January 2020 - Foodie Foray

When my wife first approached me about taking a trip to Ireland to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary I thought, wow, that’s an expensive gift! However, after I got over the initial shock I said to myself, “hey, Ireland has Michelin-starred restaurants“, and I was all in. You see, although we have very high quality restaurants everywhere in Canada, we don’t get to enjoy the cool and prestigious rating system that almost every other place in world has. So, I was thrilled with the idea that I might get finally see what all the fuss was about.

Signatures

January 27, 2020December 4, 2022Al McFarland

Sophisticated Super Bowl Charcuterie

We’ve been thinking about putting this one together for a while now, and with the big game right around the corner we figured why not? Let’s do a “sophisticated” Super Bowl charcuterie specifically geared to sports fans and/or major sporting events. The idea was go beyond the normal pizza, chicken wings, and chips, and pull together a bunch of top shelf finger foods, dips, and sauces (all homemade of course) that your guests will love.

Chef Tips

January 26, 2020December 4, 2022Al McFarland

Next Level Specialty Tools

In putting together my list of Essential Kitchen Tools my thoughts turned to some of the next level chef tools that I have in my kitchen. These tend to be “specialty” items that serve very specific purposes, but without which I would be deprived of the ability to take my cooking to the next level.

Recipes

January 20, 2020December 5, 2022Al McFarland

Individual Tiramisu

I’ll cut directly to the chase – tiramisu is my favourite dessert EVER! Not to overstate this too much, but I’ve loved this light, not-too-sweet, boozy dessert from the first moment I tried it more than 20 years ago. So, I’m very happy to share my go-to Tiramisu recipe.

GO TO RECIPE

Signatures

January 19, 2020December 5, 2022Al McFarland

Dinner for Six – February 2017

This one holds a special place in our hearts because it’s what could be called our first “formal” dinner party. Sure, we had hosted other get togethers with friends and family, but this was the first time that we put a lot of focus and energy on the experience.

Local Forays

January 18, 2020December 5, 2022Al McFarland

Supply and Demand – January 2020

Experience Rating:

 4.8/5

It’s been more than 2 years since we’ve had the opportunity to visit Supply & Demand in Ottawa’s Westboro neighbourhood and I’m pleased to say that the product has only gotten better with time. Our return visit was outstanding – same great service; innovative menu selections; and a cool vibe.

Recipes

January 12, 2020December 5, 2022al.mcfarland

Brie, Bacon, Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Pizza

You’ll fall in love with this Brie, Bacon, Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Pizza. Drizzled with pure maple syrup, it makes for a decadent appetizer or main.

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Recipes

January 12, 2020December 5, 2022al.mcfarland

Home-Churned Butter

This is definitely something everyone needs to try at home. Create your own “artisanal” or churned butter with little more than a bit of heavy cream and a mixer.

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Recipes

January 12, 2020December 5, 2022al.mcfarland

Rustic Potato Bread

Check out our recipe for Rustic Potato Bread which was picked up from Chef J.P. McMahon of Michelin-starred Aniar restaurant in Galway, Ireland. We’re sure you’re going to love it!

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Faraway Forays

January 9, 2020December 5, 2022Jennifer McFarland

Tea Parties are for Kids, Right?

My love of tea parties and fine china teacups began as a six year old aspiring princess, huddled around a make shift table sipping imaginary tea and eating imaginary scones with my friends (the human, stuffed/plastic, and imaginary kind). This was a serious affair. Choosing the friends to invite, and those that would have to watch from the sidelines (my baby brother and dolls with choppy haircuts and missing limbs). Setting the table with hand picked daisies, and risking life and limb to reach the coveted china teacups stored out of reach of my six-year-old hands.