Food

Hamilton Beach Ultimate Summer Giveaway!

July 2, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I see you, summer. And I raise you the Ultimate Summer Giveaway.

If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with warm weather, it’s ice cream. And grilled foods. And we can’t forget shaved ice, cold milkshakes and mixed drinks. You know, the basic, yummiest foods and beverages you can think of.

When I think of yummy foods, I think of Hamilton Beach.

Did you know that as one of Canada’s leading distributors of small kitchen appliances, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. sells over 35 million appliances every year? Chances are, you’ve got a few of their innovative products in your own home – ready to chop, sear, mix or blend your favourite ingredients into a delicious culinary creation.

Of course, if there’s one time I love to pull out my Hamilton Beach standbys, it’s summer! That’s why I’m so thrilled to partner with them to bring you the Ultimate Summer Giveaway. One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win ALL FIVE of the summer-themed small appliances pictured below – for a total prize value of over $300!

So, what’s up for grabs? Only the most popular, most cutting-edge small appliances for your summer entertaining needs! …

Sally’s Cereals DIY: Under the Sea!

June 21, 2016 By Lena

Note: The following contest is open to Canadians only.

We know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, why not have a little fun with it?

Challenged by Sally’s Cereals, a delicious line of cereals that come in a re-sealable bag, I created a fun, distinctly oceanic-themed breakfast table for my kiddos. Using easy-to-find, creative and budget-savvy materials, I’m pleased to show you how you can recreate your own “Under the Sea” DIY table! DSC_0499a All of the items for your themed summer breakfast table can be found at your local party store. At first I wanted to surprise my boys with the breakfast table, but then decided that half the fun is having them involved! So, we channeled our inner “Martha’s” and went right to work.

Here’s what you’ll need to create your “Under the Sea” adventure:

One burlap table runner
Decorative fish netting
Blue or green place mats, napkins, cereal bowls and plates
Three glass votive candle holders (or small vases)
Blue tissue paper (light and dark blue)
Assorted seashells
Coloured foam paper, cut into sea creatures such as starfish, fish and sea horses
Your favourite Sally’s Cereal! …

When the Moon Hits Your Eye….

June 10, 2016 By Lena

Can someone *please* explain this expression to me? I mean, if the moon suddenly looked like a pizza pie, I’d ditch whomever I was with and boot it to the nearest take-out counter. Pizza love? Now that’s amore!

However, I rarely order pizza when I’m out and about for two reasons:

1) I’ve been trying (with moderate success) to live a gluten-free lifestyle. It’s not because I have an allergy or intolerance, or because I’m overly health-minded. It’s just that when I reduce gluten from my diet, I legitimately feel better. Sometimes, I’ll brag about my gluten-less ways (as opposed to glutton-less ways) but the truth is, wheat-free for me is more of an idea than a lifestyle.

2) I’m rarely satisfied with restaurant pizza. My preferred pizza is wood-fired with a thin crust, and has just the right balance of sauce to cheese. The sauce must be savoury without being tangy and the cheese should be stringy without being milky.

In Toronto? Let me recommend FIGO.
pizza One of the newest hot spots in the Entertainment District, FIGO offers up authentic Italian cuisine using contemporary techniques. I recently had the pleasure of dining there with friends, and their Margherita Pizza is one I’ll definitely have again.

How do you prefer your pizza? Are you a meat lover, a thin crust aficionado or a fan of pan pizza?

Reinventing the Castle – A New “Shake” on Salt

May 30, 2016 By Lena

Even iconic brands need to be refreshed from time to time.

It’s been a part of Canadian life since 1893, and part of my family’s own cooking traditions for as long as I can remember. In fact, it’s a preferred brand in our household, used in every dish from early morning breakfast to late-night snacking by the television. It’s a staple. It’s inevitable. It’s what makes our food come alive.

It’s Windsor Salt.

The quintessential brand, used in Canadian kitchens for generations, recently went through a comprehensive brand refresh, which includes an updated logo and product packaging. But don’t worry; the quality product – and delicious results – are still the same.
kebab Pictured Above: Moroccan-Spiced Kebabs. Not pictured: my satisfied smile as I bit into the succulent, savoury and well-seasoned meat. I think it’s already time for seconds. …

Better Meat for Better Living: Greenfield Natural Meat Co.

May 20, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Following my post on Ontario Pork’s Social Responsibility Report, and my new found commitment to consume food from animals that are raised (not produced), I am pleased to introduce you to Greenfield Natural Meat Co.

Unlike most prepared meat products in the marketplace, Greenfield Natural Meat Co. products are only made with meat from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones, and contain no artificial ingredients. And, the animals used in Greenfield Natural Meat Co. products are treated under some of the highest standards of animal care.

Does an Avocado, Ham & Provolone Sandwich made with 100% vegetarian-fed, Canadian farm-raised pigs taste *that* much better? Yes. Yes it does.
Lena Sandwich (2) I’ll be honest: I’m keen on Greenfield Natural Meat Co. products. Packaged meats (available across Canada) include family favourites such as bacon, baked honey ham and Black Forest ham; fresh meats (currently available in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) include pork loin boneless chop, St. Louis-style side rib, pork tenderloin and more. …

Today’s Post is Brought to You by the Number 28

May 17, 2016 By Lena

Twenty-Eight. Vingt-Huit. Veintiocho. No matter how you say or spell it, it’s a beautiful number.

It’s the number of lunches I have left to make in the 2015-2016 school year. It’s the number of times I’ll hover over the kitchen counter, cutting a red apple for the kid who doesn’t like green grapes and peeling an orange for the kid who doesn’t like brown pears (this makes more sense if I draw you a directional diagram). It’s the number of times I’ll hear sounds of protest from both kids as I pack what I thought was their favourite food… only to find out it was their favourite food *last week*.

I’m done.

Thankfully, I have two saving graces. The first is the fact that the end of the school year is around the corner. The second is Schneiders Simply Lunch.
DSC_0368a Now you may not have pegged me for a lunch kit kind of mom. Truthfully, even I didn’t know I was a lunch kit kind of mom, until I was recently introduced to NEW Schneiders Simply Lunch. …

New Obsession: NuPasta

May 16, 2016 By Lena

I’ve been obsessed with many things over my lifetime, but one habit I’m not willing to kick is my new-found penchant for making Vietnamese Pho at home. Quite simply, the combination of richly flavoured broth, comforting noodles and spicy beef or chicken is just too good to resist. And now that I can make it myself, whenever a craving strikes – let’s just say that I *may* have found a new hobby.
DSC_0307a Last night, we made it with frozen Kobe beef meatballs and copious amounts of Thai basil. Verdict? Heaven. However, if you look closely, there’s another Nu addition to my noodle bowl – namely, the noodles! Now what would you say if I told you that one suggested serving of NuPasta – which 210g, a full package! – is only 25 calories and gluten-free? It’s TRUE! NuPasta is an incredibly healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes, and it couldn’t be easier to make. …

La Crème de la (Peanut Butter) Crème. #KraftPeanutBetterIt!

May 16, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Sometimes, it happens in the middle of a morning conference call. Often, it’s when I’m packing the kids off to school. And once in a while, it suddenly hits me when I’m still in bed.

The full-forced craving for this healthy, protein-packed Peanut Butter Ricotta Crème, made with Kraft All Natural Smooth Peanut Butter.
DSC_0260a The fluffy texture contrasts nicely with crisp toast or a dense, chewy bagel. And, it’s completely versatile: you can use the crème as a dip for apple slices (my boys love to enjoy it this way), dolloped over blueberry pancakes or as a better-for-you icing for pound cake. The best part? It’s oh-so-easy to make, and you control the sweetness. …

Upgrade Your Breakfast: #KraftPeanutBetterIt

May 3, 2016 By Lena

The game goes like this: You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can only have three things with you until you’re rescued. What do you choose?

For me, it’s fairly simple. A case of water purification tablets, my e-reader (pre-loaded with hours of chick lit) and of course, a jar of Kraft All Natural Smooth Peanut Butter. A spoon is optional.

Kraft Peanut Butter makes everything better. It’s endlessly versatile and you can find inspiration just about everywhere, from protein-packed morning smoothies to savoury satay-style chicken at dinnertime- it’s not just a spread! My family loves the nutty goodness and depth of flavour Kraft All Natural Smooth Peanut Butter adds to meals; I love that it’s made with natural ingredients and packed with peanuts, a great source of protein and vitamin E.
Are you ready to think outside the jar? Here’s a recipe for Peanut Butter Granola your whole family will love. Sprinkled on top of Greek yogurt or enjoyed on its own, chances are you already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Bonus: you can get the kids involved, as the prep is super simple. Remember: Make Together. Stick Together. …

Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup) – The Fast Slow Pro Way!

April 14, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Growing up, it was the most horrific small appliance in my mom’s arsenal of horrific small appliances. I can still picture it: a turbulent aluminum contraption, rattling, hissing and spurting bursts of steam violently until I was certain it would explode, blanketing the kitchen with shards of beef bones and perfectly flavoured broth.

My few encounters with my mom’s pressure cooker was enough to put me off them for life.

However, rave reviews for Breville’s Fast Slow Pro started popping up everywhere. A modern day combination pressure and slow cooker, which moms like me – with no HAZMAT or ninja training – were using with ease and producing mouth-watering results… it was almost too good to be true! I had to check it out for myself, and Breville graciously obliged, sending over a Fast Slow Pro for me to experience.

Folks, I am in love. Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup), made on my very first try with the Fast Slow Pro. It was flavourful, authentic-tasting and ready in under an hour.
DSC_0198a I suppose the first, and most important, fact to share is that today’s pressure cookers are nowhere near as frightening as models from years past. Breville’s simple controls and exclusive dual sensor technology remove the guess work – detecting when and how the pressure should be released, while monitoring time and temperature for perfect results every time, no matter the dish. …

At the Table: Easter Traditions

March 21, 2016 By Lena

Family and food, in that order. That’s what is on my mind every time a holiday approaches, and Easter is no different. Growing up, we didn’t have an Easter tradition, per se; we simply enjoyed a robust, home cooked meal – perhaps on a slightly grander scale than average. On the other hand, my husband’s European family celebrates Easter with a decidedly lighter menu: a selection of meats and cheeses, complemented with freshly baked bread and assorted pickles. And now that I’m all grown up, and a wife and mother, I’m in charge of starting our own family tradition. For Easter, it’s a blend of the two: I like to serve an abundance of finger foods, with substance.

Moroccan-spiced lamb kebabs with mint chutney. Tangy watermelon and feta salad. Roasted eggplant with Parmesan and parsley. Ricotta-stuffed pasta shells. And this year, a brand new addition: Rosemary and Onion Flatbread with Mozzafina di Latte, Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula.
DSC_0136a Never before have I tasted such a heady, earthy flavour combination. The fresh Mozzafina di Latte, a fresh soft cheese ball with a creamy, delicate white texture, adds necessary richness without overwhelming the palate. The salty prosciutto is offset by the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, and the peppery arugula punches through at the end. All this is balanced by an herb-encrusted flat bread, which brings comfort and structure to the dish. …

Here’s a “Tip”: Try this Recipe for Bourbon Street Chicken!

February 27, 2016 By Lena

Tell me. Tell me you’re guilty of spending too much time on Facebook watching 60-second “Buzzfeed Food”, “Tasty” and “Tip Hero” videos.

Tell me that your tummy rumbles as you witness the ooey gooey delicious snack foods, main courses and desserts be created with astonishing clarity before your very eyes. Tell me that you gaze at the calorie-laden, mostly-overloaded-with-cheese dishes and think, OMG that looks soo good.

Me too, friends… me too.

However, I wasn’t necessarily inspired to try to recreate one of the dishes until recently. It was Family Day, dinner was up in the air, and I really didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So, like a sign from heaven, I happened to scroll across Maple Leaf Prime’s Facebook post:

“At home with the family today? FYI there’s still time to make this Slow Cooker Bourbon Street Chicken from Tip Hero for dinner tonight. ‪#‎delish”

I couldn’t believe it. I actually had all the ingredients on hand! And since it was 2:00PM, I had just enough time to pop them into the slow cooker for four hours. I rushed downstairs, followed the ridiculously simple recipe, and that night, we had the most delicious Family Day meal!
DSC_0132a (Confession: I don’t know how to make this meal photograph well. But I promise, it was scrumptious. That was just one of three Bourbon Street Chicken sliders that I had. And I want another right now!)

This easy chicken recipe is sweet, saucy and packed with flavor. Plus – it’s a slow cooker dish! So, you can spend your precious minutes with your family, not slaving over the stove. Here’s how. …

Family Day Brunch: Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding

February 12, 2016 By Lena

I have a mission in life, of sorts. And although it’s not as noble as say, finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is nonetheless heroic to certain segments of the world’s population.

I’m on a mission to turn indulgent desserts into family-friendly breakfast and brunch items. (You’re welcome.) It’s been done before, of course. Cake morphed into muffins, fried dough was branded with a more breakfast-friendly moniker, “doughnuts”, and toaster strudels? Let’s not even go there.

However, I think I’ve hit a home run with my Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding. With the goodness of whole grain whole wheat bread, fresh, ripe bananas and a touch of pure cocoa powder, I feel good about serving this pseudo-dessert. And, with Family Day just around the corner, Healthy Grains Institute challenged me to create a fabulous addition to a brunch menu that features one of our favourite comfort foods… bread!
It’s no secret that food brings families together. Some of our fondest memories are from moments spent around the breakfast table; giggling while we pick marshmallows out of cereal, teasing the boys about their latest crush, or simply enjoying the sheer pleasure of breaking bread (preferably the warm, out-of-the-oven kind) with loved ones. …

Comfort Food Extreme: French Onion Soup

January 22, 2016 By Lena

A thick, rich and hearty beef broth loaded with slices of sweet onion and topped with crusty French loaf and melted Emmental cheese.

Dear GOD why don’t I have French Onion Soup more often?

This past December while vacationing in Mont Tremblant I gave in to my insane craving for comfort food and ordered the divine dish at Pizzateria, an Italian eatery centrally located in the pedestrian village. And I’ve kinda sorta been dreaming about it ever since.
DSC_2122a First and foremost, when in Tremblant and at Pizzateria, order this soup. The marriage of sweet and savoury is just too beautiful to adequately put into words. Second, if you’d like to make French Onion Soup at home (which I’ve already done – twice) try this fabulous recipe I found on Epicurious. It’s pretty much a bowl of heaven.

The recipe yields two hearty servings but you can double up if you’re serving 4-6 and are looking for appetizer-sized goodness. Use Vidalia onions if you can find them as they’re sweeter and less pungent than cooking onions. I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly to reflect my personal tastes, but if you don’t trust my adjustments, you can find the original recipe here. …

How will YOU Make it Easy this Christmas?

December 23, 2015 By Lena

If you’ve been following me on social for the past three weeks (and you really should have been!) you may have noticed me sharing my best Butterball Canada #ButterballMakesItEasy tips and tricks.
dec 16 Those who joined the fun had a chance to win amazing prizes from Butterball and SHOP.CA! Last week, I posed the question to my Facebook fans:

“What is your BEST tip to make the holidays easier?” …

Gift Ideas to Make the Holidays Happier from Hamilton Beach

December 14, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

There are three categories of gifts I *always* struggle with: hostess gifts, gifts for college kids, and gifts for myself. Think about it: the hostess gets a bottle of wine, the 20-something gets a gift card and I get, well, nothing – because I always forget to treat myself. It’s predictable, it’s BORING, and it’s time to switch things up!

This holiday season, I’ve selected my favourite items from Hamilton Beach that are sure to please the special people in your life. Practical, affordable and always a hit with foodies of all skill levels, be sure to put these must-haves on your last minute shopping list!

Breakfast Wrap Maker. It’s the handy breakfast appliance you don’t know you need until you have it… and then can’t live without it. Now you can enjoy a piping hot breakfast wrap ready in just five minutes with the Breakfast Wrap Maker. This convenient appliance is easy to use and it does all the cooking for you – so why skip breakfast or run to the drive-thru?

And even though it was designed to cook wraps, it can do so much more – stuffed pancakes, omelettes, crepes and even personal pizzas are possible. Be sure to check out Julia Gabriel’s DIY Crêpe Bar using the Breakfast Wrap Maker – and enter for a chance to win, too!
Breakfast-wrap-2 The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Wrap Maker retails for $59.99 and is available at Walmart or online at hamiltonbeach.ca. It makes a great gift for college kids! …

Lindt The Halls! Warm Up with Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate

December 13, 2015 By Lena

T’is the season to celebrate! It’s time to deck the halls, trim the tree and of course, eat the chocolate! All the chocolate. But not just any chocolate… only the smoothest, richest, most delectable chocolate will do – one that melts tenderly in your mouth and gently caresses all your senses.

Oh, Lindt – you do make my holidays bright.

And this Christmas, we’re all in for a treat! Featuring 24 Days of Christmas inspiration, Lindt’s The Season magazine offers recipes, crafts and how-to articles which will add a touch of magic to your holiday season. For more than a century, Lindt’s Swiss Maîtres Chocolatiers have been passionate about creating unique and delicious chocolate experiences. Lindt’s The Season gives you an inside peek into their confectionary mastery!

Inspired by this recipe for Swiss Classic Hot Chocolate, I decided to try my own twist on a family classic with a rich, velvety and aromatic Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate.
DSC_1862a Featuring Lindt Swiss Classic Surfin, the original luxurious dark chocolate created by Rodolphe Lindt in 1879, the smooth hot chocolate base is accented with savoury cinnamon and spicy cayenne. It’s a feast for the senses and sure to become a favourite over the holiday season! …

Make the Holidays EASY with #ButterballMakesItEasy!

November 30, 2015 By Lena

I’m no martyr. Never have been, and never will be! I *love* shortcuts – and if there’s something I can do to make the holidays easier, I’m all for it. After all, why spend time fussing in the kitchen when you could be toasting the season with spiked eggnog?

BB5019_PinPic_11 See that over on the right? That’s one of my holiday tips. And it’s a damn good tip, because not many people know that frozen cookie dough is not just for eating. You can actually – gasp – bake it, too.

Gingerbread cookies. Shortbread cookies. Sugar cookies and even peppermint cookies. All made in advance, and baked when you need them! You’re welcome :)

Of course, my *best* tip is to save time (and space in your refrigerator!) by cooking a Butterball Stuffed Whole Turkey.

Pre-Stuffed with delicious homestyle stuffing, this turkey cooks up tender and juicy every time. And it cooks from frozen! The turkey goes from the freezer to the oven without any thawing. So, you’ll spend more time with your family, and less time elbow-deep inside a turkey.

This holiday season, I’m teaming up with Butterball Canada for a very special series of RT to WIN giveaways! Tune in on Twitter every Monday and Wednesday for the next three weeks. You’ll see some of my best #ButterballMakesItEasy tips, and have a chance to win $10 Butterball Gift Certificates and $50 SHOP.CA gift cards. It’s easy to enter, and I’m hoping to make your holidays easy, too! Good luck all!

Have You Taken the #PanagoChallenge?

November 21, 2015 By Lena

This ones’s a no brainer. It’s the weekend, you’re bound to be hungry, and if you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll know that deliciousness awaits. It’s the Panago Pizza #PanagoChallenge!
main Now, there are just a few days left, which is why I want every one of my readers to do three things. First things first, find out if there’s a Panago near you. Second, recognize that should you accept this challenge, you’re about to embark on a gastronomic journey to pizza supremacy.

It’s a FACT: Once you go Panago, you never go back.

“Say hello to the next era of great pizza. Hot, bubbly, delicious – a whole lot tastier plus a tad bit healthier. Everything fresh. Nothing fake. Even organic juices. Panago is everything you want. Nothin’ you don’t. All at affordable prices.” – Sincerely, Panago Pizza.

Third, take the #PanagoChallenge.

All you have to do is tell Panago Pizza which of their featured fall pizzas is your fave. Use the #PanagoChallenge hashtag on social media for the chance to win FREE PIZZA for a year! And I feel uniquely qualified to add my two cents, because I’ve tried all six pizzas. It’s true! From smoky BBQ Chicken to savoury Steak & Mushroom Melt – we ate, we pondered, we hashtagged. …

Because We KNOW Breakfast!

November 1, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

… and sometimes, breakfast is a cup of celebration cake, served with a freshly brewed cup of bold, flavourful coffee. Stay tuned for the recipe for this Birthday Mug Cake, and the chance to win a gorgeous Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker plus a Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Coffee Grinder. Because Hamilton Beach knows breakfast!
DSC_1580a So, the cold weather is settling in and we’ll all start to mentally prepare for the long winter ahead. What better time to step up your breakfast game? A warm, nutritious and satisfying breakfast fortifies your body against the elements, and keeps you alert and focused so you can make the best of your day. Hamilton Beach, the leader in small appliances, is leading the way with inventive and creative ways to enjoy breakfast. Today, I’m happy to share some of my favourite products that are must-haves for you this season. …

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