"the toronto star" news and stories

Maple, Pork and Passover - The Toronto Star in 60 Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Apr 6th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Toronto is reveling in all things maple -- in wine, mustard, sugar, cheddar and even vinegar.
The story of Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, local pride and the man behind their current success.
Writer Corey Mintz shares his unique spin on Passover and being Jewish.
Smoke in the kitchen can be tough to tolerate, but it's worth it if blackened catfish is the result.
How to bake for Passover without using leavening.
New wines that have "such excellent value even Harrison Ford would be excited": Casa Lapostolle 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Cleebourg Prestige 2006 Pinot Gris, Walter Clappis The Hedonist 2005 Shiraz, Sportoletti Assisi 2006 Rosse, Stringy Brae 2006 Shiraz
Recipes: Spinach and Prosciutto Lasagna, Mixed Greens with Fennel and Tangerine, Peppermint Patties, Down-home Tuna Casserole

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Mar 20th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Are you confused about the proper sushi etiquette? Chef Keiichi Masuda made diagrams to help.
Huzzah! New food carts are hitting Toronto, which include: Caribbean-fusion, Greek and Eritrean.
A look inside The Stop Community Food Centre.
Gord Stimmell covers affordable wines that use "the finest techniques in contemporary winemaking and vineyard management."
Black Sheep Riggwelter grabs a solid 3 out of 4 stars.
Susan Sampson reviews Cooking Light's Annual Recipes 2009.
Recipes: Fresh Lobster on a Roll, Chocolate Guinness Cake, Spanish Chicken Livers, Thai Coconut Lime Meringue Pie

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Mar 4th 2009 @ 7:54PM

Eric Vellend outlines the paper-thin and delicious art of phyllo pastries.
Bitchin' Kitchen's cookbook gets a bad review and a garlic-adapted recipe for Mediterranean Chickpea Stew.
If you wonder about small, farm-raised pigs, check out this rundown of Blue Haven Farms' tasty oinkers.
Wanna lose weight as a Flexitarian?
Sometimes strong beer isn't worth the Triple Threat.
A guide to winter farmers' markets in Toronto, like the delicious Saturdays at Wychwood Barns.
A short blurb on Lent.
Recipes: Zaalouk, Jamaican Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Roasted Squash with Garlic Soup with Red Pepper Drizzle, and Buttermilk Pop (one of the Depression recipes)

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Feb 24th 2009 @ 1:04PM

Oh, punny goodness: How about great fast food for the Great Fast for Lent? The Star suggests Cooked Broad Beans, Open-Faced Oregano Pies, and the above Fried Spinach.
In the face of economic challenges, The Star perused pages of the past for money-saving food tips.
Those Recipes from the Great Depression: Chocolate Hasty Pudding, Devilled Round Steak with Mushrooms, Economy Cake
Gord Stimmell outlines the wines that wow at Niagara's Cuvée -- including Peller's lovely Chardonnay, and Lailey's Syrah.
And a more modern recipe: Beet Risotto with Rapini

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Feb 10th 2009 @ 3:07PM

Raw Milk -- The risky drink outlawed by some and adored by others. And now demand is increasing in the UK.
The title says it all: "Cheese made with unpasteurized milk is legal and delicious."
Locavore is on its way to a prime restaurant destination, but is currently perfectly sweet but a little too salty.
Wines, Pt 1: Castillo de Monseran 2007 Viura, Robert Mondavi Woodbridge 2007 Merlot, Peninsula Ridge 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
Wines, Pt 2: Kir-Yianni Petra 2007, Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature 2006, Chakana 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, San Esteban In Situ 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva, Magpie Estate The Sack 2005 Shiraz
Recipes: Beet and Clementine Salad, Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Zucchini and Capers, Cherry Oatmeal Cookies, Soba Soup with Shiitakes and Spinach, Lemon Risotto with Garlic Chili Shrimp