Archive | June, 2012

Tools of the Trade: Cast Iron Enamel Dutch Oven

18 Jun

The Tool
Most foodie folks lust after the Le Creuset cast iron dutch ovens and pots. So many pretty colours… and *womp womp* a not so budget friendly price.

However, if you’re willing to forego the fancy name and get a pretty good quality pot for 80% less cash, get thee to Crappy Tire (otherwise known as Canadian Tire) this week and take advantage of their sale on this 7 Qt. Kitchen Aid model – regular $199.99 on for $69.99.

The Review
I tried out my own earlier this week (a birthday gift from mom & dad – thanks!) and was really pleased. Let’s hope that it lasts a bit longer than the last one I had which was a from an un-named celebrity chef’s line. (*cough* Emeril *cough*) I certainly wouldn’t pay regular price for this product, but it’s definitely worth the $70 plus tax. Just make sure you check yours as soon as you get home – my first model’s enamel finish was marred but Canadian Tire was happy to swap it for a good one.

Why Do I Need This?
A good dutch oven is a staple pot in any kitchen. It works great both on the stove top and in the oven and is handy for soups, stews, chilis, spaghetti sauces and (what I made for my pot’s maiden voyage) Low Country Boil! A pot like this should last for decades when cared for properly and the enamel means you don’t have to worry about keeping it seasoned like a non-enamel cast iron pot.

Who knew Ottawa had a food truck scene?

17 Jun

Call me surprised too. I thought all Ottawa had to offer was chip trucks… Nothing like the awesome rolling purveyors of tastyness that you always see on the Food Network or that you see in other (perhaps more progressive) cities like Calgary (shout out to Perogy Boys).

But there is hope! A new generation of foodies are jumping on the food truck bandwagon and as luck would have it, a very tasty one frequents the neighborhood I work in: The Merry Dairy – a frozen custard truck!

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Yes, it even has ‘ice cream’ truck music. And WiFi – score! (Courtesy of The Merry Dairy.)

The Merry Dairy is the brainchild of Marlene Haley. For those of you who’ve never had frozen custard, it’s a little firmer than Dairy Queen soft serve but much, much creamier and smoother thanks to the addition of eggs. Marlene keeps it simple – just vanilla and chocolate for now, with chocolate, strawberry or caramel sauce and chocolate or rainbow sprinkles. It doesn’t need anything more.

Find out where Marlene will show up next on The Merry Derry website.

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This is getting a bit melty but still so tasty. What can I say, it’s been HOT here!

(For a full list of local trucks, check out this great list from Kathy Eats).

Bienvenue to bacon avec bacon!

15 Jun

What goes better with bacon, than more bacon? Nothing, that’s what. Thus ‘bacon avec bacon’. (For those of you who are not ‘frenchified’ avec is French for ‘with’.

On this blog I’ll be sharing food finds, recipes, cooking tips and tricks and other random things.

I’ll endeavour to follow my own advice and post often enough to keep you all entertained.

And now the patron saint of bacon, Ron Swanson….