I stumbled across this banana cake recipe online and it intrigued me for these two reasons:

a) You bake it at 275 degrees for 1 hour and 10 min.

b) You transfer the cake right from the oven into the freezer for 45 minutes.

So I tried it and it was SO good that I made it three times in one week. Not to mention I had these two compliments;

a) my mom said it tasted similar to the Sara Lee Banana Cake (that we use to eat decades ago)

b) my aunt actually tried it and then made the recipe the following week. She’s an amazing baker so this was a huge compliment!

Here’s the recipe for you to try (in your spare time ..of course)

CRAZY BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHESE ICING (credit: www.happyhooligans.ca)

• 1.5 cups very ripe bananas (3 fresh bananas or 4 thawed, previously frozen bananas)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
•  3/4 cup soft butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1.5 cups buttermilk (OR milk soured with one tbsp vinegar or lemon juice….I used this method as I didn’t have buttermilk hanging around my fridge)

DIRECTIONS

Pre-heat oven to 275º F, and grease and flour (or spray), a 9×13 cake pan.

Mash banana and mix with lemon juice and set aside.

In a med bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.

If you’re making your own buttermilk, combine milk and vinegar (or lemon juice) in a small bowl, and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. ( I used a mixer for this step to make it light and fluffy)
Beat in eggs, one at a time.  Stir in vanilla.

Beat in flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.

Stir in bananas.

Pour into greased/floured (or sprayed) cake pan and bake at 275º F for 1 hour and 10 mins (or until knife comes out clean).

HERE’S THE INTERESTING STEP:

Immediately place in the freezer for 45 minutes. (if not completely cool upon removal from freezer, let cool further before icing).

No need to cover the cake, but you’ll want to place it on a thick, folded towel to protect items underneath.

FINAL RESULT:

Cream Cheese Icining: (which as you can see from the photo I did’t make as I think it’s amazing on it’s own)

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temp.
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3.5 cups icing sugar (also known as powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar)

1. Cream butter and cream cheese.
2.  Beat in vanilla and icing sugar on low until combined, then high until smooth.

Note: This makes a ton of icing so you might want to halve the recipe.

Happy Baking!!

 

 

Now that the Sporting Life 10k is behind me, I feel that it’s time to sign up for a Sprint Triathlon. I haven’t done one since 2011 and I miss the cross training.

To psyche me up for this new goal, I did a few things:

a) I bought a road bike. This was a huge step for me (ie huge investment) but it feels good. I went to the EnduroSports annual swap event, and bingo I walked out with this beauty for $500. #totallyscore

b) MEC (otherwise known as Mountain Equipment Co-op) helped me out in regard to some accessories. For example, a pair of sun glasses (which are critical when you are out there riding), and a pair of gloves (again, critical) .

Of course, I needed a pouch to hold my beloved Samsung Galaxy S5, keys, and gel packs.

I’ve actually been a huge fan of MEC ever since the kids were little and I bought a MEC snowsuit. To this day, I still think they are the most brilliant snowsuits out there!!

To be honest, when my cousins were visiting from Israel, we put MEC on the list of “tourist attractions” as it truly is a spectacular store with quality products and service.

Now it’s time for me to get in the pool, get out there and ride, and continue to run. Wish me luck.

Promise to keep you updated

Disclosure: Some products were provided to me that were mentioned in this blog post, however all opinions are my own

For many years, every time I travelled to Ottawa we would stop at SUBWAY for lunch in Kingston. It was right off the highway and offered us a quick and healthy meal.

My relationship with SUBWAY continued as I recently turned 50 and served my guests a 6 ft subway. It was a HUGE hit with my guests (sorry..couldn’t resist the joke). Take a peek at this enormous box that it’s packed in!!

Not sure if you know this, but there’s a Build a Winner contest that is taking place now, that invites SUBWAY Canada fans on Facebook to build out their unique sandwich combination!

There’s weekly draws for a $100 SUBWAY cash card, and a grand prize of $1000 up for grabs.
Please click on this link for further information http://bit.ly/1Gbmdzx.

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

Twitter: @SubwayCanada

Hashtag; #BuildAWinner

Hope you get a chance to enter this contest soon as the contest ends May 31st, 2015!!

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored however all my opinions are my own

 

I have a relative who rarely snacks in between meals. I kind of envy his discipline but not quite sure I could ever adopt that lifestyle! I absolutely adore “noshing” on stuff in between meals. A chunk of cheese, a few berries, a few nuts or even a few crackers will do the trick!

Notice that I’m not snacking on chocolate or ice cream? I really do prefer snacks that are savoury vs sweet. All the better if the snack is crunchy!!

Goldfish® Canada would like to invite you to share your own “snackable moments” using the hashtag #GoldfishSmiles to show them that Goldfish Crackers brings little smiles to your family.

The winning smile will win $500 and a year supply of Goldfish® Crackers to enjoy. Yes – that’s 48 packages!!

Here’s my smile!

Here’s some interesting facts about Goldfish® Crackers:

-they are BAKED with REAL cheese

-they contain no artificial colours or flavours

-they have zero trans fats

So sit back and feel good about eating your favorite snack that smiles back.

Here’s another announcement: I’m tickled pink to announce that Goldfish® Princess Crackers have now arrived. This is a limitation edition cracker so make sure to grab a pack before it’s too late.

There’s many varieties of deliciousness to choose from – try them all! Original, Chedddar, Cheddar made with Whole Grain, Cheese Trio, Colours, Pretzels, GIANT Cheddar, Flavour Blasted, Atomic BBQ, Screamin’ Salt & Vinegar, Xplosive Pizza, Xtreme Cheddar, Vanilla Cupcake Grahams, Honey Bun Grahams and Cholcolate Brownie Grahams.

In the meantime, I’m grabbing a few Goldfish® Crackers to take with me on an outing to Crawford Lake!!

 

For more information:

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

Instagram: GoldfishCanada

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

It’s that time of year when I get super busy going to as many events as possible so I can embrace Spring and Summer as much as I can.

Here we go:

1. Currently I’m busy watching as many films as I can at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, which is taking place till May 10th. I’ve watched the first three episodes of the Israeli hit TV Series “Hostages” and will be back for more!! Seeing as I’ve just returned from Israel…this is the perfect festival for me.

2. I’m off to Ottawa on Sunday May 10th to see the Canadian Tulip Festival. I think this Festival which is taking place May 8 to 18th, is nothing short of spectacular… so I try not to miss it. Check out http://tulipfestival.ca/ for more details.

2. On Saturday May 9th it’s the Mount Pleasant Village 3rd Annual Kids’ Fun Day. Nothing beats a community festival. Not to mention, I’m a huge fan of the restaurants/bakeries along this street!! Check out www.mountpleasantvillage.ca for more info about all the fun events that will be taking place.

3. Recently I was introduced to U-Feast. Their tag line is:  Exclusive Food and Wine Experiences for people with a passion for life. UM…Hello…That’s ME!!  Lucky me, I will be attending their upcoming event on May 19th called: Campagnolo’s Greatest Hits 2010 and 2015.  Believe it or not, I’ve never been to this restaurant so I’m super excited. Check out their website for more details  about all their upcoming events. www.ufeast.com

4. The Stop’s Night Market will be taking place on June 17 and 18th at a new location!(181 Sterling). This event will SELL OUT fast. This is what you need to know: Mark down – May 13th at noon and PRE REGISTER your account. Important details are here:  http://nightmarket.thestop.org/#details. Seriously this event is NOT to be missed.

5. The Social Good Conference, on May 25th and May 26th at the Telus Centre, has caught my interest too. I especially like the “pay it forward” registration fee. Not to mention there’s a wide variety of speakers.

 

Have I missed any other events. LOL. I’m sure there’s lots more!!

 

 

 

 

I’ve kind of been missing in action these days as I went to Israel and Italy for two weeks.  To say I was busy would be an understatement. I seemed to have visited 6 cities in 14 days…Amsterdam, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Florence, Venice and Rome.

So please bear with me as I’m going to dedicate a few (just a few..LOL) blog posts about my travels. As you know, I’ve been to Israel before, but this trip was special for these 3 reasons:

1. I had the opportunity to celebrate my 50th birthday on the Tel Aviv beach.

2. I  got the chance to spend time with my daughter who is studying in Jerusalem, since Jan 25th.

3. I was able to celebrate the Passover seder with my amazing daughter and amazing cousins.

This trip was by no means a “touring trip”. I was there to see family and friends and eat. LOL.

What really blew my mind about this trip is how different it looks from 3 decades ago. For example, their airport is one of the nicest airports I’ve ever seen. I could NOT have said this 30 years ago.

Plus there’s no shortage of modern buildings either. Take for example, this modern building in Tel Aviv.

I was only in Jerusalem for a day but I made sure to see the Western Wall, Mahane Yehuda (their famous food market) and go to my favorite restaurant (Caffit) for their insanely delicious Sweet Potato Salad. (36 Emek Rafaim, Jerusalem)

After my short stay in Jerusalem, I went to Tel Aviv. What did I do there? HANG OUT ON THE BEACH AS MUCH AS I COULD. LOL

Naturally food was a big part of my trip and I tried to eat Shakshuka as much as I could. I discovered that not all Shakshukas are equal. In fact, I still think the Shakshuka at Dr. Laffa  (3023 Bathurst St) right here in Toronto is the best one!!

Israel is indeed a special place for me and I can’t wait to return.

What a great 50th Birthday present. Thanks MOM and Dad!

 

 

 

I turned 50 on April 2nd…. and guess what? It feels GREAT. You see, I decided to really celebrate my birthday….one could I say I genuinely EMBRACED this milestone. Here’s what I did:

I threw a big party at the end of March. Plus I went to Israel and Italy for 2 weeks. (which I will be blogging about next so hang in there!!)

More than 50 friends and family members showed up at La Bamboche to help me celebrate this important occasion. Naturally food was a big party of the party. Let me go into more detail about that!!

Here’s what was served:

-A 6 ft sub from Subway. This was a HUGE hit. What’s really funny is that my mom also served a giant sub when she turned 50. #likemotherlikedaughter

-A sushi platter from Sushi on Bloor

-A stunning vegetable basket from Lesley’s Party Sandwiches and Catering.

-Organic cotton candy from Lola’s Clouds

-Strawberries infused with alcohol from Shotberry. 

-Handcrafted Caramel Corn from All Mine Caramel.

-A velvety chocolate Opera Cake from La Bamboche (ps my guests are still talking about this cake)

-Macarons from La Bamboche  that were in a unique “50” formation!

I even ordered a special balloon so it could really feel like a party!

I’m a pretty happy 50 year old!

Pinch me…I’m heading to Israel and Italy. I’m super excited to be going to both countries.  I’ve been to Israel (infact, I went to University there) but I’ve never been to Italy. Plus I have a 8 hour layover in Amsterdam and used my time wisely to roam around the city.

Here’s what I’m bringing to Israel:

1. I’m going to be wearing these super comfortable and super light weight KEEN Shoes called UNEEK. I’m crazy about the design of these shoes too. Created from two cords and a sole, UNEEK offers an entirely new approach to footwear construction. I have no doubt in my mind, that I will be purchasing another pair in black.

2. David’s Tea: These make the perfect gifts to bring to Israel, as they are easy to pack and unique.

Here’s what I will be doing in Israel…

a) hanging with family members and friends.

b) visiting the beach

c) and eating. (no big surprise, right?)

Sadly this is not a touring trip but it’s still going to be a great trip.

In Italy – I will be visiting Rome and Florence and Venice too!!. I will be so busy that I think I might need a vacation when I get back.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

a) my Italian friends could not help me with restaurant suggestions as they always stay with family members.

b) my Italian friends consistently told me: “Don’t worry – you can eat anywhere. The food is amazing EVERYWHERE”.

c)  I found out that my friends have a love/hate relationship with cities like Rome or Venice. Either they loved those cities or they said they were”too touristy”. Time will tell, how I will feel.

d) My friends highly recommended me to purchase leather products but to make sure they were made in Italy and not elsewhere #greatadvice

e) Book as much as possible in advance…ie train tickets, museum passes etc.

If you have any suggestions where to eat in Florence, Venice or Rome…BRING IT ON. I’m seeking the best coffee, best gelato, best food markets etc.

As for accommodations: I will be happily using Airbnb throughout most of my trip. I had a great experience using them in Barcelona in 2013 and look forward to my using them in Jerusalem and Rome and Venice too!!

Promise to keep you posted regarding my travels!!

Cheers for now.

 

 

Here’s a few shows that should be on your radar!

1. Green Living Show

March 27 – 29, 2015 at the Metro Convention Centre. (255 Front St W)

Friday, March 27:	12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Saturday, March 28:	10 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Sunday, March 29:	10 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Love this incentive: FREE ADMISSION WITH E-WASTE, courtesy of Solve For Tomorrow & Samsung.

2. One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale:
 This show features over 450 artisans and is truly one of my favourite shows.

Dates:  March 25 – 29, 2015 (5 days) Place:  Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Hours:  Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am – 9pm; Sundays: 10am – 6pm;  Late Night Shopping: March 26, 9am – 11pm.

If you are a foodie like me, then you will want to read this blog post by Yum Yum Factor called: What’s Cooking at This Year’s Spring One of a Kind Show- My Ten Favourite Food Treats.

3. Toronto Food + Drink Market …April 10 -12, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

As always, no shortage of fun activities to do in Toronto.

 

 

Recently I’ve come across FOUR Fabulous Food Entrepreneurs on Twitter! Drum Roll please….

1. LOLAS CLOUD:

The owner of this company was tired of seeing only your typical pink and blue carnival candy floss. Instead, Lolas Cloud serves organic clouds of candy, produced with cane sugar and natural extracts. Flavours include coconut, mango, watermelon and more. #brilliant. Please follow them on twitter and instagram: @lolascloud and take a peek at their website too. ..www.lolascloud.com 

2. ALL MINE CARAMEL

ALL MINE CARAMEL began as many small home based business do…by accident. Shannon Hitchon, who has always been proficient at cooking and making her own recipes, decided to try her hand at making her own caramels. She began slow churning her now signature buttery caramel as Christmas gifts for family and friends one year. They were a hit and soon co-workers and neighbours began requesting treats of their own. All Mine Caramel was born. Now, 4 years later, her caramel treats have become a must have delicacy. What a great story, non? I was pleased to see that Shannon is also making caramel corn too.  Can’t wait to try the Cayenne Infused Caramel Corn,…seeing as I’m all about flavour!

Please follow them on Twitter: @AllMineCaramel. Here’s their website: www.allminecaramel.ca

3. SHOTBERRY

What is a Shotberry? Well, imagine a HUGE chocolate covered strawberry that’s customized with your favourite toppings and decorations and then paired with a shot of your favourite alcohol (or non alcoholic beverage). OMG – BRING IT ON.

I simply adore this concept. For more information, please visit their website: www.shotberrystore.com, Twitter: @shotberrys416 Instagram: Shotberry

4. Walter Caesar and Kelvin Slush

I blogged about Kelvin Slush when I discovered them in  NEW YORK in 2011 (see blog post by clicking here). Then I was introduced to Walter All -Natural Craft Caesar last year (see blog post by clicking here. However what I didn’t know was that these two brilliant products involve the same business partners…Zack Silverman and Aaron Harowitz. Not to mention I discovered this fact randomly by visiting a booth at the recent Restaurant Show!!

For more information: www.walteraesar.com and www.kelvinslush.com

Please note, that Walter Caesar has just launched a Royal Caesar mix which is now available at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. With it’s smoky chipotle and cumin flavours…this cocktail will surely be a hit with guests.

Clearly, you can tell that I’m in awe of the above mentioned food entrepreneurs who are making their dreams come true.