My recent culinary adventures...

...and not one of them has to do with me cooking anything!

Over the summer I intended to cook every recipe from a particular cookbook. Sort of like the Julie and Julia Project. It was a romantic notion -- it never happened.

Some things that have occurred - food wise - this summer, besides our trip out West.

1. My husband and I took a day to compare the Coney dogs of four different diners.

Look for my upcoming article about the amazing Detroit Coney Dog on the Food Network Blog. In the meantime check out this article about the competition between the original American and Lafayette Coney places.

2. I ate at friend's and family's houses. They served pear and watercress vichyssoise, seared lamb chops, mango chicken stir fry, barbecues chorizo and one of my favourite indulgences - party potatoes (so gross and SO GOOD!)

3.My husband brought home every local fruit and veggie he could find from stands on his way home from work. What a good boy.

4. I experienced my sister's baking. She is not a cook, just has no interest, yet she concocted these two gorgeous cakes for her step-daughter's birthdays. I am utterly impressed.

Kinky in the Kitchen

I am not much of a baker. I find it too time consuming and meticulous. I was traumatised by a terrible catering experience, where I was asked to make 10 desserts, and I now try to avoid it at all costs. These cookie cutters may change my attitude though. The Pipparkakan cutters claim to inspire a "lustful Christmas" complete with aphrodisiac baking recipes!

Recipe Reviews

After being on hiatus for over two weeks the only theme I have for these recipes is ketchup!

Get it, catch-up. Yep, think I'll just stick to food.

Celebrity Gingerbread Criminals - CHOW (picture credit goes to them as well)

Smoked Salmon Pizza - Toronto Star

Deep Fried Hannukah Treats - CHOW

Mushroom and Pancetta Soup - CHOW

Roasted Mushroom and Asparagus Salad with Chili Mustard Vinaigrette - Toronto Star

Recipe Reviews

This week, it seems that the recipes I have gathered fall into two categories: junk food or Fall food. Sounds about right for this time of year.

Seared Venison Medallions with Pomegranate Curry - Globe and Mail

Southwestern Stuffed Acorn Squash - YumSugar

Squash Soup with Trumpet of Death Mushrooms - Globe and Mail

Gourmet Chocolate Bars - CHOW

Homemade McDonald's Chicken McNuggets - For the Love of Food

French Chocolate Macaroons - YumSugar

If I Knew You Were Coming I'd Of Baked A Car.

I often hear the complaint that the quality of some cars is waning. Maybe it could be due to the fact that companies are trying to crank them out so quickly. The people at Skoda decided to show the care that they put into their cars by creating one out of cake! The attention to detail is amazing. I adore that they use Golden Syrup for motor oil.