Here is the recipe for the Seelbach Cocktail I had Thursday night. I decided to share so you can have it as your holiday cocktail as well but if it becomes a hit trend of the season I’m taking credit! (more…)

Today is the first day of the 13th annual Gourmet Food and Wine Expo in Toronto. Purveyors from all over the world are here for the next four days to wine and dine and get as much exposure as they can for their products.

My agenda is full - I cannot pack one more event in and I am sure to need a detox by Monday. (more…)

One of our food editors recently returned from a trip to Quebec City. When he was there, he visited Cassis Mona & Filles (www.cassismonna.com) in Île d’Orléans. While Doug raved about the beautiful location and the quality of their product, it was the description of two sisters (more…)

Remember shot glasses? Not the utilitarian versions used in boat races at University or versions with tourist logos emblazed – “Greeting From Sunny Jamaica,” – but those delicate little glass vessels that, in our house, are pulled out Christmas morning after church. My dad pours three or four different liqueurs, amaretti in this one, drambuie – my mother’s favourite in another, a little anisette and a couple of brandies to toast our celebration before the major cooking starts for the day.

I was helping my grandmother move last week and she was offering up items she no longer used. Included in them was a fantastic cut-crystal tray designed to hold six petit crystal cylinders and a small decanter to be passed to guests with a bit of sherry, or set out decoratively on a sideboard tea table. They tickled me just seeing them and made me want to have a party, just so I could use them. (more…)