A Sweet & Savory Celebration: Artisan Bread, Community Spirit, and Maple Cupcakes for Canada Day
Life’s simplest pleasures often revolve around good food and the warmth of community. Recently, our evenings have been graced by both, starting with an extraordinary loaf of bread that truly set the stage for a delightful culinary journey. Before diving into the sweet anticipation of Canada Day cupcakes, we savored a truly remarkable organic, handmade bread from Aviv, a local artisan baker whose passion extends far beyond the kitchen.
Just when dinner plans seemed non-existent, a stroke of serendipity intervened. Rushing out the door with no specific meal in mind, the heavens seemed to part, and an unexpected angel, clad in bike shorts, emerged from a modest hatchback. This wasn’t just any delivery; it was a beautifully wrapped multigrain loaf, accompanied by a small jar of exquisite cherry bourbon butter. This generous gift transformed a potentially haphazard meal into a delightful feast. We devoured most of it, some slices generously slathered with the rich, fruity butter, and others alongside a hearty sausage, lentil & barley soup I had conveniently thawed from the fridge. It was a perfect blend of wholesome goodness and unexpected joy.
Aviv’s Artisan Bread: A Taste of Community and Charity
For those unfamiliar with Aviv, his story is as inspiring as his bread is delicious. Every Monday, Aviv dedicates his time and skill to bake dozens of organic artisan loaves. He sends out a mass email each Friday, announcing the week’s bread type, allowing loyal customers to easily place their orders. What makes this initiative truly special is not just the exceptional quality of his baking, but the heart behind it. Aviv personally delivers these loaves around the city’s core, selling them for just $6 apiece, delivery included. More impressively, all proceeds go to support a school in Malawi. His commitment has already helped him surpass his initial fundraising goal of $2500, but due to popular demand and unwavering community support, he continues his baking and delivery efforts, bringing joy and sustenance to many while making a tangible difference across the globe.
If you’re eager to experience Aviv’s incredible bread and support a wonderful cause, you can easily join Aviv’s email list here. Alternatively, for a more direct connection and to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, you can now find him at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Farmers’ Market. He sets up shop every Wednesday from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, offering a fantastic opportunity to grab a fresh loaf and chat with the baker himself. Supporting local artisans like Aviv not only brings delicious food to your table but also fosters a stronger, more compassionate community.
Baking for Canada Day: The Quest for the Perfect Maple Cupcake
With the savory satisfaction of artisan bread behind us, our culinary focus shifted to a distinctly Canadian celebration: Canada Day! The upcoming bash called for something sweet and celebratory, and thankfully, it wasn’t at our house – meaning no extensive cleaning for us, at least not yet! The question quickly arose: what kind of treat would be most fitting for such a patriotic holiday? Without hesitation, a maple cake with maple icing came to mind. Maple, being an iconic Canadian flavor, felt utterly appropriate. Plus, it holds a special place in my husband Mike’s heart, as maple anything is his absolute favorite.
Naturally, my first stop was my trusted Canadian Living Baking Book. I was confident it would contain a recipe for a maple-infused delight, and it did! I found a promising “Maple Crunch Layer Cake” recipe, which, with a little creative modification, I knew could transform beautifully into a couple dozen festive cupcakes. Baking is often about adaptation and making a recipe your own. In this instance, I decided to cut the fat in half, using a balanced mix of half butter and half canola oil. This adjustment not only made the cupcakes a little lighter but also resulted in a wonderfully tender, buttery crumb that was simply lovely and perfect.
The Elusive Maple Flavor: A Baker’s Ongoing Challenge
Despite the success in texture, I still find myself facing a familiar challenge: achieving a truly intense maple flavor in my baked goods. Often, the delicate nuances of maple can get lost amidst other ingredients, leaving a subtle hint rather than a bold declaration. The one exception that springs to mind is the unforgettable Maple Pouding “Chomeur” I once made. That dessert was a delicious ticking time bomb of sugar, butter, and cream, delivering an unapologetically strong maple punch. It serves as a benchmark for what’s possible!
For these Canada Day cupcakes, and for future maple baking endeavors, I’m considering a few strategies to boost that coveted flavor. Perhaps next time, replacing white sugar with brown sugar could add a deeper, more molasses-rich sweetness that complements and enhances the maple notes. Experimenting with different grades of maple syrup – a darker, more robust Grade B (now Grade A Dark, Robust Taste) might also make a significant difference compared to lighter grades. Additionally, incorporating maple extract or even a sprinkle of maple sugar into the batter or frosting could provide that extra boost without overwhelming the texture. The quest for the ultimate maple flavor is an exciting journey for any baker, promising delicious discoveries along the way.
The Joy of Homemade: Connecting Through Food and Giving Back
This culinary adventure, from an unexpected loaf of artisan bread to carefully crafted maple cupcakes, underscores the profound joy of homemade food and the powerful connections it fosters. It’s a reminder that food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a vehicle for community building, a way to support meaningful causes, and a joyous expression of celebration. Aviv’s dedication to baking for charity highlights how small, local efforts can have a wide-reaching impact, embodying the spirit of generosity and community. Similarly, the act of baking for a holiday like Canada Day is more than just making a dessert; it’s participating in a tradition, sharing warmth, and creating sweet memories with loved ones.
As we anticipate the Canada Day festivities, these maple cupcakes stand as a testament to the joy of baking, the richness of Canadian flavors, and the simple pleasure of sharing. Whether it’s supporting a local baker with a charitable mission or perfecting a festive recipe for friends and family, food continues to unite us, nourish us, and inspire us. So, here’s to good food, good company, and the wonderful spirit of giving back – a true recipe for happiness.
One Year Ago: We went to Swiss Chalet for a classic quarter chicken dinner. It’s fascinating to look back and see how our culinary adventures evolve!
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