So here’s the ‘little’ video I shot while at Cupcake Camp. Enjoy!,

You would think that we would be sick of this cupcake fad already. The trend started a few years ago when boutique bakeries in Manhattan and LA started selling (and viciously competing) gourmet cupcakes. The gals from Sex & the City took several bites – the rest is history. The trend took a while to hit Toronto, but it did and had similar effects. Lately though it seems that maybe we got sick of these sugary treats? Or did we? Over 350 strong turned out yesterday to prove that cupcakes do make the world go round. Jump for pics, and….Video!… Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a quiet night, and one of those where you’re either too lazy or too scared of the cold to head out to the grocery store. So you rummage through your fridge to figure out what you can make for. Dinner for 1.  Such a night, so a very simple plate. In under 15 minutes, veal scallopini and salad.

I’m a picky recipe collector. I don’t really come across recipes that I like, but rather aspects of them peak my curiosity. By nature, I deconstruct and reconstruct and experiment. The process isn’t always rewarding, but most times the results are enjoyable.  There is however one recipe I came across — I think I will carry with me for the rest of my life — due to its simplicity.

Heston Blumenthal is world renown for having the second best restaurant in the world, many books, and his hit food network show.

I caught one of the episodes of In Search for Perfection in early 2008, and in it, Heston shared his recipe for authentic pizza.

Watch the video for full details on the technique, revolving around the concept that in order for pizza to taste fantastic, it has to be cooked quickly and at very high temperatures.  He describes how to achieve this at home with a conventional oven, a cast iron pan, and some fresh ingredients.

This recipe is easy to follow (just be careful with the cast iron pan and oven heat), and gives you the opportunity to really get creative with sauces and toppings.  I’ve made dozens of successful pizzas and everyone that has tasted them has loved it. Yes, it does take only 2 minutes.

So I have a new toy in my hands, and I’m having a very difficult time putting it down. The Chestnuts, one of several shots you’ll be seeing as I become a photography voyeur all over again.

November it seems, is always a very busy month for me. For a number of reasons. November is the true beginning of fall, so the city sees a wide variety of indoor events taking place. So this means a lot of running around, photographing and writing…. Read the rest of this entry »

Lately, been finding that I’m spending a lot of time trying to shoot food again. But due to space limitations, I’m having a bit of difficulty with the setup. Maybe I should invest in one of these?

Pic is of some of the delicious pastries and sorbets from Xococava, Chris McDonald’s place. The marshmallows and guava sorbet is out of this world.

Easier than you think, and a start for endless experimenting.

You need:

2 Mangoes, semi ripe
3 tbsp sugar
some salt to taste
½ cup of milk
1 cup of plain yoghurt

Chuck it all into a blender, and blend it for a few minutes. This is where you can decide what consistency is to your liking. Too thick? Add some milk..too thin? Add some yoghurt…too sweet? Not sweet enough? Etc. Throw in some mint to give it a kick, or do as Jamie Olliver does and pop in some cardamom seeds.
Serve chilled, sprinkle some cinnamon on top for kicks.

I should say that this post was born out of my disappointment in the Lassis that are being served in city, notably at Lahore Tikka House where they practically taste like flavoured water.

I’m a huge experimenter in the kitchen, and I really have a dislike for recipes. Sure we all need recipes, we need starting points, I just prefer to work without them most times. Here is one of my favourite desserts, with a twist…. Read the rest of this entry »

So as part of my running around in the concrete jungle, as usual I had to check out bakeries. Prior to the trip, I went online and did my research to find what all the local food snobs liked and disliked, then slowly compiled a list based on where I was staying and how long it would take to commute. I left room for the possibility of stumbling upon places that weren’t reported upon. Bouchon bakery was one of them… Read the rest of this entry »