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INGREDIENTS

  •  2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  •  2 eggs
  • 1 cup finely grated
    Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
    (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black
    pepper
  •  1/3 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried
    oregano or dried parsley
  • Tomato sauce
  •  Kaiser buns (or buns of
    choice)

TOPPINGS

  • Mozzarella or Provolone
    cheese slices
  •  6 mushrooms
  •  1 whole large onion
  •  1 sweet pepper of choice
  •  Grilled jalapeño peppers
    (if desired for spice)

METHOD

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk together and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
  2.  In a large separate mixing bowl, add the ground beef, eggs, Parmesan cheese, onions, salt, black pepper, oregano, or parsley.
  3. Using your hands combine and mix all the ingredients until well combined being careful not to over mix. Using a tablespoon, scoop and roll into walnut size meatballs.
  4. Bake in the oven on a baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes at 425 F. Then remove from the oven, place in a pot on the stove and simmer with your favourite tomato sauce for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5.  In a pan over medium heat, add the onions, sweet peppers and mushrooms, season with black pepper and salt to taste, and sauté to your liking.
  6. Serve the meatballs in your kaiser buns with sautéed veggies, a slice of cheese, and finish off with a drizzle of tomato sauce.
  7. Enjoy!
Recipe Courtesy of: Garcia’s Sandwich Shop
255 Dundas St E #2B
(289) 895-9656

Garcia's Meatball Sandwich

Be sure to try this phenomenal pizza on the menu at the NEW Bardō opening on Brant Street in Downtown Burlington!

 

DOUBLE FOR LARGE PIZZA

INGREDIENTS

  • Small Bardō pizza dough

  • 2oz Marinara sauce

  •  1/4 cup Mozzarella

  • 1/4 cup Spicy salami

  •  3 tbsp lemon ricotta

  •  Chili honey to garnish

  • 4 Fresh Basil Leaves to garnish

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 500° F.
  2. Brush a baking sheet with 2 tbsp of olive oil. Dust your pizza dough with flour and stretch the dough with your hands from the middle to the outside until desired
    size (it may need time to rest).
  3. Transfer dough to baking tray.
  4. Top with desired ingredients (listed above) and bake for 10 – 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and bottom is crisp.
  5. Garnish with chili honey and basil leaves.
  6. Cut into slices and serve.
Recipe courtesy of: Bardo 
421 Brant St, Burlington
bardorestaurants.ca
(905) 412-5699
@bardo.burlington
@bardorestaurants

Bardo's Bee Sting Pizza

INGREDIENTS

For the beef stew:

• 72 oz (2 kg) of short rib beef
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons aji panca paste (red pepper)
• 3 tablespoons ají amarillo paste (yellow pepper)
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• 1/2 cup chicha de jora (corn beer)
• 1 zapallito loche (pumpkin)
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, to garnish

For the beans:

• 500 grams canario beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• Garlic seasoning
• 3 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
• 2 tablespoons aji panca paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Prepare the beef stew: The day before preparation, marinate the beef short ribs with the other ingredients. Let it rest overnight. The next day, in a large pot, fry the onion, garlic, and the chili pepper paste until fragrant. Season well. Add the marinated beef short ribs along with the zapallito loche. Pour in some boiling water and let it cook for 40 minutes. Then add the sliced carrots and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once done, sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

2. Prepare the Beans: Soak the canario beans in water overnight. The next day, change the water and bring the beans to a boil. Once boiling, discard the water and set the beans aside. In a pressure cooker, add the chopped onion, garlic, aji amarillo and aji panca paste, frying everything until well cooked. Then, add the soaked beans and mix everything together. Seal the pressure cooker and cook for 40 minutes.

3. Serving the Seco Norteño: Start by placing a serving of rice on one side of the plate. Next, add a layer of the prepared beans beside the rice. Finally spoon the finished Seco Norteño (beef short rib stew) over the beans.

We recommend serving with a generous portion of ensalada criolla (Peruvian creole salad) on the side, as well as some crispy yuca frita (fried cassava) for the perfect touch.

Makes 6 Servings!

Recipe Courtesy of:
El Inka
1940 Appleby Line, Burlington
(905) 631-9897
elinka.ca

Seco Norteno: North Peruvian Stew

After working in both high fashion and fast fashion in Europe, South-Asia, and Canada, Sheyda Sayahi witnessed the environmental, business, and human costs plus the sheer waste of the industry and determined to do something different. She set her sight on wedding dresses, often the most expensive piece a woman buys, yet wears only once.

Sayahi announces the grand opening of Encore Bridal Studio with a Fashion Show on March 29. The elegant studio located at 62 King St E, Hamilton in the historic King John Building, has the feeling of a trip to Paris or a visit to a couturier and boasts a wide range of bridal dresses from designers as Pnina Tornai, Eva Lendel, Rita Vinieris, Vera Wang, Justin Alexander, Martina Liana, Enzoani, Lis Simon, Julian Eve, Sophia Tolli, Hayley Paige, Martin Thornburg and many more.

Costly to the planet, bridal gowns use resource-intensive materials and chemicals to make the fabrics white or cream. Sayahiexplains, “We are seeing a surge of bridal brands turning into mass producers and adopting ‘fast fashion’ methodologies to meet market demands. This means cutting costs – using cheaper labour and fabrics – and turning to synthetic materials which do not biodegrade like silks or other natural fibres – making wedding dresses potentially the most planet unfriendly item you ever own.”

Encore Bridal Studio is here to decrease the environmental (and monetary) cost of weddings with one dress at a time! Sayahi says, “I want to help reduce our carbon footprint while helping brides find their dream dress on budget.”

Sayahi believes, “Buying pre-loved doesn’t mean missing out on an exceptional and personal experience every bride deserves when shopping for her special dress.” At Encore Bridal Studio, brides experience an elegant, intimate, and private setting where they get to try on specially hand-picked dresses for them while enjoying light refreshments in the company of loved ones.

  • Today’s fashionistas are accustomed to buying pre-loved and vintage at the low and very high end – with millions shopping on sites such as The Real Real,
    Poshmark and ThredUp.
  • According to ThredUp, the resale market will be worth $350 billion by 2027.
  • A major polluter, the fashion industry creates 10% of carbon emissions and fills landfills across the world.
  • Knowing the cost to the planet caused by fashion, 40% of Generation Z shops vintage.
  • The global bridal wear market represents over $65 Billion and is expected to grow to $80 Billion in 2029 according to Bridal Wear Global Market Report 2025.
  • The Canadian Wedding Industry is valued at $5 Billion annually.
  • Ontario alone held 70,000 weddings in 2022 with an increase expected in 2025 and 2026.

Support sustainable fashion and local businesses and join Encore Bridal Studio’s Grand Opening & Fashion Show on Saturday March 29 at 7pm and be the first to view their stunning collection of pre-loved dresses at an extravagant evening that has come together through collaboration and sponsorship from local vendors and businesses as Dallas and Co. Events Agency, Special Event Rentals, Euphoria 158, Soma Bridal Boutique, Asteria Fine Wine & Imports, Starnotch Costumes, Metal to the Petal Florals, Blue Bird Blooms and many more. For the complete list of sponsors please visit Encore Bridal Studio’s Instagram page.

To book an appointment email at: admin@encorebridalstudio.com

Canadian winters have a way of making us want to curl up under a blanket, drink our body weight in hot chocolate, and hibernate until Victoria Day. But while the windchill gives us the chills, there’s no need to give up on staying active. Indoor sports are the perfect way to keep moving, have fun, and shake off the winter blahs.

Where should you go to get your game on? Here are a few local indoor sports options to keep your energy up until tank top season.

Soccer

Many recreation centres and soccer domes offer leagues for all ages and skill levels, from casual pick-up games to competitive matches. The turf is forgiving, the pace is fast, and you won’t need to dig ice chunks out of your cleats. Or why not try futsal? It’s very much like soccer but uses a smaller, low bounce ball on a hard-court surface, smaller than a soccer pitch. This fast-paced game will get your blood pumping.

oakvillesoccer.ca
oakvillefutsalclub.com

Rock Climbing

Indoor climbing gyms offer a controlled environment where you can challenge yourself on different routes, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber. Bouldering is great if you want a shorter climb without the hassle of ropes, while top-rope climbing lets you reach new heights with a little extra security. Either way, it’s a killer workout without the frostbitten fingers.

climbersrock.com

Pickleball

If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, it’s time to see what the hype is about. This fast-paced, super-addictive game is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played with paddles and a wiffle ball. The new indoor pickleball and paddle club that opened last fall in Burlington caught our attention. Blue Zone Courts co-owner Joyce Telmo-Kanti says, “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and we’re seeing players of all ages coming to our club to learn and play.

“Padel is the newest ‘cool’ sport — massive in Europe, Latin America, and Dubai, and now taking off in Canada. Big names like Lionel Messi, Rafa Nadal, and David Beckham are hooked! It’s played on a glass-enclosed court, smaller than tennis, with fast rallies and exciting game play. If tennis and squash had a baby, it would be padel. It’s easy to learn and perfect for anyone looking for a dynamic and addictive racquet sport.”

bluezonecourts.com

Golf


If you’re itching to hit the links but your local course is buried under two feet of snow, indoor golf is the next best thing. High-tech simulators let you play virtual versions of world-famous courses without worrying about wind gusts or frosty greens. Facilities with putting greens and driving ranges help you refine your short game. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your swing sharp, practice putting, and avoid spring-season rust when the outdoor courses finally open.

simulinks.ca | dundasgolf.ca | tripleeaglegolf.com | birdiesindoorgolf.ca

Tennis and Badminton

Indoor courts allow you to keep your game sharp year-round and even build new skills. Whether you’re into casual rallies or intense matches, playing indoors means no wind messing up your serve and no puddles turning the baseline into a slip-and-slide.

joshuacreektennis.ca | ymcaofoakville.org

Drop-In Basketball

Many community centres host drop-in basketball sessions where you can show off your skills or just shoot around for fun. Whether you’re looking for a casual pick- up game or just a way to burn off some energy, indoor courts offer a great escape from winter’s grip, no mittens required.

kingscourts.ca/oakville

Staying active during winter isn’t just about avoiding couch potato status — it’s about keeping your body and mind engaged. Exercise boosts endorphins, helps fight off seasonal blues, and lets you socialize while doing something fun. Plus, when spring finally arrives, you’ll be ready to jump back into outdoor activities without needing a warm-up period.

So, pick an activity, grab a friend, and go play!

By Lisa Thornbury

Throughout Oakville, Burlington & the Hamilton area, there are a number of hidden gems that serve up everything from rich espressos to creative lattes! Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing spot to unwind or a bustling café to work from, your local area’s have something for everyone!

AU79 Coffee

Whether you come in for a coffee, to catch up with a friend or the baked goods – everyone’s invited to sit back and enjoy the buzz of the jazz music and welcoming atmosphere. Combining great coffee with good vibes, AU79 is a local Bronte favourite!

au79coffee.ca | 2464 Lakeshore Rd W #4, Oakville/Bronte

Detour Cafe

Featuring fresh roasts and a wide variety of food items, Detour Cafe in both Downtown Dundas & Hamilton is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Also featuring a lovely patio for the warmer months & delicious homemade sourdough bread & pastries from Dear Grain Bakery for dining-in and take-out!

detourcoffee.com | 41 King St W, Dundas

Lola Choco Bar & Sweethouse

Lola’s is a charming dessert & coffee bar located in Village Square, Burlington. Featuring their exclusive one-of-a-kind drinking chocolate, a wide variety of coffees, tea’s & tasty treats, Lola’s is a hidden gem with a European flare just waiting for you to try!

instagram.com/lolachocobar | 23 Elizabeth St Unit 13, Burlington

The Pearle Cafe

Located inside the Pearle Hotel & Spa sitting on Burlington’s beautiful waterfront, the Pearle Cafe is a local & tourists favourite! Perfect for grabbing a light lunch or meeting friends for an afternoon pick-me-up!

thepearlehotel.ca | 3 Elizabeth St, Burlington

Peach Coffee Co

With locations in Bronte, Burlington & the Hamilton area, Peach Coffee Co has cozy vibes like no other! Offering a welcoming space to reconnect with friends, delicious freshly roasted coffee, baked goods and uplifting messages on their lids, Peach Coffee is a cherished local favourite!

peachcoffeeco.com | 297 Dundas Street East, Waterdown

Tribeca Coffee

Founded in 2016, Tribeca Coffee serves nothing but the best high quality beans paired with a hip New York vibe. With two locations in Downtown Oakville & Burlington, get ready to cheers to great coffee and quality time!

www.tribecacoffeeco.ca | 174 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Vereda Central Coffee Roasters

Vereda Central is a trade café & coffee roasting company committed to brewing the freshest #croptocup coffee! They source their beans directly from a network of famers in Colombia with no middleman involved! Roasted in house, the Vereda way, come out and try their delicious roasts or a bag of their speciality beans at any of their 5 locations!

www.veredacentral.ca | 310 Kerr St, Oakville

These are simply just a few of the incredible local coffee shops you can try this season! So beat the winter blues, grab a friend and reconnect with your local community!

By Trinity Paton

This March, Visit Oakville invites visitors to experience winter fun and the charm  of the town. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly  activities, Oakville has something for everyone. From a classic maple syrup festival to engaging  downtown activations and Oakville’s favourite culinary event, Oakville is the perfect destination  for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway.

“Oakville truly shines during March and the school break, offering a variety of unique  experiences for visitors and families,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville.  “Whether you’re coming for the sweet maple treats, downtown’s boutique shopping, delicious  dining, and exciting family events or great kid’s programs, Oakville welcomes you!”

Here are Oakville’s top must-see and do experiences for March:

• Taste of Oakville – On until March 10 – Indulge in delicious prix fixe menus from over  50 amazing restaurants from across Oakville starting at just $20 for lunch and $30 for  dinner!

• Bronte Ice Notes – March 1, 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Get ready to dance-off your winter blues at the first-ever Bronte Lake Notes, a free outdoor concert featuring local favourite Fiddlestix at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park. Don’t forget to dress warm and bring your  best moves!

• Maple Syrup Festival – March 1 & 2, 8-16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30 – Experience one of  Ontario’s sweetest traditions at Bronte Creek Provincial Park’s Maple Syrup Festival.  Running during March Break and every weekend in March, this beloved annual event  offers a fun and educational look at how maple syrup is made. Families can explore the  park’s historic Spruce Lane Farmhouse, enjoy wagon rides and of course taste delicious  pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup.

• Downtown Oakville’s GLODTO/e/Motion – March 1-24 – For most of March,  downtown Oakville will be transformed by the vibrant and interactive GLODTO/e/Motion  installation in Towne Square. This dazzling display invites visitors to immerse  themselves in a unique art experience combining light, movement, and community spirit. Sea-saw your way through this one-of-a-kind experience! Tip – Spend the afternoon  shopping, strolling the lakefront and stop for lunch or dinner at any of the amazing  downtown restaurants.

• Oakville Museum’s March Break Craft and Tour – March 11-13 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00  p.m. – Step back in time with the Oakville Museum’s special March Break craft workshop  and enjoy a guided tour offering a glimpse into Oakville’s rich history. (Ages 4-12 plus  adults).

• St. Patrick’s Day – On March 17, raise a glass and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of Oakville’s many lively venues such as The Firehall, The King’s Arms, The Queen’s  Head, Harper’s Landing or The Oakville Pump & Patio where you’ll find festive drinks,  and an unforgettable atmosphere!

• Experience the Outdoors with a Nature Walk – Get the kids outside and active with a  walk at an Oakville park, trail or garden. Whether you bring the family for a scenic  lakeside walk, explore local history at one of Oakville’s heritage trails or simply peruse  one of our picturesque gardens, you’re sure to fall in love with Oakville’s outdoor  offerings. The trails are also great to cross-country ski or snowshoe as well. 

Additional March Family Fun:

• iFly Oakville: The whole family can explore their adventurous side with indoor skydiving
at iFly!
• Slime workshop with Duran Place for Kids: On March 11, join in with Duran Place for
Kids and enjoy step by step instruction and all the materials provided to make your own
take home bag of fluffy slime.
• Dave & Buster’s Oakville: Play arcade games and enjoy classic bites.
• Lollipop Art Lounge: Spend the day crafting and creating.
• Aerosports Oakville: Bounce your way through trampoline fun.
• Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts: There are two shows of Jim Henson’s
Fraggle Rock. (Running March 12 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.)
• Playlicious: Super fun indoor playground with climbing walls to slides, ball pits, and
obstacle courses.
• Crack Pot Studio: Paint some pottery or try your hand at the pottery wheel. Various
classes/times and drop-in sessions.
• The Ranch: Take a trail ride in Oakville and find out why the view from the saddle is the
best view in the world!

Looking for a place to stay in Oakville? With so many great hotel options to choose from, finding  the perfect place to stay is easy. Explore our accommodations and book your stay today to  experience the best of Oakville during March!

About Visit Oakville: 

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is  led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive  economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and  advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry.

For more information, please contact: 

Christa Poole 
Visit Oakville 
christa.poole@visitoakville.com

Oakville based fashion designer Sarah Haunts of the label HAUNTS Fashion will be showing her 10th and latest collection of women’s evening wear on May 9th in Hamilton. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to MS Canada, a cause dear to the designer’s heart.

The fashion show is taking place at The Spice Factory, a historic building in Hamilton, ON. Built in 1889 and recently restored, the venue is the perfect backdrop for an evening of glamour. Guests’ tickets include a complimentary glass of bubbly upon arriving, and a red-carpet photo opportunity before the show begins. After the runway show has concluded, cash bar will be available to continue the festivities.

The evening is dedicated to Judy, a close family friend of the designer, who passed away due to complications from MS.

Sarah Haunts is looking forward to showcasing her latest collection of handmade couture pieces. “With this being the 10th collection, we wanted to really celebrate this milestone and bring the community together for an evening of fashion and fun. My clothing is inspired by an intense joy found in life and in my craft, and I really see that optimism translating to the designs.” Think bold colours and prints inspiring playful and sophisticated pieces of clothing, for women who are not afraid of dressing up and standing out.

The designer has previously showcased at Fashion Art Toronto and Supercrawl in Hamilton. April’s show will be her first self-produced event. In 2019, Haunts won the Canada-wide Cashmere Collection design competition, where she created an evening gown out of bathroom tissue, in support of breast cancer research.

Tickets will go on sale on March 10th.

Purchase early to take advantage of early bird pricing. You can follow HAUNTS Fashion on Instagram @haunts_fashion and visit hauntsfashion.com to view the designer’s work and sign up for the mailing list to stay abreast of event updates. Sarah Haunts can be reach by email at info@hauntsfashion.com

OAKVILLE – Visit Oakville is thrilled to announce the return of Taste of Oakville from February  17 to March 10, 2025. This highly anticipated culinary event will feature over fifty incredible  restaurants from across Oakville, offering prix fixe menus priced from $20-35 for lunch and $30- 75 for dinner. 

New to this year’s edition is Hexagon Restaurant, fresh off earning a prestigious MICHELIN Star  – one of only 15 stars in Ontario. Hexagon’s Chef Rafael Covarrubias, who recently received  the MICHELIN Guide Toronto 2024 Young Chef Award, will showcase his extraordinary talents  during Taste of Oakville for one night a week. For a limited time, Hexagon will open its doors on  Tuesday nights only from 5:00 p.m. offering a special Taste of Oakville dinner menu priced at  $100. Reservations for this unique dining experience can be made starting January 20 here.

“Taste of Oakville continues to grow and shine a spotlight on the amazing culinary scene here in  town,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville, the organization behind Taste.  “We’re excited to welcome new restaurants, including Hexagon, as well as our returning  favourites and invite everyone to explore the diverse and exceptional flavours Oakville has to  offer.” 

In addition to Hexagon, exciting new restaurants joining Taste of Oakville this year include:  Baton Rouge Oakville, Blk Swan Kitchen Hub, Bo.Vine Burgers & Bar, Burger Theory, Color Eat,  D Spot Dessert Café, The Gingerman Social Eatery, Grande Burrito, Hoseki Sushi, Lokma,  Marine Tavern, Milestones, Mrakovic Fine Foods, Pizza Pizza, 7 Enoteca, Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine, Sweet! Bakery, Verace Italian Restaurant, Vereda Central, and XII Old Fashioned  Restaurant.

Additional returning restaurants include: Beacon, Borgo Antico Cucina Bar, Buca Di Bacco, The  Boot Social Pizzeria, Ce Soir Brasserie + Bar, Chocolato and Tommy Café, Colossus Greek  Taverna, Community, Coriander Green, The Crepe Kitchen, Easy on Fourth, El Spero Family Restaurant, French Lunch, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, Harper’s Landing, Irie Cuisine, J.A.C.’s  Bistro, The King’s Arms, Laylak, Mary’s Muffins, Maverick’s Donut Company, Mercato Sociale,  The Mermaid and the Oyster, Nyla’s Room, Oakville Fish and Chips, Odd Burger, Paradiso, Piano Piano, Puckz Pub, Ritorno, Second Cup, Simple Kitchen, STACK BBQ Smokehouse, Sugar Suite, The Sweetest Thing Bakery, and Zara’s On Wheels.

Tunesdays: 

For the third consecutive year, Taste of Oakville will feature live music by talented local  entertainers on Tuesday evenings. This year, nine restaurants including Buca Di Bacco, Burger  Theory, Community Resto, Coriander Green, Harpers Landing, Laylak Oakville, Paradiso, Ritorno, and STACK BBQ Smokehouse – will host live performances during the event on  February 18, 25 and March 4 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Visit here for more details. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a weekend getaway or a visit from out of town, Taste of Oakville is the perfect reason to explore the town and its vibrant food scene. To find  great accommodation options during your stay visit here. 

Watch the Taste of Oakville website throughout January to view each restaurant’s exclusive menus. 

If you are a restaurant owner interested in participating in Taste, please email  tasteofoakville@visitoakville.com.  

For more details on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website:  www.visitoakville.com/events.

About Visit Oakville: 

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is  led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive  economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and  advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry. 

For more information, please contact: 

Christa Poole 
Visit Oakville
christa.poole@visitoakville.com

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a bowl of soup to keep you cozy. This cream of mushroom soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for cold winter days. It’s easy to make with fresh mushrooms, a splash of cream, and simple pantry staples. There is potato instead of wheat flour in this recipe, so it’s even more delicious, healthy, and gluten-free. This recipe will give you 4-5 portions of the soup.

Ingredients

FOR THE MUSHROOM BROTH

• 100-150 g of any dry mushroom mix
• 500ml water

FOR THE SOUP

• 200 g fresh mushrooms
of your choice, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• Butter for frying

• Mushroom broth (see above)
• 50 ml white wine (optional)
• 400ml milk or 10% cream
• Salt, pepper to taste

Method

1. Start by making the mushroom broth. Toss your dried mushrooms and water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, then take it off the heat and let it sit for 30 minutes to deepen the flavour.

2. Grab a pot that’s at least 2 litres. Set it on the stovetop, add the butter, and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the onions and
fry them for a couple of minutes until they’re soft. Add the mushrooms and fry for another 5 minutes.

3. Next, pour in the mushroom broth, add the wine, and throw in the potatoes. Bring the whole thing to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft enough to poke with a fork without resistance.

4. Take the pot off the stove and use an immersion blender. Blend everything right in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy.

5. Put the pot back on the stove, add your milk or cream, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, or whatever herbs and spices make you happy.

6. Serve it piping hot with croutons or a slice of fresh baguette — and maybe a second glass of that wine. Bon appétit!

RECIPE COURTESY OF

French Lunch
349 Kerr street, Oakville
frenchlunch.ca

Cream of Mushroom Soup