Sadly August is right around the corner, which means summer is almost over. However for the “foodie” in me is delighted that it’s August. Here’s a few  events that have top priority in my calendar.

1. The Canadian National Exhibition (Aug 16, 2013 to Sept 2, 2013), 210 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto.

I’m a fan of all things in moderation. Can you tell?

Here’s a list of what’s new!! I have a feeling I will be hanging out at Spread and RYC Bar.

• Freshly Squeezed – Fresh juices and smoothies
• GR Yogurt Fresh – Greek style yogurt with your choice of toppings
• Spread – Everything Nutella – from fries, spring rolls (#onmylist)
• Harvey’s – 100% Canadian since 1959 – It’s a Beautiful Thing
• Hula Girl – Serving specialty coffees, espressos, infused sodas, pastries
• Ku Khan – Mongolian Grill cuisine
• Philthy Phil Philadelphia – Cheese steak sandwiches and salads
• RYC Bar – Rice pudding in assorted flavours (#onmylist)
• Yogurty’s Froyo – Self-serve frozen yogurts

Back by popular demand are:
• Bacon Nation, Epic Burgers, Just Cone It, Wild Child Kitchen, Dutch Frites, Far East
Taco, Baked & Loaded, Deep Fried Shop, PULL’D, Big Apple Fritter, Kernels, Sweetness
Bakery, Northwest Fudge Factory, Taqueria Burrito Bar, Thyme & Olives, Kala’s (#onmylistagain)

2. TORONTO POUTINEFEST

This event has my name written all over it and is being organized by the good people at Joylister.

Mark this date in your calendar: Thursday Aug 22nd, 2013, from 5 to 10 pm at the Beer Academy!  Something tells me this event is going to be POPULAR and will sell out quickly. Make sure you sign up for Joylister now. Not joking this event is going to sell out. (you heard it here first). The night will include Poutine from Poutini’s, Lou Dawgs and Great Burger Kitchen.

True Story: I was the second customer at Poutini’s on their opening day.  The guy in the photo was the first customer.

3. RAMEN RUNOFF

This is event is being held at the Harbourfront Centre (Aug 9 to 11).  For $10 you get to sample a variety of ramen. Sounds good to me!! I love the stuff.

Cheesy Ramen from Kinton Ramen

4. A POP UP CHOCOLATE DINNER...hosted by Abbey’s Kitchen 

This sounds amaaazzziiing. For more information please click here.

5. WILD BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

This festival takes place on Sunday Aug 25, 2013 at Evergreen Brickworks from 11 am to 3 pm.  You will be able to enjoy  a Wild Blueberry Pie Bake off, musical entertainment, a gardening workshop and more. Bring it on!!!

As you can see, my stomach is going to be very busy!!!

Hope you enjoy the month of August as much as I’m going to enjoy it.

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Blueberries were on sale (3 containers for $5) so I decided to test out three different blueberry muffin recipes.

Three Muffins from Three Different Recipes

One recipe has a crunchy topping on it, one recipe has freshly grated nutmeg and lemon zest in it, and one recipe is traditional. I think that all three recipes produced three tasty muffins and I would certainly make all three recipes again without hesitation. I don’t know about you but I l love anything with blueberries in it. Blueberry crisp is another one of my favorites. The blueberries turn all gooey when they are baking and make a lovely goo-ey filling.

I also wanted to share a little trick I learned when making muffins.  Try spraying the paper liners with Pam. You will notice that the liners peel off nicely from the muffins when you use Pam. Wish I knew where I learned this trick from but it’s a good one.

Recipe #1: To Die for Blueberry Muffins (taken from AllRecipes.com)

This is the recipe that has the crunchy topping on it.  Please pay attention to step #2. I almost goofed this part up.

FINAL RESULT

If you like crumb-y topping ..then you will like this recipe

Recipe #2: Blueberry Muffins (taken from Canadian Living)

Super easy to make with super results.

Preparation

In bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In separate bowl, cream butter with sugar; beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually stir in milk (mixture may appear curdled). Make a well in centre of dry ingredients; pour in liquid and stir just until moistened. Gently fold in blueberries.

Spoon into large paper-lined or well-greased muffin cups, filling to top. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until tops are firm to the touch.

FINAL RESULT:

Easy (to make) and Tasty (to eat). Not a bad combo

Recipe #3: Blueberry Muffins (taken from the Food Network)

I actually bought a fresh nutmeg for this recipe!!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar (white or light brown) plus more for sprinkling on top of the muffins (I didn’t sprinkle any on my muffins)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
• Freshly grated nutmeg…(ha..I did this step)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk (had skim milk in the fridge and the recipe still worked)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried

Directions

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