It’s that time of year again, when my family inhales consumes latkes. Trust me, I’m not complaining. I love latkes. Everyone does! Here’s the recipe that I have been using for close to 20 years. It’s adapted from Still Life with Menu Cookbook by Molly Katzen.

The reason I prefer this recipe is due to her secret trick: you parboil the pototoes.

Let’s start from the beginning K?

(my mom would be proud that I really tried hard to get peel off ALL of the skin!

9 yellow potaotes – peeled

the cusinart does a great job of grating - no fuss, no muss

Grate them in a cusinart. (or by hand)

Then, take the grated potatoes and put them in boiling water and par boil for 10 minutes.

RINSE under cold water – (this takes a bit of time cause you want the potatoes to be cool for the next step) and squeeze out the excess water.

Place the grated par boiled potatoes in a bowl, along with 4 eggs and 3/4 flour, and salt.

Last step..simple eh?

Place dollops of  the mixture on a heated griddle with vegetable oil. I love using my griddle for latkes for two reasons 1. you  dont have to use a lot of oil 2. you  get to make a lot of latkes at a time.

so simple...I swear.

FINISHED RESULT..

ready to be inhaled...with sour cream or applesauce.

I love Chanuka don’t you?

For those of you looking for last minute gifts, please check out this guest blog entry I wrote for Everything Mom.

Happy Chanuka and Happy Cooking.

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Look at this variety of ketchup!!

I came home from Florida with Ketchup. Ok..I will admit, I also brought back beer and mustard. But today’s focus is all about KETCHUP.

a) Ketchup with no salt (Heinz)

b) Ketchup with reduced sugar (Heinz)

c) Organic Ketchup (Heinz)

d) Ketchup with no high fructose corn syrup (Hunt’s)

When I saw the variety of ketchup on the shelves at Publix…I said “hmmm..Ive blogged before on mustards, I should blog about all these ketchups”.

When I returned back to Toronto, uut came the veggie nuggets and we did a taste test. The results: They all kinda tasted the same. One word that came to mind: tangy. I wish I had a more sophisticated palate. I really do. I might have to do this test taste again!!! Anyone interested?

My Mom and I...enjoying the taste test

Despite the results of the taste test…I’m thrilled that Heinz and Hunt’s  are listening to customers.  How awesome.

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Schwartz Family Photo

I met Ellen Schwartz years ago. I can’t even remember how many years ago but it was certainly over 5 years ago. Ellen spoke about her son Jacob, the foundation she established and more. Here’s the condensed version: Ellen has a son with a neurodegenerative disease called Canavan Disease and there is no cure.

I went to yet a second event where Ellen was teaching us how to make Challah (a Jewish braided type of bread served every Sabbath). I remember her telling us that every Friday morning she bakes challah. I was impressed.  She then told us that she bakes one challah for  her family and one to give away. I was floored.

I was touched by her thoughtfulness. Her strength. Her ability to think of OTHERS when her life was stressful. It spoke VOLUMES about what type of person she was.

Ellen and her husband Jeff, created a foundation called Jacob’s Ladder in 1998 that aims to benefit children like Jacob and reduce the occurence of neurodegenerative diseases.

This weekend, Jake’s Gigantic Give, will be taking place where children can feel the power of giving back, Nov. 27 and 28th, between 10 and 4, at the Giving Store, 150 Lesmills Road. It’s a truly unique concept and I hope you click on the link so you can read more details about the event.

I feel so lucky to know so many awesome women like Ellen and Stacy (see last weeks blog entry about Zareinu).

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My luck, I had two events in the same building on the same evening. How awesome is that?

Originally I had planned on just going to the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo. But then, I found out I had won a ticket to go see Jamie Oliver!! How sweet is that? I was a happy camper. (thanks to @mybindi)

I have attended the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo for YEARS. (this doesn’t come as a surprise to you, does it?). Every year, I promise myself that Im going to try try new wines and every year I end up drinking beer!!  This year, was a little different. I had THREE  samples of beers and ONE  sample of wine. (I’m a big time drinker, can you tell?).

I discovered a gluten free beer from Nickelbrook brewery, that will soon be on the shelves of your local LCBO. This is exciting news.

I also stopped by to say hi (and to drink beer)  at the Creemore booth and the Beaus booth.

As for the wine: I did infact have a glass at the Muskoka Lakes Winery booth. That was the only glass of wine that I sampled. What is wrong with me?…(don’t answer that question).

As for the food: I had a wonderful cheese platter from Taste of Cheese. It was  a perfect combination and I was happy that I found them. What’s a gourmet food show, without a cheese platter?

All in all it was a great night. I enjoyed beer, wine, cheese AND meeting lots of twitter friends. Here’s the list: @pronosher @foodie411 @zoltanszabo @SaraBHood @M3Foods @CdnFoodieGirl @JenniferBlylok @kalaofagas @MirandaAK @strub_pickleman @sweetescapes.

NEXT EVENT: Jamie Oliver.

I must admit, I only went for about 45 minutes. I missed the introduction and only went for the question and answer period and watched his cooking demonstration.

The hall was packed with 3,000 people. Clearly Jamie Oliver is a celebrity chef!!!

He is definitely entertaining, passionate about food, committed to local food, and charming too!!

But I was still hungry and thirsty, so I returned back to the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo. Me Bad.!!!

Four hours flew by!!! A fun evening – that’s for sure.

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wore these two outfits all summer

I have been a huge fan of sample sales for the last five years (or more). My favorite sample sale is taking place next week. They only open their doors twice a year to the public and I have only missed it once in 5 years (I was out of town. Can you believe?)

So here’s the details:

Hagerty and LeMessurier Fashions, 71 Wingold (Dufferin and Lawrence), Wednesday Nov. 24th from 10 to 7 and Thursday Nov. 25th from 10 to 6.

Samples will be mostly size 8 but if you are a size 6 or size 10 (like me)…you can still find merchandise that will fit you. I should also warn you that it will be SUMMER merchandise.

Here’s a few of the lines you will find: Eric Alexandre, Isda + Co, NTS and Sandwich. It’s worth clicking on the links!!

In the picture, those two outfits are from Sandwich. I swear,  I wore those two outfits over and over. The nice thing about sample sales is that I never find anyone else wearing what I’m wearing.  Plus I dont have to panic and go to the mall coz I bought everything BEFORE the season started. OH yeah…I save 50%. That’s kinda important to me!!

Other Sales:

Accentrix Fashion Accessories, 555 Richmond Street W (in the lobby) starting Wednesday Nov 17th. Purses, scarves, jewellery, belts, leather gloves etc. Cash only.

I have been going to that sale for a few years too and always score.

EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS:

100 rooms for $100 at Blue Mountain in Collingwood,  Nov 19 -21. call 1 877 445 0231. How sweet is that? I would be going except we have special function this weekend. Would have made a great get-a-way weekend. Let me know if any of you take advantage of this super special.

Happy Savings!!

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Could life get any better?

I decided to wake up with a Tim Hortons coffee before my body pump class. Sure enough, I REALLY WOKE UP when I saw this sign:  We  accept Interact/Debit Now. Thanks.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT?

I immediately got out my iPhone and tweeted: Great News: Tim Hortons now accepting Interac and Debit cards. Within an hour – there were 10 replies: “thats the best news” “what took them so long” “Ive been complaining about  that for years” “I don’t have to read the Sunday paper anymore” “finally, for real, would have been helpful in uni”, “for real?” etc etc etc.

There were only two comments that this might slow down the lines. But generally everyone was THRILLED.

Later in the day, I returned to take a photo of the sign and asked to speak to the owner. The nephew of the owner returned my call,  and told me that at the moment the six stores they operate/own, now have these signs but in about 2 weeks, 90 percent of the stores will be converted too.

The location of those six stores: Bathurst/Drewry, Promenade Food Court, Wilson Heights/Shepherd, Yonge/John St, Yonge/Steeles, Bathurst and Finch!

However a friend told me that the Tim Hortons at Victoria Square in Richmond Hill also accepted Interac.

Bottom Line: go visit your local Tim Hortons!!

Enjoy this new service. I know I will.

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Several weeks ago, I received an email inviting me to an event as Sarah Richardson would be launching a line of PARA Paints “Canadian Style”.

The reply went like this:  “Of course. I would be delighted to attend!!”

The event was held at the corporate headquarters for PARA Paints and the Canadian theme was integrated into all aspects of the evening: Canadian Wine/Beer was served, maple leaves were scattered on  the serving platters, and the gift bag was a bottle of Canadian Maple Syrup. Nice.

OK, enough about the food and decor, lets talk about Sarah Richardson.

She is lovely. But you know that from her TV show.

In front of a microphone, without a prepared speech, she is A PRO. She talks so passionately about paint, her summer jobs painting exerior/and interiors, her determination that a $50 can of paint can transform a room and your mood (I really do believe her).

I wasn’t able to spend time with her, however, I noticed her husband was at the event and I introduced myself. We chatted about their kids (2 and 4), how he ended up on the TV show, and how their life is busy but “weekends are golden”.

It was a pleasure to talk to him, but next time I’m going to see if I can get an interview with Sarah. I know my readers like her show as much as I do.

The General Manager, Dennis Duda of PARA Paints said in his opening remarks that it was a great strategy to partner with Sarah Richardson. I couldn’t agree more.

Happy Painting!!

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This is a blog entry about an amazing woman and her daughter, and an amazing school called Zareinu. Kinda like three-stories-in-one!!

Lets start off with the story about the amazing woman and her daughter: Stacy is the mother of Shayna who is now 15, and a set of twins who are 11.

When Shayna was born, it was soon determined that she had numerous physical and cognitive challenges.

But you can see from the photo below that Shayna is WALKING and SMILING.

How Awesome!!

Now lets talk about the amazing school that Shayna went to called Zareinu (zah ray nu).  It’s the only facility in North America that houses education and a treatment centre all under one roof. This means that Shayna received an education and all her physical, occupational, speech therapy and more at the same location.

Stacy was told by doctors that Shayna would probably never walk. But Shayna started going to Zareinu when she was less than a year old and due to the amazing therapists…Shayna is walking and even running. It’s truly a world class facility.

Back to Stacy: She is so passionate about this school that she has chaired an annual fundraising event for the last 7 years together with her devoted co-chair Renee Rosenzweig. It’s a major first class Fashion Show production with major personalities and fashions..(think Jeanne Beker, Senator Linda Frum, Royal Ontario Museum, High End Fashion). It’s taking place on Tuesday Nov 16^th, the vip cocktail reception begins at 7p.m. and the fashion show will start at 8 p.m..

Even though Shayna has graduated from Zareinu, Stacy still chairs this event and still sits on the board of directors.

How awesome is that?

I encourage everyone reading this blog to please click on Zareinu ,so you can read more about this awesome event and awesome school.

Hope to see you on November 16th!!

(PS..you can buy tickets for the Zareinu Fashion Show by clicking this link…https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=58800)

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As a sales rep, I’m always visiting accounts throughout the GTA. One day as I’m parking at the Rutherford Marketplace Plaza, I noticed  a sign –  “MENCHIES” Frozen Yogurt. I walked in, shmoozed with the owner, took a few photos (as always) and knew that I would be returning with my daughter. (who is the queen of frozen yogurt!)

I took Rebecca on Monday night and the place was hopping for a business that just opened a month ago!!

The sales clerk immediately asked us if we had been there before, and then explained how it works:

a) you help yourself to samples of the frozen yogurt. It’s self serve and little paper cups are provided. Flavors rotate regularly but that night this was our selection: cake batter, pumpkin, chocoolate banana, pina colada, irish mint, green apple tart and more. We weren’t complaining!

A Winner.

b) after you decide  which flavor, (WHICH IS NOT EASY) you take a container and fill as much or as little as you want.  Genius concept:  you pay per weight. (49 cents an ounce)

c) you then proceed to the toppings bar and take as many toppings as you want. Toppings included: cinnamon toast crunch, reeses puffs, gummy worms, nerds, flax seed, granola, cashews, walnuts, and many many more!! (i.e over 40 toppings are available)

d) proceed to pay

Menchie’s has a lot going for it…the frozen yogurt is delicious, but we liked the inviting space as well.

There’s chairs, stools, a fireplace, and even a chalk board to leave messages. Sarah Richardson would approve!!

What’s exciting is Menchie’s is opening a second location on Sat. November 6th at 511 Bloor St. West.

On that note, welcome to Toronto Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. We are delighted that you are here!!

You got a thumbs up!!

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