Thyme To Cook

Gadgets, tools, gizmos, appliances, they're all just words designed as another way to say "toys for the big kid in all of us" and when it comes right down to it, I can't help but get a little excited over them, especially in the market of kitchen accessories.

Over the years I've watched my kitchen grow from a tiny little tool chest of cool and unique utensils, to shelves, cupboards and drawers full of extremely handy and well-used supplies. It seems that as my desire for knowledge and experience in cookery increases, so too does my obsession with finding some new little invention to make my life in the kitchen a little simpler, or at least a little more geeky. So infatuated am I with the idea of gadgets, that if a store crosses my path which may carry a useful or undiscovered tool, I must enter.

More often than not, I admit that I end up leaving these stores thinking "Cool, but really not practical." See, I may love the idea of these shops and their products, but most of them are full of little more than useless gimmicks invented to bleed you dry. However, now and again I will stumble across a place that offers above and beyond my expectations, and delivers some new, actually useful and handy item for that already overcrowded third drawer of mine; every now and then I stumble across a place like Thyme To Cook.

My first venture into Thyme was actually a while back, when I was in frantic search of a local butcher and needed some direction. I entered a plaza which had seemed promising for my needs and, though it failed to present a butcher, it did provide me with a new supplier of fun little toys, practical accessories, and other kitchen needs.

The store itself is fair in size, with more to look at and explore than just one visit could properly satiate. From pots and pans to cutting boards, pepper mills, whisks of all sizes, timers, infusers, you think of it and they've likely got it. They carry brands well known, and others new to me, but all in the name of quality; Le Creuset, Microplane, Danesco (Jamie Oliver), to name only a few, all of which are very reliable and worth investing into, and a true sign of a supplier who researches their product, as well as their clientele. And while their service is top notch friendly and their products both intriguing and reliable, they offer another service which you would be hard-pressed to find in those cookie cutter shopping mall stores: cooking classes.

Though, judging by their quickly sold out schedule, it does appear you would need to book early; and in doing so, you could take part in one of many monthly classes offered, all on varying subjects, taught by professionals and trades-folk, and done from their on-site test kitchen. These courses are available to the public and are intended for all skill levels. So, whether you're looking for tips and advice, new ideas, or simply wanting to join a social network of culinary aficionados, they are bound to offer an evening right for you.*

*let it be known that they offer private function classes as well.

It has been thanks to Thyme that I no longer need to ask where in this city I might find that tool missing from my ever-growing kitchen, and should ever they not have what I seek, well, they are willing and able to order it in.

Owned and operated by Lorraine Gray, who is no stranger to this business, Thyme To Cook has always been notably friendly to me (they even pointed me in the direction of that great butcher those many months ago) and because of this and their dedication to the Guelph community, they have earned my loyalty and vote as one of the best kitchen stores I've come across in my travels.

Located at Edinburgh and Kortright, you can visit this inviting and cozy little store between 10 and 5 on weekdays, with extended hours on Thursdays, and on Sundays between 11 and 4. Oh, and also be sure to check out their blog, linked below, for some pretty delicious looking recipes and a list of upcoming events.

Happy eating, happy shopping and a Happy New Years to all!

Phil

Thyme To Cook
160 Kortright Rd West
Guelph, Ontario

http://www.thymetocook.ca/

http://thymetocook.wordpress.com/

A Little Touch of The Christmas Cheer

Well folks, the time is once again upon us. That holiday so many of us either treasure, hate, or simply take to stew in our stresses. No matter what your traditions, views or beliefs may be, I feel there is one thing to be said about the events over the next few days, and that is that we should all dedicate some well-deserved time to rest our weary bones; I mean really, truly rest. Find an afternoon, an hour, a few minutes, whatever you can afford, and put your feet up, turn off the cranium, and enjoy the feeling that comes with doing absolutely nothing.

I realize that for many, myself included, this comes as a difficult task, what with travelling, cooking, basting, planning, shopping, wrapping, unwrapping, visiting, calling, eating, tending, aggh! the list never seems to end. However, we should owe it to ourselves for at least a little while to enjoy a moment where schedules and time lines become a foreign concept.

For me, there's no finer way of achieving serenity on a cold winter's day than with a cup of hot chocolate and maybe an aforementioned treat or two; and after toying around with some hot chocolate recipes of my own, I've included for you what I have deemed my favourite, and I hope it finds you peaceful.

So, whatever it is you do over these next 48 hours, I trust it will all be worth it in the end, rewarded with a happiness and joy that the holidays are intended to bring. When I return to The Locale after the holiday, I look forward to some new culinary, musical and other local adventures, I've got my sights on some pretty neat and exciting looking shops in the area, and I can't wait to share them with you.

Until then, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Best Wishes to all

White Chocolate Bliss

6 cups of 2% milk

2 cups of 35% cream

1 teaspoon peppermint extract - though peppermint schnapps would do well in this too

1 vanilla bean, seeds and all - subsequently 1 tsp of vanilla extract will work beautifully too

12 ounces of pure Belgian white chocolate - I'm sure that milk, semi, or dark chocolate would work but this was my preferred method

Vanilla or peppermint laced whipped cream for topping

Throw all of your ingredients, sans whipped topping, into a slow cooker, turn on to low. Retire to the den to play video games for 2 1/2 hours (you could also use this time for other various activities which would likely yield the same delicious results) pausing occasionally to stir. Pour the beverage into a festive mug, top with whipped cream, turn off video games, grab cookies, sit by a window, relax.

The Flour Barrel

This time of year seems most conducive to eating vast amounts of food in a short period of time. I think the biggest culprit in this category of guilty pleasures would have to be those little comforting treats that find their way to our already engorged bellies with a frequency that, any other time of the year, we'd curse ourselves for. I am fully aware of the unhealthy levels of sugar and sweets I'm about to take in, yet every year I look forward, with an unparalleled excitement, to those baked squares and cookies that my mother spoiled us with while growing up. I've got my favourites to list, and I've tried to replicate where I can but there's just no equating to mom's talents in the kitchen. Because of this, I have left these wonderful goodies to the hands of the master and have tried coming up with a recipe I could perhaps call my own, and slowly over the years perfect and build on it, expanding on my abilities as a cook and testing the unexplored waters of baking.

Ah, but where does one begin with such a venture? It has occurred to me that, while my pantry is stocked pretty high with savory herbs and spices, I have little to speak of in the way of the sweet. Given that baking is more of a science than the skill set I have acquired, I need to find those leaveners and sugars and so many other supplies necessary to kick start this recipe of mine, and there seems no better place to purchase the finest of ingredients than at The Flour Barrel downtown Guelph.

The Flour Barrel has been a regular on my route since I first discovered it a few months back. Located on Wyndham Street in the downtown core, they house a seemingly endless sea of pantry needs, and I've yet to walk through their doors without finding what I need. There's certainly a lot to be said about the quality of their ingredients versus those of the standard grocer or bulk food supplier. They are more aromatic, fresh, and generally far more appealing, yet not any more expensive than those milled in a factory far, far away; so, why wouldn't I purchase here?

Anyway, after much deliberating and teetering between which desert I would try my hand at, through inspiration from some friends (H & K) I came up with what you will find below. Granted, this is perhaps not the recipe I will duplicate on the next attempt, in fact I already know two changes I would make on the next go around; however, with that being said, I think for my first time out it turned out well enough to share it with you.

And so to all you holiday bakers out there, mom and sister-law especially, I thank you for all of your seriously dedicated hard work in making those delicious little squares, cookies, tarts and pastries; you truly are what makes this time of year so special.

Phil

The Flour Barrel
115 Wyndham Street North
Guelph, Ontario

Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Cheesecake

Here's what you'll need:

Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs - next time I plan on using chocolate graham crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cake: - in future I think I will make this a cheesecake of the Bailey's variety

2 packages cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - vanilla beans would be nice here too

Dip:

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (24 ounces if using squares) - I will use milk chocolate next time
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes for topping

How to do it:

Oven preheated to 325 degrees

1. I don't have a spring form pan, so I decided to line a 9-in. square baking pan with foil and grease the foil, which worked perfectly. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, walnuts and butter. Press evenly into pan

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and sour cream until smooth. Add in the eggs and beat on a low speed until well combined. Stir in the vanilla and pour over your crust.

3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set (should be like a jello shooter when you're done; and don't worry, it will set up as it cools). Allow to cool, refrigerate until chilled. Freeze overnight.

4. The next day, in a double boiler, melt chocolate, shortening and peppermint, stirring occasionally until smooth. Lift cheesecake out of pan and peel off the foil, cut the cake into two-bite squares. Remove a few pieces at a time for dipping; keep remaining squares refrigerated until ready to dip.

5. Using a skewering object, completely dip squares in melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; fill in the little holes on top with the crushed candy cane, everyone will wonder how you dipped these things so perfectly! Allow the chocolate to set and then store these puppies in the fridge until eatin' time. Can also be frozen for future endeavors.

And that's it folks, my starter recipe for what I hope to bring to the Christmas table in years to come. Obviously there are some changes to make, but I think it's a good place to start, and I'm hoping the folks at The Flour Barrel think so too...

Well.ca

When we think of local businesses, or any business for that matter, our brains automatically seem to jump to parking lots and line ups and mass crowds clawing over that final sale item on the shelf. No truer does this stand than during this, the most festive and joyous shopping season of the year. Of course, there's a touch of tongue in cheek with that statement, because, I don't know about you, but I find the Christmas season to be a time when fellow shoppers are at their most cut-throat, have the least amount of patience and can sometimes be down right rude to each other. Fortunately for us, however, a new wave of shopping and gift giving has entered our lives; and while some online companies have been around for a number of years and are branded into our vocabulary, the business of Internet shopping continues to grow at a fast and steady pace.

There are new companies constantly opening up all over the Internet, a lot of which gain singular success within a very specific market, while others, for whatever reason, just don't last long enough for us to hear about them. But then there are those that do; there are businesses that gain momentum and grow by word of mouth, a good business model, and by giving us something that we desperately demand and strive for; one such company sits in our own backyard.

Well.ca got its start in 2007 as the brain child of University of Waterloo graduate Ali Asaria who saw and acknowledged the demand for an online store specializing in health and beauty products. As most businesses tend to do, his started out small, in cramped quarters and with limited resources. However, with proper ideals and a positive goal in mind, he successfully grew his "little" business into what it is today, offering thousands of products and catering them to North Americans with an unmatched level of service; and thanks to his persistence, research, know-how and dedication to family service, that apartment-based business now operates on a much greater platform, still in its home community of Guelph, Ontario.

Taking a look at this company and its growing history, it doesn't simply spark a sense of pride for us locals to see something in our own city spanning so wide, it's also encouraging. We can look at the website for this fast-growing company and see how ideas can come to life if only we apply them with a little persistence and hard work. It also shows us how a change in our day to day patterns can be an embrace; the fact that we can forgo the lineups at our nearby pharmacy is a relief, sure, but what's more is that due to its nature, Well.ca is able to service those individuals who perhaps don't have the drugstore down the street, or even still, the folks that maybe don't have the physical abilities to get out whenever they feel and just grab those things many of us take for a convenience.

While there are lists to make about the pros of Well, what really sets it apart from any other company you could name in similarity, is that while it has grown exponentially, it doesn't seem to have lost its personality along the way. There is a personalization here that doesn't come with any other online store that I can think of, and the care that seems to go into growing a family rather than a clientele, stands unique for any business of its size. Be it through email, facebook, their website or customer care line, their individualized level of service seems to be setting the bar pretty high for competitors; a quick browse through their reviews and feedback will tell you why.

It seems no coincidence or haphazard circumstance that a company of any stature would win so many national awards and notoriety; it is unfortunate that so many of us still don't know this entrepreneur is out there. So, while I regularly encourage you to get out and hit the town to help grow our community awareness, on this occasion I will ask you to do the same by acting just the opposite. Stop by their website and explore their pages, delve into their history and become a part of the culture they are creating with a new shopping experience. The World Wide Web is obviously a global device, with millions of shopping and browsing opportunities so readily available to us, it's particularly nice to see that Guelph has a home there too.

-Phil

http://www.well.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/wellca

A Whole Lotta Music Goin' On

As many of us would likely agree, December is one of, if not the busiest month out of the year. It seems that no matter what day we point to on that final page of the calendar there are plans, parties, meetings, shopping days or get togethers that we just can't get out of. Well, I'm about to add to that list of commitments by announcing three shows coming to our city this week, all of which are taking place at the EBAr.

First, on Sunday the 13th, Guelph natives, The Constantines, are coming home to play their 10th anniversary show; and if you've never seen these guys rock a crowd before, then let me be this first to tell you that they are on one of the best live rock bands I've ever seen.

Second, on Wednesday the 16th, The Burning Hell and Wax Mannequin are back as part of the Stay Out of The Mall benefit concert series. It will be my first time seeing either of them play a show, but based on the hype and reviews, it wont be the last.

And finally, on Thursday the 17th, Toronto based By Divine Right will be bringing their brand of rock n' roll to our ears, playing tracks from their newest release Mutant Message.

So, whether you can make it to one or all, it's bound to be a holiday concert extravaganza worth making time for. Besides, with all the running around and stressful shopping don't you deserve a little music and cheer?

See you soon

-Phil

The Rival Boys

Lee Rose, Graeme Rose and Sam Sholdice, three individuals with obvious musical talents between them; bass, guitar and drums respectively. Bring this trio together, put them on stage with mics, a PA and a room full of rather eager fans and you've got yourself The Rival Boys; and in case you're curious as to their style and appeal, well, their website states quite clearly: "fine young boys and girl make delicious gorgeous music.

It has been a few days since the Cuff the Duke posting, and I trust that their music has found its way onto your playlist; however, great as the Duke boys were, I'm sure you will recall that during said post I threw mention to the opening act for that evening at the EBar, promising you a posting and review of just who they were. Well, that time has come and it is with genuine excitement that I introduce you to this truly impressive band out of Toronto.

I say "an introduction" and to some of you it may be just that, but by no means are The Rival Boys new on the music scene, having been together for a few years now; and with the release of their EP, Life of Worry, and current tour schedule, they're starting to pick some much deserved hype and garnered attention, which seems to be working out well for both the band and fans alike.

If you were to ask me to describe their sound I would have to state the obvious, in that they manage to bring both The Rock and The Roll to the venue, pumping adrenaline into the veins of everyone in the room, as was clear by the growing, bouncing crowd huddled in close to the stage. They emit a positive energy with each song they play, and as the night progresses you find yourself more intrigued and drawn into the set and the band as a whole. Yes, they are a rock band, and a damn good one at that, but there was something else about them that stood out to say "You've never heard the likes of us before."

Now, I'm not entirely sure exactlly what it was that did that; perhaps the rich and deep tones behind their instruments, the memorable musical riffs and effective, well-written lyrics, or the way Lee and Graeme seem to harmonise in a truly original way, complimenting and contrasting all at the same time to create a fourth presence in the band. All likely candidates for reason, but better yet, I'd say it was all of these things put together with the ability for solid song writing and structure, a raw, emotive feel and the obvious ability to move the crowd up and down.

Now, I don't mean to take away from Cuff The Duke in this show because they played an outstanding set and I can't wait to see them again, but I have to be honest and say that The Rival Boys really, really caught my attention and left me wanting more. Immediately following their set I picked up their 5-song EP from the merch table and chatted quickly with Lee, who was easily approachable and seemed legitimately and gratefully happy to be there playing music to an appreciative and attentive crowd. Unfortunately I didn't have an opportunity to chat with Sam or Graeme, but based on their performance alone it was easy to tell that these three band mates have personalities set to inspire one another and create something they can all be proud to call their own; and so they should be.

So, to Lee, Graeme and Sam, you've earned yourselves a new fan, I look forward to future shows and recordings; and to the rest of the readers out there, if you're in the mood for some good indie rock n' roll, do yourselves all a favour and stop by their myspace page, which is linked below and soak in a few tunes.

-Phil

http://www.myspace.com/therivalboys

Recommended Listening:

I can't tell you which song to start off with, they're all worth listening to, but I can say that it's been only 5 days since their show and already I find myself singing along; a great EP to own, but a must to them live.

Cuff The Duke

It has been five years since I last saw Cuff The Duke wow a grateful crowd. I was living in Barrie at the time and the band had just released their second album and what I will call their first major, self-titled release. From the opening harmonica of The Future Hangs to the classic country influenced Take My Money and Run, the group's distinct and attractive sound had captured the attention of many. Since that night at the Foundation Night Club so many years ago, Duke has released two more albums, Sidelines of the City and most recently Way Down Here, and in those five years and three albums, they have certainly done well to grow their sound, their image and their writing, all the while preserving what had made them stand out so well.

Now, before I go too much further into the details of The Duke's performance, I feel it pertinent to once again throw mention to the opening act, The Rival Boys. I wont delve into them right at this moment, but I feel strongly that they deserve an entry and recognition all their own; they impressed me as no opening band has done in recent memory, and based on feedback from the audience, I wasn't nearly alone on that. So stay tuned shortly for a review of their performance.

Back to the Duke boys. After so many songs recorded and performed, as a band it becomes slightly more difficult to appeal to all those wants and hits of yesterday, but their were some essential songs I wanted, or rather needed to hear in addition to their new material. This may seem like a bit of a no-brainer to some, but I have been to shows where the artist focuses mainly and solely on their newest release, and while entertaining just the same, it can also be a slight bit of letdown when you want to revisit the memories attributed to a certain favourite track. On this subject, Cuff the Duke played seamlessly to the ears of all listeners, spacing out the new with the old in a perfect harmony. As for the performance itself, I was yet again amazed by their abilities as musicians, and while I don't necessarily believe that any one of them is more or less talented than the comrade next to him, I must pay certain attention the individuals as they appear on stage.

First, singer and guitarist Wayne Petti once again dropped my jaw with the power of his voice. With a range covering the spectrum, he belts out melodies built for a stadium with seemingly little effort. A gentle voice with booming effect, I can think of few other front men capable of touching those graceful notes with such definition as he.

Secondly, Dale Murray, the guitar/pedal steel aficionado who seemed to hide out in the shadows on stage but smack you in the face through the speakers. His abilities on any instrument he picks up are matched only by his talents off the stage, producing and recording full time, earning him nominations for Musician and Producer of the year by the Music Nova Scotia Gala awards.

While both Wayne and Dale bring distinct abilities to the show, I can't go on without mentioning bassist Paul Lowman and percussionist Corey Wood. Both bring to the table what every band needs but don't always deservedly get, and the rhythm of these two feeding off of each other is what really drives this band forward and above in many, many ways.

All of these members together fit in to create a sound that's a little bit country, a little bit folky and a little bit good ol' rock and roll. There are moments through every album which grab your attention, be it a mellow ballad or a stompin' good ho-down, but I believe strongly that their latest release paints a picture of what we can truly call a talented group of musicians. It's always pleasing to us when our favourite bands release something new, but no more so is that true than when they have matured harmoniously as a group and given us something both familiar and new at the same time.

Track for track, Way Down Here is worth every penny you invest into it. Musically it weaves moods with dramatic tension, and lyrically it proves how Wayne's writing still has layered emotion and effectiveness.

"When you're dancin' in your rocking chair, when you're old, will you still want me then?"

Enjoy the music folks

-Phil

Recommended listening

The Ballad of Poor John Henry

If I Live or if I Die

Rockin Chair

Another Day in Purgatory

Surging Revival