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Baking Basics

Lace Cookie Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches

August 17, 2020 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by Paderno Kitchenware.

Paderno 9-cup Balanced-Brew Coffee Maker
Paderno 9-Cup Balanced-Brew Coffee Maker
…

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Filed Under: Baking Basics, Cookies, Ice Cream, Sponsored Tagged With: baking, coffee, cookies, dessert, ice cream, no churn, Paderno

Chocolate Cake with a Coffee Swiss Meringue Buttercream and Maple Glazed Walnuts

March 16, 2018 By stemsandforks 6 Comments

On one of my recent blog posts, Orange Cardamom Cake with Blackberry Curd, a reader left a comment that left me scratching my head. She wrote, “I have tried to make this cake twice and the cake has fallen – severely – before taking it out of the oven. I have years of baking experience, and can’t get this to bake right.”

Of course, my heart sank. How could this be? I referred back to the cake recipe and scrutinized it line by line, and was still left baffled. I knew I had baked this cake several times and wondered what had gone amiss. After several conversations between the reader and myself, and I discovered exactly what went wrong. She had used a 6 inch pan the first time and an 8 inch pan the second time, when the recipe had called for a 9 inch pan. Using pans of another size, other than what the recipe calls for, (even a mere inch) can cause the cake to collapse in the middle and/or cause the excess to flow over the edge of the pan.

The fact that this particular reader was a seasoned baker, made me realize that although many home bakers out there may have decades of experience, it is probably in baking the same repertoire of recipes over and over. For instance, a simple pound cake or chocolate cake most likely won’t sink if substituting with a slightly different pan size. But for a genoise, sponge, angel, chiffon or any cake using egg whites and air to leaven (raise/suspend), the cake would definitely end up with a monumental crater. 

Chopping board provided by https://www.tshirtstudio.com

I’ve decided to do a quick checklist here with brief explanations on how to achieve that perfect cake. I’ll dedicate a more detailed blog post at a later time but for now I thought I’d share these quick tips to help you avoid any cake disasters.

-Check that your oven’s temperature is correct with an oven-safe thermometer.

-Always use the pan size indicated in the recipe. Using a smaller pan than what is called for in the recipe will cause the cake to collapse in the middle (and over flow on the sides). While baking, the cake expands and rises and has nowhere else to go. Thus, the flop and spillover. On the opposite spectrum, using a pan larger than what the recipe indicates may result in a flat and dry cake.

-Grease pan with butter and dust with flour on sides and line bottom of pan with parchment paper (that you’ve traced and cut out).

-Glass and dark-coloured pans usually bake things faster…reduce oven by about 25F or check up on cake a bit earlier. Normally recipes are based on aluminum/light-coloured pans.

-Always measure flour and most ingredients by weight. If you don’t have a scale, don’t scoop the flour directly with a measuring cup. Take a spoon and spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife.

-Sift all your ingredients including sugar (especially brown sugar). Nothing like baking a gorgeous cake only to find a big air pocket inside after slicing into it. 

-Make sure you thoroughly whisk your flour and baking powders/sodas together

-Have all your ingredients come to room temperature (unless otherwise stated) – especially eggs, milk, creams, cheeses etc. This helps create a lighter texture and an even bake.

-If you’ve forgotten to bring your eggs to room temperature, soak them in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes. 

-Don’t stray too much from the recipe. If it says 2 cups of flour, don’t add another half cup. In baking, even the slightest variation in ingredient ratios can throw the entire recipe off.

-When testing with a toothpick, dont wait till it comes out perfectly clean. A few crumbs on the toothpick is the perfect time to take out of the oven as the cake will continue to cook when taken out

-Brush your cakes with a simple sugar syrup while still warm. Its simple to make- equal amounts of water to sugar…bring to boil and brush over cakes. This will make your cakes moist for days!

Now back to what this blog post was really about…chocolate cake. The recipe below was tested at least a dozen times with various ingredients…sour cream instead of yogurt, butter instead of oil, unsweetened chocolate rather than semi sweet, raspberry buttercream instead of coffee…etc. And the end result was a gorgeous, moist, crumb. Sweet but not overly sweet with a smooth silky coffee buttercream with a nutty crunch. The recipe below is for a double layer cake and is quite large. You can easily make this cake into a single layer by dividing all the ingredients by half. This makes a single nine inch cake. I hope you enjoy it. 

Bon app!

Chocolate Cake with Coffee Swiss Meringue Buttercream and Toasted Maple Syrup Walnuts
2018-03-15 00:24:27
Serves 12
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Cook Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
FOR THE CAKE
  1. 390 or 3 cups all purpose flour sifted
  2. 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 225 grams or 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped
  6. 85 grams or 1 cup sifted cocoa powder
  7. 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
  8. 2 1/2 cups boiling water
  9. 1 1/2 cups canola or vegetable oil
  10. 6 eggs room temperature
  11. 400 grams or 2 cups white granulated sugar
  12. 200 grams or 1 cup brown sugar
  13. 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  14. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
SUGAR SYRUP
  1. 1/4 cup water
  2. 50 grams or 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
  3. 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
INGREDIENTS FOR COFFEE SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM
  1. 6 egg whites
  2. 400 grams or 2 cups granulated white sugar
  3. 450 grams or 2 cups softened unsalted butter
  4. 2 tablespoons milk
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
WALNUTS
  1. 100 grams or 1 cup walnuts
  2. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  3. pinch of sea salt flakes
CAKE
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and place oven rack in middle
  2. Grease sides of pan with butter and dust some flour then trace and cut out bottom of 9 inch pan with parchment paper and place inside pan. Set aside
  3. Chop semi sweet chocolate into small bits and put in large bowl and sift cocoa powder over chocolate, and add the 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder or instant coffee
  4. Bring a pot or kettle of water to boil (at least 3 1/2 cups) But pour only 2 1/2 cups of boiling water over chocolate and whisk until it becomes smooth and silky. set aside
  5. In large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, whisk well and set aside
  6. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, put sugar in bowl and add egg in one at a time making sure each egg has been incorporated into sugar.
  7. Once egg and sugar have become thoroughly combined, add the vegetable oil in a slow steady stream stirring on low- scrape sides and mix again
  8. Stir in the yogurt and vanilla extract
  9. Reduce to lowest speed and stir in flour in three additions and chocolate mixture in two additions. Mix until flour streaks have dissolved. Do not over mix
  10. Divide the batter equally into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a tester comes out with just a few clean crumbs
  11. Allow to cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Place wire cooling rack on pans and invert cakes removing the parchment paper. Generously brush SUGAR SYRUP (instructions just below) while cake is warm Allow to cool completely another 1 1/2 hours
SUGAR SYRUP
  1. While cake is baking, in a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil stirring until sugar has completely dissolved
  2. Add the Grand Marnier while syrup is just a touch warm.
  3. Generously slather on both cake layers about 5 minutes after cake has come out of oven
WALNUTS
  1. Leave oven on at 350 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper
  2. Place the walnuts in centre of tray and drizzle with the maple syrup and mix with wooden spoon
  3. spread nuts out evenly and bake for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway at about 8 minutes
  4. after
  5. Let cool for about 3 minutes before separating the walnuts and sprinkling the sea salts
  6. Keep all the caramelized bits of maple syrup to dress cake with
COFFEE SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM
  1. In a medium saucepan filled with couple inches of water on medium heat, place the stand mixer bowl with the 6 egg whites and 2 cups of white sugar and bring water to a simmer
  2. Whisk constantly until candy thermometer reads 160 F- check by rubbing a bit between your thumb and finger that the sugar has completely dissolved and isn't gritty
  3. Fit the mixer bowl in the stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whisk until medium-stiff peaks form and the bowl returns to room temperature about 10 minutes
  4. Whisk together the instant espresso or coffee powder with the milk until all the powder has been dissolved
  5. Turn the mixer down and stir in the vanilla extract and the epresso/coffee milk mix
  6. Change the whisk attachment to the paddle attachment and start dropping in the room temperature butter in a couple table spoons at a time. Make sure the butter is fully incorporated before adding the next dollop of butter.
  7. Once all the butter has been added beat another 5 minutes on medium
  8. Buttercream may look a bit lumpy at times...be patient, it'll smooth out with a couple minutes of beating.
ASSEMBLING THE CAKE
  1. First...make sure cakes are completely cool. Refrigerating overnight or freezing for about 15 minutes makes icing easier.
  2. Place first cake layer on your cake stand and spread out about a quarter of the buttercream with an offset spatula
  3. Top with the next layer of cake and spread buttercream with offset spatula on top and on sides of cake
  4. Sprinkle the walnuts and the caramelized maple glass
Notes
  1. -This recipe can easily be made into a single layer chocolate cake. Just divide all ingredients by half and bake in one 9 inch pan
  2. -I've read that swiss meringue buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks...however consuming within a week is ideal. Make sure you bring to room temperature and beat again for about 3 minutes before icing onto cake...if it gets lumpy or appears like it's curdling, blast a hair dryer on the buttercream while its beating in the stand mixer or place on a double boiler for a couple minutes...just to get the butter to gel with the meringue again.
  3. -Store cake in fridge in a cake container for up to a week
By Betty Binon
STEMS & FORKS https://www.stemsandforks.com/

Filed Under: Baking Basics, Baking Tips, Cakes, Chocolate, Family Favorites

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Jun 2

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Remember Scholastic I Spy Books? #inspired I spy 5 brand labels, a lady in a red dress and a man head over heels. 

First styled set taken in my new digs. 

#ispy #onthetable #fleurs #bridalveil #dahlias #sprayroses #delphinium #chrysanthemum #mylittleworld #nostalgia

Remember Scholastic I Spy Books? #inspired I spy 5 brand labels, a lady in a red dress and a man head over heels.

First styled set taken in my new digs.

#ispy #onthetable #fleurs #bridalveil #dahlias #sprayroses #delphinium #chrysanthemum #mylittleworld #nostalgia
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May 2

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SOLD OUT. VIDEOGRAPHY WORKSHOP  Friday June 23 - Sunday June 25th. Creative Storytelling with Video. Toronto.
Held in central Toronto, at my workshop/studio, this 3 day intensive course will offer participants the art behind video storytelling and editing (Premiere Pro) 
Learn how to discover your unique style to craft meaningful and striking videos through composition, sequencing, lighting, angles, framing and editing. There will be loads of breakout sessions plus the opportunity to watch me create a video from start to finish. SPACES ARE VERY LIMITED to ensure loads of quality 1:1 mentoring sessions. 

Tap link in stories and bio for more information and to register.

Finally teaching on home soil. #worskhop #videography #toronto

SOLD OUT. VIDEOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Friday June 23 - Sunday June 25th. Creative Storytelling with Video. Toronto.
Held in central Toronto, at my workshop/studio, this 3 day intensive course will offer participants the art behind video storytelling and editing (Premiere Pro)
Learn how to discover your unique style to craft meaningful and striking videos through composition, sequencing, lighting, angles, framing and editing. There will be loads of breakout sessions plus the opportunity to watch me create a video from start to finish. SPACES ARE VERY LIMITED to ensure loads of quality 1:1 mentoring sessions.

Tap link in stories and bio for more information and to register.

Finally teaching on home soil. #worskhop #videography #toronto
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May 1

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Red. 

Messy. Mistakes.
It’s tempting to look back and think of how we could have done things differently. 

We fall. Break.

Better to feel something than to languish..
Insipidly. Fearfully. Uninspired.

Fail. Regret.
Repeat until you triumph.

Feel it. Even if it burns. 

Because failures give value to triumphs. And this symbiotic balance gives this whole mess meaning. 

Perilla Kal-guksu (knife noodles) with a crushed chili sesame seed oil sauce topped with toasted walnuts, Parmesan ribbons and tomatoes. 
I’ll eventually share recipe.

Inspired by The Three Colour Trilogy by Krzysztof Kieślowsk #Red

Red.

Messy. Mistakes.
It’s tempting to look back and think of how we could have done things differently.

We fall. Break.

Better to feel something than to languish..
Insipidly. Fearfully. Uninspired.

Fail. Regret.
Repeat until you triumph.

Feel it. Even if it burns.

Because failures give value to triumphs. And this symbiotic balance gives this whole mess meaning.

Perilla Kal-guksu (knife noodles) with a crushed chili sesame seed oil sauce topped with toasted walnuts, Parmesan ribbons and tomatoes.
I’ll eventually share recipe.

Inspired by The Three Colour Trilogy by Krzysztof Kieślowsk #Red
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Apr 23

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My turn. Behind the scenes. The face behind the sophisticated @stemsandforks  #bloopers #outtakes #keepingitreal

My turn. Behind the scenes. The face behind the sophisticated @stemsandforks #bloopers #outtakes #keepingitreal ...

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This kid! Too good not to share. 

#behindthescenes #georgy #purelove #thereason #lifeitself #bts #mypunk #minime #outtakes

This kid! Too good not to share.

#behindthescenes #georgy #purelove #thereason #lifeitself #bts #mypunk #minime #outtakes
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Apr 12

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I have a million things to do. 

Wash my windows. file my taxes. sew that button back on my jacket. Clean squalid fridge. Cut little Georgy’s hair. Work. Contemplate the meaning of life.

Instead I choose to idle in this glorious sun and enjoy this truffle potato chip crusted inside out grilled @ViolifeCa Mature Cheddar Cheese sandwich. 

“Wash Me” ..maybe tomorrow. 

Ingredients: (Loosely)
2 slices of your fave bread
8 slices Violife 100% Dairy-Free Mature Cheddar Cheese Slices
Fistful of truffle potato chips
2 tbsp vegan butter

Instructions:
Over medium high heat, melt butter and sprinkle crushed potato chips.
Place 2 rows of (2 slices each row) Violife Mature Cheddar Cheese Slices over chips.
Lay a slice of bread over each row of cheese and press down.
Add another layer of Violife Mature Cheddar Cheese Slices (2 per slice) and cover with lid.
Allow cheese to melt for about 2 minutes.
Layer some chips over each slice of bread.
Flip one slice of bread over the other and serve. 

#ad #violife #vegan #planbased #grilledcheesesandwich #onthetable #recipereels #veganrecipes #homecooking #foodfluffer #recipeshare #love #potatochips #dairyfree #nationalgrilledcheeseday

I have a million things to do.

Wash my windows. file my taxes. sew that button back on my jacket. Clean squalid fridge. Cut little Georgy’s hair. Work. Contemplate the meaning of life.

Instead I choose to idle in this glorious sun and enjoy this truffle potato chip crusted inside out grilled @ViolifeCa Mature Cheddar Cheese sandwich.

“Wash Me” ..maybe tomorrow.

Ingredients: (Loosely)
2 slices of your fave bread
8 slices Violife 100% Dairy-Free Mature Cheddar Cheese Slices
Fistful of truffle potato chips
2 tbsp vegan butter

Instructions:
Over medium high heat, melt butter and sprinkle crushed potato chips.
Place 2 rows of (2 slices each row) Violife Mature Cheddar Cheese Slices over chips.
Lay a slice of bread over each row of cheese and press down.
Add another layer of Violife Mature Cheddar Cheese Slices (2 per slice) and cover with lid.
Allow cheese to melt for about 2 minutes.
Layer some chips over each slice of bread.
Flip one slice of bread over the other and serve.

#ad #violife #vegan #planbased #grilledcheesesandwich #onthetable #recipereels #veganrecipes #homecooking #foodfluffer #recipeshare #love #potatochips #dairyfree #nationalgrilledcheeseday
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Candles, a night-cap and a full moon. Made this little reel for my first and longest client @tatineofficial since I started Stems & Forks about 6 years ago. Margo and candles - definitely a vibe. Happy special birthday week M. May all your dreams come true x 

#tatinecandles #fullmoon #onthetable #nightsky #darkandmoody #photography

Candles, a night-cap and a full moon. Made this little reel for my first and longest client @tatineofficial since I started Stems & Forks about 6 years ago. Margo and candles - definitely a vibe. Happy special birthday week M. May all your dreams come true x

#tatinecandles #fullmoon #onthetable #nightsky #darkandmoody #photography
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Grapefruit - sweet, acerbic, succulent and tart. 
Hazelnuts - Earthy, rich, crisp and nutty.  I think I’ve found my soulmates. 

Contributed this U.S grapefruit and hazelnut pound cake recipe to @tasteUSA.ca using grapefruit and hazelnuts grown in U.S. Recipe link in stories or at @TasteUSA.ca website. 

Savagely devoured this cake in one day..

Dedicated to my human soulmate Nicole Marenick.

#TasteUSA.ca <http://tasteusa.ca/> #contributor #grapefruit #hazelnuts #GrownInUSA #kitchentheatrics #onthetable #recipereels #bakingfromscratch #poundcake #foodfluffer #foodphotography #foodvideo

Grapefruit - sweet, acerbic, succulent and tart.
Hazelnuts - Earthy, rich, crisp and nutty.  I think I’ve found my soulmates.

Contributed this U.S grapefruit and hazelnut pound cake recipe to @tasteUSA.ca using grapefruit and hazelnuts grown in U.S. Recipe link in stories or at @TasteUSA.ca website.

Savagely devoured this cake in one day..

Dedicated to my human soulmate Nicole Marenick.

#TasteUSA.ca <http://tasteusa.ca/> #contributor #grapefruit #hazelnuts #GrownInUSA #kitchentheatrics #onthetable #recipereels #bakingfromscratch #poundcake #foodfluffer #foodphotography #foodvideo
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A symphony of flowers, food and California Ripe Olives. Had an exquisite evening learning and tasting the craft behind curing Californian olives @calripeolives last month. And yes, those are olives in the flower arrangements. Thank you for a special evening @calripeolives 

@gbcchca @thechefshouse kitchen 

#partner #californiaripeolives #california #olives #chefstablemuch? #fleurs #onthetable #chefskitchen #floralfaffing #florals #muscari #lisianthus

A symphony of flowers, food and California Ripe Olives. Had an exquisite evening learning and tasting the craft behind curing Californian olives @calripeolives last month. And yes, those are olives in the flower arrangements. Thank you for a special evening @calripeolives

@gbcchca @thechefshouse kitchen

#partner #californiaripeolives #california #olives #chefstablemuch? #fleurs #onthetable #chefskitchen #floralfaffing #florals #muscari #lisianthus
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Mar 7

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Crispy smashed potatoes with avocado, tomatoes on sourdough topped with @sharpssauce hot sauce. Very tasty. You can find the sauce in @1924us shop online. I’ll put a link in stories. Great sauce for pretty much everything. 
Made this video for @1924us @sharpssauce a while back. Just getting around to posting content made for clients now. 
#smashedpotatoes #onthetable #recipereels #delicious

Crispy smashed potatoes with avocado, tomatoes on sourdough topped with @sharpssauce hot sauce. Very tasty. You can find the sauce in @1924us shop online. I’ll put a link in stories. Great sauce for pretty much everything.
Made this video for @1924us @sharpssauce a while back. Just getting around to posting content made for clients now.
#smashedpotatoes #onthetable #recipereels #delicious
...

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Mar 5

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Sold out. Music, fruit, wine, work. Some simple joys in life which I’m fortunate to enjoy. 

It has been one month since Turkey experienced a catastrophic earthquake. We’ve all seen the the devastation and slow recovery as they reel from one of their worst humanitarian crisis in decades. 

Me - Offering 4-5 individuals interested in learning 1:1 (via zoom) bundles of 5 sessions (5 hours) to improve your photography, video, and/or styling. Donate $400 US to support Turkey’s recovery. (Valued at $700 US) please DM for those interested to work out the details. 
Due to popular demand - 3 group courses added post announcement in stories - these are sold out. 
For those not interested in learning, please consider donating any amount. Merci. 

Donation link in stories and my profile. 
#turkey #turkeyearthquake #support #donatenow

Sold out. Music, fruit, wine, work. Some simple joys in life which I’m fortunate to enjoy.

It has been one month since Turkey experienced a catastrophic earthquake. We’ve all seen the the devastation and slow recovery as they reel from one of their worst humanitarian crisis in decades.

Me - Offering 4-5 individuals interested in learning 1:1 (via zoom) bundles of 5 sessions (5 hours) to improve your photography, video, and/or styling. Donate $400 US to support Turkey’s recovery. (Valued at $700 US) please DM for those interested to work out the details.
Due to popular demand - 3 group courses added post announcement in stories - these are sold out.
For those not interested in learning, please consider donating any amount. Merci.

Donation link in stories and my profile.
#turkey #turkeyearthquake #support #donatenow
...

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Feb 14

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Pair on Plate. 

#chiaroscuro #stilllife #onthetable #pear #raspberries #paintingwithlight

Pair on Plate.

#chiaroscuro #stilllife #onthetable #pear #raspberries #paintingwithlight
...

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Feb 5

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Peat smoke, eucalyptus, and berries. A visual experience of @Bowmore’s 12 and 15, including Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old. Paying homage to the craftsmanship and legacy of Bowmore’s single malts, the Art of Time is central to every stage of the distilling process. 
 

Bowmore has unveiled the second installment in its Masters’ Selection Series: Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old. A spirit that embodies the harmony between two distinctive
 brands. 
 

#AD #Bowmore AstonMartin #ArtOfTime 

Must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly.

Peat smoke, eucalyptus, and berries. A visual experience of @Bowmore’s 12 and 15, including Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old. Paying homage to the craftsmanship and legacy of Bowmore’s single malts, the Art of Time is central to every stage of the distilling process.


Bowmore has unveiled the second installment in its Masters’ Selection Series: Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old. A spirit that embodies the harmony between two distinctive
brands.


#AD #Bowmore AstonMartin #ArtOfTime

Must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly.
...

stemsandforks

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Jan 25

Open
On a quest for the perfect snack,

Georgy ate..and ate..and ate.
But nothing quite hit the spot.

Until he discovered @delfrescopure ’s divinely delicious peppers..
Mouthwatering mini cucumbers..

And scrumptiously superb strawberries. AKA YES!Berries.

@delfrescopure Snack peppers, mini cucumbers and @Yes_Berries strawberries are all sustainably grown right here in Ontario through the year including our winter. #ad #delfrescopure #snacktime #peppers #localbuisiness #ontario  #onthetable #strawberries #eatlocal #eatwell

On a quest for the perfect snack,

Georgy ate..and ate..and ate.
But nothing quite hit the spot.

Until he discovered @delfrescopure ’s divinely delicious peppers..
Mouthwatering mini cucumbers..

And scrumptiously superb strawberries. AKA YES!Berries.

@delfrescopure Snack peppers, mini cucumbers and @Yes_Berries strawberries are all sustainably grown right here in Ontario through the year including our winter. #ad #delfrescopure #snacktime #peppers #localbuisiness #ontario #onthetable #strawberries #eatlocal #eatwell
...

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Jan 19

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2 oj, 2 teas - bags out. A nod to Glenn Goulds desk. 

Previously seen in stories. Wasn’t planning on posting here. Continuity issues - tea bag strings. 

#glenngould #teabag #nocoughing #justforyou #PH #bday #bach

2 oj, 2 teas - bags out. A nod to Glenn Goulds desk.

Previously seen in stories. Wasn’t planning on posting here. Continuity issues - tea bag strings.

#glenngould #teabag #nocoughing #justforyou #PH #bday #bach
...

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Jan 15

Open
#AD Beauty, innovation and craft. The pursuit of excellence takes time.

@Bowmore , the oldest licensed distillery on Islay has been refining its craft for more than 240 years. The craftsmanship at every stage of the process truly shines with sophistication in each bottle. Just as the distiller’s hand-selected the Bowmore casks, each flower was chosen to speak to the tasting notes of the expressions.  

A leader in the world of single malts, Bowmore has become one of the world’s most collectible Islay malts. 
After nosing my way through the 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old and the Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old, it’s obvious the team of talented distillers at Bowmore achieve excellence in creating premium single malts. Textured, with a complex balance of smoke, rich fruit and notes of sea salt, Bowmore pursues perfection by understanding and accepting the impact time has on everything they do.

#Bowmore #AstonMartin #ArtOfTime
*Must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly.

#AD Beauty, innovation and craft. The pursuit of excellence takes time.

@Bowmore , the oldest licensed distillery on Islay has been refining its craft for more than 240 years. The craftsmanship at every stage of the process truly shines with sophistication in each bottle. Just as the distiller’s hand-selected the Bowmore casks, each flower was chosen to speak to the tasting notes of the expressions.  

A leader in the world of single malts, Bowmore has become one of the world’s most collectible Islay malts. 
After nosing my way through the 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old and the Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old, it’s obvious the team of talented distillers at Bowmore achieve excellence in creating premium single malts. Textured, with a complex balance of smoke, rich fruit and notes of sea salt, Bowmore pursues perfection by understanding and accepting the impact time has on everything they do.

#Bowmore #AstonMartin #ArtOfTime
*Must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly.
...

stemsandforks

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Dec 25

Open
My 2022 gingerbread house masterpiece. 16 kg of dough sprinkled with sugar by my other masterpiece, Georgy. 

For the past three Christmas’ i’ve built massive gingerbread houses and wrote thoughtful captions. 

I’m tired. 

What I learned this year is sometimes giving up is not a sign of weakness rather a strength to know when to let go. 

Thanks for the hug and help Georgy.

Happy holidays. 

(Miyazaki’s Spirited Away Bathhouse 2020, Escher’s Ascending and Descending 2021, Notre Dame 2019) 

#LongSleavesBlack #gingerbreadhouse #effit

My 2022 gingerbread house masterpiece. 16 kg of dough sprinkled with sugar by my other masterpiece, Georgy.

For the past three Christmas’ i’ve built massive gingerbread houses and wrote thoughtful captions.

I’m tired.

What I learned this year is sometimes giving up is not a sign of weakness rather a strength to know when to let go.

Thanks for the hug and help Georgy.

Happy holidays.

(Miyazaki’s Spirited Away Bathhouse 2020, Escher’s Ascending and Descending 2021, Notre Dame 2019)

#LongSleavesBlack #gingerbreadhouse #effit
...

stemsandforks

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Dec 22

Open
It has been a busy travel year for me. The one place that stood out was @Sonderstays Boston Fenway. 3 bedroom. 3 washroom suite with wrap-around windows and a massive kitchen with stunning views. See stories for links. (Video: LA, San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Paris) #SonderBoston #partner #aBetterWaytoCelebrate #Boston #travelphotography #travelforwork #paris #losangeles #newyorkcity #sanfrancisco

It has been a busy travel year for me. The one place that stood out was @Sonderstays Boston Fenway. 3 bedroom. 3 washroom suite with wrap-around windows and a massive kitchen with stunning views. See stories for links. (Video: LA, San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Paris) #SonderBoston #partner #aBetterWaytoCelebrate #Boston #travelphotography #travelforwork #paris #losangeles #newyorkcity #sanfrancisco ...

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Dec 19

Open
Double-fried fries and fleurs. i like mine with maldon salt and dijon. 

Breaking up your scroll of Mariah Carey and cookies.

 #fries #flowers #random #floristreview #stilllife #onthetableathome #tweedia #floristsandflowers #faffingwithflowers #mokara #carnations #botanicalpickmeup

Double-fried fries and fleurs. i like mine with maldon salt and dijon.

Breaking up your scroll of Mariah Carey and cookies.

#fries #flowers #random #floristreview #stilllife #onthetableathome #tweedia #floristsandflowers #faffingwithflowers #mokara #carnations #botanicalpickmeup
...

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Dec 11

Open
My current mood. I very much dislike snow and most days dislike Chopin. 

Compass and paring knife from @1924us 

#floraldesign #floralfaffing #botanicalsculpture #peonies #ilex #versilia #persimmons #flowerphotography #biodegradablefoam #floralart #longblacksleaves #chopin #darkandmoody

My current mood. I very much dislike snow and most days dislike Chopin.

Compass and paring knife from @1924us

#floraldesign #floralfaffing #botanicalsculpture #peonies #ilex #versilia #persimmons #flowerphotography #biodegradablefoam #floralart #longblacksleaves #chopin #darkandmoody
...

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Dec 6

Open
Leftover props from todays set. a great late night snack and drink. 
#champagne #pandoro #panettone #onthetable #foodphotography #ilex #persimmon #darkandmoody #nightphotography #samesame #yawn

Leftover props from todays set. a great late night snack and drink.
#champagne #pandoro #panettone #onthetable #foodphotography #ilex #persimmon #darkandmoody #nightphotography #samesame #yawn
...

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Dec 2

Open
Sunsets, birds, city lights and cocktails. With these extraordinary views and all the necessary bar tools to stir up some cocktails, I barely left my @sonderstays suite in Fenway Boston. 
Link in stories for more info.
Cheers,

Negroni Sbagliato with Champange

RECIPE:
Serves: 2 

Ingredients:
2 oz. Campari
2 oz. sweet vermouth
2 oz.  Champagne
Orange peel to garnish

Instructions:
Pour Campari and vermouth into mixer with ice.
Stir for about 30 seconds and strain into two ice-filled rocks glasses.
Using a long bar spoon, gently pour the Champagne in each glass.
Stir and garnish with orange peel.
(Please drink responsibly)

#Abetterwaytocelebrate #SonderBoston #partner #negroniSbagliato #champagne #campari #fridaycocktails #imbibe #mixology #foodanddrink #cocktails #recipes #fridaynight #bar

Sunsets, birds, city lights and cocktails. With these extraordinary views and all the necessary bar tools to stir up some cocktails, I barely left my @sonderstays suite in Fenway Boston.
Link in stories for more info.
Cheers,

Negroni Sbagliato with Champange

RECIPE:
Serves: 2

Ingredients:
2 oz. Campari
2 oz. sweet vermouth
2 oz. Champagne
Orange peel to garnish

Instructions:
Pour Campari and vermouth into mixer with ice.
Stir for about 30 seconds and strain into two ice-filled rocks glasses.
Using a long bar spoon, gently pour the Champagne in each glass.
Stir and garnish with orange peel.
(Please drink responsibly)

#Abetterwaytocelebrate #SonderBoston #partner #negroniSbagliato #champagne #campari #fridaycocktails #imbibe #mixology #foodanddrink #cocktails #recipes #fridaynight #bar
...

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Oct 10

Open
About a year ago I had the pleasure of mentoring a group of talented high school students snap food photographs for a cookbook during the pandemic lockdowns. 
What began as a small project to fill their volunteer hours, @flashinthepandemiccookbook  quickly evolved into a collection of vibrant recipes and stories of what Toronto chefs, owners and staff of restaurants had to endure during the lockdowns. 

Thrilled to announce the e-book is officially up for sale with all proceeds going to The Daily Bread Food Bank @dailybreadto 
 Some recipes featured in Flash in the Pandemic Cookbook include Alo, Gusto 501, Pure Spirits, Cluny, Richmond Station, Good Behaviour, La Palette, Kimchi Korea House, Piano Piano plus dozens more. 

There’s also a LAUNCH PARTY. 
 Tuesday OCTOBER 11th. Sample unlimited canapés and food from stations such as @mikutoronto @mapleleaftavern @gladstonehotel_orange @broadviewhotel and Michelin star restaurant @hanayorkville and more. 
Plus live music, Jim Creeggan  @barenakedladiesmusic (Eventbrite tix in stories link)
Tickets are $100 which includes the e-book. 100% of all proceeds go to @dailybreadto 

Meet some of the chefs featured in the cookbook, the student photographers and well, me. See you Tuesday.

Pictured above slides 1-2 @KimchiKoreaHouse 

Slide 3 @gusto501 📷 Finn Creeggan 
Slide 4 @archeotoronto 📷 Moineau Shin Binon
Slide 5@alorestaurant 📷 Jadyn Cialini 
Slide 6 @broadviewhotel 📷 Sidney Moore 

Proud of the students incredible work and the team behind the scenes. @sarahkmartin_ , @jennyshinpr , Alan Jones.

About a year ago I had the pleasure of mentoring a group of talented high school students snap food photographs for a cookbook during the pandemic lockdowns.
What began as a small project to fill their volunteer hours, @flashinthepandemiccookbook quickly evolved into a collection of vibrant recipes and stories of what Toronto chefs, owners and staff of restaurants had to endure during the lockdowns.

Thrilled to announce the e-book is officially up for sale with all proceeds going to The Daily Bread Food Bank @dailybreadto
Some recipes featured in Flash in the Pandemic Cookbook include Alo, Gusto 501, Pure Spirits, Cluny, Richmond Station, Good Behaviour, La Palette, Kimchi Korea House, Piano Piano plus dozens more.

There’s also a LAUNCH PARTY.
Tuesday OCTOBER 11th. Sample unlimited canapés and food from stations such as @mikutoronto @mapleleaftavern @gladstonehotel_orange @broadviewhotel and Michelin star restaurant @hanayorkville and more.
Plus live music, Jim Creeggan @barenakedladiesmusic (Eventbrite tix in stories link)
Tickets are $100 which includes the e-book. 100% of all proceeds go to @dailybreadto

Meet some of the chefs featured in the cookbook, the student photographers and well, me. See you Tuesday.

Pictured above slides 1-2 @KimchiKoreaHouse

Slide 3 @gusto501 📷 Finn Creeggan
Slide 4 @archeotoronto 📷 Moineau Shin Binon
Slide 5@alorestaurant 📷 Jadyn Cialini
Slide 6 @broadviewhotel 📷 Sidney Moore

Proud of the students incredible work and the team behind the scenes. @sarahkmartin_ , @jennyshinpr , Alan Jones.
...

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Oct 5

Open
Delicata Squash, Kimchi and vegan Mozzarella Spring Rolls made with @ViolifeCa vegan Mozzarella Shreds, glass noodles and mushrooms.
 
A great starter or side dish for your Thanksgiving table or autumn meal. They’re crispy, cheesy, packed with umami and uber scrumptious. And can we talk about the taste and texture of @vioilfeca vegan Mozzarella Shreds? The texture is exactly the same as the dairy version, and in MHO Violife has more flavour than reg mozzarella. It’s also gluten, soy, nut and preservative free.
 
Serve with a side of Cranberry dipping sauce (recipe below) or plum sauce.

➔ Yields 12 spring rolls 
 
Delicata, Kimchi and vegan Mozzarella Spring Rolls:
1 1/2 cup Violife vegan Mozzarella Shreds
1 cup grated delicata squash or any type of squash 
1 cup drained and chopped vegan kimchi 
1 cup cooked and chopped glass noodles
1 cup shimeji mushrooms (or any type of mushroom)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
12 spring roll wrappers
2 tsp cornstarch (for sealing wrappers)
2 tbsp water (for sealing wrappers)
Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping sauce
1 cup cranberry s1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
 
Recipe instructions below in comments (pinned)
Enjoy!
ad #violife #vegan #plantbased #canadian #thanksgiving #recipes #springrolls #recipereels

Delicata Squash, Kimchi and vegan Mozzarella Spring Rolls made with @ViolifeCa vegan Mozzarella Shreds, glass noodles and mushrooms.

A great starter or side dish for your Thanksgiving table or autumn meal. They’re crispy, cheesy, packed with umami and uber scrumptious. And can we talk about the taste and texture of @vioilfeca vegan Mozzarella Shreds? The texture is exactly the same as the dairy version, and in MHO Violife has more flavour than reg mozzarella. It’s also gluten, soy, nut and preservative free.

Serve with a side of Cranberry dipping sauce (recipe below) or plum sauce.

➔ Yields 12 spring rolls

Delicata, Kimchi and vegan Mozzarella Spring Rolls:
1 1/2 cup Violife vegan Mozzarella Shreds
1 cup grated delicata squash or any type of squash
1 cup drained and chopped vegan kimchi
1 cup cooked and chopped glass noodles
1 cup shimeji mushrooms (or any type of mushroom)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
12 spring roll wrappers
2 tsp cornstarch (for sealing wrappers)
2 tbsp water (for sealing wrappers)
Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping sauce
1 cup cranberry s1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Recipe instructions below in comments (pinned)
Enjoy!
ad #violife #vegan #plantbased #canadian #thanksgiving #recipes #springrolls #recipereels
...

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Sep 29

Open
SOLD OUT.  VIDEO/PHOTO WORKSHOP Paris, France
 Oct 22nd and Oct 23rd with dream team @thepineapplechef @linda_lomelino @sliceofpai 
TWO intense days where you’ll learn the fundamentals of styling, photography, filming, and editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro. Plus all the technical knowledge you need to shoot a thoughtful creative video or photograph. We’ll share  hacks and tips to getting cool shots especially when filming yourself and help you find inspiration to create unique content.
But more importantly guidance on how to nurture your unique identity to feel creatively fulfilled and stand out in a saturated market. More info in profile link and stories. See you in Paris. 

F 16 ISO 800 @ 1/40 sec 50 mm
 #photography #workshop #paris #videography#france #masterclass #gardenroses #carnations #floralfaffer #stilllife #chiaroscuro #onthetable #foodphotography #bettysboys #eden #nolongblacksleaves

SOLD OUT. VIDEO/PHOTO WORKSHOP Paris, France
Oct 22nd and Oct 23rd with dream team @thepineapplechef @linda_lomelino @sliceofpai
TWO intense days where you’ll learn the fundamentals of styling, photography, filming, and editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro. Plus all the technical knowledge you need to shoot a thoughtful creative video or photograph. We’ll share hacks and tips to getting cool shots especially when filming yourself and help you find inspiration to create unique content.
But more importantly guidance on how to nurture your unique identity to feel creatively fulfilled and stand out in a saturated market. More info in profile link and stories. See you in Paris.

F 16 ISO 800 @ 1/40 sec 50 mm
#photography #workshop #paris #videography#france #masterclass #gardenroses #carnations #floralfaffer #stilllife #chiaroscuro #onthetable #foodphotography #bettysboys #eden #nolongblacksleaves
...

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Sep 13

Open
A typical Betty lunch on any given day. 
-beans or lentils
-mix of fresh garden and store bought veg
-capers
-green onions and purple shallots or onions
-mix of herbs - typically I use dill or cilantro w/parsley
-smoked paprika
-nutritional yeast
-salt ( in video is a mushroom thyme infused salt that @mushroomsandthyme made for me;) thanks Jess 
-some sort of seed like sesame or sunflower
- toasted nuts
-freshly squeezed citrus juice and EVOO
Ceramic bowl @farmhousepottery 

#kitchentheatrics #recipereels #onthetable #foodartblog #frommygarden #mygarden #foodfluffer #salad #vegetarian #BackToBaroque #bach ‘s #twitchuponthethread #jeannelamon #legend #nolongblacksleaves

A typical Betty lunch on any given day.
-beans or lentils
-mix of fresh garden and store bought veg
-capers
-green onions and purple shallots or onions
-mix of herbs - typically I use dill or cilantro w/parsley
-smoked paprika
-nutritional yeast
-salt ( in video is a mushroom thyme infused salt that @mushroomsandthyme made for me;) thanks Jess
-some sort of seed like sesame or sunflower
- toasted nuts
-freshly squeezed citrus juice and EVOO
Ceramic bowl @farmhousepottery

#kitchentheatrics #recipereels #onthetable #foodartblog #frommygarden #mygarden #foodfluffer #salad #vegetarian #BackToBaroque #bach ‘s #twitchuponthethread #jeannelamon #legend #nolongblacksleaves
...

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Sep 10

Open
Classic Martini made with the award winning  @valleyofmotherofgod gin. Smooth, deliciously complex and exquisitely balanced botanicals …@valleyofmotherofgod has become a staple on my liquor cart. Recipe link in stories.
.
Massive thank you to Shelly and Malcolm creators of @valleyofmotherofgod for hosting the workshop back in July. Thank you beaucoup x. 

*Must be legal drinking age. Not sponsored. 

#godsgin #classic #martini #mixology #valleyofmotherofgodgin #cocktails #foodanddrink #fridaycocktails #longblacksleaves #backtoblack

Classic Martini made with the award winning @valleyofmotherofgod gin. Smooth, deliciously complex and exquisitely balanced botanicals …@valleyofmotherofgod has become a staple on my liquor cart. Recipe link in stories.
.
Massive thank you to Shelly and Malcolm creators of @valleyofmotherofgod for hosting the workshop back in July. Thank you beaucoup x.

*Must be legal drinking age. Not sponsored.

#godsgin #classic #martini #mixology #valleyofmotherofgodgin #cocktails #foodanddrink #fridaycocktails #longblacksleaves #backtoblack
...

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Aug 7

Open
Frangipane Peach Tarts made easy with @metroOntario Selection puff pastry shells.  When there aren’t enough hours in the day to make your own puff pastry from scratch (which is like never) These delicious, flaky tarts made with local Ontario peaches are prepped and baked in less than 35 minutes. Perfect summer bake. Find the recipe link in stories. #mymetro #peach #tarts #puffpastry #summerbaking #onthetable #foodartblog #ontarioproduce

Frangipane Peach Tarts made easy with @metroOntario Selection puff pastry shells. When there aren’t enough hours in the day to make your own puff pastry from scratch (which is like never) These delicious, flaky tarts made with local Ontario peaches are prepped and baked in less than 35 minutes. Perfect summer bake. Find the recipe link in stories. #mymetro #peach #tarts #puffpastry #summerbaking #onthetable #foodartblog #ontarioproduce ...

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Jul 24

Open
Lemon yogurt cake recipe and preparation by the ever so elegant Cristina @the_publishers_daughter 

This video was an improvisation after @thebittersweetspoon asked to see my workflow from beginning to end during the retreat “Finding your Voice” last week hosted by the generous gin folks @valleyofmotherofgod 

After watching some footage by those who recorded me I realized my work-flow is intense, manic, deeply focused and a bit bossy (sorry Cristina lol). Oh…and loud (blasted baroque music)

Find @the_publishers_daughter delicious lemon cake recipe on her blog. I’ll put a link in stories. 

More retreat content on its way. Just trying to catch my breath. 

#recipereels #bakedfromscratch #lemoncake #findingyourvoice #thepublishersdaughter #premierepro #foodstories #onthetable #jeanmarieleclair #baroquemusic

Lemon yogurt cake recipe and preparation by the ever so elegant Cristina @the_publishers_daughter

This video was an improvisation after @thebittersweetspoon asked to see my workflow from beginning to end during the retreat “Finding your Voice” last week hosted by the generous gin folks @valleyofmotherofgod

After watching some footage by those who recorded me I realized my work-flow is intense, manic, deeply focused and a bit bossy (sorry Cristina lol). Oh…and loud (blasted baroque music)

Find @the_publishers_daughter delicious lemon cake recipe on her blog. I’ll put a link in stories.

More retreat content on its way. Just trying to catch my breath.

#recipereels #bakedfromscratch #lemoncake #findingyourvoice #thepublishersdaughter #premierepro #foodstories #onthetable #jeanmarieleclair #baroquemusic
...

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Jul 14

Open
Recipe for this strawberry cardamom cake with @famigliazerillo strawberry jam and toasted meringue can be found in the summer edition of @dolcemag This cake is moist, light, full of flavour with a soft crumb. Tap @dolcemag link in profile to find a digital or print copy. Enjoy. 
.
#summercake #bakingfromscratch #layercake #thebakefeed #strawberries #onthetable #cakes

Recipe for this strawberry cardamom cake with @famigliazerillo strawberry jam and toasted meringue can be found in the summer edition of @dolcemag This cake is moist, light, full of flavour with a soft crumb. Tap @dolcemag link in profile to find a digital or print copy. Enjoy.
.
#summercake #bakingfromscratch #layercake #thebakefeed #strawberries #onthetable #cakes
...

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Jul 11

Open
#leftovers from a set I did with @visualgram  Thank you Toby. Just what I needed to kick my ass into creating more just for fun and not for a pay cheque. Iso 200 50 mm f10 1/40 s

#cannedfood #chiaroscuro #theartofnotgivingafuc$

#leftovers from a set I did with @visualgram Thank you Toby. Just what I needed to kick my ass into creating more just for fun and not for a pay cheque. Iso 200 50 mm f10 1/40 s

#cannedfood #chiaroscuro #theartofnotgivingafuc$
...

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Jul 8

Open
Grilled Watermelon and Tomato Salad with @metroontario Irresistibles Hot Chili Peppers on a bed of hummus with a lime, cilantro, mint dressing topped with salty toasted pumpkin seeds. Salty, sweet, cold, warm, crunchy, creamy and spicy. Very good. Grab this recipe in stories and your ingredients at your local @metroontario #mymetro #summergrilling #watermelon #summervibes #summercooking #easyrecipes

Grilled Watermelon and Tomato Salad with @metroontario Irresistibles Hot Chili Peppers on a bed of hummus with a lime, cilantro, mint dressing topped with salty toasted pumpkin seeds. Salty, sweet, cold, warm, crunchy, creamy and spicy. Very good. Grab this recipe in stories and your ingredients at your local @metroontario #mymetro #summergrilling #watermelon #summervibes #summercooking #easyrecipes ...

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Jun 25

Open
#outtakes All that glitters ain’t gold. 

 #bloopers #behindthescenes #bts #reallife #colourful #language #blogger

#outtakes All that glitters ain’t gold.

#bloopers #behindthescenes #bts #reallife #colourful #language #blogger
...

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