2005 Cable Bay Chardonnay Waiheke Island

This is THE Chardonnay for folks who don’t enjoy big, buttery California Chardonnays.  It’s not heavy on the oak, but has enough of it to make it…interesting.  This New Zealand wine is similar to a French Chardonnay and is dry with a fresh, complex taste. Around $30. PS: Good call pairing this wine with smoked […]

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Maple Taffee on Snow (Tire sur la Neige)

As my family began getting ready for the food frenzy my visit to Quebec would bring on, one thing that my oldest niece, Maude, wanted to be sure my sister would fix for us is Tire sur la Neige, or Maple Taffee on Snow.  This treat is one most popular at sugar shacks during maple […]

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Grandma's Chocolate and Peanut Butter Treats

These treats come straight from my childhood as my Grandma made them for the holidays as far back as I can remember.  She’d make a double batch and freeze the finished treats so we’d have them well into the new year. Ingredients: 1/3 cup grated paraffin wax 8 ounces milk chocolate chips 1 cup smooth […]

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Loving Pop Chips!

Got home to an empty pantry and fridge after being away for a week only to find this super neat present from the fine folks at @PopChips on my front door! Haven’t tried Pop Chips yet? They are great and only 100 calories per bag!

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Happiest of Holidays to All

On this Christmas Eve, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a happy holidy season and a prosperous, healthy 2010. I`m visiting family in Canada and baking traditional Quebec treats, cooking old favorites and drinking some pretty neat wines that I can`t wait to share with you in the new year. All the […]

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Cherry Blossom Treats

I’m Canadian and one of the candy bars I loved as a kid was the Cherry Blossom.  This treat features a thick chocolate, peanut butter and coconut shell with a tasty cherry syrup and maraschino cherry center.  The Cherry Blossom is a treat I always look forward to having when I go visit my folks […]

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Koulourakia – Greek Cookies

I dated a Greek guy for three years when I was younger and absolutely loved the holidays at his parents’ home.  Tons of cooking and baking and I learned a lot about simple, tasty food from his mother and Yia Yia (his Grand-Mother).  Every Easter, his Yia Yia would come to the house and bake […]

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2007 Rockpile Zinfandel Seghesio Family Vineyards

Bright berry flavors reminded me of Grandma’s juicy raspberry pie.  The word ‘succulent’ might have never applied to a wine better than this one.   This Zin feels thick and sorts of coats your mouth in a most appreciated way.  Tasted peppery and clove nuances.  Amazingly well-balanced with solid tannins.  A big, bold Zinfandel that delivers. […]

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The Chickie Award – Top Recipes of 2009

Hey foodies, post a link to the recipe on your website/blog that you consider to be your best and get a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! By 12/31/09, leave a comment on this post letting me know which recipe on your site you’d like considered, and you could win! Top 10 recipes […]

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Have a Penchant for Fabulous Food? Café Panache Delivers

Have a Penchant for Fabulous Food? Café Panache Delivers

Tuna Tartare

Our party of four was greeted warmly upon arriving at this cozy, upscale restaurant and was seated at a table with great chairs.  Yes, I’m mentioning chairs as I believe restaurants often omit splurging on this important décor item.  The smallish space boasts a hip and wealthy crowd (can you say “Real Housewives of New […]

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