Many years ago, I was making pancakes and realized that I didn’t have any maple syrup in the fridge. I then had a “MacGyver Moment” and pulled out three ingredients that would replace the need for maple syrup: a banana, some brown sugar and butter.

Not only did it work, but I swear this sauce has totally replaced the need to have Maple Syrup in my fridge.

Ingredients:

one banana

1/4 cup brown sugar

2-3 tablespoons butter

cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt the butter and the brown sugar.

2. Add the sliced banana. *the hotter the pan…..the better, so take your time to ensure that everything will caramelize  (this is a good thing!!)

FINAL PRODUCT

Sprinkle with cinnamon if you want!!

I serve this sauce with french toast or pancakes and without fail it’s always a hit.

Happy Cooking.

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My weekend was indeed full of amazing adventures. That’s what’s life is all about, non?

It started off on Saturday morning, with a trip to Bruce’s Mill Conservation area for some amazing pancakes with maple syrup and a short hike. I’ve been participating in maple syrup festival since I was a child and it’s one of my favorite Spring time activities. The Maple Syrup Festival continues till April 7th. Advice: wear snowboots or rain boots

Maple Goodness

On Sunday morning, I went to check out The Big Cannoli for their famous fresh filled cannoli. I found out about this place from @ali_bidabadi who tweets about this place, practivally every Saturday morning (along with photos of the cannoli). After reading these tweets, I knew that I wanted to drive to Woodbridge one Sunday morning to check it out! Ali knows his cannoli – this place is da best.

Wicked.

On Sunday afternoon, I went to the Firkin to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I was looking for a mid town bar that served Molson 67 and the Firkin is the answer! Believe it or not this was my first time having a green beer. Sadly I didn’t discover that they served Deep Fried Pickles till I was on my way out. (how did I miss that on the menu?) Looks like I will need to return!

Cheers!!

For more information:

Bruce’s Mill Conservation area 3291 Stouffville Road,  Stouffville ON (905) 887-5531

The Big Cannoli, 28 Roytec Road Unit 11 (905) 850 6699

Quail & Firkin, 1055 Yonge St. (416) 962 0782

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The Perfect Sunday Breakfast

Temperatures have been skyrocketing and there is no better way to take advantage of these warm temperatures than to visit the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. I have been going to a maple syrup festival since I was a kid and have continued the tradition. (I’m now just a big kid). This weekend, Toronto will see WARM temperatures once again…so why not take a drive out of the city.

I swear, in no time at all (i.e 20 minutes with no traffic) you can be at either Kortright Centre or Bruce’s Mills Conservation area to enjoy pancakes, a nature walk, bird watching, maple syrup, and wagon rides.

Things I have learned over the years:

a) go early to avoid line ups. Seriously.

b) wear rainboots. I can assure you that it will be muddy

c) visit with an empty stomach. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to eat pancakes at these festivals (see the photo of the pancakes on the top left? do I need to explain?)

d) take advantage of the wagon rides (like I said, I’m a big kid).

e) bring a camera and take pictures of the great outdoors.

What a great way to TAP into Spring !! (I stole this line from the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority – they should get the credit).

P.S the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival takes place this year from March 3 to April 9th.

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Rd, Stouffville ON (3 kms east of Highway 404)

Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan ON (south of Major Mackenzie Drive)

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I think I was exposed to “condiment experimenting”, when I went to overnight camp at the age of 9.

Seeing as the food was a bit bland, I noticed other campers using condiments to try and add some life to the food we were served. In particular I remember maple syrup being used as a dip for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Decades later, I am still adding condiments to some of my food!! No – I am not adding ketchup to my macaroni and cheese but I am still dipping grilled cheese into maple syrup or ketchup.

But my all time favorite condiment to go with grilled cheese is mustard!! That’s right – mustard.

I also learned recently  that cheddar cheese goes well with mustard!!  For some reason, I have only used mozarella cheese. Oh how I love to learn.

Naturally I watched my kids come home from camp with new habits too. It seems as if Franks Hot Sauce is the condiment of choice these days!

Go Figger!!

My dad also introduced me to eating watermelon with a little salt. I then passed this little trick onto my kids as well.

So dear readers – tell me what combinations you are using these days to bring “out the flavor” of your favorite dishes.

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Here’s three things to do this weekend:

a) Visit Maple Towne at Mountsberg Conservation. Hint: go as early as you can. I’ve been going for years and it’s one of my fav. activities. Spring wouldnt be the same without pancakes and maple syrup at a conservation area. If you don’t have a chance to go – I hear from @hypnoflair that Bisquick makes a mean pancake.

b) Visit the One of A Kind Spring Show and Sale at the Direct Energy Centre (March 30 to April 3rd). I went yesterday to the show and discovered a new food product. Does this surprise  you?  It looks like a candy apple but it’s not…it’s gourmet cheesecake on a stick and then rolled in a topping (over 15 different types). YUM. Hot Lollies are located in aisle C – Booth 38.

c) Visit Yorkdale. Thomas Sabo is opening his Ontario Flagship Store at Yorkdale on April 1st and this is amazing news. I own a little red heart necklace and everytime I wear it, I get tons of compliments.

d) Organize your cupboards..Just Kidding.

Enjoy your weekend. It’s going to be nice and sunny in Toronto …so celebrate.

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