Author: cookingwithshy

Discover Flavors Of Syria: Zezafoun Toronto

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“We wanted to share mamas delicious Syrian culture with the people in Toronto and beyond.. says Marcelle Alexis, Co-founder Zezafoun Eid celebrations often bring back memories of our time in Dubai and the joy of celebrating with friends and indulging in the various Iftar buffets that most hotels and restaurants plan around this time of the year. I also fondly remember the foodie walks in Mumbai with my sister, that are a delightful culinary journey into the by-lanes of the city which are abuzz with food vendors and street stalls that are a delightful experience to the senses and a symphony of flavors, aromas and textures that elevate the dining experience. Whilst here in Toronto, a bunch of ladies decided to embark on a culinary journey at Zezafoun last evening. This hidden gem serves some very authentic Syrian cuisine crafted with love and warmth making our meal a memorable culinary experience  Walking into this restaurant is like stepping into the comforts of Syrian warmth and hospitality.This place is run by Chef Yola and her daughter Marcelle.The …

Harvesting Happiness: Microgreens & Culinary Inspiration

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Microgreens are young, edible greens harvested at a seedling stage stage of growth, typically before the onset of the first true leaves. These tiny greens are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a favorite addition to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. I had been contemplating growing microgreens for awhile now, as they often come in handy for plating and garnishes. The best part of growing microgreens is that you may use some of your pantry staples such as mustard, fenugreek, coriander or sunflowers seeds. I like to grow them in some organic potting soil that I use growing my herbs. However you may try growing them hydroponically too. Here are some handy tips in growing Microgreens: Microgreens can be a wonderful and visually appealing garnish to may dishes, adding a burst of flavour and tons of nutrition too. These tiny shoots are a powerhouse of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Mustard microgreens at Day 4 of sowing the seeds. Mustard microgreens at day 11 Use Microgreens In: I have rounded up a series of some of …

Vietnamese Chicken Pho

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Pho is a popular street food and perhaps the simplest of soups and an utterly flavorful dish served commonly in all households in Vietnam. Vietnamese Chicken Pho ( to be pronounced as Fuh), essentially called Pho Ga translates into rice noodles with chicken in a fragrant and delicious broth. Pho literally means Rice noodles and Ga is for chicken. This aromatic noodle soup originated in Hanoi and is a milder form of the traditional beef Pho. Quite easily the epitome of Vietnamese cuisine and named the national dish of the country, this aromatic soup originated in Hanoi and is a milder form of the traditional beef Pho. Traditionally Pho Bo, is where the broth is made with beef with an addition of bean sprouts, rice noodles, mixed herbs and lemon juice. The broth is prepared separately and includes whole spices such as star anise, fennel and ginger as flavourings. This makes up for a hearty and healthy one bowl meal that is bursting with flavours. I recently sampled a delectable Pho, here in Toronto at …

Indulge In Love: Ricotta & Raspberry Parfait

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Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and I was looking for a quick and delicious dessert to put together for the family. And with a V day dinner planned a day before the actual day, I decided to indulge in a easy dessert that celebrates love and sweetness in the best possible way. I had some leftovers of a lemon pound cake and repurposing this along with some creamy whipped ricotta cheese, tangy and vibrant raspberries and some peanut brittle seemed to hit the perfect balance of flavours and texture. Tips For Whipping Ricotta Cheese: Whipping ricotta cheese for desserts can elevate its texture and create a lighter, creamier consistency that is perfect for a variety of sweet treats. Here are some tips I like to follow to achieve the best results when whipping ricotta cheese for desserts: Do follow these simple and effective tips and your whipped ricotta could turn out every bit creamy and delicious! Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, friends, or family, a dessert can add a touch of magic to your …

Peach Picking: Summer’s Delightful Fruits & A Recipe Or Two

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Summer’s are just about the perfect time to head out to the Niagara region. While wine sipping and patio hopping are pretty much amongst fun activities to do, one of my favorite ways to spend time around this region is fruit picking. Fruit picking and vegetable farms are open through the summer across Ontario and are a great source of locally grown produce. We were out and about last weekend and whilst it was a scorching hot day here in Toronto, we arrived fairly early in the morning at The Parkway Orchards located in the Niagara region. As luck would have it, we did manage to pick some wonderful peaches that morning. They are located on 15000 Niagara Parkway on the way to Niagara on The Lake. Ideally it would be best to call them a day in advance to check on timings and availability of fruit for picking. The farm charges a small entry fee of $4 per head and a minimum $6 deposit per basket which is deducted from the fruit purchase. I …