In Articles

In Vino Veritas – Wine Away in Wine Region

January 16, 2018 No Comments

It’s safe to say that Niagara wine country is romantic year round, but when there’s snow on the ground and the air is crisp, the region takes on a whole new ambiance. Between tours and tastings, festivals and events, you could find something to do every weekend in Niagara’s wine region this winter. We’ve highlighted just a few options for a wintry weekend getaway.

Twenty Valley is considered the gateway to the Niagara Region, and it’s just a short drive from Burlington or Oakville. It’s the largest wine producing region in Niagara with over 50 vineyards and many of the province’s best boutique wineries. Many of them are family-run award-winning estates set on beautiful varied landscapes.

Events & Happenings

Twenty Valley’s Winter Wine Fest, from January 12 – 14 aims to please oenophiles with Niagara’s top winemakers, chefs and premium VQA wines. Take to the streets of Jordan Village to enjoy this outdoor event that offers live entertainment, food, wine (red, white, sparkling and icewine, of course) and cozy fire pits and warming stations to keep you going. Plus, there’s no shortage of boutique shops in the historic shopping district.

Get a taste for culinary adventure at Winter Downtown D’Lish. From January 19 – February 3, various downtown restaurants in St. Catharines are offering fixed price lunch and dinner menus. A list of participating restaurants and their D’Lish menus is available online.
Options range from $15 – $40.

The big wintertime event is the ever-popular Niagara Icewine Festival. For three weekends in January, from January 12 – 28, the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, in celebration of one of Canada’s most cherished products,: Ontario icewine. Here’s your chance to sip over 20 different local icewines, enjoy live music and great food. To extend the experience even further, buy a Discovery Pass and partake in eight unique pairings at your choice of over 35 wineries across the Niagara Region.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is as pretty as a picture during the winter. Hop on a horse and buggy ride and explore the many boutiques and historic streets of this quaint town. Add Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery to your list of must-visits because it’s the perfect place to sip and skate. The backyard rink will be open from 12 – 6pm daily, and the heated outdoor Whisky Bar is where you can warm up with a tipple.

Where to Stay

The Twenty Valley offers varied accommodations, many of which are within very close proximity to the wineries. The Inn on the Twenty’s cozy fireplace suites will tempt you, as will its onsite restaurant. Historic Jordan Station has the casual accommodations of the Jordan House Hotel. Scattered throughout the area and into Niagara-on-the-Lake are many more inns and B&Bs. The Orchard Croft Boutique Retreat (also in Jordan) is set amongst, what else, an idyllic orchard location. It delivers charm and elegance and personalized service for all guests. In Beamsville, the House By the Side of the Road is a B&B ideally situated near award-winning wineries and trendy shops. If you’d prefer to stay nearer the Falls and the Icewine Festival, try the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel. Located in the Entertainment District on Fallsview Boulevard, you’ll find historic elegance and modern magnificence.

This winter, make the most of what the Niagara Region has to offer, whether it’s a festival, an organized tasting tour, or your own itinerary wining and dining on a getaway weekend.

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Twenty Valley
20valley.ca

Downtown D’Lish, St. Catharines
mydowntown.ca/events

Niagara Icewine Festival
niagarawinefestival.com

Wayne Gretzky Estates
waynegretzkyestates.com

Brewery & Distillery Tours Niagara
brewerydistillerytoursniagara.com

Niagara Wine Tour Guides
niagarawinetourguides.com

Wine Country Ontario
winecountryontario.ca

Inn On the Twenty
innonthetwenty.com

Jordan House
jordanhouse.ca

Orchard Croft Boutique Retreat
orchardcroft.ca

House By the Side of the Road
bbhousebythesideoftheroad.com

Old Stone Inn Hotel
oldstoneinnhotel.com

In Articles

Kitchen Party – Keep This Busy Room Bright, Clean and Clutter-free

January 12, 2018 No Comments

The heart of the home, the hardest working room in the house, party central: yes, we’re talking about the kitchen. It doesn’t seem to matter what size your living quarters are, or how cozy and inviting you make your family room, the kitchen is where family, friends and guests naturally tend to gravitate, no matter the occasion. We talked to two local kitchen design and renovation companies to find out what the current trends in kitchen design are.

“This year it’s all about white,” says Barbara Abraham of Chestco for Kitchens in Burlington. “Right now 80 per cent of kitchen designs are light, bright, cloud, or simply white, but with some grey thrown in too. Shadow is very popular, and a greyish taupe as well.” But aside from a certain colour scheme, what homeowners most desire is simplicity in style, which means no clutter to be seen, and surfaces and cabinetry that are easy to keep clean. “Everyone wants a clean look,” says Abraham. “That means cupboards with no raised panels, so they’re easy to wipe clean with a warm, damp cloth, water only — no furniture polish.”

And when it comes to countertops, it’s all about quartz now — which is low maintenance and easy to clean, unlike granite, which requires care, sealing and yearly upkeep. “Customers who come in have done a lot of research, know what they want, and are armed with photos and lots of knowledge,” says Abraham. “We strive to help them get what they want, but there are certainly trends that we help to accommodate.”

And who doesn’t want that clean and clutter-free look in their home? Moving appliances off the counters, or at least having them hidden, not only creates a more attractive space, but makes it easier to work in as well. “Clients want things hidden, but still functional: a place for everything and everything in its place. At Chestco, even a six-inch spot can be modified to utmost functionality,” says Abraham. “Useable space is more important than an actual trend.”

And that’s something John McInnis of Coxon-McInnis Kitchens in Burlington can agree with. He takes a more philosophical approach to kitchen design by embracing the space and flow of the room over any current or upcoming trends. “There’s a lot happening in the kitchen,” he says. “But I encourage customers to not just chase the latest thing to come along. It’s more to do with the room space itself and how you want to utilize it now and for years to come.”

Kitchen Trends — Coxson McInnis Kitchens

Calling it “the hardest working room in the house,” McInnis approaches kitchen design from a lifestyle point of view, rather than what the upcoming year predicts in popularity. He likes to visit with families to find out how exactly they use the space, and create designs from there. “These days we need to look at the entire space, and work around that,” he says. “Trends come and go, and it’s vital not to just be trendy. No more short-term thinking, go bigger than that, and go with what you like.”

He does, however, agree that white is very popular, never gets old, and ultimately never dates itself. He stresses using complementary colours throughout the house, or at least the main floor, to keep the flow. Galley kitchens, he says, make the most sense in terms of functionality and social aspects, with large islands to accommodate both the kitchen and an adjoining family room.

“In the end, it’s about making the most of what you have, and spending time with family and friends,” he says. “I’ve designed thousands of kitchens over the years, but what matters in design is what the family wants, and how they’re going to use
the space.”

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Chestco For Kitchens, Burlington
chestco.com

Coxon-McInnis Kitchens, Burlington
candm.ca

In Blog

TERRA’s Indoor Winter Market Returns

January 12, 2018 No Comments

The TERRA Winter Market returns to TERRA Hamilton for the third year and TERRA Milton for the sixth year running. The markets will open on Saturday, January 13th and run until Saturday, March 17th, 2018. Nothing beats shopping local at an indoor market in the winter! The markets will operate 10am-3pm and will reside in the greenhouses at the Hamilton and Milton locations of TERRA. The Hamilton store is located at 340 Highway 20 R.R #1 and the Milton store is located at 12800 Britannia Road.

Local farmers and artisans call TERRA their own over 10 Saturdays in its fully enclosed, warm and colourful space, filled with artsy designs and an assortment of plants. Customers of the market can escape the cold to do their shopping and catch some vitamin D on blistery winter days. The market has a large café seating area, a fun kid’s zone and a huge selection of local vendors to check off any grocery list or craving.

With 60+ vendors in Hamilton and 80+ vendors in Milton to choose from, these markets have something for everyone. There is a great selection of products such as produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, coffee and wine. The Winter Markets also feature specialty items including hot sauce, salad dressing, popcorn, kombucha and meat pies.

TERRA decided to start the markets in support of local business and farms. This will lead to increased healthy lifestyles by providing communities with the necessary connection to local food producers over the winter months. The Winter Markets will also provide social opportunities for people to connect with neighbours, friends and acquaintances in comfortable and fun atmospheres.

terragreenhouses.com.

In Community

The Backyard Rink is NOW OPEN at Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake!

December 18, 2017 No Comments

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery is pleased to announce the official opening of the Great One’s rink, right here in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. It just wouldn’t be Wayne Gretzky’s without a backyard skating rink! Guests are invited to bring their skates, or rent a pair, and spend the afternoon in wine (and whisky) country. After a skate, warm up on The Whisky Bar Patio with a whisky-inspired hot beverage or cocktail, a glass of wine and Chef Frank Dodd’s winter menu.

Don’t worry, the patio has heaters, too. Skating admission is $5 per person and skate rentals are available in limited quantities for $10, plus taxes.
The rink will be open from December to March, weather permitting.

The Winery & Distillery (and skating rink) will be closed on Christmas Day (December 25th ) and New Year’s Day (January 1st). The rink will operate daily from 12 noon to 6 pm, occasionally closed due to private bookings.

Visit waynegretzkyestates.com for hours of operation and
skating rink rules.

Note that hockey sticks, pucks, balls or nets are not permitted during public skating hours, and helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and younger.

The rink spans 5,000 sq. ft. and doubles as a reflecting pond during the summer months. A loonie,placed by The Great One himself, is located in the concrete at center ice. Custom Ice Inc., based in Burlington, installed the 40,000 linear feet of Glycol tubes under the concrete floor in order to
create and maintain the ice rink. A 35 ton chiller will cool the antifreeze that circulates through the pipes. A fluid temperature of -10°C is needed to maintain ice at outdoor temperatures of -5°C. The system should be able to maintain ice up to 7°C.

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery Wayne Gretzky wines celebrate excellence in winemaking across the country. Whether they’re made in the Okanagan or Niagara, they’re produced from the finest grapes and developed by some of the greatest winemakers in the country. The same soils that produce great grapes also grow grains that are used to produce the brand new Wayne Gretzky No 99 ‘Red Cask’ Canadian Whisky; whisky that is finished in red wine casks from the Gretzky winery.

In Articles

Holiday Gift Ideas

December 1, 2017 No Comments

Holiday Gifting
Perfect hostess gifts and items for loved ones on your shopping list.

From Forest to Table

Naturally fallen branches crafted into salt and pepper mills, locally. Treat guests to an explosion of flavor with these unique Kampot salted peppercorns.
Farmhouse Artisan Cheese, Oakville
farmhouseartisancheese.ca

The Best Vest

Provide the gift of stylish warmth this Holiday season with Bryn Walker’s chic, fuzzy vest. Paired with a statement heart necklace, she’s bound to love it!
Zahara’s Boutique, Oakville
zaharasboutique.com

Sparkle for the Season

Treat someone special to a hand-finished jewellery gift set presented in a PANDORA gift box. Gift Sets are available now until December 24.
Pandora, Oakville
pandora.net/en-ca

Can’t Beat That

Wireless tunes on the go. Beats X earphones have up to eight hours of battery life and deliver authentic, clear sound, whatever you’re listening to.
Core 1, Oakville
core1.ca

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve

A treasured piece of custom-made jewelry bearing the fingerprint of a loved one will be something to cherish forever and pass down through generations.
Mariel Pagliai, Oakville
marielpagliai.com

Coffee Camaraderie

The Fellow Joey Jr. double wall ceramic tumblers are as stylish as they are functional.
Cloud Nine Coffee Roastery, Oakville
cloud9coffeeroaster.ca

Festive Frasier

Frasier Fir is the scent of the holidays. Use Thymes diffusers, candles or room sprays to get your home holiday ready.
Accents for Living, Oakville
accentsforliving.ca

On Board

The classic kitchen accessory for every foodie and chef. Available in a variety of tones and sizes.
Loft Doors, Burlington
loftdoors.com

Picture Pug-fect

Perfect prints of pugs that inject personality into any room. Photographed by internationally recognized wildlife photographer Megan Lorenz and available in pillows, prints, mugs and ornaments.
Bogart Home, Bronte
bogarthome.com

Wine Wax

Even if it’s not quite wine o’clock, you can still enjoy the aroma of a good glass of cabernet or pinot grigio. Chateau Agnes multi-wick candles are available in a variety of grape blends.
Lakeside Livin’, Bronte
lakesidelivin.ca

Travel Time

Stay organized and look stylish with these colourful travel companions. Luggage tag and passport holders are a vailable in various colours.
Island View – A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store
lillypulitzer.com

Game On

Here’s great gaming the traditional way – no electronics required. This Championship Shuffleboard table will create hours of fun (and maybe friendly family squabbles).
Oakville Home Leisure, Oakville
oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Shine Bright

The holidays are the most popular time of year to get engaged! Tacori rings offer timeless design, sure to become heirlooms that will be treasured for generations.
Mariani Jewellers, Oakville
marianijewellers.com

Duck Outside

This gloriously warm jacket is full of duck down padding, and is made to withstand all that Old Man Winter has to offer this season.
Peak Performance, Oakville
Peak-oakville.ca

In Arts & Events

Festival of Trees at Burlington Performing Arts Centre

November 27, 2017 No Comments

This holiday season The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s lobby will be lit up with a colourful and festive display of trees that is sure to spark some yuletide enthusiasm in anyone that visits The Centre. The festival is a community fundraising initiative by The Burlington Performing Arts Centre and runs from November 20 – December 21.

Over 35 pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, generously donated by Canadian Tire – Burlington Stores and sponsored by local businesses, will light up BPAC’s Lobby and Mezzanine for over 4 weeks – until their silent auction ‘winners’ take them home for the holidays!

Stop by The Burlington Performing Arts Centre to take a stroll through the Festival of Trees and light up your holidays! Visit www.burlingtonpac.ca. Don’t forget to purchase raffle tickets at The Centre’s Box Office for a chance to take your favourite tree home.

In Articles

The Christmas Spirit – Ideas and Inspiration To Get Everyone Feeling Festive

November 27, 2017 No Comments

There are so many wonderful ways to make memories and embrace tradition during the holidays with loved ones. While the selection of a fresh Christmas tree signifies the start of the holiday season for some, what are some other ways to make the most of this merry time? We’ve lined up some ideas on how to spend time with friends and family over the holidays. In most cases no snow is required, though it always makes things more magical.

Ultra-Conservative

Halton’s conservation areas are always a great place to visit with activities and scenery that changes each season. Whether you want to hike through the woods at Mount Nemo, tour a replica Iroquois village at Crawford Lake, take a sleigh ride to the campfire where stories and hot chocolate are shared, or visit with various animals at Mountsberg, one never needs an excuse to experience the wonders of nature. We’re blessed with a range of opportunities here.

Heritage Holiday

Keep calm and tradition on: embrace the holidays of yore as they were celebrated back in the Victorian era. Both Bronte Creek and Ireland House run spectacular holiday-themed programs annually.

Bronte Creek’s Victorian Christmas Festival is an annual event that brings the magic of an old-fashioned holiday to life. The year is 1900 and the Spruce Lane Farmhouse is decorated in Victorian holiday splendor with tours available, seasonal stories and songs in the parlour, holiday treats and cider, crafting, and activities that everyone will enjoy. December 27 – 31 and January 1 – 8.

Ireland House Museum offers two special holiday-themed events – one for families and another licensed event for those over the age of 19. On November 19 families will be treated to holiday tours of the house, which is specially decorated throughout the holiday season in traditional Victorian décor, treats made on the 1830’s hearth, photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause, plus reindeer and other activities. On December 1, A Night at Ireland House will be an evening to enjoy tastings of foods the Ireland family enjoyed during the holidays, Niagara wine tastings, craft beer and specialty coffee. Complete the night with a tour of the home and listen to the “High Five” quartet sing Christmas songs. Of course, tours of the home and grounds will still take place during regular hours.

The Royal Botanical Gardens is another great destination the community can count on for keeping the kids busy with various heritage and environmental programs, crafts, opportunities to walk the grounds and view the RBG Botanical Train Show, as well as a signature Santa experience. Additional details will be posted on their web site.

Farmhouse Festivities

Springridge Farm’s annual Christmas activities begin November 25 and will run every weekend until December 10. The whole family will enjoy painting a glass ornament, decorating a freshly baked gingerbread cookie, and visiting with Santa in the barn. Fraser fir Christmas trees will also be for sale, and lots of Christmas baking and gourmet foods will be available at the gift shop.

Rally on the Rails

Have you witnessed the annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll down the tracks in all its glory? On it’s 19th annual tour to raise money, food and awareness for local food banks, the train will pass through Hamilton’s Kinnear Yard on November 28, 2017, with live entertainment courtesy of Jim Cuddy (of Blue Rodeo), his son Devin Cuddy and Kelly Prescott.

If you book your tickets in time, you can ride the Polar Express! The Waterloo Central Railway is providing service to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™. The magical story comes to life when the train departs the St. Jacobs Museum platform for a one-hour round-trip journey.

Winter Wonderland … on Horseback

Picture a trail ride on horseback. The Ranch in Oakville invites riders ages 10 and up to experience a one-hour, guided trail ride through the tree-lined fields and forests surrounding the farm. Other wildlife may be curious to see you – see if you can spot dear, coyote, birds and other wildlife for a magical and memorable experience.

Local Links

Bronte Creek, Oakville
brontecreek.org

Conservation Halton
conservationhalton.ca

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
cpr.ca/holiday-train

The Ranch, Oakville
ridetheranch.com

Ireland House Museum
museumsofburlington.ca

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
rbg.ca/holidaytraditions

Waterloo Central Railway
waterloocentralrailway.com/the-polar-express

In Articles

‘Tis the Season … to Give Back to Others

November 24, 2017 No Comments

It’s better to give than to receive: that familiar saying is repeated often and with good intention, especially during the holidays, but how many of us actually take that adage to heart? No matter which holiday you celebrate, this time of year is often a virtual shopping frenzy, more materialistic than meaningful, and while everyone likes to receive presents, perhaps you’re hoping to dig a little deeper this year and add some extra significance to the season. If that’s the case, volunteering in the community might be the best gift you don’t have to buy.

There are so many excellent reasons to consider volunteer opportunities, either for you alone, or with friends, your kids, or your entire family. Teaching children the importance of giving time instead of money is an intensely rewarding experience that will last a lifetime.

Daily life is busier than ever now, with full-time jobs, school and extracurricular activities, numerous family responsibilities and stresses of all kinds. One good thing about volunteering during the holidays is that you may have a little extra time on your hands. If your kids are out of school and looking for something to do, volunteering is a great way to spend some quality time together, doing something valuable and rewarding.

If your kids are too young to volunteer, why not suggest that they sort through clothes and toys they no longer use or play with, and then donate them to local shelters and charity drives. Food banks are always in dire need of donations during the holiday season, and it’s something kids are happy to get involved in. Practising simple and random acts of kindness such as shoveling for neighbours or making kits for the homeless can make a huge impact.

If you are interested in volunteering in the community, there are a few steps you need to take first. Do a search online to see what’s available in the community. Once you find something you’re interested in, you may have to fill out an application form, then possibly participate in an interview. Many volunteer positions require you to fill out a registration form, provide character references and be willing to undergo a police check, followed by orientation and training. But, the most important part of volunteering is enjoying the experience for what it brings to others, and what it brings to you and your family.

And don’t forget, volunteers are needed year-round. Once the holidays are over, make volunteering a year-round habit for you and your family. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Where to Volunteer in Halton Region this Holiday Season?

There are so many opportunities to give back, but here are a few examples to peak your interest:

Salvation Army

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Christmas Toy Depot, setting up pre-assembled shelving and organizing donated toys. Begins Monday December 11 and ends Friday December 15.
Times are flexible. Contact: Shannon_Robinson@can.salvationarmy.org

Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton

Volunteers help Ikea Burlington customers select their Christmas tree and also sell tree bags to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Responsibilities include greeting Tree Lot customers, helping customers pick out Christmas trees and transporting trees to vehicles, tree bag sales and money handling, tree lot tidy up, including fallen/blown over trees and sweeping needles. Must be 16 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
Contact: natalie.michlewicz@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Christmas Kettles

Enthusiastic volunteers needed to stand at Christmas Kettle locations across Oakville. Shifts are three hours, so donate as much or as little time as you like. Individuals, Students, Families ALL welcome!
November 18 to December 23, 14 year(s) and up.
Contact: Emma Wong at 647-534-0611, or tsaoakvillekettles@cogeco.net

Kerr Street Mission

Help bring comfort and joy to an Oakville family in need this Christmas, with a goal to provide Christmas to more than 1,000 individuals in the area. The “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program ensures families in need can celebrate Christmas. Your financial gift not only offers help for the present, but also hope for tomorrow. We offer gift and food cards to families, giving them the chance to choose the gifts and food that their families will enjoy.
Contact: Agnes Stassen at 905-845-7485 or agnes@kerrstreet.com

by Allison Dempsey

In Articles

Holidays and Canapés – Try these easy & delicious hors d’oeuvres

November 22, 2017 No Comments

The weather is changing, and with that, comes the cooler months full of Holiday entertaining and parties. Though everyone loves a good get-together with family and friends, the Holiday season can also be a time of worry about the effort required to prepare tasty and festive meals and snacks.

What is the easiest way to take some of that worry away? Serve up some simple to prepare, delicious canapes and appetizers that every guest is sure to love. While guests are enjoying your pre-prepared hors d’oeuvres, you will have some extra time to mingle and still be confident that your hard work guarantees you serve up one of the best parties of the season!

Joanna Tomal (owner of the popular Piazza Bistro in Oakville) likes to serve up a recipe that makes for a sophisticated party appetizer, a baked brie! Joanna suggests serving up a whole wheel of baked brie, complete with fresh herbs, a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce and a sprinkling of brown sugar and roasted pecans. For the extra touch, Tomal serves her baked brie on their Italian family heirloom platter with homemade rosemary olive oil and sea salt crostini. This is a surprisingly easy appetizer to prepare and your guests will love the rich and decadent flavours.

Ida Pusateri, of Pusateri’s Fine Foods in Oakville and Toronto, is an expert host. She had a couple of suggestions for canapé and appetizer recipes that will take the stress out of hosting, and your guests will think you made some magic in the kitchen.

Her first suggestion was a recipe for Fruitcake Crostini with Olive Tapenade, Golden Sultanas & Balsamic Drizzle. Festive fruitcake gets a holiday makeover in this recipe. Not a fruitcake fan? A baguette or your favourite fancy crackers will do the trick if you prefer.

Fruitcake Crostini with Olive Tapenade,
Golden Sultanas & Balsamic Drizzle

Ingredients:
Fruitcake Crostini
• 1 loaf Toque et Tablier Gâteaux aux fruits, frozen
• Olive oil, Kosher salt, Fresh ground black pepper as needed
Olive & Sultana Tapenade
• 1 Cup Golden sultanas
• ½ Cup Kalamata olives, pitted & drained
• ½ Cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 Tbsp Fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 Tbsp Orange zest
• 1 Tbsp Grapefruit zest
• 2 Tbsp Capers, rinsed
• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh basil, sliced into ribbons, as needed

Cooking Instruction:
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Fruit Cake Crostini: Remove fruitcake from the freezer and slice thinly. Brush lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake until crispy, 8-10 minutes.
• Olive & Sultana Tapenade: Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
• To Assemble: Place the crostini on a tray, spread with the tapenade and top with a small pinch of basil ribbons.

Ida’s second suggestion for a perfect Holiday appetizer: Bacon Wrapped Spiced Dates with Goat’s Cheese. Crisp and salty bacon, creamy and tangy goat cheese, and sweet spiced dates form a perfect partnership in this irresistible canapé.

Bacon Wrapped Spiced Dates with Goat’s Cheese

Ingredients:
• ½ Cup Red wine vinegar
• ½ Cup Orange juice
• 1 Tbsp Sugar
• ¼ tsp Allspice, ground
• ¼ tsp Cloves, ground
• ¼ tsp Black peppercorns, whole
• ¼ tsp Ginger, ground
• 24 Dates, pitted
• 12 slices Thinly sliced bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 120-150 g Goat’s cheese, cut into rounds, at room temperature

Cooking Instruction:
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Bring vinegar, orange juice, sugar and spices to a boil in a small pot. Add dates and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until soft but not mushy.
• While dates are simmering, roll goat’s cheese rounds into ovals slightly smaller than the dates. Pop them in the freezer to harden.
• Cool the dates at room temperature. Slice each date down the side and gently pry open, inserting a chilled oval of goat cheese into each.
• Wrap each date with half a piece of bacon, and secure with a toothpick.
• Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet until crispy and golden, 15-20 minutes, turning halfway so bacon cooks evenly.
• Transfer to a serving tray, pierce each with a toothpick and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pusateri’s final tip for hosting a great Holiday party? Use simple, delicious ingredients and prepare as much as possible in advance. Great advice, if you ask us!

by Heather Peter

Local Links

Piazza Bistro, Oakville
piazzabistro.ca

Pusateri’s, Oakville
pusateris.com

In Articles

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Comes To Oakville!

November 21, 2017 No Comments

Just about everyone will want to lace up their skates and join in the fun this winter, as Rogers Hometown Hockey visits 24 communities coast to coast between October 2017 and March 2018. Dubbed the ultimate NHL fan experience, the tour will celebrate local hockey stories and the game’s biggest stars. And, as an early Christmas gift for local hockey fans, on November 25 and 26 The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour visits Oakville for a fun-filled weekend festival of hockey.

Oakville was one of the 24 Canadian communities chosen as a stop for the tour. Join the hosts Tara Slone and Oakville’s own Ron MacLean, plus NHL alumni, and enjoy free activities, games, interactive experiences and live entertainment for the whole community. The festival will end with an outdoor viewing party on Sunday where Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will broadcast live from the Sportsnet™ Mobile Studio as the Vancouver Canucks take on the New York Rangers.

Paint the Town Red

Residents, businesses and community groups downtown and across Oakville are encouraged to Paint the Town Red in preparation for the arrival of Rogers Hometown Hockey. There are lots of ways to participate; all Oakvillians are encouraged to get involved in the celebration by decorating their local homes, businesses and/or community organizations leading up to the festival weekend.

How to get involved and help Oakville ‘Paint the Town Red’?

Have kids draw creative Canadian and hockey-themed designs on their local sidewalk and driveway
Hang a Canada flag, red and white pendants or other Canadian and hockey-themed decorations on your store window or garage door
Swap out your regular white light bulbs for red ones, indoors and out!

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Schedule:

184 Church St, Downtown Oakville

Saturday, November 25: 12 – 6 pm

Sunday, November 26: 11 a.m. – 6 pm

Pre-Game: 1:30 pm

Game Starts at 2 pm

Free Oakville Transit Shuttle
The Town of Oakville will be providing a free Oakville Transit shuttle service from the Oakville GO Station to the two-day event in downtown Oakville.

trinity

Events & Happenings

Where to Stay

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

From Forest to Table

The Best Vest

Sparkle for the Season

Can’t Beat That

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve

Coffee Camaraderie

Festive Frasier

On Board

Picture Pug-fect

Wine Wax

Travel Time

Game On

Shine Bright

Duck Outside

Ultra-Conservative

Heritage Holiday

Farmhouse Festivities

Rally on the Rails

Winter Wonderland … on Horseback

Local Links

Where to Volunteer in Halton Region this Holiday Season?

Salvation Army

Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton

Christmas Kettles

Kerr Street Mission

Fruitcake Crostini with Olive Tapenade, Golden Sultanas & Balsamic Drizzle

Bacon Wrapped Spiced Dates with Goat’s Cheese

Local Links

Paint the Town Red

How to get involved and help Oakville ‘Paint the Town Red’?

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Schedule:

looklocal.ca

Fruitcake Crostini with Olive Tapenade,
Golden Sultanas & Balsamic Drizzle