My "Holiday" Weakness

This ice cream only comes out Mid November each year until they run out, and then not again for another year. Unfortunately they didn't make Eggnog for whatever reason (probably only 5 of us buy it...) so I'm getting my fill of Gingerbread Cookie Dough (and Island Farms didn't cut corners on this one- HUGE pieces of gingerbread dough and the ice cream is fantastic). But the Peppermint Candy has always been my all time favourite.

Thank you Island Farms for realizing I have no self control and limiting my access.

The Bird

Decided to leave off the bacon coat this time. Added half a pound of butter instead :)

My Kitchen Shrine

What can I say? These doo dads make me smile.

'Tis the Season to get FAT... FaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLa

Chocolate Gingerbread Cupcakes, Peppermint Fudge, Pecan Fudge

Mini Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

Gingerbread

Coconut Fudge Bars

Chocolate Cupcakes

Not Impressed

Maisie is a chihuahua...but not the kind that wears clothes- ever. I tried though. I bet she would have stood there for hours giving me the devil eyes. So much for the cute hand knit cable vest.

Cute Cupcake Mug

And look what it says inside...

Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel

Best Grilled Cheese- EVER!

Honest to god, and I've eaten my share of grilled cheese... www.salttastingroom.com is where you'll find this beauty. 46 Water Street, or more easy to remember- Blood Alley. Sort of a "I think we're lost" location, but you're not. Keep going, you'll find it. And you will not be disappointed. Bring your appetit. It was amazing. Gooey brie and provolone with caramelized onions... Sweet Baby Jesus I can actually taste it right now. If I lived in Vancouver I would go everyday. If you're in Vancouver you should go, if you're visiting, you should go. I'll be going every trip from now on. This is where I chose to go on my birthday lunch. Mister was like "really?" Mhmm... then he ate, and he understood.

Out of Hand...craft fair that is

This afternoon I made my way to the annual Out of Hand craft fair held at the Conference Centre at the Fairmont Empress (all sounds so fancy huh? We're very fancy here in Victoria). After I bought a 4 day pass, I keep going back- it's a money saver! I first hit the bottom floor, noticed not as many vendors as in past years. Booo economy!! Booo cheap ass people, get out there and spend your money on these artisans! After you see all the stuff your friends buy you are going to wish you had.

I'll start with my favourite first- my new food crush! Maison Cote Vancouver. ( http://www.maisoncote.com/ ) Jean-Pierre is the sweetest, happiest man I have ever met! Check out his web site, check out his blog (his work wife Angie is too freaking cute!) and buy his products! God knows I did.

Let me break down the mouth watering goodness for you. Left to right...

White Truffle Olive Oil (I KNOW!!), White Peach Balsamic Vinegar (I KNOW I KNOW!). 3 bottles of each (lucky you if you're getting a set for Christmas, don't hold your breath though, you know I only enjoy a handful of people). 3 packages of Raspberry/ Rosemary salt...not that pussy iodized shit from the grocery... I'll just be licking this out of the bag. Actually I'm making chocolate butter truffles tonight and am going to sprinkle a few with a speck or two of salt. Right in the middle of all this is a box of Mulling Spices. The smell when you squeeze that packet... I get the sensation I'm on a snow covered mountain,with the wind blowing... oh sorry...that's a York Peppermint Patty ad from 20 years ago. Anyhoo...Christmas smells like mulling spice in my mind. Lastly... a chunk of Himalayan rock salt with a grinder and little dish. WHY did someone not think of this sooner? Why didn't I buy more than 5? Tomorrow is another day- and sadly, like the stalker I am I will be going back to buy more.

Next: Buddha Bowls

How cute!! I love them, I love them so much- I'm buying more as well. I really like the smaller size, I think because it's more practical for me and my little hands, but I bought a big white one for someone...I'm not sure who is getting it yet- but someone. The yellow one is mine, and tomorrow it will be filled with delicious coffee and cream while I try and force myself awake.

Next: Leo Rising Penny Pincher Change Holder

Sooo keeping one, just haven't decided which yet. http://www.leorising.ca/ I really thought the woman working the booth was super cute and nice! And I loved her hair!

Time for Chocolate: http://www.organicfair.com/

I know, I'm a bad photographer. Oh well... I can't wait to try these...I had to buy two of each because I need to test them...for quality and poison!

Amazing combinations:

Noel- Dark chocolate with gingerbread, cranberries and mandarin

Forte- VERY dark chocolate, louder and stronger for serious chocoholics

Purist- Dark Chocolate for those who like it straight up

Little Italy- Dark Chocolate with Espresso Chunks and Lemons

Chiapas- Dark Chocolate with cinnamon, cardamom and Chipotle chile (YUMMM!)

And missing from all of this is a 1/4 pound bag of vanilla beans! Soft and glorious smelling. I used one tonight. I seeded it, chopped up the pod and simmered a couple of cups of cream with it. I then used it in a cake. I'll not be tasting this cake as someone bought it, but I'll be making more. Soon.

Cake, Cupcakes, Lasagna...and the Chihuahua