Homemade sugar cookies for your sweetie or...

My friend Suzie asked if I wanted to make some sugar cookies with her so she could take photos for her blog. I agreed and ended making the dough myself from a recipe I found on allrecipes.com for "Best Rolled Sugar Coookies". The recipe that follows is for 5 dozen cookies but you can change the serving amount on the website.

Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely. We baked each tray for at least 8 minutes. After they had cooled a few minutes we moved them to a cooling rack. They taste yummy while still warm from the oven! I polished off four small ones without thinking, they kind of melt in your mouth. Read Suzie's take and view her pretty photos at www.cleanwelllitstyleblog.blogspot.ca

Credit goes to her on the below photo.

Forza Pasta Bar

I needed a place to dine in Sherwood Park so I checked Urbanspoon out.. stumbling upon Forza I noted mostly positive reviews and decided to try it out. I booked a table using the Urbanspoon reservation system - and that was that, a table for 3 at 6:30 on a Saturday night. We arrived to an almost empty dining room and were seated quickly. There was a small but satisfactory selection of wines to choose from. Espresso beverages are also available as well as sparkling San Pellegrino juices and bottled flat and mineral waters. We ordered drinks and were given a brief explanation of how the menu was set up. Like other trattorias I have visited the menu is as follows: a listing of all the pastas available and a listing of all the sauces available. For example you can order pappardelle in a rose sauce or ricotta ravioli in alfredo sauce. There are also a few salads and an egg drop, zucchini and spinach soup available as starters. I opted for fettuccine alfredo and added chicken. One of my friends ordered ricotta ravioli with alfredo sauce and the other ordered gnocchi with gorgonzola and spinach sauce (pictured). We were all very happy with our choices - the gnocchi being the all-round favourite. I highly recommend Forza for a casual, no- stress dining situation. Great for a meal with friends, family or even a date. I am sure to visit Forza! again soon.

Tzin Wine & Tapas

After wanting to try Tzin for ages I finally got there on a Thursday evening in late November. It was wonderful - excellent food and ambience. Though my first visit was long overdue I made my second visit there last week. It was a last minute plan but I was able to book a reservation on their website as two parties that arrived after us were told there were no tables available. The ambience is warm and inviting and our server made us feel right at home (if I could cook this beautifully). I recommended the mushroom and spinach tart (which I had enjoyed on my first visit) to my companion which she ordered and thoroughly enjoyed. I opted for the pork loin with warm potato salad which I also enjoyed. When we were asked if we'd like dessert my friend went with the flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sorbet and I - well I decided to get the mushroom tart as my dessert! Though the pork was lovely I remembered just how good the tart was and had to partake of it as well.

Tzin offers fine food and focuses on using local ingredients when possible. Tapas style (non- foodie translation: small plates) allows you to try a few things if you're up for it. It's a great spot to meet a friend for intimate conversation. I do recommend booking ahead as it is a small space (probably less than 20 seats). I hope to return often!

already autumn

Summer has come and gone with nary a word from myself. I suppose I was a bit busy .. alas no excuse - maybe this season will include more writing. With the arrival of fall comes the end to some things- most of the outdoor farmers markets will be wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to get out and grab fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses, goodies, etc. We have seen many more markets pop up, as well as many more food trucks. And this fall we are going to see several new restaurants opening, more than one along 124th street. So as we say goodbye to summer, lets welcome fall with open arms. I love this season - the crisp air, the multicoloured leaves..the satisfaction of having had a great summer and expecting an even better fall!

Cally's Teas

Cally's Teas new shop has been open since the beginning of April and it is a delightful addition to the list of options of where to go for a tea or coffee break in the city. A moment talking with Cally and you understand why the room is full of bright colours.

The new space boasts not only many loose teas to choose from (my best guess would be that there are close to 100 choices) but also merchandise such as mugs, tea pots, stationary and chocolate!

I have decided to call this the Great Wall of Teas:

The two side walls are covered in beautiful wallpaper (shades of turquoise) while the back wall of the cafe space is bright fuschia.

The cafe area is small, but in a cosy, not cramped, kind of way. You can choose any type of tea you'd like and they steep it for you and serve it in a tea pot ready to be poured. There is a lovely selection of fresh baking including delicious scones and brioche that are served with jam and heavy cream. They have expanded the menu to include cucumber sandwiches, dippy eggs with bread soldiers, beans on toast, welsh rarebit, salad, and savory quiches and bread puddings. Cally grew up in England and is inspired by the feel of a village rather than the big city. I have enjoyed many high teas and I have to say that it is nice to sit back and feel comfortable, rather than all prim and proper.

The spread they set before us on Mother's Day was splendid. My favourite treat had to be the simple scones with strawberry jam and heavy cream as well as the cucumber sandwiches. I recommend the Windsor Castle tea for a perfect cup of tea (if you enjoy black teas that is). I recommend paying a visit to Cally's Teas soon, whether for a light snack (you can order just scones or brioche and tea) or something more. They update their facebook account regularly with special event info and menu changes: https://www.facebook.com/callys.tea

Zinc

On a sunny winter evening I enjoyed my first meal at Zinc. A beautifully set table with a great view were a great start to the evening.

My friend and I both ordered a "bite size" starter and main. We were happy to be treated to lovely fresh mini scones with creamy whipped butter before our orders arrived.

Our bites then arrived, beautifully plated together on two small plates. As an appetizer I ordered the Warm Onion Tarte Tatin:
Upside-down puff pastry tart with caramelized onions, "Paddy‟s‟ cheese, port reduction, and dressed organic leaves. It was good, but not what I was expecting. The beef entree I had was delicious. Served with creamy potatoes as well as some squash I was left wanting more.. next time I will go with the full sized main.

After each having two bite sized dishes we were both satisfied but decided we needed to try dessert as well and ordered the Callebeaut Chocolate Mascarpone Tarte with
Champagne Sorbet and Honey Marinated Berries to share.

It was lovely. Great ambience, service and of course the food was amazing. I am planning to return for a special occasion in the near future.

too much time on my hands

For the last two months I have been far less busy than the three months prior.. one job instead of two will do that. However I have neglected this! I even went to Calgary in January for a weekend and enjoyed a lot of great of food and coffee too - visiting Kawa Espresso Bar and Boxwood for the first time and returning to Farm and Jelly Modern Doughnuts both for the second time.
I've enjoyed meals here in Edmonton at my usual haunts - Corso32, Culina Muttart and Millcreek, MRKT, Battista's Calzones.. I also visited Highlands Kitchen on Sunday for brunch. The new owners have reintroduced weekend brunch and while I wasn't quite happy with my menu selection (baked eggs), I am pleased that they are offering brunch again.
With a dinner at Corso32 scheduled for next week as well as the hope of finally visiting Zinc, I hope to write again soon. Until then, eat and drink blissfully!

tis the season

Over the past month I have been accumulating Christmas gifts for loved ones. My quest began at the Royal Bison Craft Show where I was able to cross my sister off the list with the purchase of a unique shirt from Fridget Apparel. I also found an adorable shirt for my friends little one with the phrase "spread jam not war" on it.

Over the next weeks I made a few purchases at some chain stores but was ultimately trying to make my purchases at local stores, markets and craft shows. I stopped in at Kerstin's Chocolates on customer appreciation night and purchased several luxurious chocolate bars for the chocolate lovers on my list - and one for me too! I popped into Carbon Environmental Boutique on 104th and purchased a funky bowl made from recycled paper for one friend and a handbound notebook covered with a map of Japan for another. I picked up some apple jelly from Duchess Bakeshop for family to enjoy.

I was able to cross several people off my list after a visit to the Downtown Farmers Market, and a few more after visiting the Hand Made Mafia (although I admit I shopped more for myself there than for anyone else!) At the market I was able to find delicious fudge (Fudgalicious) that tastes almost like grandma's, roasted peanuts for my grandpa to enjoy and newget from The Newget Company in a couple of flavours I thought family would enjoy. At Handmade Mafia I purchased a beautiful spoon rest from a local potter as well as cute bookmarks with picture from Dr. Seuss and Richard Scarry books.

During the final week before Christmas I visited Queen of Tarts for several small fruit cakes and pack of sables(shortbread) and holiday nuts. And finally, on Christmas Eve, I got some gingerbread cookies and pinwheels from Duchess Bakeshop.

Whew - it may have taken more energy then just a trip to the mall, but in the end I feel like my Christmas purchases actually effected our local economy and the people I know that own many of these small businesses.

local - belonging to or relating to

Local local local, it really counts. Recently I filled my day with all things local.
We started the day off at Duchess Bakeshop (http://duchessbakeshop.com) for breakfast. I enjoyed the Quiche Lorraine which was highlighted by creamy gruyere and wonderful, flaky pastry. I also treated myself to the chocolate raspberry brioche. Also very yummy. My friend enjoyed her favourite, the hearty Cheddar Pepper scone.

It was busy and our seats were surely going to be snapped up as soon as we left, so we headed on our way. Next stop was to be a Local Designers sale being hosted by Red Pony Consignment on 101 street and Whyte Avenue. But approaching Treestone Bakery on 99th street I decided to stop to get some bagels. Sadly they were already sold out of what I was seeking (it wasn't even noon!) but I picked up a loaf of bread instead.

Arriving at the sale we were greeted by familiar faces and browsed through the selection of handmade clothing and jewelry. I knew what I was looking for and after trying it on happily purchased it from Bridget of Fridget Apparel (http://iamfridget.blogspot.com/). Find her at the Royal Bison Craft Fair in 2 weeks or at another sale at Red Pony on December 10th and 11th.

After satisfying my need for a new piece of clothing we headed down Whyte Ave to see what else we could find - I was specifically hoping to find a miracle at Gravity Pope, but the highlight was turned out to be stumbling upon the new Greenwoods Bookstore space at 10309 Whyte Avenue (http://www.greenwoods.com). After browsing, making a purchase and placing a special order we continued on our way.

The last stop on our journey was Churchill Square to check out the Olde Time Fair. My sister wanted to get poutine from Drift Food Truck and we couldn't resist the roasted chicken and butternut squash sandwich. After enjoying our lunch we warmed up with some cranberry apple cider from Molly's Eats and perused the Farmer's Market. I picked up some veggies and my friend got tips on how to knit mittens. Maybe she'll make me a pair (hint hint..)

Well after all our travels we were tuckered out and headed back to my place for a macaron and cup of tea.. and after a few hours of down time and a stop at Credo for a cappucinno, it was off to a girls night gathering with treats from Duchess, Queen of Tarts, and even Corso32.

What a lovely, local day I had. And yes, this is in Edmonton. Aaah, it's really happening here at home where I belong.

every day

I haven't posted for awhile. You see I haven't really been anywhere new to me lately. I return to my favourite spots. I am a creature of habit.

Last weekend I did visit the "new" Highlands Kitchen - formerly Culina Highlands, formerly Bacon. Not a lot seems to have changed. I still enjoy the ambience and the food is still good enough for me to be sure I will return again. I had the Kalyna Platter, which came with 3 pyrohy, 1 sausage and lazy cabbage rolls. At first glance it seemed not a very large portion for $15, however I was very full as I polished off my final bite. Highlands focuses on quality over quantity, which in my opinion, is always a good idea.

Thanks friends - till next time, happy eating!

Summer in the city.. farmers market bruschetta

Thanks to my sister for contributing to this post.

On a sunny Saturday morning, my sister and I headed to the Downtown Farmers Market to pick up some fresh veggies and fruit, including the ingredients for bruschetta.

The essential ingredients:
tomatoes
garlic
basil
olive oil
baguette (we recommend baking fresh bread or picking a loaf up from a local bakery but in a pinch a grocery store baguette will do)

One of us thought grape tomatoes would be better and the other thought cocktail, so we got both. After collecting other goodies such as carrots, onions and a tasty coffee to fuel us for our cooking adventure, we walked back to my place.

We diced the tomatoes, keeping both kinds separate so we'd be able to compare the two varieties. After adding a small amount of olive oil to the bowls containing the tomatoes and finely chopped garlic and basil we heated the tomato mixture in a frying pan for just a bit. We prepared the baguette by slicing and buttering on one side and then toasting slightly in the oven. We then topped each piece with the tomatoes mixture.

We plated one kind first and tasted.. yum.. the first kind was very good. Very tasty. We proceeded to the second kind.. also very good. We both decided that the cocktail tomatoes worked the best. Bruschetta is a fairly simple and healthy snack and when all the ingredients are available locally it seems like a fantastic way to enjoy summer.

Guru

On a Sunday afternoon a friend and I headed to the west end to fulfill a random craving I knew Guru could fulfill. It was just after noon and we were seated in an empty dining room. We ordered the butter chicken, a side of plain rice and an order of garlic naan to share.

As we waited for our food a few more diners were seated. Our dishes arrived quickly and we filled our bellies with the warm chicken in its rich red sauce, rice and yummy, buttery garlic naan. After we were more than satisfied there was still enough to pack up for my sister to try.

For a slightly high end dining experience I recommend giving Guru a try. Located amidst many chain restaurants I hope people notice Guru and enjoy what it has to offer.

Lan's Asian Grill

I was recently told Lan's had great pad thai so I headed there for an impromptu fix of one of my favourite dishes. It was almost 7 but there were only a few other diners. We were seated and decided what to order quickly as were very hungry.

We ordered a large size pad thai with chicken to share and four vegetarian salad rolls as well. We went with spice level one out of three. The food arrived and we dug in, quickly discovering the pad thai to be very spicy (I do have a low tolerance for spice). But the flavour was very good and we enjoyed it, despite the unexpected heat. The salad rolls were nice and fresh with peanut sauce on the side. I like my peanut sauce a little thicker and slightly more "peanuty".

Tom is a great host and I was pleased to see the restaurant fill up as we ate our meal. I will return again to explore the menu further.

Tres Carnales

On this hot Wednesday evening I headed to Rice Howard Way to try a taco or four at the newly opened Tres Carnales Taqueria. We went in and the place was buzzing with happy diners. We went to the counter to order our food and first posed a few questions to one of the three "carnales". We ended up choosing 4 pork carnitas tacos and 4 chicken tacos, a side of guacomole and a pitcher of sangria. I was a bit surprised by the bill coming to almost $40 (the tacos are a deal at four for $10) but reasoned that wasn't bad for dinner for two with drinks. We proceeded to our table to wait for our food. It came after a short wait and looked delish.

Our tacos were quite tasty. The food is authentic and the atmosphere fun. I will be back again soon.

Battista's Calzones

On a chilly Saturday in June a friend and I headed from the downtown market to Battista's on 118th avenue. We walked into the brightly painted building which set the tone for the trip.

We took a quick look at the menu board:

I chose the Classico and my companion chose the Spicy Italian. Our calzones arrived shortly and the portion size was generous and accompanied with a side of tomato sauce. The first bite did not disappoint and was worth the wait (I have been wanting to get there for ages). The dough was tasty and surprisingly light - none of the greasiness I have experienced at other establishments. The flavours combined well and I was stuffed after finishing just half of my calzone. My friend also thoroughly enjoyed her calzone and had to pack up the other half as well - so really we could have shared but why not have some leftovers to enjoy later!

Battista is a phenomanelly warm host. He chatted with us for awhile and I felt like we were in his home. I definitely recommend making the trip to Battista's Calzones soon.

Prairie Bistro

On a windy Sunday afternoon we headed out of town to a field in between Edmonton and St.Albert. We came upon the huge Enjoy Centre and made our way through the maze of shoppers to find the Prairie Bistro which was situated on one end of the huge, beautifully colourful space. The brunch menu was slightly different from what we had viewed online but sounded just as good.

We quickly ordered the fresh pastry starter which included 3 pastries; one mini apple cinnamon muffin, one croissant and one cheese and herb filled pastry. They didn't last long as we divided each one into a few tastes each.

We then ordered our entree selections; my mom ordered the eggs benedict, my sister the french toast with brie and berries, and I ordered the pork tenderloin with potatoes, greens and a bacon flan. When our food came we were not disappointed as we had our first bites.

When the pork tenderloin arrived my first thought was that it was a small portion. This idea however disappeared quickly as I realized the allusion created by the different components being stacked together. Some of the pork was placed on top of the bacon flan. The rest of the pork lay beside the potatoes and greens. Every flavour combined deliciously together. I was filling up quickly and with half left I offered to switch with my sister and try her french toast.

The french toast was crispy on the outside but pleasingly soft on the inside. The brie surprised me and combined well with with the sweet berries. I finished my piece and felt too full to get a coffee (they are using 49th Parallel) for the road. We are glad we caught brunch while we could, they are taking a break from it during the busy summer season as it is not possible to serve 300 people for lunch and 4000 in the cafeteria on the same day! All in all a lovely meal complete with friendly staff to boot.

Culina at the Muttart

On a rare weekday off I headed to Culina at the Muttart for lunch.

We arrived around noon and it was busy. I was pleased to see they had added more tables since I had last been there. The special sounded interesting - a mushroom and brie filled filo pastry.

I decided to go for it but ultimately wished I had gone with soup and a sandwich, which are always satisfying. The special was served on a bed of greens, I enjoyed the flavours of the brie and mushrooms but wished that the mushrooms had been sliced thinner. My sister had a ham and gouda sandwich which she enjoyed.

All in all Culina at the Muttart is always lovely. We also walked around the pyramids (we had admission tickets thanks to a Groupon deal). It was fun to look at all the different exhibits. I also purchased a lovely hydrangea plant while there. I hope to make it to weekend brunch there soon.

Culina Millcreek

On a windy Wednesday evening I headed to Culina Millcreek for a 5pm dinner reservation. The room is so inviting and comfortable but sophisticated at the same time. I had enjoyed my last visit a few months ago and had been looking forward to coming back. I thought I would have the chophouse salad again as I had enjoyed it very much (substituting the blue cheese for feta). However the cold wind made me want some warmth, so I decided to explore the menu.




We decided to share an appetizer and chose the applewood smoked cheddar and goat cheese with grilled garlic toasts. Our server graciously checked on whether the cheese was from one of their local suppliers and confirmed that the chevre was from Crystal Spring Farm in Coalhurst (southern Alberta). The smoked cheddar was not as they have not secured a local supplier yet. The dip was delicious and the toasted bread a good companion for it.

One of my friends selected the vegetarian special for their main course which was vegan spring rolls served with a miso tofu soup and the other chose the quinoa salad and added prawns. They both enjoyed their selections.

After some debate over the sable fish special, I chose the line caught wild salmon served with a goat cheese almond sauce and cucumber tomato salsa on orzo pasta. The salmon and salsa were very flavourful and the orzo pasta went nicely with it, however the goat cheese sauce kind of wrecked it for me. It was too "goatey" for my taste, but still a beautifully executed dish, and a good sized portion.

By the time dessert was offered we were all too full to think about partaking. I will return again soon - the weekend brunch menus sound yummy!

Z is for Zocalo

Zocalo had been on my "to get to" list for quite awhile and though I often drive north on 97th street, I always forgot to skip over to 10826 95 street to check it out. Finally last week I changed that and discovered  among other items, many beautifully bright bouquets and blossoms! I love flowers- and have been particularly missing them lately as I reminisce to springs spent in Portland a few years back.

Zocalo is celebrating the arrival of spring (this week it should actually arrive I believe) with "Tulipmania". From now until April 3 there are special prices on all things tulip, with a five-stem bunch specially priced at $4 and a 6" plant at $10.

The bouquets are not cheap - but if you are looking for something amazing, you can find it at Zocalo. The arrangement shown above was $60 and I believe most of the bouquets below were about $35. They are large and would fill a vase nicely. I resisted buying myself a bouquet but will certainly return for one in the future.

Besides the breathtaking flowers Zocalo offers a variety of retail items, ranging from mugs to greeting cards. You can also grab a tea, coffee or treat while you are there. On Saturday mornings they boast fresh cinnamon rolls.

Swing on by on your way to or from downtown or make a special trip if you need a bouquet for a special occasion. The shops hours are Monday to Wednesday 9-6, Thursday 9-8, Friday and Saturday 9-6 and Sundays 11-5. If you are looking for a specific flower you may want to call ahead, their number is 780-428-0754.

Queen of Tarts.. now open!

Queen of Tarts opened somewhat quietly on Thursday, March 3. With several delays fans didn't know when the lovely new bakery and bistro would open. Well they are now open for business Tuesday to Saturday. I apologize, I am not aware of their hours, I believe they are opening at 10 or 11 in the morning until about 6 and staying open into the evening Thursday and Friday.

When you open the door you walk down the stairs past 29 Armstrong and are amazed by how much light fills the space. The white marble certainly helps to create a sense of royalty among us (many of the offerings are fit for a queen I'd say).

I must admit I am amazed at how much they are doing from the get-go. Not only do they have a generous assortment of cakes, tarts and other treats, as well as savoury items such as quiche and soup, they are also producing several types of pain levain bread.

I enjoyed take out quiche for lunch on opening day. It was delicious. The filling was creamy and the pastry so flaky, it almost seemed to be a puff pastry masquerading as a pie pastry. I also enjoyed a carrot tulip which is topped with an amazing cream cheese icing that is so good I could almost eat it by itself.

After getting sweet treats and even soup to go a few times, I finally got to sit down and enjoy the cafe space the other day. I decide to order the brownie and the Yorkshire tea. The brownie was decadent. I even offered a bite to my friend as it was so rich I felt I could spare some. The tea was good although steeped a bit to strong by the time I was able to take the tea bag out (perhaps I was too busy snapping photos on my phone or chattering to my companion).

They are still working out some kinks, such as where to order what,  and the sizes and prices of items. I suggest avoiding Saturday afternoons for now as I have heard it can quite busy and chaotic. I am sure  they will figure everything out soon. They already have some loyal followers - I count myself among them. What a lovely new addition the Edmonton food scene!