Food in the News - The Drinking Edition

The best "bang for your buck" is what I look for when buying anything. Though I don't mind splurging on a bottle of wine every now and then, bottles for $10 or less are even better - Toronto Life

I'm not sure why some people just never get into beer. With the variety and quality that many breweries have to offer - there is something out there for everyone.

Canadians make some of the best beer around. -

Globe and Mail

National Post

Cooking Club I - Liquor

June was my hosting month for Cooking Club I. A theme that I had been mulling for a while was that of using alcohol in food. I like the way it enhances flavours and that one can make a drink to go along with the meal as well. The interpretations of the theme that were presented at our meeting were quite interesting to say the least. How did we end up not using wine?

Jillian - Grilled Corn, Shrimp, and Avocado Appetizer - tequila

*recipe below

Very fresh tasting, I liked the smoky crunch of the corn and smoothness of the avocado.

Would be great as a salad as well.

Danielle - Romaine with Fresh Cherries, Pistachios, Feta and Corn Bread Croutons - kreik beer

Turned out WAY better than I expected. I subbed in corn bread for olive, pistachios for pumpkin seeds and 4 T kreik + balsamic for the white balsamic.

Rose - Avocado Soup - tequila

Had a surprising spicy after bite. Smooth and velvety.

Melanie - Coconut Chicken Fingers with Spicy Mango Sauce - rum

Kids would love these. A great indulgent snack choice.

Imogen - Penne with Prosciutto and Vodka Sauce - vodka

Smoky flavours and quite filling. Great for lunch the next day.

Dana - Brownies with Peanut Butter Icing and Chocolate Ganache - Kahlua

VERY dense and sweet. Could put one into insulin shock.

Grilled Shrimp Martinis (from Heart Smart, Bonnie Stern)

1lb shrimp
1T olive oil
1t salt
2 ears corn
1 small onion
1 sweet red pepper
1 jalapeno
1/3 cup cilantro
1 small avocado
3T lime juice
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 t chipoltle puree
1/2 cumin
2 T tequila
tortilla chips
(I also added mexican cheese con fresca to make it a little less heart smart).

1. Grill shrimp, corn, onion, and red pepper on BBQ
2. Dice all along with jalapeno, cilantro, and avocado.
3. Mix lime, garlic, chipotle, cumin, and tequilla.
4. Stir it all together. Serve in martini glasses with tortilla chips.

Remark Farms

Windsor has a variety of markets throughout the city. Some focus on fresh produce or foods from specific ethnic backgrounds, Remark Farms is a place that tries to serve its customers through great customer service and good quality products. Please read my article on the

Food Network's Website for more details.

This is the life...

My in-laws adore France. I can't remember how many regions they have visited or times that they have taken vacations there, but they continue to return and enjoy their experiences. This year they ventured out into the Bordeaux Region and had some amazing food and wine adventures. Above are some of their pictures.

A Walk On Erie

Each year, on a Monday in June, Family Respite Services holds their fundraiser titled "A Walk on Erie". Participants get the chance to walk down Erie Street (which is an amazing Italian neighbourhood in Windsor, ON) and enjoy delicious dishes from three different restos. They are also treated to appetizers and dessert at a local church hall, before and after diving in at the restaurants.

I have participated in this event for the past three years and have never been disappointed. This year we tasted:

* lemony green beans, pork, and a tower of risotto in the colours of the Italian flag

from La Contessa

*whitefish, short ribs, and agnolotti with rose, peas and prosciutto

from Nico

* spring rolls, calamari, and salad with cranberries and pistachios

from Mezzo

An event with great food that assists a fabulous organization, what's not to like?