Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs Recipe, Cabernet Franc Wine Pairing

Tis’ the season to complete last year’s resolutions. I can’t believe it’s already the beginning of January! I know it sounds cliché, but this year definitely flew by. And now that it’s almost over I have a list of resolutions that I need to complete. My first to-do: learn how to make the perfect meatballs. Here’s a recipe I found for Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs with Rosemary that is absolutely mouth-watering. Not only is it a delicious recipe, the meatballs are made with wholesome ingredients like real Canadian Cheddar that will help you beat the winter blues. My next to-do, finding […]

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Get Out of Your Wine Rut in 2014: Try These Wines

What are the best wines to try in 2014? Want get out of your wine rut? That’s our wine topic on the CTV News video clip above. We looked at great wines to try based on what you already like, similar to how Amazon recommends books: if you like this one, then you might like that one. Let me know about a new wine that you discovered this year in the comments below.   Get Out of Your Wine Rut in 2014: Try These Wines News Anchor: And now back to Leanne Cusack with a little more on the good […]

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Mascarpone Truffles Recipe Paired with Chardonnay

Take Holiday Entertaining to a Delicious new Level There’s something about the holiday season that I just can’t get enough of. Sure last minute holiday shopping and menu preparing can be stressful, but sitting down with loved ones for a savoury holiday feast makes it more than worth it. I have a big family, so when it comes to holiday meals it can be tough deciding what to make. Aside from my tried and true holiday recipe favourites, I decided to get a little adventurous this year and experiment with a new dessert. And I’m so glad I did. This […]

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Poutine Recipe Paired with Australian Shiraz

Warm up to the Weather with some Afternoon Delight One thing most people don’t know about me is that I absolutely love poutine. It’s as Canadian as you can get, and it is simply delicious. Homemade fries? Yes. Fresh gravy? Yes. Melted, mouth-watering Canadian Cheddar cheese curds? Yes, yes, yes! While it’s not something I make every day, I like to make sure it’s as good as possible when I do make it. That’s why I love this simple recipe for Traditional Poutine. With Canadian Cheddar cheese curds and homemade gravy, it leaves me feeling full and happy until the […]

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Brie Soup Recipe Paired With Chardonnay

Soup and Sweater Season is Here If you’re anything like me, these shorter days can leave you feeling drained and sluggish. With such uninspiring weather, it’s easy to get stuck in a recipe rut. However, sometimes all it takes to inspire me to crack out the pots and pans again is the perfect recipe. And I’ve found just the one. Not only does this Brie Soup look mouth-watering, it’ll be just the thing to warm you up during this long, cold month (along with your favourite sweater of course). With yummy seasoning, white mushrooms, and all the tasty Canadian Brie […]

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Yalumba Wine Tasting: A Sensory Tour of Old & New World

By Jane Staples G’day, mate ! was the friendly greeting from Yalumba’s winemaker and storyteller, Jane Ferrari.  As we chatted, I asked her how she feels about the concept of “terroir” and she answered emphatically that she believes in it.  When visitors come to the Yalumba vineyard, she takes small groups out to 5 different vineyards,  then pulls down the back of her truck and does a comparative tasting on the spot. Jane was recently named “Wine Communicator of the Year” in Australia.  A trained winemaker, she now travels the world for Yalumba Wines. Canada and the US are the […]

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Joy to the World Holiday Wine Match

  You can help create the ultimate holiday wine shopping list in the Joy to the World Holiday Wine Match! Nominate and/or vote for your favourite wines from around the world under $25 to pair with holiday dishes. As the first people’s choice awards for holiday wines, the competition takes a grassroots, “bottoms up” approach to get us rallying behind our favourite bottles so that we can pour like Santa, but save like Scrooge.     In the video above, three festive wine lovers and I get into the spirits of the season and chat about wines to pair with […]

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Wine Events and Tastings in Canada

Here is my Top 10 List of Wine Shows in Canada: 1. Vancouver Playhouse Festival: January 2016 2. La Grande Dégustation de Montréal: November 5-7, 2015 Montreal, Quebec 3. World Wine & Food Expo: October 30 – November 7, 2015 Moncton 4. Californian Wine Fair (5 cities): April-May 2016 5. Winnipeg Wine Festival 6. Port of Wines Festival: Halifax   Dates change, so register online with the event to get alerts on the most current information. You’ll find tips on getting the most from wine shows here. I find that the larger shows that attract 20,000+ attendees are designed more […]

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Dazzling Wine and Food Pairing Dinner Party at Chatelaine

The editors of Chatelaine, Canada’s largest magazine, hosted their first dinner party in the cozy setting of their food kitchen on Thursday evening. Wine and food media gathered to share a delicious multi-course meal. In the video above, Executive Food Director Claire Tansey welcome guests to the Chatelaine Magazine Kitchen, noting that the magazine is celebrating its 84th year of publication. (Click on the arrow to play the video.) Before dinner started, we enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the magazine’s offices on the eighth floor of the building that is home to Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, Maclean’s, Canadian Business, MoneySense, […]

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Monday Night Mac and Cheese Recipe Paired with Niagara Pinot Noir

Welcome Back Comfort Food The days are slowly getting shorter and there is a subtle crispness in the air, which can only mean one thing: fall is here. While some may scorn the cooler temperatures, I welcome them with wide, sweater-clad arms. One of the main reasons I love the cooler temps? Now I have an excuse to eat warm comfort food whenever I want! Comfort food like this amazing Monday Night Mac and Cheese dish. With delicious ooey gooey Canadian Cheddar, it will melt away the Monday blues and prepare you for a wonderful week ahead. Spoiler alert: it […]

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