New Bib Styles

We released some new bib styles just in time for spring. I also want to let you in on a little secret. We will be launching our new e-store soon! Stay tuned~

Visit us on Etsy to view the rest!

My Little Puppies

I was never a pet lover. Didn’t know how to love a pet because I never had the pleasure of growing up with one. My parents’ philosophy was that animals belonged on a farm. Not indoors. That's their old school thinking and I had to respect that because it was their home. Then I met my husband. He's a true animal lover but unfortunately his parents had the same beliefs.

When we got married, and moved into our new home, my husband was dying for a pet to call his own. This is when he brought home our Chanel. Chanel was an American Shaffordshire Terrier (aka pitbull). I know, a pitbull? Well I wasn't too pleased but she was so amazing. She was so docile and lovable and just wanted to be your friend. We had the joy of having her for 16 great years. She was a little baby sitter to my children. She kept an eye on them when I was cooking in the kitchen while they played in the family room. She would follow them everywhere they went. I never had to place gates at my doorways. She would lie across the doorway to ensure my baby wouldn't leave the room.

When she passed away my children cried for days. Their friends and teachers sent condolence cards to our home for support.

Our house felt so empty without Chanel. My husband was heartbroken. Missing her at the door when he came home. Her companionship on the boat.

We didn't think we would ever get another dog. No one would be as great as Chanel. She was so beautiful and smart.

After a year, we gave in and we took home little Bentley. A miniature malti-poo with a fierce personality. My son didn't want a small dog because he thought they were for sissies. Well guess what? Guess who's Bentley's best friend? You got it!

Bentley was so great that my husband wanted to get a little companion for Bentley. So last August we brought home Stella, our toy poodle. We were worried that Bentley wouldn't get along with Stella since we all spoiled him. NOT! He loves her, cuddles her, grooms her and brings her food.

We're so proud of our little pups!

My Husband is Obsessed

My husband loves fishing. He says that it gives him peace. It's a hobby that calms him down. Okay I'm fine with that. He watches all the fishing shows (WFN), reads books and magazines. I'm proud of him because he's so knowledgeable about the sport. I find it boring. He supports catch and release and is very passionate about saving our lakes and species of fish.

But....I think he has an obsession with fishing lures. How many lures do you need? I took these pictures of his tackle boxes that he made to house his musky lures. Just musky. This is only one species of fish. He fishes for pike (walleye), rainbow, bass, salmon etc. His collection (obession) puts my shoe collection to shame!

Oh well, I love him and support the sport he loves.

Zeppole

In ancient Rome on 17 March we celebrated the liberal, party in honor of the gods of wine and wheat. To pay homage to Bacchus and Silenus, the tutor and companion of the god of revelry, the wine flowed like rivers to thank the deity of corn fritters, fried wheat.

At St. Joseph, which is held only two days later (March 19), the protagonists are from the descendants of those historic pancakes zeppole of St. Joseph.

As it stands, the Zeppola St. Joseph's Convent was founded as sweet, according to some in the convent of San Gregorio Armeno, according to others in that of Santa Patrizia. But there are some who attributes the "invention" to the nuns of the Cross of Lucca, or those of Splendor.

First Zeppola of St. Joseph that has been put on paper dating back to 1837, however, by the famous Neapolitan gastronome Ippolito Cavalcanti, Duke of Buonvicino.

On March 19, has always celebrated also be the end of winter (spring is now in the air): During the so-called "agrarian rites of purification" are switched on in many countries of the south of the large bonfire, and prepare large quantities of pancakes.

Once on St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters, the people celebrated their festival and were invited to bring all kinds of wooden toys. All children received them as gifts from parents.

Today, however, since 1968, ever since the day of St. Joseph was declared Father's Day, March 19 is the day that children are make presents for their father.

The local bakeries here in Toronto and surrounding areas, are selling these delicous treats. Our family looks forward to enjoy this delicous annual treat after our family Sunday lunch.

Story courtesy of Zeppola.it

Happy Valentines Day

We are fortunate here in Ontario that our province has declared this Monday Family Day. This weekend we will be celebrating love all weekend long well into Monday. My family has decided that we will stay home and relax. We've also proclaimed it Pyjama Day. What better than to spend the whole day with your family in your PJs and playing Rockband! Woo Hoo!

Happy Valentine's Day from our family to yours!

Clearance Sale in Our Etsy Shop

Take a stroll through our Etsy Shop and take a peek through our clearance section. We've reduce some cute items.


Also we released some really cute bibs! We are offering free shipping on our Valentine Bibs!

Christmas Yule Log

I love to bake. I'm always in charge of desserts when there's a birthday, holiday dinner or a Sunday Lunch.
On Christmas Eve I made this delicious Yule Log for our dessert.

Here' the recipe:

Cake:
Ingredients
Makes one 10 1/2-by-15 1/2-inch cake
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for parchment and pan
2/3 cup sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
1/3 cup sifted cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
Pinch of baking soda
6 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
1.Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 10 1/2-by-15 1/2-by-1-inch jelly-roll pan. Line with parchment; butter and flour paper, tapping out the excess flour.

2.Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda together twice into a medium bowl. Set aside. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Skim off white foam, and pour clear yellow butter into a bowl, discarding white liquid at the bottom. Set aside in a warm place.

3.In a medium-size heat-proof bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water; stir until mixture is warm to the touch and sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, and beat on high speed until mixture is thick and pale and has tripled in bulk. Reduce speed to medium, add vanilla, and beat 2 to 3 minutes more.

4.In three additions, sift flour mixture over egg mixture, folding in gently with a spatula. While folding in last addition, dribble melted butter over batter and fold in.

5.Spread batter evenly in pan, leaving behind any unincorporated butter in the bottom of the bowl. Tap pan on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake until cake springs back when touched in center, 15 to 20 minutes. Don't overbake or cake will crack. Let sit in pan on a wire rack until cool enough to handle.

6.Dust surface with cocoa powder. To make rolling easier, trim edges
of cake, and cover with a sheet of waxed paper and a damp dish towel. Invert onto a work surface, and peel off parchment; dust with cocoa. Starting from one long end, carefully roll up cake in towel. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate until ready to use

Filling:

2 cups of sweetened fresh whipped cream
Skor Chocolate Bars (4)chopped

Make sure your whisk and bowl is clean. Beat the whipping cream starting at low speed then gradually advancing to high until the cream has a whipped cream consistency. While beating the whipped cream add sugar to your desired sweetness. (I usually add 1/4 sugar)

Spread the whipped cream evenly onto the cake sprinkle the cake with chopped Skor Bars.

Carefully roll the log. Place onto your serving platter. Cover the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle the top with the remaining chopped Skor bars. Place a festive holiday decortion on top or to the side of the cake (decorations can be found at your local craft stores in the baking section).