Family Bites: Food For Thought

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your emails and comments during book week - I loved reading about your favourite cravings, the food books you like best, and what craziness you've encountered when cooking with your kids. All of the winners have been contacted by email - I hope you were one of them! Enjoy the weekend...and Happy Mother's Day to all of my reading mamas.

I'm totally adding these lemonade jello squares to my next party menu (and the book they come from to my Amazon wishlist!).

10 secrets (or shortcuts) for better cooking!

Jimmy and John lip-sync. The BEST thing I saw last week.

I saw this movie on the weekend and liked it a lot!

The first hot chocolate popsicles of the season have been made and consumed!

P.S. - Above is the strawberry rhubarb soda we've been drinking all week. Combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup honey, 2 cups chopped rhubarb, and 2 cups sliced strawberries, and 1 vanilla bean (optional) in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the ingredients for 15 minutes. Strain and let cool. Mix 1 part syrup with 3-4 parts sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink.

Jan Scott on 05/12/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (0)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

I am madly in love with books. It’s a passionate love affair that’s been going strong for over 30 years, and I don’t anticipate the burning flames of desire to dissipate any time soon.

I’m happy to read pretty much any genre of book, most of the time, but as the kids have gotten older and my reading time is a little less than it once was, I’m choosier about what I read now. I adore non-fiction, mostly food-related memoirs, children’s literature (hello, Harry Potter!) and fluffy, fun fictional pieces that always seem perfect for summer.

All of this is to say that I’m thrilled to be hosting Family Bites’ first book week starting Monday. Five days, five posts, five books. I’ll share a few of my favourite reads from the last few months, and you’ll be treated to a couple of cookbooks, a memoir or two, and something fun that I think you’ll enjoying hearing about. Oh, and I’ll have one of each to give away as well.

While I put together my posts, and photograph a few recipes to share, here are some things that caught my eye this past week.

10 ways to use a muffin pan other than making muffins.

Coconut & almond caramel corn.

I love Amy's lentil wraps! And if you're so inclined, I think she deserves your votes.

It's practically popsicle season - here's a great resource if you're looking for recipes.

Does your family celebrate the half birthday? We don't (which might be a little surprising given how much we do celebrate) but I'm so curious to know if many of you do.

Jan Scott on 05/04/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (2)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

As I type this, I have a pot of homemade gravy simmering on the stovetop and four teenage boys lurking close by waiting for the poutine I've promised. It’s nearly 11:00pm, and this is what happens when thirteen year olds have birthday sleepovers; at least in our house.

I decided to bypass the typical party fare (candy) in lieu of something that is both more fun and more substantial. I don't think the boys can imagine anything better than a midnight feast of fries, and I'm not going to lie, the meal also comes with a hidden agenda: I’m hoping that the carb/cheese/gravy combo on their plates will lull them into a sleepy slumber. I'm no stranger to the Saturday night sleepover, and experience has taught me that these boys have the stamina to stay up later than you or I would ever want to. Maybe full bellies and the absence of sugar will help them fall asleep earlier than anticipated tonight. I’ll let you know if my plan works.

In the meantime, it was another week of fascinating reads around the Interweb. So while I prep the cheese curds and assemble the poutine I'll leave you with a few of the things that caught my eye this week.

Pairing food and wine is easy now.

The best pizza you'll ever have. The no-knead dough recipe is here.

If you have 18 minutes to spare this TED talk on food, feeding a family and cooking with kids is worth the watch.

Did you see which foods made it on the Dirty Dozen list this year?

Avocados are one of my favourite foods so I was pretty excited to see this book land on my doorstep this week.

Healthy, Meet Delicious. Mark Bittman has a new column.

This mason jar drink dispenser is on my Mother's Day wishlist.

I made these healthy maple date bars. Delish!

Jan Scott on 04/27/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (1)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Ben turned 13 yesterday. We are having a family party this afternoon (to be shared on this month's Gatherings post later in the week), and I'm excited to serve a menu that was requested by the birthday boy himself, yet works for the adults in attendance, as well as the wee ones who are still navigating their way around picky palates and selective tasting when it comes to what they will and won't eat.

As I was working in the kitchen yesterday, and the snow was swirling around outside my window, I honestly couldn't recall another year when it was blustery on April 20th. I'm anxious to get outside, plant my small urban garden, uncover the fire pit, and hit up my favourite farmer's market. Winter is lasting too long, and my kid is growing up too quickly, but after the news around the world this past week I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I wish you a wonderful day with the people you're most fond of, and if you're taking a slow Sunday with plenty of time for reading, here are some of the things that caught my eye this week.

I don't have the counter space for a juicer so I'm thinking this post was written with me in mind.

I'm anxious to try this poor girl champagne punch that uses beer (!) as an ingredient.

Last weekend I had dinner with Corey Mintz. This week, I've been devouring his new book each night before bed. I highly recommend it.

Last week, I also had the chance to interview the Director of Food for Martha Stewart Living (I LOVE my job!).

25 ways to use sriracha.

An easy and adorable birthday party table for kids.

These grilled fruit bowls might become my signature dessert this summer. Only I would fill mine with ice cream instead.

A chef's box subscription? Yes, please. (Note: Trish's box can only be purchased until April 22nd)

Jan Scott on 04/21/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (1)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Happy Sunday! I'm out of town this weekend, and look forward to telling you all about the very first Food Bloggers of Canada conference in the coming week. For now, here are some articles that caught my eye this week.

Canadian kids go crazy for chicken on a restaurant's kid's menu.

How to talk to kids about healthy eating and weight.

10 tips to getting green smoothies into your kids.

How fantastic is this? An entire conference dedicated to Family Dinner. I want to organize one!

Advice for bringing kids to a party.

How to make the perfect hardboiled egg. What's your secret to success?

Jan Scott on 04/14/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (0)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Was it just me or was this week unusually hectic? Perhaps it was the short workweek that made everything else seem so rushed. We had a lovely Easter that included my sister's new slow-cooker ham recipe, which was so fantastic we've all declared it the only way to ever make a ham again. Ben has been reminding me daily of his impending teenage-hood, which, as of this morning, will take place in 13 days. He was due to be born on April 4th but came sixteen days later, on the 20th, and his impatience at waiting for his special day to arrive is not unlike how I felt thirteen years ago, only this time there's no puffy ankles and Braxton Hicks to endure along with the wait.

I hope you enjoy the links this week. If you're planning a slow Sunday there's plenty of good stuff to help you pass the time as you impatiently wait for the 2-hour Mad Men premier tonight. I, personally, can’t wait.

This comprehensive list of 5-ingredient dinners (that can be made in 10 minutes!) is being placed on the front of my fridge - brilliant!

What does 2,000 calories look like? I think you'll be surprised.

Will a child who plays with crayons at dinner rather than a coloring application on an iPad be a more socialized person?

5 dishes to make with your kids using foods from the farmer's market.

Thomas Keller's perfect poached eggs.

Baby breakfast ideas.

Did you know you can freeze an avocado?

10 ways to save money at the grocery store. Especially #1. (via Simple Mom)

Tami Taylor on caviar, champagne, and perfect hair.

I can't wait for this book to come out. Inspiration for our Wednesday night date-nights!

Jan Scott on 04/07/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (2)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Happy Easter weekend! Here's a little long weekend reading for you.

Jenny's 100 Rules of Dinner. YES to #5!

I've been poring over the pages of this book all week, and want to make one of everything for my boys.

Maple popcorn!

I see these spinach and artichoke melts in my future.

Upgrades for the cheeseboard.

We love backyard games and plan on adding this lawn jenga to our collection soon.

How to make homemade non-stick baking spray.

I'll have a teenager in three weeks so I'm voraciously reading posts like these.

Jan Scott on 03/31/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (4)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Happy Saturday! This week's Food for Thought post is one of my favourites, so pour yourself a cup of coffee - or tea - and enjoy! And if you came across a recipe, story, or thought-provoking post yourself, please feel free to share it in the comments below. Have a great day!

Look what Rosie made! I love everything about this 'stache and chevron-inspired baby shower.

Did you know that fast food restaurants have secret menu items?

Only Julie would stand outside and make beignets for her neighbours while they were walking to work.

Amazing Instagram breakfast art for the kids (I'm now I'm a follower!).

Rob and I went out for dinner this week and tried this cocktail. Our version was made with Prosecco and it's a definite new fave.

Let's create a new normal food environment in which it isn't a struggle to be healthy.

The Roadkill Bill. Could you source your meat from the side of the road?

Jan Scott on 03/23/2013 in Food For Thought | Permalink | Comments (0)

Food for Thought: The Week In Review

Are you having a good weekend? We're coming to the end of March Break, and although it's been nice to hang out with the kids I'm looking forward to getting back into our routine. Here is a list of some of the things that caught my eye this week - I hope you enjoy the reads!