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Most Popular Foods on Instagram


Snap, post, love.

Those are words that were unheard of years prior – if you were eating at a restaurant and a diner was taking pictures of their food, it would have most likely caused a spark of curiosity around the room. Why bring a camera? Were they reviewing the establishment for a magazine? Wasn’t their dinner getting cold?

Welcome to 2015 and our camera of choice these days is the smartphone, and our film is Instagram: the app with the retro filters that makes food photographers out of everyone from amateurs to star chefs.

Instagram is the perfect medium to find mouth-watering, finger-licking inspiration but has also become a great resource for foodies when exploring local culinary scenes and discovering new hot spots to try out.

From classics to local favourites – as tagged on Instagram – I bring you the most Instagrammed foods: 

1. #pizza



A dietary staple for some, pizza is a little slice of heaven beloved with a blend of ooey gooey cheese, sauce and crust. Whether you love old school toppings or gourmet highlights to satisfy your craving, a pizzeria will most likely always be just a few steps away!

2. #sushi



Sushi cravings or indulgences happen to the most of us and I’m sure you’ve come across worthy spots that mean serious business. So whether you’re a local or tourist, make it a mission to go on an adventurous culinary experience. Step outside the box and try something new – especially sushi as it encompasses an entire realm of epic sensations.

3. #burger


Burgers are truly mouth-watering icons. Add Instagram into the equation and, oh boy, you’ll be drooling. Whether you’re loyal to something that resembles an American classic topped with cheddar or looking to sink your teeth into an innovative new creation – perhaps sunny side egg, onion rings or foie gras – burgers of Instagram are as decadent on screen as they are off.

4. #bacon


Smoked, Canadian, applewood or candied – the list goes on but do you need a bacon intervention? Bacon mania is upon us and has moved from a breakfast delight to a food trend touching an incredible selection of consumer goods from fast-food burgers and bacon-infused desserts. This has hands down become the defining food trend of a society obsessed with food trends. Maple bacon cupcake anyone?

5. #donut


French cruller, Boston cream, vanilla frosted or glazed – donuts have become an ever-changing staple that brought a smile to the morning commuter but it has unexpectedly hit the next level of lavish treat. Carbs and calories? Or sprinkles and creamed filled? I’ll go with the latter!

This blog was originally posted on Gusto TV.
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Photo Diary | TASTE Community Grown 2015


Prince Edward County's annual food and wine festival, TASTE Community Grown celebrates the culinary community from farm to table - the region's finest chefs, winemakers, beer, spirits and cider masters, farmers and artisanal food producers. This past weekend, it was certainly the most perfect fall weather where foodies from across the province gathered at the historic Crystal Palace in Picton to sample the unique local flavours of the area.

The day was filled with culinary education with speakers and seminars, a wonderful epicure experience of the County, live showing of County Chopped Live and oh so much more.

A few highlights from the festival:


{English Pale Ale | Mackinnon Brother Brewery}

The Drake Devonshire served a splendid chilled chowder composed of corn, yukon gold potatoes, smoked paprika as well as a few other ingredients but surprisingly no diary products! Hello vegan friendly!

{Drake Devonshire}

{Prince Edward County Lavender}

{Agrarian}

Agrarian was serving PEI raspberry point oysters with delightful toppings - can you say wow?! 


{Agrarian}

{Rosehall Run Winery}

{The Hubb Eatery & Lounge}

Flavoured ice cream on a stick? The Hubb dished out peanut butter and rhubarb ice cream covered with delectable chocolate.

{The Hubb Eatery & Lounge}


{Stanners Vineyard}

{Edible Antiques}

{Vicki's Veggies}

{Angelo Bean Sausages}

{Aunt Lucy Fury Hot Pepper Pot}

You have to try the decadent goat cheese chocolates from Haute Goat - they are hand crafted edible delights that melt in your mouth. Though not available at the festival, I settled for their amazing fudge.

{Haute Goat}

{Essential Relaxation}

{Bark’n Up The Green Tree}

{Loyalist College}

For more information visit: www.tastecommunitygrown.com
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Top 5 Fall Favourites


Hello, September!

The start of a new autumn season is near and it is one that truly captures our foodie hearts. As the mercury continues to dip, our taste buds invariably start to crave all those magnificent fall-specific foods and flavours.

This is a time to warm ourselves from the inside out as cooler weather is the perfect time to enjoy piping-hot dishes and seasonal items not as readily available during other times of the year to chase away the fall chill.

So throw on your favourite sweater, get cozy and be sure to grab a snack before proceeding as I put together a list of my top 5 quintessential fall favourites: 

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte



Fall means crisp weather, changing leave colours, the start of a new school year and of course the return of the ever so popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. Pumpkin is ubiquitous for fall and on top of being flavorful, it is jam packed with good-for-you vitamins and minerals. (p.s. Starbucks Corp. recently announced that its PSL will now be made with real pumpkin and without caramel colouring – let us know what you think!)

This go-to specialty seasonal drink for many, is synonymous to hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or apple cider but truly marks the bittersweet beginning of fall.

2. Comfort Food



Most of us have a signature dish bound to produce satisfied murmurs or bring back fond childhood memories during the fall months. From sweet potato casseroles with marshmallows to homemade macaroni and cheese, these decadent comfort food dishes are often the pièce de résistance at gatherings with family and friends.

Though in our books macaroni and cheese is the epitome of comfort food with all its delightful cheesy goodness adored by both adults and kids alike. There is something magical about curling up with a bowl of creamy mac and cheese that makes everything feel just right as it tickles your taste buds!

3. Apples



What could be better than standing in the middle of an apple orchard picking (and eating, of course) crisp, tart apples right off the trees? There’s nothing more satisfying in life than biting into a fresh fall apple. Probably the most popular and plentiful fall fruit, apples are satisfying eaten raw or baked into a delicious dish and they certainly do a marvelous job at ringing in fall’s arrival.

From apple pie to apple crumble, this is the perfect season to relish in a savoury sweet treat with a side of vanilla ice cream and perhaps a drizzle of caramel to highlight the deep flavors of fall. Don’t forget a side of caramel apple cider!

4. Pie



All summer long, our ovens (or shall we say bellies) have been filled with fruity pies filled with peaches, berries and the list goes on. Once the temperature drops, our pie fillings switch to fall flavours such as pumpkin, apple, and chocolate. The savoury indulgence scale skyrockets as the aroma of freshly baked pie wafting from a cozy kitchen instantly warms the hearts of those basking in its glory – delightful scents of buttery, browning crust and bubbling fruit waiting to be topped with homemade whipped cream.

Fall is prime pie-baking season, and there is no better time to try your hand at a few new autumnal desserts than right now.

5. Chili



The ultimate fall comfort food, chili is a simple and inviting fill-you-up fare. Whether you want to serve a bowl at your potluck, as a simple weeknight supper or for lunch on a lazy Saturday, the options are endless as a simmering pot of chili will warm up any occasion.

Chili dishes are quite diverse and will suite every taste from super hearty beef and chicken chilis, pulled pork, vegetarian options, even healthy chilis. A full-flavoured, hearty dish with its rustic elements, chili is quintessential to fall with its melt in your mouth goodness.

This blog was originally posted on Gusto TV.
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Top 5 Classic Brunch Foods


Brunch is reason enough to get out of bed in the morning.

Venturing out of the house for that midday meal is a gratifying ritual that deserves to be celebrated – preferably over mimosas. It’s the perfect remedy for hangovers and weekday woes, an indulgent wake-up call ready to be devoured.

Here’s a short list of our favourite classic brunches, because who doesn’t crave the simplicity of eggs, bacon or perhaps some pancakes or waffles?  It’s simply inexcusable to mess up.

1. Eggs Benedict


A dish traditionally comprised of English muffins topped with poached eggs, peameal bacon and doused in lusciously buttery hollandaise, eggs benny are hands down a pleasure to dig into and guaranteed to be oozing with golden yolks. Let’s not forget the sides of perfectly seasoned potatoes to complete the dish for an extra satisfying result.

Feeling a tad adventurous? How about adding some lobster or salmon?

2. French Toast


A true staple on brunch menus, French toast appeals to those with a sweet tooth looking to satisfy morning cravings with thick slabs of bread soaked in crème anglaise, browned golden in butter and then dressed in a sweet finish of Canada’s most prized and essential local commodity, maple syrup. Sounds decadent right?

This is a brunch dish so classic, it’s no wonder that kitchens like to get creative with combinations with berry coulis, apple butter and dollops of goodness and…the options are endless.

3. Pancakes


There’s just something so comforting about a big ol’ stack of flapjacks – they’re the perfect weekend pick me up. Slather on a little butter and douse them with good maple syrup and you’re good to go. These fluffy sweet or savoury delights of various thickness, fillings and toppings are as classic as it gets.

After being cooked in a pan they arrive on your plate to fulfill their glorious life purpose as the classic brunch food.

4. Waffles


Waffles are no longer exclusively for those looking to fulfill their sweet indulgence. Sure, you’ll find waffles loaded with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruits and whipped cream, but welcome to 2015 and you can now order waffles paired with crispy fried chicken, doused in hollandaise sauce, or infused with pumpkin spice – add some syrup and goodness gracious this classic brunch meal is complete.

5. Sunny Side Up


A decision that is unique to every individual and a dream order for any chef. Topped with freshly ground pepper, fresh herbs and a side of hash, the moment the yolk is poked is the defining moment that brunch has officially commenced.

This blog was originally posted on Gusto TV.
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake


Craving a rich and creamy milkshake?

Well, you're in luck and using just a few ingredients, you can whip up peanut buttery goodness to treat yourself using Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread. Say what? You heard me, it's like a match made in heaven. (Bonus: it can now be found at your local grocery store.) Take that Nutella - sorry but this gal is allergic to hazelnuts and as good as hazelnuts are with chocolate, they can never overcome chocolate’s true counterpart - peanut butter.

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

So a big thank you to Reese for adding a twist and introducing this sweet and salty delight in which I may have already had numerous spoonfuls of and 100% reliving my childhood (you only live once right!).

Reese's lovers rejoice and spread the love with this luscious, frosty peanut butter chocolate milkshake recipe:

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup of milk
4-5 tablespoons of Reese Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread
2 cups of Vanilla Ice Cream
2 scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream to top
2 teaspoons of Oreo crumble to top

Instructions

In a blender, combine all ingredients. Cover and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses, add 1 scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream to each serving and then sprinkle with Oreo crumble.

Voila! Ready to serve.

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Thank you Hershey Canada for sponsoring this post!

While I have been compensated monetarily and with a product - this recipe and review are all my own honest opinions and experiences.
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Top 5 Food Trends Millennials Crave


The sense of instant excitement that coincides with the rise of digital and social media platforms has slowly been dominating the lives of millennials. Incorporate food and that’s a whole other story!

Food is now being embraced as a method of self-expression and storytelling, thus dubbing millennials as the foodie generation as they crave heightened eating experiences and swoon over unusual food forms and flavor profiles with dramatic twists.

As thrill seekers who crave a foodie adventure at every opportunity possible, here are my top 5 food trends that millennials are consumed by: 

1. Food Trucks


It seems as if food trucks have taken over the food scene in many cities and become quite the hit with millennials. Offering an array of eclectic, gourmet options for cheap, from grilled cheese to ethnic entrees, these mobile kitchens dish up anything and everything imaginable. They have gained a newfound respect and become popular with everyday folks and foodies alike.

2. Brunch


Is brunch the new dinner? It seems as though this  social staple is now ingrained into every millennial’s weekend agenda. Then again who wouldn’t want an excuse to get together with friends and indulge in eggs benny with lobster and house-made hollandaise sauce while sipping on mimosa? Count this gal in for a social adventure that doesn’t pack a wallop to her wallet to satisfy her sweet and savoury cravings!

3. Locally Grown


Millennials are food-conscious buyers flocking the local food movement and enjoying their Saturday mornings at the farmers market. This generation is truly interested and concerned about what’s on their plate and in their bellies. Their appreciation of knowing where the food comes from is affecting their eating behaviours and has played quite the part on the rise of farm-to-table menus at dining establishments.

4. Sweet Treats


Capturing the sweet tooth of the foodie generation is all about that shareable moment that tells a story. The term indulgence is now so much more than just a decadent piece of dessert – it’s about the way millennials treat food as an experience. From textures, sense of smells, flavours, presentation and simplicity, dessert is a whole new realm that millennials have a sweet spot for (especially when it comes to macarons, donuts, and frozen yogurts with toppings of course!)

5. Food Landmarks


The infamous Cronut from New York, Lobster Roll from Maine, Philly Cheese Steak from Philadelphia or a Smoked Meat Sandwich from Montreal – millennials have no qualms lining up for hours for these popular food elements to satisfy their hunger for a new scene and culinary appetites for a sense of authentic flavour. This generation wants the best of flavours and experience so why not travel to the city that coined its recipe in history?

This blog was originally posted on Gusto TV.
Rosalyn Gambhir
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[name=Rosalyn Gambhir] [img=https://i.imgur.com/9rNiMGU.jpg] [description=Rosalyn Gambhir is the gal behind the blog The Staycationer. Whether it's exploring the local food scene with her foodie partner-in-crime or taking in the view from her favourite cafe, Rosalyn is always a tourist, looking for the next exciting adventure within Kingston, Ontario and beyond. The Staycationer allows you to rediscover hidden gems in your very own backyard.] (facebook=https://www.facebook.com/thestaycationer) (twitter=https://twitter.com/rosalyngambhir) (instagram=https://www.instagram.com/rosalyngambhir/)

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