I’ve been spending some time lurking on Pinterest trying to find unique ideas for this years Passover menu.

Of course, I spent some time trying to figure out what my centre pieces are going to look like too. Here’s what I’m thinking. Which one do you prefer?

Idea #1…so simple, yet so pretty

Idea #2….Love this idea

Idea #3…I actually have a chalkboard runner to use as the “seder plate” and love the idea of using empty egg shells as a vase! How cute?

As for the menu, here’s what I’m planning on serving. Warning: this is not a traditional Passover menu at all but I’m ok with that and I hope my guests are to.

-Sweet Potato Rounds with a Beet Puree and topped with a Walnut (totally made this up. Its not from Pinterest (for a change). I made them a few weeks ago and it’s a winner.

 

–Matza Brei Cupcakes stuffed with ??????.  Cant decide – it might be stuffed with mashed potatoes or a mushroom medley. I’m  hoping that this idea works. If I get a chance this week I might test it out!

-Yottam Ottelenghi’s Aubergine & Herb Salad with Garlic Yogurt Dressing

–Salmon with an Apricot Basil Salsa

-Yottam Ottolenghi’s Butternut Squash w/Gingered Tomatoes and Lime

-Yottam Ottolenghi’s Tomatoes with Sumac Onion and Pinenuts

Dessert: Matza Smores and Fresh Fruit

I know. I know – the menu is heavy on Yottam Ottolenghi’s recipes but I couldn’t help it. His veggie recipes sound amazing.

I’m excited to head to my storage unit and dig out my grandmother’s china that I always use for the seder. There’s something about using her china that makes this holiday extra special for me.

So excited to share this holiday with family and friends. We are also hosting a couple that we’ve never met as part of an initiative with City Shul that no one is alone on the holidays.

Happy Cooking and Happy Passover and Happy Easter too!!

It’s been a busy month. Here’s what I mean:

-Bar Mitzva Aug 5th, Toronto

-Travelled from Aug 6 to 13 (blog post to follow)

-Wedding Aug 19, Niagara on the Lake

-Wedding Aug 27, London England plus a trip to Israel (blog post to follow)

The wedding in Niagara on the Lake was so spectacular that I feel the need to spread the word about the venue.

You see, the wedding was held at Kurtz Orchards in Niagara on the Lake. It was the perfect combination of an outdoor setting, fabulous food and great cousins. How could you go wrong!!

Oh ya – it helped that the weather was gorgeous too.

Now, I’ve been to my share of weddings, bar mitzvahs and other sit-down events but I’ve never seen food like this before.

After the ceremony, instead of passed hors d’oeuvres there was a massive table of the best fruit, cheese and meat. It was truly gorgeous.

When we sat down for the main meal there was an option of salmon, beef or vegetarian. Here’s what my plate looked like. Look at the size of the meat – it’s almost as big as the 12 inch plate that it was served on.

Plus there were two salads on a giant platter. Each salad was unique and had all the right combination of flavors and textures.

For dessert there was a baked pear (sorry no photo – the sun had set) and a sweet table. I’m generally not a “sweet” person (no pun intended) but I tried every single item and everything was freakin’ delicious. I must make a note to visit this bake shop on my next trip to Hamilton. Although at the moment I can’t remember the name of this bake shop #seniormoment

However at the end of the day, it was truly being surrounded by family that made this wedding so special.

No idea who I should give the credit to for this photo. However it’s a great shot, don’t you think?

Congratulations to Kim and Alex on their recent wedding. It was truly a memorable occasion.

 

This recipe could NOT be easier.

All you need is two ingredients – whipped cream (the real stuff not the one in the can) and the cheapest chocolate cookies you can find.

First Step: Whip the whipped cream

(you don’t need a photo, right?)

Second Step: Place a dollop of whipped cream in a serving dish. I like these miniature martini glasses for this recipe but you could use anything.

Third Step: Break up a chocolate chip cookie (you could experiment and break up two cookies too) and place it on top of the whipped cream

Fourth Step: Add another dollop of whipped cream. Then grate chocolate for an “added touch”

Voila.

The End.

(ps your family/guests will LOVE this dessert. Promise)

I have been going to Chudleighs for so many years that I have lost track. I love it so much that I have taken many many many friends over the years so I can share my fondness for this well run family operation.

I try to pick a sunny Sunday (easier said than done) and off we go EARLY. This is the trick to a successful trip to Chudleighs.

Here is the game plan.

9:30 a.m. head to Tim Hortons (like any good family outing) and then head to the highway.

10:15 a.m arrive at Chudleighs, park, pay admission etc.

10:30 a.m. head right to the tractors that take you out to the apple orchards

11:15  a.m. head to the cashiers to pay for your apples (if you miss this step, you will wait in line forever at the end of the day)

11:30 a.m. head to the bbq for unbelievable corn on the cob

12:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m…enjoy the petting zoo, the swings, the playground, the corn maze, the cafe, pony rides etc

REPEAT those activities over and over.

I know the schedule is tight but I promise you…it works. Otherwise you will be faced with long line ups and cranky children. (not in that order).

Other farms you might want to visit: Forsythe Farms and Pingles Farm Market.

Happy Apple Picking!!