Best and Worst Jarred Salsa
Some people like to dance salsa. Me, I like to eat salsa. I put it on Crispy Minis, in my scrambled eggs, and, of course, on tortilla chips. But I’ve never given much thought to different brands of salsa.
Read MoreSome people like to dance salsa. Me, I like to eat salsa. I put it on Crispy Minis, in my scrambled eggs, and, of course, on tortilla chips. But I’ve never given much thought to different brands of salsa.
Read MoreDo retro scratch n’ sniff stickers actually smell like they’re supposed to smell? I ordered 12 scents (be warned – smelly stickers aren’t selling at retro prices) and asked two friends from public school to join me for a smell test.
Read MoreFew things in life are as horrifying as items from your childhood now passing as “vintage.” Case in point: these Valentine’s Day cards I received in Grade 5. The cards look like they’re from another century! Which, when I think about it, they are.
Read MoreWhen it comes to soups, none are as reviled as cream of mushroom. It’s not comforting like chicken noodle, not sophisticated like squash, and not hearty like vegetable. Let’s face it – cream of mushroom soup is the colour of despair, and those little bits of grey mushrooms are reminiscent of rotten teeth.
Read MoreAfter a four-year hiatus, 2023 marked the return of my annual Caker Christmas party. It’s been a tradition – for better or worse – for about 25 years. I invite my Italian in-laws and friends to bring a mangiacake dish. Think Cool Whip, cream of mushroom soup and Jell-O. Here are the highlights from this year. Or lowlights, depending on your perspective.
Read MoreScotland has gifted the world with many treasures, including the Loch Ness Monster, stuffed sheep stomach, and the voice of Sheena Easton. Scotland has also given the world shortbread.
Read MoreThroughout November, I visit as many holiday bazaars as possible. They’re always an adventure and, more often than not, I meet at least one new friend named Jean. Here’s a round-up of my best bazaar finds from 2023.
Read MoreApple head dolls don’t get the recognition they deserve. Each one is unique, they’re cheap to make, and no craft better represents the ravages of time. They’re just like people. Before you know it, the moisture has been sucked out of their faces and they turn into shriveled, toothless, leathery balls.
Read MoreAs a kid, I don’t know what terrified me more at Halloween time: Getting too close to an open flame in my polyester costume, crossing the street at night while wearing a plastic mask with two tiny slits for eyeholes, or peering into strangers’ houses and seeing their unfortunate home decor choices.
Read MoreEvery year, people make a big deal about all the freaky food available at the Canadian National Exhibition. Fruit Loops-crusted hot dogs. Tater Tots with whipped cream. Chocolate-dipped pickles rolled in feta, then covered with caramel sauce and sauerkraut. The list goes on.
Read MoreOf all the traditional holiday foods, few are hated more than fruitcake. But what did fruitcake ever do to warrant such animosity? I mean, it’s still cake, after all. Personally, I believe fruitcake deserves more respect. Fruitcake is a fighter. When the world ends, cockroaches and fruitcake will be the two things left standing.
Read MoreWell, it wasn’t quite the bazaar bonanza I was hoping for this week. I’ve had some problems finding bazaar listings online. Someone needs to start a website devoted to bazaar listings. And that someone is me. I’ll make my millions yet
Read MoreThis weekend, I drove three hours to a bazaar. But I had good reason. My hometown church was having its annual bazaar.
Read MoreIt’s been a long two years, but I’m happy to say that bazaars are back, baby! I can’t tell you the joy I felt the other day, stepping into my first church basement since COVID, and smelling that percolated coffee.
Read MoreIt’s not autumn until you’re unwedging your front teeth from a candy apple, dodging drunk wasps, and wearing your new parka when it’s 28 degrees outside. It’s also not autumn until you’re enjoying a glass of apple cider and poking your eye with a cinnamon stick every time you take a sip.
Read MoreSummer is many things for me: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil, thongs, roller skates, and boardwalks. (In that order.). But summer is also about food. And nothing says summer to me like a good helping of macaroni salad on a soggy paper plate.
Read MoreColouring Easter eggs as a kid was always stressful. You ran the risk of your eggs cracking while they boiled. Then you had to mix the PAAS food colouring tabs in separate bowls. Then you had to deal with your mom hovering over your shoulder, saying, “If you stain my counter, so help me God…”
Read MoreBeing married to an Italian means I’ve been exposed to different Italian holiday traditions over the years. Like eating fish on Christmas Eve, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Day for good luck and, unfortunately, Limoncello.
Read MoreRecently, I came across a copy of Woman’s Day “Best Ideas for Christmas” magazine, published in 1976. It featured recipes like Avocado Ring with Crab-Meat Dressing, as well as an assortment of holiday craft ideas (never underestimate the versatility of a paper towel roll).
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