Saucy Meatballs

We all know spaghetti and meatballs are the bestest of friends, but at a certain point in every friendship both parties need to spread their wings and find independence of their own. Sure complementary flavours and textures (just like complementary personalities) can be incredible, but standing out as the "star" of a dish can allow the flavours to really shine! I love spaghetti and I love meatballs, but I've found that whenever I've had the two together I've always been disappointed with the dry, tasteless meatballs sitting atop my mound of spaghetti. My recipe makes meatballs the star of your dinner with the addition of a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for soaking up fresh bread or a bowl of whole grain rice! With big flavor that tastes like it was on the stove all day, this is a quick and easy crowd pleaser that can be prepared any night of the week!

Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so why not make a batch on the weekend to serve up throughout the workweek.

Tip: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze to enjoy another night!

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 eggs

2 medium onions, roughly chopped

2 pounds ground beef

2 tsp garlic, minced or pureed

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tbsp dried onion flakes (optional)

salt and pepper to season

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a food processor, add the onions. Pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.

2. Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well using clean hands.

3. In a large pot set to medium-high heat, add the ketchup, water, garlic, onions, and brown sugar and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. As the mixture comes up to a boil, begin forming your meatballs. Using your hands, roll the meatballs into walnut-sized balls and place immediately into the ketchup mixture. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours. Serve atop brown rice, alone, or inside a sandwich.

Listening To:

Howlin' For You The Black Keys

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Oscar Party Hors D'Oeuvres

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards are being held this Sunday night, an occasion much more worthy of celebration than say...hmmm...Valentines Day? Yup! Definitely! So do your Oscar Party up right by serving your guests a selection of some of my finest hors d'oeuvres. This is a really fantastic spread as there are vegetarian, seafood, and meat options as well as some options without cheese (for crazy people out there who don't like cheese...seriously? I don't trust you!). Each of these hors d'oeuvres are also great showpieces with their array of colours and textures. These are also all really simple and quick to prepare so you can keep your eye on the red carpet and not the stove. Make sure to serve up your favoruite cocktails alongside your hors d'oevres...even if your boss is making you come into work at 8am the next morning...ya I'm talkin' to you! Cheers!

Mini Crab Cakes with Citrus Aioli

Brie in Puff Pastry with Port Glazed Caramelized Onions

Rosemary Crackers with Figs & Aged Cheddar

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

Listening To:

Diddy, Dirty Money, Ft.T.I., Rick Ross - Hello Good Morning

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Tip: Frozen Bananas

The next time you see your bananas nearing their final days (or even hours!) don't fret, freeze! Freezing ripened bananas is a great time saver for the future. Don't you just hate when you feel inspired to make a particular recipe that calls for ripened bananas only to find your bananas still a lovely shade of yellow-green? Having a stock of frozen, ripened bananas in your freezer allows you to make all your favourite banana recipes like muffins, smoothies, and milkshakes on a whim.

To freeze your bananas simply place them in a ziplock bag, removing any excess air inside, and place in your freezer. When ready to use your frozen bananas, place your frozen banana on a microwave-safe dish and microwave for a few seconds to thaw enough to allow you to remove the peel.

Listening To:

P.Diddy ft. keyshia cole - Last Night (Feat. Keyshia Cole)

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One Love Vegetarian

One Love Vegetarian

416 535 5683

854 Bathurst St.

Toronto

Closed Sundays & Mondays

After moving to the Annex area last year, my sister, her boyfriend, and I have been having a great time checking out all of the incredible food the area has to offer. No matter how much I enjoy hanging out with my sister and her boyfriend, I have to admit, my favourite part about our get togethers is meal-time, getting to try out all of the different cuisines from around the world all tucked away in the buzzing Annex. With it's lime-green sign and vibrantly painted walls, One Love Vegetarian was a place that caught my attention immediately. We're pretty big meat eaters in my family, so despite my interest in trying One Love, I kept getting side tracked with the thought of pulled pork burritos and jerk chicken. Finally the day came when I was ready to give One Love a try. My sister and I had both read an article about One Love's BBQ Tofu Stir Fry that left us salivating, so off we went to experience our first taste of Jamaican Vegetarian Cuisine.

Mainly a takeout joint, One Love is pretty small with a few tables for eating in. The kitchen is exposed allowing you to see all of the delicious dishes being prepared. Although there isn't anything particularly striking about the decor of the place, the atmosphere is fantastic. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive energy flowing through the restaurant, which may be due to the incredibly friendly and gracious staff, whom I have never seen without a smile. You can also always count on a killer soundtrack to be playing while munching on your food. Whether it's Bob Marley, Ottis Redding, or even some Wu Tang, One Love always has you feeling groovy!

Although I have only tried one dish on the menu, I have nothing but rave reviews for that one, mind-blowing, knock-your-socks-off dish! One Love's BBQ Tofu Stir Fry is so delicious I find myself craving it on a daily basis...no joke. I would be heading over there right now if it wasn't a Monday (they're closed Mondays and Sundays). My first glance and bite of the dish were admittedly a little disappointing. My first thought was that the dish needed sauce....boy was I ever wrong. Served on a bed of basmati rice and beans, tofu, sweet red peppers, snap peas, Vidalia onions, and carrots are coated in so much flavour from what they call their "tantalizing sauce," that all you need is a quick toss with your fork to immerse all that flavour and moisture into the rice, acting as your sauce. It's easy to see why One Love chooses for you to do this little step on your own, as the presentation is simple yet beautiful, allowing diners to see the all of the fresh ingredients that go into the dish. The stir fry is perfectly finished with slices of creamy avocado and sweet fried plantain, adding even more flavour and texture. This dish is so good that no matter how many times I say I'm going to try something new there, I always go back to my BBQ Tofu Stir Fry. I promise you, next time I'll switch it up! I've had my eye on their Seasoned Jamaican-Pumpkin-Filled Roti for a while now.

I have also had my eye on the delectable treats they keep displayed at the counter. Not only 100% vegetarian, One Love also serves up a selection of gluten free cookies, brownies, and cupcakes. I hate to say that I haven't tried any of their sweet treats yet, but that'll change soon!

Because all of the produce is purchased fresh the morning of, One Love runs out of some of their dishes at times and has been known to close early now and then due to this. So if you're planning on grabbing some take-out later in the evening, give them a call in advance to make sure they set aside what you want.

I've been to One Love quite a few times now, but I've always been timid of trying their Home Brewed Ginger Beer. The last time I went I overheard a women rave about how fantastic it is, her face contorting in ginger beer pleasure! I immediately ordered a small glass. With fresh lime, organic cane sugar, and a garnish of a lemon slice and mint leaf, my ginger beer arrives looking like a big tumbler of refreshing goodness. At first I was taken aback by the powerful flavour of the drink and the unique way the drinks flavour changes with time on your palate, but by the second sip I was in love! A glass of that on the coldest of days and you're still sure to be transported to a tropical destination upon each sip. You can't visit One Love without grabbing a glass of this! One Love also serves a selection of other juices like organic raspberry lemonade and mango strawberry lemonade, and of course, everything is fresh.

One Love is hands down one of my top cheap-eats in Toronto! You can always count on big flavour, a great experience, consistent quality and fresh ingredients. This Valentines day I decided my one love really is One Love!

Listening To:

I Shot The Sheriff - Bob Marley & The Wailers

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Family Day Brunch

I know a lot of people want to rag on family day, but I've gotta say, I am all for that holiday! What a great excuse to take off work (or get time and half), go for brunch, and take the day to appreciate those most important to you a little more...and...let's face it...there's brunch for goodness sake!!! And no work! I love any holiday that requires brunch and no work! And yes...family day always includes brunch, am I right? With just about every family thinking about going out for a lovely family brunch tomorrow on Family day, you can imagine how packed every brunch spot is going to be. Family day has suddenly lost its luster. Have no fear! I have the perfect sunday brunch for you that's also a great family activity...and allows you to remain in your pajamas till noon! My crepes are an all-time favourite among my family and friends. Thin, light and fluffy my crepes make the perfect wrapping for any filling you can imagine! Make the crepe batter in advance (today even!) and store in the fridge so it'll be ready to go when you wake up after a nice sleep-in tomorrow. Get the whole family involved by having everyone gather up their dream fillings to lay out on the table.

nutella

peanut butter

almond butter

chestnut cream

jam

mascarpone cheese

ricotta cheese

cream cheese

berries

bananas (fresh cut or sauteed in butter)

ice cream

toasted coconut

toasted almonds

toasted hazelnuts

figs

sauteed apples

chocolate chips

cinnamon sugar

whipped cream

mangoes

berry sauces (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry)

custard cream

dulce de leche

chocolate

caramel

butterscotch

orange sauce (crepes suzette)

maple syrup

honey

dark chocolate

Ingredients:

3/4 cup flour

1 cup milk

3 eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar (optional for dessert crepes which I used this time)

Directions:

1. Whisk or process (using a food processor) all ingredients until blended.

2. Refrigerate for an 1 hour or overnight.

3. In a lightly greased crepe pan or frying pan, fry crepes approximately 60 seconds on one side or until edges are brown, and approximately 30 seconds on the other side.

4. Keep cooked crepes in a warm oven or toaster oven while frying other crepes to keep them warm.

5. Fill and top with your choice of fillings and toppings.

Listening To:

The Red Hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue

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(follow @flea333 and me @thisgingerrose)