Muffuletta: Quite a Mouthful

Summer may be winding down but there are still a few weeks left to enjoy seasonal activities like splashing around at the beach; seeking theme park thrills; foraging through woodlands; hiking or biking through beautiful trails; and grabbing a blanket and packing a picnic to enjoy at the park. Quintessential in my wicker basket is […]

An Olive Branch Extended in Education

Thomas Jefferson had it right when he said that “the olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven” Olive oil has always been present in my kitchen and on my table.  It has always been the condiment of choice for cooking, dressing and even snacking without any thought.  Whether store bought or pressed from […]

Firing Things Up with Chef Symon and Castello®

He’s an award winning Iron Chef; acclaimed restauranteur and cookbook author; co-host of ABC’s “The Chew” and everyone’s favorite carnivore hailing from Cleveland, Chef Michael Symon.  A well-seasoned chef, who makes no bones about his love of meat and a good barbeque. With grilling season in full swing this backyard chef was thrilled to fire […]

Memories Frozen in Time

Those who know me, know that the kitchen is where I love to get creative and play and I love investing in toys for my playroom, the most recent one being an ice-cream maker.  A frivolity perhaps but not a purchase I considered unnecessary, particularly after spending time creating ice cold confections with my daughters.  […]

The Scoop On Ice-Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. It’s the  summer time staple that seems to appeal to all ages, faces and races. For its simplicity, it also offers such complexity. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between ice-cream and gelato, or, sherbet and sorbet? For a foodie like me, this […]

A Birthday Toast to Nutella

“To rejoice in, or have special festivities to mark a happy day or event”.  This is the definition of celebration and this is exactly what many chocolate lovers globally will be doing on May 18th, to honor the birth date of perhaps one of the world’s most beloved spreads, Nutella. What was created during World […]

Moscato: Hot Wine Bling

*Image from gallofamily.com “It’s a celebration — clap clap bravo.  Lobster and shrimp and a glass of Moscato.”(Drake) These lyrics from the Canadian hip hop superstar sent sales of Moscato wine sky rocketing in 2009 making producers of the sweet drinking wine raise their glasses in cheer.  So celebrated in fact, that the Gallo Family […]

Having My Cake and Eating It Too!

For the last few years I have been a little unconventional with my celebratory confection and have set my birthday candle atop (or in the near vicinity of) cake pops, donut towers, cheesecake and even macaron pyramids rather than the conventional chocolate or vanilla layer cake.  While it’s enticing to experiment, there’s something to be […]

Nonna’s I Love You Berry Much Napoleon

You have to love Italian grandmothers.  Whatever they do, they do it tenfold, especially when it comes to food. They are always asking if you’ve eaten, and if you haven’t, they are quick to prepare a meal at the drop of a hat.  And, if nonna finds out, through her keen sixth sense (or by […]

Diana’s Oyster Bar & Grill is Making Waves

Diana’s Oyster Bar & Grill quietly set sail and chartered new territory opening its second location in December of 2015.  Waiting for winter storms to pass they made waves with their recent grand opening celebration, treating everyone in attendance with an incredible catch. The festive atmosphere featured live music, an official welcome from Markham Mayor, […]