FoodSinners

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-16T00:28:00.002-05:00

2012-02-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

Have a good weekend !

AND enjoy Super Bowl XLVI

Artwork by Tom Wesselmann

El secreto mejor guardado de CATIA

2012-02-01T01:14:00.001-05:00

Last week we went to Catia (Caracas-Venezuela), where we found a Syrian community. We ate in a small famous bakery.

KNEFI

Most Loved Recipes of 2011

2012-01-04T22:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New years all!! As the year of 2011 comes to a close, some of my fondest memories of the past 12 months are the wonderful meals I have shared with my friends and family. It is no secret, anyone who knows me knows that I love to eat, and I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that also loves food! I truly believe a gooey macaroni and cheese or hearty winter vegetable soup warms the soul on our many a cold Canadian winter nights.

And so, it is with this constantly growing love of food in mind, that I have been invited to compile a list of a few favorite recipes of 2011. I have tried to add variety in these recipes; some being light summery salads, some being sweet, and some being savory. But as you may be able to tell, my mind is all over cold night comfort food and so these recipes lean more towards head to toe warming dishes. Truth be told, I could have added about 1000 recipes to this list but we'll start with just a few...

So take a look through these and see what you like and just TRY! What’s important to remember when it comes to cooking is there are endless possibilities when it comes to creativity in the kitchen! All it takes is a little imagination, some good quality fresh ingredients, patience, and a lot of love. And for those of you in 3foot by 3foot kitchens like me, with not a lot of space and not a lot of tools, keep this in mind: A good cook can make a beautiful meal anywhere. So please enjoy everybody!! Cheers to 2012 and to a big big love for all things delicious.

Quinoa, Red Cabbage and Feta Cheese Slaw

All ingredients are approximate so taste test as you go along :)

Ingredients
Approx. 1 cup Quinoa
1/2 a head of red cabbage, cut into thin strips

1 package feta cheese

1 medium red onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 medium red pepper, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup olive oil

Juice from a little less than 1 lemon

Approx. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 bunch parsley, finely chopped

Method

Prepare quinoa by rinsing in 2-3 changes of water. Add quinoa to pot and cover with enough water to cover grains by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to simmer. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, and then fluff with a fork and let cool for about 30 more minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare your olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Add lemon juice, salt pepper and chopped garlic and stir. Let sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marry together and the dressing becomes very tasty.

Cut your remaining vegetables and feta cheese and add to a big serving bowl. Once quinoa is cooled, add it to the bowl. It is important to make sure quinoa is cool enough as to not have it begin cooking the red cabbage. Season with a little more salt and pepper, add dressing and taste. Make adjustments wherever necessary to your liking.

This recipe is absolutely delicious paired with a summer barbecue!

Whole Wheat Sweet Potato Challah

(as seen on Naturally Ella's blog)

Whole Wheat Sweet Potato Challah

My complete love affair with these wonderfully orange potatoes continues here, with this moist and delicious Challah Bread. A personal favorite, it gets a dose of some extra delicious flavors when paired with the sweet potato.

Oven roasted San Marzano Tomatoes

This delicious oven roasted side dish is excellent served alone, or the next day on pastas, sandwiches, or used as a pizza topping.

Ingredients
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus 1/4 cup more for drizzling
1 small chopped yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
3 tbsp fresh parsley
2 28-oz cans peeled whole San Marzano Tomatoes
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Method
First off, preheat your oven to 275.
Pour 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil into a large baking pan, and add the onion, garlic, rosemary and parsley to the oil. Toss everything together and spread it all out evenly on the bottom of the pan. Drain both the cans of tomatoes and then gently squeeze out the tomato juices. Place tomatoes in a single layer into the pan. Drizzle the remaning 1/4 cup olive oil over the mixture, and season with the sugar, salt and pepper. Place in the oven and bake for about three hours.
Recipe serves 4 (with leftovers!)

Caramelized Mushrooms with Dumplings
(As seen on Joy the Baker's blog)

As delicious tasting as it sounds before it is even made, this is one ULTIMATE comfort food. I love biscuits morning, noon and night, and they work beautifully with this mushroom and vegetable filling, soaking up all the good juices after a day or two in the fridge. BUT, i will give you one small piece of advice for the biscuits!! Having never made biscuits before, i ended up with a VERY wet dough, and it got stuck all over my hands and all over the counter and all over the cat, but that's okay because once i added a mountain of flour they ended up being completely amazing! I am now convinced that there is no possible way that anyone can screw up biscuits.

Caramelized Mushrooms and Dumplings

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Sage Butter

Hurrah! I LOVE PASTA! In every possible way. Living in Italy for a year turned me on to all things pasta and pizza oriented, and this is a super simple recipe that turns out a sophisticated grown up plate of pasta that tastes incredible. The flavor the sage creates is clean and simple, and the only sauce that goes on this plate is deliciously browned butter. This recipe was taught to me in Florence by an Italian chef named Marco, and in his class we made our own pasta, which is surprisingly easy if you have the proper equipment ie. a pasta machine! But believe me feel free to cheat and pick up some store-bought Ravioli. Just make sure it is good quality and the filling is of ricotta and spinach.

For the Pasta
500 grams flour
5 eggs
pinch of salt

Method
Put the flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and break in the eggs. Work the flour into the eggs with a fork and continue with your hands until all the ingredients are well mixed. Add more flour if too sticky. Place on a floured surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, approx. 10-15 minutes. Make a ball and wrap in plastic wrap and leave to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.

For the Filling
225 gr. defrosted spinach
250 gr. ricotta cheese
1 egg
grated nutmeg
salt and pepper
grated parmigiano cheese
Browned Butter
chopped plus whole sage leaves
parmigiano
lemon zest

Method
Cook spinach to defrost in boiling water, drain well and squeeze all the water out. Chop finely, then blend with the ricotta, egg, nutmeg, and season with the salt and pepper and a bit of parmigiano cheese. If filling seems too water you may add more cheese or some breadcrumbs. You want the consistency to be thick so that it will stay in place on the sheets of pasta.

To make the ravioli
Divide the pasta dough into two balls. Roll each ball out as thinly as possible on a floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin. Make strips about 10 cm wide, and place your rolled dough through a pasta machine at this point to make dough thin enough. Place small amounts of filling on half the strip about 2 inches apart from each other. Cover with the other strip of dough, press edges to seal them and cut into squares or rectangles. Use a fork to seal the edges even tighter once the raviolis have been cut.
Cook ravioli in boiling salted water until "al dente" and drain with a slotted spoon and serve with browned melter butter, sage, lemon zest (optional) and lots of parmigiano cheese.

Ultimate Pumpkin Bread

(As seen on Cookie+Kate's blog)

Now, this is the only recipe I am including in this list of best recipes that I personally haven't actually made. I know, I know, how can I include it on a best recipe list when I haven't even tasted it? Well, word on the street is that this is a seriously uber amazing incredible pumpkin bread, and since I have a can of pumpkin still sitting in my cupboard at this very moment, I think i will make this ultimate pumpkin bread tomorrow! It looks delicious, and is full of healthy stuff like coconut oil, nutmeg and ginger.

Ultimate Pumpkin Bread

Curried Mango Chutney Chicken Salad

I am a big fan of salads. Chicken salad, turkey salad, egg salad, tuna salad, bean salad, etc. This one came into my hands a little while ago from my mom who used to make this chicken salad quite often when I was younger. Not to toot my own horn here but really this is one of the most amazing salads I have ever eaten in my life, and I guarantee you will also say the same thing once you have tried it. It is soooo creamy and flavorful, smells divine, and gives you a dose of goodness in the form of curry powder. If there is only one recipe you decide to choose from this list, please let it be this one because i guarantee whoever you make this for will be begging you for the recipe after the first bite!

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons curry powder

2 tablespoons mayo (you can adjust this based on the consistency you prefer)

Juice from half a lemon

salt and pepper

Smoked almonds, chopped (optional)

1 small grated carrot

1 small finely chopped onion or scallion

2-3 tablespoons of Major Grey Mango Chutney

Method

First of all, poach your chicken. I find this cooks it perfectly and keeps it tender, making it easier to shred before adding all the ingredients. Put the chicken breasts in a pot and cover them completely with a mixture of 3/4 broth and 1/4 water. Add salt, whole pepper corns, a few bay leafs, some pieces of onion and a cinnamon stick into the broth/water mixture. This will flavor the chicken nicely. Bring pot to a boil and then turn down to medium heat, allowing chicken to simmer for approximately 25-40 minutes. The longer you cook at low heat, the more tender the meat will be. Once it is ready, remove chicken and shred into a large bowl and keep broth for another use.

Once chicken is prepared, add onions, salt and pepper, curry powder, carrot, lemon juice almonds and mayo and stir to combine. Check the consistency of chicken and if it is too dry add more mayo. Add mango chutney and stir again until everything is all mixed in. Taste and adjust flavor by adding more salt and pepper, curry powder or chutney.

This chicken is delicious on its own or made into sandwiches. Lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

(As seen on Joy the Baker's blog)

YUM! I LOVE this recipe! It is so warm and comforting and sweet and delicious and isn't nearly as difficult as it seems. Sometimes making breads can seem scary but it is just a matter of following the recipe and taking all of the necessary steps involved. Seriously you will be so happy with this one and surprise yourself at your natural baking abilites. And since this is the second recipe I am referencing from Joy the Baker, it is very much worth your time to check out her enormous library of recipes on her blog. Everything is beautiful and she has such a wide variety of different things to try out.

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Sweet-Onion Mac and Cheese

(Adapted from Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, The Coterie Room, Seattle WA)

As seen on Tasting Table

Holy Delish. Mac and cheese I believe has become one of my top three comfort foods, and I'm not sure why because it was never something I adored as kid. But I recently have discovered there are hundreds of ways to twist up the plain old boring mac and cheese and make it rich and decadent and the most amazing tasting thing ever. NEVER go back to the box...

Also check out Tasting table for daily tips, recommendations and recipes you will love.

Ingredients

4 cups dried orecchiette

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon canola oil (or any oil of your choice) plus more for frying

2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 large sweet onion, coarsely chopped

salt and pepper

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced

1/4 cup rice flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

5 cups whole milk

1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese

3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped

1 teaspoon flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Method

Bring a stockpot full of salted water to a boil, add the orecchiette and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes. Strain the pasta, toss with the olive oil and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the tablespoon of canola oil, 2 tablespoons of the butter and the onion. Cook until the onion is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the onion in a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, toss the shallot slices with the rice flour. Shake the excess rice flour out of the bowl. In a medium saucepan, add enough canola oil to come 2 inches up the side. Heat the oil to 320 degrees, add the shallot slices and fry until they're a light golden brown color, about 1-2 minutes. Strain the shallots on a paper towl lined plate and season with salt and pepper.

Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan or dutch oven set over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 sticks of butter. Add the all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and light brown in color, approx 10 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce is thick, about 20 minutes. Add the Fontina, Parmesan, Cheddar and reserved onion puree. Whisk until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the pasta, chives and parsley. Garnish with the fried shallots and serve immediately.

Recipe serves about 6-8

Good Ol' Homemade Brownies

(As seen on Buns in my oven's blog)

You cannot deny it! A completely amazing brownie is something everyone adores every once in a while. And it also cannot be denied that sometimes finding a perfect brownie recipe can be a toughie. Forget about a box brownie, throw that idea out the window. What you want to achieve in a brownie recipe is something that is decadent and chocolatey yet not overly sweet, with a crispy outside and a very gooey center. You also want to avoid ending up with a brownie that is really just a big chocolate cake (which happens to have been my dilemma most of the time.) But low and behold, I have found a recipe for the perfect brownies! Seriously. You can now bookmark this and never have to search for another brownie recipe again. These are incredible and the perfect blend of everything you could ever look for in a brownie. And best part? They whip up in about 15 minutes, and take only a quick 25-30 minutes in the oven. Ohhhhh how they are divine!

Good Ol' Homemade Brownies

Repas de noel

2012-01-01T18:25:00.000-05:00

On a préparé un énorme repas de noël à Paris

Epaule d'agneau confite aux herbes, pommes grenailles

Décoration de caramel

Mille-feuille glacé

Mille feuille crème légère à la vanille bourbon

2011-12-20T11:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays !!

Click here for cupcake decoration ideas !!

Fishy !

2011-12-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

Check out these photographs by Ted Sabarese of people who look like the fish they are eating !

Via Flavorwire

Breaking News from the BBC

2011-12-07T07:46:00.003-05:00

Good morning, here are some interesting food related headlines to start your day !

Playlist #1

2011-12-06T18:07:00.007-05:00

And voila ! The first playlist for FoodSinners. Download and enjoy while you have a 'chill' cooking or entertaining night !

Have a lovely day !

Download by pressing HERE

The Party Bear

2011-12-05T17:02:00.000-05:00

YUM!

Click here to see more

2011-12-05T16:54:00.001-05:00

20 Unusual Uses for Coffee

2011-12-03T17:54:00.000-05:00

I love coffee. I love drinking it in the morning, and for that matter at all times of day. I drink it mostly because I am seduced by the flavors and aromas, but I can't deny that it definitely gets me going in the mornings !

I enjoy tea as well, particularly when I'm craving a decaffeinated drink. I am also attracted by all the health benefits that surround it, and the calmness it inspires. But, ladies and gentleman, do not disregard coffee and it's properties !! Ever wonder what can help you remove fridge odors, repel ants, or grow mushrooms ? Think of coffee. Read this awesome list of 20 unusual uses of coffee.

2011-12-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

Megarealism

2011-12-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

Last but not least, check out Tjalf Sparnaay's hyperrealist work, one of a kind, really. He is presently considered to be one of the most important contemporary painters working in this style. His works are sold for high prices and are found in galleries and dealers in the UK, Netherlands, and NY.

Some of my favorite movie food scenes

2011-11-29T13:39:00.000-05:00

MacDo Lights The Sky

2011-11-28T10:50:00.000-05:00

Awesome ad campaign in London, click here for more information.

Outstanding Tents

2011-11-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

Via The Cool Hunter

L'Arpege

2011-11-26T14:31:00.001-05:00

For the third time we went to l'Arpege (3 michelin stars) in Paris. And like all the other times, it did not cease to surprise our palates with the delicate and creative combinations of textures and flavors. Check out the pictures below:

Epinards palco fanés,carotte touchon à l'orange

célerisotto, aux truffes blanche d'alba

Aiguillettes de homard de Chausey au Côtes du Jura,belles du bois Giroult

Coquilles St Jacques de la Côte d'Emeraude à l'unilatéral échalotes jermor confites

Grande rôtisserie d'héritage "Louise Passard" poularde du Haut-Maine

Millefeuille aux fruits de nos vergers goûter croustillant

Tarte aux pommes Bouquet de Roses

Praliné de noix soufflé à l'ancienne chocolat araguani

mignardises

L'ami Louis

2011-11-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Cornichons croquants

Galette de pomme de terre

2011-11-25T15:05:00.001-05:00

Ralph Goings

You can click here to see what Goings paintings have sold at in the past (through Christie's Auction House)

How To Have a Happy Thanksgiving According to Vintage Ads

2011-11-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKS GIVING !!

Enjoy !

Via Tres Sugar

More photorealism

2011-11-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

Roberto Bernardi

Doug Bloodworth

2011-11-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

"Doug Bloodworth's paintings are inspired by a childhood affection for American western classics. His oeuvres are a combination of Pop Art, photography and textural paint strokes. I love them." Click here for more.

Waitrose Ad

2011-11-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

Check out Waitrose's (english supermarket) Christmas commercial created by BBH London and directed by Knucklehead's Siri Bunford. The 90 second commercial features Waitrose favourites Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal in a magic inspired world. Beautiful.

2011-11-20T21:19:00.001-05:00

Just a little post about what you should be expecting this week, to get you all excited !

What is photorealism? I'll leave you with the wikipedia definition for now:

Photorealism is the genre of painting based on using the camera and photographs to gather information and then from this information, creating a painting that appears to be very realistic like a photograph. The term is primarily applied to paintings from the United States art movement that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

You can expect works by a couple artists I recently found out about.

Also, Thanksgiving weekend is coming up, I have a little vintage surprise in store.

Happy Sunday

50/50

2011-11-20T11:47:00.001-05:00

Famine and drought are severely affecting Eastern African countries like Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. In their report last month UNICEF warned that although some aid has been given to countries in Eastern Africa, “much more needs to be done to save hundreds of thousands of children at risk of dying from malnutrition and disease.”

As a response, a team of creative people is answering UNICEF’s call through a new project titled 50/50 (by social innovation labs Good for Nothing and Made by Many). They are calling on artists and media makers to submit one fundraising project a day for 50 days with the goal in mind to raise $1.57 million towards UNICEF relief efforts.

Many projects have been submitted, but I particularly enjoy these beautiful posters called Posterity by visual effects agency “The Mill.” They are limited edition and only $50 for a beautiful piece of art and most importantly to help others. It's a good way to spend your money during the holidays !

Article Via Good Magazine

I am making this ...

2011-11-17T21:41:00.000-05:00

I feel like there is nothing that goes better together than pumpkin and fall. So here is the next recipe on the line up !
A pumpkin bread by Cookie + Kate

Nerd Fabrication

2011-11-15T09:03:00.001-05:00

Check this out and take a look at how technology is working nowadays.

"how sweet the coffee tastes, more delicious than a thousand kisses, mellower than muscatel wine"

2011-11-13T18:31:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to a concert at Place Des Arts to watch Bach’s Secular Cantatas: The "Peasant Cantata" and the "Coffee cantata", which are part of the Montreal Bach Festival 2011.

The Coffee Cantata was a humorous, satirical commentary of coffee in the 1700’s. It tells the story of a girl who is addicted to coffee and her father who disapproves.

The concert was very meaningful to me, because apart from appreciating the beautiful music and comical performance, I was reminded of the role of coffee in the 18^th century. (The story of coffee is fascinating ... I took a food history class in University and my professors specialization was on coffee - check here for more information about Brian Cowan and his research book "The Social Life of Coffee"). In the 1700's coffee was a novelty, but it was considered a vile substance and a drug. Last night's concert was particularly interesting to me because I think that it is fascinating to see how social issues were also discussed in mediums such as classical music.

Click here to read the lyrics and click here for a performance

Awesome Accessories for a Modern House

2011-11-10T11:10:00.000-05:00

(always necessary to have a touch of vintage)

2011-11-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

This past summer I found out what Soba noodles were. I was so curious to try them and so I made the first recipe that I came across with (not really a recipe at all actually). It consisted of boiling the noodles, and eating them dipped in diluted tsuyu sauce and accompanied by chopped green onions. This dish is claimed to be a summer favorite in Japan because it is so refreshing. Now that we are hitting the colder months, I am looking for alternative ways to eat my noodles ... and I just found a really tempting recipe: Peanut Soba Noodle Bowl.

YUM !

2011-11-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of making different playlists for cooking/dinner parties: romantic, fun, lively ... but for now I want to leave you with a fun song by Coeur de Pirate, a Quebec artist with an angelical voice who just launched her new Album titled 'Blonde' and is having a concert tonight in Montreal. Play this while baking, or having tea with your friends.

Enjoy !!

Sunday Morning

2011-11-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

Time To Feel Chili

2011-11-06T18:32:00.001-05:00

In order to keep a positive attitude and get a little excited about winter, my boyfriend and I decided that on the first day it snows we are going to make a nice hearty chili to keep ourselves and our friends warm.

This idea came from my roommate last year whom I made the same sort of plan with, except on the first day of snow we would drink some "hot shots", literarily a hot shot made of galliano, coffee, and whipped cream ... I did not end up enjoying this so much.

Since the alcoholic coffee was not of my preference, I thought I'd keep the new tradition of having something to look forward to, but I decided to chose chili. I had chili on my mind because I've been recently obsessed with Amy's products (including chili), and I wanted to make a personal version.

I just came about this recipe, which I think would be good to try ! (click here)

I hope it doesn't snow too soon, but if it does, I'm ready for my chili.

2011-11-06T18:17:00.000-05:00

Soup recipes to keep you warm in the coming winter

Go here: Running with Tweezers

Jelly Bean Craze !!!!

2011-11-04T12:27:00.003-04:00

Kina Grannis used 288.000 jelly beans to create this video ! So cool !!!!

Check out the Behind The Scenes:

Berlin Fashion Food Show

2011-11-04T11:57:00.000-04:00

The creations by Michelin-starred Austrian chef Roland Trettl couple haute couture with haute cuisine. Their exhibition is featured at the Communication Museum in Berlin.

These images/creations are shocking but they carry with them a strong message:

“The images are not salacious or pornographic but they are erotic and provocative and raise questions,” museum director Lieselotte Kugler told AFP, following an exhibition opening with two live models.

“This is also a celebration of food. When you think of all the food that is thrown away every year in Germany — including 5,000 tonnes of bread — everyone needs to consider how they approach food and how food is increasingly industrialized in our society."

Check out more about this at Dawn

ALSOLUT BLANK

2011-11-02T08:56:00.000-04:00

Absolut's new creative collaboration, beautiful

2011-10-31T11:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday !

Wishing you all a sweet start to the week ! For now I leave you with some pictures of a lemon poppy seed cake (which I made yesterday - from another recipe though).

Via alwayswithbutter

2011-10-30T20:49:00.000-04:00

'I like sweets and I also fancy a good steak. Wouldn’t it be nice to have it all in one?' was Jasmin Schuller's inspiration for her project Sweet Meat.
Certainly a lot of vegetarians would be displeased with this comment. But Schuller needs serious credit by her work and her achievement in making beef look like a heavenly dessert.

Lollies

2011-10-30T20:43:00.000-04:00

David Sykes

2011-10-29T14:36:00.000-04:00

Just discovered London food photographer David Sykes and he's got me pretty SYKED with his photographs. I want to share a selection with you so here you are (but do go to his website because there are just too many beautiful pictures !).
He also does a lot of add campaigns, they are pretty nice.

The last image, 'skullsicle lollipop', was created by artists at Hamilton Ice Sculptures for Sykes lollipop project. Check it out in the next post !

Vogue Italia, Home Chic.

2011-10-27T16:15:00.000-04:00

Photographed by Miles Aldridge

More Embroidery: Severija Incirauskaite

2011-10-27T16:08:00.001-04:00

"Embroidery is pretty hot right now, so who better to show off this current trend than Lithuanian artist Severija Incirauskaite, who darns yarn like no other. Her work involves cross-stitching domestic, metal objects such as pans, watering cans, spoons and even car doors. Integrating traditional elements from her Lithuanian heritage, Severija manages to turn a simple idea into something beautiful. We talked to the artist about how she mixes pop culture with traditional craft and technique".

To read more, go to Don'tPanic

You wouldn't expect it to be so sweet

2011-10-26T10:53:00.001-04:00

Oreos ... Oreos yes. I love Oreos ! Take a look at this sweet version (also by J.G Klausner):

Click here for more

Egg Crazy

2011-10-26T10:45:00.002-04:00

I'm loving eggs these days, but I'm also loving egg art!

I found these wonderful embroideries by artist Judith Klausner. They are so realistic !

Check it out:

J.G.Klausner

Cool Kitchens

2011-10-25T18:09:00.003-04:00

ivillage

Yuki Matsueda

2011-10-25T18:08:00.002-04:00

http://www.yuki-matsueda.com/works

Kingston Delight

2011-10-24T18:28:00.001-04:00

Pan Chancho, Kingston, Ontario

Sweet Sunday

2011-10-23T19:52:00.000-04:00

Cakes frambois noix coco. Recipe from "Patisserie Facile" - Marabout.

Cupcake Baking Advice

2011-10-22T14:23:00.000-04:00

A FoodSinner Tune for Thursday Afternoon

2011-10-20T13:55:00.002-04:00

Enjoy it, but unlike James, do eat.

St Viateur Pizza, Montreal

2011-10-20T13:39:00.001-04:00

It was walking around my new neighborhood on a beautiful hot summer night that we discovered the best pizza in Montreal.

St Viateur Pizzas are classic: thin and crispy, while keeping saucy and tasty.

What took our palates by surprise was the subtle touch that Mascarpone cheese added to a regular ham and mushroom pizza.

The salads they serve are also delicious.

15 St-Viateur O
(514) 907 0007

Challah

2011-10-20T13:14:00.000-04:00

2011-10-14T20:50:00.000-04:00

You might be over the original "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, but this mashup brings the song to a whole new level ... and reminds me of last (amazing) summer.

2011-10-13T16:47:00.003-04:00

Magic Worlds

2011-10-13T14:54:00.003-04:00

Nigel Cox Photography

I am not quite sure on how I came upon these images, but the second I saw them I felt a powerful aesthetic reaction. In them, I see elements of daily life mixed with outer worldliness. Some images seem more ordinary than others (grapes vs. popcorn) but all the images hold in them an element of magic. They all capture a window of time that shakes off our concepts of these foods in real life. I think the popcorn and coffee are the most shocking. These two images are reminiscent of food that is so current that it is far from strange to us, yet there is something about the composition of the images that is magical. The cooking popcorn has an organized explosion, even the lid is floating over the it. the image defies our concept of cooking popcorn, and basic physics of life: gravity.

I think my favorite image is the coffee, it reminds me of the scene from the Disney movie “Sleeping Beauty” when the three fairies are making a cake and all the ingredients are flying around.
I love the color in all these images, I think the images are beautiful and while they are simple, they are powerful.

2011-10-06T16:25:00.001-04:00

Preparations for Rosh Hashanah #1

2011-09-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

3 Challahs- nice, old school, and mangled. All delicious !

Sushi Fundraiser

2011-09-22T11:07:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday we hosted an all-you-can-eat sushi dinner to raise funds for the international fundraiser 'Eat So They Can'.

We woke up early Sunday morning and went all over the city searching for the best products. We bought delicious fresh fish at La Sirene (tuna, salmon, and scallop). Then we went to Jean Talon market to get fresh vegetables. And finally to a Corean-Japanese market on St-Catherine Street to buy all the necessary sushi supplies (sushi rice, rice vinegar, soy, nori, wasabe ...).

Small rice cookers are not optimal for making sushi for 15 people. It took quite a while to make 4 batches of rice and let it cool down enough to be able to roll the sushi. Fortunately this gave us time to cut and prepare all the vegetables and fish.

Overall, the night was a success ! We made about 30 rolls of sushi including California, Alaska, Spicy Tuna/Salmon/Scallop, Sweet Potato Roll ... and a bunch of other inventions that came up as we were working.

After a day of hard work, we thoroughly enjoyed eating and of course, drinking sake ! It was a great time.

Disparity by Christopher Boffoli

2011-09-22T10:51:00.000-04:00

Everyday scenes created using food and toy figures:

I love chanterelle mushrooms

2011-09-04T17:30:00.001-04:00

Delicious Doughnuts

2011-09-02T13:19:00.000-04:00

On Saturday morning we woke up and went to get some indulgent breakfast at the TatoNut Shop, a locally owned landmark. It was truly the best doughnuts I've ever had ! They were so light and fluffy, you could eat 5 of those easily.

The Shed - Mississippi

2011-09-02T13:14:00.000-04:00

Last week while in Mississippi we went to this joint to get a potato salad (amazing!) for some home made ribs my uncle was making. I thought the decoration was so fun, check it out.

2011-08-31T15:56:00.001-04:00

Special thanks to F&F for the wonderful design

Check out their blog here

The Food Exhibition - Montreal

2011-08-31T15:53:00.001-04:00

I am working for an international fundraiser called "Eat So They Can." I've been organizing a series of events, but the one that I am most excited about is an art show I am organizing.

I've asked artists around the globe to submit art work having the subject of food in their minds. As a result the exhibition will present a selection of paintings, drawings, graphic design, and poetry in an effort to explore subjective interpretations of food in our modern world.

To me food is love, adventure, sharing. I do know, however, that around the globe, this is not the case. Global food prices are skyrocketing and for the planet's poorest 2 billion people, who spend 50-70 percent of their income on food, these soaring prices mean going from two meals a day to one.
Although I wish food could mean the same to all, it does not, and won't.

I invite you to become socially conscious of how fortunate we are, and to give a hand to those who cannot get their day to day bread. In the Eat&Art Exhibition you will enjoy a beautiful selection of art work which you will be able to purchase through a silent auction.

I've chosen that all proceeds go to an orphanage in Ethiopia called: Mercy Ministry Happy Children's Home. In this home, opened in 2005, orphaned children receive shelter, and food.

The art work will be exhibited throughout the entire month of October, so you can go to the Gallery/Cafe Shaike any time you like. But you are invited to come for the Vernissage on October 6th at 7:00 pm.

If you cannot make it, I encourage you to give a small donation here.

Turntable Kitchen

2011-08-30T16:13:00.001-04:00

Ever find yourself craving a certain type of music while you cook, and you just can't figure out what you'd like to listen to ? The solution is here !
The project "Turntable Kitchen" connects music and food. The founders, Kasey and Matthew Hickey, suggest the right tracks to accentuate the experience of music and food together. They analyze the textures and flavours and decide what songs matches them well.
So next time you need to set the perfect mood to your cooking spree, or dinner, just go on their website and check it out here.

Kei

2011-08-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

Last week we went to Kei, located in Paris near to Les Halles. Kei Kobayashi recently opened Kei, this chef worked 8 years for Alain Ducasse.

Excellent wine

It was the perfect meal!

New Canadian Labelling Law

2011-08-18T11:29:00.001-04:00

This Wine Contains Fish News News & Features Wine Spectator

What do you think of this? Is it a step too much?

Les Desserts

2011-08-15T13:31:00.000-04:00

Lors d'une petite échapée de Paris, on a eu l'occasion d'aller manger à La Veranda situé à l'ouest de France.

On a pu dégusté les meilleurs desserts de la région.

Soufflé noisettes, glace speculos

Sablé framboises crème légère aux fruits rouges

Tattoos, tattoos, tattoos !

2011-08-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

Check out this new e-shop offering temporary tattoos with super awesome designs !

Tattly tattoos

Redesign the supermarket

2011-08-11T08:55:00.000-04:00

Good Online Magazine asked its readers to re-envision a modern super market and this is what the winner, Alison Cross, designed.

"Congratulations to Alison Cross for her innovative grocery store design, which features a circular structure, plentiful bike racks, shorter aisles for easy access, tables for community use, and an on-site garden for produce. She built her concept around the principles of a holistic lifestyle. Sound better than your local superstore? We think so too."

2011-08-11T08:49:00.001-04:00

2011-08-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

Adventures at the MOMA

2011-08-03T18:19:00.000-04:00

Reminiscing - Venezuelan snacks

2011-08-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

Via Venezuelan Creative Agency Guatafoc

2011-07-29T17:06:00.000-04:00

Culinary Arts 1922; Crab Nebula by bryanF via hello-f

Inspirational Adds

2011-07-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

Trevor Pearson Photography for Manhattan Wine Auction

Promotional Poster for Fantasia, an alternative film festival in Montreal

2011-07-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

Photo by: Alain Desjean

2011-07-25T12:26:00.002-04:00

For all you Angry Birds fans out there, check this out:

Beautiful Posters

2011-07-24T19:08:00.000-04:00

Check out these beautiful posters you can order online. Great kitchen decor !

Posters here

Strange stuff ...

2011-07-24T19:04:00.002-04:00

<p><a href="http://video.news.com.au/2063870393/Dancing-squid">VIDEO: 'Dancing' squid</a></p>

Textures

2011-07-24T18:41:00.000-04:00

Via Notcot

2011-07-18T17:04:00.000-04:00

I love Raphaël Ouellet's photograph of French rapper Oxmo Puccino.

PS: I found out today that Ouellet is from our own Montreal.

2011-07-18T13:39:00.000-04:00

I'm headed to NYC tomorrow and looking forward to check out some new places ! I will keep you posted, for now enjoy this wonderful Del Posto video.

Stella

2011-07-15T11:57:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the summer. Drink beer.

Linius Morales

2011-07-15T11:54:00.000-04:00

FabFood by Linius Morales via legiterally

2011-07-14T11:47:00.002-04:00

Via lawofcounterculture

Did you know that ...

2011-07-13T09:50:00.001-04:00

Momofuku means "Lucky Peach".

David Chang's first cookbook tells the story of how he started in the restaurant business, the story of his three restaurants, and how he came up with the recipes for each.

2011-07-12T19:35:00.002-04:00

Popin'

2011-07-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

Food Writing Conference

2011-07-07T14:23:00.004-04:00

For anyone interested in attending a food writing conference press here:

2011-07-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

To celebrate a beautiful Sunday in my new apartment we made a delicious lasagna. Check it out !

Email for recipe.

Kazu, Montreal

2011-07-06T15:17:00.000-04:00

The long line ups are definetely worth it when it comes to Kazu. I love the small and initimate feel of the restaurant, the exposed kitchen, and the friendly japanese staff.

I will not disclose what the above dishes are (except the last picture: sake ice cream!) because it is fascinating to go and study the menu, and let yourself be surprised by the stunning presentation. I do encourage you to check the place out !

Kazu
1862 St Catherine Street
514-9372333

NYC Dining Car

2011-07-06T15:00:00.001-04:00

Thank you A.O

Beer ...

2011-07-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

Never been here, but I like the sign.

Vices et Versa 6631, boul Saint-Laurent
514-272-2498

Little Italy, Montreal

2011-07-06T14:44:00.000-04:00

Mushroom Risotto

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-04:00

Le Cartet, Montreal

2011-07-06T14:35:00.004-04:00

The first word that crossed my mind on Sunday morning was “brunch”. My mom was visiting to Montreal and I wanted to take her somewhere she had never been, so we headed over the Le Cartet Restaurant in Old Montreal.

I really enjoy the atmosphere at Cartet, despite the often-long line-ups. Luckily for us, we arrived at a good time.

The brunch menu offers mostly healthy alternatives, but I opted for the greasy breakfast, it was good.

What I enjoy the most about this restaurant is that there is a boutique at the front of the store. They sell ready-to-go food, many delicious chocolates, granolas,

What makes Le Cartet special is their boutique. They offer ready-to-go food, a wide variety of chocolates, and many international goodies. My favorite is the private import wines ! Make sure to check these out, but beware, you can only purchase them when you pay your bill.

Le Cartet Resto Boutique514-8718887
info@lecartet.com

Let's eat some crêpes

2011-06-16T12:56:00.001-04:00

Recently we went to La Baule where we ate the best crêpes of France.

The saltly ones are called Galettes they're brown and those who we eat for dessert are called crêpes.

In this place the crêpes are served in metal plates and eaten with the fingers.

Ar Poul Gwen

Crêpe citron

Crêpe nutella

Tasting