Ottawa At Home Holiday 2015

H O M E S D E S I G N L I V I N G S H O P P I N G F O O D

HOLIDAY 2015

ottawaathome.ca $4.99

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS BLENDING CUSTOMS

2016 décor trends

THE LUXURY OF A WRAPPING ROOM IN A GLEBE HOME

SOPHISTICATED CHRISTMAS IN ROCKCLIFFE PARK

NEIGHBOURLY ADVICE FROM YOUR LOCAL BUTCHER

2 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

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HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 3

16 CONTENTS Holiday 2015 8 EDITOR’S NOTE

Adapting traditions

10 MERRY’S

MUST-HAVES Something for everyone on your list

26 TRENDS

Décor trends to watch for in 2016

40 INSTYLE

12 DESIGNER AT HOME

32 STEP INSIDE

A Rockliffe Park home gets dressed for the holidays

Quick fixes to get your home holiday-ready

Stuntman Stu shares his

blending holiday traditions

> LIVING

24 INSPIRING PROJECTS

34 STYLE PROFILE

Finding a place for crafting and wrapping

25 INSPIRED DECORATING

Simple ideas to decorate

children’s spaces for the holidays 4 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

Meet the newest member of the Ottawa At Home team

35 STREET STYLE

Peek inside some of the city’s most stylish closets

ottawaathome.ca $4.99

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS BLENDING CUSTOMS

36 NEW & NOTABLE

Turning a bedroom into a guest room

HOLIDAY 2015

2016 décor trends

27 GET THE LOOK

31 CAPITAL COLOURS

16 NEW BUILD

8

> HOME Breaking the rules with artistic flair

H O M E S D E S I G N L I V I N G S H O P P I N G F O O D

Thoughtful warmth, stylish pooches and healthy choices THE LUXURY OF A WRAPPING ROOM IN A GLEBE HOME

Melissa Shabinsky shares her story about converting to Judaism

SOPHISTICATED CHRISTMAS IN ROCKCLIFFE PARK

COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

43 GIVING BACK

46 LET’S DISH

A young girl turns a Christmas gift into a charitable business

> FOOD

NEIGHBOURLY ADVICE FROM YOUR LOCAL BUTCHER

Local foodies share their holiday traditions

48 DINING IN

44 ENTERTAINING

Holiday tips from some

of Ottawa’s most revered butchers

53 PAULA’S BITES

Sweet and savoury entertaining ideas

45 FOOD THOUGHTS

Cocktail party inspirations for children and adults

Food editor Paula Roy shares a cherished holiday appetizer

54 END NOTE

Living ornaments

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS Find a retailer at LeCreuset.ca or discover more at the Le Creuset Boutique at 517 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.

Cookware | Bakeware | Tableware | Accessories HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 5

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mary Taggart

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tanya Connolly-Holmes

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jane Whiting

PHOTO EDITOR

Mark Holleron

FOOD EDITOR

Paula Roy

FOOD CONTRIBUTOR

Korey Kealey

STYLE/BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

Melissa Shabinsky

WRITERS

Catherine Clark Vera Cody Sandy Connell Andrew Downward Katie Hession

COPY EDITOR

Krystle Kung

WEB EDITOR

Olivia Taggart

ADVERTISING

Donna Roney Lori Sharpe Jennifer Tackaberry

PRODUCTION

Celine Paquette Regan Van Dusen

FINANCE MANAGER

Jackie Whalen

PUBLISHER

Michael Curran

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Caroline Andrews

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HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 7

EDITOR’S NOTE

CHANGING TRADITIONS

A

s the holiday season begins, we can’t help but notice a shift in the air. The crisp atmosphere embraces the spirit of the season and the warm ambience turns our thoughts to time-honoured family traditions.

Memories conjured by the sights, sounds and smells transport us back to our own past celebrations, which we often seek to recreate. But as Stephen Hawking so eloquently stated: “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change,” and with our evolving lifestyles we also need to embrace new traditions.

In this issue we meet several people who have adapted to changing traditions, bringing with them only the most meaningful elements of their past rituals and carrying forward with new customs. Our style and beauty contributor Melissa Shabinsky shares how she eased into converting to Judaism, and radio personalities Stuntman Stu and Connie Bernardi let us step inside their home to see how they capture the very best of everything within their multi-faith holiday celebrations.

In my home, a slight shift is beginning as my older children feel the influences of their significant others and start to get a sense of varied traditions. I know that soon the time will come when one of them will announce that Christmas plans will take them away from our home. I am bracing myself for this,

but I have the confidence to know that years of fun holiday memories will stay with them, even if they can’t be home for Christmas.

My children know they will always be able to count on me being in the kitchen for most of the day, prepping for what I love to do most – creating holiday magic for my family. It’s a tradition that we can adapt with ease to accommodate all the changes that life decides to throw our way.

The stockings will be hung, the tree decorated, and full candy bowls and Christmas books will be scattered over the tables. I will still prepare the turkey, the stuffing, the gravy and cranberry jelly even if our house is only half full, because that’s part of our holiday tradition that I will strive to keep as my family grows and evolves.

Cheers to whatever is to come …

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> MERRY’S

MUST-HAVES Collected china, toss pillows and Christmas crackers are festive elements I can’t live without during the holiday season!

Lenox china, Holiday pattern

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Antique pillow, a gift from my mother

President’s Choice Christmas crackers

MERRY’S MUST-HAVES Who’s on your list this Christmas?

We have the perfect gift ideas!

THE GIFT OF INDULGENCE Pantherella cashmere socks offer luxurious warmth throughout the winter and make the perfect gift for the hard-tobuy-for man, $99.50, E.R. Fisher Menswear, 199 Richmond Rd. THE GIFT OF STYLE Chic clutches like the Clare V. classic Flat Clutch and all things stylish can be found at Vincent, 444 Preston St.

THE GIFT OF TREATS Le Creuset red cookie jar. $120, Le Creuset, 517 Sussex Dr.

THE GIFT OF GOURMET Wild Rosemary Olive Oil and Red Apple Balsamic for delicious winter cooking. The Unrefined Olive, 151-A Second Ave. & 499 Terry Fox Dr.

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MERRY’S MUST-HAVES THE GIFT OF STYLISH ENTERTAINING Couture pouches hold cutlery in style on the buffet table; a perfect gift for your favourite hostess.

Eight pouches, $44.95, cutlerycouture.com

THE GIFT OF RELAXATION & BEAUTY Minerva Spa’s concierge services can design the perfect spa package; call 613-422-4464, Inside Rinaldo Hair Designers & Spa, 90 George St., MinervaSpa.ca.

THE GIFT OF SCENT True Grace Natural Home Scent, with natural reeds to soak up the fragrance and scent the atmosphere. $60, Jacobsons Gourmet Concepts, 141 Beechwood Ave.

THE GIFT OF ART Original works of art in a variety of sizes. Small Town Gossip, original acrylic on canvas by Andrew King (left). Small Poppy, acrylic on canvas, Alison Fowler (right). Temporary gallery Nov. 28 to Dec. 13, 281A Richmond Rd.

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MERRY’S MUST-HAVES

THE GIFT OF BEAUTY Bio Ionic ceramic styling and smoothing iron for gorgeous hair. $220, Rinaldo Hair Designers, 90 George St.

THE GIFT OF TEA Tea mugs with infusers. $23, DAVIDsTEA, St. Laurent Centre.

THE GIFT OF JEWELRY Silver Poppy rings by Kathyrn Rebecca. Wall Space Gallery, 358 Richmond Rd.

THE GIFT OF WARMTH Roots Cabin Collection Shawl Pullover. $118, Roots at St. Laurent Centre.

THE GIFT OF FINE COOKING Staub cast-iron bouillabaisse pot in royal blue. Promo price $299, C.A Paradis / The Chef’s Paradise, 1314 Bank St.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 11

HOMES Designer At Home

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

THIS PAGE: LEONHARD IN HIS DINING ROOM WITH A NICOLAS GRENIER PORTRAIT IN THE BACKGROUND. FACING PAGE: THE DARK BLUE PAINT IN THE ENTRANCE IS CARRIED THROUGH TO AN ACCENT WALL IN THE LIVING ROOM FOR DRAMATIC COHESION. 12 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

HE HAS DEFINITELY BROKEN SOME RULES!

ART IS

in the house

BY MARY TAGGART

@OTTAWAATHOMEMAG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

A chic couple is spreading a distinct cool factor in Old Ottawa South with their stylish home just off Main Street. Designer Leonhard Vogt has created a dramatic interior throughout the one-and-a-half-storey house that beautifully balances colour and oversized artwork within a relatively small space.

But when rules are broken with this much pizzazz, one might ask why the rule even existed in the first place. So go ahead and add strong dramatic colours to small spaces and bring in the oversized art, because we have proof that it can work perfectly!

Leonhard’s personal style is “eclectic modern” and when combined with his partner’s affinity for art – Jody Surette is an art dealer with Galerie St-Laurent + Hill – their home oozes with tasteful elegance.

And while the drama is optimized from the entry through to the living/dining area, the central all-white kitchen balances the overall look to breathe in a clean, fresh feeling that maintains a spacious element within the main floor.

Hints of glamour, combined with contemporary and traditional furnishings, create a transitional look that shows off the finer aspects of design and décor.

Luxurious velvet sofas flank an end wall in the living room, partnered with a contemporary metal coffee table and cool white leather chairs. Another touch of glamour pops up again in the dining room with a black crystal chandelier dangling above a high-gloss modern table that allows the chairs to stand out.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 13

Guests are always welcomed, and the home is the perfect backdrop for relaxed holiday entertaining with plenty of food, drink and laughter.

The couple’s entertaining style is effortless, with simple yet artfully displayed platters laid out on the dining table. Guests are always welcomed, and the home is the perfect backdrop for relaxed holiday entertaining with plenty of food, drink and laughter.

The stairway to the second floor continues to serve as a gallery for their astounding art collection, with airy

pieces like the Amy-Claire Huestis pink watercolour adding an unexpected pop of colour and whimsy. The master bedroom stirs emotion with deep-red walls and theatrical artwork that is balanced beautifully with the simplicity of the furnishings and bed linens. It’s all a testament to Leonhard’s talents as a designer who knows how and when to intrigue, and where to tone down the style.

LEONHARD’S TIPS FOR WORKING WITH DARK COLOUR AND LARGE ARTWORK: 3 Use a simple wall colour as a foil to allow the art to be the focus.

3 Use dark framing to anchor and emphasize the art.

3 If the art is monochromatic, a dark neutral or strong wall colour can be effective.

3 For art that is primarily neutral with a single dominant colour, pulling that dominant colour onto the wall can further focus the piece.

3 Artwork should feel like a part of the space and interact with elements around it. There is nothing wrong with a piece of furniture cutting into the corner of a painting, or with a sculpture sitting under an artwork to protrude in front.

Contact Leonhard: Leonhard@Vogtdesign.ca

14 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

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FREE Truck and Driver at MOVE-IN 8 Convenient locations across Ottawa Coventry Road • Prince of Wales at Hunt Club • Orléans • South Keys Walkley at Heron • Kanata Centrum • Carling at the Queensway Greenbank at Hunt Club (coming soon) HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 15

HOMES New Build

A FIRST-CLASS WINNER

BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

16 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

CONTEMPORARY LUXURY A SILK ORCHID COLLECTION CARPET FROM TORONTO’S ELTE SETS THE LUXURIOUS TONE IN THE LIVING/DINING ROOM. CUSTOM FABRIC FROM UPROAR INTERIORS ON MONTAUK SOFAS IN THE LIVING ROOM.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 17

E

veryone wins in the creation of a spectacular new home built on a leafy lot in Rockcliffe Park. It was an award winner in the annual Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards last year, and by displaying its dramatic design on this year’s tour of Homes for the Holidays, it’s also a winner for helping to support Hospice Care Ottawa.

Tour visitors will be inspired by the design of this high-end bungalow of glass and stone in its festive setting. Decorated for the holidays by Janise Saikaley of Uproar Interiors in a style of classic elegance with a twist, she incorporated fun accessories such as gold trees and rhinestone animals. The seasonal arrangements were provided by Mood Moss Flowers in New Edinburgh, with Eric Cardinal opting for subtle floral colours of green, white and sage, plus some berry textures.

CUSTOMIZED CONTEMPORARY DESIGN The plan to build a home on the owner’s vacant lot in Ottawa’s historic village evolved over many years. It eventually became a reality when architect Barry Hobin put his professional skills to work in partnership with custom builder Roca Homes. Together, the first-class design and construction of the contemporary bungalow won them both a GOHBA award for a customized urban infill home.

Limestone is used extensively on inside walls, floors and fireplaces as well as for landscaping and on the exterior, combined

18 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

ELEGANT ENTERTAINING FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE: THE LIMESTONE ENTRY MOVES SEAMLESSLY TO THE EXTERIOR COURTYARD, JUST BEYOND THE FRONT HALL; CLASSICRUSTIC HOLIDAY DÉCOR; RESIN STAG HEAD FROM UPROAR INTERIORS GREETS GUESTS AT THE FRONT DOOR; MOOD MOSS FLOWERS HELPED TO DRESS THE HOLIDAY TABLE IN LUXURIOUS GOLD AND GREEN THIS PAGE: MARTHA STURDY CUSTOM DINING TABLE WITH CUSTOM CHAIRS FROM UPROAR INTERIORS.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 19

with mahogany cladding and an imposing mahogany front door. The steep roof is covered in copper and the home curves around a landscaped courtyard and pool.

This U-shaped layout forms distinctive pods of living areas that are bathed in natural light from walls of windows and glass inserts, with expansive views and a seamless transition to the outdoor environment. It’s a uniquely contemporary design that was carefully crafted to fit the homeowners’ vision of their home and individual style.

A FUSION OF STYLE Making choices on the interior design and layout was equally important. In addition to the holiday decorating, interior designer Janise Saikaley was also the go-to person for bringing in the expertise on various design elements, material finishes and décor. She explains that she has known the homeowners for more than 20 years and helped with ideas throughout the long design-tweaking process of the challenging four-bedroom home with a luxuriously finished basement.

Describing her clients as more traditional in style, Janise introduced some modern elements to create what she calls

20 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2015

a tension in design to contrast different looks. “It takes years to develop a house and we’ve taken it slowly. I’ve tried to use Canadian designers as much as possible as we have so many talented people in this country.”

One of her all-time favourites is Vancouver’s Martha Sturdy, whom Janise considers a Canadian icon. She is known for her unique décor and resin jewellery.

The big brass dining table is one of her signature pieces and Janise teamed it with 10 brass-studded chairs upholstered in beautiful Schumacher fabric.

Gregor Bruhn of Handwerk Custom Cabinetry created the sleek white kitchen, which features a 14-foot-long island with teak side panels and spacious storage drawers. “His work is flawless,” says Janise.

“Having a Gregor kitchen is like winning the lottery!”

In addition to praising Canadian talent, Janise gives credit to her Uproar associate designer Sorcha Finn, who also worked on the décor. They both describe the overall feel of the interior as simple and elegant, which reflects the personal style of their client.

“They were looking for a warm, inviting

home,” adds Janise. “So we brought in colour and texture to contrast with the clean lines of contemporary design. I’m a big fan of drapes over blinds on windows to warm things up, especially in a glass house in Ottawa. We used sheer drapes in Italian linen for the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room – it’s my trademark.”

Other elements to contrast the white velvety walls and add tension to the decor include surprise wallpaper accents, exotic rugs and upholstered furniture. The main bathroom features flocked paper that looks like concrete, the mud room has a wall of hand-embossed paper in gold and blue, and even the closets are wallpapered for a more feminine effect.

Walnut flooring warms up the office — which the homeowner calls his throne room — with its panorama of windows. But the latest showstopper is the new carpet in the living room. It’s a silk sari rug from Elte in muted jewel colours with a plum daisy pattern. These second-life rugs are made from actual saris and Janise calls them “the Mercedes of carpets – worth their weight in gold.”

And that, she believes, is just what a first-class home deserves!

RELAXED LIVING THIS PAGE: THE 14-FOOT-LONG ISLAND OFFERS AMPLE ENTERTAINING AND CASUAL DINING SPACE IN THE KITCHEN; A TV ROOM OFF THE KITCHEN SHOWS OFF THE VIBRANT WORK OF AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHER PETER LIK.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 21

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“It takes years to develop a house and we’ve taken it slowly. I’ve tried to use Canadian designers as much as possible as we have so many talented people in this country.” ‑ JANISE SAIKALEY, DESIGNER LUXURIOUS ELEMENTS THIS PAGE: WARM TONES IN THE ENSUITE; BRASS COCKTAIL TABLES FROM UPROAR INTERIORS; SCHUMACHER WALLPAPER IN THE POWDER ROOM. FACING PAGE: THE HOME OFFICE CARRIES THE WARM CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS OF THE PRINCIPAL ROOMS.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 23

HOMES Inspiring Projects GOOD LIGHTING SHELVING SPACE

ROLL BARS

AMPLE WORK SPACE (DOES DOUBLE-DUTY AS HOLIDAY DÉCOR PREP SPACE)

ROOM TO WRAP

BY MARY TAGGART

@OTTAWAATHOMEMAG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

A

busy young mom cleverly included a crafty wrapping room to her list of must-haves when she and her husband built a new home in the Glebe. With the expertise of Potvin Kitchens & Cabinetry and 2H Interior Design, the space is stylish yet practical.

The room serves as a multifunctional storage area with ample cupboard space for holiday and seasonal décor. Counter areas, including a central island, provide a workspace for year-round crafting for the kids, as well as Mom, who takes pride in wrapping holiday and birthday gifts with pizazz!

This wrapping room is well-stocked with paper and ribbon and all the necessary tools, so there is no lastminute frantic hunt for scissors, tape and wrap before heading off to a party! Michaels and Chapters are good resources for finding fun wrapping and trimmings.

24 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

SMALL SPACE SOLUTION If space is tight, a wrapping wall serves the same purpose, with a pegboard and hooks to hold ribbon and supplies. A simple can or bucket will hold plenty of wrapping rolls in one space. The idea is simply to have everything on hand when you need it.

WRAPPING ROOM MUST-HAVES • • • • •

Good lighting Clutter-free counter space Paper and ribbon rods Shelving to house supplies Counter-height seating

HOMES Inspired Decorating

CHRISTMAS IS FOR KIDS

BY MARY TAGGART

@OTTAWAATHOMEMAG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

Have fun decorating child-friendly spaces with whimsical elements that add a playful spirit throughout the house

FRISKY ELVES

PLAYFUL GARLANDS

You never know where those silly elves are going to turn up!

Check out Etsy.com for a variety of elf legs to pop under pillows, beds and furniture.

Decorate window ledges, dressers and doorways with strings of ornaments to quickly add festive flair. Head to HomeSense for a selection of holiday garlands.

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS

MIRROR, MIRROR

Part beanbag, part hammock, Le Beanock is the ultimate lounging swing; toss on some holiday pillows and you’re ready for merry relaxation in the playroom, lebeanock.com.

Find washable window markers at Tag Along Toys to create instant décor on mirrors and windows.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 25

HOMES Trends

GEOMETRIC VESSELS

MOD LIGHTING

FLOATING FIXTURES

DREAMING ON TREND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

PAPERED ACCENTS

GEOMETRICS 26 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

Thinking forward to 2016 finds trends leaning towards elegant décor with timeless appeal. Lighting helps to create a “wow” factor and luxurious papered feature walls are turning heads in the bedroom. The Minto CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery Home in Manotick turned out inspiring trends thanks to KISS Design Group. Support the cause dreamofalifetime.ca

GOLD FAUCETS

CITY STYLE

INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING

HOMES Get the Look

GUEST ROOM CONVERSION PRODUCED BY TANYA CONNOLLY-HOLMES @TANYALOVESART

Preparing your home for the holidays is all part of the magic of the season. If your home doesn’t have the luxury of a designated guest room, a child or teen bedroom can easily be converted to a space for visitors. A comfortable queen-sized bed, bedding, bedside lamps and art can be switched out with ease to create a chic updated look with minimal effort.

UPDATED CLOCKWISE: IKEA PS MASRKOS PENDANT; DISTINCTLY HOME SELBY LEAF FLANNEL DUVET COVER, HUDSON’S BAY, THEBAY. COM; COLOURFUL GEOMETRY POSTER, THE MODERN SHOP; BRASS LAMPS FROM LA-Z-BOY FURNITURE GALLERIES. HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 27

28 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 29

IT’S WHAT’S ON THE

SURFACE THAT COUNTS. Especially when what’s on the surface is Emerald ® paint

© 2015 The Sherwin-Williams Company

by Sherwin-Williams. The best dressed homes wear Emerald.

sherwin-williams.ca 30 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

HOME Capital Colours

“Another project I take on during the holiday season is to find a focus wall to either paint or paper.” — ANDREW DOWNWARD

THE HOLIDAYS IN STYLE!

BY ANDREW DOWNWARD

A

@ANDREWDOWNWARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

t the first sight of snow I enter my sweet spot of holiday mode. I start putting off anything workrelated with the classic, “I’ll get to it after the holidays.” I never do of course! My sole focus at this time of year is enjoying all the sights, sounds and activities of this special season – the Santa Claus parade, the shop displays and all the festive decorations that light up the homes on my street – all fill my heart with joy.

We love to entertain during the holiday season, when our home becomes a carousel of friends and loved ones that we often only see at this time of the year. As holiday entertaining is a little more formal, I have a few annual decorating routines to spruce things up.

Firstly, I repaint the main areas of my

home. I have never washed a wall and probably never will – I paint instead.

Here is my trick: paint your walls in a flat or matte paint. Without the shine you can repaint over it as little or as often as you wish (same colour of course), without “cutting in.” Cutting in refers to the painstaking time it takes to brush-paint all the areas between your walls and ceiling, and between the walls and your baseboards/trim. When painting over a flat wall, all you need to do is use painter’s tape on your baseboards, place a drop sheet at the bottom of where you are painting and roll out your walls. Your walls will look fresh and clean, and all it took was an afternoon of your time.

Another project I take on during the holiday season is to find a focus wall to either paint or paper. Drama is the operative word

here. Since the trend this year and going into 2016 seems to be overwhelmingly all things white, we can certainly use a little drama.

To begin, find a focus wall. This is generally the first wall you see when you enter a room. Make this a room in which you often entertain, or a room that will be seen or used by guests. For instance, last year, I decided to paper my powder room.

You can either hang wallpaper or paint the focus wall in an accent colour that complements the existing wall colour in the room. I often use a colour wheel, or simply choose a colour off the paint chit in either a darker or lighter shade of the original. If hanging wallpaper, go for something that creates drama, not only in colour but also in texture and pattern.

The end result can add a much-needed boost of vibrancy to your room and a centrepiece of decorative conversation.

Remember, keep it simple, have fun and enjoy this special time of year.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 31

LIVING Step Inside

FAMILY TIME CLOCKWISE: STU’S COLLECTION OF MENORAHS ARE A PART OF THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS HE AND CONNIE SHARE WITH THEIR CHILDREN MATTEO AND ISABELLA.

BLENDING TRADITIONS WITH CORE VALUES

BY VERA CODY

@VERAHEREFORU PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

T

he dream for Stu Schwartz while growing up in Montreal was to be a radio and television broadcaster. He got his first real break in 1996 at Ottawa’s 106.9 The Bear after doing a morning show stunt, and that was how Stuntman Stu was launched.

After 10 years of hosting with The Bear, Stu segued into television at Rogers and was also the fill-in weather host for CTV Ottawa.

Over the years he has been a PA announcer for the CFL’s Ottawa Renegades, and for both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Stu was hired as the voice of the Ottawa Senators nine years ago, 32 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

and since 2010 has been the popular host of Stuntman Stu & Angie Poirier on MAJIC 100’s morning show.

Stu’s workday begins early at 3 a.m. and continues into the evening with his gigs as a sought-after MC and auctioneer. His dedicated commitment to community work has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Ottawa Mayor’s City Builder Award.

His wife Connie Bernardi, whom he met 20 years ago while they were both students at Algonquin College’s radio broadcasting program, is also a popular radio personality.

She grew up in Ottawa in an Italian Catholic

family, while he was raised Jewish in Montreal. Their mixed-ceremony wedding was held at City Hall under a chuppah and honoured both of their faiths.

By equally respecting and blending their religions, cultures and family traditions they expose their two children, Matteo, 9, and seven-year-old Isabella, to the best of both worlds. During the holidays Stu is as excited as the kids to get Christmas presents and Connie has learned how to make potato latkes. They continue to strive for a good work-life balance at home in Ottawa and make it work for their family.

STU, WAS IT DIFFICULT TO BLEND YOUR TRADITIONS AND FAITHS TOGETHER? Religion is how you interpret it. It has survived as long as it has for obvious reasons. It is important to respect your faith. Our son had a bris when he was four and both of our children are baptized. They go to a Catholic school but will be attending Hebrew school on Sundays. They celebrate Christmas and

Hanukkah. Others don’t have to agree with or understand our process, but we would like them to respect our decisions.

CONNIE, HOW DO YOU JUGGLE THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR BUSY CAREERS? We both work until Dec. 24. My parents take charge of Christmas Eve. The menu is all fish according to tradition and Stu likes my sister’s garlic shrimp dish. Christmas Day is always at our home and we welcome my sister’s family and other relatives. My dad’s birthday is also on Christmas Day, so it’s a dual celebration of family, food and fun.

STU, HOW DOES THE FAMILY CELEBRATE HANUKKAH? We light the menorah every night during the eight days of Hanukkah and I say the prayer with the kids. In the past, I would hold their hand to light the menorah but now they want to do it on their own. One of the menorahs I have had my whole life.

We have one night of presents only during that period as it gets excessive when you also have gifts on Christmas Day. CONNIE, WHAT HAS BECOME A FAVOURITE TRADITION WITH STU? Since our first Christmas spent together, Stu has given me a new tree ornament and also one for the kids. I add to this collection by buying him Star of David ornaments which we hang on our very full tree.

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STU, DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL HOLIDAY ROUTINE YOU FOLLOW? I put up the tree on a Sunday one month before Christmas, as well as the outdoor lights. Then I stand back and watch the kids decorate it with Connie while I enjoy a glass of wine in the kitchen and watch football.

STU, DO YOUR CHILDREN GET INVOLVED IN GIVING BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS? It’s part of my DNA. We have explained the importance of this since they were young enough to understand that some people are just not as fortunate. They help collect unwrapped toys for Toy Mountain, which the Salvation Army ensures will get to needy children for Christmas morning. I have told them that when they are older to get involved in a charity that really means something to them. I created the #NoMoreBullies initiative from my own personal experience, and this partnership between Youth Net / Réseau Ado, the Canadian Red Cross and MAJIC 100 helps students deal with the effects of bullying.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 33

LIVING Style Profile

OFF THE STREET

BY MARY TAGGART MARYKTAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

M

© 2015 The Sherwin-Williams Company

eet our new columnist Katie Hession, who has been making a name for herself on the local style scene with her popular YOW City Style Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr accounts.

Katie captures local street style, from the hip venues each subject frequents to their individual fashion sense, as YOW City Style peeks into the street scene culture of the capital.

The social media project served as a creative outlet for the mother of two and has gained Katie international recognition with a recent trip to cover Tel Aviv’s fashion week.

She also honours her roots as a teacher and her dedication as a mom to Charlie, 3, and Maeve, 1, with a fun, educational video project. And now, Katie brings her posts to print with a regular street style column in Ottawa At Home. We asked her about her personal style and turned the lens and interview onto her.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO LOOK? Tomboy chic. I like to make it more feminine with cute flats, ankle boots or jewelry. Comfortable footwear is a bit of a must for me!

FAVOURITE DRESSED-UP LOOK? I usually have a bit more of an edgy, yet elegant, look when going out on the town. I love changing up my outfits with a statement jewelry piece and a bright bold lipstick.

FAVOURITE FOOD? Chocolate! It’s a ritual for my husband and I to have chocolate every night with a pot of tea. We always have a pretty serious chocolate stash on hand.

FAMILY ACTIVITY IN OTTAWA? On the weekends we love to walk over to Lansdowne to check out the Farmers’ Market or 613 Flea. We usually grab a sweet treat from one of the stalls and then let the kids play on the new playground and skateboard ramps.

34 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

DATE-NIGHT ACTIVITY? When we’re lucky enough to have a date night, we usually head up to Quinn’s pub on Bank for a pint of craft beer and some wings. We enjoy the short walk from our house and we love how cosy it is in there, especially in the winter.

MUSIC PREFERENCES? I met my husband because he came to DJ my Canada Day party, so music is a big part of our lives.

Some of my favourite artists are The War on Drugs, Jamie XX, Beck, The Pixies and Bruce Springsteen. Katy Perry is on high rotation for kitchen dance parties with the kids.

BUCKET-LIST TRAVEL DESTINATION? I’d be like

a kid in a candy shop in Tokyo! I am so fascinated by Japanese pop culture — the fashion, the food, the cat cafés. And my camera and I would have a lot of fun there.

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I’m making my way through the Curious George series (with my son Charlie).

WHAT’S YOUR VIDEO PROJECT ALL ABOUT? I host a web series called Kids Outside the Box on a YouTube channel called Coral, produced by RTR Media out of Toronto. In each episode, I present a mix of simple crafts, fun and healthy snacks and educational activities to help with early child development.

LIVING Street Style

YOW CITY STYLE

BY KATIE HESSION, YOWCITYSTYLE @YOWCITYSTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE HESSION

On November 20th the Ottawa School of Art and Carolynn Lacasse are teaming up with St. Laurent Centre and H&M to host the 2nd annual Closet Collective, a curated shop of donated items from some of Ottawa’s finest closets. For $30, your ticket includes a glass of bubbly and a bag to fill with as many fashionable items that will fit. Proceeds to St. Joe’s Women’s Centre and Dress for Success, artottawa.ca/closetcollective.

WHO: Julie, software engineer WHERE: Little Italy WEARING: boots from ASOS / vintage fur vest / hat from a flea market in Turkey / necklace from Happiness Boutique / dress from Hudson’s Bay

WHO: Asha, wardrobe stylist WHERE: Byward Market WEARING: boots from Aldo / blazer from Zara / dress by Pink Tartan

“I love pairing Joe Fresh with higher end pieces and this shirt has helped me to make some really great outfits. It’s perfect for business meetings or a night out and I always get so many compliments on the pattern and bright colour.”

“I got this dress three years ago and was immediately drawn to the colour and fabric. It’s so versatile and makes a really great outfit for fall. I actually wore it on my first date with my boyfriend because I was looking for something classy but also a little bit sexy.”

“I was looking for a cocktail dress for an evening event and I instantly fell in love with the way this dress hugged my body so perfectly. This was my very first wrap dress, my first Pink Tartan piece and now I work for them. I’m ready to pass it on.”

WHO: Maxine, ad agency account executive WHERE: Sussex Drive WEARING: shoes by Jeffrey Campbell / tights from H&M / shirt from Brandy Melville / necklace from Victoire / vintage jumper / jacket from Gap

WHO: Ashley, community manager at Makers Space WHERE: Dundonald Park WEARING: Vans shoes from Antique Skate / pants from Urban Outfitters / tee from American Apparel / necklace from Victoire / coat from Mary-Ann Harris Vintage

WHO: Whitney, photographer WHERE: Centretown WEARING: Franco Sarto boots / J Brand jeans / thrifted faux-fur coat / rings by Lissa Bowie and The Hunt NYC

“I found this jumper squeezed between hundreds of items in a thrift shop. The big buttons and cute cut caught my eye right away. This is a perfect example that you don’t have to spend a bundle to get a classic item that will last through several seasons.”

“Once a man walked up to me and gave me $100 while I was wearing this coat. He wasn’t trying to buy it or be a creep, he simply was encouraging young women to keep dressing smart, at least those were his words. This coat always brings a little bit of luck wherever it goes.”

“Nice black denim is the perfect jumping off point to contrast great accessories or a fun coat without being over the top for everyday. I’m donating this pair that have been a staple for my last two years of work travel through Latin America and Spain. They get better and better.”

WHO: Carolynn, marketer and digital strategist WHERE: North Dalhousie WEARING: shoes from Zara / pants from Aritzia / vintage Harry Rosen blazer / shirt from Joe Fresh

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 35

LIVING New & Notable

FRESH & COSY Spreading warmth and good nutrition as temperatures drop this holiday season WRITTEN BY SANDY CONNELL

THE BARKING TEACUP Frustrated with the lack of variety and quality of apparel for her chihuahua, Jennifer Graham created an Ottawa-based online boutique offering a mix of both fun and functional canine attire. She sources everything from casual T-shirts to dresses and winter wear, in addition to a wide selection of accessories including leashes, collars and harnesses in a variety of fabrics and colours.

Jennifer also offers her own line of T-shirts, PB and Jellyfish Designs, upcycling gently used T-shirts to make specialty items. For the pint-sized pooch on your Christmas list, visit The Barking Teacup at thebarkingteacup.com, or at the Ottawa Pet Expo Nov. 14 and15 at the EY Centre where 10 per cent of all proceeds will be donated to the Ottawa Humane Society.

URBAN BARN BLANKET THE COUNTRY IN WARMTH The Blanket the Country in Warmth campaign is a charitable holiday initiative of Canadian furniture and home dĂŠcor company Urban Barn. For every $5 donation received in store, Urban Barn will deliver a new, warm blanket to a local shelter, giving warmth to those who need it most this holiday season.

The campaign, now in its fourth year, will kick off Thursday, Nov. 12, and runs through December 2015.

This season, Urban Barn has 15,000 blankets available to donate to shelters.

So as temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, consider making a donation and giving the gift of warmth.

FARM BOY AT CANADIAN TIRE CENTRE The new Farm Boy Fresh Zone is a fresh new way for hockey fans to enjoy a winning meal of nutritious and delicious food before or during the game. It features artisan wraps, signature salads, fresh soups, sushi and more, all made from scratch every day in the Farm Boy kitchen. The Canadian Tire Centre and Farm Boy are pleased to offer this level of convenience with wholesome, fresh food options to Sens fans on the 200-level concourse of the Canadian Tire Centre at Section 210/211.

36 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

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LIVING Style Profile

“When I stand in my front hall and look at my staircase I think about how nice a green garland would look trailing down the banister.”

— MELISSA SHABINSKY

40 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

CHRISTMAS PAST / HANUKKAH PRESENT

BY MELISSA SHABINSKY @MELSHABINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

G

rowing up in a military family that moved every few years, Christmas was the one time of year that made every different home feel like our home.

The tree was our “constant,” where we displayed handcrafted knick-knacks that told the story of our past and our travels.

Our mom was the ultimate DIYer, so around the holidays our home was always filled with homemade wreaths, stockings, home-cooked goodies and macramé plant hangers (hey, it was the ‘70s!). Each year, my sister Stephanie and I would be tasked with making new ornaments for the Christmas tree. Over the years, we sewed, beaded and bedazzled on planes and in cars during the summers as we trekked around Canada and the U.S. For anyone to see us with our notions and needle-pricked fingers, it really did look like Christmas was in July.

When I met my husband Ian, we decided that we would raise a family under one religion, so I converted to his — Judaism — and together we agreed to start our own traditions. That very first holiday season as a couple was an adjustment as there was no tree to decorate or stockings to fill. But I embraced this new holiday, often kicking off the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah with a large Shabinsky family gathering full of festive décor and food.

When we started our family and our four children were younger, each night of Hanukkah we would gather around our menorah and each child would take a turn lighting it. I loved to see their eyes dazzle in the candlelight and wonder about the miracle of the magic oil. We would then give them each a tiny gift. Now that my kids are older and time together is often a challenge, we are grateful for any of

the eight nights together and we’ve stopped giving presents because we all know that just being with each other is the best gift of all. And now the meaning of both holidays seems to blend as we cherish our time as a family.

The one question I am often asked is, “Do you miss Christmas?” Sure, I miss the decorations and the magic surrounding the season. When I stand in my front hall and look at my staircase I think about how nice a green garland would look trailing down the banister. But over the years we have created our own magic surrounding this Festival of Lights, our own traditions and favourite holiday foods that one day we hope our children will share with their families.

My sister is now the custodian of the tickle trunk of ornaments and each year we all get together to decorate a family tree at her house as my sister and I recount stories of our “sisterhood of the travelling Christmas tree ornaments.”

Over the years, my kids have added their own homemade decorations, so now the colourful branches of our family tree tell the story of three families embracing and respecting two cultures and our blended traditions.

While I don’t celebrate Christmas in my own home anymore, in the true spirit of my childhood I still look forward to opening my Holly Hobbie stocking lovingly filled by my mom and sister.

Selfishly, this is one family tradition from my past that I don’t mind keeping.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 41

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LIVING Giving Back

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

BY CATHERINE CLARK @CATHERINEJCLARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

L

ast Christmas, Reanna Bayne woke up to a gift under the tree that would change her life: “I got a make-it-yourself lip balm kit from Santa,” the nine-year-old Barrhaven girl explains.

“I really liked it, so I decided to start my own business.”

With that, her company Da Balm was born!

This kind of initiative in a young girl is enough to make her stand out from the crowd, but what really sets Reanna apart was the choice she made next: to donate all proceeds from her business to local charities. Her decision to do so was inspired in part by time spent in India a few years ago, where she was exposed to the sights and sounds of grinding poverty.

“It made me feel very sad,” Reanna recalls.

Reanna set out to help kids in particular, and thus far several Ottawaarea charities have benefited from her generosity, including CHEO and the antibullying campaign Proud to be Me. Da Balm products are a labour of love, and involve Reanna’s whole family. This includes dad Gary Bayne, who takes her out to buy products and helps heat them on the stove, and mom Darpan Ahluwalia

who sells the products through her company, Manotick Natural Market. “She comes every day to check her inventory,” Darpan says with a laugh.

Reanna’s brothers Luke and Ayden are an important part of the business too.

“She makes her brothers put on labels,” Darpan cheerfully explains. “And if they do it crooked, she gets quite upset.”

The lip balms are all-natural, made in a nut-free facility and come in flavours like bubble gum, peppermint, vanilla, cherry and tropical. Reanna works evenings and weekends, but she enjoys the effort and exclaims, “I like pouring it into the tubes.”

She has also recently decided to expand the Da Balm product line to include body balms and butters, and now she’s helping animals with a new offering called Da Paw Balm. Reanna admits the decision to create that product was not entirely altruistic. “I really love animals and I

still want my own dog. I made the balm because I thought it would influence my mom to get a dog.”

Reanna plans to keep offering her products for sale to benefit local organizations, and maybe this year Santa will drop off another gift that requires almost as much effort – something with four paws that Reanna can keep nice and smooth.

For more information visit dabalm.ca

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 43

FOOD Entertaining

SWEET & SAVOURY

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

Holiday entertaining is much easier when food is laid out on the table for guests to help themselves. A combination of sweet and savoury items arranged decoratively creates a delicious festive display SWEET Specialty shops such as Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana on Preston Street can help create a bountiful dessert display, with unique items including specially decorated petit fours, chocolate truffles and edible decorations like gingerbread houses. Give them plenty of notice and your sweet treats can be custom-created.

613-233-2104.

SAVOURY Charcuterie boards have become the hottest entertaining tool. Cheeses, meats, fruit and vegetables displayed on wood planks and served with a baguette turn appetizers into the latest entertaining craze: “suppertizers�. Jody Surette created this plate for our Designer At Home photo shoot.

44 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

FOOD Food Thoughts

SWEET TRADITIONS

CREATED BY KOREY KEALEY, @FOODTHOUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

CANDY’S DANDY Festive gatherings include adults and children, so sweet treats are as much a part of the décor as the refreshments. Themed gingerbread decorating parties make for traditional holiday fun. Trays of candy set out along with premade gingerbread houses are the perfect craft for kids of all ages. Incorporate some of the sweetness into a vintage cocktail that tastes as delicious as it looks.

GRANDPA TWOHEY’S GRASSHOPPER LIQUOR’S QUICKER My grandfather enjoyed a classic minty green cocktail throughout the holiday season. I have added my own special touch with a crushed candy-cane rim.

Prep time: 5-10 minutes Serves: 4 1-2 tbsp (15-30 mL) honey 4 candy canes, crushed 4 cups (1 L) vanilla ice cream 8 oz green crème de menthe METHOD Place honey on round plate and spread into a thin layer.

Place rim of 6 oz martini glass in honey and twirl to coat the entire rim. Place crushed candy cane on another round plate, then dip the honey-rimmed glass into the candy-cane until well coated.

In blender, combine ice cream and liqueur, blend well and pour into rimmed martini glasses. Serve immediately!

KOREY’S TIPS Rim glasses and place into freezer immediately to secure the candy cane rim and keep the Grasshopper very cold and slushy when serving.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 45

FOOD Let’s Dish

Blueberry GrandsPères au sirop

FAMILY TIME

Checking in with local foodies to discover old and new Christmas traditions

BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

This dessert is best prepared in a large stovetop-safe cocotte or Dutch oven with a tight lid, which provides steady, even heat to the dumplings as they cook in the blueberry syrup.

INGREDIENTS 5 cups (1.25 L) wild blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup (250 mL) water 1 cup (250 mL) maple syrup 1/4 cup (60 mL) bourbon (optional) 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder 1/4 cup (60 mL) cold unsalted butter, cubed 3/4 cup (180 mL) whole milk 2 tbsp (30 mL) molasses 1 cup (250 mL) heavy (35%) cream

METHOD:

MARYSOL FOUCAULT

C

hef Marysol Foucault, the effervescent French-Canadian owner of Gatineau’s Chez Edgar, recalls Christmases when she was growing up as being a little overwhelming. “My father’s side of the family would host very large, loud gatherings that didn’t really appeal to me,” she says. Later, toiling in the restaurant business meant she just didn’t have time to celebrate Christmas, as she was always working.

“I started liking Christmas a lot more when I could do it my way in my own restaurant,” she notes. “My staff’s enthusiasm for the festive season has rubbed off on me and now as a team we derive great pleasure from offering very traditional holiday foods that families don’t necessarily prepare anymore, usually for lack of time.”

46 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

The treats that Marysol enjoys making – many for preorder – include the savoury meat pies cipaille and tourtière, ragoût de pattes de cochon (a hearty stew), fruitcakes, Yule logs and more. “I feel so much joy as people tell me these dishes bring them comfort and evoke wonderful, fond memories.”

Marysol spends Christmas snuggled in a chalet with her partner’s family. “We have a réveillon on Christmas Eve and then on the 25th I put on a new pair of pyjamas and sit with a big pile of books, undisturbed for two days.

They won’t let me cook, which is a lovely treat.”

A traditional French-Canadian dessert that Marysol says would be perfect for a holiday meal is grand-pères au sirop, which is dumplings cooked in maple syrup. She likes to add fruit for an extra special treat.

In a large pot or cocotte, over medium heat, simmer the blueberries, water, maple syrup and bourbon until the blueberries have softened and released their juices (about 15 minutes).

While berries cook, prepare the dumplings. Put the flour and baking powder in a large bowl, then blend in the butter with your fingertips until it resembles coarse meal.

With a wooden spoon, mix in the milk and molasses until you have a smooth dough.

Using two soup spoons, carefully drop the dumpling batter in uniform portions into the bubbling blueberries. Cover the pot and leave to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes – the dough will cook through and expand.

Scoop dumplings and sauce into individual serving dishes and serve warm with a drizzle of cream.

Turkey Roulade INGREDIENTS STUFFING: 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter 1 onion, finely chopped 1 stalk celery, finely chopped 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) salt 1 clove garlic, minced 6 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped 4 fresh pork sausages, casings removed

TURKEY: 1 whole turkey breast, breast bone removed, butterflied (ask your butcher to do this for you) 20-25 thin slices double-smoked bacon 1-2 tbsp (15 – 30 mL) unsalted butter Salt & pepper

METHOD:

BIANCA COLDREY

A

ustralian-born Bianca Coldrey, owner of Manotick café and catering company Take Another Bite, fondly recalls her first Canadian Christmas 15 years ago. “I was missing my family but absolutely loving the snow and cold. In Australia, it’s the middle of summer in December, but we embrace the same wintry holiday images as the rest of the world. Christmas finally made sense to me for the first time. Tourtière, turkey and cranberries were delightful new tastes for me as well.”

Growing up, Bianca’s Christmases were big family affairs. “We’d often have a barbecue, usually including lots of seafood. There was always a plum pudding with money in it and we’d drink champagne all day. We always had

cherries which were only shipped to Australia once a year, so that made them very special.”

Bianca and her Canadian husband now have three children and are developing their own Christmas traditions. “We always do Christmas at our house and invite everyone who has no place to go as I love having lots of people around. My husband is very traditional and likes to have his turkey, but I’ll sneak in a pavlova along with the apple pie.

We love our blended Christmas and yes, we still drink champagne all day.”

Bianca’s favourite way to prepare her holiday bird is in roulade form, deboned and rolled prior to cooking, making it so easy to carve and serve. She recommends serving this with creamy mashed potatoes, caramelized brussels sprouts, roasted beets and gravy.

Make stuffing by melting butter in small pan. Add onion, celery and salt, and cook gently until vegetables are softened, but not coloured. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and let cool.

When onions are cool, add to bowl with sausage meat. Add thyme and sage, and mix well. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place turkey breast, skin-side down, on your cutting board. Open up the butterflied wings. If necessary, cover the breast with plastic wrap and using a rolling pin, flatten evenly to about 1 inch all over. Remove plastic and discard.

Lightly season turkey with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and evenly spread stuffing mixture over breast.

Starting at one side, roll breast tightly to form a log. Place rolled breast into your roasting pan, cover with slices of bacon, and dot with a little extra butter.

Roast at 350 F for approximately 45-50 minutes, centre temperature should reach at least 165 F when tested with a digital thermometer.

Remove from oven, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 47

EggnogGingerbread Pudding with Brandied MapleEggnog Sauce INGREDIENTS PUDDING: 8 slices sourdough or favourite crusty bread, sliced 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick 1 cup (250 mL) eggnog 2 tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar 2 tbsp (30 mL) molasses 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) vanilla extract 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) ground cinnamon pinch of both ground allspice and cloves 1 tesp (5 mL) ground ginger 2 large eggs Turbinado or raw sugar, for topping

KELLY BRISSON

BRANDIED MAPLE-EGGNOG SYRUP: 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) eggnog 1/2 cup (125 mL) good quality maple syrup 2 tbsp (30 mL) brandy Pinch kosher salt and nutmeg

R

ecipe developer and food blogger at The Gouda Life Kelly Brisson readily admits that the Christmas season is her absolute favourite time of year. “The second Halloween is done, I’m in full-on Christmas mode. It can’t happen soon enough for me!”

As a child, Christmas always felt magical in her home. “My mom and dad would leave a note from Santa each year, divulging details about our lives that made us certain he was real. We’d leave carrots for the reindeer and to our utter joy, there would always be teeth marks in them. We always got new pyjamas on Christmas Eve and took the same photo on the stairs each year. We had great traditions that I hope to bring into my own new family.”

Kelly says that for her and her partner Allan, Christmas is the one holiday where they don’t do any cooking as they spend it with their immediate and extended family.

This will be the first year for them to share their family traditions with their new baby.

“As Ruthie grows, I imagine we’ll shift our plans a little to celebrate in our own home and start forging our own traditions.

I hope to be able to make it as magical for her as my parents made it for my sister and me. We’ll likely start hosting Christmas dinner at our place and having Ruthie take part in the festive food preparations.”

48 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

METHOD

This eggnog-gingerbread pudding with brandied maple-eggnog sauce is one of Kelly’s favourite holiday treats. As soon as she spots locally made Cochrane’s Dairy eggnog in stores, she gets busy whipping it up. This is best eaten the same day it’s made, right out of the oven. It comes together quickly so makes a great dessert for Christmas dinner, or even a luscious brunch on Boxing Day.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place sliced bread on a baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted. This works best in two batches, especially if you have an apartment-sized oven like I do.

Tear or cut each slice into 1-inch piece and place in a large bowl. Keep oven on.

In a medium mixing bowl, add the rest of the ingredients (except turbinado sugar) and whisk until combined. Pour over the bread cubes and toss until everything is nice and soggy.

Pour into a lightly greased baking dish and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until set. It should be crisp on top and somewhat soft in the middle (but not uncooked).

While the bread pudding bakes, place a heavy saucepan on the stove over medium heat and add the eggnog and maple syrup, whisking constantly until thickened. Do not let it boil! It should be thick enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon and the colour will be deep amber. Whisk in the brandy, salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Let cool slightly and spoon over the bread pudding.

FOOD Dining In

CALLING ON THE BUTCHER Local butchers can be invaluable allies as you strive to serve delicious fare that will impress your guests. Ottawa At Home spoke to some of our city’s most respected butchers to get the goods on their holiday favourites.

BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

MARK CANTOR > THE BUTCHERY

At The Butchery in Bells Corners, Mark Cantor says they have been using the same suppliers for 36 years so the quality of the product on offer is extremely consistent. “I like to say that it’s truly the finest meat that money can buy. We know that people want the good stuff so at The Butchery there are no compromises ever, including over the holidays.”

At The Butchery, you can also find cooking tips and a great selection of prepared foods including grilled vegetables, roasted or Monte Carlo (twicebaked) potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and more. In addition to classic festive fare, Mark says that his holiday favourites include venison and other special items such as special pâtés, ostrich, alligator and wild boar.

“People are looking for exotic foods to wow their guests.” Another feature is meat cut to order. “Whether you want a quarter ham or a brisket in a particular size, we are happy to oblige.”

< JAMES WATT

MANOTICK VILLAGE BUTCHER A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, James Watt at Manotick Village Butcher is wellqualified to offer cooking advice: “I like to suggest simple but tasty recipes for even novice cooks who love our meat but aren’t sure how to prepare it.

I’ll advise how to brine your turkey before cooking, and how to make a lighter velouté sauce to go with it instead of gravy. I’ve also come up with a turkey crown roast, which is a bone-in, skin-on breast that can still be stuffed. It’s ideal for smaller gatherings.”

His other holiday advice would be to consider dishes like beef Wellington or braised shank of lamb or beef. James recommends reducing the braising liquid, then finishing it with dark chocolate chips for a mole-inspired sauce.

“Another idea is to ask for a cradled prime rib roast and rub it with sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce and cracked peppercorns, then finish it with your favourite barbecue sauce. For the holidays, I also like to suggest skin-on ham, roasted gently and glazed towards the end with a reduction of caramel, pineapple juice, hard apple cider, cloves or perhaps some nutmeg or mace.”

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 49

< JOEL DIENER

SASLOVES MEAT MARKET WELLINGTON Sasloves Meat Market on Wellington Street is quite famous for its around-the-block lineup of eager cooks picking up Christmas turkeys, but that’s only a part of the shop’s holiday story.

While owner Joel Diener grew up in an era in which families ate together on a regular basis, he recognizes that today, the holidays are often the only times many people enjoy extended family gatherings and special dinners.

“We want to help make it easier for families to celebrate together. From turkey to gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce, we’ve got it all and we’ll even cook it for you if you’d like. The same goes for our fantastic knish, brisket, smoked salmon, salmon Wellington, chopped liver and latkes. We just want you to gather and be happy.”

Sasloves also caters to customized requests and specializes in organic meats and gluten-free options. People bring us family recipes and we recreate them here. We like fulfilling special requests for things like rabbit, goose or exotic meats. If you need help preparing foods or recreating traditions from another country, we can help you out, just as my father did for decades after he founded Sasloves over 60 years ago. It’s all about family.”

ANDREW MUCKLESTON > MUCKLESTON & BROCKWELL

Andrew Muckleston may be at the helm of Ottawa’s newest butcher shop, Muckleston & Brockwell in Beechwood Village, but he’s leveraging loads of experience, not to mention many years of holiday celebrations, on his butcher’s block.

“We bring in whole animals from trusted local suppliers and we know exactly where each one came from. This gives me confidence in the quality and also gives you access to all the more difficult-to-find and fine cuts such as hanger steak, tri-tip, flat iron, porterhouse and skirt steak, which are some of my personal favourites. We also offer farm-raised, grain-fed turkey.

For the holidays, we’ll add house-made terrines, gravies, pâtés, bone broth and more to our lineup.

Having a cutting counter out front where people can watch the action makes the butcher both accessible and approachable. “I love talking to customers and helping them pull together an impressive menu. In addition to expert advice and fantastic meat, the shop is stocked with an array of food and serving products that will elevate your holiday table, plus make gift-giving easier too.”

50 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

DAVID WALLACE >

AROUND THE BLOCK BUTCHER SHOP When he’s not cutting and packaging meat, butcher David Wallace from Around the Block Butcher Shop says talking to customers and helping them plan meals is a favourite pastime.

“People are asking for help more than ever before, it seems. I love suggesting new possibilities, or having the chance to explain our products. For example, people like learning about why dry-aged prime rib is going to impress their family and friends with its incredible flavour and tenderness.”

At Around the Block you can buy house-made stuffing as well as finding a great selection of cheeses, compotes and preserves to round out your festive menu. “Salmon or goose can be a nice alternative for the holidays and duck is always popular,” advises David. “Crown roasts of lamb and pork are delicious and impressive at the table. This year I’m thinking about some new possibilities, such as racks of venison. People are turning more to game meats for special occasions and properly prepared, they are really nice.”

< STÉPHANE SAUVÉ GLEBE MEAT MARKET

Fans of French-Canadian inspired fare flock to the Glebe Meat Market year-round, but particularly over the holidays, says Stéphane Sauvé. “We’ve been in business almost 100 years and our tourtières are still made using a very old family recipe.”

Glebe Meat Market also offers haggis, Pâté Chinois (Shepherd’s Pie) and delicious ragoût de pattes, a traditional dish of shredded pork hocks with meatballs and dark gravy. “I love the classics and they seem to be increasingly popular. Other favourites include game birds, bison roasts and gammon, which is a British-style cured pork leg.”

Stéphane explains that inexperienced cooks and busy people are looking for dishes that are easy to prepare and serve, but still taste really delicious. “For example, we make marinated porchetta roasts and several variations of turducken, which are easy to carve and serve. For smaller families, a great option is our boneless turkey leg, stuffed inside a boneless turkey breast.”

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 51

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52 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

FOOD Paula’s Bites

RETRO UPDATE

BY PAULA ROY

@PAULAJROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

I remember watching my grandmother make choux pastry by hand, beating the dough vigorously with a wooden spoon so it would end up light and airy when baked. Cheese puffs, also known as gougères, were a family favourite. Richly flavoured with butter and grated cheese, the egg dough is actually quite easy to make with a stand mixer or electric beater. Best of all, you can make them ahead and freeze, so they’re perfect for holiday entertaining.

CHEESE PUFFS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp (45 mL) finely diced onion 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, divided 1/2 cup (125 mL) water 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk 1/8 tsp (.65 mL) cayenne 1/4 tsp (1.25 mL) freshly ground pepper 1/8 tsp (.65 mL) salt 2 tsp (10 mL) fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 cup (125 g) flour 1 cup (250 mL) finely shredded Gruyère or Emmental cheese 4 large eggs, at room temperature

METHOD Measure and prepare all ingredients before you begin cooking.

Preheat oven to 400 F and line two large baking trays with parchment paper.

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of the butter and the diced onions. Cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until onions are caramelized but not burnt.

Add remaining butter, water and milk.

Heat until the mixture is steaming and butter has melted.

Remove from heat; add flour, cayenne, pepper, salt and parsley and beat in quickly with a wooden spoon so that it comes together in a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

Transfer dough to a bowl – use a stand mixer if you have one – and let cool for 5 minutes, stirring periodically to dissipate the heat.

Add the eggs one at a time to the cooled dough and beat vigorously for a full minute after each addition. Beat for 3 minutes after adding the last egg. Add the grated cheese and beat for 1 minute longer.

Immediately drop onto lined cookie sheets with a small cookie-dough scoop or 2 tbsp; dough balls should be about 1.25 inches (4 cm) maximum, spaced two inches (5 cm) apart. Drop all the dough right away, even though you’re baking the sheets one at a time.

Working with one tray at a time, put the tray in the preheated oven. Bake at 400 F for 5 minutes then reduce heat to 375 F. Bake until puffed and golden; about 15 minutes more.

Remove the tray from the oven and quickly make a small hole or slit in the side of each puff with the tip of a sharp knife. Return the tray to the oven for 2 minutes more; this step ensures that the centres of the gougères are nice and dry.

Transfer puffs to a wire rack then turn the oven back up to 400 F and bake the remaining trays per the instructions above.

Note: If you don’t want to bake them up right away, the puffs can be frozen on the baking trays then transferred to airtight containers and stored for several weeks. When ready to bake them, preheat oven and put the frozen dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake immediately.

Makes about three dozen cheese puffs.

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 53

END NOTE Living Ornaments

THIS HOLIDAY, SEASON TAKE DELIGHT IN A CLEAR GLOBE FILLED WITH A MINI TROPICAL AIR PLANT FROM FLOWERS TALK TIVOLI.

54 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015

COMING FEBRUARY 2016

Before & After

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ottawaathome.ca H O M E S D E S I G N L I V I N G S H O P P I N G

FOOD

HOLIDAY 2015 ottawaathome.ca 55

RENOVATION & DESIGN INSPIRATION STARTS HERE

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YOUR EXPERIENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE 56 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2015