It’s That Time of Year :)

20
Nov
2010
By | Posted in Fun Stuff, Outings, Seasonal

Look around you, it’s everywhere! No, I’m not talking about winter. It’s the Christmas season that gets me excited!

For most of us, Christmas means vacation, good times, family reunions, warm food, first snow, sparks in children’s eyes, etc. Here at Onze, we wish it would be that time of year all year long. WE LOVE CHRISTMAS :)

So this morning, I came in to work and realized… that the big Santa Claus’ Parade was held today on Ste-Catherine Street! Imagine a 20 year-old grown-up in her work environment: OMG THAT’S TODAY?!?!?! WOOOHOOO YES YES YES! WHERE’S THE CAMERA, QUICK! YAY!   That was me. I have to admit, I’m still a little kid at heart.

The parade was awesome, with all its elves, fairies, snowmans, gifts, and the star of the day; Santa Claus. The kids were jubilant. So was I.

We had our load of action and magic today here on Ste-Cath with the sidewalks packed with families, characters, cheers and music.

       

Today’s parade officially kicked off the beginning of the holidays, and I wanted to celebrate that with you. Enjoy, spoil your loved ones and don’t forget to SPOIL YOURSELF!

Make sure to check out my upcoming Christmas-themed blogs!

 

Tiger.

Comments (0) | Leave a comment »

Creamy Velvety Carrot Soup

27
Oct
2010
By | Posted in Food, Recipes, Seasonal

One of my favorite soups that warms my heart on those chilly days spent outside is a creamy, velvety carrot soup.

You will need :
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick on the bias
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 clove of garlic, chopped
  • Pinch of sugar
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup milk (2% or whole milk)
  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, thinly sliced
    • Directions :

  • In a medium-size saucepan with a lid, melt butter over medium heat.  Add carrots and potatoes to saucepan along with onion, garlic, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, and a pinch of pepper; stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until carrots are soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth and milk to carrot and onion mixture; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and working in batches, transfer to the jar of a blender (do not fill more than halfway); loosely cover and carefully puree until very smooth and frothy. Pour soup in bowls (or as shown below, in cups) and garnish with parsley and drizzle your olive oil. Serve immediately.
    • I suggest to accompany this dish with toasted Toasted Crostinis. Your guests will keep on asking for more.

    Let me know of your comments.

    Galia xox

    Comments (2) | Leave a comment »

    Fall / Autumn 2010 Festivities

    27
    Oct
    2010
    By | Posted in Seasonal

    One of America’s biggest celebrations; Thanksgiving ! This holiday is celebrated worldwide and falls in October in certain countries, and November in others.

    In most families, people gather around a table filled with goodies and beautiful decor.

    You can find anything from sweet potatoes to roasted turnips and carrots, sweet peas to bean casseroles, turkey and stuffing to pineapple ham, and everyone’s favourite pies; apple cinnamon, pumpkin nutmeg, pecan chocolate… everything from sweet to gooey.

    For the entertainers, the table settings, outside decor, and everything around are a must.  Scarecrows, pumpkins, fake leaves, and scented candles are a few of this season’s favourite items.

    Between you and I, what’s not to love about this time of year ?

    Now, I am NO match to Martha Stewart or Paula Dean but I decided to share some of my seasonal favorites. It’s simplicity at its best !

    For starters, one of my favourite must-haves at the table include :

    • Creamy Velvety Carrot Soup – Recipe NOW available (click on our recipe section)

    I would love to know if you have a favorite soup to warm those cool days ?

    Galia xox

    Comments (0) | Leave a comment »

    Harvest

    22
    Oct
    2010
    By | Posted in Seasonal

    A little history ..

    Fall, or Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons as many colours fill the landscapes of our every day.

    This season is with us for three full months, and depending on where you reside it starts in September until late November. The weather during this season is cooler and it rains a little more than usual.

    We call this time of year the HARVEST. Do you know why ?

    The terminology behind this word comes from an old English word « Haerfest » and for those working on fields, it meant the celebration of being able to collect crops.

    Nowadays we do not collect crops like they used to in the 16th century, but people working in the fields still continue to gather mature crops at this time of year.

    In association to harvesting, this time of year features several celebrations such as the Americanized Thanksgiving, Sukkot (Jewish Religion), and the very popular Halloween celebration.

    With this said, it is time for us to kick off our Fall / Autumn preparations for the upcoming festivities.

    We certainly hope that you will enjoy everything that is to come in order to help you with your festivities this season.

    Your friends at Boutique Onze  !

    Comments (0) | Leave a comment »
    Back to top