GRANPA ADOLPH'S 2016 FAVOURITES

Each year brings lots of food enjoyment.The larger versions can be found on previous blog posts.

Dinner at VIVO in Richmond Hill. Restaurant of Andrea and Joey- family.

Gourmet meal at friends- Rose and Paul for a summer delight!

Oh those birthday celebrations that bring cake and more cake! Just one of many!

Oh those markets! Aurora!

Lindsay market was the most fun and farthest from home!

Newmarket was an easy drive.

Harvey's burgers and fries with family at Deerhurst Inn-Huntsville! A wonderful day trip to be with family!

Italian traditional food at Christmas- figs, prickly pears and pomegranates. Lots of Torrone too!
In March, we finished the cookbook in a good final draft to be reviewed and find a market! I still love to cook and will be finding new themes to share with you my readers. Oh Granpa loves to cook because Granpa loves to eat. What will 2017 bring! More good cooking of course!

GRANPA LOVES TO COOK BECAUSE CHRISTMAS IS A GREAT TIME TO EAT

                                 One of my favourite dishes- Christmas Seafood Appetizer.
Christmas has different traditions for different people. So normally I do all the shopping but Barb loves Christmas so she went out Thursday to buy fresh fruit and veggies for the next few days. The clementines this time of year are so delicious and healthy. They balance all the chocolate and cookies and other goodies that are around. Barb knows my traditions so she bought me a flat of figs-she doesn't eat figs, some prickly pears and a pomegranates which she does eat. Last week she bought some small panetones for me along with the nougat treat called Torrone. The Torrone now come in so many flavours like lemon, chocolate. She found one with cranberries which she loves. I let her eat that one. I don't love cranberries. Christmas Eve seafood dinner will be just the two of us so I have added lobster to the meal.

The girls have their in-law obligations which is fair. We are so lucky to have them and the grandchildren Christmas day. So I will cook the Italian Christmas Eve dinner and Barb does the traditional Canadian Christmas dinner. But as everyone knows I will have to supervise.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

I bought the Butterball turkey for our Christmas dinner. Not too big. Lobster tails were on sale last week too so bought some for Christmas Eve. We do not do a big dinner anymore- just the two of us so we make the seafood dishes good. I will be going to a grandson's special hockey game today so I am bringing some food bank items for the event. Barb does the majority of the preparations, I just do some of the food shopping.

COOLER WEATHER MEANS COMFORT FOOD

Like any cook trying to think of something to make every day brings it challenges. So last Friday when I asked Barb what should we have for dinner, she said make it simple- soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. So I cheated and made Campbell's tomato soup and a grilled cheese- slices of Canadian Cheddar Cheese on multigrain bread fried in a frying pan. We have a little grilled cheese maker but too much effort to pull it from the cupboard.
Saturday night another opportunity to slack off. Calling from the club I asked Barb what do you want for dinner. She did not cook as she had been busy with Christmas stuff, housework and all the activities she tries to jam in a Saturday. Meat, chicken but not a sandwich! I sometimes like to get her a pannini from Tim's! So that was out! And she wanted a salad.
Why not Swiss Chalet? Coming home as it was early, I ordered from home- two quarter chicken dinners- one with fries and one with the baked potato.  I decided to make our own salad as I am not fussy about their ingredients. I do not like shredded carrots in my salad. Barb usually rolls her eyes when I say that! I used their discount coupon at Barb's request. I hate using coupons.
I only ate half of my baked potato as I am trying to watch my weight. Barb ate half her fries but somehow I managed to eat her other half.
Sunday breakfast- peameal bacon, eggs and toast with a second cup of coffee.
So some good old comfort foods for the weekend. But I am back to making a hardy vegetable soup for the week. Barb will take a large container to work today and freeze some for other times.
Maybe I should watch a cooking show to get inspired. Or make my old standbys. Some homemade gnocchi anyone with ragu sauce?

NOVEMBER SOUPS AND STEWS

I  love making soups and stews now that the cooler weather is here. Barb likes the soups. She freezes some containers to take for her lunches. Fast and easy to put in her lunch bag. Frozen then thaws by lunch time. Eggs were on sale so maybe it's time for some homemade egg noodles for pasta. The cooler weather makes it easier to make. The dough holds better. All these food items are available in previous posts. The same old recipes make for good eating. Barb may pull out the bread maker her mother gave her years ago for Christmas. The smell of fresh bread baking would be another wonderful addition to the cooler weather.

Oh for some fresh pasta anyone!

Some soup on the stove.

Barb's favourite- vegetable soup! Maybe I will watch some of those Italian shows for some ideas of new dishes to make my family.

GRANPA ENJOYS DINNER OUT AT VIVO

One of several franchise locations, Barb and I went to the newly opened restaurant at Bathurst and Carville in Richmond Hill. VIVO-pizza+pasta!
The daughter and son-in-law of one of my first cousins are the owners.
Barb and I had the Insalata Caprese as an Antipasti.

Fior di latte cheese, basil and sun dried tomato pesto with extra virgin olive oil.
Barb ordered the Calamari and Gamberetti Fritti- crispy fried calamari and shrimps served with lemon-garlic aioli and balsamic vinegar.

I had the Scaloppine alla Parmigiana- Breaded veal scaloppini with tomato sauce, Fior di latte cheese served with spaghetti Pomodoro. Barb did not get a picture as I ate too fast!
                                               Barb had a cappuccino after the meal.

VIVOand I had my espresso- no dolci!

Andrea explained the concept. Orders are taken at the front either for take-out or you can order, find a seat and the food will be taken when ready to your table.

Casual location- my style and good tasty food. A good dinner for the cook. Sometimes the cook needs to taste something new. I sure will recommend VIVO to family and friends.
#VIVO
#vivo#pizza#pasta#richmondhill#familyfun#espressocoffee#fish#closetohome

FALL COOKING

Trying to embrace my zest for cooking. Sauces and soups are starting to happen. However, I am a little bored lately. Making the same old, same old is routine. Barb is an easy person and enjoys all my meals. I have been cheating lately. I even bought a veal sandwich from Longos for her dinner last night! Since I am trying to diet making myself a bowl of rapini, I did not want any carbs. Barb took pity and gave me 1/4 of her big sandwich! Maybe I should read my own posts and try a recipe or two!

HELPING WITH THANKSGIVING

Okay the turkey and all the trimmings is Barb's domain. Thanksgiving is a Canadian tradition.  So this Italian born Canadian should not mess with the tradition. Appetizers- some veggies & dip, crackers, little fishes for the kids, porscuitto wrapped on bread sticks, olives, pickles and 3 cheeses plus some boccincini.  But Barb let's me make the brussel sprouts my way- boiled then sauteed in olive oil, garlic and a little hot pepper; the mushroom sauteed in olive oil and garlic as well as the broccoli- boiled then sauteed in olive oil, garlic and a little hot pepper. Barb always includes a few Italian sausages. Barb makes her mother's bread stuffing for the turkey. The secret ingredient a little dash of ginger. One dish everyone loves including me! The girls bring the pies- pumpkin and apple. Of course there is lots of ice cream for the dessert. So mostly Canadian traditions with lots of mashed potato, squash, sweet potato, peas and dinners rolls. But Barb let's me help to make some new family traditions as long as I stay out of her way.

Of course, some crunchy Italian bread and buns are a must!
#thanksgiving2016Barb's house

FALL COOKING

Time for soups and sauces as the cooler weather arrives. But last night a barbecue with the last of ours steaks from an order in June. Warm enough to eat outside which Barb loves. So some Fall nights let us be outside. Maybe time for some fresh pasta for the girls! Now that the humidity is gone I feel human again!

PICKLED EGGPLANT/MELANZANA

Eggplants are having a good season. I bought a large box and decided to grill a few on the barbecue. I really like to make a few jars of eggplant to eat throughout the year with a new piece of  fresh bread.

Sliced and salted to stay overnight with something wearing them down to drain the moisture, they can be put in jars with the olive oil, vinegar and spices the next day.

Good to go! Of course this is my thing to do while Barb goes to the Ex with the girls and grandchildren.

I have my eggplant while they have cotton candy and caramel apples! What would you chose?

A 6 FOOT PANE!

Stopping for coffee and some buns at my favourite bakery- Roberto's Bakery in Richmond Hill, just a smidge south of Aurora, this 6 foot pane was waiting for the customer to pick it up. There was a special event planned and the people were going to slice it and make a large multi-layered sandwich to be cut at their event. Barb could not resist the photo.

Lots of goodies including some pastries are made here. We bought some of those delicious pastries for the grandkids. But they were not fussy. Next time I will buy them some cupcakes from the Supermarket.

GRANPA VISITS THE NEWMARKET FARMERS' MARKET

Newmarket is north of Toronto. Just go up Yonge Street or the faster route that I took up the Don Valley/ 404. The market is easily accessed from Mulock Drive, turn north on Bayview. The market is at Timothy and Doug Duncan streets in the Newmarket Riverwalk Commons.Near the historic part of town so shopping afterwards is doable. Barb and I had a fun visit to this market close to home.
Newmarket Farmers' Market

Pretty flower beds and a fountain.

Music provided a background for an early exercise group that was working out.

Barb bought some Kettle Corn from the Captain Kettle Corn booth. 

On the hunt for food!

So much to consider.

We bought some beef meat pies from Bailey who was helping her father at the booth.

Barb always likes to try to find something different than just food. So she headed over to the wine booth.

Nick from Tawse Winery helped Barb with her purchases of Spark Riesling and Pinot Gris Redfoot bottles of wine. Located in Vineland, the winery has been a family-owned operation. She will save the bottles for a special occasion. 

Tawse Winery

Barb bought some butter tarts from this seller. She always likes to sample the variety of tarts available in the province. Although there are significant butter tart trails in Wellington and Durham counties, Barb has created her own trail.

Oh Ontario peaches. I bought some peaches and golden plums from the Greg's fruit and vegetable booth. They come from Beamsville Ontario to sell their wonderful fresh produce.

I always love the service and enthusiasm of the people in the markets I attend. It does make the outing very enjoyable each time I buy some produce.

Barb bought a cauliflower and large Spanish Onion from the Willowtree farm booth. Barb and I have been to the Willowtree Farm several times over the years on our day jaunts to Port Perry. It is located just west of the town and has a wonderful store as well as activities on their property.

Willowtreefarm

We actually needed broccoli but another cauliflower is okay.

So many wonderful booths with a variety of food.

A good haul for the day. Fun market in a beautiful setting. Love the flowers and places to sit. 

We had the beef meat pies for dinner. I made some brown gravy. Cooked most of the cauliflower but left some pieces for Barb to use on the veggie and dip tray. She prefers it raw, I prefer it cooked. There were some cobs of corn to use so our dinner was quite tasty. The pastry in the pie was enough carbs for me. Barb, however, needed to sample the butter tarts for her ongoing survey of the best butter tart. 

GRANPA VISITS THE LINDSAY FARMERS' MARKET 2016

A long August weekend so a good time to go on one of those 1/2 day trips. Barb and I headed to Lindsay Ontario. About a two hour more or less drive from home, less for me but more for Barb. Now considered part of the City of Kawartha Lakes region. It is a sweet town north-east of Toronto in the Trent-Severn Waterway system.

Like the sign says it has been around since 1859. Like other markets we have visited, likes to say one of the oldest and longest running markets in Ontario. The website said there are 35 vendors. It dis not seem like that many but who was counting.

Having a good look around the market. It is on Victoria Street which is in the historic part of Lindsay. Runs between Kent and Peel. With the little avenue in the middle, made for an easy stroll. Barb was buying some new potatoes from the Kent Farms booth around since 1940.Kent Farms

Barb bought some perogies and cabbage rolls for dinner later. Not sure I would like them. But she said let's have something different. You know me, I don't like to try new foods. Taste of Russia

Barb needed some Maple Syrup so bought a tin of the medium dark from this booth. Lots of cucumbers too for pickling or just fresh eating.

And corn!

Love the fresh local produce.

My Barb, not the Baker Barb bought butter tarts and cheese buns from this booth. Barb likes to sample butter tarts wherever we go. To try to find the ultimate butter tart- a very Canadian treat! Barb's Home Baking

A booth selling wood working products.

Don't you love those big wood bugs!

Steve Cameron gave Barb a business card. The wood items really were beautifully made.
South Mountain Reproductions  A visit later to his website was a delight!

I bought some oyster mushrooms from this booth.

Gardening tips anyone? I have a tip. Put wire around your eggplants. I had some lovely ones growing, ready to eat and the squirrels got them!

So a walk around also gave Barb an opportunity to find some other photo ops! I was hungry so we headed to the strip plaza part of town finding a Smitty's restaurant for a mid-morning breakfast.

Our stash from the day!
We had the perogies and cabbage rolls for dinner. Barb loved them but I prefer my spaghetti and sauce!
#lindsaymarket#mushrooms#freshfruitandvegetables#southmountainreproductions#atasteofrussia#barb'shomebaking#countrymarkets#ontario#buttertarts