Perfect for entertaining, these recipes evoke the rich culinary tradition of Spain
Food and Drink
How To Get Your Fat Loss Back on Track
4 Simple Steps to Kick Start Your Weight Loss Plan When it comes to weight loss, it can seem like there is always something getting in the way and throwing you off track: birthdays, holidays, vacation days, not to mention the challenge of your average weekend. Things like a lack of routine, insufficient water and […]
4 Tips For Better Joint Health
Improve joint pain and learn healthy age-management A joint is the connection between two bones. Joints and their surrounding structures allow you to bend your elbows and knees, wiggle your hips and your back and turn your head. Smooth tissue called cartilage and synovial fluid cushion the joints so bones do not rub together. However, […]
Ontario Vegetable Recipes: Fiddleheads, Radishes and Tomatoes
Brighten Up Your Table With Fresh Ontario Vegetables by Carole Nelson Brown These three vegetables just scream Ontario —but what do you do with them? Roast them, fry them and make pesto, that’s what! Crispy Fiddleheads with Ramp Pesto Serves about 4 people Ingredients: 2 scant cups fiddleheads, washed and dried 2 […]
Martha’s Vineyard: The Playground of the Rich & Famous
The playground of the rich & famous by Mary Luz Mejia. President Obama and his family vacation here, alongside the Clintons, actors Bill Murray and Meg Ryan, and scores of well-heeled authors, journalists, artists and dreamers. “The Vineyard” as the island of Martha’s Vineyard and neighbouring Chappaquiddick Island are called, offers picture-perfect sunny days, miles of […]
Summer Cocktails and Ontario’s Gin Craze!
Local craft distillers are making their mark with distinct spirits to be enjoyed year-round By Jeffery L. Peterson. Let’s talk about gin. Though many think of drinking gin in the summer months, there are many classic gin cocktails that can be enjoyed any time of year. Gin, a clear, distinctly flavoured spirit, has been loved […]
Belt Bags, Barely-There Sandals & Prints for Days
Fun is the name of the game this summer Canadian summer has arrived. After many months of colour starvation, stylish trendsetters will be strutting their stuff like birds of paradise—the brighter and louder the better! FASHIONABLE FEET Strappy mules and “barely-there” sandals take a step forward this season to lead the way. This dainty shoe […]
Summer Recipes to Try This Season
Vibrant flavours and thrilling spices come together in these three mouth-watering summer recipes from Carole Nelson Brown. These dishes play well together and also make the perfect accompaniment to summer favourites like grilled meats and salads. By Carole Nelson Brown Roasted Cauliflower with Turkish Chili Oil and Honey Serves 4-6 as a side dish Ingredients: […]
Stuff We Love For Your Home, Health & Happiness
Kiss Me This three-in-one plumping, moisturizing, and colour-boosting lip balm from Givenchy is encased in pretty pink leather and designed to give you the perfect pout this spring. Lips appear suppler, softer, and fuller upon application and their natural colour is subtly heightened. The genuine leather sheath makes it the perfect beauty accessory. Givenchy Le […]
Healthy Tips To a Plant-Based Approach & The Hormone Diet
Tips and modifications to make a plant-based diet work for you, by Dr. Natasha Turner. Have you ever heard someone describe their diet by saying they “don’t eat anything that has a face.” If not, I am sure you are familiar with “vegan” or “vegetarian” diets. The current trend is to refer to this style […]
Drool Worthy Gift Ideas for Dad this Father’s Day.
Gismos and gadgets Dad’s are here for this season Let’s face it…Dad’s can be hard to buy for! This year, I’ve looked high and low for some of the most unique and fun ideas that will delight Dad. Here are my top picks for this year’s Dad of the Year. Grilling Galore Now what Dad […]
You Are What You Eat: You Can’t Out Exercise a Bad Diet
Ever heard someone give himself or herself permission to indulge their sweet tooth just because they just had a great workout? It’s a common excuse. Many people believe that because they exercise, they’re in the black as far as their calorie input/output. But in reality, this sort of thinking is a sure road to failure. […]
Interior Inspiration is Everywhere: A conversation with L.A. designer Patrick Delanty
A conversation with L.A. designer Patrick Delanty, by Janette Ewen. We recently sat down with highly sought-after L.A.-based interior designer Patrick Delanty. Delanty is known for his well-trained eye and design work for celebrities, including Halle Berry and Ty Pennington. His work has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning […]
Beautiful Glasgow; A Mother-Daughter Trip of A Lifetime
How travel feeds the soul and rejuvenates your spirit, by Jennifer Valentyne . Recently I took a lifelong dream vacation to Glasgow with my daughter, Georgia. I wanted to build memories that she will hopefully cherish for a lifetime. I’ve never seen her so excited about a trip and she definitely did her research before […]
Three Steps to Stopping Sugar Cravings
Why we crave the sweet stuff and how to avoid it, by Gina Livy. Out of control cravings can quickly sidetrack our best intentions when it comes to weight loss and health goals. Sugar is one of the biggest—and cutting it out is no small feat. Even JLo, who recently did the 10-day no-sugar no-carb […]
Spring Cleaning 2019 Beauty Tips
Declutter your beauty essentials. It’s spring cleaning season and that extends to what’s INSIDE your cupboards too. Your skincare and beauty products work hard to help you look and feel your best. This spring, take an afternoon to declutter, clean and organize these beauty essentials, and give them the care and attention they need to […]
Keto: Yes or No?
Dr. Natasha Turner’s take on the keto diet trend What is the keto diet? The keto diet that you’ve likely heard about is short for “ketogenic diet.” This eating plan is all about minimizing your carbs and upping your fats to get your body to use fat as a form of energy. That typically translates […]
Fast Your Way to Better Health: Find the fasting style that suits you
The science proving the health benefits of fasting is solid. Studies show that fasting is good for your heart health, it slows the aging process, boosts metabolism, keeps you lean by promoting the creation of growth hormone, and improves your blood sugar metabolism. There are several different styles of intermittent fasting—read on for a review […]
The 4 Perfect Tequila Cocktail Recipes!
Blame Hollywood. For the fact that tequila is such a bar star, that is. Long before HBO’s Entourage plugged Avión (even giving the spirit its own storyline that persisted through a couple of seasons), tequila was on a pretty friendly basis with the heavy hitters of stage and screen. Bing Crosby fell in love with […]
Understanding Emotional Eating and How-to Stop It!
Do you ever find yourself staring down a pint of ice cream or a bag of potato chips, and wanting to devour the entire container or bag? Our relationship with food is intimately connected to our cultural and family traditions, our social lives and our daily routines. Whether fuelled by boredom, anger, or sadness, it […]
A look at the science behind intermittent fasting
If you pay attention to health and weight loss trends, you’ve likely heard of intermittent fasting or IF. However you may feel about the “hanger” or potential stress of fasting, it’s hard to ignore the documented benefits of this dietary trend. In this article, you’ll discover the solid science that backs up those health claims. […]
10 Tips to Help You Host the Sunniest Outdoor Party This Summer
When planning an outdoor event, choose a theme and let it guide your decor, activity, food and beverage choices (and maybe even your attire!). Hot themes for summer 2018 include “Palm Springs in the 1960s” (croquet, Pucci-inspired colour palette, retro cocktails) and a “Great Gatsby” garden party! Welcome your guests with a signature cocktail. Fill […]
Walking through the rows with an award-winning winemaker
As a student, Thirty Bench winemaker Emma Garner travelled abroad, learning about Old and New World winemaking styles, before settling into her coveted position at Thirty Bench Winery in the Niagara region. Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and British Columbia were all on the list, and Garner’s passion for food and wine grew with each […]
How to Drink 3x More Water
It’s summer, which means beating sun, hot temperatures, fun cocktails, and (hopefully) lots of time spent traveling and enjoying the outdoors. While all of these things are awesome, they’re a perfect recipe for straying from your normal routine and forgetting to stay hydrated. Here are some cool ways to make sure you’re drinking enough water […]
Where to Take a First Date in Toronto
First dates can be nerve-wracking, but the right setting can make or break the whole experience! It can be tough to pick a perfect place to impress a person you don’t know very well, especially with so many places to choose from in Toronto. We’ve narrowed it down to a few places that are hard […]
The Historic Broadview Hotel has a trio of elegant dining options and a killer rooftop view
Torontonians watched with wonder during the recent renovation of the historic Broadview Hotel, anchored at Broadview and Queen Street East—the gateway to the east end. Built in 1891, the building has been carefully restored and reimagined as a 58-room boutique hotel and buzzing hotspot with no less than three separate restaurants. For travellers, the hotel […]
Hot cocktails to warm you on a cold winter day
By Christine Sismondo Anyone can add a splash of Irish cream to a hot cup of coffee. But, delicious as that is, it’s hardly enough liquid fortitude to make it through the polar vortex months. Summer cocktails abound, but when it comes to winter warmers, we are too often creatively challenged and end up short-changing […]
Ring in the New Year with the Grand Marnier Monte Cristo
During the Holidays, Grand Marnier is a staple in many homes. It’s an amazing liqueur to drink neat on ice or to prepare as a cocktail. With the frigid temperatures we’re currently experiencing across Canada, the Grand Marnier Monte Cristo is a pleasant warm treat if you plan to bring in the New Year by […]
Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party Doesn’t Have to be Daunting
Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party with Simplicity and Fun in Mind New Year’s Eve has always been special for me for no particular reason. My husband and I have gone all out to plan celebrations outside of the home or have a special gathering with friends in our house. However, as my friendships became […]
Spicy Cheddar Shortbread
Spicy Cheddar Shortbread is a hit at our holiday gatherings and so easy to prepare! You can freeze the logs of uncooked dough for up to a couple of months and you can also keep a log in the fridge for about a week and just slice off as many cookies as you are going […]
Baked Polenta Fries with Quick Truffle Mayo
You can prep the fries a bit ahead of time and let them sit out on the pan and pop them in the oven right before your guests arrive. You can make this Quick Truffle Mayo and keep it in the fridge. If you are having people over more than once during the week, feel […]
Vegan Shortbread; A plant-based twist on a Christmas cookie classic
Christmas for me always included baking cookies from scratch. I grew up in a home where we always baked, so there were goodies at the ready for ourselves and guests to enjoy, or to be distributed as gifts to our loved ones. As my friends have always received boxes of baked goodies from me over […]
Bomba White Bean Crostini
You can make the bean mixture ahead of time, as it keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and then just slice up as many baguette slices as you need for the evening. No need to use the entire recipe in one evening if you only have two guests, right? Recipe creation by: Carole […]
Summer Is Over: How To Get Back To Following Your Healthy Habits
So, are you looking at following more healthy habits now that summer is over? Sure, you’ve had a great summer, but maybe let a few things slide off your to-do list, gained a few extra pounds or put your exercise regime on hold. It’s time to take control and get back to a balanced life. […]
Keep It Wild This Thanksgiving: Try Some Yummy Seafood
Yes, it’s Thanksgiving and this is a special occasion to enjoy some tasty seafood. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has teamed up with chef Charlotte Langley to inspire new traditions around the Thanksgiving table, all centered around eating more mindfully and keeping it wild with certified sustainable seafood. Historically focused on celebrating the fall harvest, […]
Embrace Change: How To Survive A Breakup And Move On
Fall means back to school, cooler weather, beautiful autumn colours and, for me, a little sadness. Like most people, I can’t help but feel melancholy when summer is over—darkness comes faster and winter is coming. Oh, and there’s also this: my marriage of 15 years fell apart at the end of September 2015. And just […]
Top Ten Tips To Slow Down
Hey you – slow down! It’s never been easier to connect with someone on the other side of the world, yet it’s so easy to feel disconnected from the people closest to us. We have more tools than ever to simplify tasks and accomplish more things quickly, yet our to-do lists have never been longer. […]
Calvados Boulard Pays d’Auge: Prima Donna Cocktail
A great way to ring in Fall with the Prima Donna Cocktail with Calvados Boulard Pays D’Auge. With the sound of school bells ringing, a brisk chill in the air is bound to be next. This is why the Prima Donna Cocktail with Calvados Boulard Pays d’Auge is just what the doctors ordered. Ingredients 1 […]
Le Sling Normand With Calvados Boulard Is An Amazing Weekend Cocktail
As the dog days of summer draws to a close, parents everywhere are preparing for back to school. Introducing Le Sling Normand cocktail, a perfect cocktail for the last weekend of summer. The warmth of Calvados Boulard Pays d’Auge brandy will provide the warm reassurance you need to succumb to the fact that life, as we […]
Le Sling Normand
Great Health Is Not Complicated: Six Habits All Healthy People Share
The truth is great health is not complicated. It really comes down to a couple of habits (the good ones) that people consistently abide by. This is above the big four we know already, which are: move your body; eat nutrient dense, real food; don’t smoke; and maintain a healthy weight. Here Is What Healthy […]
Summer Delight: How To Make Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes
End of summer is nearing but there is still loads of time for family gatherings and BBQs with friends. Sick yet of the endless same old burger and hotdog routine? No problem, I have created a summer recipe that you can use this season to spice up your taste buds, leaving you both nourished and […]
Feed Your Beauty: Three Key Nutrients That Flip On Your Innate Anti-Aging Magic
Your heart pumps, nails grow and wounds heal all without you thinking about it. Now what if you could tap into those same internal innate abilities to flip on your anti-aging magic? Unleashing our own body’s ability to slow down the biological clock and fight aging internally is far easier that you may think. And […]
How To Make A Greek Inspired Sweet Potato Zucchini Pasta
Love a pasta salad but want to get more veggies into your diet? If you haven’t tried your hand at a new tool called a spiralizer yet you are really missing out. This sweet gem turns veggies into spiralized noodle like portions. For this recipe my KitchenAid Mini Stand Mixer does double duty with a […]
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Coming to a Grocery Store Near You
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte will soon hit the shelves at local grocery stores. Yes, it’s great news indeed. Many of us are still sojourning through the dog days of summer but we’re close enough to Fall where we’re thinking about our first cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte, with hints of fall scents like cinnamon, nutmeg, […]
The Perfect Summer Cocktails to Make the Most out of Your Herb Garden
Nothing beats fresh, zesty summer cocktails with fresh herbs. And not just mint! Mojitos are amazing and juleps are grand but don’t be afraid to branch out. Almost any herb can work in the right cocktail: try basil with rum or gin. If you love that spicy, fresh kick of cilantro, sub that in wherever […]
A Complete Summer Dinner Menu for Entertaining Your Guests
Are summer recipes on your mind? I’ve rounded up some of our favourite Vitalize recipes to create the perfect Summer Dinner Menu. You can either enjoy with friends or yourself! The option is yours, although we think you’re going to want to keep these all for yourself. Yum! Then again, it’s good to share some […]
Hey Canadian Moms! Stream Time is the New “Me Time”.
It’s the summer and Moms across the country are feeling the pains of having the children at home around the clock. So in today’s day and age, how are moms de-stressing? According to a recent Canadian study from Netflix, “stream time” is the new “me time,” with 9 out of 10 Canadian mothers saying that watching great TV […]
BBQ Corn With Butter, Parmesan, Lemon & Tahini
There are so many fun ways to dress up super sweet summer corn, but this is a favourite of mine. No need to pre-cook the corn; roasting on the BBQ for BBQ Corn does it perfectly. BBQ Corn Serves 4 Cooking time 15 minutes Ingredients 4 fresh corn with husk on (makes for a great handle) 2 tbsp unsalted butter ¼ cup […]
Chili Shrimp With Beans & Edamame Recipe
“I don’t know if this Chili Shrimp with Beans and Edamame is Asian or Italian, but I do know it’ll make your mouth dance.” Chili Shrimp with Beans and Edamame Ingredients 2 cups medium-sized shrimp, shelled and deveined 2 cups green beans, cut diagonally lengthwise 2 cups cherry tomatoes, larger ones chopped in half 2 […]
Thai Chicken Salad Recipe from Chef Mike Ward- Delicious and Healthy Meal Idea
All my favourite bold Asian flavours in every mouthful. This Thai Chicken Salad recipe also makes a great base for exploring—swap out the chicken for beef, pork or even seafood. Thai Chicken Salad Serves 4 Cooking time 15 minutes Prep time 3 hour Ingredients 4 to 6 chicken thighs Chicken marinade/salad dressing 2/3 cup soy […]
Canada 150 Recipe: Maple Bacon Soft Pretzels with Maple Dijon Dipping Sauce
It’s Canada’s 150th Birthday this year and these Maple Bacon Soft Pretzels are a great way to celebrate! I mean what is more Canadian than Maple and Bacon? They are so delicious that you are sure to say “Eh” after the very first bite. The icing on the beaver tail? The Maple Dijon Dipping Sauce: […]
Celebrate Canada 150 with these four easy Canada Day drinks
Canada Day weekend is here in a few days, which means it’s a long weekend to party like a rock star and great Canada Day Drinks! Hosting a party is never simple with meal preparations and serving drinks to your guests. Here at Vitalize, we understand that! To give our readers a leg-up on Canada […]
Mile High Strawberry Shortcake
For Canada Day this year, I’ve created this super easy variation to the personalized Strawberry Shortcake that will allow you to prepare ahead, wow your guests and keep them coming back for more. I have to admit, I love June. Why you ask? Well it’s strawberry season. It may be the only time you’ll see […]
Canada Day Brunch- Celebrate Canada 150 with Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Canada day is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious brunch that emulates the Canadian Flag? There isn’t one if you ask us. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast really is a great brunch. Get your day started with the delicious flavours of creamy cream cheese and fresh strawberries […]
Toronto Craft Brewer Launches Fake News Ale
A local startup brewery here in Toronto, ON, has just announced a charitable beer line to help reverse questionable policies and of course to help make beer great again. As Northern Maverick gears up for a summer launch, the Toronto craft brewer unveiled its first beer as part of a charitable line of beers that […]
Joshua Beach, Master Distiller at Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
Whisky lovers have a new iconic blend to enjoy, inspired by one of the greatest Canadian athletes of all time, Wayne Gretzky. Wayne Gretzky No. 99 “Red Cask” Canadian Whisky is blended by Master Distiller Joshua Beach for Andrew Peller Ltd., the parent company of Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery. We sat down with […]
Gluten-Free Lemon Parmesan Pasta
This gorgeous, gluten-free pasta recipe will give you and your guests the luxurious full-mouth flavour we love from our favourite pasta, but without the full-belly feeling we don’t.
Potato & Prawn Salad with Lemon Yogurt, Capers & Radish
Serves 2 comfortably, serves 4 as a starter. Takes 20 mins Bright and light, this salad is bursting with bold summer flavours. 400 grams baby white potatoes, cooked to fork tender in well salted water, and cooled 250 grams large shrimp, peeled, cooked in well salted water and cooled 2 radishes thinly sliced (a mandolin […]
Sun-dried Tomato & Feta Hummus
A luxuriously rich spin on a classic, this sun-dried tomato hummus is perfect on a crispy pita or as my girls do, dip n’ lick it off your fingers. In a food processor combine until smooth: 3 cups of chickpeas (canned or cooked) ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes 150-200 grams of feta juice of ½ […]
Lemon Cream Cheese Shortbread Snowstorms
I’m not a huge fan of the rigid recipe that’s typically required for baking—but this super easy, hard-to-mess-up, six-ingredient concoction hits the note for my daughters and I. And they taste like heaven. Prep 45 mins/cook time 20 mins Cookie ingredients: 3/4 cup icing sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/4 teaspoon salt […]
The World’s Richest Tomato Sauce
Sure, basic marinara sauce works OK, but this sauce takes it to the next level. Puree it for any dish that works with tomato sauce. I even use it as ketchup with my kids! Takes 20 mins – Serves 4-6 700/800g linguine or fettuccine 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced ½ white onion, finely chopped 1 […]
Hot Winter Cocktails
Anyone can add a splash of Irish cream to a hot cup of coffee. But, delicious as that is, it’s hardly enough liquid fortitude to make it through the polar vortex months. Summer cocktails abound, but when it comes to winter warmers, we are too often creatively challenged and end up short-changing ourselves at a […]
Get refreshed with Patron’s variation of the traditional Mojito
Traditionally made with white rum, mojitos are a refreshing cocktail for a hot summer day by the pool or on the patio. If you’re a tequila connoisseur, using Patron Silver is a smooth and flavorful alternative to breathe new life to this popular cocktail. Patron Mojito 1 ½ oz. Patron Silver 1 cut lime 1 […]
A sophisticated & refreshing long-weekend cocktail with Patron and Dujardin
Nothing brings in the long weekend like a sophisticated cocktail to cap off a long work week. Patron Reposado is aged for at least two months in a combination of barrel types including French, Hungarian, and American Oak. This fresh tequila, with the oakey flavours extracted from the barrel, has become a staple in […]
Smoked Nachos
The year was 1943, and a group of Americans straggled into the Victory Club in Piedras Negras, Mexico, after closing time. The chef had left, but the maitre d’, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, topped some tostadas with jalapeños and cheese and melted it under the broiler. A classic was born. His legacy lives on, and I […]
Honey-Cured Ham Ribs
Combine the briny, smoky, umami flavours of country ham with the crusty, gnaw-off-the-bone pleasure of barbecued baby backs and you wind up with ham ribs. I wish I could say I thought of it, but I got the idea from a man utterly obsessed with pork, smoke, and fire: Chris Shepherd of Underbelly in Houston, […]
Red Hot Wings with Pac-Rim Seasonings
My take on the Buffalo wing involves—you guessed it—wood smoke. Crank your smoker up to 375°F. This is hotter than the usual 225°F low and slow, but the heat helps render the fat and crisp the chicken skin. To further pump up the wings, I call for Pac-Rim flavours like sesame oil and sriracha, and […]
Curry Pumpkin Soup
My grandmother would prepare a big batch of pumpkin soup for the adults to eat while the kids went out to get their treats for the night, and my mom took on this tradition when we were growing up. This is my rendition of the recipe she has been using for decades. SERVES 6 2 […]
Steamed Clam and Mild Italian Sausage with Tomato Broth
Sausage makes a flavourful addition to almost any seafood recipe. With this recipe, celebrity chef Mark McEwan has combined the savoury taste of steamed clams with the robust flavour of mild Italian sausage for an unbeatable combination. 40 min prep time 15 min cook time 4 servings WHAT YOU NEED 1/3 pkg. (17.64 ounces/ 500 […]
Maple Syrup Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise
Turn everyone in your family into a morning person with a little help from celebrity chef Mark McEwan. No, Mark’s not coming over to cook for you, but use his specially crafted breakfast recipe. Guaranteed to get everyone out of bed and around the breakfast table. PREP TIME 30 COOK TIME 30 SERVINGS 6 WHAT […]
Crostini with Sausage Ragout and Ricotta Cheese
The recipe for a great party is some good conversation, good music and delicious food. So celebrity chef Mark McEwan has put together a special recipe for your next great get-together. Flavourful small bites, perfect for entertaining. PREP TIME 20 COOK TIME 40 SERVINGS 18 WHAT YOU NEED 1 pkg. (17.64 ounces/500 g) Johnsonville Italian […]
‘Tis the Season to Sparkle
It’s no bubble: Champagne’s stocks are on the rise. Where there were once only two options—the real deal or total plonk—we now have a host of excellent “middle-ground” alternatives, many of which are probably just as good as bona fide French Champagne. And a whole lot cheaper. That’s happy news for those of us who […]