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.

I was reading the cupcake roundup that we did for Spotlight today. So many colourful photos and buttercream treats. I had fun scouring the streets and the net for cupcake stores in Toronto, then heading out on the weekends to taste these recommended treats.

I also found out that there is a online cupcake niche. A series of cupcake manufacturers that only deal online, catering to special occasions and business functions. I forget the number of parties I’ve been to this summer where cupcakes or their mini versions were part of the catering. We’re obsessed with cupcakes, and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to end anytime soon!. We’re working on part 2, exploring this online market at the stores we missed in Mississauga.

Here’s the main article;
Spotlight Cupcake Obsessions