Don't worry I have not gone crazy (yet). I know Christmas is officially in December but in Jasper, AB it’s also in November and I couldn't be more thrilled to say that I will be getting festive this November! Let me explain....
This extraordinary Christmas themed event has been a tradition for the past 26 years at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. With a variety of talented presenters, decadent meals, themed activities and special sessions to attend you really need to get your tickets booked quickly- this is not to be missed!

Christmas in November lets you celebrate all the things the holidays should be: great food, wine, entertainment and seasonal inspiration through fun and interactive classes. You will cook with celebrity chefs; learn the art of Christmas crafts and holiday decorating with industry experts; take home tips from a mixology class and sample wines from around the world.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge proudly presents the lineup for the 27th annual Christmas in November, a highly anticipated festival of holiday cuisine. This year will feature two new celebrity chefs - Chef Roger Mooking and Chef Massimo Capra.  We are also welcoming back many of your favourites including: Anna & Michael Olson, Dale MacKay, CTV Canada AM Star Karl Lohnes, Chef Julie Van Rosendaal, Craft Expert Chris Standring and many more!
Christmas in November 2015 dates are:

3 Nights (Weekend) - November 6 - 9, 2015 from $999 per person
3 Nights (Midweek) - November 9 - 12, 2015 from $949 per person
3 Nights (Thursday - Sunday) - November 12 - 15, 2015 from $999 per person

My boys can be eating machines at times and the summer holidays brings this into stark realization.  They seem to go from perfectly fine to starving hungry in a matter of seconds.  Rather than offer them another bag of goldfish crackers I have been reaching into the pantry for help and a good dip can be a lifesaver.

Served up with some bread sticks, carrots and celery sticks these dips are all winners.  They also make great lunches on the go.  The real beauty of this dip is that it starts with a can of cannellini beans (also labeled as white kidney beans).   I split one can three ways to make my top three dips.  Variety is the spice of life after all!

WHITE BEAN DIP BASE

Here are my three suggestions;

 ROASTED CANDY STRIPE BEET & FENNEL

ROASTED TOMATO & ZAATAR

GARLIC, BASIL & LEMON

Happy kiddies and very happy Mummy!!

"The perfect dressing is essential to the perfect salad"
Julia Child
Located at 79 street and 112 avenue in Edmonton, Alberta, Lactuca is a diverse urban farm that combines the latest technologies with sustainable agricultural production principles to create diverse, fresh, high quality produce.
Recognized as the first Urban Farm in Alberta, Lactuca was founded in 2012 as a backyard project directly retailing through the 124 Grand Market. Since then, we've expanded to over an acre of production within Edmonton's city limits and now supply many of the finest restaurants in the Edmonton area.
Lactuca continues to push the edge of fresh with varietal introductions that challenge what is expected and delight those who desire quality, locally grown food.

Good green are the basis for any great salad but I do agree with Julia, dressing is important!  Here are my fabulous three dressings.  Each one can be made and kept in the fridge for a week so you can Dress It Better at a moments notice;

 CITRUS MISO

  THAI

CLASSIC 

 A good dressing starts with great olive oil.  More often that not my leaves are just drizzled with good oil and a fat pinch of sea salt flakes.


 Oh and just in case your wondering, after my beetroot heavy week last week I have another beet recipe coming soon!  You know you love those purple beauties just as much as I do.......

 I was watching a TV cookery show the other day and the chef stated that he couldn't sleep easy on the weekends if there wasn't cake in the kitchen.
Cake is like a security blanket.
Cake is a like a warm cuddle on a long wet day.
This cake is also pink so could persuade Mr Grumpy to smile.

 The cake batter is a joy to see.  It looses some of its neon brilliance as it bakes but once cooled this cake gets a delicate pink cream cheese frosting studded with lime and mint.  Its the kind of cake you wish was waiting for you once you got home from work on a Friday.

 CARROT & BEET CAKE WITH LIME & MINT CREAM CHEESE

 Don't forget that this cake has both carrots and beets in it, therefore it's actually a health food and I would strongly advise you have a second piece, always.