The Cake Shop

Earlier in the year The Cake Shop moved from their south-west end location to the still up and coming Hintonburg. I say ‘still’ because there are so many shops and restaurants and it seems to be ever changing. A friend and I had lunch and wandered around a little bit discovering the new places on the east side of Parkdale. Isabelle’s had moved to the area and while my friend found a few tasty treats to take home, the gluten-free options had to be pre-ordered. It seemed like a let-down especially since I could make my own vanilla or chocolate cupcakes if I had notice myself. I only wanted one, not a dozen! If I buy a dozen, I’m going to eat a dozen!

After my friend and I parted, I continued on my way home still slightly deflated. I had popped into the Cake Shop before and knew they had GF cakes. But again, if I bought a cake, I’d eat the whole thing. On this visit they happened to have GF cupcakes and four different kinds! They also had a cheesecake pop. Mmmmm

I finally decided on a red velvet cupcake and a vanilla cupcake with pretty pink icing. And of course I couldn’t pass up the cheesecake pop. I delved into that first and it was delicious, especially with a dollop of caramel inside.

On the cupcake front, both were nice tasty cake; however, when I have red velvet I want it to be real red velvet. Real red velvet is made with chocolate cake and has a tint of red, while most places these days seem to be cheating and using a regular vanilla cake with a ton of red food colouring (a lot is needed otherwise the cake is pink and not red). Another important reason for using chocolate cake is that the chocolate flavour overwhelms the taste of the food colouring. So unfortunately, I could really taste the food colouring. I know I have freaky taste buds, but I hate that taste. I’m sure had it been made with chocolate, it would have been to-die-for. The pretty-in-pink cupcake was enjoyed more and it looked so darn pretty.

One thing I hadn’t thought about until after wolfing down all three (seriously, they lasted 20 minutes in my house) is what was in the flower decoration. I picked it up and analyzed it. Was it Styrofoam? Was it like a communion wafer? I took a leaf off and took a very small bite. Yes, it was edible and yes, it was like a communion wafer, and yes, that meant it probably had wheat. Off my tongue and into the compost it went (and some gargling and spitting into the sink). Gluten-free is fine and dandy until something silly like this happens.

Another disappointment was the icing. It was beautiful and sturdy and held-up on my walk home. Unfortunately, it was full of shortening. If you can’t tell the difference, then don’t worry, but if you can, well, maybe take a pass. I make a point to make real icing in my house and if I’m paying big bucks (over $3) for one cupcake, I expect the real deal. They were nice to try once, but maybe I’ll think again the next time I’m walking by.

The best cake shop? I wouldn't know. The best gf cakes? Not quite; they still have some work to do.

(An additional note: An email to The Cake Shop regarding the pretty flower went unanswered)

Whirlwind of Life

Life really has seemed like a whirlwind. Here it is the middle of July and I haven’t had the chance to enjoy summer that much. There have been little things here and there, but it hasn’t been the usual. The Honey and I usually take advantage of the summer months spending as much time as we can outside going for walks, biking along the river, hiking in the Gatineaus, and spending time on many patios – ours and those in the neighbourhood. But this year, we’ve been really busy with work. As I’ve mentioned before, my private student and gearing up for the summer program have been keeping me really busy and to top it off, my mom was staying with us again while she was working in the area (Yes, The Honey is a saint!). The Honey has been working most weekends getting projects, readings, and speeches written. Sometimes the highlight of our day was looking out our bedroom window when we opened the curtains in the morning and seeing out colourful garden. Our lilies were in full bloom and showing off like we’ve never seen.

But now, finally, we have some time to ourselves.

Last weekend we took a drive to Hudson, QC at the suggestion of a colleague. She told The Honey of a market there and a great restaurant on the lake. The weather was going to be gorgeous and we had the whole day with nothing to do so off we went. It is super easy to get to (take the highway to Montreal and get off at the Rigaud/Hudson exit) and take about an hour or so from Ottawa. The market is in a field behind some bushes and if you don’t keep your eyes open you may just drive by it. There are food goodies to buy and some tchotchkes, some furniture and dishes, and anything else you may like – a cement leaf birdbath perhaps? We bought some great cheese curds while wandering around, but they didn’t keep our hunger at bay for very long. Off we went to find the restaurant on the lake.

The roads are winding and narrow and there isn’t much room for error, especially when you encounter a cyclist. We would catch a glimpse of a beautiful home, big or small, and awe at its design or landscaping. There are many large homes in this area, but many that are smaller, quaint really, that make me think how wonderful it would be living in something so cottage-esque.

We easily found Willow Place Inn and smiled when we saw the stacked patios overlooking the lake. What a great place to have lunch. Although we had to wait a bit for a table, we were welcomed to get a drink at the bar and take it down to the grass. We didn’t have to think about it and quickly made out way with a drink in hand. While I’m sure many would have liked to have a quick seating, we were enjoying ourselves in the comfy chairs and were slightly disappointed we couldn’t stay there a bit longer. It was just as well as we were hungry and we could always return after lunch.

We had a nice view from the second story patio and just enjoyed the shade under our umbrella. As the day advanced so did the heat. Oddly enough, nothing impressed us about the restaurant. They didn’t have a wide variety of beverages (I ended up getting a Smirnoff Ice because I knew it was safe), the menu seemed nice until the food arrived and it was only ho-hum (a spinach, strawberry and brie salad fell flat) and the service could have been much better (our young waiter really needed some training if he was going to make any tips by the end of the summer), but we still enjoyed ourselves. We had the whole day to relax for a change and we were in no hurry. We enjoyed each other’s company, the weather and the scenery.

Elk Burgers

Ahhhh, finally a chance to relax. I finished with my government student last week and am back with the summer program for the next 5 weeks. Week one has gotten off to a glorious start – great teachers working together, happy students, and outgoing monitors. And I can’t forget the great admin people on staff; my boss included. It was so nice to do things throughout the week on my terms instead of last minute details that ‘had to happen 10 minutes ago’ or chasing after teachers.

Now that my planning is done for my student and her supply teacher and the summer program is under way I actually have time for myself. The Honey and I actually had time to think about what we’d do with our Saturday. What a luxury! No work, no emails, no gardening, no hiding from the heat. Heavenly.

Thinking about what you’re going to do on a beautiful weekend? Why not head out to one of our region’s wonderful farmers markets. No too long ago I picked up some delicious elk burgers from Elk Ranch; perfect on the BBQ. I didn’t do anything special to them as I wanted to taste them as they were; just added a little herbed butter. It was quite the treat especially with some sliced greenhouse tomatoes (they should be arriving at the markets soon), mozzarella and a sprinkle of basil.

Steakhouse Butter (Chef Michael Smith from The Best of Chef at Home)

½ cup butter, softened

2 tbs finely minced shallot or red onion

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 tbs finely minced parsley

1 tbs finely minced thyme

2 tbs red wine vinegar

A sprinkle of salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients together. Place the butter in a log formation on a piece of plastic wrap and roll it once so it is almost covered in plastic. Continue to roll it and twist the ends a bit so it pushes all the butter tightly into the log formation. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve a slice over perfectly cooked steak.

Cat Days of Summer

I know the expression is supposed to be ‘Dog Days of Summer’, but well, Zoba’s not a dog. We’ve been lucky to have great weather lately, albeit sometimes a little too hot, but it’s better than snow and -25°. The Honey and I have been keeping quite busy, either with work, work, and more work, or trying to get some time in with those we haven’t seen for a long time.

Teacher training has finally wrapped up for the summer program and I’ve been busy getting things done with my regular student. The Honey has been busy putting in overtime at work; one of the few departments that actually received some funds in the last budget. And we’ve been busy vacuuming too. As you can see, Zoba has been just lying about in the hot weather (What a rough life!). You can also see the fur that she seems to endlessly shed. It usually stops mid-spring, but not this year. With the fur flying around The Honey is vacuuming every few days.

We’ve been doing some gardening and The Honey has done a fabulous job getting everything looking so nice. Our peonies have finally bloomed – not many, but they’ve bloomed! It has taken 3 years and having to be happy with the gardens at Maplelawn and the Experimental Farm. But it just isn’t the same when you’re not in your own backyard seeing your own hard work pay off.

We’ve also been meeting friends for whatever reason because it had been just too long. Some of those will have a post, hopefully not too far off in the distant future.

We’ve also been trying to get in some walks. It’s always difficult when it’s too hot out or there are dark clouds looming overhead, or when you’re just too darn tired. But we’re always happy on our walks; talking about whatever and seeing what nice surprises await us. Friday night we saw a late hatchling along the river. While the goslings seem to have reached their ‘teenage years’ (that awkward moulting stage where they don’t have any feathers but they are still a little awkward in walking and trying to use their wings – it’s not that pretty) we saw one lone youngin with a pair. But he was getting along just fine so we weren’t worried.

(The picture of the big brood is from a few weeks ago – couldn’t resist)

Oh Lovely Spring

 

Believe it or not, spring has almost passed me by. If it hadn’t been for the daffs and tulips in my front garden, I wouldn’t have noticed its arrival. Yes we’ve had bouts of nice weather and sunshine, but I still may not have noticed. Work has been keeping me busy so I’ve been inside either in front of a computer or in the kitchen.

In April I started with a new full-time student. She is a wonderful woman, who also happens to be a great language learner. While I still have lesson prep to do, most of it gets done during downtime in our lessons.

The summer program has also picked up speed. My boss and I were busy with interviews and setting up a team in March and we’re so pleased with those we chose. While planning the teacher training sessions we got some bad news. The placement test we were hoping to upgrade to and purchase fell through. Not only was I disappointed, but so were my boss and the program director. We had hoped to put our placement test online this year and the program calendar had already been designed around it and published. My boss had confidence in me and assigned me to create one. The only catch: it had to be done in two weeks. Luckily, another colleague was available to help me and we got it done (in 2 ½ weeks). Another week later (due to difficulties with the web programmer) it was online and ready to go. It’s exciting, but nerve-wracking. I’ve never created a placement test before and I’m anxious about the accuracy rate. I’ve got my fingers crossed.

To make my life even busier I’ve participated in a few craft fairs. I don’t do a craft, per se; one that I can do in my downtime and prep ahead of time. I bake. That means I spend a day or two before the sale baking like a madwoman. It’s hard-core. The Honey purposely stays away and meets the guys for drinks. He’s a smart man.

Now that I have some freedom (and a long weekend) I’m going to make the most of it – Enjoy myself. We plan to be outside as much as possible. Like everyone else, The Honey and I plan on getting our patio set up and some plants in the ground. We hope to go for a few walks and breathe in the fresh air. We’re in good company too and the path across the street is busier – joggers, cyclists, and more dogs than in the cooler months. The city has come alive and I don’t want to miss it.