Bunchland

Gavin McInnes thinks you should try some fancy pancakes

It’s fairly noble to have a mommy-lie-in day where you get up with the kids and make pancakes but it is downright knightly to make those pancakes into the shape of their choice. The king of said knights is a nobleman named Jim who not only makes hearts and candy canes, he can perfectly replicate a Millennium Pancake Falcon!

This level of artistry is obviously way out of our league but by trying to come close, I’ve learned a few tricks. Here they are…

My batter was way too thick here so My Little Pony looks more like My Huge Pony.

1. THIN OUT THE BATTER  Read more...

Celebrate the best part of brunch today!

On this most gluttonous of occasions, it’s traditional to eat pancakes because they’re made from the rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, the good stuff restricted during the fasting of Lent, which begins the day after.

In England, Shrove Tuesday was once upon a time known as a half holiday, starting at 11 AM with the signal of a church bell. Mob football games, pancake races, and of course, much pancake eating would ensue. The event originated when a housewife from Olney was so busy slinging pancakes at home that she forgot about church until she heard the bell ringing for service. She raced out of the house to church while still holding her frying pan and pancake. In Olney even today, participants with frying pans race through the streets tossing pancakes into the air, catching them in the pan while running.  Read more...

Cookie mogul Eden Hertzog shares recipes she enjoys with her family

Happy new year everyone! I hope you all had good, relaxing times with your nearest and dearest, and got down to some fine family eating. We did all of that, but mostly lazed around the house until we went to visit friends at a cabin in the woods for New Year’s Eve (which was so awesome!). Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day I managed to make pancakes three times.

The first batch was for Cedar and Brian, and I made them with ricotta. The second batch was for my friend Selena, and I used up egg nog for that batch (so delicious). The third, and final batch, was on New Year’s Day at the cabin. I think that if New Year’s Day is any indication of what is to come, then 2012 is going to be cozy, full of warmth and connection, and smothered in blueberry sauce.  Read more...

Slipping around in the snow requires energy and that bowl of Fruity O’s might not cut it

We don’t need to convince you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for kids. But in the winter, little bodies have different needs. A stick-to-your-ribs morning meal should ideally have some protein, iron, whole grains and of course, a proper dose of fun. These weekday winter breakfasts offer some great ways to pump your kids full of good stuff before they venture out with a smile.

COCOA HAZELNUT OATMEAL

Reminiscent of Nutella but more action packed. The oats in this tasty bowl from grandparents.com are full of iron, protein, and beta-gluten, a fibre that amps up the immune system. Hazelnuts are high in healthy fats and high on awesome taste. The best part? Your kids get to have chocolate for breakfast.  Read more...

Cookie maven Eden Hertzog shares recipes she enjoys with her family

I’m amazed that I have something to share with you this week. It happened: our first bout of stomach flu. For a while there I thought my breastmilk was made of kryptonite because Cedar hadn’t been sick yet. But no, it happened. He got it, and I got it, and together we were a motley crew.

Needless to say, there wasn’t much eating going on – let alone any cooking. My little wondrous foodie of a boy had no interest in anything except for bread. I tried shoving myriad things in his face, to no avail. I’m glad no one was shoving pureed broccoli in my face; that stomach bug thing is terrible! All I wanted were cupcakes (yes, I had one).  Read more...

Your Sunday Morning Plan

EAT:

Oh man! Summer! Where did it go?? Wasn’t Victoria Day like last week? Time to have an end of summer brunch party so you don’t miss any moment of precious warm, sunny summerness before it’s gone again. To soak up every last drop of the warm weather, celebrate late summer fruit like peaches and blueberries. Quick! Blueberries are nearly finished.

OK, you’re right; we need to calm down. Like, with a bellini.

You’ll need:

• Peaches!
• Prosecco (or sparkling wine of your choice)
• Sparkling water (for the non-drinkers including kids)
• A blender

Chop up some peaches and stick them in the blender to get a peach puree. Add puree to wine glass or champagne flute and pour a little prosecco on top. One part puree to two parts sparkling wine. If you don’t want the booze with your brunch and/or you’re making kid-friendly bellinis, sub in sparkling water and adjust the ratio to get more peachiness.  Read more...

Your Sunday Morning Plan

We’ve been thinking a lot about art this week, what with Aelita Andre’s NYC gallery show and Bunchlander art, not to mention the kickoff to Luminato. We know that Sunday Morning is a specific brunch food and activity, but this week they are one in the same! What do we want you to eat? Artsy pancakes! What we want you to do? Artsy pancakes!

EAT:

You can fancy things up, or go most basic of basic, but find a good pancake recipe. Pick something like this, or even grab a box of your favourite instant mix. The key to this breakfast is in the toppings/art supplies.

You’ll need:  Read more...

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter