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Eggnog Panettone French Toast: A Decadent New Year’s Brunch
By this point in the holiday season, the bountiful feast meals are behind us. And what remains is a varied selection of leftovers, both sweet and savoury. I’ve been inspired to create a new recipe from a couple of these Christmas classics: eggnog and panettone. And so, I introduce to you (drum roll please) Eggnog Panettone French Toast. My first source of inspiration for this recipe is beloved French chef Jacques Pépin, who uses ice cream to make his pain perdue – French toast, due to its high egg content. And that got me thinking that eggnog would also be a good option, especially since it’s already seasoned. I use…
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The Best Eggnog Recipe Ever!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year once more. So I thought I would share something to help you make merry while you deck the halls: the best eggnog recipe ever! Now I know that not everyone is a fan of this rich and creamy seasonal drink. However, this version is so great that I believe it can convert just about anyone. Traditionally, rum plays the starring role in a nog. In this one though, the headliner is whisky. While some may prefer Scotch whisky or bourbon, I prefer the smooth, caramel flavour of Canadian whisky. So, choose your favourite liquor and whip up a batch of the best…
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The Toronto Christmas Market: An Adopted Tradition
With restrictions in place due to the COVID pandemic, Christmas festivities are quite muted this year. So I thought I would attempt to boost the holiday spirit by sharing some memories of the Toronto Christmas Market past. Started just over ten years ago, this month-long seasonal festival has quickly become a favourite of all ages. And no wonder! For not only does it light up Toronto’s historic Distillery District at the darkest time of the year, it also offers a smorgasbord of tasty treats and unique gift ideas. A Christmas Fantasyland I love visiting the Distillery District at any time, in part because it is home to my favourite local…
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Galette des Rois: A Celebration of the Epiphany
The Christmas season is winding down now. The last major celebration day of the Roman calendar, the Epiphany, took place this week on January 6th. Also known as the Twelfth Day of Christmas, this holy day honours the visit by the three wise men to the manger of Christ. And in France, it is celebrated with a special cake: Galette des Rois – Three Kings Cake. A tasty concoction of frangipane – almond batter – wrapped in buttery puffed pastry, it is most delicious when served warm from the oven. Gifts of the Magi I’ve baked Galette des Rois several times over the past few years. And while it looks…
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Christmas Eve in Paris: Notre Dame
After spending the first part of my Christmas Eve in Paris at Sainte-Chapelle, I made my way across the Seine to the Saint-Michel area of the city. I had some time before the start of Midnight Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral and I was in search of a tasty treat. I’ve always found this to be a neat little area. It’s a collection of tiny, ancient, pedestrian streets lined with touristy shops and restaurants and lots of atmosphere. Christmas Crêpes As I wound my way through this labyrinth, I came across the rustic Crêperie de Cluny on Rue de la Harpe. Perfect, I thought. And as I entered the restaurant, I…
