Lemon, Blueberry & Coconut Cupcakes

The breath of spring's arrival brushes my skin in the afternoon these days, reminding me of her impending visit. The signs are there, albeit hidden most days. The lighter evenings and longer days remind me of a story I've read a few times before. Although the usual tell tale signs are hibernating, it's obvious to me that she stands among us. And it's a beautiful sight.

I see people smiling longer than usual. Smiling at all. The grass is stretching in my backyard and fighting for the rays of sun that touch down for hours upon hours. I'm noticing neighbours who have all but disappeared for four to five months leaving their houses and walking their dogs. Cute little dogs. And I feel that breath. Warm breath.
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Lime Cheesecake Tartlets

The temperature outside has been flirting with us for days now. This winter has been particularly long and rough and my wife and I are are clinging to memories and pictures from last spring to remind us of the potential in store. Fresh flowers, herb gardens and picnics in the backyard with seasonal finds that have hibernated since the end of last spring. Like us.

The snow outside melts just long enough to give us a glimpse of the green grass beneath it when another wave hits down and smothers all hope of an early spring. One storm after another that does more than paint the yard white, it muffles our energy and affects our spirit. Temporarily.
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Dark Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter and chocolate. I'm beginning to salivate just hearing those words. What a great combination of flavours. No, not great. Amazing. I know this to be true because a simple Internet search produces countless recipes and variations using both of these ingredients together. That's how they roll. Together. It's classic, really. Peanut butter and chocolate. Anything.

I'm throwing down an admission. Since I was a kid I've loved candy bars. I could debate the merits of one over another. I had a top 5 list even. Guess what? Reese's Peanut Butter Cups didn't make that cut. Not even close. The store-bought variety just didn't match up with the nuggets and caramel and gooey goodness.

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Holiday Party Bites: Smoked Salmon Spread and Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

During the holidays we're all pressed for time. Each day seems to be busier than the last and we're torn in a thousand directions. That applies to holiday parties, especially the ones we're hosting. With commitments extended deep, sometimes we're left with a brief window of opportunity prior to our guests arriving. That window is drawing tighter and tighter.


If it's one of the lucky nights we merely need to freshen up and head out for a night of holiday festivities and banter at a friend's house. And yes, they'll be plenty of moments just like this in the next couple of weeks. But what if you have a few people dropping in for a cocktail and snack and you only have an hour to spare?

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