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?

Technically, the debate is very straightforward: my husband loves takeout, and I don’t.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy having someone else doing the cooking for a change; truthfully, sometimes lighting the ol’ gas burner night after night gets tiresome. Plus, there’s the chance to try different cuisines in exactly the time it takes to dial a dinner – and, I must admit I love a good skewer of chicken souvlaki (extra tzatziki on the side).

I suppose the real reason I hate takeout is as follows: I’m cheap.

There! I said it. I simply can’t fathom wasting $30+ to feed a family of four – not when I know I can re-create the same meal for just a few dollars per person. Give me a stocked pantry and a recipe book… I will work wonders. And my husband does adore my cooking; he just likes to see me have a day off from time to time too.

Back to the debate.

My husband has been lobbying for a takeout (or dine-in) brunch for some time now: you know, Cora’s, Sunset Grill, Eggspectations – all respectable breakfast joints where a customer can enjoy a great meal for $8.95 per person. Plus tax. Plus tip. NOT happening.

In addition to the pricey menu, I have a huge problem with sub par ingredients – grade F eggs, greasy potatoes and breakfast sausage that tastes like the bottom of my shoe. And, since you’re paying for it, the tendency to eat every last scrap of pork fat on your plate. Certainly I can do better.

So, this past weekend, I treated the family to a restaurant-style breakfast – hold the heart attack.

On MY menu: I swapped white bread for toasted Dempsters WholeGrains Flax bread and added light spreadable butter. Next, I decided give a few years back to our arteries and substituted breakfast meats for fresh fruit – however, I did keep it somewhat traditional with two fried eggs, over easy. And what about those greasy, overcooked potatoes? Not even close. (more…)

We’re BA-ACK!

Well, technically we’ve been back for exactly 6 hours… because after a late night flight and two flight delays… we didn’t touch down in Toronto until well after 2:00 a.m.

Did I mention that -10°C in the middle of the night, after vacationing in Florida, feels like pure torture?

Now I’d like to say that I’ve got my wits about me and am ready to bang off another brilliant blog post, but the truth is, I’m exhausted from four days of non-stop sight-seeing; two whiny children who slept at the wrong times and fought a few hundred times; and frankly, am depressed that I can’t live in Orlando year-round. It is quite honestly my happy place.

However, I realize that you’re probably tired of seeing my same old post from last Wednesday (in the spirit of family travel, I decided to shut down completely and enjoy time spent with my loved ones). So, to take myself back into a Florida state of mind, I’ll be making this recipe for Orange Granita with Balsamic and Mint Strawberries very soon (maybe even today). It’s just one of the fabulous recipes you can find on the Florida Citrus Facebook Page, where they feature a Citrus Recipe Swap. 

The thing I love about granitas is that while they sound incredibly sophisticated, they’re really just scraped ice. Ever wonder what to serve your boyfriend’s parents, a discerning friend, or others you’re out to impress? Serve them a granita. The traditional Italian ice dessert is the perfect way to cleanse the palette, particularly after a rich meal. And with the addition of orange juice, this dessert is full of purifying antioxidants and will satisfy most sweet tooths in a fresh, healthy way.

Think this dessert will take me back to the Sunshine State? I’m counting on it! I can already taste the tangy, citrusy goodness. Serve in martini glasses for extra panache.

¼ cup sugar
1¾ cup 100% Florida orange juice
1 Tbsp lemon juice
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp fresh mint cut into long, thin strips

Place sugar and 1/4 cup orange juice in a small saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups orange juice and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch by 13-inch shallow pan and place in the freezer.

Every few minutes, stir and scrape the granita with a spoon to create an icy texture. This procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on your freezer.

Combine sliced strawberries, mint and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and let sit while granita freezes. Serve 2 ounces of granita topped with 3 ounces of strawberry mixture in individual dessert bowls.

Seriously. The easiest and most delicious banana pudding I’ve ever had!

I found this recipe on AllRecipes.com and committed to making it so I could use up some almost-too-ripe bananas.

No Bake? Check.
Easy to follow instructions? Check.
Ready in a few hours? Check.
Leftovers? Hardly.

In fact, I’ve had to resort to using a stock image from the site as it didn’t even occur to me to take a picture before we all attacked. Just thinking about the sweet, soft pudding combined with the tangy sliced banana and semi-crunchy cookie…

Okay, I can’t even talk about it anymore, or I’ll be tiptoeing down to the kitchen and substituting my oatmeal with berries for banana pudding… MUST. RESIST. TEMPTATION.

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (at room temperature)
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 container Cool Whip, thawed
4 bananas, sliced
1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers, ladyfingers or (preferably) Milanos

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the Cool Whip.

Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill at least 2 hours.

Note: Please don’t be tempted to substitute banana pudding mix for vanilla. The beauty of this recipe is the authentic taste from the sliced bananas. Incorporating a synthetic flavour from the mix will throw the entire dessert off. Enjoy!

I’m disrupting my routine this morning. 

Instead of waking up early to blog, I chose to snuggle with Reid until 7:30am.
I normally give the kids cereal and chocolate milk for breakfast, but today, I’m dressing them in warm layers.
And, I’m trading blogging for a road trip.

It’s not a very long road trip; chances are, we’ll be in the car for just 3 minutes.
Not even long enough for the heat to kick in, really.
In fact, it’ll probably take me more time to dress the boys than to reach our destination.

But, my mind has been made up and now it’s time to go.

We’re headed to McDonald’s – where I’ll finally have a chance to experience their new Raspberry Mocha. I’ve been dreaming about it for days! Soon, chocolately fruity beverage, you will be mine.

See you sweethearts! Have a most splendid day, and stay warm! I plan on cozying up to this little drink.

If you were reading my blog just before the holidays, you’ll recall that I shared my recipe for a Grilled Vegetable Sandwich on WholeGrains Bread with Basil Goat Cheese Spread.

(Yes, it does sound delicious! And yes, I really do think you should try it. Lunch will never be the same.)

The basis of my post was a mission towards nutritious eating, and a humble request to start looking after your health. It was reminder that 2013 is the perfect time to make those small changes that help bring about long-term health benefits. It was a reality check when it comes to finding excellent food sources of vitamins, fibre and iron. In essence, it was a refresher course in good eats… WholeGrains-style.

Well, I’m excited to share that Dempsters has chosen my sandwich as the featured recipe on their new social website, Naturally Dempsters! That’s right – simply scroll down for a peek at my tasty creation. You’ll also find delicious submissions from other bloggers around the web (including sandwich recipes for Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & Avocado, Chicken Divan, Mediterranean Chicken and Turkey and Veggie Crunch).

Next, head on over to the Dempsters Facebook page and watch their featured video, Gerry Dee Hijacks Juice Bar. (I promise, hilarity ensues!) If the laughs aren’t enough to make your day, when you’re finished watching, you can enter for a chance to win $3000 in FREE groceries. Now isn’t that a delicious way to start off 2013?

TWITTER PARTY ALERT!

We’ll be talking Nutrition Naturally at a Dempsters #BreadJuicer Twitter Party on Thursday, January 24th at 9:00pm. Join us to find out amazing ways to incorporate fruits, vegetables and whole grains into a balanced diet.

Prizing is available to Canadians only. For your chance to win, RSVP below! Looking forward to partying with you! (more…)

Weeks ago, just before my family departed for Orlando, my entire household came down with a dreaded winter cold. Sneezing, coughing, runny noses – if the symptom is listed on the side of an OTC cold product, trust me, we had it. And with just days before we reached our sunny destination, I was worried that our first trip to Disney World would be ruined.

“Get rest, de-stress and load up on Vitamin C,” my mother suggested. “As soon as you touch down into the lovely Florida climate, you’ll feel just fine.”

She was right, of course. Through a combination of aggressive hot citrus therapy and the balmy Florida weather, our cold symptoms melted away in a hurry. And is it any coincidence that the delicious orange juice and grapefruits that I was consuming before the trip happened to come from the sunshine state too? Let’s just say that I always feel better in Florida :)

Now I don’t normally make New Year’s resolutions, but this year, I’ve resolved to do one simple thing: incorporate as many fresh foods into my diet as possible. I am tired of feeling rundown and battling colds, and I figure the quickest way to good health is through good nutrition.

Will I follow through? Well, I even put it in writing, because somehow it makes me feel more accountable -

I’ve also developed an S-M-L action plan to implement my new dietary changes. What is S-M-L?

SMALL

My plan is to eat small amounts of the bad stuff – refined sugar, simple carbs, trans fats and those unpronounceable ingredients you find in practically every boxed food. Now I say small – and not total removal – because I truly believe that there’s a place for everything in our diets, and let’s be honest: I have two small children. Complete elimination of convenience snacks and foods just isn’t realistic. However, I can limit the amount of the bad stuff we’re exposed to, so when it’s time to enjoy that bowl of potato chips, it’s a treat – not a dietary staple. (more…)

You know how the Bible says, Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged? Ahem, yesterday, I learned that I should never judge teenagers who attend high school dances, get drunk, and then claim they had no idea the punch was spiked.

Let me rewind. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a good friend’s baby shower. There’s just something about a round, perfectly beautiful baby bump that makes me incredibly happy I’m not pregnant.

(Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled for the pregnant ladies! I’d just rather eat the contents of a garbage truck than have another kid myself. #nothanks)

Anyhoo, as I reconnected with old friends and chatted about this and that, we helped ourselves to a glass of punch. Curiously, the punch had a slightly acidic quality that we just couldn’t pinpoint, but nonetheless helped ourselves to another glass. And another.

“What kind of punch is this?” I asked my friend Miss V.
“No clue, it’s pretty good, though,” she responded.
“It sort of tastes like prune juice and ginger ale, but it’s quite delish,” I countered.

By the third glass, mid-sentence, suddenly a light went off. Holy Sh*t, I’m buzzed. And then it dawned on me – we were drinking sangria! Fellow shower attendee Miss A pointed out that only a lush wouldn’t be able to detect wine in a beverage. (Ahem – she couldn’t either; after drinking her first glass, she okay’ed the beverage for consumption by children! Oops.)

And so I spent the rest of the shower with a grin on my face and concentrated on not dropping my fork. (In a smart move, we all switched to bottled water in a hurry.) Hence, while I used to scoff at teen flicks where the main characters got toasted at the high school dance, I now realize that even the most responsible of party goers can be fooled by a spiked punch bowl. Lest ye be judged, indeed.

To honour my pregnant friend and her delicious Sunday Afternoon Sangria, I’d like to share one of the LCBO’s most popular recipes – a delicious wine punch that is best enjoyed with friends. Salud!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
1/3 cup orange juice
1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup triple sec
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lime, sliced into rounds
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup pitted Bing cherries
1 cup diced green apple
2 cups club soda (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a large pitcher or bowl, mix together brandy, lemon juice, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, red wine, triple sec, and sugar. Float slices of lemon, orange and lime in the mixture. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. Just before serving, add cherries and green apple. For a fizzy sangria, also add club soda.

The following post is brought to you by my love for all things Hamilton Beach. 

Sure, in some instances, I was sent the product for review – and other times, I’ve had the product for years. But the fact remains that my kitchen is crammed to capacity with these terribly innovative products that just happen to be affordable too.

Toaster Ovens. Hand Blenders. Waffle Makers and more… what’s not to love?

Hence, I thought it was only fitting to start the new year off right with a few of Hamilton Beach’s most loved small appliances. If you’re looking for a little help in the kitchen this year, here are my tried and true favourites from a brand you can trust.

Instant Hot Water Dispenser

This is one of those items that I didn’t know I needed until I actually started using it. Every day. Multiple times per day. Oh yeah.

Here’s the deal: with Ryder starting school this past September, we’ve all been sick… well, every freaking week. No lie; I swear I spend more time taking the boys’ temperature than checking my e-mail. And so I’ve spent the better part of the last three months making tea, liquid medicine concoctions, spiced cider… anything to make me feel like my head is not about to pop off. Normally, I’m the type to boil water on the stove, but when you’re indulging in hot beverages 4-5 times per day, it can get tedious – quickly. Enter the Instant Hot Water Dispenser.

Now I actually took a video of the dispenser in action, but even after adding my witty commentary, I realized there is just no way of hyping up a product that boils water (nor would I subject y’all to a 1:13 demonstration of said product). But nonetheless: with a quick boil function, adjustable water flow from 150 – 300 ml and smart safety features (the unit automatically turns off when water boils), this is THE product for tea drinkers or anyone who needs hot water in a hurry. The 1.8 L reservoir ensures that you’re not refilling the unit all day long, but is not so big that water remains dormant and stale over days. I also love that it has a convenient stop button which immediately cuts the flow of hot water when you’ve reached the desired amount – another safety feature that prevents overflowing and well, scalding. #ouch

If there’s one item you pick up during cold and flu season, make sure it’s the Instant Hot Water Dispenser!
(more…)

With just two shopping days left until Christmas, chances are you’ve got most of your friends and family crossed off your holiday shopping lists. However, a select few of you may be scratching your head trying to come up with a gift for neighbours, your boss – or family and friends that you’ll drop in on over the holidays. And so I’m here to say worry not; when all else fails, give the gift of good food.

Need some inspiration? The following gift ideas are readily available, and won’t break the bank either!

1. Metro Irresistibles - I had the sweet opportunity to try Metro Irresistibles for the first time this holiday season, and I daresay I was impressed with the products I sampled. I’m normally not a fan of fruitcake (who is, right?) but O-M-G I can’t believe I finished every crumb of Metro’s macerated fruit loaf. Covered in candied pecans, it’s to die for. I sent along a few small pieces with my mom, and she told me the next day that my dad and her fought over the last slice. Yum!

Based on the success of the fruitcake, I picked up Irresistibles Chocolate Cream Fudge to add to our dessert spread, and also for friends/family who pop by during the holidays. The next time you’re at Metro, take a look at their lineup of Irresistibles – I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

2. Shop Home Grown – For my friends in Ontario, consider this: the average Ontario shopper intends to spend almost $700 on holiday gifting this year.  If just $70 (or 10%) of this was spent on edible gifts crafted from Ontario artisan producers, the economic impact would equate to $500 million extra dollars in our Ontario food system, supporting up to 10,000 food sector jobs. The moral of the story: pick up some delicious home grown bites for those special people in your life.

Suggestions: Bringing a bottle of wine to your festive gatherings? Try Southbrook Vineyards, from Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Named Winery of the Year at InterVin (a wine competition), Southbrook Vineyards is also the maker of Bioflavia (seen on Dragon’s Den), the grape skin powder with incredible health properties that can be used for cooking or on its own.

Don’t have time to venture out to find the perfect locally-grown gift? Help a friend buy local all year round with Chef Lynn Ogryzlo’s book The Ontario Table. In it, you’ll find:

- 320 full-colour pages plus 109 recipes, each with stories of growers and regions
- Pictures of dishes and agricultural landscapes; Ontario wine pairings with recipes
- An Ontario pantry so consumers can identify local food products
- Over 90 culinary websites helping consumers find local food
- $10 a week message; the Billion Dollar Impact and why we should buy local

This holiday season, give the gift of good food. It’s the perfect way to a person’s heart… and tummy!

Often, I spend copious amounts of time trying to come up with the perfect post title. It has to be catchy, witty and of course, it must subtly convey the topic at hand.

And other times, I just let the content do the talking. Such is the case with this Grilled Vegetable Sandwich on WholeGrains Bread with Basil Goat Cheese Spread recipe. I mean really, what more can I say?

This post is brought to you by Dempsters – and, your body from the year 2013. Sure, Dempsters supplied the delicious bread, but what does your body have to do with it?

Well, it’s a humble request to start looking after your health. It’s a reminder that 2013 is the perfect time to make those small changes that bring about long-term health benefits. And it’s a refresher course in the nutrition – for instance: Did you know that 1 slice of Dempsters WholeGrains bread contains this? ->>

In a society where wisp-thin celebrities turn up their noses at carbohydrates, here’s a dose of reality – Whole Grains, such as the ones found in Dempsters bread – provide so many nutritional benefits that are often overlooked in favour of skinny jeans.

The thing is – our bodies have a long memory. And as we age, they won’t care what we wore to our office holiday party in December 2012, but they will remember all the wonderful nutrients we’ve fueled them with over the years. Make 2013 the year you give back to your body with healthy, natural choices that promote vitality.

To start, here’s an easy, delicious recipe that is chock full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. I whipped this sandwich up today for lunch and just had to share! Add a healthy dose of Vitamin C, a splash of Calcium and a generous serving of deliciousness, and you’ve got a Grilled Vegetable Sandwich on WholeGrains Bread with Basil Goat Cheese Spread. Enjoy! (more…)

Christmas Day. It’s only one week away. OMG!

How did this happen? First, did we really just spend 351 days in 2012? Seems like yesterday that we were ringing in the New Year, right? And certainly, there’s no way I spent that much time being 34. Which means that 35 is right around the corner… yikes.

Okay, enough about that. It’s time to get into the holiday spirit! And if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a moist, juicy Butterball Turkey next week, chances are you’ll have a few leftovers on your hands. Butterball Turkeys have long been a tradition in my family – in fact, I’m pretty sure my mother-in-law makes the best bird in the east. But I must admit… as much as I love sitting around the table for Christmas dinner with my loved ones, I usually spend about half the meal mentally planning how to use the leftovers. Turkey Casserole. Turkey Stew. Turkey Pie. Oh My!

However, I always make the mistake of looking for recipes after the holiday, and really, who wants to be stuck in a supermarket on Boxing Day? So this year, I’ve decided to do a little pre-planning by rounding up my Top 5 Ways to Use Turkey Leftovers. This way, when I send my husband for last-minute holiday groceries, I can also have him grab some staples for our leftover turkey creations. Yup, I’m on the ball this year!

So without further ado, here are 5 awesome ways to gobble up those leftovers – in no particular order. I mean really, they’re all equally delicious! You’re welcome!

1. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

I’ll start the list with my tried and true favourite way to use up holiday leftovers – simply the BEST Turkey Shepherd’s Pie I’ve ever had. It’s super easy to assemble, makes the most delicious, moist pie, and freezes exceptionally well. LOVE it for sticking in my husband’s lunch box on a random winter day – it’s comfort food to the extreme.

Rave Review: “YUM! Made this for supper last night. Thought it was great. I used cream of mushroom soup instead of gravy (I’m not a gravy fan) and it was awesome. Used leftover carrots instead of corn, but the corn would have been good too. Almost like a turkey pot pie. Thanks for the idea!” – Holly

2. Turkey Bolognese

The next recipe is from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis – known for putting an Italian spin on, well, everything. Turkey Bolognese? Why not! Grab a quality marinara sauce on your grocery run this week and you’re good to go! Chances are you already have the other ingredients on hand.

Rave Review: “This was fabulous! I followed the recipe as is, then after reading the other reviews, I added a little wine and a little balsamic vinegar. Then I stirred in some of the pasta water to thin it. My husband and I agreed!” – Anon (more…)

Is it possible to leave a corporate job, stay at home to raise two boys… and become undomestic?

Because that’s exactly how I’ve felt for the past few years. Until recently, the days leading up to Christmas were crammed with eggnog swinging, tree-trimming and of course, holiday baking. Yes, my kitchen was my bakery: with cakes, cookies and confections galore, I’d stay up well past midnight waiting for the shortbread to cool or the icing sugar to set. It was my thing – friends knew that once the holidays came ’round, Lena would be baking up a storm.

And you’d think that being at home, with little children (who love the aforementioned cakes, cookies and confections), I’d increase my baking efforts – right?

Sadly, no. Since the boys were born, I’ve found myself making less and less time to enjoy holiday baking. To tell the truth, I didn’t bake at all last year – opting instead for a few store-bought goodies that worked in a pinch, but could never compare to a homemade treat.

So when Kraft Canada contacted me about doing a fun, festive photo shoot to capture some wonderful Holiday #DessertMoments, I couldn’t say no. And it wasn’t because I was looking forward to having a professional photographer take beautiful pictures of my handiwork (though that was an awesome fringe benefit) – it was so I would be guaranteed to turn out some holiday goodies this year!

And so without further ado, I’d love to share Kraft Canada’s recipe for Salted Chocolate Covered Caramels… made by yours truly!

(The photographer, Teddy Chau, is a creative genius. Look for drool-worthy pictures of the candy – plus a few fabulous shots of moi. You didn’t really think I’d let the food be the star of the show, did you?)

What You Need:

1 pkg. (269 g) Kraft Caramels
5 squares Baker’s Premium 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate, melted
1 Tbsp. sea salt
toothpicks for handling the Caramels

(That’s all folks! Just 3 ingredients and a waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Anyone can make this recipe – and since there’s no baking involved, it’s a great one to do with the kiddos.)

(more…)

It’s my most searched recipe every time December rolls around.

(To tell the truth, I was searching for it myself this past weekend – which is what prompted me to re-publish it.)

Instead of directing all you kind Googlers to a poorly formatted blog post from December 2008, I decided it was high-time to republish my Homemade Irish Cream recipe.

Homemade you say???

You bet! Why buy it when you can make it? This recipe yields 3 times the amount for 1/3 of the price. I promise you’ll swear off the bottled stuff once you’ve tried this do-it-yourself version – plus, do you know how handy it is to have fresh Irish Cream on hand?

Irish Cream Coffee. Irish Cream Cheesecake. Irish Cream Hot Chocolate. Irish Cream Fudge. Irish Cream Cappuccino. Irish Cream Tiramisu. Irish Cream Mini Cupcakes. Irish Cream Truffles. Oh My!

This oh-so-good liqueur is also a serious contender when you’re out to impress… when was the last time you were served homemade Irish Cream on the rocks? (Serve it in an old fashioned carafe so there’s no doubt you made it from scratch – and be sure to drop it into the conversation at least twice.)

BONUS: It’s perfect for gift giving! Simply grab sterilized glass milk bottles or mason jars and fill to the brim with the delicious concoction. Attached a handmade gift tag and be sure to note that the product must be refrigerated (and add a 1-month expiration date).

Let’s toast with an ol’ Irish saying ~
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup half and half cream
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup Irish whiskey (can substitute Canadian or Scottish, I won’t tell!)
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, combine cream, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Shake well before serving. Serves 16.