I will admit it, I own too many kitchen appliances. I need another one like another navel. BUT…the bright colors WERE CALLING MY NAME (Cuisinart knows how to get my attention) and I just had to have one when I saw this Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker at Costco for $49.99.

I was reading so many tweets last year from @kalofagas last summer about his ice cream making adventures that I’m almost ready to blame him!!  But I won’t. He truly inspired me and as a result I’m now making FRESH ICE CREAM.  A huge thank you to to @kalofagas for his inspirational tweets.

Here’s how easy it is:

RECIPE FOR FRESH STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM (taken from the manual)

2 cups fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup sugar, divided

1 cup whole milk – well chilled

2 cups heavy cream – well chilled

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

STEP ONE:

Combine the strawberies, with 1/2 cup of sugar and the lemon juice. Let sit for about two hours. Strain the berries, reserving the juices. Mash or pureee the strawberries (I used a blender for this step).

STEP TWO:

Use a mixer and on low speed, combine the milk and the remaining sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 -2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, reserved juice, mashed strawberries and vanilla.

STEP THREE:

Pour the mixture into the freezer bowl of  the Cuisinart – and press a button.

Twenty five minutes later…. I have unbelievable creamy fresh strawberry ice cream.

Hope you visit your local Costco soon – so you too can buy a Cuisinart Classic Frozen Yogurt – Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker.

I can’t wait to experiment with flavors: Coffee, Ginger, Rhubarb, Lemon, Watermelon,….It’s going to be a delicious summer!

PS Can someone now inspire me to use the Cuisinart Yogurt Machine that has been sitting in my basement (in a box) for the last year?

I’ve just returned from Picton as I attended the first ever – Great Canadian Cheese Festival.

The festival was held at Cyrstal Palace Fairgrounds, in Picton from June 3rd to 5th, with a full schedule that included: A Cheese Tour, Tutuored Tastings and Seminars, a Gala dinner and more.

I decided that a day trip to attend the Sunday Artisan Cheese and Fine Food Fair would be perfect.  I am SO glad I attended. First of all – I love cheese. Second of all – it allowed me to visit Picton. How could I not go?

The venue was stunning. There were some vendors inside a gorgeous building and some vendors outside under tents. I really did enjoy the setting. Who was there? Lots of cheese makers, lots of wine, a nice variety of beer ,and a few food vendors. I can’t complain.

I enjoyed many of  the cheese samples (with about 4 lactaid pills) and was thrilled to be introduced to new cheeses.

I discovered :

• Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co. introduced a new cheese called Morning Moon TODAY.
• Prime Ridge Pure will be rolling out their first cheese EVER – next week
• Fromagerie Medard will be introducing a new cheese called Belle-Mere next week
• Upper Canada Cheese has a new cheese called Cottage Gold.

More discoveries: I loved the presentation of these chocolates that were infused with wines from Mercury Chocolates (located in Cobourg).What a beautiful dinner gift for someone who loves wine and chocolate!!

Seeing as the Crystal Palace was so close to the main street in Picton, I had to make a stop at Buddhas Dog (172 Main). I was eager to try Chef Flynns’ (who I met by the way) dragon breath mousse with rhubarb compote and locally grown asparagus on a home made hot dog bun. I  was happy!! Thanks to @OntarioCulinary for the great recommendation.

It was the first year that the Cheese Festival took place and I understand that it will be an annual event. I am thrilled for them. Congratulations to George Kolesnikovos who is the founder and director. I’m sure each year will get bigger and better.  Here’s a picture of George – he was easy to find!!

Looking forward to attending next year!!

As you know, I’m a food sales rep which means I visit a lot of grocery stores. But even when I’m on vacation, I still like to visit grocery stores.

In New York last week, I discovered:

Cinnamon Chex that are gluten free! I had bought the chocolate flavored chex on a previous visit but I’m now in love with the cinnamon flavor. My biggest regret: only buying one box. What was I thinking?

Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Water: I went to Katz’s deli and bought this even though it was a small fortune (close to $3 a can).  I knew that finding it somewhere else would be a challenge, so I navigated my way thru the crowds and the lines and bought a few. Specifically I bought this for my dad. Our American cuzins use to bring this for the Canadian Cousins in the 70’s and 80’s and we all still have a soft spot for this soda. Definetley an acquired taste. ps. one of the ingredients is “extract of celery seed”.

Baconnaise: I discovered this product at the fancy food show last year in NYC. So when I saw it on the grocery shelf, I grabbed a jar to bring home. Then when I got home, I was reading a blog (Erin Loves Food) only to find out you can buy it in Toronto at Lakeview Storehouse. Go Figger.  Ps this product is Kosher (OU).

Here in Toronto…I have discovered:

Dole Fruit Crisp: I saw this new product at a food show a few months ago as well. I brought it home and we loved it. I have to admit that I dont have time every nite to make rhubarb crisp (yes – I’m only human). This product certainly comes in handy – for dessert or for the kids lunch boxes. No to mention you can enjoy it cold or slightly warmed up in the microwave.

Holy Crap:  I bought this at Natures Emporium (which you should visit by the way – even if its far) but I’m scared to use it. LOL. (ps I’m not joking – its been in the cupboard for months now).

Disclosure: #1. I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog our my own.

Disclosure #2: I received the Dole Fruit Crisps as part of a program with Matchstick. The opinion on this blog our my own.

I’m in the mood for sharing some more of my favorite recipes. Now that rhubarb is appearing in grocery stores,  I thought I would share this recipe for “Best Ever Rhubarb Crisp” that I have been using since 2009.  It’s Star Tested by Susan Sampson! The article actually says “adapted from the 1983 Toronto Star Cookbook by Jim White.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs (7oo grams) rhubarb diced into 1/2 inch pieces (about 6 cups) ****

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Topping:

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup melted butter

Preparation: In a large bowl, toss rhubarb, sugar, flour and cinnamon. Transfer to a lightly greased 8 inch square baking pan

For the toppping: In a a bowl, toss together flour, sugar, and oats. Drizzle in butter. Mix well with a fork. Sprinkle over rhubarb mixture.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.

END RESULT:

The Star is right..it's the best rhubarb crisp.

***for some reason (probably cause I didnt have enough rhubarb), I used a combo of strawberries AND rhubarb. For this blog entry I used a 1 lb container of strawberries and one cup of rhubarb. It’s still delicious. No one in my family is complaining.

Happy Baking!