Mustard Crusted Salmon paired with Cave Springs Chardonnay

As part of the cool climate chardonnay collection of recipes I decided to try Chefs Steve & Jaqueline Del Col"s mustard crusted salmon! It was delicious, paired with Cave Spring's chardonnay!  Here is their recipe:
Ingredients
Fresh salmon filet approx. 3 cm wide
For crust
1/4 cup grainy mustard
1tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. minced chives
Salt fillets 30  min. before cooking
Spoon on liberally then broil for 5-7 minutes, or bake for 15 minutes at 425 min. ( was also good)
Enjoy!!!!

the Deliciousness of Cool Climate Chardonnay

This weekend I had the privilege of being part of the Cool Climate Celebration via Zoom!  It was very entertaining as well as informative. I learned so much abouthe history of wine making in the various cool climate wine regions around the world.  I also had the privilege to listen to experts such as Andrew Jefford, Matt Kramer, Karen MacNeil and Ian D'agato.  Learning about our world class wineries in Canada from the experts was to me a great pleasure, I look forward to visiting them and sampling the various wines in the near future.

blueberry Lemon Scones for Easter Brunch

Easy blueberry scones for that special holiday brunch!!!!   Mix 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/3 cup sugar.  Add 8 tbsp. of grated cold butter and 1 tsp. of lemon zest.  Mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 1 egg and mix thoroughly. Add 1 cup frozen blueberries.  Pat into a rectangle on a lightly floured board , sprinkle with sugar  and cut into triangles.  Place on parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes.  Enjoy!!!!!

joanheaton519blog: Happy Valentines Day

joanheaton519blog: Happy Valentines Day: Happy Valentines Day with my first two alcohol ink cards!!! It was fun doing them, I especially love the vivid colours!  Looking forward to ...

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day with my first two alcohol ink cards!!! It was fun doing them, I especially love the vivid colours!  Looking forward to doing more with this fantastic medium!!!

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joanheaton519blog: Alcohol Painting

joanheaton519blog: Alcohol Painting: Last Saturday I attended a very interesting workshop on alcohol painting!  Alcohol inks can be a fun way to do impressionistic designs for m...

Alcohol Painting

Last Saturday I attended a very interesting workshop on alcohol painting!  Alcohol inks can be a fun way to do impressionistic designs for making greeting cards and other works of art.  They are acid free, highly pigmented and fast drying in a medium that can be used on non-porous surfaces. The free flowing quality of alcohol inks allows you to experiment with the layering of colours on your desired artwork.  I am going to experiment with making birthday cards for my family (I have been doing this with acrylic paints on canvas in the past), but with alcohol paints I have purchased Yupo paper which is tree free, recyclable synthetic paper!  I have also purchased my inks and am ready to see what I can come up with!!!  I will let you know in a future post how I make out!!!!!

Great Vegetarian Nachos

It was an amazing Super Bowl and also amazing nachos!!!  These vegetarian nachos started with a layer of restaurant style nachos, next a layer of vegetarian chili! The chili that I made included canned tomatoes, celery, kidney beans, onions, garlic, carrots & zucchini, but you could use any combination of your choice.  The important addition is chill powder, added when you are cooking the onions, carrots, celery and garlic in olive oil before adding the rest of the ingredients. I used about a tablespoon but you could add a little at a time to taste! I used about 2 cups of chili ( you can freeze the rest)  Next add salsa, olives and jalapeño peppers!  I used a couple of fresh jalapeños that I seeded and then sliced thin!  Lastly add a layer of shredded cheese!  Repeat with another layering of nachos and the same layering.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes!  Enjoy!!!!!

Chilean Chicken Empanadas & Pineapple Salsa

Last Spring when I was in Chile, I had empanadas for the first time and they were delicious!  So this week when we were hosting a wine tasting, I thought I would try to make authentic Chilean empanadas to go with our wine from Chile!  I guess they were a success as I was asked to put the recipe on my blog, so here goes!  For the dough you mix 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp. salt and then add 1 stick of butter until crumbly.  You can use a pastry blender or as I do, freeze the butter and then grate into flour mix. Measure 1/2 cup milk (add 1 beaten egg to the milk) Mix gradually into the flour until smooth.  You will need to knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic! Shape into 2 rectangles, wrap in saran and put into refrigerator.  For the filling,  poach 3/4 lbs. of boneless chicken breast in chicken boullion and a bay leaf until cooked (about 30 minutes)  Shred cooled chicken and mix with 3 tbsp. of saved boullion, sautéed 1 cup of chopped onions mixed with a tbsp. of chili powder or to taste, and a 1/4 cup of chopped green olives.  chill for at least 2 hours before making empanadas!  To assemble roll the dough into golf ball size balls. Place each ball on lightly floured surface and roll until you get an approximately 4 inch circle.  Place 1 tbsp. of chicken in centre of circle, if you choose, add 1 tsp. of grated cheese, wet edge with beaten egg that you have added 1 tbsp.of water, then seal edges and crimp with your fingers.  Put completed empanadas on a parchment lined cookie sheet and brush lightly with beaten egg mixture.  Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes!!  For the pineapple salsa mix 2 cups diced fresh pineapple with 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup diced green pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and mix with the juice of 2 limes!!  I know it may sound challenging, but well worth the try!  I took me back to the day I was eating empanadas and drinking wine on the roadside in Chile, enjoying the view!!!

Amazing Flourless Oat Bran Blueberry Muffins

There is nothing like a delicious muffin to go with your morning coffee, especially when it is actually good for you!!!!  I found the most incredible muffin recipe that uses oat bran cereal (be sure not to use wheat bran) I used Bob's Red Mill oat bran cereal, but you could also use Quaker!  The recipe calls for 2 cups oat bran, !/4 cup brown sugar (I used demerara), 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 1 egg,  2 tablespoons vegetable oil (the recipe also called for 1/4 cup of honey which I omitted, as I didn't want them to be that sweet) 1 cup frozen blueberries.   Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and while the oven was heating I had mixed my muffins, ready to put in paper baking cups!  Mix the dry ingredients and then add milk, beaten egg, oil and blueberries!  Bake for approximately 20 minutes!  Next time I will make a double batch as they are that good and freeze well!!  Enjoy!!!

Healthy Meal In A Jar

After all the rich foods over the holidays, it is time for some nutritious foods to get you back in shape!!  I love meals in a jar for their convenience and variety,  to help keep you on track with clean
healthy eating!  In the jars pictured I have prepared a chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce and feta cheese with a homemade vinaigrette. It's my take on the classic greek salad!  You can use any combo you like but it is best to include a protein as well as your veggies.  I sometimes use chicken, tuna, hard boiled eggs or any type of grain, like couscous, quinoa or rice! Another favourite is beets with feta cheese.  The secret for the meals to stay fresh for 5 days is in the layering.  Start with 2-3 tablespoons of your favourite salad dressing, next add firm veggies, softer veggies, grain (I don't always use a grain), protein and lastly as much greens as you can cram in.  Tighten lid and you are done until ready to shake into a bowl, mix dressing and enjoy!!!!

Shopping From Your Closet

Before I go clothes shopping for my seasonal wardrobe, the first place I shop is my own closet!  It is amazing what finds you can discover, as you go through your many purchases over the years.  Today I brought out a classic blazer that I purchased many years ago (as you can see the label says Teenflo who rebranded as Judith & Charles six years ago).  I tried it on with several choices.....first with slim cut Levi jeans an inexpensive polka dot shell, and a Kate Spade scarf.....next with taupe Eileen Fisher ankle pants a black shell and taupe scarf.....lastly I dressed it up with silk Lauren Vidal pants another black shell and an animal print silk scarf.  I have found that over the years, if you purchase good quality classic clothes from reputable manufacturers, your clothes will last you many years just by updating them with a few items when needed!  Happy Shopping!!!!!!

Fresh Spring Rolls (A New Year Healthy Choice)

Fresh spring rolls with a favourite peanut sauce is my go to appetizer for many special occasions!!
At a recent Christmas celebration I was asked to put my spring roll recipe on my blog.  I have to admit I have been very negligent in the past year re updating my blog with recent travels etc.  My NewYear's resolution is to update my blog on a regular basis, starting with today!!!!
Ingredients for spring rolls
1 package of spring roll rice wrappers (found in the Asian section)
Vermicelli noodles (I don't always use, as there is plenty of rice in the wrappers)
Fresh veggies (carrots, peppers, cucumbers, etc. cut into thin strips
Mixed greens or arugula
Chopped green onion
Moisten the rice wrapper in warm water for a few seconds to soften, I like to blot on a clean tea towel
Start by placing a few pieces of lettuce about one-third from the bottom of the wrapper
Add the remaining ingredients,
Gently pull the bottom of the wrapper over the filling! Roll tightly folding in the ends like a burrito!
If not using right away, place in a container and cover with a damp cloth
You can also vary the fillings, using shrimp instead of veggies or mango strips, they are delicious!
As for the peanut dipping sauce, you can make your own or as I do buy the bottled sauces (they are great)   Enjoy!!!!
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a Special New Decade!!!

Make Your Own Sugar Scrub

If you have ever used a high quality sugar scrub on your skin, you will know how wonderful your skin feels after!!!  If you use a sugar scrub as often as I do, you know that it is quite expensive, as a  jar does not last very long!  I have found a wonderful homemade recipe that is very economical and does an amazing job.

All you have to do is measure 1 cup of granulated sugar to 1 cup of organic coconut oil, add a little of your favourite fragrance and that is it!!  Find a pretty jar and fill with your homemade scrub!  You will find that your skin not only feels satiny smooth after using, it smells great too!!!  Try it, I know you will love it!!!!

Zero Waste Challenge

Well, I did it....I just finished the Zero Waste Challenge, and I'm thinking about waste in a new way!
I decided to do the challenge along with 20 others from my building. I ended up with only a bandaid in my mason jar....total garbage for a week!  If I hadn't cut my thumb it would have been zero!  We couldn't have done it without the help of Reep Green Solutions, as we along with every other high rise building in Waterloo Region does not get compost pick up!  Reep supplied us with green bins, bags, instruction sheets and mason jars.  They also volunteered to pickup and supply empty bins as needed. It is a great feeling to know that you have left a smaller footprint! I also learned a lot and will definitely change some of the ways that I purchase and recycle items. One of the things I learned is that you cannot recycle butcher paper, so I took a container to my butcher and he used that instead of the usual wrap.  I will continue to do that in the future!  I will always think of the 5R's from now on!
RECYCLE ! REUSE ! REFUSE ! REDUCE ! ROT

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Opa! Santorini and Moussaka

What does eggplant and Santorini have in common?  They are both beautiful and they are both Greek!!  I loved Santorini with it's wonderful scenery, Greek culture, cuisine and the warmth and friendliness of the people that live there.  I can't resist buying eggplant as it is the most beautiful vegetable I have ever seen, and I can't resist the amazing traditional moussaka  (a layered eggplant and meat dish)  Just slice the eggplant in 1/2 inch rounds, brush with oil and bake in a 350 degree oven until lightly browned.  Arrange half the slices in a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, cover with your favourite meat and tomato sauce, cover with remaining eggplant and finish with béchamel sauce that you add a  couple of eggs and a pinch of nutmeg. Sprinkle top with parmesan and breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in 350 degree oven until lightly browned!  All you have to do then, is sit back with a favourite glass of wine, a greek salad and you are back in Santorini!!!

Apulia Market and Orecchiette

A beautiful morning in Apulia, strolling through the market, seeing the most beautiful artichokes I have ever seen and watching the local women making orecchiette pasta (which in Italian means little ears).  It was fascinating watching the women rolling the fresh pasta dough, cutting off small pieces and then press with their thumbs to make the little ears.  I definitely want to make this at home (I will let you know in a later blog how I make out).  This typical southern Italian pasta is served very aldente with a basic tomato sauce, often garnished with rapini!!!

Polignano a Mare ( Pearl of the Adriatic Sea )

Polignano a Mare, a sublime combination between the crystal clear sea and the rocks of the old town.  A hidden oasis with stunning and breathtaking cliffs that stand out with the blue of the sea!!  I enjoyed breakfast on the balcony overlooking this magnificent view every morning!! When evening falls, the vivid colours of it's cliffs creates a magical atmosphere!!!!!!

Spring Purchases from Uptown Waterloo

I finally finished cleaning out my closets to make room for a couple of new purchases to round out my Spring wardrobe!!  I found a great jean jacket that I have been looking for, by Sandwich Denim
at Urban Corner. It will look great over several items that I already have in my wardrobe.  I also found a great pair of leather lined ankle boots by Shutz at Sass Wardrobe Essentials, both stores are located in Uptown Waterloo!!!  It is great finding special items so close to home!!!!!

Packing for Italy

Paula Stanghetta from MP Tours has asked me to do a post on packing for Italy, so here goes!!!!  First of all, I have been to Italy 5 times, 2 with Paula.  I am going again in May to Puglia, Italy also with Paula!!  As you can tell I love Italy, and I also love the personalized tours with MP Tours. I love the people, the food. the scenery and of course the wine!!!  When planning a trip the first thing I check out is the weather forecast so that I can pack accordingly!!!  On my last trip to Italy (Sicily) the temperature ranged from moderate in Palermo, very cool in Mt. Etna to hot in Taormina, as the pictures below will show.  I try to pack everything for my trip in a suitcase light enough that I can
handle myself. I also pack in my carryon (along with what I am wearing) enough items to last me at least 2-3 days in case my luggage is delayed (Italy is known for delayed luggage).  I pack all of my clothes in packing cubes (I have  small, medium and large sizes)  I roll everything tightly to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.  You can also use large size freezer bags for this purpose and they come in handy, to store dirty items. Most importantly is your choice of footwear, with a lot of uneven pathways and cobble stones, sturdy rubber soled shoes are a must.  I prefer a couple of pairs of walking sandals and a pair of covered shoes like campers for rainy and cool days. Also pack a rain poncho and warm wrap ( I like to pack a cashmere poncho that also serves as a blanket on the plane). Lastly if you colour coordinate your clothing you can mix and match to create several outfits with a minimum of pieces.  I always choose a basic black dress with several tops as well as a tunic and pants that can I can interchange.  Travelling is amazing and by packing the right clothes that are comfortable as well as stylish, adds to your experience!!!

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