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Urbnspice

Joined: June 29, 2012
Lives in: Parksville
Hometown: A wee village called Maidstone, ON
  Culinary ProCulinary Pro
Cook-Ability:
Expert tags: Professional chef, Recipe development

About Me

 I am a Red Seal Chef, and Pastry Chef, which I specialize in. I am an author of several cookbooks (www.urbnspice.com). I love being a chef and sharing my passion through writing, teaching, blogging: www.urbnspice.com; food writing, teaching classes, and developing recipes. Lately, my recipe writing and development are focused on gluten free and grain free cooking, baking and teaching. My French Canadian background has certainly had an impact on my interest in food, starting with helping my Dad in his large gardens and my Mom in the kitchen from a very young age. I have an inquisitive mind of a pastry chef, always pondering the "hows, whys and why nots' of the culinary world. That is why doing what I do is so enjoyable - I can share what I study, learn and teach. Being a chef is the best ride I have ever been on in my life - join me on this journey!

Culinary Professional

Culinary Training: SAIT (SAIT Polytechnic): Professional Cooking Program; Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Associations: CCFCC North Vancouver Island Chefs Association
Twitter: https://twitter.com/urbnspice
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=132914772&trk=tab_pro
Website: http://www.urbnspice.com/

My Favourite

Cooking methods: Baking, BBQ and Grilling, Preserving, Raw Food, Roasting, Slow Cooking, Stir Fry
Cook / celebrity chef: Anna Olson
Meal to cook: Anything braised - comfort food at its best, and there is usually wine involved!.
Meal to eat: Duck Breast or my Mom's Tourtiére
Culinary brands:
Cookbook / Cooking tool: Cookbook: Baking to Baking; Gadget: the simple Spatula
Cooking / dinner music: Movie Soundtracks
Cuisines: Canadian, French

My Dream

Kitchen item: Sub-Zero Fridge and a kitchen large enough for a six burner gas stove (I know!)
Vacation spot: France (anywhere in France, but I particularly adore Paris)
Dinner guest(s): Well, first and foremost, my husband; then Prime Minister Harper; Anna and Michael Olson; my Chef from the CGCC; Ina Gartner and Jamie Oliver (can you imagine how much fun we could have at that table?)
  • Main Category: Desserts
    Difficulty: Easy
    Chocolate Walnut Financiers (Gluten Free)

    Chocolate Walnut Financiers (Gluten Free)

    Created on Jun 29, 2012 by Urbnspice
    This is my version of a classic French tea cake, the Financier. It is a winner. According to history, this tiny Parisian cake became popular in the financial district of Paris. In order to impress the high rolling bankers, the restaurants made the cakes in the shape of tiny gold bars. Traditionally, financier cakes are made using almond meal (ground almonds), but other nuts can be substituted. The flour is replaced by cocoa in this gluten-free version to create beautiful, dark, and delicious cakes.
  • Main Category: Breakfast & Brunch
    Difficulty: Easy
    T-Bear’s Three Bear’s Porridge:

    T-Bear’s Three Bear’s Porridge:

    Created on Jun 29, 2012 by Urbnspice
    Everyone knows the story about Goldilocks and the Three Bears. When my daughters were growing up, it was one of their favourite stories. One of their most requested breakfast choices was what I aptly named, “The Three Bear’s Porridge”. Whenever I made it for the little ones, I could be assured that it would be eaten eagerly and happily. Fast forward to today, we now have another little golden locks in our family who is not so easily persuaded to eat her breakfast. I decided to dig up my old recipe for “Three Bear’s Porridge” and modernize it a bit to include quinoa for that extra little hit of protein. I am happy to say our little “T-Bear” was quite enamored with this special breakfast surprise and exclaimed that it was “just right!” Try making this recipe for your little bear cubs
  • Main Category: Main Dish
    Difficulty: Easy
    Panko Parmesan Chicken Breasts

    Panko Parmesan Chicken Breasts

    Created on Jul 17, 2012 by Urbnspice
    This is a lovely quick dinner item. Since panko is a featured ingredient, I thought I would pass along this recipe for everyone to try. It is one of our go-to recipes which you can make in a non-stick pan or baking sheet lined with parchment. Do give it a try. We serve it sliced on top of a bed of baby greens for a healthy dinner.
  • Main Category: Breakfast & Brunch
    Difficulty: Easy
    Yogurt Pancakes

    Yogurt Pancakes

    Created on Jul 17, 2012 by Urbnspice
    CHEF TALK: No other pancake will do in the Urbnspice household. This recipe was adapted many years ago from a Canadian Living recipe. These are very easy to make. They are light, very fluffy, and so delicious! If you can find real maple syrup to drizzle over them, it’s the best!!
  • Main Category: Main Dish
    Difficulty: Easy
    PLAYFUL PURPLE GNOCCHI

    PLAYFUL PURPLE GNOCCHI

    Created on Jul 18, 2012 by Urbnspice
    CHEF TALK: I encourage you to try this delicious (and pretty!) gnocchi recipe. It is a simple process of adding a balance of flour, cheese, egg, and seasonings to the mashed potato to make the gnocchi dough.
  • Main Category: Sauces, Marinades & Rubs
    Difficulty: Easy
    ROASTED TOMATO COMPOTE

    ROASTED TOMATO COMPOTE

    Created on Aug 5, 2012 by Urbnspice
    If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, make a point of trying this. You may find yourself making an unexpected trip to the market or grocer to buy tomatoes just for the pure purpose of making this compote. To be honest, ketchup has considerably lost status in our household since we started making this condiment. Enjoy!
  • Main Category: Salad
    Difficulty: Easy
    Composed Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Composed Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Created on Aug 5, 2012 by Urbnspice
    Too pretty for words, a basket of heirloom tomatoes caught my eye at the local farmer's market - they followed me home. Served simply with a white balsamic vinaigrette, freshly ground pepper and sea salt.
  • Main Category: Main Dish
    Difficulty: Easy
    Spicy Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Honey Glaze

    Spicy Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Honey Glaze

    Created on Oct 29, 2012 by Urbnspice
    CHEF TALK: This chicken dish starts with an easy spice rub and is finished beautifully with a glaze. It is delightful, particularly because the glaze features the exquisite flavour from Crescendo Star Apple. The chicken thighs are perfect in this flavourful dish, however, you can also try it with pork ribs.
  • Main Category: Soup, Stew & Chili
    Difficulty: Easy
    Pork and Lentil Soup

    Pork and Lentil Soup

    Created on Oct 29, 2012 by Urbnspice
    CHEF TALK: I was inspired to make this soup because I wanted to incorporate some leftover pork roast into my creation. The results were exactly what I had hoped for – a bowl full of flavour and comforting at the same time. Do try this recipe – I know that you will love it, too. This soup is quickly made and it also freezes well.
  • Main Category: Desserts
    Difficulty: Easy
    Baked Dark Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Wrappers

    Baked Dark Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Wrappers

    Created on Feb 13, 2013 by Urbnspice
    This is a version of molten chocolate cake, but so much easier! Use spring roll wrappers to make this decadent dessert. Equipment: muffin tins
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