Have you tried Magnum?

I recently have been preoccupied with indulging in the new Magnum ice-cream bars. A-m-a-z-i--n-g is pretty much all I can say. You've gotta try them if you haven't already. (Trust me on this :)

Delicious meals delivered to your office!

So you know how you're always eating those crappy weekday lunches because you have no time (or are too lazy) to cook? I may have the perfect solution for you - Tiffinday lunches are delicious, good for you and ethically made to be gentle on our planet.


Name: Tiffinday
Type: Food/ Meals Delivery Service
Location: Toronto based Online Business
On the Web: www.tiffinday.com

Description: Tiffinday is founded on the premise that everyone has the right to delicious and nutritious meals, their commitment to environmental responsibility and enriching the community is evident in every facet of the business - from the reusable tiffins for meal delivery, to providing a living to those who face barriers to employment.

The idea is simple: order by 3:00 pm today for delivery at lunch time tomorrow!

Glögg: Christmas in Springtime

Glögg: mulled wine

Glögg is the term for mulled wine in the Nordic countries. It's basically a non-alcoholic fruit and spiced wine flavored drink. A little while ago, I purchased this one from Ikea and even forgot I had it until today - it's produced by Herrljunga Cider. Traditionally it's served warm and can be diluted with water, wine or something like vodka. You can also serve it with raisins and almonds although I'm yet to try this style. It may be the cinnamon and cardamom in the drink but it really does taste like Christmas in my mouth!

 

Kiwi + Mandarin Salad

Kiwi + Mandarin Salad

Kiwi + Mandarin Salad 

What you'll need:

• Kiwis
• Mandarins [fresh or canned]

How it's made:

1. Peel and slice up the kiwi[s]
2. Peel the mandarins 
3. Mix the two and if you're feeling adventurous, spray some whipped cream.

Chicken Pilau with Grape Tomato Salad

I used Kenyan Yankee Doodle Pilau Masala Whole to prepare this delicious meal. What's pretty cool about this raw spice mix is that you get to crash it by yourself and it smells sooo good!

Pilau served with a grape tomato salad

It was so delish!

Chicken Linguine with a Cheesey Whitish Sauce

Delicious!

I served it with fresh multi-grain bread

Delicious Vegetarian Chilli

Vegetarian Chilli served with Parathas

What you'll need:

• Olive oil
• A chopped jalapeno
• A chopped onion
• A Vegetable stock cube
• A can of mixed beans [I used Sobeys Compliments brand]
• Spices [A sprinkle of Paprika,  cayenne pepper, cumin]
• Tomato sauce [I actually used leftover tomato basil sauce from the other day] 
• Ground meat substitute [I like President's Choice Blue Menu Seasoned Ground Soy]
• Salt + Pepper

How to prepare it:

1. Heat the oil and then add the onion then jalapenos. Toss until the onions are soft.
2. Add the spices, vegetable stock cube, and ground meat substitute then 
3. Add the beans. Stir.
4. Add the tomato sauce and stir over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
6. Voila!

Cheese Ravioli with a Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce

Tonight on the menu: Cheese Ravioli with a Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce. The best part was it only took me under 20 minutes and only one pot :).

I used packaged Sobeys Compliments three cheese ravioli brand. You can use your preferred brand of packaged ravioli which can be purchased from virtually any supermarket or some specialty stores. [For you meat eaters, I hear you can even get beef stuffed ravioli].

Making this ravioli is really easy - just like boiling spaghetti. [Or if you're nervous - simply follow instructions on the back of the packaging.]

Easy Tomato Basil Sauce

What you'll need:

• Olive oil
• Chopped Onion
• Minced Garlic
• Can of  crashed tomatoes
• Tomato paste [not more than a teaspoon]
• Salt + Pepper
• Pinch of sugar [optional]
• Basil [I prefer to use fresh]
• Grated Mozzarella cheese [optional]

How to prepare:

1. Over medium heat, olive oil in a pan and fry the onion until soft and add garlic.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper to taste stir.
3. Add tomato paste to thicken the sauce and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes and stir occasionally.
4. Add the cheese, a bit of olive oil, basil, stir and voila!

[Don't worry if you make too much sauce, you can always use it tomorrow or freeze it for another pasta day!]

To Market! To Market!

There's this little market close to my place that I love. The funny part of the story is I don't know the name of the store. It's on Danforth Ave. and Broadview Ave. [northeast corner]. They always have the crunchiest veggies at good prices. The store owners are so friendly too!

Pina-Crima Smoothie

This morning it was the Pina-Crima Smoothie.

Did I mention just how delicious it was?

M7JZARXJA4EM

the Berry Sparklie Smoothie

I woke up needing a little sparkle today so I came up with a tasty drink I like to call the "Berry Sparklie Smoothie". It tastes so refreshing with a light fizz. You should try it too sometime!

Easy Noodles + Tofu with Teriyaki Stir-Fried Veggies

After what felt like such a long long week, tonight just felt like a noodles + tofu served with teriyaki veggies kinda night. It was pretty tasty and a light meal. I really enjoyed the taste of the teriyaki in the veggies. Yummy!

A little skinny

I came across another cute little dessert. This one is a little one by Nestle, part of a line called Skinny Cow. The one I tried is the Chocolate Fudge Brownie. It’s not ice-cream, a frozen dessert is what they call it. It didn’t taste as cute as it looked to me but I guess if you’re counting calories then it’s good. Since I love my desserts rich and wholesome, I’ll stick to a creamier version ;)

Noodle + Chives Dumplings. Delicious

Noodle + Chives Dumplings with a sprinkle of parsley.

I bought these frozen goodies from Mother’s Dumpling and prepared them with extra love.

Steamed Brown Rice with Pollock + Mushroom

What’s for supper?

Steamed Brown Rice with Pollock + Mushroom

[as always, recipe available if you just ask :]

Feels like home

The interior of this little spot in Kensignton feels just like home. I ordered a Vanilla Rooibos he ordered an Americano. They have crepes too :P

Click here for more photos from my experience.

Krepesz European Palacsinta [Café]
Augusta + College
www.krepesz.com

Do you have the sense to appeal?

A friend intro-ed me to this hidden gem this afternoon [he always knows all those special spots in Toronto]. This is an awesome spot worth dropping into [even when you’re not in the area]. You’ve just gotta! I had a yummy chai latte. The staff were friendly too :).

This is who they are;

WE’RE A CREATIVE COFFEE LAB IN TORONTO. WE ROAST. WE EXPERIMENT. WE ARE HERE TO MAKE COFFEE AWESOMER.

Sense Appeal

96 spadina ave, suite 101
(between king/adelaide, west side)
toronto m5v 2j6
-
416.907.8524

http://senseappeal.ca
http://twitter.com/senseappeal

Lobster Salad served with Curry Flavored Noodles

This is what supper looked like for me.

[recipe available upon request :]

General Tao’s Spicy Chicken

I tried Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers General Tao’s Spicy Chicken and absolutely loved it. My mother initially tried these meals a few weeks ago and sort of hinted that I try them. So today when I was at my local Sobeys I found them there and picked up a couple.

Fast, healthy + delicious! I definitely recommend!

I ♥ Häagen-Daz!

My little strawberry Häagen-Daz is shorter than my little salt shaker. I never knew that they make them this small! One little serving, plus it comes with a little spoon. Delish!

I ♥ Häagen-Daz! What’s your flavor?

Cooking with Simba Mbili

Cooking with Simba Mbili [curry powder]

Who said I wasn’t Kenyan?

Ok fine, maybe I’m not quite - but still :)

Crispy Noodles at Oriental Gourmet House

I just found out that I love crispy noodles! Considering how much of a foodie I am, you'd think I would know what the infamous Chinese entree on crispy noodles tastes like eh? Well I didn't! I cant believe I hadn't tried it all this time. A bit unhealthy but loved it! A friend made me do it over lunch at the Oriental Gourmet House by Yonge St and Adelaide. [Btw, this spot is small and not too stylish but the food is amazing at an amazing price especially for this part of the city. Hidden gems.]

Aside for this being a pretty awesome meal, the company was even better. It was a work related lunch which I walked out learning that I'll be co-chairing a pretty awesome 3 hour workshop at the end of May! The topic is diversity and you know how much that excites me ;).

Most days, I feel so privileged to have such active, engaged and brainy friends. All I have to do is just hangout around them then I look cool too :)

♥

i was a sixth grade alien

And then we proceeded to The Rex on Queen West. Being in jazz bars always makes me feel like going back to playing saxophone. Maybe soon...

It was so nice to hang out with the guys. Lots and lots of laughs and I think too much beer for at least one of them by the end of the night.

So three of us decided to walk towards Spadina but soon after stepping out of the bar we realized just how pouring these Spring showers were. We stopped right outside New Tribe for cover to wait for the street car when one of our buddies just casually said he decided to walk to Spadina and Bloor!!! We looked at each other but yeap he was serious. We didn't really get a chance to decipher it and I think part of me thought he was just bluffing and would turn back but nope, he wasn't!

Funny thing when I got off to switch streetcars, he was now drenched and came onto the street car. [hehe]

Okay like that isn't random enough.

I was sitting right next to him and he bbmed me;

"there's a show about him being a purple alien in grade 6"

Then I was like what alien? Who?

Then he pointed to a guy and googled "I Was a Sixth Grade Alien"

What a bizarre night I tell you. Lots of fun. Needed the distraction that's for sure.

Simon, what happened?

Simon Sushi on Spadina Ave. and College St. in Chinatown has been one of our family's Friday favorites for years now. You know that feeling of you don't realize what you have until it's gone?

Well yesterday mum and I went there for lunch a late lunch. It was strange because we ordered the same things as we always do but this time, there staff have changed?!?!!! The ladies have all changed! You don't understand. It's not like the new ladies were horrible to us, but it was just that feeling of familiarity. Usually when we walk in there we're greeted by friends who know where we like to sit and what we like to eat.

Maybe we'll try going there one more time in hopes that our friends happen to be on vacation or something.

Spring Rolls

Unexpectedly went to Spring Rolls on by Yonge and Bloor for supper. Going there is always a tasty treat. I had the Tango Mango Tiger Shrimp served on white rice (approx. $13.00).

Sharing a meal is usually such a warm and intimate experience.

Black Bottom Cupcakes!

On Sunday I decided to make my favorite cupcakes for my lovelies.

Baking is definitely one of my favorite things to do. It's just so inspiring and relaxing at the same time.

[I'll share the recipes to those who ask ;)]

Asian Finds

Woke up in bliss this morning.


Last night was a relaxed night in with lots of food from Friendly Thai. Steamed Coconut Rice ($2.99), Gai Yang - which is marinated grilled chiken ($10.99), Gai Pad Krapao -basil chicken ($10.99). Delish!

In the afternoon I took a streetcar ride to Chinatown! I love strolling around in that neighborhood. Picked up a few things from there- my fav items being these satin cushion covers!

black satin cushion covers -chinatown toronto

green satin cushion covers -chinatown toronto

Friendship at Hey Lucy!

I met up with my boarding school roommate this afternoon for a bite. Spending time with her always leaves me feeling a warm and familiar feeling. I think I just might go visit her in London (Ontario) one of these days although I secretly hope she moves to Toronto!

♥

We went to Hey Lucy! on Bloor St. (and Spadina Ave.) in the Annex. Fabulous food at a great price. Our waiter was really friendly + he told us we smell good and he was intoxicated ;).

Try their Wood Fired Rosemary Chicken (roast chicken, balsamic roasted onion, basil pesto, tomato) only $12 and absolutely yum!

Happy Nowruz!

It's going to be Persian Nowruz (new year) tomorrow. I was invited to a dinner for this great celebration. It was such a lovely dinner and I was taken just how welcoming everyone was. I was under the impression that it was going to be a dinner party with many people but it turned out to only be family plus me.

The food was completely amazing and I'm kinda shy to ask for recipes :). It was really neat to learn the cultural symbolism of the various items that were part of the celebration.

Happy Nowruz!

Coffee @ Jimmy's

A friend took me to this cool cafe in King West. I like the vibe and will definitely go back there again. Jimmy's Coffee is located by Portland and Adelaide streets. I had a trout wrap there but didn't quite enjoy it because of my strong dislike for raw bean sprouts. Other than that, I'd say definitely try it- it's worth checking out!

Simply delicious.

Seasoned basmati rice served with lightly buttered carrots. Simply delicious.

IKEA!

I had a tough night again last night. Ended up going to bed at 5:30 and having to wake up at 7am.

On the upside, the later part of my day was spent with my lovely mother. We went to one of my favorite places - IKEA! We had lunch there;

Stuffed Salmon, Fries, Mixed Veggies + Daim Tart

Tell me this isn't beautiful wall art?

Butter Chicken with Raisin Rice

When I got home from work this evening I had this ridiculous craving for Butter Chicken so I made it! I served it with raisin brown rice (another one of my favorite recipes). It tasted sooo good!

Have a look for yourself :)

(I realized that typing recipes is quite a chore so from now on I'll just post the pictures and if anyone actually ever wants to try the recipe then just ask me to and I'll put it up :)

Cutting Tradition through TIFF

I went to the Canteen once again this evening. It feels like I'm soon becoming a regular there :). I had the maple roasted squash served with mozzarella, balsamic, sage and a grilled lemon and herb chicken. So delicious.

It was my first time however to go for a film at the TIFF Bell Lightbox since it opened. My girlfriend asked me to check out the premiere of a friend's film. The Cutting Tradition narrated by Meryl Streep is a production of Safe Hands. This documentary is about the female genital mutilation in Africa. It had such powerful visual effects- very disturbing graphics, but powerful. Although I found it to be a well done film, it was definitely hard to watch. I chose to ask a provocative question and make a bold statement because I was upset by some of the ignorant comments that were being made throughout the Q & A. I dislike it when as people we create a "them" and an "us" especially when "they" aren't in the room to defend or speak for themselves.

Overall, such an exceptional evening and I really enjoyed spending time with my friend.

Pick-a-Barrel

We went to Pickle Barrel and I had an apple martini (yummy). For the entree I had something from their new menu, a basa fillet covered in roasted pistachios that was served with baked sweet potatoes.

Easy Super Lasagna

So apparently Super Bowl calls for big appetites. I made my easy lasagna to feed the masses and this is basically how it happens;

How to make easy Super Lasagna

What you need:

• Olive oil
• Salt and other desired dry spices
• Ground turkey (you can substitute with ground chicken or beef)
• Chopped onion
• Pasta sauce
• Cottage cheese
• Chopped spinach (or other available veggies)
• Mozzarella cheese  (as much as you'd like!)
• Oven ready lasagna sheets

How to prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Fry meat in some olive oil until cooked add salt and spices to taste, add chopped onion
3. Add pasta sauce and simmer for 5 minutes and let stand
4. In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese with spinach let stand
5. Begin to layer your baking casserole starting with lasagna sheets, then meat sauce, then grated cheese, then lasagna sheets, then cottage cheese mix, then grated cheese, etc. The top later should be ample meat sauce to spread on top of the final sheets
6. Put enough cheese to cover the top of the casserole. Cover in foil and bake for 40 minutes
7. Remove foil and bake till cheese is slightly brown
8. Let stand for at least 15minutes and serve!

Shrimp Stirfry in 15 minutes

Like most, I enjoy quick and simple meals. The fact of the matter is I suck with writing recipes because I tend to just make them up as I go along lol.

Enjoy!

How to make a 15 minute Shrimp Stirfry & Tomato Salad

What you need:

• Olive Oil
• Shrimp (You can substitute with Chicken, Beef)
• Any Noodles
• Mushroom (Or any veggies in your fridge)
• Teriyaki Sauce

How to prepare:

1. In a wok/ pan, fry the shrimp in olive oil until cooked and lightly brown
2. Add onions and fry till tender
3. Add noodles and a bit of water (don't put too much water- the noodles will primarily be cooked by the steam!)
4. When noodles are separating add your mushroom then mix it up for a minute
5. Add teriyaki sauce, mix for about 2 minutes. Ready to eat!

Other tasties on the plate:

Grape tomatoes, diced cheese, olives dressed in a Balsamic vinaigrette.

A Chapter in Green Jeans

I got a special copy of Munk Debates: Volume One from Chapters!

Met some of my friend's friends at Mr. Green Jeans. I had the Moroccan Chicken which was so yummy but such a large serving. To drink I had a lychee martini.

Pasta and Shoes

Courtesy of The Bi-Coastal Foodie

We went out for lunch at my lovely 7 West Cafe (someone needs to recommend a new eatery by Yonge and Bloor that's not Asian cuisine). Until then, my love for this hidden gem is undying.

We then proceeded to go shopping for Men's winter but summer shoes. The pair we got was from Browns Shoes because it had a zipper instead of laces and that's exactly what he wanted.

The Canadian Martha Stewart

A drive out of the city brought us to the most perfect hostess.

Great company, but more impressive was the culinary perfection and presentation. This woman is by far the most talented woman I've ever met. Her house's interior (and exterior) decor is so detailed and so precise. Felt like I was in a staged home. The dinner presentation was absolutely breath-taking! Were it not for embarrassment, I would've definitely taken pictures of this lovely evening. But please believe me when I say, I have met Canada's Martha Stewart!

Something I wish to aspire to (ok fine, maybe one day :).

If you or anyone ever needs an interior designer, florist, high-end chef to cater please ask me about Amanda!

A perfect evening.

Lunch at Bar Mercurio

My girl and I went for brunch at Bar Mercurio. I love going here for any meals because it always feels like home! Service was slower than usual but as always, excellent food.

I'm so happy that this friend moved to Toronto. Such a good feeling to still be close to an old friend!

 

♥

Dinner at Spuntini

I had a lovely dinner today at Spuntini in Yorkville. Very cozy space with an warm ambiance. The company? Couldn't have asked for better company.

I had a ceaser salad to start and for my entree the Salmone Alla Griglia - Grilled Atlantic salmon filet dressed with fresh lemon juice, white wine and butter. It was served with potatoes and asparagus. Finally my favorite part of any meal - dessert was a light tiramisu layered in run and kalhula with marscapone cheese. Delish!

Courtesy of Spuntini

Asian Treats AND A Coffin?

A friend visiting from Singapore and brought me Asian treats!

Conching Rosquillos Biscuits (From Phillippines)

Conching Otap Biscuits (From Phillipines)

Lots of world teas! Gryphon Tea Company (From Singapore)

Pretty Chinese box (closed)

World teas in a pretty box!

Apparently it's a Chinese Urn!