Grey Cup at Casa Di Mama

I won an invite to go to a special party to watch the Grey Cup from Do the Daniel's instagram contest, but since I am not a football fan and don't know anything about football I asked my friend who is into sports to go in my place.  He is always looking for cool places to watch sporting events and free pizza was a bonus for sure. Thanks to Daniel I was able to send my friend Brian Moran to the special Casa di Mama house to watch the game with a few other chosen people.  Brian said he really enjoyed watching it there and he has taken a few pics and written a few words about his experience. 

Mama and Brian

Grey Cup - by Brian Moran

You can’t predict the result however, you also know it will be competitive game. And that’s exactly what happened while we watched the game and celebrated at Casa di mama and her famous Dr. Oetker pizza in Toronto.

We entered the Casa and were warmly greeted by Mama. She reminded me of a neighbour’s Nonna. She was so sweet.

The game began with Alessia Cara who seriously rocked out during the pre-game show. Great voice and style – she is awesome.

Then we checked out all the tats Dr. Oetker pizzas while waiting for the game to start. My favourite was the hot & spicy Infernal version. Let’s just say I like it spicy!

During half-time we were  treated to  the cool vibes of Brass Tracks in their basement. Think New Orleans horns meeting some very cool hip-hop beats. Perfect mash-up – the sound was vibrant and energetic.

We then settled down to watch the game and in the last few minutes the Calgary Stampeders tied it at 33-33.  Talk about exciting!

In the OT, the Ottawa Redblacks sealed the deal with a 39-33 win ! Incredibly exciting right down to the overtime!

Thanks to Dr. Oetker and Casa di Mama for inviting me to their Grey Cup bash! Great pizza, awesome people to watch with and a beautiful casa to take it all in.

Dr. Oetker pizza: www.oetker.ca/ca-en/index.html

Brass Tracks: www.brasstacksmusic.com/

Grey Cup: twitter.com/search/grey+cup+2016

Rice Krispie Treats turn into Real Toys for Kids

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year…

Toy-shaped Rice Krispies Treats Transform Into Real Toys 

For Canadian Children in Need This Holiday Season

Snowman Igloo with Rice Krispie treats

When you think about Christmas time you think about all the snow, treats, presents and family and friends.  It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year so they say.

Sadly, however, the holidays don’t shine as bright for everyone. Many children across Canada will go to sleep on Christmas Eve knowing that there may be nothing waiting for them under the tree the next morning.

To ensure no child goes without this holiday season, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies* has once again partnered with The Salvation Army for the Rice Krispies Treats for Toys program. This annual tradition, now in its fourth year, has raised more than $100,000 and makes giving back easy by transforming delicious Rice Krispies treats into real toys for less fortunate kids.

With the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats for Toys program, holiday treat-making is a fun, delicious family activity and a tangible way to give back and create a new holiday tradition.”

I was asked to share this initiative by posting my Rice Krispie Treat Toy and posting to my social media channels and Kellogs will donate $20 for each photo posted.  I couldn't say no to this even though I have a bit of a gimp arm after falling in the subway... so excuse my messy version. I made the Snowman Igloo above with sprinkle trees.  I was also fighting the short daylight hours and a pre-made icing so this isn't perfect but that's ok, it looks like a 5 year old did it so you can let your kids go crazy trying to decorate and fabricate Kellogg’s Rice Krispies* into their favourite toys and they get to eat the treats while giving back to another child that might not have the opportunity to enjoy the treats and toys. See below for more inspiration from Kellogg's.

So you want to join in on the fun right?  Well here is what you can do too.

Make. Share. Give 

All it takes is three easy steps for parents and kids to make a big difference in the lives of other Canadian children. Here’s how:

1.       Make:  Choose a favourite Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal variety, like the festive multi-coloured Limited Edition Holiday Rice Krispies cereal, Rice Krispies Brown Rice Gluten-Free cereal, or even Rice Krispies with Vanilla Flavour for a bit of sweetness. Then, using the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies treats original recipe as the base to get started, create a toy-shaped treat using the recipes available on treatsfortoys.ca or get creative and design something new!

2.       Share: Take a picture of the treat and upload the photo to treatsfortoys.ca. Photos can also be shared on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram using #TreatsForToys.

3.       Give: For every photo received on the website or shared on social media before December 21, 2016,Kellogg’s Rice Krispies will donate $20^† to The Salvation Army to buy a real toy for a child.

For all the need to know information on the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats for Toys program, check out this fun 0:30 video: http://bit.ly/2esXjUQ.

                                                                                  

Need Inspiration? Follow Our Recipes or Let Your Imagination Run Wild!

With Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, there are endless DIY toy-shaped treat possibilities. And there’s no baking required. So grab some Rice Krispies cereal, decorative icing and colourful candies, and dive into creating a unique recipe or get inspired by these creations developed by beloved Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats for Toys Ambassadors:

	Christmas Morning Smilies Smiles, silly faces and giggles, oh my!  Check out how to DIY these smiley guys: http://bit.ly/2fC2nWK
	Good Tidings Teddy This cuddly toy is adorable and will warm the hearts of all who bring him to life! Bear in mind these how-to steps:http://bit.ly/2f0Hia8
	Little Toy Drum With every toy-shaped treat transforming into a $20 donation to The Salvation Army to buy a toy for a child in need – this festive drum can’t be beat! See how to go from drum to yum: http://bit.ly/2eBE7qP

ABOUT KELLOGG CANADA INC.

Kellogg Canada is the leading producer of ready-to-eat cereal in Canada. Every day, our beloved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These include All-Bran*, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes*, Corn Pops*, Eggo*, Froot Loops*, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes*, Kashi*, Kellogg's* Two Scoops* Raisin Bran, Mini-Wheats*, Nutri-Grain*, Pop-Tarts*, Pringles*, Rice Krispies*, Special K* and Vector*. Through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ global hunger initiative, we’ve provided more than 1.4 billion servings of cereal and snacks to children and families in need around the world. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world, visit www.kelloggcompany.com. To learn more about Kellogg Canada’s efforts in these areas, please visit www.kelloggs.ca.

* © 2016, Trademark of Kellogg Company used under licence by Kellogg Canada Inc.

Chef and the Dish at the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo

Event:  Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
Date:  Nov. 17-20, 2016
Location:  Metro Toronto Convention Centre - North Building
Tickets:  Start at $20 and $20 for 20 sample tickets
Website: www.foodandwineexpo.ca
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/gfwe
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gourmetfoodandwine

Unlike most people I am not a wine drinker, although I don't mind cooking with wine, I just haven't developed that love of wine drinking that most people have.  But I went to the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo which I think should be rebranded because it's mostly wine with about 20% food.
I got tickets from the people from Persimmons from Spain and was also invited to attend by my friend Mary Tang (Mary's Happy Belly) who was there with The Chef and the Dish a new online cooking class that allows you to skype with a Chef around the world for an online cooking class.

Mary was invited to cook along with Chef Yoshimi in Tokyo, Japan and she jumped at the chance to learn some new recipes and to cook on stage at the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo.  She was allowed to invite some of her food blogger friends to attend to support her and pretty much be her papparazzi.
It was great to hang out with everyone and watch Mary in her element.  Mary has been on a cooking competition show in the past and really enjoys it. Mary even had a couple of fans of her blog go up to meet her and take photos.  She was thrilled that they came out to meet her.

Mary made 2 dishes in about an hour.  One was a really flavourful edamame dish and the other was a more complex Tofu dish that uses specific Japanese ingredients that might take a little more effort to find.  I really loved the Edamame and could see me making that at home because it was pretty simple and very tasty.

Before Mary's cooking demo we wandered around the show trying to find something to eat and drink. We tried many of the samples and we both go some fantastic Tito's Vodka drink that was served in a Mason Jar Mug that you could keep and get refills.  It was the best deal for 4 tickets or $4.

One of the samples I really liked was a new Jerky by Lorissa's Kitchen.  Not too salty and really smooth flavour and texture.

I also liked Skinny Dip Cottage Cheese Spreads.  Very healthy dips with the same taste as the high fat equivalents.

The only other thing I got besides the samples was the Bubble Waffle sample, even though I actually had some at lunch the same day it was the only thing I wanted to use up the last 2 tickets I had.  I love Bubble Waffles (Hong Kong Waffles).  If you haven't tried them you will love them when you do.

I also sat in on Casa Manila's owner Mila doing a cooking demo of her newly launched to the public special cooking sauces.  I knew about her from a blogger event she hosted at her restaurant last year.  She prides herself into not using anything processed and created her sauces with natural ingredients.

I can't speak about the wines so I will let other bloggers tell you about the Wine and Beer and other foods available at the show.

One thing I must tell you is that during Mary's demo there was very loud music happening on the other end of the show.  There is live music and DJ's and a lot of the booths have music.

It's a bit of a younger crowd of adults and a bit of a club atmosphere.  It gets very busy on Saturday nights and the opening VIP night on thursday.  Dress light and wear comfortable shoes.  It gets hot in there and you will be standing around for a while.

This show is great for people that like to sample a lot of different wines in one place but bring lots of cash because you will burn through those sample tickets.

Enjoy and please take public transit... for the yours and others safety and it's crazy down there and parking is expensive.