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Niagara Wine Weekend - Part V

Niagara Wine Weekend – Part V

Were we already at the end of our Ultimate Food, Beer and Wine Tour?  To be honest, I was done by this point and needed some nappytime bad.  We had been wine tasting and eating steadily since 10AM!  Fine, call me a lightweight.  I know when to tap out. Of course, dessert is always in order after any meal and thus we had some chocolatey treats from Willow Cakes and Pastries and enjoyed it along…

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I was smitten with this fourth location on our Ultimate Food, Beer and Wine Tour.  This part of our tour found us visiting Southbrook Vineyards, Canada’s first Biodynamic winery.  Southbrook practices biodynamic agriculture meaning everything on their winery is treated as part of an overall ecosystem.  They are certified organic and work to be a green vineyard.

The winery was beautiful.  Modern and clean.

When it rains, this rock garden turns into a rock pool and they use the water to reflect light off the blue and white walls.  

Setting up our table for our tasting

Here’s the wine. 

Everything so beautifully lined up.  It’s these little details that I appreciate. 

Views to the outside

This is Lucan.  He was our leader for this tasting.  It was very obvious that Lucan was very passionate about food and wine.  He spoke excitedly about his work at the vineyard and all the wines being produced.  He was enlightening.

I loved this tasting because they picked food that everyday people eat in an effort to show that anyone can pair wine with even the simplest of meals.  The one thing on this plate that I became obsessed with was the almond cookie with honey (made by their own bees).  I could have eaten an entire tray.  But alas, my incessant requests for more cookies went unheard.  I will dream of that cookie for ages.

My haul from Southbrook.  Cabernet Franc Vinegar which I already used with oil as a bread dip.  A framboise wine that I hope to make a Sangria type drink with.  Natural honey and Peach Jam with Framboise that I think would taste amazing for breakfast on toast or waffles. 

Oh Southbrook, can I have more cookies please?  I mean, I know I should be focused on the wine, but I’m sorry, those cookies own my heart! But I digress, your tasting was the prettiest by far and Lucan’s enthusiasm was infectious.

I would definitely come back! =)

Niagara Wine Weekend – Part IV I was smitten with this fourth location on our Ultimate Food, Beer and Wine Tour.  This part of our tour found us visiting 

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The third stop on our Ultimate food, beer and wine tour was Rancourt Winery.  This winery is located in Niagara Lakeshore and has 25 acres of vineyard.  They specialize in grapes for merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, riesling and chardonnay.

View from the outside

Each of us had a tray of food waiting.

Talking about Riesling

The food pairing included a garlic cheese stick, broccoli, beet and barley salad and a Stilton and beef pie.

I really enjoyed the salad paired with their Reisling.  The Stilton was very strong in the meat pie but paired with the Cabernet Franc, was quite nice.

Niagara soil is some of the most fertile in all the world.  The unique mineral compositions and great weather help to produce some of the most flavourful grapes that eventually turn into some of the best wines to drink.

Come back and check out Part IV of my Niagara Wine Weekend Series.  Next up is Southbrook Vineyards.  =)

Niagara Wine Weekend – Part III The third stop on our Ultimate food, beer and wine tour was Rancourt Winery.  This winery is located in Niagara Lakeshore and has 25 acres of vineyard.  

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The Ultimate Food, Beer and Wine Tour run by Niagara Vintage Wine Tours continued on with our next stop at Silversmith Brewery. Housed in a historic, converted church, Silversmith Brewery is an independently owned, small craft brewery located in Niagara and has been producing beer since 2011.

First off, I have to say that I love that this craft brewery made its home in a church.  Talk about charm!

View from the outside

Love that little stained glass window.  Check out all the merchandise for sale.  

Upon entering, we were seated at a long table down the middle.  We paired off and the servers proceeded to give us our beer flights and set down our food platter.

So cozy!

Wine Menu 

Food platter from up top – Montreal smoked meat, blue cheese and aged cheddar, chicken pate with cranberries and pistachios, trout pate, pickled garlic stems, awesome mustard, beer nuts and crackers

Ok, so this was only the second stop and I was already impressed with the food provided.  I am in agreement when they say this is an Ultimate food and beer and wine tour.  None of these foods did I ever think would be served with beer.

Let’s start with the beer – Bavarian breakfast wheat, black lager, Golden Ale and British Pale Ale.

For me, I ended up liking the beers in pretty much the order they were served.  They were all light, even the black lager which surprised my nicely.  The Black lager had a nice coffee/cocoa finish.  I generally don’t like dark beers but this one is one I would have again.  The Bavarian breakfast wheat was smooth, definitely the type of beer I drink.  The other two had a bit of a bitter finish, but would be perfect cold on a hot summer’s day.

Our food pairings.  Let’s give it up for the trout mousse.  My mouth waters as I think of this savoury spread.   Top corner was a chicken pate with cranberries and pistachios.  Had a little sweetness which I always love in a food.  Can’t go wrong with blue cheese – my fave!  Look at all that Montreal smoked meat and the awesome mustard that went with it.  In case you’re wondering, the green thing is a pickled garlic stem.  It was a joy to try these different flavours.  I dream of the trout mousse and chicken pate.  Swoon.

Beautiful colours of beer.  

I highly enjoyed the location and atmosphere of Silversmith Brewery.  The food was unique and something I have not had before.  This made this experience so worth while.  And those beers! Thanks for introducing me to a dark lager that I actually would drink again!

Stay tuned for part III – Rancourt Winery =)

Niagara Wine Weekend – Part II The Ultimate Food, Beer and Wine Tour run by Niagara Vintage Wine Tours continued on with our next stop at 

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A week ago I had a great weekend away at Niagara Falls with a couple of my good peeps.  We made it a shopping, eating and wine drinking weekend with some cheesecake thrown in.

The main event of the weekend was the The Ultimate Food, Beer and Wine Tour that was run by a company called Niagara Vintage Wine Tours.  This tour included visits to 4 wineries and 1 brewery where our group of 14 learned to pair different wine with food.

This was a guided tour and we were picked up at our hotel Saturday morning by Tom, our Sensory Analyst.  Yes, Sensory Analyst.

Here’s Tom at our first stop giving us some history about the Niagara region and what is needed to grow good grapes (hot and dry).  Tom is a retired teacher turned wine tour guide.  He was awesome.  Very knowledgeable, personable, friendly and funny.

Our first stop was at Pondview Winery , a family owned winery with roots from Sicily.  It was here that we met Keith.  We walked in and were taken to the back where an intimate wine tasting area was set up among the oak barrels of wine.

Tasting Area

Tables set up with wine glasses and our charcuterie plate 

Keith going over how  to”open up” a wine.  Hold your glass in your right hand and swirl counter clockwise, let the wine air out, smell it.  Take a sip, take a bite, take a sip again. Sniff, Sip, Bite, Sip

In case you were wondering and find yourself at the LCBO,  2011 was a great year for Niagara Whites and 2015 for Niagara Reds.

These were the wines we tasted.  The 2nd – Cabernet Franc – was AMAZING with Oka and Parmesan cheese.  I had a super out-of-body taste experience with this wine and parmesan.

My Pondview Winery purchases

Stay tuned for part II when I talk about our 2nd stop Silversmith Brewery.

Niagara Wine Weekend – Part I A week ago I had a great weekend away at Niagara Falls with a couple of my good peeps.  

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Decided to have some fun with breakfast today.  Egg in the hole toast and bacon.

Bread from my Friday farmer’s market visit.  Super soft and fresh.  Cookie cutter to the middle and in goes  the egg.  Now, I toasted this in the oven since I was making something else and wanted to kill two birds with one stone.

Making coffee with my french press while waiting for my egg in the hole toast to finish up.  Ethical Bean Coffee from my Little Life Box.   A tiny bit of sugar and almond milk added.

Voila, Saturday breakfast is served.  Egg in the hole toast, shredded non dairy cheese from Daiya Foods,  bacon, french pressed coffee and pineapple juice.  I’m ready for my day! =)

Saturdays are made for fun breakfasts Decided to have some fun with breakfast today.  Egg in the hole toast and bacon. Bread from my Friday farmer's market visit.  

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Does anyone really,  truly love broccoli?  I think right now I might really, truly love broccoli.  What’s not to love about broccoli?  It is a good source of fibre, Vitamin A, B1, B6, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, niacin and selenium.

I’m in a love affair with broccoli right now.  I want it in my salads, as a side dish with my meals.  I just really, really love broccoli right now.

Of course, I can only eat so much steamed or raw broccoli.  Sometimes, one needs to shake it up.  I shook it up.  I made a broccoli salad, inspired by one I had a few weeks ago.  Not certain if the ingredients I added here help or negate the healthy properties of broccoli, but you know what?  I’m not sure I care at this point, because this salad just tasted so darn yummy.

It begins with red onions – finely chopped, crispy bacon – that is crumbled and of course raw broccoli – cut into bite size pieces.

The onion and crumbled bacon are then added to the broccoli in a bowl.

To this, add some nuts, cranberries and raisins.  I bought a little “trail mix” snack bag made up of almonds, walnuts, raisins and cranberries and dumped it on top.  This would also work with pine nuts and sunflower seed.  Just something to add some crunch and texture to the salad.  Some people even add apples or cheddar cheese shreds to this salad.  The combos are endless.    Look at all that colour!

The dressing is very simple.  1 cup of mayonnaise ( I used Miracle Whip which has a tangy taste that I enjoy), 1/2 cup sugar (I didn’t use quite this much, I’d start with 1/4 first, then add to taste or use a non sugar sweetener) 2 tablespoons vinegar (this will dilute the mayo bit).  Pour the dressing on top of the broccoli mix and toss.

Now, you cannot eat this right away.  It needs time to sit and allow the broccoli to absorb the dressing and all the flavours to mingle.  Let sit at least 2 hours before serving.  I waiting til the next day (so hard) and had some for breakfast.

Swoon.

Try this salad for a summer picnic or potluck.  A great side dish at a bbq.

Try it and let me know! =)

My Broccoli Dream Come True Does anyone really,  truly love broccoli?  I think right now I might really, truly love broccoli.  What's not to love about broccoli?  

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It’s here! It’s here!!! My May Little Life Box has arrived!!

Little Life Box is a Canadian healthy lifestyle subscription box. Each box gives you the opportunity to sample and experience new green, organic healthy products in a convenient and fun way that saves you money. There is even a Vegan box.  Boxes vary each month and include a whole range of health products for you to try.

Let’s not waste any more time, let’s get to the reveal.

So I picked up my box from the concierge and the first thing I noticed was its weight.  It was HEAVY!!  This made me more excited to rip this box open.

The box, top and bottom.

Top of the box

Back of the box

I slowly lifted the lid to unveil the pretty purple tissue paper and card.  It’s a nice touch that they wrap each box so well.

Look at all the goodies packed in this box!! No wonder it was so heavy!

Central Roast Snacks – Golden Berry Energy Mix. Made from whole foods, this is a 50g portion controlled snack bag that satisfies real hunger with real nutrition.

Ethical bean coffee – Coffee from a company that believes in the concepts of Fair Trade, Organic, Community Mindedness & being Environmentally Aware.  I love coffee, can’t wait to french press this. Smells amazing!

Coconut Chips from Hungry Buddha – No cholesterol, no trans fat, dairy free and a good source of fibre

Guru Energy Drink – Organic Sparkling Energy Water in Grapefruit flavour. Will be good for those early mornings

Maison Orphee Italian vinaigrette and marinade made with First Cold Pressed Oil. Should be delish on my new salad1

Goji cashew snack from Navitas Naturals.  Sweet goji paired with tomato basil cashews for a sweet/savoury snack

Sample size Wow Butter – tastes like peanut butter, but better!

Premium dried fruit – dragon fruit, golden berry & coconut from Level Ground trading.  Sulphite and preservative free

Brussel and Kale Crunch snack from Brussel Bytes

Samples of Organic and Fair Trade sweeteners from Wholesome.  I’ll be using these with my morning coffee and waffles

  The box isn’t just filled with food.  I also received a jar of Shea butter lotion from Earth’s care and a loofah from Urban Spa

I am so impressed with my first Little Life Box.  Most of my items were full-sized.  Such a great way to discover new brands and try new products that I may have never tried otherwise.  From what I read on the labels and their websites, many of the companies featured here believe in being ethical.  They believe in Fair Trade.  They use organic ingredients and work to avoid preservatives.    I cannot wait to get next month’s box.

Are you convinced?  Are you interested in getting your very own Little Life Box?

If you want your very own surprise box each month click here to get more information and sign up =)

Little Life Box Reveal – May 2016 It's here! It's here!!! My May Little Life Box has arrived!! Little Life Box is a Canadian healthy lifestyle subscription box.

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About 3 weeks ago, I was able to attend the Green Living Show in Toronto.  It was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to all things green.  This show is a great place to discover tons of eco-friendly, products, places, services and food.  There were food vendors focused on using sustainable ingredients.  Clothiers who used re-cycled materials like old leather jackets to make other things.  Companies focused on making homes more eco-friendly and efficient.

What was also terrific is that by using my Live Green Card, I was able to attend the event for free!  The Live Green Card is a discount card. Simply show your card to get deals on eco-friendly products and services at more than 500 businesses in Toronto.  The card is free and there’s even an app!

What’s great about the Green Living Show is that it provided a way for people to drop off old, unused electrical equipment i.e.  old cell phones, cordless phone or laptops.  By doing so, you could also gain free admission.  My peep C dropped off an old broken cordless phone and was allowed in for free too.  Before we proceeded up to the show, we participated in a survey and were given a free eco-friendly power bar!  Score!!

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was buzzing.  There was a strong energy among the eclectic group of visitors today.  We collected our free re-useable bag (which came in so handy as the day wore on) and began to get the lay of the land.

Of course it began with food.   There was an area blocked off that served as the “food court” for this event.  Called the Pollinators’ Plate, the focus was on local food especially affected by pollinator’s i.e.: bees.  Did you know bees are in decline?

This year’s show  made sure to make it a point to hi-light this important issue.  Bees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in ecosystems. A third of all our food depends on their pollination. A world without pollinators would be devastating for food production!

Currency for food and drink

Fried chicken sliders with pickled cucumbers, coleslaw and blue cheese dressing from Hey Meatball.  Everything but the chicken and bread is affected by pollinators

Garlic & mushroom arancini in an heirloom tomato sauce.  Impacted by Pollinators: Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil. Provided by Keith Hoare and the Thistletown Collegiate high school chefs

I have to say, I wish that when I was in high school, I had been able to experience a chef program like the students at this school.  This is not the first time I have had the pleasure of sampling food provided by these young chefs.  Awesome job!  To get some insight, click here. 

After lunch, comes shopping.  It was vendor overload here.  Hours could be spent at one booth just looking and talking to the host.  I was able to come away with some cool things!

Bought this cool casual purse from Mrs. Greenway a store the focuses on supplying enviro-friendly and natural products for everyone.   They sell cleaning products, personal care, clothing and even pet care items.   My purse above is made from recycled leather jackets and bed sheets!

This was an unexpected purchase.  I have a ton of water bottles at home.  All plastic, none compare to this one.  While I was waiting for my friend, I wandered over to the Green’s Your Colour booth.  I proceeded to watch the rep do his demonstration.  He had put ice in a bottle earlier at 7AM.  It was now about 2 in the afternoon and the ice was still frozen.  In another, he had hot coffee, again from 7AM.  It was still steaming hot.  Were my eyes deceiving me?  I did walk away with one in the end as did my friend who purchased one for both her and her young son.  The website boasts 36 hours of cold water.  It did not lie.  I have been using mine steadily since my date of purchase and I remain amazed each time I take a sip.  I will enjoy taking this with me on hot summer day outings and knowing I will have ice-cold water to beat the heat.

I purchased these snacks on the recommendation from my friend.  Made Good granola minis are made in a dedicated facility free from the 8 common allergens: peanut, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish. They are also organic, gluten-free, Non-GMO project verified and contain the nutrients in one full serving of vegetables from six different sources. Granola Minis are the portable, pop-able snack packed with nutrition and flavour. These wholesome bites come in five yummy varieties and make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up at school or on the go.  They also make bars.  These can be purchased at all major grocery stores.  I am already down to my last two bags. I keep them in my work bag and snack on them while on my car ride home each day.  I am partial to the chocolate banana for the moment.  Though I think the chocolate chip may win my heart in the end.

Taking a breather in some green living space.  I put that re-useable bag to use!  

There was tons of sampling.  Got this box of Mac and Cheese for free!! 

  Ice cold mango treat! 

After a long busy day at the Green Living Show, some yummy cider from Brickworks Ciderhouse.  Yes, the 4 were mine.  The 1 in the back was not.  I had a ton of tickets left and it was yummy and refreshing.  How could I not!?

It was a great time at the show.  I discovered some new products and learned about some new ways to help the enviroment.  Can’t wait for next year! =)

Green Living Show 2016 About 3 weeks ago, I was able to attend the Green Living Show in Toronto.  It was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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Little Life Box

I am so excited.  I just ordered my first Little Life Box the other day and I cannot wait till it arrives next week. Little Life Box is a Canadian healthy lifestyle subscription box. Each box gives you the opportunity to sample and experience new green, organic healthy products in a convenient and fun way that saves you money. There is even a Vegan box.  Boxes vary each month and include a whole…

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Cookie Butter Treats

Have you ever been to Trader Joe’s?  If yes, then you know all about cookie butter. If not, you may be asking what is cookie butter?  It is spreadable Speculoos cookies.  Speculoos cookies are a classic Belgian cookie that are crunchy and have a hint of gingerbread with a caramelized finish. Cookie butter is a versatile food item.  You can spread it on toast or waffles for a yummy breakfast.  Use…

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Joh vs. Food - Mesa 2016

Joh vs. Food – Mesa 2016

I had a work trip to Mesa, Arizona back in March.  Not my first trip there, but the first time I’ve spent my birthday away from home. Kindly, some people from the Mesa office joined me for a little birthday dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, one of my fave places to eat when I’m in the US. Now, if you have been there before, you know how massive their menu is.  It’s insane the choice they give.  I…

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The first time I ever tasted lemony chicken piccata was on my second trip to Italy.  It was in Vatican city at a little Italian restaurant where our tour group ate the meal family style  I’ve enjoyed this dish every since.

Starts with some melted butter in a pan.  This will be used to cook the chicken. 

I dreged the chicken in some flour, salt and pepper.  Then into the pan to brown.

Once browned, they were taken out of the pan and set aside.  Time to make the sauce.

To the pan, with all the brown bits of flavour goodness, I added fresh lemon juice, white wine and capers.  Perhaps this isn’t a true piccata. I added a hint of dijon for some extra tang. I let it simmer for a bit, then added the chicken back to finish.

Once the chicken is cooked through, I always use a meat thermometer, the chicken is ready to be plated.  This instance, I paired with with some pasta.

Dinner is served! =)

Chicken Piccata The first time I ever tasted lemony chicken piccata was on my second trip to Italy.  It was in Vatican city at a little Italian restaurant where our tour group ate the meal family style  I've enjoyed this dish every since.

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Kit Kat Cheesecake Bars

Kit Kat Cheesecake Bars

It starts with a graham cracker base and a layer of Kit Kats What you can’t see here is the layer of chocolate cheesecake on top of the Kit Kat layer (I forgot to take a picture).But here is the layer of melted chocolate on top of the cheesecake after baking and allowing to cool.  Some drizzled white chocolate.  The whole thing went into the fridge overnight to settle.   Ready to be cut.  The…

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I’ve been told I make devilish treats.  This Mish Mash Chocolate Bark was just one of a few.

Some of the ingredients – graham cracker base, peanut butter, brown sugar and butter for toffee

 Bubbling away, sticky gooey toffee

While still hot, I poured the toffee all over the graham crackers. 

Then to that I added the peanut butter, chocolate chips and some pretzel pieces. 

After a few hours in the fridge, this was the bark result

Yummers! =)

Mish Mash Chocolate Bark I've been told I make devilish treats.  This Mish Mash Chocolate Bark was just one of a few.

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The Famous OWL of Minerva

The Famous OWL of Minerva

I like adventures.  It’s fun to have someone suggest trying  a new place to eat out of the blue.  And that is what happened here. I had an off day from work and met up  with my peep C.  The plan was to go eat and then do some shopping.  She suggested The Famous OWL of Minerva , a Korean restaurant. This was a place I had seen many times downtown or had friends post pictures about.  I was always…

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I’ve been quiet on the blogging for the last few months, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t still baking and creating.  Here’s some of cakes that came out my kitchen lately.

A birthday cake for work.  Lemon blueberry cake.  Lemony cream cheese icing and I candied the lemon slices for added effect. 

Stars Wars themed cake for my nephew on his 2nd birthday.  All chocolate everywhere! 

Baby shower cake for a work colleague as requested by her boss.  Simple vanilla, with pink buttercream

Work birthday cake – Easter themed naked cake

Another baby shower cake for my work friend Alexandra who has just left on her Maternity leave as of yesterday.  Vanilla funfetti giant cupcake. The fondant is a little imperfect.   Not pictured, 50 min cupcakes with pink buttercream.  

Birthday Cake Bonanza I've been quiet on the blogging for the last few months, but that doesn't mean I wasn't still baking and creating.