-05 12:53:28
The Gold Medal Plates Event in Ottawa happened a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I was unable to attend since the Friday before I had surgery for thyroid cancer. In my place, I sent a close friend (my ex-husband). He took pictures, enjoyed the food, and > read more