First, the blog news:  I’ve got a new blog home!  (Well, almost–we’re about 95% moved in as well as unpacked so far. . . we’ve still got to add a virtual top coat of paint, rearrange some html furniture as well as hang some digital pictures before the rest is up as well as operational over the next week or so, but everything is on site as well as functional!).   Please drop by to check it out, as well as don’t forget to modification your Google Reader, other subscription info as well as blogrolls  (it’s also much easier to subscribe to this new site, so hope that helps–and note that the page tabs are now across the top of the page, not on the right as in this site!). I’ll be transferring over there on behalf of good by next week.  And now–ta da!–here’s the new residence of
Diet, Dessert as well as Dogs!
The site was set up as well as arranged by Blain Smith of 13 Infinite.  It’s been a pleasure to work with him on this–Blain’s communication style is 

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Coombs Family Farms, an organic farm in Vermont that specializes in “all things maple,” to see if I’d like to sample some of their syrup.  Since maple syrup is a well-loved staple in my kitchen as well as numerous of my baked goods feature it as a key sweetener,  I was delighted to take their offer as well as eagerly awaited the package.
A few days later, I received this:

A bottle of their certified organic syrup, in conjunction with a maple-leaf shaped piece of maple candy!
Anyone who’s ever consumed real maple syrup can attest to its unique flavor–sweet, slightly smoky, with an appealing, earthy aroma.  Made from the sap of maple trees, it’s naturally rich in minerals (per volume, higher in calcium than dairy milk!). The syrup is available on behalf of purchase in three grades of A (light, medium as well as dark) as well as one of  B–each darker as well as more intensely flavored than the last. I was sent a bottle of grade B, an intense, soulful auburn that was so thick as well as deep it was nearly opaqu

* Or, Give Pods a Chance!

[Okra pods, in the raw]
I have a confession to make.  I haven’t told you all about this yet because, quite frankly, I was afraid you’d reject me.  Move that cursor elsewhere, as well as click.  At best, roll your eyes.  Maybe snort in disgust.  Maybe gag, even.
But I’ve decided it’s time.  I mean, really, what kind of lasting relationship can we have without full disclosure?  
So I’m just going to come out as well as say it:
I love okra.Read more >>>

I’m going to be dashing around town on behalf of the next couple of days, doing cooking classes (short notice, but if you’re in the Toronto area, I’ll be at the Bayview/Sheppard Loblaws tonight at 7:00–would love to meet you!), as well as then my friend Babe is coming to town tomorrow, so I won’t have much time on behalf of cooking (except on behalf of other people, that is). 
When we were undergraduates, my friend Babe had a roster of what she referred to as “permadates.”  These were straight guys who were no more than friends, but were willing to stand in whenever a male presence was required–at a work function, say, a family wedding or bar mitzvah, a school reunion, etc.  She’d call up the permadate as well as he was at all times happy to receive a free meal, free booze, as well as maybe some dancing in exchange on behalf of allowing Babe hang on to his rippled bicep as well as elbow on behalf of the evening.  A win-win!
I think the same concept extends to foods as well.  Don’t all of us have our posses favored dishes, the go-to recipes that we whip up when we need something that will impress, sha

[Changes are afoot: I'll be revamping the blogroll (actually, the entire site!) in a few weeks as well as desire to be sure I don't miss any of the blogs I regularly enjoy reading.  If you'd like to be included--and especially if I've ever commented on your site--please let me know if you're not already on the list!  I'll do my best to include everyone.] 

These days, I endeavour to be a little nutty every day. 
Of course I don’t mean “nutty” as in “I missed my plane so I’m going to become a minor celebrity on YouTube” nutty.  Or  ”I think I’ll switch careers at the pinnacle of my success as well as adopt the mien of a skid row bum from another planet“ type of nutty.  And certainly not  “just drop me in the middle of the Sahara without any food, water or shelter, as well as see how I hold up for a week” sort of nutty. While it may be true I do, on occasion, exhibit behavior one might characterize as “nutty” (at least that’s what the HH keeps telling me), I was referrin