Ma Maison enters a gingerbread competition

11.28.11

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 the idea of a bakery and although our results didn’t win the prize, a few great lessons were learned in the process. Here is what was created and some of the competitiors

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Sugar flowers

10.16.11

Since baking in general is not dangerous enough, I’ve taken on a new challenge…. sugar pulling. For those not familiar with this concept, well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like, hot sugar being shaped and pulled into diverse “artistic” shapes. The sugar is warmed, dyed (any colour of the rainbow) and once it’s the right temperature, it is pulled to aerate the surface and add a phenomenal sheen. Afterwards, under a heat lamp in order to keep it hot, the sugar is formed into whatever shape you want and allowed to cool (to set).

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Ma Maison’s Macarons, Toronto

10.13.11

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 here’s my favourite (I may be a little biased)

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The Socialist Pig Coffeehouse, Gananoque

08.01.11

I know this little coffee shop is off the beaten path but if you find yourself in the 1000 island area, this is a cafe worth visiting. Located just across from the town hall in Gananoque (21 King St. East to be more precise) the cafe shares the main floor of a corner lot with its sister restaurant, Pig Iron Barbecue. Husband and wife team work together in bringing their customers fresh, local and delicious food.

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The pig cake

07.07.11

I’m very proud to announce that I have completed my very first novelty cake all by my lonesome. Six or so hours later and 2 kg of butter, 18 eggs and a tonne of red food colouring later, I give you the pig!

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Marben

07.05.11

“A little farmhouse revival” in downtown Toronto

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of being invited to dine at the Chef’s table at Marben, a cozy and cool restaurant specializing in the art of butchery and charcuterie. From what I understand, the imaginative and passionate kitchen staff of Marben are responsible for making nearly every single item that hits the table, right down to the bread and condiments. What makes things even better is the fact that most, if not all, of the produce and meats served are grown and purchased within 100km of Toronto, meaning guests are served the freshest ingredients, and local farmers are supported. Awesome!

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Food in Italy

05.11.11

Here are just a few of the many food pictures we’ve collected in and around Rome/Florence….. Enjoy

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Ma Maison – Toronto

04.16.11

Just thought I would put up some pics of pretty little desserts from Ma Maison in Etobicoke (Dundas and Royal York). Enjoy!

“Le” running shoe

posted by Lemon Tart on 2011.03.01, under Baking, experiment, Food pic, food pics, Good Food
03.01.11

Just thought we’d give good ol’ Cake Boss a run for his money… or try at least! The cake is completely edible, constructed from a simple chocolate génoise filled with chocolate buttercream…. oh and it feeds 30 people easily!

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Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

posted by Lemon Tart on 2011.02.09, under Baking, food, Food pic, food pics, Good Food, lessons, recipes
02.09.11

Super simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and a little patience. Before you start, you need paper cupcake cups and a muffin tin (if the mini version of both is available it makes for a better size) and a pot of boiling water for your bain marie.

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Love your food.