National Chocolate Cake Day

THE RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

issue 7

January 27th, an ordinary day by most standards but for chocoholics, it's a joyous day of celebration and decadence.

National Chocolate Cake Day! 

A day to celebrate the creation that is chocolaty goodness. Who wouldn't want to raise their forks to the symphony of melted chocolate, flour, sugar and eggs? Bake to perfection and served up with ice cream or alone, chocolate cake melts even the hardest of hearts. 

Millions of chocoholics around the world are rejoicing in the hoisting of this luscious dessert into the heavenly arms of 'notable holidays'. From Red Velvet to German Chocolate and from Milk Chocolate to Dark, cakes are being baked, sliced and served up. 

So here's to the greatest discovery of edible delights! Dig in!!!

A Taste of Romania

A TASTE OF ROMANIA

Deep in the heart of the West End of Vancouver is a quaint little Bakery that brings the sweet tastes of Romania to Canada.

The Transylvania Bakery, has been operating on Davie Street since it's opening in 2008. Owned by Narsica Stoian, who immigrated from Romania in 2007. Her childhood was filled with the richness and decadence of traditional desserts and it was this that she wanted to share with her new home.

   

From Kurtos Colacs to Dobosh Torte, there is something to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. The dessert shop also serves fantastic coffee and has fresh baked breads (that go quick so grab them when you can). With sodas, water and teas rounding out the drink options.

The Bakery does special orders and birthday cakes! It's a one stop goodie haven!

Transylvania Bakery is open seven days a week from 11am to 9pm.  

http://transylvaniantraditions.com/

Sarbatori vesele! 

Halloween

HALLOWEEN

Every October, the house gets a complete makeover to transform into a house of horror? Okay, so it's not like 'Fright Nights', but it is my happy oasis and my obsession as most people describe it. I've always been a freak for Halloween. From dressing up and trick or treating as a young child, to parties and taking a whole month to decorate my house as an adult. Each year, I pick a theme and design the house around that theme. Fake walls, cemeteries, vampires, zombies, you name it, I love it and would like to own it all. 

This year, the house is transformed into my personal homage to 'True Blood'. Calling the house 'The Howling Fang Pub" complete with menu and designer drink list. (AB+ sells at a premium per ounce). A cute notation at the bottom of the menu to mark all the 'blood' was graciously donated. Having a sick and twisted sense of humor is a definite plus for this holiday. 

Of course, my Halloween isn't complete without baking. My recipes for 'Frankenbars', 'Black Widow cookies', Were claws are crowd please'rs but usually it's my cakes that speak spooky. Last year was a cemetery complete with 'Carrie' hand gummy prop. This year, something a little simpler. A tombstone that lists names from True Blood. 

Fun and creepiness aside, Halloween is also a high holiday for me. In the Pagan world, Samhain is similar to New Year's. We spend the 30th speaking to our ancestors, connecting with the spirit world and thanking them for everything they have put before us. We atone for our shortcomings (mine is gonna take days and days), bless our homes and families and start a new year fresh and clean.