Wordless Wednesday: The Frosty Treat

Combination Nutty Dip from the Frosty Treat in Kensington, PEI

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Wordless Wednesday: Beau's

Beau's by candlelight at the Hintonburg Public House

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Review From the Road: Le Smoking Vallée

Last weekend I was lucky enough to join one of my good friends for her birthday dinner at Le Smoking Vallée in Montreal. Not only was it a great celebration, the food and experience were pretty great as well. 

Happy Birthday Kristen!

Smoking Vallée is in the south west part of Montreal on Notre-Dame Ouest. I'm not even sure how I'd classify the food other than to say it's delicious. They give a sample menu on their website but the individual dishes change depending which ingredients are in season.

Cod with lobster bisque, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and morels ordered by the birthday girl

The atmosphere was great. Our reservation was for 9:00 on Saturday night and the place was packed. We were a large group and ended up sitting at a huge table with another small group at the end. It was actually nice to have some interaction with some of our fellow diners. The other factor influencing the atmosphere at this place is that it's a "bring your own" restaurant. They don't serve any alcohol so you're free to bring your own with you with no corkage fee to speak of. They'll open anything you need uncorked and they even provide ice buckets for your whites or bubbly. 

Asparagus risotto with crispy pork belly

By far, the most ordered dish at our table was the risotto with asparagus, cheddar, and crispy pork belly. That's what I had and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was most impressed that they were able to produce that many portions of perfectly cooked risotto at the same time.

We were all enjoying our wine and were in no hurry to leave so it only made sense to order some dessert. Honestly, I can't actually remember what the other dessert options were but the strawberry shortcake was delicious. The base was almost a cross between a biscuit and cake so it wasn't too sweet but had a great texture. The crushed meringue on the top made for a really nice contrast in texture. I really enjoyed it.
 

Strawberry shortcake with crushed meringue

If you find yourself planning to eat dinner in this part of Montreal, and you're looking for a lively spot, I would highly recommend checking out this restaurant. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Wordless Wednesday: Le Glacier Bilboquet

Cookie Dough from Le Bilboquet in Laval, QC

Raspberry Vanilla

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Wordless Wednesday: Bluesfest

A freshly squeezed lemonade to help cool off at Ottawa Bluesfest 2012

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Easy Chocolate Sauce

A few weeks ago I had a friend over for an impromptu dinner in. I had some delicious ice cream in the freezer but felt like it needed a little something extra to make it even better.

Wordless Wednesday: Sangria

Summery sangria at 10fourteen

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Wordless Wednesday: Bridgehead Roastery

The now open, but not quite finished, Bridgehead Roastery off Preston St in Ottawa

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Strawberry Rhubarb Frozen Yogurt

Continuing on the strawberry rhubarb theme of late, I recently tried my hand at strawberry rhubarb frozen yogurt. Unfortunately, the portion I reserved to take photos of didn't turn out quite as I'd hoped. Making this recipe taught me something very valuable - homemade frozen yogurt freezes into a completely solid mass if you leave it in the freezer for more than a couple of hours.

Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal

The latest and greatest addition to my rhubarb recipes - rhubarb baked oatmeal.

Must.Love.Cupcakes

About six months ago I got a message from fellow food blogger and baker extraordinaire, Lynne Frappier, asking if I'd be interested in being involved in a TV project she was going to be working on. I wasn't entirely sure what I was signing up for but, of course, I said yes!

Wordless Wednesday: The Merry Dairy

First taste of frozen custard from The Merry Dairy in Hintonburg

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Rhubarb Infused Vodka

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love rhubarb. I don't really know what it is about it but I crave it and look forward to Spring time and rhubarb season all year long. I've probably eaten rhubarb a hundred different ways but I've never had it into a drink before. That is until now. May I present to you - rhubarb vodka.

Wordless Wednesday: Bubbles with a View

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Chocolate Fudge Ice Pops

Last week I came home from my grocery trip with an ice cream maker. This week I came home with ice pop molds. Sadly, I didn't really have any fruit or juice or typical ice pop fare hanging around to test them out. I came across this recipe on the Epicurious app and, since I did have all of the ingredients for these at home, this became my test batch.

Wordless Wednesday: Spring has Sprung

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Pineapple Frozen Yogurt

It's been awhile since I actually posted a recipe. I figured today was as good a day as any to get back on track. Although, admittedly, calling this a recipe is a bit of a stretch. 

Wordless Wednesday: Schnipper's NYC

Outdoor dinner in NYC at Schnipper's across from the Port Authority Station

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Review from the Road: Birreria

As you could probably tell from the last couple of Wordless Wednesday posts, I spent a weekend in New York a few weeks ago with my friend Caroly. Over the weekend most of our dining choices were pretty standard New York fare. Bagels in Central Park, pizza in Little Italy, and cupcakes at Rockefeller Plaza. The one place we ended up splurging on a bit was Birreria (@EatalyBirreria) by Mario Batali and co.

Wordless Wednesday: Compost Cookie

Enjoying a "compost" cookie from Momofuko Milk Bar in true New York style - on the subway platform

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Wordless Wednesday: Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery, NYC

Lemon cake with lemon filling and lemon meringue buttercream

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HostelBookers Backpackers Recipe Guide: Video

You may remember a few months ago one of my recipes was voted to be part of the HostelBookers Backpackers Recipe Guide. As if that wasn't exciting enough, today I received this tweet...

The link went to a YouTube video and an instructional video showing how to make my recipe. I was so surprised and excited to see they did this. I couldn't help but share it with all of you so, here is the video for your viewing pleasure!

 

A copy of the complete 5 ingredient, 5 step Backpackers Recipe Guide can be found here.
May 10/12 - UPDATE: Thanks to HostelBookers for another post featuring this recipe and video. You can check it out on their site here.

Wordless Wednesday - 10fourteen

Helping to finish off the last keg of Vanilla Porter for the season at 10fourteen

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Bites from the 'Burg - Suzy Q Doughnuts

Happy Easter (Monday)! I decided my co-workers probably wouldn't be too appreciative of a bunch of baking the day after Easter so, instead of making something new, I thought I'd tell you about one of my favorite places in my neighborhood - Suzy Q Doughnuts. 

Sugar Munkki

Wordless Wednesday: Spring Thaw

Ottawa River

iPhone photo, Instagram with filters

Easter Basket Cookies

And the Peep-a-palooza continues! Since I had a ton of Peeps leftover from the Peeps krispie squares I posted last week I had to find another way to use them up. Out of nowhere I was struck by a genius idea. I would mix Peeps and mini eggs, two of the great Easter candies, into one fantastic cookie.

Wordless Wednesday: Peeps Parade

iPhone photos, PicFrame with Aqua filter

Peeps Krispie Treats

It's that time of year...time for Peeps! They may not be the most delicious food in the world but they sure are cute. So fluffy and colorful. Kind of like sprinkles, Peeps just make me happy. For my first treat, I decided to go with a subtle nod to the Peep - Peeps Krispie Treats. 

Wordless Wednesday: Choco-Frito

Yeast doughnut, chocolate glaze, and crushed Fritos

iPhone with Instagram

Irish Cream Bars

As per usual, I'm posting a holiday-related recipe after the holiday it was intended for. At least I'm consistent.I present St. Patrick's Day Bailey's bars.

Wordless Wednesday: The Works

Rough Rider's Comeback (cheddar, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, & bacon)

iPhone, no filter

Chocolate Coconut Doughnuts

I've had doughnuts on the brain lately. With Suzy Q's opening up around the corner from my place, and the endless Twitter chatter about their delicious doughnuts, they seem to be constantly in the back of my mind these days. 

Wordless Wednesday: Canvas Pop

Inspiration from the CanvasPop office

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Banoffee Pie

I have something to share with you. I don't like bananas. As much as I try, I can't learn to love them. However, I dream about this dessert. Banana + toffee = banoffee.

Wordless Wednesday: Smoque Shack

Pulled Pork at the Smoque Shack, Ottawa

iPhone with Instagram

Maple Caramel "Beavertail" Cheesecake

Even though this recipe was meant to make you think of Winterlude, it all began at Costco. 

Wordless Wednesday: Suzy Q's

My first doughnut from Suzy Q's in Hintonburg

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Cranberry Buttermilk Quick Bread

Who doesn't love a good loaf? They're so easy and so tasty. I wanted to make something different to eat for breakfast for the week. I had just read a recipe on The Kitchn for buttermilk quick bread that encouraged variation to the recipe and I just happened to have some leftover buttermilk so I basically had to make it.

Wordless Wednesday: Back Lane Cafe

Pizza, steak, and the most delicious cauliflower in the world at Back Lane Cafe in Hintonburg

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Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Doughnuts

It only seemed right to post something for Valentine's day and, unlike most other holidays, I actually managed to get it posted before the holiday so you can try to make these for your Valentine. 

Wordless Wednesday: Hintonburger

The Hintonburger and value fries from Hintonburger in Hintonburg

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Healthy Jalapeño Poppers

So, how did the Super Bowl turn out? I'll be honest - football isn't really my thing. I've tried to understand it a few different times but I've always lost interest before I've absorbed everything I need to know. There were no Super Bowl celebrations for me but I was inspired to make a treat for myself to enjoy on Superbowl Sunday. 

Wordless Wednesday: Pizza

Party sized Dewy from The Prescott. So much pizza.

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Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe popped up in one of my Martha Stewart emails recently and I was intrigued. I wanted to bring a little something to an event I was attending and, knowing someone I was planning to share the treats with has an issue with gluten, this recipe seemed like a good option. It also just happened to be National Peanut Butter Day. Who knew?