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 like to snack.

Don’t we all?

How do I satisfy my cravings throughout the day? Well there’s a few snacks that certainly do help.
For example, Prana, is a Canadian food company that specializes in delicious 100% organic, gluten-free and gmo-free snacks.

Recently they have launched two new products that are helping me with those cravings! (yay)

ProactivChia is an exclusive blend of probiotics and organic chia seed, with each serving providing 4 billion live probiotics – the perfect 2-in-1 solution for busy people!

Nothing beats a quick chia pudding snack ,which I make by adding my favourite dairy-free beverage and some chia seeds. Bingo – I’m not hungry anymore.

Another new product is Prana’s coconut chips. These crunchy and tasty snacks are a great alternative to traditional potato chips! They can be enjoyed in: Charleston (BBQ flavour), Hula (Salt + Pepper), Jive (Spicy Chili) and Classic (Original).

I was so excited about this product, that I decided to incorporate it into a recipe which involved three steps.

1. I took some firm tofu and diced it up and then fried it till golden.

2. Then I basted it with some BBQ Sauce.

3. For the final step, I took some Prana BBQ Coconut Chips and sprinkled it over the tofu. It was so delicious that I ate the whole thing.

However, under normal circumstances I  would package it up into small containers and snack on it.

There’s also Machu Pichu  – Nut & Fruit Mix which contains almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, goji berries, white mulberries and goldenberries. Yum, Yum and more Yum.

FYI – this product is in my car as I seem do to do a lot of snacking in my car. Anyone else out there have this problem?

What’s even cooler? All Prana products are certified organic, vegan, kosher, preservative-free, sulfite-free and, above all, free of compromise.

For more information about Prana please click here.

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

Great news, Reese Spreads are now available in Canada!!

Based on the iconic Reese Peanut Butter Cup, new Reese Spreads deliver the one-of-a-kind combination of chocolate and peanut butter taste to any food. Whether you spoon it or spread it, these delicious spreads can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

From the simple pairing of Reese Spreads on an apple, banana, or a pretzel, to taking your dessert recipes to the next level, the snacking opportunities are endless.

 I don’t know about you, but the combination of Peanut Butter and Chocolate has always been one of my favourites.

Here are 5 ways how you can enjoy Reeses Spreads:

a) Simply spread it on a waffle!

b) Dip Pretzels into Reese Spreads.

c) Dip a spoon into the jar. (no fancy recipe required)

d)  Freeze a bit of Reese’s Spreads and then crumble it onto ice cream!!

5. Use Reese Spreads on a slice of apple.

As you can see from the photos, I had a lot of fun using Reese Spreads in a variety of snacks.

What’s your favorite snack using Reese Spreads? For more amazing recipe ideas, please click here  or head to their facebook page.

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

I’m pretty pumped about the upcoming Pan Am Games and would like to share my enthusiasm with a contest. Yes….a contest where you could win $200 worth of atoma products!

atoma, is actually the Official Pharmacy to the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. In addition to the partnership, atoma will be supporting ALL the athletes taking part in the Games. Through its four banners (Guardian, I.D.A., The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy and PROXIM), the brand will provide pharmacist services, prescription medications, first aid supplies and atoma over-the-counter medications to all athletes participating in the Games.

Here’s a bit more about atoma products:

 

Please welcome Walter – who is Canada’s first premium, all natural craft Caesar mix. They only use real, high-quality ingredients, prepared in small batches and packaged in glass……right here in Canada.

I think that alone deserves a huge round of applause. As you can see from this photo, my mom and I are huge fans of a good quality Caesar!

Other interesting facts: Walter was launched in 2013 by two childhood friends in Vancouver B.C. and the recipe was developed for over a year . There’s NO MSG, No artificial colours or flavours, and there’s no high fructose corn syrup in this product.

I was all too happy to enjoy a Walter Caesar while watching the Australian Open and I was all too happy to share it with two friends. Both friends knew instantly that I served them a quality product.

Where can you find Walter? At select B.C and Ontario grocers, specialty food and gift shops, restaurants and bars. For a complete list, please visit WalterCaesar.com/find-us.

Cheers!

For more information:

Walter Caesar, 1 604 908 0994, info@watercaesar.com

Twitter: @WalterCaesar

Instagram: @WalterCaesar

Disclosure: Walter All Natural Craft Caesar was provided to me, however all opinions are my own.

 

Did you know that Jamie Oliver  recently launched a new line at Sobeys? The line, labeled Compliments presents: Jamie Oliver Discovers Canada, was a year in the making and includes a range of 14 amazing dishes. For example…Herby Lemon Flattened Chicken made with Certified Humane chicken, Scrumptious Seafood Pie and Sweet Cherry Focaccia. Each recipe features the best of Canadian flavours. Not to mention, each product was tested, tasted and approved by Jamie Oliver.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sample each and every one of these dishes at an event! (squeal).

I have to be honest…the frozen section is not an aisle that I normally frequent. But after the opportunity to sample these dishes, I will be frequenting this aisle more often. I simply could not believe how tasty these dishes were. Every single one was a winner!

Top left photo: Lemon Flattened Chicken.  Bottom left photo: an assortment of breads (that I shouldn’t have eaten but I couldn’t resist)
 Top Left : Scrumptious Seafood (a winner), Top Right: Old School Holiday Ham. Bottom Left: Beef Blade Pot Roast. Bottom Right: An Assortment of Tasty Dips

I usually make my own crisp for dessert,  but I would serve Jamie Olivers’ Mixed Berry and Apple crisp in a heart beat. Seriously….THAT GOOD.

Please take a peek at this unique line of products, the next time you visit Sobeys. You will be blown away by the value and the quality.

 

Back in 1994, I ate at P.F. Chang’s in Las Vegas. See, I was a foodie even in 1994! I remember how impressed I was with their vegetarian options and can still remember ordering their famous Lettuce Wraps. (which are still on the menu). Now I don’t have to eat at P.F. Chang’s in the States anymore , as they have finally arrived in Canada! Just last week, they opened at Shops At Don Mills. I’m pleased to say…that they still have vegetarian options and now offer gluten free options as well.

Here were a few highlights of the evening.

Described on the menu as: Sushi grade ahi tuna served with a spicy mustard vinaigrette on a bed of fresh mixed greens.

Described by my belly and taste buds: I want more.

Described on the menu: Fresh green beans lightly battered and served with a tangy dip.

Described by my belly and taste buds: Goodness.

Dessert was epic. I’m not kidding. My eyes were popping out of my face.

Described on the menu: 6 rich layers of frosted chocolate cake topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips, served with fresh berries and raspberry sauce. Appropriately called: The Great Wall of Chocolate!!

Described by my belly and taste buds: There are no words.

Described on the menu: 6 warm, crispy bits of banana served with coconut pineapple ice cream and drizzled with caramel and vanilla sauce.

Described by my belly and taste buds: Please take me back to P.F. Chang’s.

As you know, I’m on a carb free diet so I tried hard to just nibble my way thru the media dinner. I can’t wait to go back when I’m not on this diet and can really indulge.

I’m not kidding..it’s great to see this fabulous restaurant in Toronto. What a welcome addition to the already amazing selection of restaurants at Shops at Don Mills.

P.F. Chang’s can be found at Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Road, 416 510 8838

I met some cousins at  Starbucks in the summer  and as she paid for the coffee, I noticed she had a STARBUCKS GOLD CARD. I immediately asked  “whats that?” She replied “I received it last year in the mail”. Then I fired away some questions: what does she receive for owning a gold card?  how was she selected? can I take a photo of her with her card? etc etc.

She answered that she has been buying Starbucks cards for along time and that “someone” must be tracking her loyalty and how much money she is spending.

I really thought the GOLD CARD was cool. I mean, seriously…. how many people have you met with a Starbucks Gold Card.

I should mention, that my dear cousin lives part time in Florida and that this program does not exist in Canada yet. Last time I spoke to the publicists for Starbucks in Canada they told me that there was  a small pilot-test being held out West.

Let’s cross our fingers that GOLD CARDS will make their way to major cities throughout Canada.

Me-likey-gold-cards.

The last time I had a GOLD CARD was in 1980 for  a club called Tobascos in Hull. For those who are reading this in Ottawa, I am POSITIVE that this is bringing back memories!!