MMM (Ma Maison Macarons), Spring 2012

Here’s the new macaron line-up for the 2012 Spring season: Dark Chocolate – Valrhona’s Nyangbo dark chocolate ganache Wild Strawberry – White chocolate and wild strawberry ganache Carrot Cake – Cinnamon cream cheese with a carrot and cinnamon curd Lemon Basil – Lemon and Basil infused white chocolate ganache Salted Caramel – Smooth and silky …

Do not feed the animals.

The food stamp program, part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever. Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, asks us to “please do not feed the animals” because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of …

Whole wheat, banana berry muffins

Simple and very very healthy, possibly also somewhat tasty, these muffins are a great way to start the day. Should mention that they are egg free and can very easily become dairy free or gluten free. I made mine with wheat germ, blueberries, dried currants and coconut but the possibilities are endless as long as …

Yours Truly, Ossington & Dundas, Toronto

Having just opened its doors late last year, Yours Truly Restaurant at Dundas and Ossington has caused quite the stir in the foodie world. The chef, Jeff Claudio is a veteran of fine dining cuisine with an impressive resume that includes Noma in Coppenhagen, Alinea in Chicago and Per Se in New York. Needless to …

New Loblaws – Queen and Portland, Toronto

I must say that, in my opinion, Loblaws really tops all the other grocery stores in Toronto for the quality of products offered and their variety. Although it may be pricier than others, freshness is always guatanteed and the customer service is definitely admirable. I had the pleasure to inaugurate their new location in the …

Toronto Underground Market [TUM]

Saturday,  was the second edition of the Toronto Underground Market. We bought our tickets back in September and we were quite anxious to go! We are thankful we bought our tickets so early because they sold out very quickly. It is difficult to determine how many people actually attended this event but let’s just say …

Happy Birthday To Us.

November marks our second anniversary. Thank you to all our readers and to those that have made this blog possible. A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to Notes On A Meal over the last two years. Its been fun so far and we look forward to another great year of great food posts. …

Ma Maison enters a gingerbread competition

Just in time for the holidays, the Ma Maison team decided to enter a fierce but fun gingerbread competition. The rules were simple, make “something” out of gingerbread was basically all we were told. The construction had to be 2x2x2 feet and everything except the base had to be edible. Ma Maison came up with …

Foodstock Pt. 2

Thanks to Rodney and Jess for this great write up about Foodstock.  More to follow.   Yesterday, we headed up north near the town of Honeywood to join the estimated 25,000 guests of the 2011 Foodstock. This event was promoted by celebrity chef Michael Stadtländer and was designed as a fundraiser and manifestation against the …

Ma Maison’s Macarons, Toronto

If you’re not familiar with French Macarons, well, you should head out there and definitely try them. Two crispy yet chewy almond cookies sandwiched together with a velvety ganache, or a delightful jam or even better a smooth and subtle buttercream…. what’s not to love?!!? There’s plenty of places around Toronto doing them well but …

Pastry Tip

Is your pie soggy? Is your crust not, well, crusty? Wanna try something neato that will make your pie flakey and lovely? Just add vodka. Make your favorite dough recipe and substitue all the water for vodka. The alcohol makes the dough more pliable and easier to work with. When you bake it, the alcohol …