02 12 / 2011
Exciting News
Hi All!
I just wanted to let you know that I will not be posting for the next couple of weeks because I will be moving over to a different website. Please look for exciting new posts coming your way January 2012!
Have a fabulous holiday season.
Follow me on twitter @sophie_collins for updates!
Xo,
Sophie
30 11 / 2011
Roasted Broccoli
Did you know that broccoli could taste like candy? No? Neither did I. Until I discovered cooking broccoli this way.
Roasted Broccoli
1) Preheat oven to 500 with baking pan in the oven
2) Toss broccoli florets in a bowl with a pinch of sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. Toss with a couple tbsp of olive oil.
3) Once sheet is hot, dump the florets onto it and cook for 9 minutes or just until the broccoli is crispy on the outside.
4) Enjoy with another squeeze of lemon.
Perfect with lamb, chicken, steak or even as a mid-day snack!
Enjoy!
Xo,
Sophie
29 11 / 2011
A Celebration
Last week was an exciting, busy, incredible week filled with family, friends, wine and food. Not only did I graduate from UBC, but I celebrated my 22nd birthday. I was surrounded by loved ones who cheered for me on the convocation stage, and who toasted my 22 years of life and I really couldn’t feel more loved.
This special week culminated in a wonderful party complete with Prosecco, beef tenderloin sliders made by one of my catering partners, Devon, and new friends mingling.
Here are a couple shots from the great night.
Two essentials: white candles and bright green and pink small bouquets.
Orchids around the stems of the Prosecco we served as guests arrived. This idea turned out to be better than the execution - there were orchids all over the floor midway through the night! Clear tape will be needed next time.
An essential for any party: a stocked charcuterie plate.
A moment of calm before the guests arrived.
Special out of town guests
The generous hosts
My dream birthday cake made by a good friend, Britt (thetravelingpans@gmail.com)
Wishing you birthdays and celebrations as special as this!
Xo,
Sophie
21 11 / 2011
Cooking with Friends
When my friends and I were in Whistler, we spent one of the nights doing one of our favourite things: cooking together. We all pitched in and created a wonderful, home cooked meal that we then enjoyed around a candle lit table. A great memory.
The recipe I am about to share with you is near and dear to my heart. Not only is this one of my favourite pastas to cook on a weeknight or even the most special of occassions, but it is also a recipe that was shared with me by a great friend, my boyfriend’s brother. Now, the whole family cooks it! We all have our own spin on it, and mine is using canned tomatoes. Not only does this make it extremely simple, but you just can’t beat those canned San Marzanos!
Enjoy!
Pasta all’Amatriciana
5 liters water
salt
1/4 cup olive oil
200g pancetta, chopped
1 chili (use whichever chili you like, but test the spice level first)
1 onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 28 oz can San Marzano tomatoes
pepper
500g pasta of your choosing (we use penne)
1 cup freshly grated pecorino (or parmesan)
1) Boil water with lots of salt
2) Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and fry pancetta with chopped chili. Remove chili and pancetta when crisped to your liking. Discard chili.
3) Add 2 tbsp olive oil and saute onion/garlic. Add tomato, simmering for 10-15 mins (break up tomatoes as you go)
4) Cook pasta
5) Add pancetta to sauce and remove from heat
6) Add pasta into pan with sauce, tossing with cheese.
Enjoy!
Xo,
Sophie
15 11 / 2011
Whistler Cornucopia: White Wines
Post #2 of my wonderful weekend away: whites and bubbly. Drinking bubbly (namely, prosecco) is one of my favourite things to do on a special occasion, or even to start a romantic dinner out. Here are a list of my favourite whites/bubblies from the weekend.
I absolutely love Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, so it was no surprise that this crisp, floral, citrus-y whites was one of the most refreshing and delicious of the night. Unfortunately, I cannot find it in the BC Liquor online database but if you see this wine, snatch it up ASAP!
Ah, Oyster Bay. Do you ever disappoint? Great bubbly, simple, fresh flavours. Perfect for a special occasion, a light meal, or a pre-dinner glass. At $24.99, it stands out to me.
This wine, along with it’s owners, was one of my favourite parts of the night. This white was like nothing I have ever tasted. It would pair perfectly with salad, fish, or even just a sunny afternoon. I highly reccomend you check them out. As you know, eating and drinking locally are things I like to try and do as much as possible. You won’t have an excuse after you’ve tried this white! (www.mistakenidentityvineyards.com ) - $19.90
Next time you’re buying wine, try something new! I promise you these three wines won’t dissapoint.
Xo,
Sophie
14 11 / 2011
Whistler Cornucopia: Red Wines
This past weekend, I was so fortunate to spend time with a few of my best friends in a cabin for a great food and wine lovin’ weekend: Whistler Cornucopia. There are so many amazing events to be taken in, and I was able to go to one of the biggest events, Crush. This event features wines from around the world. All you need is your wine glass and a bottle of water and you’re good to go! Here are a few of my new favourites (please excuse the poor quality photos - I was only carrying my iPhone):
At $34, this red is bold, and full-bodied, making it a great wine to pair with meat.
Living in California for a year, I came to know about the Mondavi family, with House of Mondavi at the top of my to-read list. Both of these wines were great table wines, with the Private Selection retailing at $17.99 and the Napa Valley selection at $39.99.
Dubbed his “favourite of the night,” Peter loved this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley ($27.99). This was the most similar to his family’s homemade Cab Sav blend and it was like a little sip of home.
With a preference for Cabernet Sauvignon, we decided to try to expand our horizons and try this Merlot. It was fabulous and absolutely worth $28.
Tune in tomorrow for my favourite white wines of the night!
Xo,
Sophie
10 11 / 2011
Thursday Inspiration
Christmas time is upon us. I am thinking of doing a rustic gold and white theme for my living room - what are you thinking of doing?
No, this is not for a child’s birthday! 22 isn’t too old for sprinkles, is it?
Heading to Whistler for the weekend for Whistler’s Food and Wine Festival - Cornucopia. I’ll be sure to update next weekened with lots of yummy pictures.
Have a romantic weekend!
Xo,
Sophie
07 11 / 2011
New Favourite Restaurant
Yes, another post about Italian food. I think I might have a problem. A tomatoey, doughey, cheesey problem. I’m addicted to Italian food and everything it represents. And, in my mind, Nicli Antica Pizzeria has absolutely nailed it. http://nicli-antica-pizzeria.ca/
Perfect table red to pair with The Margherita and The Diavola pizza
Regardless of the 1.5 hour wait, we were so excited to sit down to our meal at Gastown’s hottest Italian joint. It was perfection from the bottle of wine reccommended by the bartender to the soft pizza dough melting in in our mouths.
Plump, juicy, warm brined olives to start. Perfect light appy to accompany a heavy meal to come.
Classic Neapolitan Margherita pizza: perfectly smooth San Marzano tomato sauce atop a crispy and soft dough topped with fresh Mozzarella Di Bufala
The Diavola: my favourite of the night. Spicy capicolla atop fresh Mozzarella and tasty tomato sauce served on their signature crust cooked to perfection.
I will be back again, and again, and again. Trust me, you will too. I can’t wait to go back and try the Prosciutto e Rucola.
Xo,
Sophie
04 11 / 2011
Friday Inspiration
While the weather turns cold, I am looking indoors for cozy blankets and fires. But, what didn’t occur to me, is that the best way to feel warm is a little pop of yellow! The vision of this room instantly warms and brightens up my day. 
How cute is this living room? That table is such a great gathering spot.
Amazing coffee table. Even more amazing Christmas tree that blends into the neutral surroundings.
I LOVE breakfast nooks. Who wouldn’t want to eat breakfast in if this was just outside your kitchen?
Really cool countertop: chalkboard! Not sure if I would ever do it, but how amazing would it be for serving food??
Have a romantic weekend!
XO,
Sophie
*these pictures are not my own
