This delicious dessert is so loved by all that the English, the Spanish and the French all stake claim for its origin. The Spanish have taken credit for this sensuous custard as “crema catalana” since the eighteenth century, while the English claim it originated in seventeenth-century Britain, where it was known as “burnt cream”. It apparently wasn’t until the end of the nineteenth century that common usage of the French translation came into vogue, putting it on the map from Paris to Le Cirque in New York City. Its wide recognition today seems to have given the French credit for […]
Month: November 2010
5 Quick Tips to Choose a Terrific Thanksgiving Wine
“No other holiday celebrates the gift of wine like Thanksgiving,” says Natalie MacLean, author of the bestselling book Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass. “Wine is a taste of the harvest along with all the delicious dishes on the table. But actually choosing a bottle can feel like a thankless task, especially with so many flavors to match.” Relax. Have a drink. And try some of Natalie’s suggestions for great wines to pair with Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. In Red, White and Drunk All Over, which has just been published in […]
Jackson Triggs captures ‘Best Canadian Wine Producer’ at the IWSC Competition
Canada’s Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate captured the ‘Best Canadian Producer’ award at the annual International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), held last night in London, England. The IWSC is considered to be one of the most revered and influential wine competitions of its kind. Jackson Triggs’ Okanagan Estate Winemakers Brooke Blair and Derek Kontkanen were on hand to accept the award, presented by Prince Michael zu Salm-Salm, President, IWSC. “Being awarded ‘Best Canadian Producer’ at the IWSC is an honour and a testament to the great teamwork at Jackson Triggs. It’s the ultimate recognition and win,” says Derek […]
Make holiday meals special with fine cheese
With all the entertaining that goes on during the holidays, you can never have too many recipes. It’s also the perfect time to break out the wow factor and impress your guests. Cheese, especially fine cheese, is an ideal way to add a little something special and make the occasion one to remember. Canadian fine cheese offers a world of recipe ideas, whether you’re looking to build upon a classic or you want to try something completely different. For many, the holidays just aren’t complete without a turkey dinner. That’s why I love this fresh twist on the most festive […]
Top 10 Wines for Holiday Gifts
Here are the specific wines that I recommend for the tough-to-buy-for people on your holiday gift list. Click on the links for the full review, including tasting notes, score, food matches, bottle shots and complementary recipes. 1. Hairdresser: Fuss-free Rose 2. Psychiatrist: Balanced Pinot 3. The Boss: Boss Bordeaux 4. Personal Trainer: Light Riesling 5. Financial Planner: Long-Term Port 6. Travel Agent: Plug in your region here to find a local wine 7. Teacher: Learned Sherry 8. Mail Deliverer: Dependable Shiraz 9. Mechanic: Auto Wine 10. Online Date: Play-it-Safe Merlot
Put those Oysters on Ice
The perfect oyster is like a little taste of heaven. These silky, succulent treasures of the water can easily turn a meal into a marked occasion. Oysters aren’t just fun to eat, they are also an excellent source of protein and are high in essential minerals and vitamins and low in calories and cholesterol. And just when you thought that a plate of perfectly shucked oysters couldn’t get any more delicious, compliment them by serving Jackson Triggs Méthode Classique Brut along side the meal. This medium bodied wine is made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Niagara […]
An Apple a Day …
Now this saying may not necessarily include apple fritters, but why not cheat a little and get a serving of fruit in a fun way? There’s something about these soft, warm, melt in your mouth doughnuts that bring you right back to your childhood. I mean, who could deny these petite fried nuggets stuffed with flavourful apple chunks? And with a hint of ice wine in the batter, the only trouble you’ll be having after trying these fritters is stopping after one. JACKSON-TRIGGS OPEN VIDAL ICEWINE 2007 $29.95 Join the Jackson Triggs facebook page for […]
LCBO Vintages Release November 13: Best Value and Highest Rated Wines
Number of Wines Recommended: 46 Review date: 11/13/2010 The highlights in this Vintages release include: – 18 wines under $20 – Best value white: Refreshing Chilean Sauvignon Blanc $13.95 – Favourite white tied: Zesty, mouth-watering Niagara Riesling 92/100 – Favourite white wine tied: Classic California Chardonnay 92/100 – Best value red tied: Rich, robust Chilean red $13.95 – Favourite red wine: Benchmark Rhone red 95/100 – Favourite sparkling wine: Blanc de blancs with green apple notes for parties $19.95 – Best value sparkling wine: Lovely French bubbly for shellfish and dinner party starters $17.95 Here is the text-only […]
MFK Fisher: Consummate Eater, Drinker and Writer
It was such a thrill to travel to Palm Springs October 23 to accept the MFK Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing from Les Dames d’Escoffier International! I was touched by the support and warmth of the members that evening at the dinner ceremony. I was also moved by the outpouring of support on Twitter, Facebook and good old-fashioned e-mail: the real win was in sharing it with food-and-wine-loving friends! Here’s the press release from Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Thanks again guys! Cheers, Natalie Les Dames d’Escoffier International Announces Winner of the M.F.K. Fisher Award LOUISVILLE, KY–(Marketwire – November […]
A gift from the water gods
When prepared properly, scallops can be a heavenly, melt in your mouth seafood. And it makes for a deliciously light meal welcomed any time of year. It is also an ideal fish to pair with a rich and buttery Chardonnay, as the generous amount of acidity cuts through the richness of the dish and refreshes your palate for the next bite.Try using the Jackson Triggs Gold winning wine at the Ontario Wine Awards & Selection Mondailes for the perfect compliment in a buttery Beurre Blanc sauce. JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS’ GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2008 $20.95 Join the Jackson Triggs facebook page […]
