My seven-year old daughter asked me to create a blog post on how to cut a mango, so here it is! This may sound funny, but whenever we eat mango, I always think of my grandparents. My grandfather showed me how to cut a mango (his way) when I was a little girl, and now I always cut it this way for Little One's lunches. When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of time at my … [Read more...]
Getting My Child to Eat her Food: The Truth Is…I Have No Tricks!
Several friends have asked me countless times how I get Little One to eat her school lunches every day. The truth is, I have no tricks or tips. We've just been very lucky that Little One happens to have an adventurous palate and a voracious appetite. Seriously. That is all. I was thinking about how all kids are different and have different tastes. What works for one … [Read more...]
Filipino Spring Roll Bites
The reason I call these Filipino Spring Roll Bites is that these appetizers are bite-sized versions of the Filipino favourite. Lumpia, also known as spring rolls, come in the vegetable version and the meat version. I love the vegetable lumpia and my husband and daughter love the meat version (Lumpia Shanghai). Ever since I was a little girl, experiencing my Mom and her … [Read more...]
The Importance of Eating Dinner Together as a Family #makeitCDNbeef
When I was a child, eating dinner together as a family was very important to us. My parents would come home from work and we would eat dinner together and talk about our day. My Dad would then help us with our homework while my Mom did the dishes. When my brothers and I got older and our schedules did not coincide. Both my brothers played baseball, so practices and games … [Read more...]
Macaron Obsession
Le macaron - French merringue-based confection made with egg whites, confectioner's sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder/ground almond, and food colouring. Often confused with the macaroon. Please! I beg you! Do not call a macaron a macaroon! I realize it's trivial, but hearing people use the word macaroon when talking about macarons really is a pet peeve of … [Read more...]
Specialty Cheeses & More at Quintina’s in Spring Bay #Manitoulin
Living on Manitoulin Island brings new experiences every day. Whether it be finding a new fishing spot or secluded place to swim in the summertime, you'll be surprised at some of the hidden gems this special island is home to. One of those hidden gems is Quintina's and we love them for their specialty cheeses! We recently discovered Quintina's specialty cheeses at the … [Read more...]
Buoys Eatery – A Manitoulin Gem
Back in 2004, I left Toronto and moved to an island in the middle of Lake Huron. Never would I have guessed back then that I would make so many meaningful connections with people on all ends of the island. One of those special connections is with Buoys Eatery in Gore Bay. I'm the person who went to Singapore because I wanted real Singapore noodles and so I could say I had … [Read more...]
Happy Year of the Monkey 2016! Plus a Beef & Broccoli Recipe!
Gung Hei Fat Choi! Happy New Year! As we welcome the Year of the Monkey, we wish you a happy, healthy New Year. Living on Manitoulin Island, I wanted to make sure that Little One is aware of her cultural heritage and that she embraces her roots. Yes, she was born in Canada and is Canadian, but she also has Filipino, Chinese, Caribbean, Scottish, English and even a bit of … [Read more...]
Lengua Estofada
Though my grandparents on my maternal side have both passed away, I think of them often. Most days, life goes on as it always does, but every now and then, something triggers a memory and I miss my grandparents tremendously. Cooking with my little one reminds me of my childhood and spending lots of time in my grandparents' kitchen. I was always curious about our … [Read more...]
Kitten-Inspired Dinner Rolls
Are you a kitten lover? Are your kids fans of all things kitten-inspired? My seven-year old loved all things Hello Kitty for years. Then she was a fan of all things Pusheen-related. I guess what it comes down to is that she basically loves all things kitten-inspired. The girl loves cats and kittens. Case in point. Print 5.0 from 3 reviews … [Read more...]
Miso Soup
Miso soup for breakfast? Yes, please! When I was living and working in Japan (1998-2000), one of the things that was a bit of a surprise to me was Japanese breakfasts. Traditional Japanese breakfasts often include rice, soup, fish, or egg and natto -- but not limited to those breakfast items. When I had training at my school's headquarters, we stayed at a ryokan … [Read more...]
Chicken Dumpling Stew
On cold Winter days, Little One wants nothing but soups, stews and chili. In fact, our seven-year old is currently obsessed with chicken dumpling stew! If she had it her way, we'd have soup every night of the week! One of her favourites is my Dad's chicken dumpling stew. Grampy's stew is a Trinidadian Dumpling Stew (can use beef instead of chicken) and includes … [Read more...]
Citrus Salad Recipe
Over the holidays, I was asked to bring a salad to a dinner party. I realized that I didn't have any kale, spinach or lettuce left, but since my niece's high school had a fundraiser recently, we happened to have bought two cases of citrus fruit! Citrus Salad would be our contribution then! I have to admit that the holidays always tempt me with favourite comfort foods and … [Read more...]
Holiday Roasting #makeitCDNbeef Twitter Party
When we think of the Holidays, many of us think turkey and stuffing or ham with festive fixings. I have to tell you that in our family, a roast is also one of the main attractions. Holiday roasting is always a good thing! Who doesn't love roasted veggies or potatoes...and a roast beef? We're a beef farming family and a roast is a great way to feed a large group of people … [Read more...]
Grilled Persimon® Crostini w/ Manchego & Wine Reduction
Last Christmas, I introduced persimmon to our holiday dinner menu. I made a Persimon®, Blueberry and Pomegranate Salad, and it was a huge hit with my family. It was such a refreshing salad and the flavours were incredible together. I think it's safe to say that my family really enjoys the sweetness of persimmon. I really love the versatility of the fruit. I love it in … [Read more...]