From Kitchen Delights to Star-Studded Events: Unveiling Our Latest Adventures & A Beloved Mac & Cheese Recipe

The latest issue of Swerve is officially out, and with its release, I can finally share the recipe that had so many of you captivated last week! This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, and I was so smitten that I even made it again tonight. Returning home to a fridge that offered little beyond some leftover cheese from the previous batch and milk I’d cleverly stashed in the freezer for baking, I knew exactly what to do. I even used frozen spinach, and it worked beautifully, proving this recipe’s adaptability. In a conscious effort to diversify my diet, I experimented with brown rice pasta this time, taking a small, tentative step away from consuming so much wheat. It’s all about baby steps, right?

But the culinary delights are just the beginning of what’s been an incredibly exciting period! Beyond the kitchen, I have some truly monumental news to share with all of you.

An Unforgettable Culinary Encounter: Hosting Anthony Bourdain in Calgary!

No, it’s not a bun in the oven, though the excitement level is certainly comparable! Instead, it’s a boy – and not just any boy, but the culinary legend himself! I’ve been granted the incredible opportunity to host – yes, me – none other than ANTHONY BOURDAIN when he makes his highly anticipated visit to Calgary this January. Have you heard of him? Of course you have! My stomach is already doing involuntary flip-flops, not only at the prospect of meeting a figure I’ve admired for so long but, even more thrillingly, at the chance to INTRODUCE him to an eager Calgary audience. I wonder if all this nervous anticipation and excitement counts as an effective ab workout? Perhaps I’ll have abs of steel by January 12th!

For those eager to join in this extraordinary event, here are the specifics: Anthony Bourdain will be delivering a “Kitchen Confidential” lecture, sharing insights and anecdotes from his fascinating career, on Tuesday, January 12th. The venue for this unforgettable evening is the magnificent Jack Singer Concert Hall, nestled within the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts. Doors will open promptly at 7 PM, with the talk slated to commence at 8 PM. Following his captivating lecture, I understand there will be an exclusive reception, offering a chance for further engagement (tickets for which I believe can be purchased separately). This post-event gathering promises to be a treat for the senses, featuring exquisite selections from Janice Beaton Fine Cheese paired with fine wines from Willow Park Wines & Spirits. I’m just as eager as you are for more details, and I promise to keep you updated as I learn more about the specifics of the reception myself.

And yes, you heard right: tickets are on sale now! Ranging from $35 to $100, they offer various ways to experience this unique event. You can secure your spot at the Epcor Centre Box Office, conveniently purchase them online, or simply give them a call at (403) 294-9494. Don’t miss this chance to see a true icon of the culinary world live in Calgary!

A Dream Come True: Family Just Across the Street!

But wait, there’s even more exhilarating news that has filled our lives with joy! Do you remember that memorable night when my sister was over? We sat at the kitchen table, immersed in paperwork, meticulously reviewing documents, and ultimately making an offer on the charming house directly across the street from ours? Well, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that it’s official! She bought it! I still find it hard to believe how perfectly all the stars aligned. The chain of events that unfolded, creating a flawless domino effect, truly felt miraculous, allowing this dream to become a reality. She is set to take possession of her very first, very own house in mid-December, just in time for the holidays.

She’ll be moving in with her wonderful kids, whom many of you may have indirectly “met” through my stories here, and I can hardly contain my excitement. The thought of having them so close, just steps away, fills me with immense joy. Earlier tonight, my son W, completely out of the blue, uttered the sweetest sentiment: “When Ben moves across the street from me, he won’t be my cousin anymore, he’ll be my brother.” It was such a pure, heartfelt observation that it completely melted my heart and I actually had to sit down for a minute, overcome with emotion. This move isn’t just about a new house; it’s about building a deeper connection, fostering an even closer family bond, and creating countless new memories right on our doorstep. The thought of impromptu visits, shared meals, and the kids playing together across the lawn fills me with such anticipation. It’s a wonderful new chapter for all of us.

And that’s it for now, I think. No, wait, there’s actually more to come… but I’ll save those additional tidbits for another day. You’ve been so patiently waiting for this fantastic mac & cheese recipe, and I promise it’s worth the wait!

The Much-Anticipated Mac & Cheese Recipe

Here it is, the recipe you’ve all been craving. While the full interactive recipe might currently be in draft status, I can assure you that the key to its deliciousness lies in its creamy texture, the perfect blend of cheeses, and the fresh (or frozen!) addition of chard or spinach that elevates it from a simple comfort food to something truly special. The brown rice pasta adds a delightful chewiness and makes it a more accessible dish for those looking to reduce their wheat intake. It’s comforting, hearty, and undeniably satisfying. Keep an eye out for the full, detailed version!

[cooked-recipe id=”21331″]
(recipe not found or in draft status, but coming soon!)

Exciting Giveaway: Wine, Cookbooks, and More!

Ah! I just remembered that because Swerve is officially out, it signifies FRIDAY, and as is tradition, I absolutely need to give something away, don’t I? I confess, I’m a little disoriented today – in the best possible way, of course, with all these incredible announcements! Please bear with me for just a moment while I dive into my “tickle trunk” of goodies to find something truly special for one of you lucky readers.

How about a fantastic bottle of wine to kick off your weekend? I recently brought home a selection of exquisite wines from Mission Hill. For those unfamiliar, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery was a prominent fixture at the recent Christmas in November event, generously supplying exceptional wines for our dinners and hosting wonderfully informative wine tasting sessions. If you ever find yourself fortunate enough to be in the Okanagan Valley, I cannot recommend highly enough that you visit their absolutely stunning, newly rebuilt winery. It’s an architectural marvel nestled in breathtaking landscapes, offering an unparalleled wine experience. For those of you outside Calgary, don’t worry, you won’t be left out! Your consolation prize, if the random number generator selects you, will be a beautiful cookbook – your choice of either One Smart Cookie or Grazing – because, as you can imagine, attempting to ship a bottle of wine safely and legally across provinces or borders can be quite the logistical challenge! And on that note, a huge congratulations once again to June and Sue, who have autographed cookbooks by the talented Ken Kostick and Michael Smith currently making their way to them!

So, tell me – with all this talk of delicious food and exciting news – have you had any truly great dinners lately? Share your culinary adventures in the comments!

A Look Back: One Year Ago

One Year Ago: We were indulging in Cured Meats (with culinary icons Michael & Anna Olson) and crafting delightful Granola Nut Clusters. Time truly flies when you’re enjoying good food and great company!