Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

There are a few things I get really excited about:

1) Finding a $5 bill in an old jean jacket pocket.
2) Watching the sun stream through on a cloudy day.
3) Being given a choice. To me, choices = empowerment.

And speaking of choices, I’m so pleased to announce that on Tuesday, McDonald’s Canada introduced their NEW Signature McWrap! Now, you no longer have to sacrifice convenience to feel good about the food you enjoy – the new Signature McWrap combines delicious vegetables, juicy grilled or crispy seasoned chicken breast and tasty sauces in a whole-wheat tortilla.

Why the McWrap is Awesome:

- Each Signature McWrap is made with 100 per cent seasoned chicken breast (grilled or crispy) and served with delicious ingredients including shredded lettuce, crispy cucumber, and fresh tomato. So, busy moms on the go can enjoy a quick, convenient wrap and have a perfectly proportioned, balanced meal too.

- Anne Parks, Director of Menu Management for McDonald’s Canada, experimented with different recipes to complement the specific taste preferences of Canadians. Hence, the Canadian version of the Fiesta Signature McWrap had to have a crunch factor, which Parks created by adding chili lime seasoned tortilla strips. Canadians also love spicy food, says Parks, so she pumped up the heat in the Sweet Chili Signature McWrap. Parks also knew that a whole wheat wrap would be a hit in Canada. As a result, we are the first country to feature a whole wheat wrap for the menu item.

- The Signature McWrap is available in three mouth-watering flavours:

• Sweet Chili Signature McWrap – fresh cucumber and sweet spicy Thai sauce
• Fiesta Signature McWrap – tomatoes, chili lime seasoned tortilla strips, shredded Monterey Jack and light cheddar cheese and tomato salsa sauce
• Chicken and Bacon Signature McWrap – tomatoes and Jalapeno Monterey Jack cheese

However, the single most important reason that I’m so excited about the Signature McWrap comes down to one thing – choice. 80 per cent of lunch occasions take place on-the-go (The NPD Group/National Eating Trends) and as a busy Canadian mom, I love having the option of enjoying a delicious, satisfying, portable meal that offers something from every major food group. I appreciate being able to choose a spicy, Fiesta Signature McWrap if the mood strikes me – or, perhaps select my old standby, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese :) The introduction of the new Signature McWrap means that the entire family can satisfy their cravings – while making personal choices based on their tastes and nutritional preference. And since they retail for just $4.99 plus tax, they’re deliciously affordable, too. Now that’s a McWrap!

AWESOME ALERT! I have even MORE amazing news to share – next Thursday, May 23rd, I’ll be co-hosting an intimate event with Anne Parks, Director of Menu Management, at a McDonald’s restaurant in Toronto (Victoria Park and St. Clair location). We’ll have a picnic-style late lunch and sample the new Signature McWrap. You’ll have a chance to chat menu inspiration with Anne, and I’ll graciously help you taste test a delicious new McWrap (twist my arm!). Want to join us? Five (5) lucky Listen to Lena readers will receive an exclusive invitation to the event. You MUST be available for about an hour in early-mid afternoon on Thursday, May 23rd, and you’ll be responsible for your own transportation to/from the picnic. BONUS: We may have a savoury surprise or two up our sleeves! (more…)

If you’ve been a long time reader of my blog, you’ll know that I have a healthy respect for Kevin Lynch of Closet Cooking. Not only is he a talented home chef – with a dedicated following that rivals Martha Stewart proportions – he’s also the author of several cookbooks, has a recipe index that includes everything from Butter Chicken Burritos to Baklava French Toast, and the kicker: he’s Canadian.

Today, I’d love to pay homage to Kevin by re-publishing one of my very favourite recipes from Closet Cooking: Strawberry and Avocado Spinach Salad.

Says Kevin: “I had some avocados that needed finishing and since I had recently enjoyed using them in a salad I was thinking that another salad would be a good idea. Strawberries are in season so I had a bunch of them on hand and the idea of a strawberry and avocado spinach salad was born. I thought that salty bacon and tangy blue cheese would go well with the creamy avocados and sweet and juicy strawberries. I also had some fresh peas on hand I couldn’t think of a reason to not throw them into the salad as well.”

The recipe is ridiculously easy, since the only cooking involved is browning off the bacon. (And everyone can do that, right?) I’ve enjoyed this salad numerous times since it was first published in June 2008! Yes, after five years, I finally decided that it was selfish of me not to share. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1 clove garlic (grated)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 5 ounce bag baby spinach
2 handfuls strawberries (sliced)
1 avocado (peeled, pitted, sliced)
1 handful fresh peas (optional)
2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 handful blue cheese or goat’s milk cheese (crumbled)
1 handful pecans (chopped)

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix the garlic, honey, mustard, vinegar and oil.
2. Assemble the salad and toss with the dressing.

If you’ve got about two hours to set aside (trust me, that’s how long you’ll stay on Kevin’s website), please visit ClosetCooking.com.

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’ve all played the game before. You know; the one where you discuss the improbable fate of being hooked up to an electric chair, and revealing what you last meal would be.

Fried chicken? Pizza? Macaroni and cheese? What comfort food would you turn to?

Myself? I’ve already made a list of the top 5 foods I’d request. (Don’t worry, I haven’t committed a heinous crime.)

1. A Croque Monsieur; a simple yet magical mix of ham, cheese and toasted bread. Served with a green salad.

2. A Club Sandwich; applewood smooked bacon and tender chunks of chicken breast layered between tangy mayo. (With fries, of course.)

3. A Smoked Meat on Rye; with just enough yellow mustard and a kosher pickle on the side.

4. A Miami Sandwich; my own creation (and an award-winning one to boot!) – I’d likely ask if I could make it myself.

5. A Fish Banh Mi; Vietnamese grilled catfish infused with turmeric and slow cooked with dill and green onion.

Notice a trend? YES, I love a good sandwich. In fact, I can say with confidence that the humble sandwich is my favourite kind of food in the entire world. And certainly, a worthy last meal if I was leaving said world. Bread, bread, bread. Carbs, carbs, carbs. Comfort, comfort, comfort.

So is it any real surprise that one of my favourite brands evah is Dempsters?

Every loaf of Dempster’s bread is made with 100% Canadian wheat and baked fresh daily – making it the perfect base for a delicious, satisfying sandwich. And, did you know that 1 slice of Dempsters WholeGrains bread contains this? ->>

(I know. I didn’t think Dempsters WholeGrains could get better either, until I saw the breakdown. And now I’m on cloud 9; because I know that the taste and texture that I love is also pretty awesome for me, too.)

When you visit Naturally Dempsters you’ll have access to a wealth of delicious recipes – including step-by-step video instructions from Dempster’s resident celebrity culinary genius Chef Bob Villeneuve. How about a 12 Grain Spinach-Strawberry and Goat Cheese Sandwich? Or an Asparagus Benedict?

Me – I’m partial to a Spinach and Leek Chicken Salad Sandwich. Yum!

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Last month, I offered twenty (20) lucky readers the awesome opportunity to try out the NEW Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations.

Did you catch my review? Because I pretty much adore the frozen entrees. In fact, since first trying them out, they’ve become a staple in our home. And why not? When was the last time your frozen entree looked like this?

Pictured above is the Mediterranean Chicken entree; a fibre-filled meal with delicious broccoli, carrots and red bell peppers, served with savoury chicken and penne pasta in a tomato sauce. I wish you could reach through your computer screen and feel the penne, because it’s perfectly al dente. Of course, I’d then convince you to pierce a morsel of the tender, juicy chicken – and taste how fresh and crisp the broccoli and peppers are. And rubber carrots? NEVER! Nothing but Fresh Inspirations here. (more…)

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s not often that I let pictures – or products – do the talking; I’m too much of a motormouth not to put my two cents in. However, when President’s Choice approached me to do a PC black label giveaway for Mother’s Day, I just knew the delicious, gourmet food would speak for itself.

Want to celebrate your Mom this year? Consider picking up some – or all – of the products below. Together, they make a wonderful assortment of fine foods that won’t break the bank, and they just happen to be my picks for Mother’s Day gifts. Host a high tea, treat her to a gourmet Italian meal, or celebrate with a traditional breakfast in bed. The possibilities are endless… and scrumptious… with PC black label products (found at Loblaws stores.)

Of course, the ultimate way to spoil Mom silly is to win a gourmet gift basket here! President’s Choice has put together a beautiful basket, valued at over $100, which contains a collection of exceptional fine foods from the PC black label line. The collection features a range of outstanding foods all made with a rich artisanal provenance and amazing flavours.  From confectionary items, spreads, dressings, marinades, pastas, sauces, oils and vinegars, aromatic spice blends, to baked goods, baking ingredients and more, the foods within the PC black label collection were inspired by the most exquisite tastes from Canada and around the world. With this basket, Mom will enjoy an exciting adventure in food – one that will inspire and excite taste buds!

One lucky winner will receive ALL the products showcased below, just in time for Mother’s Day. Good luck!

PC BLACK LABEL MIXED BERRY TEA

With Thai lemon grass, Egyptian hibiscus, Brazilian açai and North American blueberry, along with a hint of licorice root and zesty orange peel, our round-the-world tea blend is a refreshing burst of herbal berry flavours and aromas. The pyramid-shaped tea bags come individually wrapped.

PC BLACK LABEL BLACK CURRANT JAM

Packed with ripe luscious black currants, our dark, dense jam is ideal for both sweet and savoury applications. Try with pork, poultry, cheeses and pâtés, or spread on sweet breads, muffins and biscuits. Imported from Belgium.

PC BLACK LABEL EARL GREY ALL BUTTER SHORTBREAD THINS

A treat for tea and biscuit lovers alike, our tender, all-butter shortbread thins are baked with a traditional Earl Grey tea infusion. The distinct flavours and aromas of bergamot orange make this the biscuit of choice when paired with tea or coffee. Imported from Scotland. (more…)

With grilling season just around the corner, I’ve been dying to resurrect this recipe for Rosemary Grilled Chicken. The kabob recipe comes from a Williams Sonoma Grilling book, so yeah, you know it’s kind of awesome. Chunks of marinated, grilled chicken are so tender and juicy, they literally melt in your mouth. I love the chicken served over rice or stuffed in a pita with grilled veggies (just double the marinade and grill up some zucchini, peppers, sweet onions and button mushrooms).

I must have made this super-easy recipe over 10 times last summer, but I’ve been hesitant to try it on my grill pan, reasoning that the savoury, charred goodness should be limited to an outdoor grill. T-minus 2 months to BBQ season!

If you don’t have fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary will work in a pinch – but hey, live a little! Make the trip to the supermarket if you have to – nothing beats fresh rosemary. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup ranch dressing
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon white sugar
4-5 skinless, boneless Maple Leaf Prime chicken breast halves – cut into 1 inch cubes

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear. Serves 6.

Growing up, our strict Catholic family celebrated Easter as all good Christians should – with church and chocolate.

(In that order, of course.)

However, when it came to the celebratory meal, there was no “Easter Feast” per se; we just ate what we normally ate, but on a slightly grander scale. Hence, sometimes my mom would make one of our favourite dishes, or she’d put out a larger spread of the regular foods we ate. But as traditions go, it was as simple as 1) go to church, and 2) eat lots of chocolate.

So when I married into an Austrian family, I was quite intrigued by their traditional Easter meal – a tradition that my husband has assured me has been carried on for as long as he can remember. It goes something like this:

Hard-boiled Easter eggs are carefully dyed and presented to the guests. This is the first food that makes it to your plate; traditionally, you’re supposed to crack the egg on your head for luck!

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A make-ahead recipe that will wow your family come Easter morning? Yes please.

Courtesy of the Egg Farmers of Ontario, this egg strata is perfect for Easter brunch. You can make it a day ahead, which simplifies preparation and gives you more time to spend with the family…or hunt for Easter Eggs.

And, it’s terribly easy to customize depending on your nutritional preferences: substitute whole wheat bread for white, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and/or use low sodium shaved ham. Enjoy!

Serving: 8 Servings
Prep. Time: 30-40 minutes
Cooking Time: 1-1¼ hours

INGREDIENTS

1 loaf (about 520 g) sliced white bread (about 16 slices, discard ends)
½ lb (250 g) thinly sliced or shaved ham
2 cups (500 mL) shredded Cheddar cheese
6 eggs
¼ cup (50 mL) finely chopped onion
¼ cup (50 mL) finely chopped green pepper
½ tsp (2 mL) dry mustard
½ tsp (2 mL) black pepper
½ tsp (2 mL) Worcestershire sauce
Dash Tabasco
3 cups (750 mL) milk
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS

Trim crusts from bread; reserve crusts. Cover bottom of greased 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking dish with slices of bread, trimming to fit if necessary. Cover with ham, then cheese. Top with another layer of bread.

Whisk eggs. Add onion, green pepper, dry mustard, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco; whisk to combine. Whisk in milk. Pour mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Meanwhile, pulse reserved crusts in food processor until coarsely chopped. Set aside 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) of the bread crumbs. (Remainder can be frozen for another use.)

The next day, stir melted butter into bread crumbs until moistened. Sprinkle buttered crumbs over top of casserole.

Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°F) oven until puffed, set and golden brown, about 1 to 1-1/4 hours.

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

Is there a “magic” potion that can help you feel more energetic, make your skin radiant, boost your health and help ward off illness and infection?

Sure, you get it by doing this little thing called “juicing”. 

I’ve long been a fan of juicing fresh fruits and vegetables; drinking the cold, delicious liquid is like a rush of nutrients to your immune system. However, I’ve never been a fan of the cleanup after the fact. And I’m embarrassed to admit that this is the sole reason why my old juicer found a permanent home at the back of my cupboard.

Of course, this year I made a promise to myself to cut the crap. And even though commercially marketed 100% fruit juices are considered a “health food”, they’ll never be as healthy as extracting the fresh juice yourself. So I dusted off my old juicer and realized, OMG! It’s ancient. The motor hummed and hawed and only extracted about a 10th of the fruit. Now that would not do AT ALL.

Thankfully, my friends at Hamilton Beach Canada were on board with my mission to put my health first, and sent me their famous Big Mouth Stainless Steel Juice Extractor for review. Once it arrived, I was motivated to fill my fridge to the gills with my favourite fruits and vegetables. Health and happiness, here I come!

Caption: This is what is going into my body this week, thanks to the Hamilton Beach Canada Big Mouth Juicer. #healthyliving #juicing

The juicer features an extra large 3” chute, which allows you to juice whole fruits and vegetables with less prep time. In fact, a medium sized Red Delicious apple falls down the chute quite nicely; larger apples (like the Golden Delicious variety pictured above) should be cut in half prior to juicing. And those humming and hawing motors are definitely a thing of the past; the Big Mouth comes with a powerful 800 watt motor which literally obliterates fruits and vegetables in seconds (yielding up to 24% MORE juice for selected produce). Finally, the durable stainless steel cutter/strainer ensures that the unit is always ready when you are. (more…)

What if I told you that I have the perfect way to shake up your lunchtime routine? One that will combat brown bag boredom, relieve you of soggy, uninspiring leftovers, and free you from your sandwich rut? And, what if my solution was convenient, affordable, delicious and healthy, too?

Okay, I’ll share my little secret. It’s Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations.

The thing is, before trying Fresh Inspirations, I thought I had frozen entrees down pat: protein, carbs, sauce, repeat. And for the most part, they can be pretty tasty… but what if you don’t like mixing your protein and carbs? Or, if you’re more of a “drizzler” when it comes to sauces and condiments? The average frozen entree gives you little freedom to customize your meal.

Until now. Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations offer healthy, delicious meals that YOU make your own. First, the new and unique “Simmer & Steam” tray design cooks each ingredient the way it is meant to be cooked. Hence, the tender beef, chicken or shrimp is simmered in their own delicious sauce, and vegetables are steamed to perfection to lock in their taste and texture.

Then, you create your own personalized meal, just the way you like it. Want your protein on the side? Sauce drizzled on top? Or maybe you like to simply toss everything together. You can prepare each dish in the way that inspires you. And because it’s from Lean Cuisine, you know that it’s a tasty, calorie conscious, good-for-you hot meal. Can you think of a better way to beat the brown bag blues?

Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations are available in six (6) varieties:

Thai Chicken: Juicy chicken simmered in an authentic Thai sauce with sweet baby corn and market vegetables on a bed of 100 per cent whole grain brown rice for a fibre boost

Chicken Teriyaki: Tender chicken in a sweet Teriyaki sauce, snap peas and a vegetable medley served on brown rice provides two whole servings of vegetables in a tasty low fat dish

Chili Lime Beef: Tender beef in a zesty Asian-inspired sauce, edamame, red peppers and broccoli served on a bed of white rice loaded with fibre, iron, and two servings of vegetables

Roast Garlic Chicken: Low fat, low calorie and delicious! Enjoy succulent chicken simmered in a creamy garlic sauce served with red potatoes, broccoli and zucchini

Shrimp Alfredo: An elegant mix of shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, fusilli pasta, broccoli, yellow carrots and red peppers that’s low in fat and provides you with two full serving of vegetables

Mediterranean Chicken: Enjoy a fibre filled meal with delicious broccoli, carrots and red bell peppers, served with savoury chicken and penne pasta in a tomato sauce. (more…)

Picture it: It’s Day 3 of March Break, and you’ve exhausted your staycation ideas (and patience). You consider the usual suspects: the movies, the museum, etc, etc… but the thought of fighting crowds and wading through a sea of highly excitable children makes you slightly less enthusiastic. And, with the kids at home now, you realize that you already need groceries mid-week.

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Greater Toronto Area – or if you’re a short drive away – here’s how to kill two birds with one stone. Presenting the perfect staycation idea plus a wonderful way to complete your grocery shopping…

It’s Toronto’s crown jewel of food stores – Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Now you may be thinking, seriously Lena? What could my kids possibly get out of visiting a grocery store? Well, simply put, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens is not just any grocery store.

Says Loblaws: “Witness the amazing 18-foot high wall of cheese. Revel in the bounteous takeaway options of the Fresh Food Hall. Buy chocolate chiselled by the chunk, explore a variety of tea from around the world and see sushi creations made to order before your eyes. Breathe in the smell of good things baking. Peruse a huge selection of sustainable seafood, ogle meat options beyond compare, and choose from our freshest produce.”

I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the store yesterday with Chef Mark Russell, Executive Chef at Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, and Nema McGlynn, In-Store Dietitian. (Yes, being a blogger is a really cool gig.) The purpose of the tour was to identify food superstars and ways to make new and exciting healthy choices – and trust me, I’ve got more than enough products and tips from Chef Mark to share in another post – but during the tour, it suddenly became apparent that shopping at Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon with your kiddos during March Break.

How so? Let me count the ways….

1. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Browse through sugary concoctions that are sure to please the child in all of us. (Just don’t touch the 3-ft Easter Egg – it’s kind of a big deal!) The Patisserie also features a mouthwatering selection of cakes and cupcakes, ice cream cakes, cheesecakes, donuts, muffins, Bruce County Fudge, chocolate pops and so much more – including their famous handcrafted chocolate, lovingly made with natural ingredients. Choosing a sweet treat is the perfect reward for well-behaved shoppers, so admire the goodies as you come in, but save the prize for the end. My pick? The delectable macarons ($2.60) or a luscious maple bacon donut ($1.29).

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At any given time, you can find a variety of fresh fruit in my home. Both my boys are addicted to nature’s candy, and I make a habit of reaching for handful of ripe, tart raspberries or a slice of cool, refreshing melon a few times per day.

But not every day. And certainly not five (5) times a day, the minimal requirement according to Canada’s Food Guide.

The truth is, if the fruit in my fridge looked more like the picture on the right, I’d likely indulge much, much more often. It’s the lure of fresh cut fruit.

It’s colourful, inviting, and most importantly – all the work is done for you. You simply have to grab a fork and enjoy… and grocery stores do enjoy charging you a premium for something as simple as slicing a few strawberries and adding a handful of grapes for colour. $6.74 for a small bowl of fruit, likely valued at about $1.30? Someone will pay it.

I used to. I too was once swayed by the promise of cold, delicious fruit; all pretty and juicy and full of vitamins and just enough to fill me up with a variety of tastes and textures that I craved. In fact, when I was pregnant with my second, my husband will grudgingly fondly recall tales of 11:00pm grocery runs to deliver a bowl of fresh cut fruit to me (I’d literally wait at the kitchen table with a fork in hand and an eye on the front door).

However, spending $5+ on fruit got old really quick, and I resigned myself to once again sneaking the odd serving of berries or a banana. Not. very. inspiring.

So I thought to myself, “What is stopping me from having the perfect fruit salad at home? Surely I can make it myself – for a fraction of the cost!” (Newsflash – cutting up fruit takes exactly one knife and one bowl – how simple!)

But then it goes all brown and yucky. And I’m too lazy to spend all that time making a whole bowl that gets runny and limp after a few days…. any more excuses?

Here’s what I did: I searched Tips for Keeping Fruit Salad Fresh and Tasty. And I came up with:

- Fresh cut fruit stays fresh in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. The good news: you’ll only have to do your cutting twice per week.

- Most people will tell you to sprinkle your fruit salad with lemon juice to keep it from oxidizing, but really, a little bit of acid from sliced oranges or pineapple is all you need to help it stay bright and firm.

- Stay away from apples, pears and bananas. They lose colour and texture quickly, and can be unappetizing after being exposed to air for about 15 minutes.

-  If you’d like to include apples, cut the fruit in water to prevent the browning process. Water washes away enzymes that will break down the fruit – just be sure to dry the fruit slices before storing them, since the moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.

- Cut up fruit at night when you’re less likely to be in a rush. I’m lucky to have a television within view of my counter top, so I tune into the latest must-see-tv and peel, chop and slice away.

And here’s the key: single serving, air-tight containers. It may be tempting to dump the whole works in a big bowl, but too many juices can macerate the fruit, and every time you lift the top, you’re accelerating the decaying process (sounds so romantic, eh?). So grab those food storage containers and divvy your fresh cut fruit into 3-4 servings.

Et voila! Fresh cut fruit you can enjoy daily with minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment. I grab a bowl with breakfast, add granola and yogurt for a healthy afternoon snack, or for a yummy dessert, top off with a dollop of Cool Whip. Enjoy!

Two nights ago, shortly after dinner, I had a lovely chat with a friend. A few moments into the conversation, she asked me, “Are you sick?”

“No,” I responded, confused. “Do I sound sick?”
“You sorta do…” she replied.

Huh. I thought to myself for a second, and then inspiration struck.

“Oh! Actually, I had a really spicy curry for dinner. You know, the kind where your nose starts running so badly, you just wipe your face with your sleeve, and you’re trying to talk but your tongue is on fire? That’s probably why I sound so nasally – I had an acute curry attack.”

We laughed and continued to chat, while I rummaged through the freezer for a popsicle.

I didn’t think much about it until I got on the phone with another friend, who also asked, ”Are you sick?”

“No…,” I responded. For a brief moment I was confused, and then -

“Oh my God, I had a really spicy curry for dinner,” I explained,  ”and I spent about 10 minutes having the contents of my nasal cavities running all over my face, so I think this is the after-effect.”

Who knew? I officially have an I-just-ate-curry voice.

We continued to discuss Indian food in general, and since she lives in Eastern Canada, how it’s so hard to find the delicious, authentic stuff that hasn’t been dumbed-down for Canadian palettes. Thankfully, here in Toronto, it’s quite easy to encounter amazing ethnic food of the highest quality – there’s an Asian market on every corner, and Halal Meat Shops are more common in Mississauga than 7-11′s.

(I kid you not: a 7-11 on a nearby, busy intersection just closed down and became an Indian grocery store. Business is booming!)

Now I know that not everyone has access to the appropriate ingredients for an authentic Vegetarian Korma, so I’m pleased to share this recipe that incorporates ingredients you can find everywhere. Some may say it’s one of those recipes dumbed-down for Canadian palettes – but I’m sorry; I just don’t have two hours on a weekday night to grind my own spices and mix my own masala. And, made as is, it’s actually quite tasty.

Darling husband cooked this exotic dish for dinner on Tuesday night, and even though our house still smells like Gerard Street, I can’t wait to devour the leftovers! An oh-so-simple recipe that will cure your curry craving in t-minus 30 minutes flat – plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce vegetarian options to your weekly menu.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 medium-sized potatoes, cubed
4 small carrots, cubed
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced
3 tablespoons ground unsalted cashews
1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1 cup frozen green peas
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Parboil cubed potatoes for about 10 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain; set aside.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until tender. Mix in ginger and garlic, and continue cooking 1 minute. Mix potatoes, carrots, jalapeno, cashews, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and curry powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes to allow flavours to mingle.

Stir peas, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, coconut milk and yogurt into the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer an additional 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro. Serves 4.

It tastes like moist devil’s food cake and Cake Batter ice cream, obvi.

With the 85th Annual Academy Awards taking place this Sunday night, film enthusiasts, fashion lovers and celebrity stalkers are in a tizzy! Predictions are being made left and right – who’ll snag an Oscar; which film will take top honours; what the nominees will wear; and which celebrity will commit the most memorable fashion faux pas on the red carpet. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Cold Stone Creamery has been busy too – creating ice cream concoctions to honour the films nominated for Best Motion Picture. With ingredients and toppings designed to pay homage to the great movies – why not show your support by including your favourites at your Oscar party this weekend? Or, just grab a cup of Django Unchained and make your own damn party!

And the nominees are…

Amour – The Movie

In the final months of her life, a retired music teacher and her husband of sixty years struggle with the debilitating effects of two strokes on both her health and her quality of life.  As Georges cares for the increasingly unhappy Anne, the pair finds the nature of their life together irrevocably changed.

Amour – The Dessert

The universal language. Try the Strawberry Passion ice cream cake with layers of moist yellow cake, Strawberry ice cream, a graham cracker pie crust and strawberry puree, all wrapped in a creamy strawberry frosting… because nothing heals heartache like ice cream! (more…)

Romantic fools rejoice: Today is St. Valentine’s Day!

Now although I’m not much of a traditionalist, I do enjoy some good ol’ fashioned attention on V-Day. This can come in the form of cake pops, chocolate covered strawberries, extra long massages or my personal favourite – Ice Wine from Niagara-on-the-Lake. Mmm… romance.

And year after year, companies are getting more creative on Valentine’s Day. I swear I just saw a Future Shop ad for the special day – because obvi, nothing says “I Love You” like games and electronics. (I’m going to assume every man walking into Future Shop on Valentine’s Day is buying a Rom-Com and Adele CD for their significant other. Otherwise, it’s just wrong.)

So, I was particularly interested in South Street Burger’s latest promo:

“Are you willing to go to first base for French fries?

South St. Burger Co. invites you to lay a smokin’ smooch for FREE fries this Valentine’s Day. Come into any South St. Burger Co. restaurant on February 14th, show some P.D.A. when you place your order and receive a free regular order of New York Fries when you purchase a delicious South St. Burger Co. burger. Prepare to pucker up on the 14th and share the love with a co-worker, lunch date or even that cute stranger behind you in line.

(Each South St. Burger Co. burger is made from 1/3 lb of pure, fresh naturally raised beef. And, with over 25 complimentary toppings, a choice of bun, and a selection of 5 real cheeses, everyone can create their own gourmet burger. Serving fresh cut New York Fries French fries, and poutine and their signature red onion rings, you’d better brace yourself to rethink your burger experience.)

This special smooch offer is valid on V-day only so get your Kiss and Fries while it lasts! No coupon required.”

I guess this brings to mind three main points of debate:

1) While I agree South Street Burger is an awesome place to dine – even on Valentine’s Day – I’m not sure I’d have the courage to share the love with “that cute stranger behind me in line”. I’ve had a lot of experience with strangers (you know, living in the city and all) and I’d rather keep them that way. Strangers.

2) However, if visiting the restaurant with my husband, would I be willing to share a smooch for free fries? I know my husband would have no problem with it at all (he regularly attacks me with PDA at the grocery store) but I am much more reserved. Still, a quick peck for free fries? Yeah, I’d probably be willing to pucker up. No tongue.

3) Forget lobster and champagne – how delicious would it be to indulge in a South Street burger, poutine and milkshake on Valentine’s Day? I’m thinking it’s the modern way to show your love. And, you can bring the kids too.

So tell me – would you pucker up for free French fries? Why or why not?