Before my metabolism decided to betray me, I used to pride myself on how much I could eat. So when my now husband, then acquaintence, and I went out for our first meal together, I wanted to know what he was made of. He had asked me to have brunch at a restaurant that is known for its terrific live jazz music, and more importantly, its magnificent buffet brunch. PERFECT. So as soon as we sat down, I challenged him to an eating contest. He’s 6’2″ and 190 lbs. I’m 5’4″ on a good day and onehundredandsomethingerotherpounds — so obviously, as soon as I put the challenge out there, he snickered.

It. was. ON.

Waffles and fruit compote, omelettes and taters, bacon and sausages, tortellini, lasagna, forget the salad, roast beef, mashed potatoes, plate for plate I matched everything he ate, and while I’m pretty sure he was trying not to look disgusted, I kept shovelling food into my mouth, so much that I was about to tap out because I could feel my stomach about to explode – and suddenly, he said those magical words “YOU WIN.” I didn’t know if he just couldn’t stand to watch me eat another bite, or if he was truly giving in, but when he asked for a rematch, it was a good excuse to see him again 😉

Written and shared by Lois Lee
Adorable wife and friend.
Lois is also one of the popular hosts of Daytime Ottawa, on Rogers.

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Daytime Ottawa

Asian Pork Ribs by Karolyn Jung

Bean Soup with Ham  by Mama Drummond

Mac ‘n Cheese by Karolyn Jung

Pulled Pork: Dexter Style by Doug Stafford

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FOOD + LOVE BLOG #2

“Suffice it to say that love isn’t just about romance and food isn’t just about sustenance.
Thrown together, they can inspire, entertain and delight.”

Love is a funny thing.  It comes in all shapes and sizes.  I believe that everyone experiences and defines love differently.  And it makes us do some pretty crazy stuff.  I’ve been extremely fortunate in my life thus far, to have experienced all kinds of love: love for my family, love for my friends and love for my husband, to name a few.

But my story is about the most recent love that I’ve been blessed with — twice; the love for my children.  Unconditional, strong and unique.  And powerful.  Oh so powerful.

Picture it: Ottawa.  August 2010.  Annunciation of the Lord Parish.

A christening for my youngest daughter, Abigail Catherine.  It was a private ceremony, so imagine this — all of my loves together under one roof, as an expression of their love and support for my child.  It doesn’t get more emotional than that.  The purpose of a baptism, in my unsolicited, somewhat uneducated and highly personal opinion, is to ensure that my child is surrounded and protected by the love of God, throughout both life and death. The entire event, from start to finish, definitely makes my top 10 list of Most Amazing Lifetime Experiences.  There was the pre-event preparation; including rolling up those Godforsaken little sandwiches (can I use that word under the circumstances?).  I was surrounded by the love of family, as well as laughter, lots and lots of laughter. There was the precious, heart-warming ceremony, performed brilliantly and enthusiastically by my husband’s dear uncle, with active participation from family and friends.  It honestly rocked the very depths of my heart and soul.

And there was the reception that followed.  Words can hardly describe what I felt as I floated from room to room, soaking up the love, energy and goodwill from each and every person there.

So where the heck does the food come in?  Right here.  Speaking of brilliant…

Our combined families, the Ritchie’s and the Crookshank’s, we do receptions like nobody’s business.  I’m certain we were all party planners in a previous life.  “Appy’s”, “sangwiches”, veggies and fruit.  Check, check and check.  But what about dessert?  I’ve got two words for you.  Chocolate.  Fountain.

No kidding.  In a house full of adults and children ranging from infants to tweens, we decided (ok, I decided) that a chocolate fountain was a necessity.  Rather than words, I will let the photos tell the rest of the story.

Thank you Kate, for providing me with this opportunity to tell a story that I didn’t even realize I had to tell!  I had a smile on my face and my heart literally swelled as I remembered Abby’s special day, wrote each word on these pages and searched through photos to share.

May all of your readers be blessed with whatever kind of love (and food!) that makes them happy!|

Written and shared by Karen Crookshank
Devoted mother, wife and teacher of children.
Karen is a wonderful story teller, an advocate for kids and
the type of mother we all aspire to be.

 **** FOOD + LOVE Blog #1 ****
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