I’ve been spending some time lurking on Pinterest trying to find unique ideas for this years Passover menu.

Of course, I spent some time trying to figure out what my centre pieces are going to look like too. Here’s what I’m thinking. Which one do you prefer?

Idea #1…so simple, yet so pretty

Idea #2….Love this idea

Idea #3…I actually have a chalkboard runner to use as the “seder plate” and love the idea of using empty egg shells as a vase! How cute?

As for the menu, here’s what I’m planning on serving. Warning: this is not a traditional Passover menu at all but I’m ok with that and I hope my guests are to.

-Sweet Potato Rounds with a Beet Puree and topped with a Walnut (totally made this up. Its not from Pinterest (for a change). I made them a few weeks ago and it’s a winner.

 

–Matza Brei Cupcakes stuffed with ??????.  Cant decide – it might be stuffed with mashed potatoes or a mushroom medley. I’m  hoping that this idea works. If I get a chance this week I might test it out!

-Yottam Ottelenghi’s Aubergine & Herb Salad with Garlic Yogurt Dressing

–Salmon with an Apricot Basil Salsa

-Yottam Ottolenghi’s Butternut Squash w/Gingered Tomatoes and Lime

-Yottam Ottolenghi’s Tomatoes with Sumac Onion and Pinenuts

Dessert: Matza Smores and Fresh Fruit

I know. I know – the menu is heavy on Yottam Ottolenghi’s recipes but I couldn’t help it. His veggie recipes sound amazing.

I’m excited to head to my storage unit and dig out my grandmother’s china that I always use for the seder. There’s something about using her china that makes this holiday extra special for me.

So excited to share this holiday with family and friends. We are also hosting a couple that we’ve never met as part of an initiative with City Shul that no one is alone on the holidays.

Happy Cooking and Happy Passover and Happy Easter too!!

It’s that time of year again where everyone is searching for the perfect back pack. This is clearly an essential “back to school ” item a long with lunch boxes, pencil cases and more!

I also believe that backpacks are essential when travelling.

The following backpack from WillLand Outdoors caught my attention as I can use it as a backpack OR I can pull out the handle and roll it. The official name of this versatile backpack is: Luminosa Forte Freedom On Wheels!

When I need to walk 5 km thru an airport, the “roll on” comes in handy. Students will appreciate this feature when they have 8 huge books to carry home a long with binders, laptops and more.

But it also converts easily to a back pack when you simply need a backpack.

Not to mention there’s numerous pockets for me to organize my “stuff”. Let’s take a minute and review exactly what when into these numerous pockets on my latest trip to London and Israel.

The front pocket: smartphone and my (beloved) laptop.
The bigger front pocket: passport, wallet and boarding pass
The larger pocket: MacBook, Samsung Tablet, Uniqlo cape (which kept me super warm on the freezing cold airplane)
This amazing travel pack that contains headphones, chargers and more. This is a new purchase for me and I think its a game changer.

WillLand Outdoors is a Canadian company who are committed to developing the very best outdoor gear.

They are also a  company that believes in the combination of QUALITY, DURABILITY, and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Catch this, they have a “NO QUESTIONS ASKED WARRANTEE” where they are determined to keep all their customers happy. Therefore they provide a 100% HAPPINESS SATISFACTION GUARANTEE.

Not to mention they offer a variety of cool backpacks for everyday life/travel/the gym and more. It took me quite a while to decide which model would be best suited for my lifestyle and I’m super happy with my choice.

For more information:

Website: www.WilLandOutdoors.com
Twitter: @WillLandOutdoor
Instagram: @willandcanada

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary backpack however all opinions are my own.

The Interior Design Show has been in my calendar for months! It truly is an event that I look forward to even though it’s not really my world at all. As you know I usually go to FOOD events, however there’s something about this show that I’m drawn too. ..the colours, textures, creativity, etc. (just like in a recipe. LOL),

On Thursday night I attended the opening party (lucky me) and here’s a few highlights.

1. This beautiful carpet caught my eye. Isn’t it gorgeous?
2. I also liked this fixture.  So interesting!
3. This faucet would be a real conversation piece. 
4. These fancy bathtubs #WANT
5. Samsung had a presence this year at the Interior Design Show and I think it was a great strategy. They have “design” features in a few appliances that are just brilliant. See this Samsung washing machine? Well it features a top section that is designed just for ONE OR TWO items. This solves the problem we all face when we don’t want to run a full load for that one item!
6. See this Samsung Fridge? Well it has 3 cameras inside, as well as a white board and so many other clever design features. It really deserves a dedicated blog post (#onmylist).  The three cameras solve the problem when you are driving home from work and wonder if you have milk or eggs in the fridge. All you have to do is tap into your app and bingo – you will find the answer!

Hope you get a chance to visit the Interior Design Show on the weekend. Seeing as there is no sun outside these days – this show will certainly brighten up your weekend!

For further information:

Interior Design Show, Metro Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front St, Toronto

Hours: Saturday, January 21, 10am-7pm: Sunday, January 22, 10am-6pm

To Buy Tickets: Click Here

The other night, we entertained which is code for: “try some new recipes”. So I spent some time on Pinterest looking for inspiration and then planned the following menu:

-Edamame Salad

–PC® Vegetarian Pot Stickers

-Rice Wraps: trust me I will blogging about this one day soon

-Sushi platter from Sushi on Bloor

-Avocado Egg Rolls with a sweet chilli sauce (click here for the blog post with the recipe)

-General Tso’s Tofu

I’d like to share the General Tso’s Tofu recipe with you, as it was beyond delicious and easy to make as well. The trick is to squeeze the excess water from the tofu which is something I’ve just started to practice and it makes all the difference.

Plus I’ve never coated tofu in cornstarch before either and I believe this made a difference too.

RECIPE:  GENERAL TSO’S TOFU (original recipe can be found by visiting www.grumpyshoneybunch.com)

1 block extra firm tofu
3-4 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 Tablespoon canola oil

Sauce: (there’s a lot of ingredients but don’t let this scare you)
½ cup brown sugar
3 tbsp hoisin
3 Tablespoons white or rice vinegar
3 Tablespoons ketchup
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
½ cup water
1 tablespoon Sesame oil
4-6 spring green onions, sliced
3 tbsp fresh ginger finely chopped
Hot pepper flakes (optional) ps I didn’t chose to use hot pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Squeeze tofu of excess water! (this is an important step) I did this by placing the tofu between two plates and then placing a heavy object on top of the plate i.e….I used my water jug! Wait 30 minutes or longer.

2. Prepare the sauce: Miix together the first 6 ingredients and set aside.

3. To prepare tofu for frying: Cut into cubes and then coat lightly with cornstarch and fry in a shallow frying pan with canola oil until browned and crispy. Remove from frying pan and set aside.

4. Wipe pan clean with paper towel and add sesame oil with onions and chopped ginger. Fry about 1 minute, until fragrant.

5. Then combine everything….the tofu, the ginger/scallions and the sauce. Stir till all the tofu is coated in the delicious sauce.

Happy Cooking!

 

 

I’m trying to get organized. Specifically it’s my spices that I’m trying to organize. Here’s what I posted on facebook last week.

There were quite a few comments with a variety of suggestions and I loved each and every comment. It seems as if I’m not the only one with this issue, which makes me feel a little better. (a little..LOL)

One comment that was left for me, included a link to this article from the Toronto Star. This idea really hit home and its’ inspired me to do the same.  Please click on the link here to read more details.

However I know that the first step to getting my spices organized involves actually LABELLING the containers.

Of course, my amazing brother P-touch Label Maker came in handy for this step!

Within a few minutes, I was able to label my spices with the help of the brother p-touch Label Maker .  I have no idea how I lived without a Label Maker before!

Final Result:

Here’s the steps that were involved to get to this point:

-took out all the spices that were hidden in my cupboard.

-dump out all the spices.

-wash the containers in the dishwasher

-run to Bulk Barn and bought a LITTLE bit of every type of spice imaginable.

-run home and take out my “brother P-touch Label Maker” and start the process of getting organized.

-repeat these steps in January 2018!!

Hope this blog post helped you as much as it helped me and my spices.

Disclosure; The label maker was provided to me, however all my opinions are my own.

Over the holidays I found myself with some serious spare time on my hands which meant there was this fantastic opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen. Nothing makes me happier than spending time in the kitchen (please don’t judge me. Lol)

It also makes me happy to discover recipes that only involves 4 ingredients. Yes  – that’s right – 4 ingredients.

This recipe intrigued me as it included an unusual ingredient which I believe made all the difference. This ingredient is: HERBED STUFFING. Believe it or not I’ve never bought a box of stuffing before but wow did it ever provide flavour (and crunch too)

Also loved the fact that you can freeze these Spinach Balls. (original recipe can be found here)

Here’s what you will need: (note: I cut the recipe in half)

INGREDIENTS

2 (10 oz.) packages frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained (very well drained)

2 small onions, very finely chopped

2 1/4 c. stuffing with herbs

6 eggs, beaten

1/2 c. butter, melted

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

2 tsp. garlic salt

1 tsp. black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine all the ingredients.

3. Shape into golf-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through and browned

FINAL RESULTS

Serve these delicious Spinach Balls with salmon and a salad and bingo you will have a pretty delicious meal! (in my humble opinion).

OR

Put them on an appetizer plate along with other goodies!

Happy Cooking!

Newsflash: I finally tried a food delivery service. I’ve been offered many times to try a food delivery service and I always declined. But HelloFresh caught my attention at a great time seeing as I was trying to control my portions and I thought that this would help me out. #smartmove

Heres’ a few reasons why I loved HelloFresh! 

-I didn’t have to think about “what to make for dinner”.

-I didn’t have to buy the groceries involved

-I didn’t have to chop, peel or slice

-Indeed it helped me with portion control

-I didn’t forget an ingredient!

The outside of the box that was delivered to me, sums it up beautifully!

HelloFresh is now delivering their healthy and convenient meal kits from coast to coast, to help all Canadians answer that age-old question: “What’s for dinner?”.  I don’t know about you but I battle this question on a regular basis!!

Inside the above box contained everything I needed in 3 convenient boxes – all labelled beautifully as well as a well designed recipe booklet. I also loved these boxes fit conveniently into my fridge!

Inside the boxes I found EVERYTHING I needed for the recipe. I was also impressed with the meat/fish selection that was sourced locally.

Then came the fun part to actually cook dinner,  knowing that I didn’t have to go grocery shopping or that I forgot an item at the grocery store (story of my life).

Here’s one nights dinner – Autumnal Italian Sausage

Here’s a photo of another nights dinner – Parmesan Crusted Cod with Roasted veggies.

There’s only two aspects of the service that I didn’t like:

-the lemongrass that was involved with one recipe was pretty powerful.

-the amount of packaging involved however I’m not sure there is anyway around this.

HelloFresh is just perfect for anyone who is stretched for time or just wants to have a break from buying groceries all time and thinking about whats for dinner.

Hope you give it a try one day. I’m sure many of you are tired after cooking and entertaining over the holidays. I also think this would be a great gift for a new parents or for senior citizens who no longer drive. Yes – gift certificates are available.

For more information:

Website: Www.HelloFresh.Ca

Instagram/Twitter: HelloFreshCA

Disclosure: HelloFresh provided me with a complimentary meal delivery service however all opinions are my own

I know I know….it’s hard to believe its August. But it’s here and there’s no shortage of things to do.

I will be off to Mont Tremblant and Ottawa in August so there goes two of my weekends. However some of these events are during the week and I will be there!!

Here’s my round up!

1. The St. Lawrence Market Summer Series – presented in partnership with The Food Dudes – kicks off Thursday, August 4 with a party like no other.
This innovative production merges cuisine and art in an iconic setting to create an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss. (Which is why I will be there).
The St. Lawrence Market patios will be transformed into a downtown oasis of food, drink, music, performance and celebration, joining the Market’s storied purveyors with Toronto’s finest chefs, musicians and artists in a true feast for the senses.
$30 general admission (plus taxes & fees)
General admission tickets include two food tickets.

Tickets can be purchased here!

2.  Toronto’s newest summer food festival, Feast of St. Lawrence Festival  is taking place from August 12-14, 2016. The festival will begin with Toronto’s newest dining event on Friday evening in support of Foodshare Toronto. On Saturday, the celebration moves to the coveted St. Lawrence Market and Market Street. Activities include indoor food demonstrations using local farm-fresh produce, outdoor food stalls, canning sessions, and seating areas.
Market Street will be also be buzzing with live entertainment. For more information please click here.

3. The CNE – Always my favourite.  ps. You will find me in the food building.  You might also find me on the ferris wheel too. LOL

5. If you like cider, then this event is for you….Toronto Cider Festival is taking place on Aug 27th at Yonge Dundas Square from 1130 am to 1030 pmLooks like August is going to be a tasty month!!

Enjoy the rest of summer everyone.

The other day I had the opportunity to check out the first ever Sport Chek Atmosphere Combination flagship store at CF  Sherway Gardens. I’m not kidding but lately I’ve been to CF Sherway Gardens more than I’ve been to Yorkdale Shopping Centre (and I live 7 minutes from Yorkdale).  CF Sherway Gardens keeps getting better and better. However in a few months, Yorkdale is going to explode with some great new stores as well!! #excited

OK back to Sport Chek and why you should visit this impressive store!

This flagship store is 80,000 sqf but don’t worry there’s technology everywhere to get you to the right department.

Speaking of departments – this unique store features:

-a high the basketball department

-a hydraulic footwear display

-two storey monolif display

-hologram podiums

-The New Balance Stride ID Lab and Shop in Shop (which uses 3D technology – very cool)

-Atmosphere Climb station climbing treadmill

Seeing as I’m “momwhoruns” I was eager to put on a pair of white socks and check out the New Balance Stride ID Lab. This piece of technology is the only one in North America and provides you with precise information about your foot so you can select the right type of shoe. Don’t you just love technology?

I also noticed this display, so you can personalize your own shirt. It brought back a lot of memories for me as my dad used to have a sports store in Ottawa and I remember the “old school” method he used to personalize shirts for his customers.

Congratulations Sport Chek on your new flagship store. I have no doubt that this store is going to be a huge success.

Happy Shopping!

For more information: 

Website: www.SportChek.ca

Twitter: @sportchek

CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall Toronto. (416) 621-1070

 

I grew up with a Baskin-Robbins location a few blocks from my middle school and high school. I have many memories of grabbing a Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate ice cream cone during a “spare” with my childhood best friend who also shared the same excitement for ice cream.

Decades later, I still love Baskin-Robbins.  I recently read their 2016 National Ice Cream Month survey that states, four in ten Canadians enjoy ice cream at least once per week. I’m one of those four!!

Other findings from the study: most Canadians prefer their ice cream served in a cone – two-thirds (65 per cent) of them to be exact – with a cup or waffle bowl trailing closely behind (55 per cent) and an ice cream sundae coming in third (47 per cent).

Ice cream lovers (like me) can now  look forward to enjoying their favourite Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavours at home with the launch of #Celebrate 31, a promotion available at participating Baskin-Robbins shops across Canada on July 31. On that day, guests can take home their favourite flavours and receive 31 per cent off any Grab ‘N Go Pre-Pack Ice Cream*. The special offer will be available on the 31st day of July, August, October and December in 2016.

If you are wondering why the promotion offers 31 per cent  off…here’s your answer: “The number 31 represents history and flavour variety for our brand, which offers a different flavour of ice cream for every day of the month. Plus its’ a great way to celebrate  National Ice Cream Month!

Baskin-Robbins pre-pack flavours include a variety of favourites and classics like Mint Chocolate Chip, Gold Medal Ribbon® and Pralines ‘n Cream. Guests also may enjoy the July Flavour of the Month, BeaverTails® Pastry, where 10 cents from every BeaverTails® Pastry ice cream scoop sold this month will be donated to SickKids Foundation.

Once again, the BeaverTails Pastry ice cream hits home with me, as I grew up in Ottawa eating BeaverTails.

Happy National Ice Cream Month Everyone!

For more information:

Website: www.BaskinRobbins.ca

Twitter/Instagram: @BaskinRobbinsCa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaskinRobbinsCanada/

Disclosure: I was compensated for this blog post however all opinions are my own.