Breakfast at Mimi's

yummy blintzes


El vez omelette with maple cheddar

kitchy collection

Tomorrow we are being treated to breakfast at Mimi's (see above) for the most scrumptious blintzes on the planet for me and the famous 'El Vez' omelette for Steve. His omelette has Mimi's homemade chili and maple cheddar cheese while my blintzes are filled with fresh farmers cheese and sided with fresh fruit, sour cream and her homemade fruit compote. Can't wait!
We try to get there by 10:00 to beat the crowd, and even though Mimi's diner is sort of a hidden gem in Toronto, it is quite small, with 3 booths and seating for 7 at the counter. Mimi collects alot of vintagey stuff, including her collection of chickens, eggs and roosters. The place gets pretty lively with Mimi chatting away to customers while cooking up a storm, and the tv bolted to the wall plays 80's videos. It is probably our favorite brunch spot in all of Toronto. They also make a lovely latte. It's definetely worth getting up early on Sunday for Mimi's.
God, I love a good breakfast!

Mr. grumpy pants Steve before his coffee.

tea time

from left: brandy molasses lace roll-ups, gingerbread, chocolate shortbread and fruitcake hermits.

My holiday cookies are dwindling down - I've been enjoying having them with my afternoon tea. I need a cup every afternoon to revive me from midday lethargy.
I still have'nt used my Kitchen Aid processor - Steve is asking me when I'm going to use it, so I'd better find a recipe. I am using our crock pot today, making Chicken Caciatore. I hope it turns out good - it's bubbling away now, the fragrant aroma of oregano and thyme, garlic and onion are filling the house. Oh darn, I forgot to buy mozzerella to melt on top. I do have some asiago cheese I could grate on top instead. Steve just came through the door and said "It smells nice in here". So I can just leave it in the pot for the next 4-6 hours on low, have myself another cuppa tea and leaf through the latest issue of 'Country Living'.

great gifts

I'm so happy to receive this wonderful book on Audrey Hepburn - treasures. 'pictures and mementos from a life of style and purpose'. Thanks Joe! I now have 4 great books on AH and this one is particularly cool since it contains envelopes at the end of each chapter with copies of certificates and letters of hers, what an amazing book! I also received this handbag day calender from my sister Cathy, thanks sis! Each day a different bag is featured - how nice is that? Every morning I can look forward to seeing a new purse!

I certainly received many lovely gifts this Christmas and I feel totally spoiled. One of the best ones, besides the Kitchen Aid food processor, was a donation in my name for Oxfam, for a womans' program in Gauteng province, South Africa. The program helps these women, affected by HIV/AIDS with health provisions and employment. Again, thanks Cathy for donating on my behalf.

That reminds me of Audrey Hepburn, who was a UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador from 1987 until her death in 1993. Not only was she a great actor, she proved to be a great person, helping children in over 20 countries. For that she is a true role model.

more new stuff

I'm lovin' this new dessert book -can't wait to try some new recipes.

my new Kitchen Aid processor-woohoo!

I felt it was time to change the look of my blog - love the color and style - it sort of reflects how I feel right now......cheerful and happy. Change is good - i think it is a sign of creativity, desiring a new look or project. I certainly can attest to that, since I'm constantly looking around the rooms of our house thinking of new paint colors, pillows, changing the furniture around or renovating something. If only we had the extra money, I'd make the sunroom much bigger and move the deck over, or change the floor in the kitchen. I have so many plans for the house, and it's exciting to imagine the ideas come to fruition. This year Steve and I will make decisions on the house and what we want to do and i'm looking forward to that.

new books!

I'm overwhelmed with inspiration after receiving some great books for Christmas, and although I have'nt yet had much time to read them, I feel excited about my new sewing and craft projects plus some new decorating projects for the house in the coming year. I'm sure to get alot of fabulous ideas and inspiration from these amazing books. I also received the latest Audrey Hepburn treasure book - 'pictures and mementos from a life of style and purpose' and two cook books which I'll post next time. I just wish I had more time to leisurely go through each and every book. I guess I can choose one book at a time and try to reserve an hour a day to do so. So now I just have to decide which one to start off with.

this is what I made for New Years Day - Salmon Coulibiac - a russian yuletide recipe, it resembles a parcel and is red (salmon) and green (spinach). I made a lemon dill sauce to accompany. I also served Gluhwein, a german mulled wine.

Ringing in a new year

2007!2007! 2007! 2007! 2007! 2007! 2007!

Happy New Year to all my family, friends and blogging buddies!

To each and every one of you, I wish all the best for the new year!

May it be a wonderful, exciting, adventurous, fun and productive year!

I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity!

Love, Tricia