It’s not a secret that I like adore cheese. I’m not sure I have ever come across a cheese I did not like. I like grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese platters, and fondue too. Needless to say I was over the moon when I met Chef Corbin at the Wine and Cheese show (back in March) who told me that The Melting Pot was opening in late April in Richmond Hill. It did not take me long to whip out my iPhone to enter  the necessary information!!

Finally the end of April arrived, and I went to the opening. I could not have been happier (except I failed to bring a guest – what was I thinking?). I sat at the bar though and coincidentally sat beside Damon Allen.

The atmosphere is contemporary and features plenty of private booths. I have no doubt that this place will be packed on Valentines Day!! It’s also the perfect place for a group of friends to go out or for a couple to celebrate an occasion.

I started off my meal with a drink that looked like this:

Then I ordered something I adore but rarely find on a menu.

Then came the highlight of the evening…the FONDUE (or as @SharonDV tweeted “FON-DO”.)

I selected the “Fiesta Cheese Fondue” which is described as “aged cheddar cheese pairs with lager beer, jalapeno peppers and salsa, made as spicy as you like”.  I was not disappointed with my choice. Other varieties of fondue included: Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue, Cheddar Cheese Fondue, Wisconsin Trio Cheese Fondue and Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue. I’m pretty sure that THEY would all be perfect!!

The Chocolate Fondue Selection on the menu is awesome (um…need a birthday party idea for your 10 year old?) Items such as Bananas Foster, Flaming Turtle, Cookies’n Cream Marshmallow Dream, Chocolate S’mores, Ying& Yang, …WILL MAKE ANYONE HAPPY. I mean seriously…you can’t go wrong.

By the way, The Melting Pot is a franchise in the United States and this is their first location in Canada. Welcome to Canada!!

The Melting Pot

125-135 York Blvd, Richmond Hill, ON

(905) 764-7770

 

 

It’s Spring(well at least sometimes it feels like Spring) and I’m in the mood to cook with bright green vegetables!! This recipe is based on a standard pesto recipe but instead of JUST using basil, the recipe includes a cup of green peas. I was intrigued so I tried it. You will notice that it’s  slightly sweeter and has a different texture. I think it’s a keeper. (not all recipes are keepers by the way).

GREEN PEA PESTO (from AllRecipes.com)

 

 

 

 

 

Last week, I made a Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf  from the Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking Cookbook. While making the loaf, I decided to flip thru the cookbook to look at other recipes that I had tried and liked, but had not made for many many years. Sure enough, pg 56 was circled. I can’t believe I don’t make this salad more often. It’s a winner.

I ‘m attracted to this recipe as it’s crunchy and colorful and went perfectly with the rest of the meal which included: salmon, roasted squash, a green salad and rice.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about broccoli salads that I enjoy. I have a feeling it’s due to the emerald color of the broccoli that it obtains after it’s perfectly steamed. I’m also a huge fan of another broccoli salad that I use to make that includes grapes and sunflower seeds. Stay tuned for more salad recipes (and the lemon poppy seed loaf recipe as well).

 

 

Broccoli, Snow Pea and Baby Corn Salad with Orange Dressing

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped broccoli florets

1 cup snow peas, cut into pieces

1/2 cup sliced red onion

3 cups torn lettuce (I’ve never used lettuce before – just so you know)

half  of a medium red pepper, sliced

3/4 cup drianed mandarin orange sections

1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts

1 can of drained baby corn cobs

1 tablespoon raisins

1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (or pecans)

DRESSING:

3 tablespooons olive oil

3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic

4 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon sugar

METHOD

1. Steam or microwave broccoli and snow peas just until tender crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry. Place in a serving bowl

2. Add onion, red pepper, lettuce, oranges, water chestnuts, baby corn, raisins and walnuts

3. Dressing: in small bowl, mix oil, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, lemon juice and sugar. Pour over salad and toss well

ENJOY

P.S. Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking is a wonderful cookbook full of healthy recipes and is definitely a keeper!! Proof:  I moved in September and this cookbook did not end up in the garage sale.

I’ve blogged before about “Desserts with Two Ingredients”  but I challenged myself to think of more desserts that had only two (or 3) ingredients and I did it!!

My busy brain thought of  these two recipes that are  super easy, and tasty desserts. Well to be honest, one recipe I thought of myself and the other recipe I found on the Life Made Delicious website.  The first recipe I have been enjoying since I was a kid. (thanks Mom!!)

Here’s the recipes. (I won’t keep you in suspense much further).

Chocolate Covered Bananas

Ingredients:

1 cup of melted chocolate chips

3-4 bananas

Method

1. melt the chocolate chips

2. dip bananas into the melted chocolate

3. place on a plate that has been lined with wax paper.

4. insert a wooden stick or steal a plastic stick from those molds!!

5. freeze

FINAL PRODUCT

Cheerio Covered Bananas

Ingredients:

plain yoghurt

bananas

Cheerios

Method:

1. dip banana into yogurt (I used Liberte yogurt because I’m a huge fan these days of this product)

2. place the banana on a plate lined with waxed paper

3. sprinkle Cheerios on top (do not roll into a plate of Cheerios – sprinkle!!)

4. insert a wooden stick

5. freeze

FINAL RESULT:

I bet know these desserts will be a hit. Who said desserts had to be cakes or pies or tarts or cookies?

Enjoy!!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

What do you crave…sweet or savoury snacks?

I think about this question a lot. I also think about these questions:

• have you ever met someone who doesn’t like chocolate?
• have you ever met someone who doesn’t like potato chips?
• have you ever met someone who doesn’t like ice cream?
• have you ever met a child who doesnt like pizza?

I absolutely know that I crave more savoury foods than sweet foods.

My top savoury foods:

• potato chips (jalapeno, black pepper….)
• popcorn with parmesan cheese
• nachos with fresh salsa (not the jarred stuff))

My top sweet foods:

• butter tarts
• rum ball (strange, I know but I love this treat)
• Greg’s roasted marshmallow ice cream with hot fudge sauce

But if you ask me “When was the last time I had a butter tart, or a rum ball or Gregs Roasted Marshmallow ice cream…the answer would be MONTHS AGO.

See what I mean? I really do prefer savoury snacks. It’s even better when there is a combination of both. For example, take Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Granola Bars.

That type of item is perfect for me!! Perfect. Congratulations to General Mills for understanding my needs!!

What do you prefer to snack on? Sweet or Savoury? Tell me.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

 

Since I began to blog, I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful women  who are “foodie” entrepreneurs. My list looks like this: @TheBumpercrop, @afoodgypsy @DivaQBBQ @PascalesAllNat @ViewtheVibe @CakeStarGirlz @Sable_Rosenfeld @LeDolci @MediumRare @TasteofCheese and more!!  I truly admire these women who have a vision and run with it.

I can now expand this list to include the following women “foodie” entrepreneurs:

1. Gourmet Bitches

These two women have introduced a new food truck to the Toronto landscape that offers healthy, nutritional options. I was invited to their soft launch recently and fell in love with their kale and arugula salad. It had a spicy cayenne dressing that made this salad truly flavorful and unique. Look out for this special food truck.

2. Popover Girl

I met Popover Girl aka Lora on International Pi Day!! (how appropriate). I think I was introduced to her on twitter and was eager to meet her IRL (in real life). She specializes in sweet and savory gourmet popovers and sells them at the Toronto Underground Market. I hope you get a chance to try her delicious popovers some time soon!!

3. The Cupcake Girls

The famous Cupcake Girls from WNetwork were in Toronto a few weeks ago to scout for a retail location. I got a chance to meet them briefly (too many events, too little time) and to try their tasty cupcakes.

I am continually amazed by the food scene in Toronto and have enjoyed watching it grow. Not to mention, I have met some wonderful woman “foodie” entrepreneurs!!

Cheers to all of you!!

I went to the Green Living Show last year and knew that I would be returning. No question, the environment has becoming more and more important in our every day lives. Infact, I just got rid of my gas guzzling mini van and can’t wait to drive my far more fuel efficient Nissan Versa. But let’s get back to the Green Living Show – it’s a show you don’t want to miss. They have it all.

• a green beauty bar
• an electric vehicle show
• live bird demonstrations
• an eco music movie swap
• a farmers market
• the sweaty equity  yoga pavilion
• the organic council of Ontario pavillion
• Toronto Fair Trade Town
• and lots more!!

Naturally I spent a lot of time at the FARM FRESH FARE. (perhaps too much time) It didn’t take me too long to find a few salads to take pictures of. I mean how gorgeous are these salads?

Chef Christopher Palk of L’Eat Catering created this beauty of a salad:

Ontario Chopped Salad with Pickled Ramp Buttermilk Ranch, House Made Red Wine Vinegar and Mustard Vinaigrette or Green Apple, Herb and Cider Vinegar Dressing

The chef was happy to show me the list of ingredients that went into this “All Ontario Chopped Salad”. I was blown away.

This salad created by Chef John from Table 17 also caught my attention. He created a pea shoot and peanut salad with an Ontario Peanut Dressing.

Here’s another stunning salad that was created by the Garbardine Restaurant: Smoked and cured Ontario Pickerel with red fife bagels, baby lettuce and creme fraiche .

I also made a point of visiting my favorite exhibitor….Island Spirits. I met Trudy last year, and went up to stay at her fantastic, unique property in May 2011. I actually told her that next year, I would volunteer in her booth to give a “live testimonial”. (by the way, Trudy…I am serious about that offer)

I strongly encourage  you to head down to the Direct Energy Centre this weekend and check out this great consumer show.

Hours: Saturday April 14 from 10- 9 and Sunday April 15 from 10-5.

Hint: If you bring e-waste you can receive FREE admission, compliments of Samsung.

 

Last week was my birthday and my BF spoiled me rotten by whisking me away to the Inn on the Twenty in Jordan, Ontario.

It was the perfect time to get away – it was off season (ie. NO CROWDS) and the weather was warming up. There’s something to be said about travelling when it’s off-season. I really think it’s the way to go!!

We left on Sunday at noon and got to Jordan just in time for a late lunch at the Jordan House. Our friendly waitress (Leah) informed us that the fish tacos were a new item on the menu so it was a no brainer for me to check them out!!  Plus we both ordered beers. (even though we were in a wine region).

There is no doubt in my mind that the fish tacos will stay on the menu. They were perfect. Absolutely perfect.

After lunch we checked in. We were originally suppose to stay at the Jordan House but they upgraded us to a beautiful room at the Inn on the Twenty. We were thrilled to find out that the room was massive, complete with a sitting area and a fireplace  (it was Room #1 – just so you know). Not to mention that the bathroom was so big it could have been a room!!

We had dinner reservations at 8 p.m and simply crossed the street to get to the restaurant. How convenient.

We ordered martinis (I know I know – we didnt have wine) to start off the evening. Then we proceeded to have our main dishes. I ordered a pasta dish that was pretty extremely tasty. i.e the plate was white when it was returned to the kitchen. Specifically I ordered the Upper Canada Ricotta Agnolotti. Described in the menu as “baby spinach and ricotta, winter squash puree, toasted pumpkin seeds and chardonnay foam.

Of course, we ordered another round of martinis to enjoy while we ate our dinner. (I know I know – we didn’t have wine)

Monday was my actual birthday – so we started it off in style with a gorgeous breakfast that we really really enjoyed.  Not that we needed it cause we were still full from the nite before, but we both managed. How could we say no?

We were super impressed with this plate of goodies as well.

Then we took a drive into Niagara on the Lake (about 15 minutes away) for a brief stroll downtown and then stopped off at Stratus Winery on the way back to the 401. If you haven’t visited this winery, you really should. I finally got to meet the charming marketing manager that helped me run a contest TWO years ago. I was too full to sample a flight of wines but my BF certainly enjoyed the Malbec.

One final note: Special thanks to my BF who made sure my birthday was extra special this year.

For more info:

Inn on the Twenty, 3845 Main Street, Jordan Village 1 -800 701 8074

Jordan House: 2751 Main St, Jordan Village

Stratus Wines: 2059 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara on the Lake

I’ve read blog posts about this question before and thought that it was clever, so I’m copying  borrowing the idea. (I’m honest). Here is the answer to WHAT’S IN MY PURSE?

a) I want to talk about the purse first. It’s from Target and was only $19.99. I am simply loving it. It’s the perfect size and has all the colors that I want to wear this spring.

b) The Body Shop Plum Lip Balm called “Born Lippy”. I’m impressed with the flavor, the texture and the color. #happy.

c) my Iphone. OMG – if my phone wasn’t in my purse I wouldn’t be able to leave the house!!

d) my keys (naturally) which now has a Sobeys and Goodlife pass attached to it. What a brilliant concept. Bye Bye Membership card (which I always lost) and hello SWIPE.

e) my Michael Kors wallet which could be a purse on it’s own. I’ve been enjoying this wallet for 2 years now but probably should buy one in a zippy color. (one day).

f) Mentos Gum called UP 2 U – 2 flavors, 1 pack, you decide. I’m a total sucker for new products so I picked up sweet mint and bubble fresh on my last trip to the States.

g) Floss. Can’t live without my Oral B Satin floss. Thanks @ToothFairy1210 for always making sure I have a good supply!!

What else should I be carrying in my purse?:

a) a small point and shoot camera. I love my DSLR but kinda miss my point and shoot on occasion.

b) a pen

c) money. That’s right – money.  I rarely have money on me and there are moments where I really need a quarter for a grocery basket!!

Now it’s your turn. What’s in Your Purse?