Praising The Gluten-Free Goddess

Last month my Aunt and Uncle celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.  A feat in itself that I fear less and less of the population will experience.  My cousin and her spouse hosted a lovely luncheon for 40 of her parents closest friends and family.  Naturally, I offered to contribute in a culinary manner.  My aunt has a gluten intolerance so she maintains a gluten-free diet.  I was asked to bring gluten-free cupcakes.  Knowing me, I refused to just whip together any ordinary cupcake.  Baking is a science, chemistry to be exact and science doesn't adhere to willy-nilly measurements and weights.  Everyday in my Introduction to Baking class at culinary school our classically trained German pastry chef instructor, who held a striking resemblance to the actor Gene Hackman, would say to us.  "Repeat after me...I am not a baker."  And my entire class would recite back in unison.  So, since I am not a baker nor a scientist, I rely on recipes of true bakers and pastry chefs to guide me to successful results.
Unfortunately, many gluten-free products I've tasted that are available through national grocery chains aren't very flavourful or possess the same texture as their gluten-present counterparts.  All in all, I'm betting they make good hockey pucks.
That being said, I wanted to ensure that the gluten-free cupcakes I presented were so good that guests would have no sense that they were gluten-free.  When such a situation arises, I say "Why not ask an expert?"  I consulted the Gluten-Free Goddess.
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com
A blogger who has devoted much of her time to creating wonderful looking and tasting gluten-free recipes.  After perusing her cupcake selection I chose to make the Chocolate Cupcakes with Coffee Icing and the Orange Creme Cupcakes.  My uncle loves coffee and chocolate and my aunt likes citrus flavours.  So of course, I wanted to make each of them their own personal cupcake.
I'm pleased to report that the cupcakes were a complete success!  Hallelujah!  
 

Chili Cook-Off

On the last weekend of September, we attended our town's annual chili cook-off.  For a small fee you are given a keepsake mug with spoon to taste each chili and a ballot to cast your vote for the top three.  Fifteen local businesses took part in the competition this year.  It was a beautiful autumn day, which really helped to bring out the more than 1500 participants.  The main street was closed off and each competitor had a booth set up with their version of "great chili".

As for the "great chili", I can attest that choosing the top three was a simple task.  Many of the chilies served weren't up to my standards and lacked in depth of flavour.  My favourite was made by a local Mexican restaurant.  Fantastic taste and the perfect amount of heat.  It was served with a garnish of  fresh cilantro salsa which complimented it very well.  As I ate this chili, I instantly thought..."Bingo!  We've got a winner!"  Incidentally, they won the People's Choice Award.

Our town's annual chili cook-off is truly a wonderful street festival and illustrates the sense of community that is still vibrant in small town Ontario.  All in all, we had an amazing afternoon enjoying good food on one of the last few days of warm weather before Mother Nature wraps us in her autumn cloak and readies us for the gales of November.    

Tastes Like Summer....

Home canning is a method of preserving food that has been around for centuries and became a necessity for many families during war times.  Nowadays, it seems to be somewhat of a dying art as it is possible to purchase almost any type of preserved or fresh food imaginable at your local grocer, no matter the season.  In this fast paced on-demand society, I get true pleasure from traditional slow foods.  Simple recipes that showcase the natural taste and depth of its ingredients always survive the test of time.  Such is the case with homemade preserves.  As with all scratch-made foods you know exactly what you're eating.         

This past weekend a dear friend and I did some canning.  My friend hadn't gone through the process of preserving before and although her culinary skills are above average it was my suggestion to her, as to anyone else, to have an experienced hand steer her down the path of success.  I must say, that preserving foods is rather labour intensive.  But when using fresh, local ingredients the pay-off is well worth every minute spent toiling.  Nothing compares to opening a jar of preserved local peaches in the dead of winter and have the taste of summer dance across your palate.  I get excited just thinking about it.  

I love giving preserves as hostess gifts instead of the now standard, bottle of wine.  A handmade present created with love and attention far surpasses that of anything mass-produced.  The recipient's reaction is always that of genuine appreciation. 

I challenge you, my fellow epicureans to try your hand at the time-honoured craft of preserving.  If not only to broaden your culinary horizons but also to discover and appreciate cooking methods of our heritage.  You won't be disappointed.     

There's Room at My Table.....

After much postponement, my blogging days have finally begun.  As a professional chef and culinary coach, it is my natural intention to inspire, excite and entertain you through any and all matters "FOOD" that I encounter and deem worthy of sharing.  Whether it be an unforgettable meal, recipe or event which I have created my hopes are that you will join me as I metaphorically swim through the sea of culinary flavours and delights.  Always savouring, learning and enjoying each bite to the fullest.
Cheers!