Disclosure: In the past, I’ve been known to buy imperfect fruit and vegetables. Yes – I’m that woman lurking around the stand for over ripe bananas and slightly bruised apples. You see, I really like using them when I bake.

Now Loblaws has made this easy for me as they have recently introduced no name® Naturally Imperfect™ line of fruits and vegetables.. Starting with apples and potatoes, no name Naturally Imperfect produce costs up to 30 per cent less than traditional produce options found in store. You gotta love it!!

Smaller misshapen produce that tastes great and is good for you, is now available at Real Canadian Superstore® and select no frills® locations in Ontario and select Maxi® stores in Quebec. Furthering its commitment to offer affordable, quality products to customers. YAY.

Please note that my bag contained smaller apples – not one was bruised – and they were delicious! Naturally I was excited to bake with them, so I pulled out my handy APPLE DAPPLE recipe that I’ve been making for years.  Notice where this recipe comes from? HOMEMAKERS! (see bottom of the recipe for proof). How funny is that?

APPLE DAPPLE CAKE (taken from HomeMakers)

1 cup sugar (I always use less)

6 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup of all purpose flavour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg (if you want)

2 cups of apples (of course, I used the Naturally Imperfect apples)..peeled and cored and cut up into pieces. I didn’t peel them but I think I will next time!!

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, beat together sugar, butter, egg and vanilla until well combined.

2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Stir in Apples.

5. Lightly pat batter in a square baking pan.

6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

SERVE WITH ICE CREAM.

Happy Baking.

Disclosure: This was a compensated post however all opinions are my own

The other day I got a tweet from @TheCulturedPearl that said: Hey @momwhoruns I’ve found a new #coffice @TherollingpinTO.  I immediately clicked on the twitter username so I could learn more. Their profile said “Sweet Treats, 3429 Yonge St, Toronto, www.therollingpin.ca.“. I didn’t need more info..LOL…I knew that I would be visiting (sooner than later) as it’s close to where I live.  Before I knew it, I found myself dropping by on Sunday morning as soon as they opened (10 am). The outside of this charming bakery looks like this. The inside of this charming bakery looks like this. Now let’s talk about those SWEET TREATS. There’s an assortment of donuts, macarons, pies, cakes and more. Naturally everything is made in house. I decided to try the banana cream pie. However the donut I really would like to try is the “Elvis” which is described as “a delicious peanut butter topping with crisp bacon, bananas and chocolate drizzle”. Other donuts that might interest you – Tiramisu, Boston Cream, Cannoli, Maple Bacon, Blueberry Cheesecake and more!! I’m also going to return so my waistline can try this! Hope you get a chance to visit one day soon. ps a huge shout out to @theculturedpearl for introducing me (and my waistline) to The Rolling Pin!

For more information: The Rolling Pin: 3429 Yonge St, Toronto 416 691 4554

Twitter: @therollingpinTO

Instagram: therollingpinto

email: hello@therollingpin.ca

Ps closed on Mondays!!

 

How could I say no to an invitation that had the word “Cake Boss” in it? I love cake as much as the next person does and was eager to join in the fun, as Canadian Tire was launching the Cake Boss Bakeware Line in Canada.

The event was held at  The Fifth Grill & Terrance and when you walked in there were about a dozen tables that looked like this.

I was a bit freaked to actually participate as I like to EAT cake but had never ever touched fondant before. Here’s proof of my total inexperience!!

However the lovely Gabby Parisi (@GabrielleParisi) who’s a cake decorating expert, came by each participant to help us out!! Clearly I accepted her help.

I finally got a bit more confidence and decorated my cake after being inspired by watching Pay Chen and Theresa Albert decorate their respective cakes!!

Next time you are in Canadian Tire, please look out for the Cake Boss Bakeware Line. Another great addition to their ever growing kitchen department.

Back in late September, I was invited to the opening of  CakeStar.  I was not going to miss this event even though the next day I was moving. Thats right – the next day I was moving. But I was determined not to miss this opening…I like cake and I have priorities. Clearly eating cake was a higher priority than packing another box!!

Here is some background info about CakeStar: It’s owned and operated by two sisters and it’s a great story about two women who are clearly passionate about the food business.

The cakes are gorgeous (see above photo) and that evening I treated myself to cannoli that was superb. I don’t say that lightly – as I take my desserts very seriously and often don’t indulge in just any old dessert – its got to be GREAT. It was recommended and indeed it was a fantastic recommendation.

CakeStar offers classes too. Ranging from beginners to 3D cake decorating and even a class called “rock ‘n roll romance cake”. I don’t know if you noticed, but my blog posts over the last year have never been about cakes. I can make cookies, muffins, crisps, pudding, and tiramisu but avoid making cakes. (fear of cakes perhaps?). But you never know, one day soon I could get over this fear. Hey – I can make that a goal for 2012 – learn how to make cupcakes and cakes.

If you can’t make it to their store, soon you can watch them on CBC’s the Steven and Chris show as the resident cake expert!! Alternatively, you can find out more about their cakes and cake decorating classes by visiting their awesome website. I have to say, their website is great. (kudos to the webmaster too).

CakeStar

3431 Lake Shore Blvd West (at Kipling)

Etobicoke, ON

416-259-9053

twitter: @CakeStarGirlz