As a Red Seal Chef and Pastry Chef with a passion for the creative, technical and teaching components of the profession, “Urbnspice” was designed to share with a wider audience some useful & easy-to-follow information, help and support surrounding everyday questions, concerns and issues dealing with everything food related.

As a female working in a professional kitchen, a few things became apparent very quickly.  Firstly, one needs a sense of humour!  Secondly, one’s vocabulary expands – and not in a good way.  At one point, my husband commented how “colourful” my language had become since I started working in food services!  On “Urbnspice”, I will concentrate on the sense of humour portion of my kitchen experience along with some practical day-to-day tips on how to make your life a bit simpler in the kitchen.  We will discuss tips on such subjects as recipes, diets, what’s hot, what’s not, what is working well and what may not be working at all.

UrbnSpice – A Taste of Heart and Home

I am inspired by not only foods but also, interesting people, inspirational quotes and situations. Whether travelling to the local market or to another country or immersing myself in another culture through our Habitat for Humanity builds or cooking with children and for the people I love, the creativity feeds my soul.  I have an inordinate amount of energy – that can be a blessing or a curse, depending on one’s point of view.  I will use it to your advantage!

The recipes on Urbnspice have been created by me, as are the photographs. My collection of tested recipes span decades; I embrace my cookbooks – they are like my friends – I treasure them. If I have adapted the recipes from other sources, I will indicate this. My wish list includes a very good camera; in the meantime, however, I am having fun with my ever-present, adaptable and very versatile Canon Rebel. If you are inspired to try the recipes on my blog, please give credit to my website “Urbnspice”. If you want to re-publish any content or photos from “Urbnspice”, please note the information under “Creative Commons License”.

You will find that there are posts on “Urbnspice” which pertain to topics that are near and dear to my heart. Therefore, you will find that there are links that enhance the information on these topics. If you choose to click on them and order through these links, it will help maintain this website. You will also note with the development of this site there will be opportunities to purchase E-books, with a portion of the proceeds going to favourite charities; for example: “Breakfast for Learning”. Thank you for your consideration.

URB’N’SPICE – THE  POSTS:

You will find my posts in the Archives or Search bar.   I encourage you to explore the different categories as I am continually adding more recipes or items of interest.  Some posts will inspire you (see “Little Mom”), and some will surprise you (see “W.T.F.!”).  Enjoy the ride.

URB’N’SPICE PRODUCTS:

My speciality Urbnspice Artisan products are lovingly created in small batches, using the highest quality ingredients, as natural as possible, with no preservatives. All of these products are Gluten Free.  They are sold locally at select locations.

Those of you who are already familiar with Urbnspice products through its Specialty Artisan Foods and Spice Blends will find Urbnspice information on this website.

With the trend toward more at-home entertaining, cocooning, and casual gatherings taking place, Urb’n’Spice chutneys, port and wine jellies, and compotes are very popular for cheese and charcuterie platters. With the addition of a very good baguette, either fresh or baked into crostini, a great bottle of wine and you have a feast.

Urbnspice confitures are as unique in their technique as they are in their ingredients. Pure and simple, with a rich and intense flavour to make them shine, you will find that these confitures (“confiture” is the French term for jam) will be an extraordinary addition to any function or meal.

Save them for special occasions. My customers tell me that they are that special!

URB’N’SPICE: Recipe Testing, Recipe Consulting, Menu Consultation

My competition background holds me in good stead when it comes to recipe testing and recipe development.  I take scrupulous notes!  Perhaps it might have something to do with a former career as an executive assistant with an extensive computer background.    Contact me at urbnspice@gmail.com for details

Urbnspice COOKING CLASSES:

I am available for private and group cooking classes. They may be customized to suit the needs of the student(s). Regularly scheduled classes include knife skills, baking and cooking techniques, appetizers, main courses, soups and sauces, comfort cooking, with speciality classes (ie. Food Storage), and, of course (because I specialize in this area): baking, cookies and simple, showy desserts! You may contact me for further information at urbnspice@gmail.com

As a final comment:

ABOUT COMMENTS on “Urbnspice”

Please leave comments – I welcome them!  Please specifically refer to my posts with your comments with relevant information so that I can respond or create additional posts regarding a topic or question raised.  Your questions are welcome, your feedback is important and your ongoing participation will be my inspiration.

Happy Baking, Joyful Cooking!  Share with someone you love.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

Harriet Van Horne

You can find me on social media (see links below) – just be sure to tag @urbnspice and #urbnspice so I am sure to see it. Enjoy! 

 

Denise Paré-Watson

Urb’n’Spice Chef

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