Friday night dinner is a big deal in Jewish households. Not all households have this tradition but I grew up where Friday night dinner was important, and this tradition continues.

It’s also a great way to entertain. I realize I could entertain and host a Sunday brunch or have people over on a  Saturday night, but some traditions are hard to break!!

This week, my guests will be served the following:

-Challah (frozen then baked)

-Gazpacho (courtesy of Moosewood Original Cookbook)

-Pissaladiere (courtesy of New Recipes from Moosewood)

-Pebre (courtesy of Sundays at Moosewood)

-Pita Chips (courtesy of watching my mom make them for decades!)

-Brocoli crunch salad (courtesy of 101 Cookbooks)

-Yellow Bean Salad (courtesy of 101 Cookbooks)

-Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp (courtesy of the Toronto Star).

It’s kind of a “Spring” menu – even if it’s not officially Spring yet!

In this blog post, I’m going to share the Pebre recipe which is also known as Salsa de Ciliantro! This is what you need:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup minced onion or scallions

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

4 medium field tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons of Tobasco or another hot sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, pressed or minced

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl and refrigerate.

Final Result:

Lately I’ve been in the mood to share more personal information about myself, and not just recipes or new food products that I love!!

Here’s another true story:

I’m a 47 year old woman who has been to three (that’s right : t-h-r-e-e-) concerts in her life.

1. I went to see the Bay City Rollers with my parents and my sister, in the late 1970’s.

2. I went to see Dire Straits in Israel in mid 1980’s with my good friend, Suzi.

3.  I went to see Rod Stewart with my mom in the late 1980’s

That’s it. Oh I saw Sonny and Cher  as well,  but that wasn’t really a concert and I was probably 8 yrs old so Im not including it.

Going to see a concert was on my bucket list in 2012 and was one of two items that I did not cross off my list.  Till now that is. ! Finally on Feb 16th, 2013, I went to see a concert. Are you doing a happy dance for me? I hope so!! I can now proudly say I’ve been to FOUR concerts in my life!!

I went to see the spectacular Bon Jovi at the ACC – thanks to a tweet from @meredithheron.   She had two extra tickets that I was all too happy to buy (in a nano second).

My friend and I loved the concert. Indeed he’s an amazing performer and a talented singer too. (ok he’s a qt as well – I’ll just throw that in).

I hope it’s not another two decades before I see another concert!!

PS what  concert do you think I should go see next?

I use to work as a food sales rep for five years,  but for the last year I haven’t been in the food biz at all. However, I still have an obsession for finding new product which is one of the reasons why I love going to the CRFA show ever year. (Canadian Restaurant and Food Association).

This years’s show had a healthy dose of new products for me to blog about. This is just a few products that caught my eye.

1. Edibles by Jack: They offer 10 delicious flavours of edible asian spoons. (Corn and dill, Corn lime, Coconut curry and more). I’m all about presentation AND flavour and this concept does both! These spoons would certainly make an impression at at any event.

2. Sol Cuisine had developed two more additions to their line up. I thought the Sprouted Quinoa Chia burger (made without soya) was AMAZING and can’t wait to buy this in the grocery store. Congratulations to the Sol Cuisine team for producing such a tasty product.

3. I also spotted 3 unique Ketchups that are being distributed by JL International.. I was in heaven (err…my tastebuds were in heaven). I’m looking forward  to seeing restaurants offering these ketchups to guests..It’s about time that we are offered an alternative to Heinz. Don’t you think?

4. Another new (and interesting) product that caught my eye was Maple Mints. How Canadian!! How perfect.

5. I also noticed a few companies selling Ginger Beer. (a trend perhaps?). I happen to love the stuff and hope to see it offered on more restaurant menus as an alternative to soft drinks. Look out forJohn Crabbie & Co. Ginger Beer!!

6. Now this product had me thinking “BRILLIANT”.  Basically Panificacion Nuevo Rumbo has introduced “bread without the crust” for the purpose of making party sandwiches (something I love, by the way). Why has it taken so long for someone to come up with this idea? I will say it again – BRILLIANT.

As always – looking forward to future food trade shows!! As a foodie – these shows are always high priority on my list of “favorite activities”.

For more information about the show:

CRFA, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, March 3-5, 2013 

 

I’ve had a fantastic week full of food events. I really can’t complain. Here’s a recap of three food events that I went to in the last four days! Ready. Set. Go!!

1. I attended the Terroir Symposium Chefs’ photo opp at Biff’s Bistro to witness a crew of amazing chefs  assemble an 8 foot long Hero sandwich. When I wasn’t snapping photos, I was drinking beer from Muskoka Brewery and munching on amazing pickles and chips from McClure’s Pickles.

The Terroir Symposium takes place on April 8th and is Canada’s leading hospitality industry symposium which brings together influential chefs, food writers, food and wine experts and food leaders. Their mandate is to educate, network, share resources with the intention of strengthening the industry and building a better community.

I have never participated in the Terroir Symposium before but it’s certainly something I’m considering. Stay tuned!!

2. I also attended the 2013  S. Pellegrino ® Almost Famous Chef Canada Regional Competition. This was an event where I witnessed top culinary students from seven participating culinary schools across Canada, compete for a chance to become the next star of the gastronomic world. A panel of judges critiqued them on taste, texture and aroma of the dish as well as presentation.

I was in heaven. Each plate that I tried was certainly a winner in my opinion!! However there was only one winner which was Jean-Christophe Comtois from École hôtelière de la Capitale (Québec City), who prepared Milk Veal tenderloin, Matsutake and ”Tomme des Joyeux Fromagers” flavored polenta as his signature dish. He now moves on to compete in the the 11th annual Finals Competition in Napa Valley. How exciting!!

Summary of the event: There certainly was a lot of talented young chefs in one room!!

3. Culture.licious

Finally I went to check out a cooking school called Culture.licious. It was the perfect way to end the week. The evening featured Jay’s South Indian Vegetarian dishes. I’m going to dedicate an entire blog post to this amazing cooking school K?. This is just a teaser..LOL

My food adventures continue as I’m off to Mother Dumplings on Friday night, and the Canadian Restaurant  Food Association Trade Show on Sunday. I’m sure Saturday will include a food adventure too. (naturally). LOL.

PS. Have I mentioned that I really need to do a few loads of laundry and cook three different types of soups!! Can someone spare me an extra hour or two?

 

I haven’t made an interesting salad in a while and was in the mood for something refreshing. Not to mention, mint was on sale at No Frills for 99 cents and I always love a bargain!!

I was inspired to try this  recipe as it was posted today on twitter by @jenncuisine who has an amazing blog called JennCuisine. Her photos are WAY better than mine so I hope you go take a peek at her blog post too (which is a gluten free blog, by the way)

Grapefruit and Mint Salad (adapted from JennCuisine)

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit cut into small chunks

1 romaine lettuce, chopped

a few mint leaves chopped up (I use scissors for this step…so much easier)

balsamic vinaigrette (I used balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey mustard, salt and pepper)

**note the original recipe calls for sliced cucumber too.

**note 2: this recipe is gluten free and vegan too

 

Instructions

Mix all ingredients into a bowl. Toss with dressing. Serve

Results  (my apologies for the not-so-pretty-as-I would-like final photo)

I loved this salad as it was so refreshing and certainly different than any other salad I would normally make.

Hope to serve this salad along with grilled salmon and a quinoa dish. What do you think?

Happy Cooking.

“How Did You Start Blogging?”

I get asked this question a lot so I decided it might be a good time to blog about the answer to this question.

Here’s the story (vs. Here’s the Recipe..LOL).

In April 2009, I was searching thru Craigslist and stumbled upon an ad that said “Wanted; Mommy Bloggers for A National Food Campaign”. I hit the link and sent an email that I guess entertained them, as I got an email back. (which was from  Agent Wildfire,  by the way)

They were looking for mommy bloggers for a National Activia campaign. There were a few of us selected…one from Western Canada, 2 in Toronto (@ParentClub and I) and I believe someone in Montreal too.

We  then signed a six page contract. We also had a skype call. Eventually I had a twitter lesson too  (thanks @theKaren). But  it NEVER GOT OFF THE GROUND.

I was really disappointed. In fact we were all disappointed.

I decided that I wanted to pursue “blogging” and thought I would research other mommy blogger sites. To be honest – at that time – I didn’t even know food bloggers or travel bloggers or lifestyle bloggers existed!

I sent an email to Urbanmoms and Jen Maier took the time to email me back and meet me at  a local Starbucks. The meeting ended with a handshake and a commitment that I would be called “Not So Supermom”, plus I would refrain from swearing. Those were the only rules!

I posted 3 times a week for a year as Not So Supermom and loved the experience. However all good things come to an end.

In September 2010 – my days with Urbanmoms were over.

I consulted with @theresaalbert for an hour on the phone – who counseled me whether to go to another mommy website or start my own.

The outcome of that discussion: To start my own blog.

I then hired a young woman who was starting a web design business and bingo  – 6 weeks later I launched Momwhourns in October 2010.

What a great journey it has been.

The End.

ps blogging wouldn’t be so much fun with the amazing support of my readers. Thank you for your continued support over the years.

 

I  recently read a blog post by A Peek Inside the Fishbowl about apps that she is loving. I then decided it was a good idea to share the newest apps that I’m loving too. I hope you don’t mind @missfish!!

In a nutshell. There are four apps that I discovered lately and I must say – I’m loving them. Apps are fun and Apps are useful. Simple as that.

1. Vine: This is going to be the next biggest thing. Well so everyone says. I believe them though. It’s like a mini mini youtube. Have you tried it? What do you think?

2. Flyer Flo: Most people like to save a buck but a lot of us don’t like collecting flyers! This app allows you put in your postal code and find flyers that’s in your hood!! My blue box is now void of paper flyers. LOVE IT. Happy Savings Everyone!!!

3. Checkout 51. Again, a cost saving app that allows you to save money on your groceries. I get an email from them every week and if those items are on my list, then I can SCAN the receipt, upload it and one day I will get a cheque in the mail. No need to bring coupons to the store. BRILLIANT.

4. Airbnb: Found out about this app while watching App Central. This  app shows properties from around the world that are for rent. For those of you who prefer not to stay in a hotel and love to have a kitchen when you travel…this is the app for you. I also just looking at the decor of each property.  I am certainly using this app when I travel to Barcelona. No doubt in my mind. Not to mention the properties are often way cheaper than a hotel.

What apps have you discovered? Please share.

I took advantage of the clear skies and the holiday Monday to go to Buffalo. It was time for some good old fashioned RETAIL THERAPY.

My definition of retail therapy combines my love of two stores in Buffalo: Target  and Wegmans. I actually spent just as much money at the grocer store as I did at Target. The customs guy thought I was crazy to go to Buffalo for TWO stores. Ps he didn’t pull me over even though I spent more than what I was suppose to when you visit for FOUR hours.

Here’s what I bought at Wegmans. (it’s all about the food – not the shoes I bought – hee hee).

1 Lesser Evil Brand Chia Crisps…Baked Crunchy Black Bean Chips. I picked out the Zesty-fresh, herb infused CRUNCHY DILL PICKLE because that’s my favorite flavor! (how did they know).

I opened up the bag (even though they are a gift for my friend) to sample a few. A “few” turned into a “few dozens”. I LOVE them and now I’m kicking myself that I only bought one bag! Story of my life.

Let’s review what’s in these chips: Omega 3’s (ALA), Powerful Antioxidants, EC Free, Good Source of Fiber and 4 g of protein per serving. Take a look at all the info thats on the back of the bag!!

2. Prometheus Springs Lychee Wasabi Capsaicin Spiced Elixir. Once again – opened it up when I got back to Toronto and the stuff is WICKED. It’s USDA organic and kosher! Whats in it: Filtered water, organic evaporated cane juice, organic lemon juice concentrate, natural lychee wasabi flavor, sea salt, capsaicin extract. Would love for some bartender to create a cocktail with this stuff!

 

3. Siggi’s Icelandic Sytle Skyr – 0% milk fat, strained non fat yogurt. Again – all natural, milk from grass fed cows, no aspartame, no sucralose, no gelatin, no artificial colorings, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup. YUM.

 

3. Lord Nut Levington Rebel Mary Peanuts (spicy bloody mary). Had to buy this and guess what? Scored once again. Will be serving this the next time friends come by for drinks.

5.. This item I bought at the DOLLAR TREE  – Tasty Tortilla Non Stick Steel Tortilla Pan. Not that I NEED this but it was A DOLLAR. How could I not buy it? Will let you know if it works in a future blog post k?

It certainly was a great trip to Buffalo. Naturally I will be going back soon as I’ve heard rumours that Trader Joes is opening in Buffalo. Too excited for words.

Road trip anyone?

This week, I received an invitation from a fellow food blogger, the hungry cat,  asking me if I would like to attend a TUM event called “Sips ‘N Nibbles”. I had never been to a TUM event so I quickly accepted the invitation.

The invitation stated that the event would include 10 of TUMS top vendors and would include live music by the St. Royals, as well a cocktail. The invite also said “dressed to impress”. (eek – only worried for 2 minutes what I was going to wear) . As for the location: Steam Whistle Brewery.

I guess I should take a second and explain what TUM is all about!  Basically it’s a social food network that allows the opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase to the public, their (tasty) creations.

Ok back to the food!

Participating vendors included: La Carnita, Fidel Gastro, Rock Lobster, Babi & Co, ESE, Neptuno Oysters, Hot Bunzz, Laura Slack Chocolate, Bite Me Bakery, Little Tomato Catering and more.

Here’s a few photos to help you understand how happy my taste buds were!

PS. If you want to learn more about future TUM events…check out their facebook page:  www.facebook.com/TOundrgroundmkt

My favorite vendor was definitely from Hot Bunzz: Port soaked porcini mushrooms, baby portobello, San Marzano tomato and fennel, with balsamic glazed parsnip parmesan and kissed with black truffle. #happy #happy #happy. I had been introduced to Hot Hozz at the Interior Design Shows opening party and can’t wait to find them again at future events!!

My favorite drink was the gin and tonic from Dillons Distillers that just opened up in Beamsville two months ago. I am not a gin drinker AT ALL – but something tells me I will be having more gin and tonics in my life from now on. Can’t wait to tour their distillery in the Spring.

Congratulations to Abbey’s Kitchen and TUM for a well organized event. I was super impressed.

For more information about future TUM events, follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/TOundrgroundmkt.com

The same people behind Food Truck Eats are organizing SLURP NOODLEFEST!This event has my name written all over it,  as I’m a huge fan of ramen, pho, and other noodle dishes.  Be warned though – there’s a limited amount of tickets available so hurry and purchase your tickets soon K? (you have been officially warned).

Tickets are $10 and are now available online at http://slurp.eventbrite.com. Hope to see you on Sunday March 3rd.

P.S while you are marking down food events in your calendar – can you please mark down that Macaron Day is Wednesday March 20th!! Will be blogging about this amazing event too!