Browse

our directory of women-owned businesses

Archive for the ‘Sip / Savor’ Category

World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.

America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!

Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina

Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.

Ingredients:

1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.

Party Sangria- Spain

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec

Preparation:

  1. Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
  2. Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
  3. Chill overnight.
  4. Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

Potato Salad- Germany

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes
¼ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

  1. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into ¼ inch pieces.
  2. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
  3. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
  4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands

Ingredients

2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
  2. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
  3. Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
  4. In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
  5. Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
  6. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

Bachelorette Party Gifts We CRAVE

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The Bachelorette Party is the ultimate of girl’s nights out, and that requires the ultimate gift.  A bachelorette party is the perfect way for a bride to unwind and relax with her closest girlfriends after the stress of planning a wedding, and we know that you want to give her a gift that will bring a smile to her face or elicit a good laugh.  Make sure the bride-to-be’s last night on the town as a single lady is a memorable one, with these great bachelorette gift suggestions.

TRYST LINGERIE -  trystlingerie.com
No bachelorette is complete without a gift of racy lingerie.  Tryst Lingerie has a large assortment of over 150 bras, lingerie, sleepwear and gifts.  It is the perfect place to pick out that forget-me-not outfit for the bride-to-be and also carries all needed under-gown garments.  Take it one step further by not just purchasing you bachelorette gift here, but by hosting your party, as Tryst offers lingerie private shopping parties.

CHEEKY MONKEY COSMETICS - cheekymonkeycosmetics.com
Every bride wants to look beautiful down to the last detail on her special day.  Give her a head start by giving her one of the many colours of nail polish available at Cheeky monkey Cosmetics.  Their high quality polishes are all environmentally safe and 3 Free Healthy.  Each colour has its own “cheeky” name and you can visit their website to find its corresponding cocktail recipe.  A mani and pedi with an accompanying cocktail is the perfect start to any bachelorette party in our books.

SUGAR BAKING- sugar-baking.com
Avoid the uninventive cliché of a cake inspired by a male dancer and show up with the latest delicious craze instead- miniature cupcakes. Sugar Baking offers a wide variety of scrumptious mini-cupcake flavours that can be easily ordered over the internet and delivered to anywhere in the GTA.  Our favourite is the classic red-velvet, but for something a little more decadent try the Cookies & Cream!

Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.

Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.

Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.

1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.

2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.

3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.

4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.

5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.

6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.

7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!

8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company

Summer Treats We CRAVE

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

We consider summer the season of indulgence, and one thing that we CRAVE is cool and colourful treats!  Summer means access to the freshest fruit and vegetables, iced coffees, ice cream and more.  Gone are the days of chasing down the ice-cream truck (although we still get a tinge of excitement when we hear its music outside our door) and the introduction of some new and sophisticated summer treats to look forward to when the sidewalks begin to sizzle.

BALZAC’S COFFEE -  balzacscoffee.com
We searched high and low for an excuse to begin every summer day with a giant scoop of ice cream, but just couldn’t find one, especially with Balzac’s Coffee right around the corner.  With a location in the Historic Distillery District and another in Liberty Village, Balzac’s has freshly brewed iced coffees to give us our needed jolt of caffeine in the morning, with an icy twist.

MABEL’S BAKERY - mabelsbakery.ca
Mabel’s Bakery & Specialty Foods brings rustic baked goods, home-style prepared foods and local artisan breads and cheeses to Roncesvalles.  We go for the Raspberry Bars.  With only seasonal availability we plan to stuff ourselves full of these wonderful little delights while we can.  We also CRAVE their fresh daily organic soups.

MADELEINES CHERRY PIE AND ICE CREAM - madeleines.ca
Madeleines name is pretty self explanatory.  Known for the best cherry pie in the city (baked from scratch based on an old family recipe), Madeleines is a charming little spot reminiscent of a sweets shop.  We can think of nothing that screams summer more than freshly baked cherry pie filled with local summer-ripened cherries and a big scoop of ice cream… unless, of course, you are eating that pie and ice cream on Madeleines’ quaint garden patio.

Interview with Cassidy Watkins of The HomeBake Pizza Company

Friday, June 18th, 2010

You no longer have to hunt down a pizzeria for delicious hand-tossed pizza, just stop by The HomeBake Pizza Company. for fresh made ‘take and bake’ pizza, they deliver too! Food lover and owner, Cassidy Watkins started The HomeBake Pizza Company, which is Toronto’s first ‘take and bake’ pizza shop, specializing in made to order gourmet pizzas from all natural and organic ingredients. Mmmm, delicious and nutritious! HomeBake Pizza turns any home kitchen into a gourmet pizzeria, bon appétit!

   
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fresh, delicious, gourmet.

What are your most popular products or services?
Fresh, local, organic toppings and um … pizza!  We also offer spelt and gluten-free options that are very popular with people with diet sensitivities.

People may be surprised to know…
How simple it is to bake one of our pizzas. You don’t need any special tools; we provide everything that’s needed. Oh, and also organic multigrain pizza dough can taste really good!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
A simple desire to have a better option for pizza in the comfort of my own home, and realizing that if I was frustrated with soggy box pizza, others were too.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Anyone who inspires me, who reminds me I can always do more, who brings goodness and fulfillment to the lives of others.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I’m not really one to toot my own horn, which is a challenge because having a new business necessitates you being able to let people know how fantastic your business is.

How do you spend your free time?
Enjoying a quiet late morning breakfast at home, trying not to fall off the pilates machine, and getting dirty doing reno projects with friends.

What is your indulgence?
Why, food of course!  I’m currently in love with my partner’s slow cooked, maple infused bacon. So worth the wait!

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
People are going to think that all I do is eat, but I love getting together over weekend brunch at neighbourhood restaurants, it always feels so decadent.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Balance in all things, and time. Time to re-energize, to seek out inspiration and to fully embrace the rewards working for yourself can bring.
Visit The HomeBake Pizza Company at:

476 Roncesvalles Ave
Toronto, ON, Canada M6R 2G5

Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.

When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.

Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.

Top 5 pantry foods to replace

Bread crumbs

OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.

Broth

OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).

Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays

OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.

Salad Dressing and Sauces

OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.

Vanilla

OUT
- Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at www.jamieliving.blogspot.com.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!

1. Pick a Location:

  • At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
  • On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
  • At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
  • In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
  • On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.

2. Picnic Menu Items:

We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!

  • Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
  • Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
  • Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!

3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:

  • Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.”
  • Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
  • Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
  • Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
  • Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
  • Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.

Places We CRAVE for a Fresh Salad

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

As we become more active during the sunny spring and summer months we usually CRAVE a light and fresh meal to keep ourselves on the go. Salads are the perfect alternative to a heavy slab of meat and a mound of mashed potatoes. There are so many scrumptious fruits and vegetables during these seasons to make any boring salad fun and festive. Check out these places we CRAVE for a nutritious and delicious salad. Bon appétit!

Fresh: Leading the healthy food movement in the heart of Toronto, Fresh operates responsibly and provides food that is sustainable to a healthy lifestyle. Owner, Ruth Tal, created her menu to cater to both vegetarians and regular eaters so everyone could enjoy fresh, healthy food that was flavorful and festive. The Mega Life salad is anything but bland; pair it with one of her signature vegetable juices for an extra dose of delicious vitamins.

Daily Apple: Located at the North Toronto AppleTree Market, a visit to the Daily Apple is a great way to support locally grown produce while enjoying a fresh salad! Owner, Lesley Stoyan, created a menu that is completely vegan to promote ‘green living’, where food is considered just as important as fitness. Try her Daily Apple & Cucumber salad for a fresh pick-me-up!

Lola’s Commissary: Nestled in a restored Victorian home, Lola’s Commissary is the perfect spot for contemporary dining surrounded by old world charm. Owners and award-winning chefs, Therese DeGrace and Karen Balcom, offer a menu full of delicious comfort food with a twist. Looking for a lighter fare? Try the Santa Fe salad for a hearty and healthy meal.

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

Monday, April 26th, 2010

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet? Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include:

Asparagus: High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette.

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sauté with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts.

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C. Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing.

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy!

Asparagus and Brown Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Serves 4

For the Dijon vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove or shallot, finely minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings.

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing.

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve. 

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with ¼-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at: www.jamieliving.blogspot.com

Jamie is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Interview with Beaches Bake Shop & Cafe’s Anna Tvinnereim and Rose Hill

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Owners, Anna Tvinnereim and Rose Hills’ Beaches Bake Shop & Café is a neighborhood favorite that offers delicious seasonal treats and authentic Swedish fare that you can’t find anywhere else! Also leading the healthy eating movement, Beaches Bake Shop & Café offers Taste Buddies Cooking Classes for kids, which educates this generation’s youth about healthy eating habits.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Local, Friendly, Warm

What are your most popular products or services?
Healthy and seasonal made-from-scratch soups and salads, delicious quiche, and authentic Swedish cinnamon buns.

People may be surprised to know…
Anna was the head chef of the Swedish Consulate in New York City and has a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Studies from Upsala University in Sweden.

Who is your role model or mentor?
It’s ever-changing, based on who we’re inspired by that day!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not having the guts to commit to a plan that we believed in. As Anna says, “You can’t sell what you don’t have!”

How do you spend your free time?
What free time? Seriously though, being a mom and hanging out with family and friends.

What is your indulgence?
Rose: Curling up with a good book in a quiet house!
Anna: A long run while listening to a podcast.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
We like to explore other vibrant neighbourhoods for relaxation and inspiration.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Success, happiness, and balance between work and home

Visit Beaches Bake Shop & Cafe at:

900 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON, Canada, M4E 1S5