In Articles

Chatting Chocolate – Local Chocolatiers in Burlington and Oakville Share Their Chocolate Journey

February 2, 2018 No Comments

Beloved in most societies and communities, chocolate has been enjoyed since the time of Mesoamerica in 1900 BC. Its preparation has changed over the years, but the feeling it brings to us is the same and chocolate products continue to have a huge following around the world, including here in Oakville and Burlington.

Casteleyn Belgian Chocolatiers launched their company in Burlington in 1990, as the only shop to make traditional Belgian chocolates, with a chocolatier who was born and trained in Belgium. The Casteleyn team utilizes exclusively milk, white and dark chocolate that has all been imported from Belgium. The creation of their products is quite a process that involves tempering, molding, and filling the chocolates with multiple cooling steps in between. They also make the fillings for their chocolates from scratch using butter, cream, liqueurs, coffee, chocolate, fruits and nuts. When we asked Casteleyn about their signature item, they stated “As for signature item… we strive to make every chocolate someone’s favourite.”

The Christy’s Gourmet Gifts family, Christy and Bernhard Mueller, started small with their business in 2002 – doing craft shows. Since that time, they have slowly grown their business, focusing on creating high quality and unique gift items and expanding to a small retail outlet in Burlington, shipping their products worldwide. Using only high-quality Belgian and French chocolate (plus a few exotic chocolates from around the world), their products are made in small artisanal batches with attention to detail and high-quality ingredients like pure butter. Their signature item is definitely their Chocolate Buttercrunch. The recipe is from Christy’s grandmother, Ethel, who happens to be turning 102 this year. The Chocolate Buttercrunch (available in milk, dark, white cranberry and seasonal flavours like peppermint) is the product that started the company, and fans still rave about it today.

The owner’s of A Chocolate Lab – Handmade Chocolates, Nicky Lawson and Helena Thompson, originally met many years ago while fostering labrador puppies and fundraising for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide. Their paths continued to cross in the dog community, a friendship was fostered, and they decided to become business partners in a chocolate business. A Chocolate Lab was born in August 2016, running out of rental kitchens on a daily basis and moving to their own production kitchen in April 2017. All of the products Nicky and Helena create are made by hand, with their Sticky Paws (raw almonds covered in a rich caramel, chilled, dipped in a hot chocolate, cooled and lightly dusted with Mediterranean sea salt) product becoming a customer favourite. Their passion lies in custom orders, as it gives them a chance to use a bit of their creative flair to meet customers’ needs.

Schilling’s Patisserie aux Chocolat is run by German-trained pastry chef and chocolatier, Susie Schilling. Her chocolate knowledge goes right back to the European source, as she trained in the chocolatier program in Switzerland for many years. The company started out in August 2017, opening slowly and in segments. They opened with ice cream and slowly launched into baked goods, chocolate, and are now a full-fledged café. Susie has a love for the old craft, making everything in-house in small batches. She believes in enjoying the traditional stuff – making classic recipes like her famous Stollen, and Pralines – out of high end chocolate from Belgium, or original beans.

Walker’s Chocolates has a long history. Co-owner Dave Walker’s parents opened the chocolate shop in Burlington in 1983. Today they also operate a factory with an outlet on Harvester Road, and four additional stores across Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville. Dave has worked in the business for 10 years, his older sister for 15. In the making of their chocolate, they use a combination of two different chocolates and blend them together for a unique flavour. Using the finest ingredients they can source, they create over 50 chocolates and a huge range of moulded shapes. Though they have expanded to now have two enrobing lines and a candy kitchen in the factory, all of their chocolate centres are made the old-fashioned way: in small batches, hand-stirred in copper kettles. Their signature item: Mint Meltaways.

by Heather Peter

Local Links

Casteleyn Belgian Chocolatiers
368 Brant St, Burlington
casteleyn.ca

Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
3530 Mainway, Burlington
christysgourmetgifts.com

A Chocolate Lab
511 Pinegrove Rd., Oakville
achocolatelab.com

Schilling’s Patisserie aux Chocolat
109 Thomas St, Oakville
Facebook: schillingsexclusive

Walker’s Chocolates
Burlington: 3350 Fairview Street
Oakville: 1011 Upper Middle Road
walkerschocolates.ca

In Articles

Burlington Comedy Festival

January 31, 2018 No Comments

Knowing that laughter is the best medicine isn’t new, but what is new is the lineup at the Burlington Comedy Festival this year. It’s true: there’s nothing like a good guffaw and the roster of comics appearing on stage this year will do their best to get you giggling.

This year’s funny festival features over 12 comedians, including Scott Thompson of Kids in the Hall fame, comedian/actor Kevin Pollack and Canadian writer/actor Jon Dore. It will be held at two venues: The Burlington Performing Arts Centre and the Water Street Cooker. The three-day festival begins on Family Day, February 19, starting with a Family Variety Show. The show features award winning, international circus artists including a Portuguese clown, a magician who has performed in Las Vegas and a Juggling and Acrobatic Duo from China. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $15.

The Festival concludes with two performances at The Water Street Cooker on February 20 and February 21. The best deal is Emma’s VIP Food & Funny Deal, which includes admission to the reserved seating area and a $25 dinner at Emma’s Back Porch. Total ticket price is $54. Although material will undoubtedly be funny, it won’t be censored and is intended for mature audiences only. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, Halton Unit. Tickets are now on sale!

by Becky Dumais

Local Link

Burlington Comedy Festival
burlingtoncomedy.com

In Articles

Up To The Guilds – Mixing Creativity and Socialization Through Art

January 26, 2018 No Comments

Guilds were originally formed in the Middle Ages in order to oversee the practice of their craft in a certain locale. The earliest guilds were like a brotherhood of tradesmen. Today they function more as social and creative outlets.

You might think you’d have to be an expert in a guild’s craft in order to join. Has anyone become a member without any experience whatsoever? “Yes, me,” kids Murray MacDougall, president of the Burlington Sculptors and Woodcarvers Guild. Just prior to retirement, MacDougall says he was worried he would have nothing to do. He was invited to come and give it a try. That was four years ago. He says the best aspect has been “Keeping the brain going. That was my goal.”

Richard Darjes, president of the Oakville Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild, is also a retiree and a hobbyist woodcarver who’s also interested in stone carving. One of the benefits about being a member, he says, is that everyone’s more than happy to share their talent. “I’ve watched people doing stone carving and they’ve shared their tips. It’s actually a great group of people to be a part of.” He also enjoys the deliberate 3pm coffee break when anyone present can sit in the senior’s centre and enjoy a chat. “We have a great time sharing with one another. That’s made it a very social organization. Carving (or maybe any art) can be a little solitary when you’re not part of a group.”

Oakville Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild

The Guild was formed in 2002, and currently has 24 members who meet every Thursday at Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre. Members meet in the woodshop to enjoy socializing with like-minded individuals, and they exchange ideas and techniques. The Oakville guilds have a full compliment of power tools for use, though most people own their own tools. The Guild participates in wood shows and exhibitions, including Oakville’s annual Art in the Park.

Burlington Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild

The Guild operates out of the Art Gallery of Burlington. Woodcarvers meet weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays; sculptors meet every Friday. Members whittle away their time crafting many different kinds of work: folk art, stone, spoons, birds and wildlife, intarsia, bowls, stylistic interpretations and many others. Ages of the members cover a wide range: there are a few teenagers mixed in with the older members – from about age 15 to 80, according to MacDougall. There are also some ladies involved, and some people who both carve and sculpt. The Burlington Guild runs juried exhibitions, participates in various gallery sales and area woodcarving competitions, and they also perform carving demonstrations for local schools and charitable organizations.

The objectives of both guilds are essentially the same: to bring people together who share a common interest, to provide opportunities for them to share ideas and their love of art, and to promote appreciation for carving and sculpting in the community. For example, the Burlington Guild makes canes for local veterans. “We carve the handle in the shape of a beaver. Everyone does it differently so they’re all unique. On the staff the person’s name and rank is carved,” says MacDougall.

On any given meeting day you’ll find people working on different projects and with different tools. “Carving is a great deal of fun actually,” says Darjes. “Learning to think in three dimensions has taken a little time. Being able to think about the object I’m going to make and how to represent that in wood is part of the learning curve that makes it interesting.”

By Becky Dumais

Local Links

Burlington Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild
burlingtonsculptorsandwoodcarvers.com

Oakville Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild
oswguild.org

In Articles

Supporting The Younger Set – Mentoring Programs for Kids and Families

January 22, 2018 No Comments

Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped thousands of children and youth in the years they have been in Halton. Big Brothers in Halton dates back more than 50 years, and in 2005 the agency merged with Big Sisters. The agency’s goal is to provide positive role models in the lives of children and youth through trained volunteers.

One story that has stayed with executive director Sandra Baker involves an eight-year-old girl who was matched with a “big sister.” Like many matches, the girl thrived under the mentorship of her big sister. When the girl reached 15, her mom noticed her daughter was getting in with the wrong crowd and that her grades were dropping. “(She) saw her daughter going down the wrong path and called us back and said, ‘I saw what happened before and I know what Big Sisters can do’,” recalls Baker. This time the teen was matched with a “big sister” who happened to be a financial advisor. The woman taught the teen about money management which inspired the teen to change her spending habits.
She even began educating herself on investments. Baker cites the story as an example of how relationships that develop through the program can yield unexpected results.

Last year, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton impacted the lives of more than 1,200 youth and children. While the children and youth came from different life situations, their common thread was that something put them at risk of not developing to their full potential. Some had parents who were experiencing mental health or addiction problems, or their family was living in poverty and the parents were working multiple jobs. In addition to the one-on-one program, the agency has a school-based program and a seven-week after-school program for boys called Game On where a mentor volunteers with four boys at once.

Some 800 mentors volunteered with the agency last year, but there is always a need for more, as current wait lists are anywhere from 18 months to two years for a big sister or big brother. Baker says it takes around 20 hours to move through the screening and training process (which includes police checks) and, after a person qualifies, the requirement is that they meet with their little sister or brother for a minimum of one outing a month. People who step forward to volunteer do so for a number of reasons but most do it for the love of helping others. “It’s a good lesson in selflessness. When you really boil it down, it’s people who just want to help,” Baker notes. One sign of the program’s success is seen in how many people who are matched continue to stay friends after the person turns 18. “Our mentors say over and over to us, ‘I get so much more out of this than I think he gets out of it’.”

There are several other agencies in Halton that offer mentor programs for children and families as well as couples. Family KiNnections has a youth mentor program that involves paid staff that are specially trained to help youth develop their social skills and life skills. A social skills coach works with them one-on-one to help them develop people skills. They also have life skills coaches who teach them about day-to-day skills like cooking, doing laundry and budgeting. The agency is based in Hamilton, Oakville, and Mississauga and also offers in-home counselling and coaches who will work with a child who needs one-to-one attention or who just wants a special friend.

The Oakville-based group Community Youth in Action Network (CYAN) also offers several ways for youth to connect and engage with others, including its Summer Passport program.

by Denise Davy

Local Links

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Halton
halton.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Family Kinnections
familykinnections.ca/services/youth-mentoring

Youth Inspire, Oakville
youthinspire.ca

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 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 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