Obsessive chef?

Love the idea of your next veggie tray being all cut perfectly? I recently came across the Obsessive Chef Cutting Board and it quickly made it onto my wish list.  Not only useful but a great conversation piece.  Available through Amazon for about $35.

The Wedding Thank You Card Myth

Every year, I have the same conversation with friends about etiquette around the appropriate time frame for wedding thank you cards, so I am setting the record straight.  According to etiquette guru Emily Post, newlyweds do not have one year to send out thank you cards.  A bride and groom should send a thank you card upon receipt of the gift or shortly there after.  However, a guest has one year from the date of the wedding to give a couple their wedding gift. Although, I always recommend buying from the registry well in advance for optimal selection.

Addictive No-Knead Bread

The idea of making my own bread was far too daunting of a task until I came across this excellent recipe in Edible Vancouver Magazine. I made a loaf this past weekend for guests coming over and it was so delicious, I started another loaf the next morning. Trust me when I say this is one easy no-knead bread that will be met by rave reviews. Enjoy warm with a bit of butter. Recipe courtesy of New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/dining/081mrex.html?_r=0.

Classy Easter Decor

I love to embrace every holiday from Valentines to Thanksgiving and a little bit of classy decor can go a long way in celebrating the seasons. This Easter I have purchased a beautiful white ceramic bunny for my dining table. It is understated but says Happy Easter all the same. Plus, it won't compete with my white serving ware. And classy doesn't have to mean expensive. $12.99 at Winners.

Super Summer Sorbet

With all this fresh fruit in season, what a perfect time to make homemade sorbet! The good news is that you don't need a special ice cream maker, just a food processor. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries all make excellent fruit for sorbet and for those guests who live a dairy-free lifestyle, there is even an option for them too. Healthy, easy and a definite crowd pleaser. Enjoy!

Super Simple Sorbet

Makes about 2 cups; takes about 10 minutes (with already frozen fruit)

1 pound frozen berries or other fruit

1/2 c yogurt, creme fraiche or silken tofu1/4 c sugar or other sweetener

Water as needed

Put all the ingredients except the water into the food processor and process until pureed and creamy. Add water as needed to improve the consistency. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides. Be careful not to over-process the sorbet into liquid. Serve immediately or freeze. To serve later, just allow 10 to 15 minutes for the sorbet to soften at room temperature.

This recipe is courtesy of Mark Bittman’s book Food Matters — A guide to conscious eating

Spicy Bisque To Warm You On A Cold Night

At a recent farmer's market, I came across this delicious soup recipe. The ginger and cayenne pepper make this soup a little spicy but so good on a cold fall night. Enjoy!

Spicy Winter Squash Bisque

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Medium Onion, coarsely chopped

2 Tbsps of Chopped Fresh Ginger

1 Medium Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed

1 3/4 Cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth

1 Cup of Coconut Milk

2 Tbsps of Sugar

1/4 Tsp of Salt

1/4 Tsp of Cayenne Pepper

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, ginger and cayenne pepper, saute 5 to 7 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in squash and broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer 3o minutes or until squash is tender. Add coconut milk, sugar, and salt; cook five minutes more. Process mixture in batches in a blender. Serves six.

Cake Wreck No More

For those of you looking to avoid a "cake wreck"- Cuisipro's Food Decorating Pen is a must have tool. This plunger-style pen makes writing and decorating so easy and works well with icing, honey, sauces or chocolate. From cupcakes to cookies, it comes with two tip sizes and is dishwasher friendly. All you do is pull back to fill and squeeze to decorate for a consistent, professional look every time. Goodbye messy icing bags.

Cuisipro Food Decorating Pen is available online at amazon.ca or from your local kitchen store. Retails for $9.99.

Looking for a laugh, check out http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/. Warning, it is addictive.