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Great cookie recipe from Norene Gillitz

annabelle — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:29:08 GMT

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GREAT COOKIE RECIPE? take a look

Hi Annabelle,

Thanks so much for thinking of me! Here’s a delicious cookie recipe from Norene’s Healthy Kitchen, available through Amazon.com or most booksellers. Please note that the yield is different with Splenda so I’ve included the nutrient analysis per cookie with Splenda as well as with sugar. It’s really interesting if you compare the calories, carbs and fat content between the 2 versions. I’ll try to post it on your blog as well. Happy Chanukah! Norene

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Source: Norene’s Healthy Kitchen: Eat YOUR Way to Good Health (Whitecap Books)

Author: Norene Gilletz

Three ingredients, three minutes to mix up the batter, and less than three minutes before they’re gone! You can make these gluten-free cookies with sugar or Splenda, but either way they might turn you into a glutton, so practice portion control and save these as an occasional treat.

1 cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar or granular Splenda

1 large egg

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie. (If you use Splenda, place a piece of parchment or wax paper on top of the unbaked cookies and press gently to flatten them before baking; see Chef’s Secrets, (below.) Uncover before baking.

3. Bake for 10 minutes or until cookies are golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Yield: 26 cookies (if made with sugar) or 21 cookies (if made with Splenda). Freezes well for up to 4 months.

87 calories per cookie (with sugar), 7.9 g carbohydrate, 0.6 g fiber, 2 g protein, 5.1 g fat (0.7 g saturated), 8 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 3 mg potassium, 0 mg iron, 1 mg calcium

83 calories per cookie (with Splenda), 3.5 g carbohydrate, 0.8 g fiber, 3 g protein, 6.3 g fat (0.8 g saturated), 10 mg cholesterol, 49 mg sodium, 3 mg potassium, 0 mg iron, 1 mg calcium

Chef’s Secrets

• What’s the Spread? Cookies made with sugar will spread during baking, whereas cookies made with Splenda will stay in a mound and won’t spread unless you flatten them before baking.

• Batter Up! You get more batter (and cookies) when using sugar, but less batter (and cookies) with Splenda. That’s the way the cookie crumbles!

Norene Gilletz is the author of seven cookbooks. She is a cooking teacher and food consultant based in Toronto and her recipes are suitable for the Kosher (or not) cook. Her company, Gourmania Inc., does nutrient analysis and food labels for the food industry. For more recipes and to learn about her books and services, visit her website at www.gourmania.com.

Norene Gilletz, Cookbooks, Culinary Solutions

Gourmania Inc., Toronto , Canada

Tel: 416-226-2466 Fax: 416-226-2512

Toll-Free Order Line: 1-888-811-9866

http://www.gourmania.com ... just click to flip through my books!

Email goodfood@gourmania.com for your food label and nutrient analysis needs.

Ethiopian House

bluejay — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:06:02 GMT

Ethiopian House is located 4 Irwin Ave. (at Yonge) just north of Wellesley.

It is tucked away outside of the busy yonge street community and as soon as you walk in you are surrounded by scents and flavours of the spices used in Ethiopian food.

It is a great place to go as two or a group of three or four. Plan to share. Basically you order a variety of spreads, vegetables or meats (depending on if you are veggie or not) and are served them on a giant platter w. Injara, which is a type of spongy pita bread (that is most anglo way I can describe it)
It was really good, they have a variety of things for veggies as well as for spice lovers and mild food lovers (me).

It is authentically decorated and not too expensive. Plan to spend anywhere from 15-20 dollars for two people depending on how many things you get (could be more if you are really excited and want to try everything)

For those that want a taste of it all, they offer a 'best of" the menu platter with everything veggie or everything meat which is reasonable and great for sharing.

Enjoy!

St. Urbain Bagel

bluejay — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:33:58 GMT

There is nothing better than piping hot fresh bagels on every flavour on Saturday morning.
After spending two hours at the gym, I get to come home to fresh Montreal style bagels from St. Lawrence Market's St. Urbain Bagel.

It is truly worth the walk to Front and Church.

If you go across the street you can buy fresh eggs from an old couple who has a farm in Port Perry, and you can get some great straight from the farm vegetables for cheap! The later you go in the day the cheaper the vegetables (lettuce for a $1)

And by late in the day I mean no later than 1pm. They start to close up shop soon after that.

Buying local feels good and tastes even better!

fish and chips

penny — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:38:45 GMT

In my opinion the best place for fish and chips in Toronto is Pemrose fish 600 Mount Pleasant ( south of Eglinton).

The potatoes are crisp and the fish is scrumptious.

They are an institution. I believe they have been around close to 50 years. My early years, in Toronto it was my supper at least twice a week. It was always, excuse the expression "finger licking good". If I wasn't watching my weight, I would probably have ate it more often.

All, my friends agree with me. ( they have been written up by even ZAGAT)

Nirvana- College and Bathurst

bluejay — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:51:07 GMT

Nirvana is a charming restaurant/bar located at College and Bathurst. It is a hole in the wall place with a great atmosphere, lots of funky vintage lighting and paintings. The best part of this hangout is you can sit and read during the day, or go out with your friends there at night. They have big enough table's/booths to fit 10+ people and small enough tables to create an intimate romantic experience.

AND THE FOOD.... is delicious!
They actually give you 'real' salad with your meals, we are talking green green lettuce, spinach etc., none of that iceberg crap.

They also have a ton of vegetarian options. I ordered the Avocado and Brie sandwich, and it was the BEST I have ever had! It was served on thick whole wheat bread with a salad on the side. The sandwich came with avocado, brie, tomato, land cucumber!
Most stuff you can get from $5-$10. My sandwich was under $6.

Check it out!

Salt that is good for you!

bluejay — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:46:33 GMT

As I become more conscious of the excess amount of 'food' that are really made of chemicals, I have started to take action!

Part of that has been to start making my own salad dressing. I just use olive oil, balsamic vinegar and to spice it up I add HERBAMARE.

[url=http://www.avogel.ca/en/product-finder/health_food/herbamare_orig.php]http://www.avogel.ca/en/product-finder/health_food/herbamare_orig.php

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It is great! It is made from organic vegetables and herbs that have been dried and give you a healthy dose of sodium for the day.
You also get 'good' fats, by getting it from olive oil and great flavour.

You can buy Herbamare at any health food store, or sometimes they even sell it at Costco.

Yum Yum.
Happy experimenting!

good meals in & around Toronto

annabelle — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:44:52 GMT

Last saturday night my hubby and I went to one of my favorite restaurants.Alice Fazooli. I truly love this place. It was very busy as it was still the holiday rush. But we still had excellent service.

We shared an order of ceasar salad to start. My husband ate the chicken/risotto. I had the sea food with fettucini.

Honestly you can always count on this place.

Excellent service, superb cuisine. 404/hwy 7 Richmondhill 905) 709-4280

Cookies

MzzQ — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:12:16 GMT

Dad's "Broken Cookie" Outlet

Is now open on Saturdays! (9am-4pm)

370 Progress Ave
Scarborough, ON , M1P2Z4

Bags of Original Oatmeal 4doz/$1.75

And other Christie, Kraft, Peek Frean, etc, products available. Most $2/pkg or under.

Bread

MzzQ — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:00:11 GMT

The bread loaves are usually 3/$6. They also have a selelction of bagels, english muffins, rolls, health bars and if you're early enough, baguettes. At the Scarborough location, there are sometimes samples and if they are test marketing a new product or have "overrun" from a special order you can get large bags of chapata (sp?) buns and/or large rye loaves.

Check the website:

http://www.stonemillbakehouse.com/English/020~about_stonemill/

Stonemill Bakery Outlet Store
426 Nugget Ave., Toronto ON Canada.
Tuesday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 3 pm

The St. Lawrence Market
92 Front Street, Toronto ON Canada.
Tuesday to Friday: 8 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 5 am to 5 pm

CHOCOLATES

penny — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:46:17 GMT

Soma chocolate-maker 55 Mill St building 48 I was dragged here by playback theatre artists who worship their hot chocolate. It's supposed to be spiced and tinkered with. No ordinary beverage. The Mayan hot chocolate is something to be sipped over a long period.The chocolatemakers create an awesome handmade product . Right from the bean. Go see this LIVE. Treat yourself to a bit of heaven.

caterer

penny — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:58:38 GMT

Reiview: catered Lunch

This is the second time in two years that the conference has been catered by Marigolds & Onions.This team is unbelivable. The crew is a well organized, greased machine. There is a fellow who walks around with a head phone and sees that every napkin, spoon, etcetra, is in the right place at the right time.

If I was planning an event I wouldn't hesitate for one second to hiring them. You make up your mind. ( be a guest at an event)

The menu for todays lunch

Butter lettuce and radicchio with slivers of toasted almond and citrus sections dressed in a buttermilk poppy seed dressing.

Marinated broccoli salad,With crumbled feta, bacon and sunflower seeds dressed in a yogurt herb dressing.

Medallions of Atlantic salmon,Served on a nest of fennel and tomato served with saffron emulsion accented with dill.

Grilled Honey Basil chicken, Tender breast of chicken marinated in a honey lemon basil dressing.

Roasted Vegetables

Lemon Scented Israeli Couscous

Squash Stuffed Agnolotti, In a vanila cream sauce garnished with fresh chopped parsley, cracked black peper& shaved Asiago

Assorted flat breads and rolls..............I have put this in just incase you need a menu. So sorry if I made you hungry.

www.marigoldsandonions.com 416-256-4882

Fressen

bluejay — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:21:44 GMT

I met a friend at Fressen (Queen st west of Spadina a couple of blocks, north side) and it was delicious!

As Vegetarians, brunch is not always the greatest meal eaten out, but at Fressen both meat eaters and veggies alike can enjoy a great atmosphere (open window) restaurant and great food that is GOOD FOR YOU!

Talk about great juices, freshly made right before you eyes and served in really cool glasses. Their menu for brunch isn't gigantic so it doesn't take forever to decide, but there are enough options to satisfy any picky eater. And for someone who normally tries nothing new, it was really great to be forced to do so and realize that there are great things out there!!!

My boyfriend loves meat and eggs for brunch, but really enjoyed the "pancakes" which are made with corn and other vegetables. The meals all come with a salad (not iceburg lettuce, actually delicious high quality greens), two pieces of spelt toast and fresh fruit, plus guac and salsa for dipping the cakes.

Will cost about $9 per person, but is totally worth it.

Healthy and delicious brunch!! Give vegan a chance for one morning and you won't be dissapointed.

Fressen!

hamburgers

orangetree — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:09:41 GMT

Johny's really good burgers

Try it once you'll agree! East side of Victoria Park just south of Sheppard. Great for nights when you don't feel like cooking. Sorry take out, no tables.

Goldstar, love it .

The onion rings are delicious and try the "All Star", home made burgers. You will get hooked.This family owned business has been around for eons, as young and old enjoy. Doncaster and Young St. Bench seating for at least 50 people. Cold beer available.

one hr. east of TO

orangetree — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:30:22 GMT

You like delicious chicken or great pie?

YES ,on hiway 12 and 7 east you can find Haugen's, since 1933. "the best you have ever tasted" Promise you will not be disappointed.

The barbeque chicken is the really the best. When I first tasted the flavour, just off my fingers. I was amazed.

This place is well know by the locals. On Sunday evening it's a challenge to find a spot in the dining room.(that must seat I guess 100 people plus.) They offer very good baby back ribs as well. And yes did I mention the pie? Last night the table choice was fresh homemade strawberry pie. YUM.

On Wednesday night they hold the classic car cruise. On Thursday you can see vintage bikes and Harleys galore. Even the customers hold an attraction.

This is well worth your trip. My children love the place.Plus Haugen's has a selection for vegetarians.

map & menu on web site www.haugensbbq.com

Careful- closed a number of months for the winter.

cup cakes

tarannum — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:29:21 GMT

Hello every one I would like to introduce you to cup cake chalet. A web based buisness. Launched some time in April. I have had the pleasure of catering dozen cup cakes for my dinner. We were celebrating a few birthdays togather and opted for cupcakes instead of cake. Needless to say they were a hit.

Check out the web site www.cupcakechalet.com.

The pink and brown ones that look like roses were done for me.

I am a little biased as this concept belongs to my sister in law.Her name is Sajida and she is great.

I do hope you will visit the site

That is all for now.

Tarannum

Greek Dining

annabelle — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:22:50 GMT

Restaurant review: Greek Dining

Pappas Grill 440 Danforth Avenue 416-469-9595

it was a typical summers evening. 15 degrees. Great for sitting outdoors. On this beautiful evening your guide to great Greek food decided to join the other thirty customers at a well know Toronto landmark called Pappas Grill.

The wide patio includes a typical single girls group of 5 or 6 about 30ish, two couples of serious business men about 50 ish. and three students,(obvious backpacks and jeans).And yes there was two very good looking and friendly young waiters. We found the food to be tasty & good. Since it was late I only had a greek salad. It was as it should be. My partner had lamb on skewers with rice, salad, and humus. We both finished everymorsel. It's casual patio dining with a true Greek flavour. ( the restaurant has a large section inside.) To me many of the patrons inside appear to be Greek.( this is a good sign) I think I ought to warn you parking is very limited. After 7PM. on a Saturday night forget it. This is a very hot Greek dining scene. There must be at least twenty dining spots within three blocks.

Price is reasonable.

PS. Be sure to check out the Taste of the Danforth Aug 8th-10th. 2008

Italiano at Mercatto

bluejay — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:35:06 GMT

Not only does this restaurant cater to the lunch crowd (Bay and Adelaide in Toronto) it's second location works the weekend crowd (Toronto and Adelaide) boasting long tables for big groups, and smaller more intimate tables for you and your loved one or friend.

they ACTUALLY take RESERVATIONS on a Saturday night, good luck finding that at other restaurants. The prices are between $14 -$22 for an entree. they have a large selection of gourmet thin crust pizzas, Italian beverages (wine, beer, pop) and some vegetarian options. I had a great fettucine dish with zuccinni lemon zest and ricotta cheese.

The restaurant has a nice feel to it, with the hardwood ceilings and light green furniture.

Check it out.

cheese

Administrator — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:19:32 GMT

Last week I bought cheese at Reesor's at the market on Yonge st/elgin.

Gail gave me instructions on how to make a white sauce.

She said to make a roux with little olive oil and little flour, stir, add little milk slowly and add lots of shredded assagio cheese, on low heat. I poured this over angel-hair pasta.This was out of this world. I am one of those people that expects the vendors to know what to do with their products. Well you do learn best from those that "work" with the product. Ressors carries a huge selection of cheeses. At least 100 types. They also carry organic eggs, organic meats, the best fresh turkey and fresh chickens year round.I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT THEM

vegetarian restaurant reviews

annabelle — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:23:07 GMT

Annapurna Vegetarian

1085 Bathurst Street Toronto

416-537-8513 Around for ions. People keep coming back year after year. My neice who lives in New York told me about Annapurna. South Indian dishes, in a peaceful atmosphere . Just a wonderful restaurant.

Fresh on Bloor

326 Bloor St 416-531-2535 I consider this gourmet food. We usually go there as a crowd of eight for birthdays. The meal presentation very appetizing and is always delicious. DO try the sweet potatoe chips. Someone from my family is dining here at least once a week. ( they now have three locations)

Fressen on Queen

478 Queen st West 416- 504-5127 Fresh ingredients, usually organic, always cooked to order.This is fine dining. Very creative dishes. Must have lots to talk about as it does take a little time. Personally I love their soups. Most days only dinner, on Sunday there is brunch- You can make reservations. Suggest looking at their menus online.www.fressenrestaurant.com

The Beer Station

bluejay — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:08:20 GMT

This is a little bar that my friend and I like to frequent for good food and a HUGE selection of Beer.

They have over 100 beers from across the world, as well as some of the most popular beers on tap.

My favourite is the Fruli Strawberry beer from Belgium.
Also if you are in for some healthy competition you can win yourself a Beer Station "around the world" jacket. All you have to do it try one of each of the beers by the end of August. The competition starts each year then, and by the end if you tried all of the beers, you get a free jacket!

Two of my friends have already got theres. The service is fast, the ambiance is kitchy and the company is good, not to mention the selection of beer!

GREAT Thai Food at THE SALAD KING

bluejay — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:15:17 GMT

We just got back from "THE SALAD KING"

Location: Gould St, two blocks North of Dundas, One block south of Gerrard at Yonge.

As a vegetarian, it is sometimes tough to find a good place to eat that will satisfy myself as well as my omnivore boyfriend.

Anyway, after a hard workout at the gym, we walked over and it was totally full, 7:30pm on a Thursday, but we got seats in less then 10 minutes.

The place has a relaxed feel and comfortable booth seats and chairs. The menu is very diverse, and you can choose from 6 different levels of spicy, from no spice to four chillis of spiciness!

I of course chose no spice. I ate the Bangkok Stir Fry, which had Tofu, Carrots, Peppers, Baby Corn etc all on a bed of vermacelli noodles. My boyfriend had the Pineapple Chicken with vegetables and steamed rice.

The portions were large enough that my boyfriend finished and was full, and I had lunch for tomorrow at work!

We decided to try the place because everyone we had talked to said it was AWESOME.

It was.

Vaughan Meats

zenbi — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:19:36 GMT

Vaughan Meats is a butcher that will grill your meat for free. I ordered boneless chicken breasts and a brisket for company a couple of weeks ago and was very pleased with the food. It was ready for pick-up on time, in oven friendly containers and with heating instructions. The staff are friendly and helpful. My husband claims the brisket was better than his own mother's - now that’s something!! Vaughan Meats - 905-763-2323

Pastry

Administrator — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:41:57 GMT

HANSEN'S DANISH PASTRY SHOP The sweet bun at $4.75 that I buy everyweek, is amazing. Just delicious. It disappears very quick from the dessert table. I can give you a tip if your buying it at the market Yonge just south of Elgin.( north Toronto) Make sure you get there before 1PM on Thursday or Friday, and before 11 on Saturday. Otherwise you will not be able to find it.

I like the coffee ring with almond paste,& the apple strudel. My husband adores their butter tarts. Do check them out. I have been giving them my business for over 20 years. ...ESt 1961.

hungarian & austrian dining in Toronto

Administrator — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:44:47 GMT

Being Hungarian can be beneficial. Having the chore of searching for the best schnitzel may strike some people as a mundane exercise. Not me.If forced to pick the best you would have great difficulty.

I'll let you in on those that I have sampled that were excellent.

Courtyard cafe 121 Yorkville 416-513-9688 in business 40 years plus. This is an institution. Bring an appetite. ( Veal Marsala/roasted potatoes YUM)

Old Country Inn 198 Main street Unionville 905-477-2715 My parents favorite. We spent many happy birthday celebrations there. AND if my papa liked it. It had to be good. (Try the troler schnitzel with mushroom and cheese)

the best restaurants in and around Toronto

annabelle — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 05:31:19 GMT

Over the years I have had the pleasure to eat at AUBERGE du POMMIER 3 or 4 times. Its always outstanding. 4150 Yonge St. at York Mills.

This is a french restaurant built out of 150 year old cottages. Fire places , garden terraces, linen tablecloths, good wine, and flowers invite the guests.The cuisine is modern art, outstanding, and French. The staff treat you like royalty.Simply put, there is no place that I would rather be.

Bring a credit card, money would be heavy to carry.

www.oliverbonacini.com 416-222-2220

The Best Pastas

walnut — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:07:53 GMT

You do not have to be Italian to love pasta, but you do have to buy Italian to get the best tasting pasta.

Multi Pasta makes home made premium-quality, Italian style fresh Pasta. This Richmondhill secret is tucked away, on 14 Oxford Street . ( Young & Elgin Mills) Most chefs have an intimate affair with this place.

You enter the store and your blown away with what they carry. Half a dozen refrigerators are stocked with prepared sauces and stuffed pasta dishes.They use durum semolina,& fresh eggs for all pasta made on the premises. They cut angel hair, linguine, fettucine, pappardelle, & lasagna sheets. Have you ever made Lasagna with sheets? COOL! Lots of wonderful dishes. I recommend you try a little something different each time. My family is thrilled with the Egg Plant parmesan. And one holiday I treated my guest to a sliced spinach role with alfredo sauce. Guaranteed to please.

Bring lots of cash as you'll want to buy out the store. Everytime I go ( more than 20 times ayear),I empty out my wallet. Upon leaving Tony or Rachel will wish you Buon Appetito.

Kensington Gem

bluejay — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:46:05 GMT

THE LAST TEMPTATION Well, really, it's a great hang out place.

They have a great options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, I have been many times and gotten the veggie spring rolls and grilled cheese. The food is inexpensive and the atmosphere is unbeatable!

There are free fooseball, and 1 dollar pool, as well as couches, a fake fireplace, and cheap drinks!

In the summer they also have a nice patio, and are right in the heart of Kensington, near Dundas and Kensington.(toronto) So you can stop in after a day at the park, or a day shopping for vintage everything!

seafood depot

Julie — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:44:07 GMT

I really cannot remember how I got to this place. But once you come here you'll keep coming back. Difficult to describe. The warehouse is about half the size of a Cosco store. Perhaps 20,000 sq ft. just a guess. They carry an incredible selection of FISH and gift items from Italy,like: dishes, jewelry, picture frames, glassware,espresso makers, pots, 30 different kinds of olives, tomatoe sauces, etcetera. You have to see it to believe it. If your lucky you'll bump into a chef. Lots of chefs buy their fish here. ......Buy the fish after you check out the place..... I even buy my face moisturizer here.

Seafood Depot Inc

81 Aviva Park Dr Woodbridge Telephone : 1-888-485-3474 south of Hiway 7 off Weston Rd.