Today’s blog post is dedicated to the question: How Many Knives Do You Own? I have a lot….errr….WAY TOO MANY. It all started 20 years ago, when I never invested in a decent knife. My attitude was “I’ll buy another one”.

My useless knife collection

This is NOT the right attitude. Here’s why.

A long time ago, I saw a blog post (or was it a tweet???) with the question: “What’s Your Favorite Kitchen Tool”. Many of the replies were  “MY KNIFE”.

Think about it. Do you think you could make a dish without a knife? It truly is an instrumental tool to have in the kitchen.

Because it’s so important,…I will be giving away a CUTCO knife to one lucky reader!! (value $138). All you have to do is go to the Cutco Website and leave a comment telling me which knife you would want to own.  If you haven’t heard of Cutco before, here’s what you need to know about this North American company: a) they have a Forever Guarantee b) they produce quality, SHARP knives c) they are all about offering exceptional knives and customer service.

Isn’t that easy? Isn’t this a great contest? Something tells me, I’m not the only one with a million knives in their kitchen. Actually I’ve decided that these knives are going into the GARBAGE. Ever since I was introduced to Cutco, I’m now dicing vegetables like a pro and have no need to  have useless knives in my kitchen!!

What a difference a good knife makes!!

The contest will run from Thursday Dec 6th to Friday Dec 21st and is open to all Canadian residents. A winner will be selected using random.org and will have one week to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Happy Knives = Happy Cooks. Yes?

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• Tilapia filets
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of beer (I used Molson 67, of course)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

step 1

• In another bowl blend the egg and beer together

step 2

then quickly stir into the flour mixture.

• Don’t worry if the batter is a little lumpy (seriously…it’s lumpy)

Lumpy Batter (but it’s all good)

• Heat oil (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in a skillet) in a frying pan until extremely hot
• Now lightly dust your tilapia filets and dunk into your beer batter mix
• Fry until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels

The fish was moist moist moist and no one had any fish left on their plates after the meal. Definitely a good sign!!

FINAL PRODUCT:

PS. Costco had haddock on sale this week. Anyone have a good recipe to share?

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My mom was visiting from Ottawa over the weekend, so it was a perfect time to book “Afternoon Tea” for some mother/daughter bonding. Seeing as my mom is from Glasgow, she has always adored scones with clotted cream and the whole “afternoon tea” ritual.

I decided to book afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms after reading some blog entries. (I do my research. Surprise. Surprise).

We got all dressed up and off we went. Well not exactly. Afternoon tea requires reservations as it served daily at 12:30 p.m, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and even 6:00 pm. So please ensure that you make reservations and call in advance as it’s more popular than you might think!!

When we entered the dining room, we immediately felt relaxed. The atmosphere was elegant without feeling too stuffy. Here’s what a table looks like:

After we sat down, the waitress quickly served us chilled water with lemon along with the menus. She then explained how afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms works. We were impressed with the service from the get-go!

We selected our tea and when it arrived it’s poured with style. (see photo).

Then the “serving tray” arrives! I quickly made myself a little plate that looked like this and then tried my best to take my time and enjoy each bite while sipping my delicious tea (#33 in the event that you are curious).

For me, the best part were the scones. They were so light…so fluffy ….so warm. The scones were even better after I shmeered them with the strawberry guava jam and the mixed berry jam and the clotted cream! The whole experience was just heavenly.  Just so you know, both jams are made in house!! #impressed.

It was real treat to spend some quality time with my mom while enjoying this special ritual at the Windsor Arms. We certainly will be doing this more often!

For more info:

Windsor Arms 18 Saint Thomas, Toronto 416 971 9666

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Even though I am on this no carb diet, I will never refuse going out for sushi. Ever. It’s seriously one of my favorite meals. Therefore it took me a nano second to find out if I could attend the launch party for Kanji Sushi!

When you walk thru the doors, you soon realize this isn’t your average sushi restaurant. Half the space is dedicated to a bar/lounge and the other side is the sushi restaurant. I couldn’t decide where to go first.

Actually…that’s not true. I’m a foodie so I headed directly to the restaurant. Drinks are not a priority….well, they are but not until after I have eaten!!

Here’s a few highlights of the evening:

I was in love with this one dish called FISH AND CHIP. (cute eh?). It’s a brilliant dish that is so simple yet so effective. Basically it’s a pringle with chopped salmon on top, sprinkled with sesame seeds and nori bits. Freakin’ awesome. I loved the concept of  using a pringle as the base. This dish has so many things going for it: salty, crunchy, nutty  and more.

Will return for this dish!!

There was another dish called “Sushi Tortilla” that had also my attention. Described on the menu as …sushi salmon, mashed avocado, cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, grape tomato, eel sauce and wasabi mayo.

Not your average sushi dish.

I also loved my cocktail that was called a Mantago. Sorry…no idea what’s in it. I just know that it wasn’t too sweet, not too sour and had the perfect amount of alcohol in it.

Can you see all the lemon zest floating thru this drink? Love it.

This restaurant is certainly worth checking out – for a cocktail or for dinner – or for both!!

Kanji Sushi 1346 Queen St. West Toronto 416 536 8448

Twitter: @KanjiToronto

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KanjiToronto

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I’ve been on a no carb diet since early June, and needless to say I’m a bit bored of my breakfast options:

• Kale Smoothies
• Egg Whites
• Yogurt with berries (Iogo ….sugar free….is my brand of choice this days which has ZERO carbs. YES…ZERO)
• Almonds and a coffee

Then I received the Milk Calendar and said to myself “Vicky – you need to find a new breakfast option. It’s time”. Not to mention, I wanted to include more milk into my diet.

I discovered these Mini Crustless Quiches from a website called Smells Like Brownies. It’s exactly what I needed/wanted.

They are so so easy to make as you only need FOUR ingredients: ….eggs, milk, spinach, and grated cheese. Could life not get any simpler?

Here’s the recipe:

Crustless Mini Quiches

inspired by Laura Rees
makes 12

Ingredients:
½ head broccoli, cut into stems and florets (I didn’t have any broccoli in my fridge and the recipe came out fine)
⅔ cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped (I used frozen spinach that was thawed and drained)
⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar
6 eggs
1½ cups milk
salt and black pepper

***my two cents: throw in some fresh thyme, or parsley. I really think this recipe needs some fresh herbs to give it more “oomph”.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a regular muffin tin with cooking spray.
Blanche the broccoli, then drain very thoroughly. Layer the broccoli, chopped spinach, and cheese into the muffin cups. Cups should be nearly full with veggies and cheese.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings until smooth and slightly frothy. Pour over the vegetables, filling the muffin cups about ¾ full.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are slightly puffed and golden.

Happy Breakfast!!

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The other day I was heading to Mother’s Dumplings to have lunch with @nearafar, and I passed  by  by Fancy Franks en route. While enjoying our lunch, I said to her “Hey, can we go check out Fancy Franks after lunch?”.

She agreed like a nice foodie friend.

When we walked in, I noticed the “decor” right away. Out came the iPhone to snap a photo!!

We stood at the counter and stared at the menu board which is a massive chalkboard on the wall. The kind server, noticed we were struggling and quickly passed us a written menu. It was like she was reading our mind as it was SO much easier to read when a menu is in your hand.

We were overwhelmed by the choices:

Fancy PB & J – Peanut butter, Strawberry Jam (what do you think?)

Frankathenapolis – Greek Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Green Pepper, Onion, Extra Virgin Oil , Lemon

Fancy Francine – 2 Fried Eggs, Bacon, Hollandaise Sauce.

Po’Boy Gets Fancy – Panko Fried Shrimp Lettuce, Horseradish, Mayo, Hot Saue.

Plus a dozen more options!!!

We asked a guy in line what he was ordering and we chatted with the counter staff as well – as we had no idea what to order.

We decided on: “Franks Got Seoul” which is described as Korean Beef Ribs, Kimchi, Sesame Seeds, Scallions. ($7.50)

I was a happy camper. I love this concept and wish Fancy Franks all the best.

I’m already thinking of a tweet up where we order a half dozen hot dogs, cut up the hot dogs into small bites and have a “Fancy Frank” gourmet hot-dog-a-thon.

Who’s in?

Oh yeah – one more thing- they have one of those donut machines on site and serve 4 different varieties of freshly made donuts. Looks like “momwhoruns” will have to run a bit faster so she can try these donuts next time.

P.S A veggie option is available

More info:

Fancy Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs 326 College Street, Toronto 416. 920 3647

Twitter: @FancyFranks

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FancyFranksGourmetHotdogs

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As you know, I have been trying to avoid carbs…. which means I try to avoid sweet potatoes, squash, carrots and more. (I’m not listing them so I don’t get depressed).

However there’s a list of vegetables I am allowed to enjoy and that list includes: bok choy and asparagus. Here are two recipes that I made this week.

I am a bit frustrated with the first recipe as I can’t find it. Don’t ask..it’s in a cookbook but I don’t know which one. I have given up looking. Sorry.

But I’m going to share it with you anyway with my own made up recipe.

Again, this dish is a perfect side dish for salmon and can be served warm or cold.

Gingered Asparagus

Ingredients

asparagus

Sauce:

1/2 tablespoon tamari

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 minced garlic clove

1 minced chunk of ginger (please oh please buy organic.It’s so much more flavorful)

a bit of honey (sorry I didn’t measure)

DIRECTIONS:

1. steam asparagus

2. combine the ingredients to make the sauce.

3. drizzle the sauce of the middle of the asparagus dish.

Nutty Bok Choy Salad (from Gatherings: A Collection of Recipes from Netivot Hatorah Parents Association)

I didn’t have all the ingredients – but you get the idea.

Dressing

3 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons peanut butter

Topping

1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts

1 pk ramen noodles, crushed

Salad

5 cups bok choy, sliced

2 green onions, sliced

1 red pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, honey and peanut butter until well combined. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, saute peanuts and noodles until golden. Remove from heat

Put the salad ingredients in a shallow bowl. Right before serving, sprinkle the noodles and nuts over the salad.

Drizzle with dressing. Serve.

Happy Healthy Cooking

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Last year I wrote a blog entry about My Bucket List for 2012 and I’m pleased to say that I accomplished everything on that list except for 3 items.

Not bad eh?

This year, I’m going to make my bucket list more specific and write a blog post about the restaurants that I really want to try in 2013.

Restaurant Bucket List for 2013:

1. Belly Busters – this restaurant has been an institution for years, yet I have never been. It’s not even far from where I live. No excuse. I must get there!

2. Owl of Minerva – a well known spot that is open 24 hours a day and yet I have never been. Go figger.

3. Aunties and Uncles – an extremely popular brunch spot. Need to “brunch” more often. LOL

4. Bar Volo – this has been on my list forever. Must attend a “cask” nite. Again, it’s not far from where I live. What is wrong with me?

5. Campagnoloa – I have been reading about their fresh burrata with roasted grapes for over a year and yet I haven’t been. This will be a priority for 2013.

6. La Carnita – Don’t judge me – I haven’t been. All my foodie friends have been but me. Sniff.

7. The Depanneur – Would love to attend one of their drop in dinners. If you don’t follow them on facebook – you should.

8. OK it’s not a a restaurant but I must participate in one of these CSA drop off programs. Thinking to try The Cutting Veg. It’s TIME.

9. Farmhouse – have been following their tweets since before they opened and must must visit

10. Your turn…what else should be on my bucket list?

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Seeing as I was at Yorkdale last week to check out their expansion, I thought it would only be fair to visit the Eaton Centre. I hadn’t been there in years and it was time for a visit.

So I hopped on a subway at St. Clair and before you knew it, I was there.

I knew from Twitter (@toeatoncentre) that the mall had some new stores to check out as well as some decorations to see.

Well ..the decorations were hard to miss. They were SPECTACULAR!!  It was not the typical type of decorations one would normally expect to see plus the SCALE of these decorations were amazing.

Impressive Reindeer.

Worth Visiting.

As for the store mix: No complaints. Everything was there that I wanted. ..not to mention “new and improved’ stores as well. I visited: Ann Taylor, Forever 21 (even though I am no where near the age of 21) H & M, American Eagle, and Williams Sonoma (as I’m searching for this essence that’s only available on Bloor….GRRRR). I also had a great time  in the Sony store, reclining in an amazing chair while enjoying an 84” TV. OMG. What a treat.

Sadly I didn’t go to the Eaton Centre to eat, but did notice that Mr. Greenjeans is celebrating 30 years!! I have such memories of visiting this restaurant when I was 16. It was the cool-est spot to hang out with your friends . (next to the Pickle Barrel, Toby’s, and Inn on the Park). #memorylane.

I also happen to visit The Body Shop for a quick complimentary make up session. I’ve always been fond of their products and can’t seem to resist dropping in to check out their moisturizers. Not to mention that they are having a Black Friday event (Monday Nov 19 to Friday Nov 23)  that I think is a genius idea. Click here for more details.

Nothing like a quick make over while shopping

By the way…just told my mom (in Ottawa) that I went to the Eaton Centre and was blogging about it. She said “you know dear, I’ve only been there ONCE”. I’m not kidding, my mom has been visiting me regularly since I moved here in 1989. Looks like I will be visiting the Eaton Centre with her on her next trip!!
For more info:

Eaton Centre, 218 Yonge St. (416) 598 8560

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Yorkdale  Shopping Centre is near and dear to me for the following reasons:

a. I actually worked there in the early 1990’s as the Marketing Director for 9 months

b. Since I moved to Toronto in 1988, I have always lived no more than 7 minutes away from Yorkdale.

c. I have nostalgic memories of Yorkdale: ie. I remember when there was a Miracle Food Mart where Holt Renfrew is now located

Yorkdale continues to strive to be the best shopping centre with a constant stream of new and amazing stores (and new restaurants too).

Here’s a few highlights of the new stores that you are going to see in the new wing.

ANN TAYLOR – that’s right Ann Taylor is now at Yorkdale and the collection is stunning.

Hello Ann Taylor!!

ANTHROPOLOGIE – don’t get me started about this store. Love. Love. Love.

This store is going to be super popular

TESLA MOTORS – I think it’s a genius idea to have a car showroom inside a shopping centre. Not something you see everyday but what a smart move.

Want. Electric. Car.

L’OCCITANE – this is their Canadian flaghship store and they didn’t hold back!! There’s even complimentary hand massages so you can check out their famous hand creams. Naturally I had one.

I will be back. LOL

LULULEMON– the store is spacious and bright and full of amazing merchandise. IVIVVA will now be located in their old space.

Other stores that caught my eye were Club Monaco, Lacoste, David’s Tea, Best Buy, Starbucks, and even a beautiful looking ScotiaBank.

Seeing as I’m a foodie, I had to check out Joey  (and you should too). This gorgeous looking restaurant is sure to be a hit with shoppers.

Sorry…didn’t use my Canon. GRRR. You get the idea right? It’s gorgeous.

Happy Shopping everyone. Hope you get a chance to see the expansion soon. You are going to be impressed. I promise.

More info:

Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin St. (416) 789 3261

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