Friday, November 29, 2013

Fat Friday - AFT Bar



If you're in the mood for BBQ goodness and you find yourself around the Queen & Broadview area, then you should definitely check out AFT Bar. Matt and I ventured there this summer, not long after it opened up, to check out their menu.

The space isn't large and seating is limited, so get there early for a table, or take your chances and just show up, and you might find a seat at the bar. It does get busy on the weekend after 7, but luckily, we eat early now. If you're bringing a toddler along, they don't have high chairs, so you might need to bring your own. Or, call ahead - they do accommodate take-out orders. 

Photo from Blogto.com
Their weeknight menu offers a few different options than their weekend BBQ menu, so keep that in mind if you're heading there. We went on a Sunday and tried their sample platter for two, which came with more than enough meat and sides for the both of us - a choice of three of each. If you like sticky ribs, smokey pulled pork, and BBQ chicken, then you'll like this. We added a side of coleslaw, roasted potato salad, and cowboy baked beans to top it all off, and washed it all down with a cool pint of beer. 




Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Edible Snowmen!





Just in time for the opening of Disney's new animated movie Frozen, I came across this AWESOME edible craft that I just couldn't resist making. I set out to gather all the ingredients and made them last night at home for Matt to take to work today for his team.  The snow on the ground this morning seemed also fitting for the occasion.

As I couldn't locate any of the jumbo marshmallows, I had to make a few adjustments to the original plan. And knowing that my artistic skills are not amazing, I took an easier approach to the adding the finishing touches. I know it doesn't resemble Olaf exactly, but I think I managed to capture the essence of the funny snowman. 

If you're in the winter mood already and looking for a cute, funny, and entertaining movie (for kids and adults alike!), Frozen is just that. Check out the trailer below. 


If you'd like to make your own Olaf, here's how I made mine: 

INGREDIENTS

    Graham crackers
    Blue-tinted frosting or blue candy melts
    Medium-size marshmallows
    Miniature-size marshmallows
    Black candy melts
    Black licorice rope

    Orange Nerds

DIRECTIONS

Divide graham crackers in half.
Cut one large and one small marshmallow in half for each snowman; cut licorice rope into arms.
Melt blue candy melts (if using) and spread on graham cracker; place the body and legs while frosting/candy is still warm. 
Stick arms into sides of the body. 
Melt black candy melts; using a tooth pick or the flat end of a skewer, dab on buttons to body and add eyes and mouth to the face. 
With a small dab of black candy melt, add orange nerd for the nose. 
Let cool to allow everything to set, then enjoy!


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Book Nook: We All Fall Down


We All Fall Down
~Eric Walters

BBB Rating: 4 out of 5

This book was recommended to me by a colleague at work, and she got the recommendation for her 18 year old son! He had read it at school and really took an interest in it, so he told his mom that she should read it. Her and I were chatting books one day at the office, and the next day, a copy was in my hand.

It is not a long book, but it's a deep book. Told from the perspective of a Grade 9 student who goes to work with his father to the World Trade Towers on the fateful day of September 11th, what follows is their experience together as they live through one of the most memorable days in US history.

Today is September 10, 2001, and Will, a grade nine student, is spending the day at his father’s workplace tomorrow. As part of a school assignment, all the students in his class will be going to their parents tomorrow, but Will isn’t excited about it–he’d rather sleep in and do nothing with his friends. His father doesn’t even have an exciting job like his best friend James’s father who is a fireman. Will’s dad works for an international trading company and has to wake up early every morning to commute to his office on the eighty-fifth floor in the south building of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Will doesn’t see his father very often because of the hours he puts in at the office. He doubts that his dad will bother making time for him tomorrow even when they are supposed to be spending the day together.

In this fast-paced and dramatic new novel by bestselling author Eric Walters, Will discovers a new side of his father during an event that continues to affect the world. As Will’s new teacher says, tomorrow “might be an experience that changes your entire life.” 

The author, Eric Walters, is a Canadian teacher who decided to write books about the subject matter he was teaching his students as a way to make the material more accessible. Most of his books are based on real life events and are told from the perspective of a young student, and they often take place in Canada. Other works include stories about the 1954 Hurricane Hazel (Safe as Houses), a story mixed with fact and fiction about Terry Fox (Run), and his sequel to We All Fall Down, United We Stand, which continues the story of Will and his father on September 12th. I think I'll have to check that one out next. And I'll be remembering these for when Olivia is older, too. 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Recipe #39: Thai Coconut Curry Simmer



When Matt first introduced me to Thai food, the first dish I tried (and still continue to order) is a green curry coconut chicken served over noodles. It is easily my favorite when ordering take-out that I don't even bother to look at other items on the menu. The flavor is just a really nice mix of heat from the curry, sweet from the coconut milk, and sour from the drizzle of lime. 

So when I saw the recipe for Thai Coconut Curry Simmer in Canadian Living, I had to give it a try. It doesn't have a lot of ingredients, it all cooks in one pot in a short amount of time, and if you know me, these are all winning qualities in a recipe. 

I let the chicken simmer for much longer than it called for, only because we weren't quite ready to eat when it was done, but that made sure it was good and cooked, and because it stayed in the liquid, it remained nice and moist.  Once the noodles were cooked, I dumped them into the sauce as well, but I think next time I would just put them in the bowl and serve the chicken and sauce over top. They absorbed too much of the liquid and ended up a little mushy. Live and learn, right?

Over all, though, it was very tasty but wasn't quite as good as the one I was used to. I did forget to add the lime juice when serving, so that might have been part of it. I would also add in a few vegetables next time, as just the chicken and noodles make for a bit of a heavy dish. Maybe a few peppers would compliment the dish or, and I can't believe I'm suggesting this, a few mushrooms, if you happen to like them.

INGREDIENTS

    1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
    1 pinch salt
    1 pinch pepper
    1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
    2 shallots or onions, thinly sliced
    1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh ginger
    1 tbsp (15 mL) Thai green curry paste
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 can (400 mL) coconut milk
    Lime slices to serve
    1 pkg of Rice Noodles  

DIRECTIONS

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown chicken, turning once, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Add shallots, ginger, curry paste and garlic to pan; cook over medium heat, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and chicken; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, turning once, until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, about 15 minutes.
 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Crafty Find: REAL Book Nooks

While I was researching ideas for names for my reoccurring book review posts, I came across a series of images that displayed a variety of little book nooks. I thought they were so clever that I would share them with you today.

I think they are a great use of small spaces under stairwells, on window sills, or stair landings, but my favorite is turning an unused closet into a comfy, cozy book nook! While I'm not sure we have the space for one, I love the idea. It just looks so inviting. 


My husband and I are in the process of thinking about renovating our basement, so I might suggest to him the idea of one underneath the stairs for Olivia. I think she'd really dig it! 





Friday, November 15, 2013

Fat Friday - Lazy Daisy


Lazy Daisy is our local cafe, located just a short walk from our house. We pick up coffees and snacks if we're feeling peckish while  walking by, or we make it a destination to enjoy their big brunches on Sundays (I recommend the breakfast burrito). The food is wonderful and the ambiance so very relaxed and charming. All ingredients are locally sourced, organic, and made into wonderful concoctions that fill your belly.

And it's super kid friendly, which we are quickly realizing is very important. With a play area at the back with trains and books, you're almost guaranteed an enjoyable meal together (spoons also are fun to play with!)

The story of the cafe is equally delightful. A mother wanted to start a place where families could come to enjoy good food and good company, and she has succeeded! I went to Lazy Daisy regularly while on maternity leave, and we've taken most of our families for their brunches on various occasions. 

But it's now so much more than just a coffee place now - they serve dinner and, more importantly, alcohol. Add to that the various events they host throughout the month, like trivia nights,  comedy hours, even beer and cheese tastings, and Lazy Daisy, me thinks you have turned into a place that everyone can enjoy. 

The newly added Lazy Nights offers a tapas style menu for sharing Thursdays through Sunday evenings. We finally made it there last weekend and were not disappointed. We arrived around 5:30, and while dinner service didn't start until 6, the bar was open. So while Olivia played around the train table, making friends with the other kids, Matt and I were able to enjoy a pint while browsing the menu. We decided on the Organic Quinoa & Chickpea Croquettes and the Daisy's Farmstead Chili Nachos. Both were delicious, and the nachos were more than enough for us both. Served with a tasty bean chili and melted cheese on top with sour cream on the side, you can't really go wrong with nachos. 

Other menu items include various naan bread pizzas, spaghetti and meatballs, mac 'n cheese, and pulled pork sliders, just to name a few. And don't forget about dessert....We look forward to going back - there are still so many options! 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Book Nook: The Gun Seller


The Gun Seller 
~Hugh Laurie

BBB Rating:  3 out of 5

I just finished reading The Gun Seller, so while it's fresh in my mind, I'll share my review. This was one of the books I nabbed at my latest Book Club, and a big selling feature was the author - Hugh Laurie. Best known for his character "House", turns out Laurie is also a talented writer.  

From the description on the back of the book, it might not have been one I chose for myself, but that's what I like best about recommendations - they introduce you to something new! 

Hugh Laurie concocts an uproarious cocktail of comic zingers and over-the-top action in this "ripping spoof of the spy genre" (Vanity Fair) -- the irresistible tale of a former Scots Guard-turned-hired gun, a freelance soldier of fortune who also happens to be one heck of a nice guy. Cold-blooded murder just isn't Thomas Lang's cup of tea. Offered a bundle to assassinate an American industrialist, he opts to warn the intended victim instead -- a good deed that soon takes a bad turn. Quicker than he can down a shot of his favorite whiskey, Lang is bashing heads with a Buddha statue, matching wits with evil billionaires, and putting his life (among other things) in the hands of a bevy of femmes fatales. Up against rogue CIA agents, wannabe terrorists, and an arms dealer looking to make a high-tech killing, Lang's out to save the leggy lady he has come to love...and prevent an international bloodbath to boot.

I did find the writing very witty and laughed to myself a number of times. There was a lot of British humor, which took maybe a second longer to figure out, but I liked his style of writing. The plot, however, was a bit confusing to follow at times. There were a number of different players to keep track of, a lot of twists and turns, and the main character uses several different aliases, which added to the confusion. But, it delivered what it promised - laughter, action, intrigue, and deception. So I'd read Laurie's next one, should he write again. 



Friday, November 08, 2013

Recipe #38: Bulgur Wheat Stuffed Peppers


Stuffed peppers are a favorite dish of mine but they don't often make it on my menu rotation. Until I've recently eaten them, I forget how yummy they are. I think that's going to have to change. I like that the stuffing can always be varied to keep the recipe interesting, and they don't actually take that long to cook up. If you're looking for a yummy yet filling vegetarian option, there's no meat in this recipe, and one stuffed pepper (two halves) is enough for one adult.

I found this recipe for Bulgur Wheat Stuffed Peppers and decided to cook them up for dinner one night. Not knowing exactly what bulgur wheat was and not having ever cooked with it before, I was excited to give this recipe a try. 

Bulgur wheat, turns out, is "a quick-cooking form of whole wheat that has been cleaned, parboiled, dried, ground into particles and sifted into distinct sizes" (thank you, Sunnyland Mills). Turns out it's also a little difficult to find in smaller grocery stores, as was the case for me when I went shopping. Sooooo, I had to make a little substitution and use brown rice instead (bummer). I'm happy to say that it turned out just as tasty, but I still want to try the original recipe, so I'll be on the hunt again for bulgur wheat. 

I would recommend cutting your peppers in half lengthwise and discarding the tops all together. It makes adding the filling and eating easier.  And depending on how soft you like your peppers, you may not need the full hour for baking. I'd recommend 45 minutes or so.

INGREDIENTS

    3/4 cup coarse bulgur wheat OR 1 cup brown rice
    1-1/2 cups crumbled Canadian Feta cheese
    1/2 cup chopped ripe tomatoes
    1/2 cup each chopped fresh dill and parsley
    4 green onions, chopped
    1/4 tsp each pepper and ground cumin
    4 sweet peppers
    2 tbsp lemon juice
    1 tbsp olive oil
    Pinch salt

DIRECTIONS

Pour 3/4 cup boiling water over bulgur; let soak for 30 minutes OR cook rice according to package. Toss with cheese, tomatoes, dill, parsley, onions, pepper and cumin. Set aside.

Cut tops off peppers and discard. Slice in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and ribs.

Coat bottom of 8-inch (2 L) square baking dish with lemon juice, oil, 1/4 cup water and salt. Lay stuffed peppers in dish and fill with bulgur wheat or rice mixtures.Cover dish with lid or foil.

Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 1 hour. Uncover and bake until peppers are tender, adding enough water if necessary to maintain about 1/4 cup liquid in pan, about 15 minutes.

Spoon juices into pepper stuffing and serve.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

NEW FEATURE: Beth's Book Nook (coming soon)




In my spare time, when I'm not knitting or baking (or cleaning), I really enjoy reading (and our little one enjoys it, too!). I usually have a book or two on the go at any one time. I read on my commute to and from work each day, so slow journeys or unexpected delays on the TTC are never an inconvenience for me.  I've also got a different book ready at home for those quiet nights I find myself alone after Olivia has gone to bed. Lately I'd much rather read then try to find something on television to watch. 

While I have favorite genres and authors, I love getting recommendations from friends, browsing at the book store, or online best seller lists. There are so many books to read out there (and so little time) that my list is always growing. Thanks to Goodreads, I'm able to keep track of them all. I tell everyone about this site, so if you're a book reader/lover, you should check it out (and find me!). It's great to see what other people are reading, and there's something satisfying about adding another book to your "Read" shelf. 
 
Goodreads has a yearly Book Challenge on their site that I find fun to participate in. You pick how many books you want to read that year, and then try to hit that goal. I thought my goal of 20 books would be achievable, but I'm already dragging behind by 5 books. At having read only 11 books so far, I better pick up the pace (and choose shorter books!). 

I am currently reading: 
How to Knit a Love Song by Rachell Herron
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon


I've also thought about joining a book club, but there's something I don't really like about everyone reading and dissecting one book . It feels too much like high school when we had to write book reports. Instead, some girlfriends and I started an "unconventional book club", where we meet up about once a month to eat, drink wine, and talk books and movies. Our first meet-up was to see The Great Gatsby, a book that most of us had read back in high school, so we thought we'd check out the film adaptation. From there, the group was born. We're unconventional in the sense that, instead of all of us reading the same book, we come armed with a book or two (and a bottle of wine) to swap between the group. It's a little like Show and Tell: we tell a bit about the book and why we liked it, then we each get our pick of which to read next. The hubby thinks it's just an excuse to get together to eat and drink, and while I'll deny it to him, he's probably right.

The above is just a really long way of saying that I thought I'd start my own book review here and share with you some of the books I've read and enjoyed over this past year(s). The first review to come shortly (and appearing regularly).

And if you have any good books to recommend, please share in the comments!

Monday, November 04, 2013

Crafty Find: Leslieville Flea Market




I remember when I was younger and we would occasionally head to the Pickering Flea Market with my parents. What we’d find there were vendors selling cheap sweat pants and mittens and other random items. The market was indoors, was huge, and I don’t ever recall actually buying anything there, but that was my impression of what a flea market was - at least in the suburbs. (I haven’t thought about that market in YEARS, but it turns out it still runs every Saturday and Sunday, and has since 1973.) 

But now I’m older, an adult, if you will, and I’m not looking for sweat pants any longer but cool items for our house instead. I wouldn’t consider myself an antique shopper, but there is definitely some appeal to finding a deal on something not found at IKEA.  If I believe the fashion and design experts, it seems that everything old is now modern again. So when our little neighbourhood started the Leslieville Flea Market, my husband and I were excited to check it out. It ran during the summer on the third Sunday of every month in the parking lot of dive bar at Leslie & Queen. We’ve been to each one , and it’s been fun to see it grow, to see the same vendors return, to chat with them, and to see new vendors show up. The finds are pretty awesome, perhaps not everyone’s taste, and even if you’re not there to buy, you’ll surely have a moment of nostalgia when you see some of the things there. 

We’ve bought a couple of items there now and are always on the look-out for other unique items. If you're not looking to buy, the flea market is also a great source of inspiration for those of you who like DIY projects. So far, we've picked up some lovely teal chairs for our new dining room table for $25/each from Sourced & Salvaged. They even delivered them to our door – free of charge! They have the right amount of distress and style to make them look aged, and I love the pop of colour that they add to our dining room. We also found a really cute children’s table and chairs for Olivia, as well as a dress from the ‘70s that had never been worn.  Most times we don't go looking for something in particular, but then something grabs our eye and we just have to have it.


Well, the summer is over, long gone is the warm and sunny weather, but the outdoor market is finding a new life indoors at Jimmy Simpson Recreation Centre, at least for the next two months. If you feel like checking it out, you’ll probably find us there.

Friday, November 01, 2013

Fat Friday - Aprile Bambina Cucina



So, we had a kid, and that definitely changed our lifestyle, as everyone said it would. But we didn’t want her to change our lives so much that we gave up the things that we enjoyed – and that especially included eating out.

During the first few months, she was easily transportable/wearable, she slept a lot, and didn’t require much entertaining, so we enjoyed being able to visit some restaurants that weren’t maybe all that kid friendly. We took turns eating and holding her, and while meals no longer were leisurely, it was great to be able to get out together (and not have to cook and clean up at home!).

Then she got older; she started being more social and eating big people food. We started eating earlier, which usually guaranteed us a table. We would find restaurants with high chairs, or outdoor patios where we could roll the stroller right up to the table. She loved seeing all the people around her, and eating out with her is fun! Luckily, we live in a very family friendly neighbourhood with no shortage of great restaurants, and we have slowly been visiting each one. I am super grateful for my Always-in-the-Know husband who finds these great places to eat.

So, on to the review.  A long while back we visited The Great Burger Kitchen, well before we even lived in the neighbourhood. The owners of GBK opened up a little Italian place right next door – Aprile Bambina Cucina. I’m a pasta fiend so I was happy to check this place out. We’ve been a couple of times, and each time the meal and service has been stellar. There are only a few restaurants that we go back to regularly, and this one has made the list.  

I love the ambiance of the place. It’s small and cozy, complete with the checkered napkins and paper-topped tables, and complementary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar while you browse the menu. It’s very family friendly but great for couples as well. 

There’s a good selection of both pizzas and pastas, and some great starters as well. Check out the restaurants gallery for inspiration. Some noteworthy options include:


 Starters:
·         Grilled Caesar salad;
·         Bruschetta
Mains:
·         Homemade Gnocchi Aprile;
·         Spicy Bambino Chicken Rigatoni               
·         Spicy Sausage Pizza
·         Fresh Pear & Gorgonzola
·         Spaghettini & Meatballs
Desserts:
·         White Chocolate Tiramisu
·         Apple Cinnamon Sweet Pizza

We have yet to try the sandwiches, but with the quality and flavor of the ingredients in the dishes that we have tried, I’m sure these will be tasty as well.




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