Urbnspice – “A Taste of Heart and Home”

The Urbnspice Chef:  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.

In addition, for the past several years, due to the ever-changing dietary issues and sensitivities that seem to be so prevalent, I have been developing recipes and helping people with gluten free, grain free and dairy free options.  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.

When I semi-retired from a wonderful career as a pastry chef, one of the things that I wanted to do was write a cookbook – it was on my Life List!   The result is a series of Cookbooks called, “Chocolate Desserts Made Easy and Delicious.”  I hope you will take the time to check them out on my page.  I am quite proud of these books and I know that you will enjoy the recipes.  There are always more books and recipes in development stages, so look for more coming soon.

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.

I am inspired by not only food 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 or adapted by me.  The photographs are taken by my husband – he calls himself the “Kitchen Rat.”  He is a very creative guy and actually came up with the name “Urb’n’Spice.”  He is the inspiration behind many of the ideas that come across the pages of this blog.   He is also the recipe taste testing ‘tweaker’ because he has the fine palette of a Saucier.  No recipe is complete without his final taste testing and critique.  This blog would not be possible without his talent and passion.

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 iPhone. 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.  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.

Your questions are welcome, your feedback is important and your ongoing participation will be my inspiration.

URB’N’SPICE – THE  POSTS:

I encourage you to explore the different categories.  Some posts will inspire you (see “Little Mom”), and some will surprise you (see “W.T.F.!”).  Enjoy the ride.

Your questions are welcome, your feedback is important and your ongoing participation will be my inspiration.

URB’N’SPICE PRODUCTS:

My speciality confiture, chutneys, jellies and compotes are lovingly created in small batches, using the highest quality ingredients, as natural as possible, with no preservatives.  All of my products are gluten-free.

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.

Urb’n’Spice 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.

The jars are decorated with a jar collar, as I call them.  These are not just for decoration – I believe in functionality!  My computer background has come in very handy in designing these unique collars.   The jar has a simple label over the cap so that once opened, you can see the contents of the jar.  The jar collar is multi-purpose in that it not only decorates and protects the jar, but the collar becomes a tent card to display the confiture, chutney or compote.  The back of the collar has a wealth of information including the inspiration behind the product, how to serve it, and the ingredients.  It makes entertaining easy.  This is why these little jars are so popular for hostess gifts.

Save them for special occasions.  They are perfect for hostess gifts.   All jars are offered in 125 ml only and the cost is $7.00 plus shipping and handling.  (see note below).   Prices could change without notice.  My products are made using artisan methods in small batches using seasonal ingredients.  They are highly concentrated in flavour and consistency, therefore a little goes a long way!  One serving is one quarter to one half of a teaspoon!  I am unable to offer discounts at this time for wholesale prices as my costs are high for a quality product such as these.

Contact:  Chef Denise Paré-Watson at [email protected]

NOTE:  If you are interested in purchasing any of my products, please contact me at [email protected]

I will respond quickly to your email.  Since these products are made in small batches with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, my inventory varies.  Some in particular, like Roasted Peach Confiture, are popular!  Once they are gone, they are gone until the next growing season.

(Shipping is in Canada only.  A minimum of six jars is required for shipping.  Shipping and handling costs are separate.)

Happiness and Health to you

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urb’n’Spice Chef

 

 

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

Harriet Van Horne