Food Revolution Toronto December Contest-- Celebrations!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Happy December! This month's #CookwithFoodREVTO challenge is all about celebrations! This month, share a photo of your holiday celebrations, whatever they are, and the foods you prepare and eat with our team on social media and you will be eligible to win a Jamie Oliver cookbook courtesy of HarperCollins Canada!

For me, holidays is for spending time doing engaging things with friends and family, and what better than cooking something yummy together? One year, I had just learnt the techniques for baking up tall, flaky, brown-golden, crunchy and chewy basic best-ever scones, and our annual pre-Christmas dinner gathering was imparting these very tips to my girlfriends-- perfect for a hot-out-of-the-oven midday treat with tea, and to enjoy while we painted! 

How are you going to celebrate this festive season?

Best-Ever Scones and Homemade Lemon Curd

Celebrations with Baking, Painting and Feasting!

How To Enter:

Snap a photo of your celebration and tell us a little bit about it!

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on December 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes January 6th 2018 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook.
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on January 6th 2018 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified January 7th or 8th 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the message.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto November Contest-- Vegetarian Comfort Food!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Happy November! This month's #CookwithFoodREVTO challenge is vegetarian comfort food favourites! We'll be sharing recipe ideas all month here so follow along for some seasonal inspiration!

This month, share a photo of your vegetarian comfort food dish with our team on social media and you will be eligible to win a Jamie Oliver cookbook courtesy of HarperCollins Canada! To get you started, how about Jamie's lovely looking Baked Squash? “Based on a beloved old recipe of mine, this method really takes advantage of stuffing and slow-roasting the sweet, versatile squash. You get wonderful flavours exchanging in the centre, great textures, and the slices look amazing. ”- Jamie

Photo Credit: Strongertogether.coop

How to Enter:

Snap a photo of your veggie comfort food dish and tell us a little bit about it!

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on November 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes November 30th 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook.
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on November 30th 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified December 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the message.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto October Contest-- Soups!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

This month's Food Revolution Toronto contest, share a photo of your SOUP with our team on social media and you will be eligible to win a Jamie Oliver cookbook courtesy of HarperCollins Canada! We are featurng Jamie Oliver's Super Squash Soup with the best Parmesan croutons for inspiration “A totally delicious spiced squash soup, served with mega cheese on toast for dunking.”- Jamie.

Here are some of my own inspirations with our orange friends this fall. This is my twist on butternut squash soup with the addition of apples and fresh dill.The apple's tartness livens up the squash and balances its natural sweetness. So simple to do with little ingredients, and just a little blender magic at the end, you'll have a smooth, velvety soup ready in less than an hour. Fresh dill and bits of red onion adds texture and a refreshing dimension of flavours.

Butternut Squash Apple Soup with Dill

In this Thai-Style Pumpkin Soup, the mellow pumpkin off-sets the richness of coconut milk and a gentle blessing of spicy Thai curry paste makes the soup really delightful to sip and savour. Pumpkin can easily be substituted with butternut squash. But the key to taking this soup from good to great is the cilantro lemon garlic pesto you swirl on top.. it truly elevates the taste to another dimension of flavours-- one with tang and bite!

Thai-Style Pumpkin Soup with Cilantro Pesto

How to Enter:

Show us your soup! Snap a photo of your soup and tell us a little bit about it!

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on October 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes October 31st 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook.
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on October 31st 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email November 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto September Contest-- Packed School Lunches!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

September means back to school and we want to help you get off to a great start with this month’s extra special contest! A healthy and delicious lunch sets your kids (or you!) up for a productive day of learning and fun. 

I had created a Packed Lunch Series two years ago with a first week worth of daily Back-to-School creative lunches for my kids. A personal mission to challenge myself beyond the lack-lustre basic brown bag and learn somethings along the way to provide tips that has worked with my family and some inspiration for many of you going through the same-- (Creative Sandwiches, Make Once, Eat Twice, Creative Leftovers, and Compartmentalize). The key learning is getting your kids involved with the menu planning and cooking! And have some fun!

For more ideas and expert advice on packing with nutrition in mind, head over to Yummy Lunch Club with R.D Carol Harrison also a Toronto Revolution Ambassador that aims to equip everything you need to know to plan and pack healthy lunches that your kids will actually eat.

Creative Sandwiches, Make Once, Eat Twice, Creative Leftovers, Compartmentalize

For our contest, share a pic of your healthy lunch with our team on social media and you will be eligible to win not only a Jamie Oliver cookbook courtesy of HarperCollins Canada but also an OmieLife lunchbox!! This is no ordinary lunchbox – you can pack hot and cold foods all in one box and when you don’t want hot food, you can just remove the thermos! Think soup and a salad, pasta and some fruit, fried rice and a nice slaw – the options are endless! We will sharing all kinds of great ideas here and can’t wait to see your healthy school - or work - lunches! #omielife #omiebox #foodrevolution #backtoschool

How To Enter:

Show us your healthy lunch! Snap a photo of your lunch and tell us a little bit about what you made and how.

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a lunchbox and a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on September 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes September 30th 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook and (1) OmieBox lunchbox
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on September 30th 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email October 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto August Contest-- Show Off Your Salads!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Happy August! This month's #CookwithFoodRevTO challenge is all about SALAD! Each week we'll be showcasing an idea for you to use your produce - this week, how about these twists on Jamie's simple green salad?

This is my kind of salad! Toasting almonds to just short of being burnt gives an interesting slightly bitter dimension to this unique salad dressing. Balanced with the sweetness of honey, sourness of red wine vinegar, piquant Dijon mustard, and salt, this nutty vinaigrette strikes a harmonious chord in fresh green salad mixed with the juiciness of grape tomatoes, licorice crunch of fennel and the creaminess of avocado. The results are gloriously addictive- full of flavour and textures, and easily a star at any gathering! What's yours?

Mixed Green Salad with Fennel and Avocado in a Burnt Almond Vinaigrette

And hey, just by showing us your seasonal fruit, you could win a Jamie Oliver cookbook thanks to HarperCollins Canada!

How To Enter:

Show us your salad! Snap a photo of your seasonal salads and tell us a little bit about what you made and how.

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on FB, or at @FoodRevToronto on Twitter or Instagram. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on August 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes August 31st 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on August 31st 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email September 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto July Contest-- Show Off Your Fruit!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto: 

Happy July! This month's #CookwithFoodRevTO challenge is all about FRUIT! How do you like to show off your gorgeous seasonal fruits? Each week we'll be showcasing an idea for you to use your produce - this week, how about Jools Oliver's smoothies and ice lollies?

Jools says... “These are two of my favourite recipes, but feel free to have fun experimenting with different flavours.” 

And hey, just by showing us your seasonal fruit, you could win a Jamie Oliver cookbook thanks to HarperCollins Canada.

My Summer Berry Fools and Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles
(my patriotic version to celebrate Canada's 150th!)

How To Enter:

Show us your fruit! Snap a photo of your seasonal fruit and tell us a little bit about what you made and how.

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us either on FB, or at @FoodRevToronto on Twitter or Instagram. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on July 2nd 2017 at 6am EST on and closes July 31st 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on July 31st 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email August 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto June Contest-- Show Off Your Veggies

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Happy June! This month's #CookwithFoodRevTO challenge is all about seasonal vegetables! How do you like to show off your veggies? Each week we'll be showcasing an idea for you to use your produce - this week, how about Jamie Oliver's Superfood Salad? 

Jamie says, “Full of great veggies, this easy-to-make salad is nutritious, delicious and super-satisfying.”

My Superfood Greek Quinoa Salad 

And hey, just by showing us your seasonal veg, you could win a Jamie Oliver cookbook thanks to HarperCollins Canada.

How To Enter:

Show us your veg! Snap a photo of your seasonal veg and tell us a little bit about it (how you prepared them).

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us either on FB, or at @FoodRevToronto on Twitter or Instagram. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on June 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes June 30th 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on June 30th 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email July 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Kids Can Cook Brunch...

It's that time of year I always look forward to... Food Revolution Day, an annual themed good and real food celebration taking place world-wide the third Friday in May. However, the official Food Revolution Day on a global scale has been postponed until later this year. The UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, called a snap general election to take place on June 8th, just two weeks after our intended Food Revolution Day. For many political and press reasons, we know this timing isn’t right to have the impact we (ambassadors) want and for Jamie Oliver to make big noise about child obesity policies that best benefit children's health. As our Food Revolution campaign is year-round, many of us still held events while postponing some others until we get the new date. 

For me, while I do enjoy large events to have a greater reach with our universal message (eat real food, get back in the kitchen to cook and food education), I believe intimate, smaller-scale ones are just as if not more impactful. There is better engagement and personable interaction which is harder to come by in a big event. This year, I'm deferring a few school events and held a kids cooking session with my three young boys and their cousins. They did everything from washing, prepping, slicing, chopping, and cooking for the most part with us parents supervising. We made brunch with recipes inspired by Jamie Oliver-- blueberry pancakes and customized omelets. Instead of fruit juice or vitamin water which are loaded with sugar and other stuff, we made real fruit-infused water for a refreshing drink. Now let the cook-off begin! :D

I asked the kids, "What are you cooking with today?"

Instructions first. Ready set go... 

Washing...

Chopping and slicing...

IKEA has an amazing SMABIT kid-friendly knife and peeler set.

These five-year old cousins were in charge of measuring, pouring and whisking up blueberry pancakes.

It's all about breaking the eggs and whisking. Taking turns to make a big batch!

Wiping the earth off mushrooms, while explaining why you must never wash them-- 
gets water-logged that diminishes flavour and texture. The adults were surprised at this too.

It's a whole family affair!

How to cook pancakes...

Lay cooked pancakes on a heightened rack to keep crisp and not soggy.

Grate that cheese- but carefully!

My dad imparting safety chopping techniques.

Customizing omelets from a selection of meat and veggie fillings! 

Individual omelet making! Cooking the selected filling and then encasing in cooked egg crepe.

Mom and Uncle Quan getting in the action! Quan put banana slices 
in his omelet, and he said it was different and sweet-good at the end. Why not? :D

Preparing a variety of fresh fruit for real fruit-infused water.

I just love seeing kids build knife skills confidence holding a real but safe sharp knife.

Make-your-own real fruit water station with tap & carbonated & coconut waters or combo as a base.

Beautifully vibrant, fresh and delish!

To make the most of the fruits' flavours in cold water, crush the fruits in glass or pitcher with spoon or fork, and/or let meld for two hours before serving.

Much better than sugar-laden commercial soda and fruit drinks.

Enjoying the fruits of their labour- literally!

Omelet served with hot salsa sauce, and a yummy real mixed fruit beverage. YUM!

What a great day with the family cooking together and forgetting all else for a while. Hearing that the kids had so much fun, and some saying that they don't usually eat omelets but will now because they really liked making and eating it, or liking the fresh fruit water was music to my ears. We will definitely be doing this again with the extended fam. Cooking is a necessary life skill, a rite of passage and opens up a whole world of eating healthily and discovering new tastes. Starting them young is key. The core of cooking is the knife-- get your kids in the kitchen early, teach them how to use it and they will never lose it! 

It's been proven, that kids enjoy cooking given the chance. Throw caution in the wind, let it go and let your kids cook with you. Before you know it, they will be trying new foods, getting creative and helping to bring a positive and healthy attitude to the family table.

You guys were Super Awesome! So proud of you all! 

Food Revolution Toronto May Contest-- Mexican Omelette Wrap

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Happy May! This month's #CookwithFoodRevTOchallenge is all about healthy #breakfast! How do you like to start off your day right? Each week we'll be showcasing a healthy breakfast idea from Jamie Oliver right here to give you some inspiration - this week it's Mexican-style omelette wrap.

Jamie says, “Zingy with a bit of a kick, this silky omelette will really get you going in the morning. Plus it’s packed with good stuff: tomatoes are a source of Vitamin C, which we need to keep our teeth and gums healthy. Delicious! ”

My Smoked Salmon Capers Omelette inspired by Jamie Oliver's simple omelette 

And hey, just by showing us your healthy breakfast ideas, you could win a Jamie Oliver cookbook thanks to HarperCollins Canada

How to Enter:

Show us your breakfast! Snap a photo of your healthy breakfast and tell us a little bit about it (how you made it, what makes it healthy).

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on Facebook, or at @FoodRevToronto on Twitter or Instagram. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on May 1st 2017 at 6am EST on and closes May 31st 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (usingrandom.org) from all qualified entries on May 31st 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email June 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto April Contest-- Eat More Fruits and Veg!

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Hello April and gorgeous spring produce which will soon be hitting our markets! For our #CookwithFoodRevTO challenge this month, we've chosen a really simple task: EAT MORE FRUIT AND VEG!

In today's edition of Sunday Times Food, Jamie Oliver says:

"Embrace and challenge yourself to up your intake of colourful, vibrant and exciting veg and fruit. Any improvement — however small — is a step in the right direction. My personal goal is to eat meat less often (quality over quantity), and find as many ways as possible to enjoy delicious seasonal produce. Good luck."

(read more of the article by creating an account - super simple, no credit card required and you'll be able to read two articles a month from the Food section - well worth it!)

I personally can't wait to explore the farmer's markets and take in all the beauty, vibrant colours, greenery and discover new finds and tastes! YAY to fresh Spring! 

In Belleville's Farmer's Market

So, let's up our fruit and veg intake this month and hey, just by showing us your fruit and veg, you could win a Jamie Oliver cookbook thanks to Harper-Collins Canada!

How to Enter:

Show us your fruit and veg! Snap a photo of how you get your fruits and veggies in each day - it can be as simple as your daily apple or your lunchtime salad!

You MUST use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us either on Facebook, or at @FoodRevToronto on Twitter or Instagram. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on April 2nd 2017 at 9am EST on and closes April 30th 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on April 30th 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email May 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Food Revolution Toronto March Cooking Contest-- Smoothies...

Resharing from Food Revolution Toronto:

Hello March! It's starting to feel like spring is on its way and with that, March Break! For our #CookwithFoodRevTO challenge this month, we've chosen the simplest recipe for you (and your kids, friends or colleagues) to make along with us - Jamie Oliver's Super Smoothies!

“A deliciously cold, quick smoothie is one of my favourite ways to start the day – here are four of my favourite combos. ” Jamie Oliver

Making smoothies at a past Sobeys' Community Cooking Event

Let's (encourage kids to) put down the soda and whip up one of these colourful, healthy treats instead! AND, just by making one of these smoothies, you could win a Jamie Oliver cookbook thanks to Harper Collins Canada!

How to Enter:

Make one (or all!) of Jamie's smoothies, snap a picture and share it on social media. You must use the hashtag #CookwithFoodRevTO AND tag us on FB, or at @FoodRevToronto on Twitter or Instagram. That's it! Then you'll be entered to win a cookbook!

Eligibility and Contest Rules:

– Contest begins on March 1st 2017 at 9am EST on and closes March 31st 2017 at 6pm EST.
– Prize consists of one (1) Jamie Oliver cookbook
– Open to readers of the age of majority with a Canadian mailing address.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using random.org) from all qualified entries on March 31st 2017 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email April 1st 2017 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.
– Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.

Chocolate Pots à la Jamie Oliver...

As far as decadent chocolate and simplicity goes, these individual two-toned chocolate pots can't be beat. With just four items in three easy steps, you are on your way to baked chocolate heaven baby! A perfect indulgent treat for the kids to celebrate family day and also my birthday ode to doing a rendition my way, adapting Jamie Oliver's Chocolate Pot recipe for our Toronto Food Revolution February Cookbook Contest. Cakey on the outside, bake it a few minutes less for a molten lava centre, or as I have done to a gooey chocolatety inside. As Jamie exclaims in his recipe, it is utterly a mind-blowing chocolate experience! Try it! Share it! Spread the chocolate joy!

Chocolate Pots à la Jamie Oliver (adapted from Jamie Oliver)

Makes 4 pots (double the ingredients for double the batch)

170 g (6 oz.) quality dark chocolate (70%)-- I used Baker's Premium Dark Chocolate
100 g or 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup golden or light brown sugar
2 large eggs

maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

nectarine, thinly sliced for garnish

Preheat oven to 325F. Break or coarsely chop chocolate and place into microwaveable bowl along with butter, cubed. Microwave on medium-high heat for one minute. Stir well to blend the melted ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs together until thick and fluffy. Whisking constantly, pour the chocolate mixture into the eggs, until combined. 

Divide between four small ovenproof teacups or ramekins, then place them in a deep roasting tray. Place the tray in the oven, then carefully pour enough boiling kettle water into the tray to come halfway up the side of the cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, then carefully remove the cups from the tray and leave them to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Note: Baking 20 minutes will give you a molten centre, with five minutes more, a gooey interior. Each oven's temperature results differently. I used my small convection oven to save on energy and baked for 25 minutes.

Crispy on the outside...

For maximum pleasure, enjoy the chocolate pots warm – if they’re hot, they can be too runny, and if they even touch the fridge, they become too firm. Serve with a spoonful of crème fraîche and a drizzle of good maple syrup. Or as I've done, a few slices of nectarine for a simple presentation.

This recipe is perfect for the kids to get hands-on and make! 
Can't wipe the eager smile off these faces...

This is my chocolate monster!! Nom Nom...

Looks like a mini cake...

But oh so ooey, gooey on the inside.... Now that's what I call heaven in a pot!

There's still a week left in our Toronto Food Revolution February Cooking Contest to enter to win a Jamie Oliver cookbook. Won't you give this ridiculously delicious chocolate recipe a try! Click to see contest rules.