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Cakes

Ricotta Cheesecake with White Chocolate and Pine Nuts

December 1, 2017 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

 

My dear children Moineau and Georges have both been home sick for days up till yesterday with fevers, chills coughs… As any mother, I’ve had sleepless nights. Between checking their temperature, giving meds and hearing their poor coughing and cries, its been hard to have a good nights sleep for the whole family. It’s Friday December 1st now and I’m two blogs behind, Christmas shopping still not done, and now sick as a dog.

Yet I don’t feel stressed. At least not compared to when I had my flower shop. This time of year was hell for me in the past. It was non-stop starting November 1st until Christmas eve. It felt like the phone never stopped ringing, my inbox was always full and my fingers were permanently black from all the various evergreen saps. There was never enough hours in the day. I remember arranging client outdoor planters before the crack of dawn, using my truck head lights as makeshift lighting since the sun had not yet risen.

This year will be my third Christmas without the business. Being behind on a bit of shopping doesn’t concern me. But I have to admit, skipping a couple blogs does. So last night when the kids were sleeping, I began to bake. I decided ricotta cheesecake with white chocolate and pine nuts because its a cake that needs to be refrigerated for a few hours and still tastes great a few days later. Perfect for later when we’re all feeling better. 

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Filed Under: Cakes, Chocolate, Christmas/Holidays

Banana Avocado Chocolate Cake

October 23, 2017 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

I’m one of those out of sight, out of mind girls. I recently had scallops at a restaurant that was smothered in a tarragon brown butter. So so good- drooling now just thinking about it. But it reminded me of brown butter icing. And how it has been months since I made anything with brown butter. I had ripe bananas and avocados kicking around and decided a cream cheese brown butter frosting would pair wonderfully. As well, it’s been a while since I’ve played the sneaky mom of putting some sort of veg in a cake without telling the kids…

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Filed Under: Cakes, Chocolate

Pumpkin and Walnut Bundt Cake

October 3, 2017 By stemsandforks 7 Comments

We are definitely not a turkey family. Well, I personally enjoy a fresh roasted turkey but my husband and kids don’t. Pumpkin however is always a hit with all the Binons. 

This thanksgiving (Canadian) pumpkin is definitely on the menu. I’m thinking of some creative ways of using this wonderful squash asides from a cake or pie. Dumplings…soup…maybe even pumpkin steak? Ha! I’m just thinking out loud right now. Of course if you have any ideas…do let me know. As my daughter always points out…I like “weird” recipes. 

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Filed Under: Autumn, Bundt Cakes, Cakes, Holidays

Chocolate Ricotta Cake with Mascarpone Mocha Buttercream

August 27, 2017 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

Since I started blogging, the friendships I’ve made with other fellow food bloggers and stylists has been incredible to say the least. 

Recently fellow instagrammer @rodica_godlewski and I organized a food styling gathering at my home with fellow food stylists M.Aimee from @milkofthykindness and Sarah from @sarah.boileau. We were 4 complete strangers…well strangers that conversed for several months prior to our meeting on Instagram but had never seen each other in the flesh or spoken to each other. It was so lovely to finally put a face larger than a blueberry and a voice to their names. To finally shed cyber palling two dimensionally and begin a real friendship in the flesh was incredible. The ideas and inspiration we shared with each other not to mention the great laughs was epic in porportions. 

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Filed Under: Cakes, Chocolate, Family Favorites

Strawberry and Carrot Cake

July 22, 2017 By stemsandforks Leave a Comment

I realize I’m so behind blogging. I remember making this cake for fathers day which was easily over a month ago. We had a BBQ at our house and so asked my dad and hubs what they wanted for dessert. Dad asked for something with strawberries seeing as the season started and Pierre asked for carrot cake. Thus the marriage of the two. I prepared it not thinking very much about posting it as a blog. However realized I had too after posting a pic on Instagram and getting a barrage of requests to post the recipe. 

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Filed Under: Bundt Cakes, Cakes, Family Favorites, Fruit

Flourless Almond Cake with Blood Orange Curd and Mascarpone Icing

April 14, 2017 By stemsandforks 4 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything here. I have many excuses but none that are extraordinary . I’m one of those kinda gals that needs deadlines and booked appointments. Otherwise things don’t get done. In this case, my deadline was that blood oranges are tapering off and will soon come to an end if it hasn’t already. If you’re planning on baking this post blood orange season, just sub in regular oranges. 

I’m not sure who to give credit for this recipe. It’s a culmination of various almond cake recipes, tips and advice I received over the past few months since I seriously started my baking journey. The first time I baked this cake I was cursing and swearing in English, French and Korean. It kept sinking in the centre. What was I doing wrong? Just as I was with pie crust, I became obsessed and was fully determined not to be defeated. After a bit of research online and discussion, I realized that I was using the wrong size tin, and not enough egg whites. 

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Filed Under: Cakes, Easter, My Journey, Uncategorized

Cardamom Cake with Matcha and White Chocolate Icing

March 24, 2017 By stemsandforks 4 Comments

 

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Filed Under: Cakes, Chocolate, Family Favorites, Fusion, This Korean Bakes

Upside-Down Chocolate Plum Cake

March 8, 2017 By stemsandforks 2 Comments

Everyday I’m inundated with images and news stories about women’s rights violations, racial discrimination, totalitarianism, hate crimes and the degradation of civil liberties that has befallen on our neighbours to the south. My heart pounds most days with thunderous anger and empathy for those countless marginalized groups and individuals that have become victimized in America. How did a world-leading civilized nation end up on such a slippery slope of unraveling decades of progress in basic human rights?

Until recently, I felt proud of Canada more than ever. I believed that for the most part, Canadians were all about celebrating differences and diversity. I almost felt smug, thinking that we were immune to the atrocities happening in America.

I’m of Korean ethnicity but have been a Canadian citizen since I was an infant. I simultaneously feel connected to being both Canadian and Korean on a racial and cultural level. I don’t think about being “more Canadian” or “more Korean.” Nor is it something that’s discussed amongst my friends or peers. Rarely do I question my nationality or if I’m visibly different from other humans surrounding me. I’m a human being, period. And those around me are human beings too. However, every now and then, I’m reminded that not everyone shares this view. There are still the token few even in our great country of Canada who’s ignorance is blaring.

I had an encounter recently (which was not anywhere near the intensity of some of the horror stories out there), but it was a snapshot of some of the ignorance that lies quietly amongst us.

Last week I headed to my local grocer to pick up the black plums I needed for this recipe. They always have hand-picked fresh and rare fruits and vegetables. Like Buddha’s hand lemon or blood oranges and heirloom carrots. As I selected my black plums, a lady came up to me and asked me if we carried any milk. I can see why she thought I worked there. I’m Korean and the shop was owned by a Chinese family so she probably made a quick assumption that I worked there. 

“No. There’s no milk here. But there’s a Shoppers Drug Mart about 10 shops north of here. And if I’m not mistaken…the milk is on the main floor towards the back.”

I didn’t mind being asked…it was a conceivable mistake to think I worked there and I was happy to help.

But then…

“Thank you. Your English is amazing!” She replied. 

“You’re English is amazing too!” I snapped back.

She gave me the most bewildered look and left. I paid for my plums, walked home and started baking.

I normally would have shrugged this off but in light of what is happening out there, I felt a sting. I don’t think the lady meant any malice or ill-intent in her patronizing comment. What angered me was that I didn’t speak up to help her to understand the weight of her ignorant “compliment.” I have had enough. What I took away from this encounter was that I am just as responsible to dispel stereotypes whenever I’m faced with them, no matter how big or small. I have a voice and have as much right to use it as the next person. I’ve decided from this day forward, to always speak up and not to be that stereotypical sheepish and polite “Canadian”. Rather a strong, vocal and visible human being. To me, that is truly Canadian.

Bon app! (I think all this fury made this cake so delicious) 

Save Print
Upside-Down Chocolate Plum Cake
Author: Betty Binon
Prep time:  20 mins
Cook time:  40 mins
Total time:  1 hour
Serves: 6 servings
 
A light, chocolaty, tart cake with all the ewwy gooey caramel goodness upside-down cakes have. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
Ingredients
  • FOR THE CAKE
  • ¾ Cup (100 g) AP flour
  • ¼ Cup (40 g) fine semolina
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ Cup (115 g) unsalted butter room temperature
  • ¼ cup cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 40-50 grams of dark 70% chocolate chopped
  • FOR THE PLUMS and CARAMEL
  • 1 or 2 black ripe plums, stoned and sliced
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1½ table spoons unsalted butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F, line the bottom of a 9 inch cake pan with parchment paper and grease the pan with butter and dusted flour or baking spray
  2. Remove pitt from plum and slice into ½ inch slices. I used one plum in the pic, however two plums is ideal.
  3. Line the bottom of the 9 inch cake pan with the sliced plums and set aside. Plum slices can overlap each other
  4. In a small skillet, on medium heat, bring the ½ cup sugar and1/4 water to a boil(about 5 minutes)- DO NOT STIR while you're waiting for the sugar water to boil
  5. Once its turned a lovely amber/caramel tone, remove from heat and add the butter and stir until the butter has been incorporated.
  6. Pour all the caramel over the plums in the cake pan and set aside
  7. FOR THE CAKE...In a large bowl or stand mixer, sift the flour, fine semolina, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and cinnamon powder and mix for about 15 seconds.
  8. Add the butter and beat (paddle attachment) until the mixture looks mealy and coarse
  9. Add the eggs, one at a time. Scrape sides and bottom every so often
  10. Beat on medium for about a minute until the mixture is fluffy about 1½ minutes
  11. Add the cream and vanilla and beat another half minute or so
  12. Fold in the chopped pieces of 70% dark chocolate
  13. Take spatula and spread batter over plums in cake pan evenly
  14. Bake for about 40 minutes. Start checking/testing at 35 minutes with a toothpick in centre ...should come out clean.
  15. Allow to cool in pan for half an hour before loosening cake sides with a butter knife and inverting cake on a plate
  16. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream
3.5.3226

 

Filed Under: Cakes, Chocolate, Christmas/Holidays

Matcha and Avocado Cake

February 21, 2017 By stemsandforks 5 Comments

I am far from being a health nut. But health is by far the most important thing, PERIOD. Last year I had surgery where the post-op recovery was excruciating. I was bed-ridden for days, helpless, depressed and in pain. All the money in the world would not have made me feel better or happier. All I wanted was my health.

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Filed Under: Cakes, My Journey

Champagne Cake with White Chocolate Strawberry Frosting

February 13, 2017 By stemsandforks 4 Comments

Love is an intense and fond affection for someone or something. But the intensity and type can vary so greatly. For me there are three broad categories of love. Love for my husband, love for my children and love for food. (Of course love for kids and hubby take 1st place:)
 
I found it fitting to prepare all the things I love for the ones I love; Champagne, chocolate, strawberries – in the form of cake. Just writing those words out made my water salivate with anticipation.
 
My love for chocolate never started until I was pregnant 11 years ago with my first born. Prior to that, I always had trouble finishing a chocolate bar. But theres something about pregnancy that changes a woman’s palette. (Any other moms go through the same experience?) Since having Moineau, I find it increasingly difficult to eat any type of meat. And the sugar intake, especially chocolate has exploded. I can now eat chocolate endlessly.
Champagne has always been a staple in our home. Each year we bring a few bottles back from Europe and indulge whenever a special occasion happens to come upon us. Pre and post natal, my love for the bubbly has not changed:)
 

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Filed Under: Belgian in the House, Cakes, Chocolate, Fruit, Valentines

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stemsandforks

STEMS AND FORKS
flora and fare
Photography/video, botanical sculptor, food writer. Toronto, Canada

Betty Shin Binon
Chocolate Dipped Red Grapes and Plums from Chile. Chocolate Dipped Red Grapes and Plums from Chile. A decadent way to get rid of all those chocolate Easter eggs and so easy to put together. Something mother use to do when we were kids. The hard crunch of the chocolate coating with the tart sweet juicy grape centre makes these @fruitsfromchile grapes and plums a clever riff from the typical chocolate covered strawberries. Be forewarned: they’re addictive.
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A couple tips: when selecting grapes, make sure the stems are green and flexible. As well that the grapes are plump and firmly attached to the stem. When storing grapes, store in an airtight container or the bag they come in, unwashed, in the fridge. #fruitsfromchile #plums #grapes
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Chocolate Dipped Red Chilean Grapes and Plums
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Ingredients:
2 large bunches or 900g red grapes from Chile
6 plums from Chile
400 g or 2.5 cups chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate (as pictured) or feel free to use any type of chocolate.
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or granola
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Directions:
Wash fruits and set aside to completely dry.
Roughly chop your chocolate.
Simmer a large pot of water about 1 inch high.
Place a large heat proof bowl on the mouth of the pot making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water at bottom of the pot.
Stir chocolate occasionally until it all melts.
Prepare a tray with some parchment paper.
Dip entire bunch of grapes in the chocolate. 
Spoon some chocolate over and into all the nooks and crannies.
Partially dip your plums.
Place all your Chilean grapes/plums on parchment paper.
Sprinkle some granola or chopped pistachio over the chocolate while its still warm.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until chocolate has hardened.
Enjoy.
 
*The quantity of chocolate is based on covering all the grapes. For a partial/light coating, consider using half the quantity of chocolate stated in ingredients.
Every Easter the kids and I get a bit carried away Every Easter the kids and I get a bit carried away dying eggs and end up making egg salad sandwiches for days. This year, I’ve come up with something a bit different. After dying the hard boiled Selection Eggs from @MetroOntario with natural ingredients such as blueberries, onion skins, and beets as seen above, I deviled them with a miso, sriracha mayo and sprinkled with green onions and sesame seeds.
It was a great activity developing this recipe with the kids and I’ll definitely be making this again for Easter with the kids.  And the Miso deviled eggs made for a umami packed delicious appetizer. Find the recipe and instructions over at @MetroOntario Website. I’ll put a link in stories with a swipe up #mymetro 
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#eastereggs #deviledeggs #goodfriday #activityforkids
Thin roasted potatoes…always take me back to gra Thin roasted potatoes…always take me back to grade school. As a child, my mom use to make me sesame potatoes to snack on while I trained chess with dad. It was fitting to continue the tradition of roasted potatoes while teaching my little ones the game on the very same board I trained on. This time a Potato & Dill Galette with a Gochujang Yogurt Drizzle featuring @LibertéCanada Greek 2% Plain, AKA the ‘drizzle' for your potatoes. The Liberté Greek 2% Plain beautifully balances the heat of the gochujang which gives it a lovely light taste but still has some kick. See below for recipe. Enjoy! 
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….Pawn promotion…that’s how I won the tournament. 
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#TheTasteLiberté #LibertéPlainCollection #Sponsored 
Recipe in comments.
It’s been a long winter in Ontario and has felt It’s been a long winter in Ontario and has felt even longer being stuck indoors all the time. But finally...spring is here and with it a sense of hope and renewal. Seeing how the earth has shown signs of renewing itself in some aspects while us humans have been indoors en masse, I’m inspired to change daily practices to be better at sustaining our resources. In particular, I’ve been coming up with ways to waste less - especially when it comes to fridge scraps such as veggie tops. We often discard these incredible greens when in fact they’re full of flavour and vitamins. Pictured above I’ve made a Low Waste Carrot Top Pesto with @MetroOntario Irresistibles Pine Nuts. This could easily be substituted with beet or radish tops or even a mixture of various leftover greens and fronds from your fridge. Spread the pesto on garlic toasted bread or toss in your favourite pasta. The pesto is easy to make and comes together in less than 15 minutes. Find the recipe link in stories. #mymetro #MetroOntario
Had the recent pleasure of photographing Chef Mich Had the recent pleasure of photographing Chef Michelle (AKA Mama Lee) of @kimchikoreahouse for an exciting upcoming project featuring Toronto Chefs and their resilience during Covid-19.  As we chatted, I was moved by her stories of hardships as a Korean immigrant,  and inspired by her perseverance. An all too familiar story for so many Asian Canadians. 
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Pictured above, a delicious Korean feast prepared by Mama Lee. During difficult times like this I find great comfort in dishes that resonate nostalgia and familiarity. #flashinthepandemic #KoreanWomenChefs #covid_19 #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalrestaurants
Treated dad to “Vacation James” while he was f Treated dad to “Vacation James” while he was fixing a few of my table tops.  @jamesonwhiskey , brandy, guava juice and lime with ginger brown sugar. Got the recipe over the weekend from the lovely @liqculture @whiskybeth over a very enthusiastic group zoom that involved naming tunes and singing with karaoke mics. Needless to say I couldn’t identify a single song. Nothing was pre 1800. Oh wait. I recognized Low Rider. 1970’s. Ha!
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Also got the @jamesonwhiskey party pack which was quite lovely. Head to @liqculture bio link for more information and other cocktail recipes. #pleasedrinkresponsibly #jamesonwhiskey #stpattysday #cocktails #imbibe
G I V E A W A Y CLOSED. $250 gift card for @distr G I V E A W A Y CLOSED. 
$250 gift card for @districtpizza in the historic Distillery District in Toronto. One of my fave pizza’s in the city. Their tomato sauce is made with Bianco DiNapoli organic tomato paste that is slow cooked with tamari soy to boost the rich umami flavours without adding any salt. Garlic and onions are slowly roasted then pureed with a "borderline illegal" quantity of basil and oregano. 
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My personal favourite is their vegetarian “Go Ask Alice”. Shiitake mushrooms, pickled beech mushrooms, burnt leeks, duxelles…. with their Gorgonzola Ranch Dip. So wildly good!

All their dips are house made and they have the best line up of fun nostalgic sodas. Imagine the feast with $250!

To Win:
1)Like this post and tag a friend
2) Follow @districtpizzato and @stemsandforks
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Good luck!
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-Comment as often as you like to have more opportunities to win. 
-Contest ends with winner selection on Monday March 8th 2021 at 12 PM Noon, EST.
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One winner will be chosen by a random number generator on Monday March 8th 2021 and will be contacted via DM. Per Instagram rules, this contest is not sponsored, associated, endorsed or administered with Instagram Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s Terms of use. Ontario residents only and must be within pick up or delivery range to District Pizza’s capabilities. #districtpizza #distillerydistrict #torontoeats #torontofood
I call it the Woodland Quiche starring @libertecan I call it the Woodland Quiche starring @libertecanada Liberté Méditerranée AKA the "fluffy of your quiches”, shiitake and oyster mushroom, asparagus, peas and parsley. Intensely flavoured but subtle enough to feel smooth and glossy like cream, Liberté Méditerranée definitely gives your quiche tang, texture and a light fluffy lift.
I’ve made a sheet style quiche here, but this could easily be made into the classic round. See below in comments for recipe and stories for a quick video for the round version. #TheTasteLiberté #LibertéPlainCollection #Sponsored.
Carrot cake with blond chocolate frosting from @ca Carrot cake with blond chocolate frosting from @cafefernando Cenk Sönmezsoy’s masterpiece The Artful Baker. Still one of my all time favourite baking books. The recipes are creative and delicious and the photos are mind blowing. 
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Note Added more pumpkin seeds and in fact candied them with maple syrup. 
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 #cenksönmezsoy #theartfulbaker
Mise en place in a box. Made the traditional tteok Mise en place in a box. Made the traditional tteokguk for lunar new year dinner tonight. Mushrooms, zucchini, Mandu (both store bought and home made with my sister @jennyshinpr ) buchu, eggs and peas. 
Also made the classic gochujang tteok bokki with the garae-tteok aka glue sticks according to my kid lol. 
Happy lunar new year. Wishing you all health and happiness xo
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#lunarnewyear #yearoftheox #tteokbokki #tteokguk #tteok #garaettoek #vegetarian #feast #stew #newyear #newbeginnings #koreanfood #comfortfood
Test shots. Images that were taken for place marke Test shots. Images that were taken for place markers or the beginnings of  the actual shot. I kinda like them today.
Monday, Thursday, Sunday…seems to be the same ev Monday, Thursday, Sunday…seems to be the same ever since kids went online for school. Everyday we ‘brunch’ here at the Binon’s. Long gone are simple sandwiches and bento boxes. Instead grandma's Ratatouille Tian recipe made in @padernokitchenware ’s 4 Pc Ceramic Bakeware  Set has been a weekly bake. 
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The bakewares are deep to avoid any spillover while baking and the glazed finish make them easy to wash. Sharing this recipe now on the blog. Largest pan serves 6 and the medium pan serves 3. #itsacookingthing #PadernoKitchenWare 
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Thinking of all the parents helping their kids online! #itsacookingthing #padernokitchenware #ratatouille
Not a big fan of winter weather but I must admit I Not a big fan of winter weather but I must admit I do look forward to all the ripe citrus this time of year. Chopped Orange Salad with a Ginger Maple Syrup Vinaigrette. Filled with the usual immune boosting suspects, this Asian inspired salad is simple to put together, healthy and ultimately delicious. Find all your ingredients at your local @MetroOntario See my latest reel for a quick look at how to put the dressing together. Recipe linked in stories. 
#MyMetro #MetroOntario #MetroHealthy
So thrilled to be included with a group of creativ So thrilled to be included with a group of creatives across Canada this year with @JazzAppleUs to create recipes incorporating JAZZ™apples. This year, we made a recipe based on a mystery ingredient picked by another group member. Mine was brie, selected by the talented cookbook author Renee Kohlman @sweetsugarbean from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 
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Pictured above, JAZZ™Apple & Brie Puff Pastry with Honey and Dijon. The fragrant and tangy-sweet JAZZ™apple paired with the earthy, creamy brie makes for a lovely snack or light meal. These apples are also amazing on their own as a healthy snack. See below for recipe. #jazzapple
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JAZZ™Apple & Brie Puff Pastry with Honey and Dijon
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Ingredients:
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1 1/2 Jazz Apple ring sliced about 3 mm
200 g (about 1 medium wheel) brie cheese, rind removed and sliced about 1 cm 
1 puff pastry sheet defrosted
3tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey 
pinch of Maldon salt
pinch of cracked black pepper
1 egg yolk + 1 teaspoon water for egg wash
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Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F.
Lay a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and set aside.
Roll out the chilled but defrosted puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to 10" x by 10". Trim the edges evenly and straight with a pizza cutter. Pop in fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes while slicing apples and brie.
Remove rind and slice brie about 1 cm thick and set aside.
Slice the Jazz Apples into 3 mm rings and set aside.
Whisk 1 yolk and 1 teaspoon water.
Take puff pastry out of freezer and use a fork to pierce the puff pastry all over.
Score about 1.5 cm around the puff pastry with a sharp knife.
Brush egg wash on the scored edge of puff pastry.
Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the center of the pastry.
Add a layer of brie cheese.
Top with two layers of overlapping Jazz Apple slices. 
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until puff pastry turns golden brown.
Drizzle with honey.
Sprinkle with a pinch of Maldon salt and some cracked black pepper. 
Enjoy.
Spiced Rum, Pecan and Chocolate Bundt Cake. Super Spiced Rum, Pecan and Chocolate Bundt Cake. Super nutty, very moist, mildly tipsy with a mellow touch of spice, this bundt was a joy to eat but also a pleasure to bake using all my new kitchen gadgets and ware from @PadernoKitchenWare. Came out super easy with all the sharp lines and details maintained on the cake using the Fine-Edge Arch Cake Pan. Find the recipe on the blog. #itsacookingthing #padernokitchenware
I was invited by the talented Ritumbhara @happytum I was invited by the talented Ritumbhara @happytummybyritumbhara to help her judge her monthly photo challenge. This month Chiaroscuro.
Ritumbhara’s description of chiaroscuro, “Between light and dark lies life.”
The Oxford dictionary, “The treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting, an effect of contrasted light and shadow created by light falling unevenly or from a particular direction on something.”
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For me the relationship between light and shadow is simple. Beauty and joy can only be appreciated and understood when darkness is present. 🌚
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Hope you’ll join @happytummybyritumbhara chiaroscuro challenge. Be sure to check out her last post for all the details. I’ll post more details in stories. Challenge lasts during the month of January. Please tag @happytummybyritumbhara @foodphotobiteswithritu @stemsandforks 
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Little Georgy when he was 4 years old 💓
Adieu 2020. Picking up the pieces for 2021. ✨ Adieu 2020. Picking up the pieces for 2021. ✨
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of leading a Earlier this month I had the pleasure of leading an online workshop on how to showcase local Ontario mushrooms into an easy decorative winter centrepiece. Go to @producemadesimple bio link to video tutorial and see what I made using these ingredients. 
 Special thanks to @producemadesimple for hosting and Windmill Farms Ontario for supplying  all the beautiful mushrooms. #ambassador #producemadesimple #putlocalonyourlist #ontariofresh
This croquembouche tower made with @MetroOntario I This croquembouche tower made with @MetroOntario Irresistibles Profiteroles was incredibly easy to assemble. Some toothpicks, a tablespoon of dusting sugar and 10 minutes is all you need to put together this perfect New Year’s eve showstopper. See stories for a tutorial on how to assemble. #mymetro #MetroOntario
Presenting my version of a holiday Sunakku grazing Presenting my version of a holiday Sunakku grazing board.  A few traditional Asian New Year’s items, snacks and of course some scrumptious 2 Year Aged Cheddar and Cranberry Cheddar from @blackrivercheese1901 (AD)
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My mom and dad have been isolated with us during most of the lock down, so this board covers everyone’s taste in the house. The cheese pretty much pairs beautifully with everything on this grazing board. My personal fave is @blackrivercheese1901 2 Year Aged Cheddar with the mushroom and chive gyoza. Clock wise from top left: @BlackRiverCheese1901 2 Year Aged Cheddar, tteok, forelle pears, kimbap, black bean mochi, gluten free crackers, more aged cheddar, walnut cake, puffed barley, senbei, @blackrivercheese1901 Cranberry Cheddar Log, mushroom and chive gyoza, ttoek, vegetable dim sum, pecans, wasabi peas, almonds, toasted cheddar pockets, yakbap, pumpkin seed crackers. 
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Which would you eat first? #BlackRiverCheese #ElevateWithBRC
Peace on earth. Happy holidays. ✨ . . Pic from t Peace on earth. Happy holidays. ✨
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Pic from the archives. Pavlova from workshop with @thepineapplechef @twiggstudios London ‘19
A private online 2 hour photo editing session with A private online 2 hour photo editing session with me. My contribution to @foodisourpower ‘s contest. Each ticket entered will have a chance to win one of several amazing prizes, donated by members of @foodisourpower Tickets are 3 dollars. All funds raised will be donated to the Black Curriculum(UK) and the Loveland Foundation(USA) charities that work to support black communities in particular children and women. Visit @foodisourpower for all contest details . Loads of great donations lined up. Purchase tickets until December 29th, 2020. Winners and prizes will be announced on December 30th, 2020 
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This contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

#foodisourpower
Gingerbread Bathhouse from the cult anime SPIRITED Gingerbread Bathhouse from the cult anime SPIRITED AWAY by the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki. The idea for the bathhouse that came from my 14 yr old daughter Moineau (a steadfast Miyazaki fan) was the perfect last bake for 2020. Revered by many as the best animation of all time Spirited Away is laden with deep meaning, symbolism and wisdom. Often compared to Alice in Wonderland & Wizard of Oz, the Japanese animation drifts between reality, fantasy and spiritual worlds with themes of greed, morality, faith and courage. The “spirit” of the film is simple. That even the bad have the potential to be good and that the good could be better. In Chirhiros (protagonist) case, experience, courage and hard work helped her get back home and resolutely declare at the very end that, “l’ll be alright”.
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A special thank you to @bulkbarnfoods for their generousity in supplying me with the materials and tools to assemble the gingerbread house. And to the lovely Jenny @littlelovelifestyle for continuing the tradition of creating these large scale gingerbread structures. Please do check out her beautiful interactive gingerbread barn. The detail and work she put into it is mind-blowing! 
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To see this gingerbread bathhouse in person, visit  @minamitoronto ‘s  window display. 
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#studioghibli #hayaomiyazaki #spiritedaway #anime #gingerbreadhouse #festivebaking
“Although cheese was novel to me then [as a chil “Although cheese was novel to me then [as a child], what I realize now, is that my growing appreciation of cheese was a natural shift within a subconscious familiarity. At the heart of many cheeses and the ingredients I grew up with (like kimchi, miso, anchovies and kombu), was the king of flavour – umami. As I’ve refined my gastronomic repertoire over the years, I don’t feel that I’ve moved away from my childhood staples or cultural origins. I’ve simply expanded my bandwidth for the familiar. Umami, whether in a slice of aged cheese or in a simple kombu broth, both elicit feelings of simultaneous comfort and euphoria.”
-Cheese & The Culture of Flavour, read the full article I contributed to @savourontario Plus the recipe for this uber yum Rösti with Kimchi Salsa & @mountainoakcheese Gouda. Links in profile and stories. Or head to @savourontario #contributor #ontariocheese #kimchi #savourontario
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination. I first saw this Revenge Bedtime Procrastination. I first saw this viral Twitter statement in June and it resonated with me. Much of my daytime and evening is spent working and taking care of the kids. By the time I herd the kids to bed, I’m exhausted, Yet I fight to stay awake. 
And the things I do late into the night are not particularly productive. I watch puffed up concert pianists describe the meaning of life in a Bach concerto. Something I’m sure would knock out most of you into an instant slumber. 😂
Black taper candles from @tatineofficial
Starry Night Vegetable Tart from Helen Nugent @bat Starry Night Vegetable Tart from Helen Nugent @batterednbaked new book Pie Style.
Congrats Helen. The book is a collection of pie masterpieces. Extraordinary work. 
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Sorry. No post bake pic. We were hungry!  #piestylebook #helennugent
Pretty much what my holiday table will look like t Pretty much what my holiday table will look like this year. Small, sweet, and festive. Probably what everyone’s table will be this year in Ontario and much of the world. A quick and easy way to add some festive cheer is using a petite 4-inch poinsettia from @MetroOntario tied with some fragrant herbs like thyme or rosemary. Tie little bouquets of thyme for each place setting and sprinkle the rest on the table for fragrance. It’s the ideal sized centerpiece for a table of 6 both in width and height. Poinsettias now available at your local @metroontario see stories for more details. #mymetro #ontario #poinsettia #smallgathering
I’ve neglected the “stems” of Stems & Forks. I’ve neglected the “stems” of Stems & Forks. 
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#pampasgrass #phalaenopsis #mobydick #Gomphocarpus #Schwartzwalder
Midnight Cake with Dark Chocolate Fig Ganache & Po Midnight Cake with Dark Chocolate Fig Ganache & Pomegranate Syrup. Recipe by the culinary genius @rhubandcod  so so delicious. I’ll put a swipe up in stories. 
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Styling inspiration: if Guillermo del Toro and Hannibal Lecter were to have cake. 
Have a happy Halloween 👻 #halloween
Pictured above is an exquisite (mainly vegetarian) Pictured above is an exquisite (mainly vegetarian) sushi spread from @aburitora at Yorkdale. Ordered online through @aburiathome which conveniently has all locations in one url page to order. 
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With the local restrictions of dine-in at restaurants again, it’s upsetting to see how vulnerable these businesses are. There are so many restaurants that are part of our cultural fabric here in the Greater Toronto Area. It would be grievous to see it fade away. Order take out, get delivery, get gift cards. Support restaurants  #notsponsored
Pecan & Pumpkin Rolls made with @MetroOntario Sele Pecan & Pumpkin Rolls made with @MetroOntario Selections Pecan Pieces. A twist on the beloved cinnamon rolls, these buns are filled with pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pecans and then liberally slathered with a maple syrup glaze. Soft, sweet with a subtle nutty crunch, these rolls are a perfect weekend bake. Find all the ingredients at your local @MetroOntario. Recipe link in stories or profile @metroontario #mymetro "
@marysbrigadeiro chocolates. Sweetened condensed m @marysbrigadeiro chocolates. Sweetened condensed milk, with butter, pure cocoa powder and 50% cocoa chocolate stirred, then hand rolled to a perfect, creamy truffle-like ball. Chewy like caramel but intense like fudge, these chocolate gems should come with a warning. Addictive! @marysbrigadeiro is located on the Danforth in Toronto, but she delivers worldwide. I’ll pop a swipe up in stories. 
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Its been about 4 months since @FoodIsOurPower was born.  A platform of international creatives joined to celebrate, educate, inspire and donate in support of anti-racism and the BLM movement. They’ve been an incredibly passionate group... enthusiastic and so talented . A massive thank you to @thelittleplantation for initiating this collective. And to everyone who has participated and donated to the activities since its inception in July. Merci beaucoup.
This shot is my contribution to this months activity hosted by @ufisheries.vinny 
See stories for details ✨✨✨
Halloween Haunted House Kit from @WilliamsSonomaCa Halloween Haunted House Kit from @WilliamsSonomaCanada done 3 ways. #ad With Halloween cancelled for many, this activity is perfect to keep the kids distracted from feeling disappointed about staying in. The kit comes complete with pre-cut and baked chocolate cookie pieces,  3 tubes of icing, and assorted Halloween candies, to decorate. See reels and stories on how I got the house to light up and be smoky and the giant spider web. #WilliamsSonomaCanada
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