Christmas Gingerbread House Challenge

  Everyone needs a night out without kids. Sowhy not set up a night, ask a few friends to join the challenge and each make their houses. Offer a special signature drink (see signature drinks on the site). I will be putting up a few ideas for nibblies and such.  Anyone game? The proof must…

Getting Giddy Inside

Hopeless that I am, I am getting giddy at the thought of another Christmas shared with family once again. We are blessed this year with 3 of “our” 5 children and grandchildren. Two are coming from out of Province and one from here. One daughter is in Japan and won’t be here. One son and…

A Very Wet Sunday

Pouring rain this morning. Wow! Like it will never stop or something. Went to the game last night. Were going to take our friends out to dinner (restaurant closed for a private party) ended up in the Sports Bar….Ugly! Another story. I was wrong the hockey team forgot to show up. the other team, from…

Pot of Chili For Realtors

With a Realtors Showing today, I made a pot of chili for about 30. The good thing is they get to taste some of the Christmas baking I did. Wine, water, coffee, garlic toast…..things have sure changed in selling a home these days. It must be hard for them for sure. Will let you know…

Trout with Calvados Cream Sauce

This can be an elegant main course or, if smaller portions made, can be used as an appetizer. You will need: 3 tbsp. unsalted butter 3/4 cup findly diced shallots 2 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped 2 tsp. fresh garlic, finely chopped 3/4 cup Calvados 1 cup whipping cream salt and white pepper to taste…

Well, Are You Done Yet?

Shopping needs a list. Like most of the world, the answer is a resounding “of course not”. Do not despair, there is still lots of time before the big day. The best way to go shopping is ABSOLUTELY go with a list. It takes less time, less stress and the biggie….less money is spent when…

Day of Dinner Party for Family Friends

Table has been set (picture coming later), Apricot and Papaya Toasties are a starter with my signature drink. Then it’s into a dinner of seafood (lobster, crab, shrimp) YUMMY! Last minute touches, like buy candles for the table. I packed all my candles up (2 boxes) and now can’t find them. Yes, moving is so…

Hints for the Bubbly

These tips are for a sparkling (champagne type) wine. Always ensure sparkling wine is well-chilled to 50F before opening it. Never put it in the freezer unless you want to be seeing stars not drinking them. The cold temperature and the pressure in the bottle will easily explode the bottle. Please don’t try it. It…

I missed a day……

I missed yesterday completely and here I am, smack into December ALREADY. I keep telling people not to panic. Yup! I have company arriving for Christmas planning on Saturday and I have a meal to plan. Right now it is Lobster Bisque, crab/mango salad, Pad Thai Shrimp and stir fry veggies. An awesome dessert (sorry…