Panettone Panini with Bauli Canada

Panettone, a classic confection of the Christmas season.  For those who may be unfamiliar with the sweet loaf, it is an Italian festive staple.  Hailing from the northern city of Milan, its name Panettone translates to “big bread”.  It is made of dough similar to sourdough that traditionally gets sweetened with candied orange peel, and […]

CENTITALIA: A Taste of Piemonte with Chef Ugo Mura

Chef Ugo Mura was one of four chefs who came over from Italy to be a part of the CENTITALIA Gusto Cultura Program (a collaboration between the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO) and Centennial College).Hailing from Piemonte, he has had a lucrative career, having worked in many prestigious hotels across the region and […]

The Making of Marrons Glacés

Chestnuts rank highly among my favorite fall foods.  Their woodsy scent and earthy flavor immediately not only warm my taste buds, but my heart as well.  I have many fond memories associated with chestnuts, from taking in the wonders of Piazza Duomo with a warm little bag in my hands; to enjoying sweet chestnut cream […]

Grape Conversations with Chef Aarón Sánchez

He’s best known as an award-winning chef, popular television personality, cookbook author, restaurateur, mentor and philanthropist. In addition to this, the tattoo covered, heat seeking co-star of Food Network’s Chopped is also a devoted father who is passionate about preserving and passing on his cultural legacy through food. Chef Aarón Sánchez firmly believes that by […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]