This post is my Thanksgiving gift to each and everyone of you.

Love,

Anne

Last year my father (known for his AMAZING Rum Cake) and his very close friend Lucy came into town for Thanksgiving.  Lucy and I cooked dinner together. We decided to make a recipe she had found but never tried.  The recipe was from a famous TV show chef, Ina Garten, and involved truffle butter. Do you know what truffle butter is? I didn’t.  We contemplated leaving it out… but then I got on the internet.  If you are reading this you are obviously familiar with the internet as well!

I googled around and found out that I could get truffle butter at the Cheese Boutique in Etobicoke.  So Dad, Lucy, and I piled in the car and off we went to this fancy cheese place.  Well… we got in the door and just about thought we’d all died and gone to gourmand heaven!    If you have never been there I suggest you cancel all you activities for tomorrow afternoon and GO! (You may need more time if you don’t live in the GTA.) Leave me a comment below once you’ve gone.  I can not wait to read about your experience there!

Anyway… here’s the recipe.  Do something special this year, splurge on some truffle butter. You won’t regret it!

Photo reprinted from the book Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That? By Ina Garten, © 2010 by Ina Garten

Ingredients
1 (12 to 14 lbs) fresh kosher turkey, giblets removed
3 oz white truffle butter, room temperature*
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1 large yellow onion, unpeeled and cut into 8 wedges
1 head garlic, unpeeled and cut in half crosswise
1 bunch thyme
Extra virgin olive oil

Directions
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Drain any juices from the turkey cavity and place on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast side up. Pat dry with paper towels. Working from the large cavity end, gently run your fingers between the skin and the meat to loosen the skin, taking care not to tear it. (Don’t do this with rings on your fingers!) Place the softened truffle butter under the skin and gently spread the butter evenly over the whole breast. (Be generous with the butter!)
2. Sprinkle the cavity generously with salt and pepper. Place the onion, garlic, and half of the thyme in the cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen string and tie one length of string around the bird and the wings to keep wings close to the body. Brush the turkey all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Remove 1 tbsp of leaves from remaining thyme, chop them, and sprinkle on turkey.
3. Roast the turkey until a meat thermometer placed in the center of the breast registers 160 degrees F, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Don’t baste the turkey. About halfway through, when the breast is golden brown, cover the breast loosely with foil to prevent the skin from burning. Remove the turkey from the oven, cover tightly with foil, and allow to rest in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve with the pan juices. Serves 8.

By the way… The Cheese Boutique is on facebook and you can fine them as @Cheese_Boutique on twitter!

This particular cookie has a bit of a political background to it.  In 1992 Family Circle Magazine was inspired by Hillary Clinton who while campaigning for her husband Bill Clinton said, “I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas.”  Well that did not sit well with some American’s who saw the comment as bashing homemakers. As well American’s saw the first lady as their primary hostess and expected them to manage the White House’s extensive public entertaining and schedule and state events. Hillary managed to turn this gaff into a political victory however when Family Circle Magazine organized a cookie bake off between her and then first lady Barbara Bush.  Since then every time there is a political election there is a cookie recipe contest between the candidates wives.  I can not help but wonder what would have happened if Hilary Clinton had beat Barak Obama for the democratic nomination in 2008.  Would Bill simply have re-submitted Hillary’s recipe? Does he have one of his own? Perhaps we’ll find out some day…

Whatever your political leaning may be, these are darn good cookies. Enjoy!     ~ Anne

Ingredients

It is unfortunate that we must inform you that the Peel Police have issued a media statement regarding the arrest of a former Mississauga Dance Studio Franchisee for a sexual assault involving a young girl who was at the time aged 14 – 17.  Please be aware that the suspect has been arrested.  It is important to remember that this does not mean they are guilty.  However we thought it was important for you to read the Peel Police Media statement and to discuss this with your children if appropriate.  The police are requesting that anyone with additional information on this matter, or who may have been victimized by the suspect contact investigators with the Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, Ext 3460.  Anonymous tips can also be left with Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or though their website, www.PeelCrimeStoppers.ca.

Please view the original Peel Media Release on this topic by clicking: Former Mississauga Dance Studio Franchisee Arrested for Sexual Assault.

June 17, 18 and 19 2011 Fun Family and Kid Events and Activities in Mississauga and Beyond!

This weekend in Mississauga you’ll find a variety of activities to enjoy with your family here in Mississauga. It seems this week seems to focus on water and growing plants.  For water we have the opening of the Streetville out door pool as well as Peel Ecofest and the BIG event The Mississauga Waterfront Festival.  For plants we have the annual Credit Valley Garden tour, farmers’ markets and again Peel Ecofest!

Running from Friday evening through Sunday the big event this weekend is of course “The MWF”!    June 17-19th marks the 15th Anniversary of the Mississauga Waterfront Festival. The Mississauga Waterfront Festival (MWF) is a huge community event held at Memorial Park in Port Credit Mississauga. Come out with the family for fun stage performances that will surely get the whole family stamping their foot to the music, take a ride in the carnival, check out the vendors, the buskers, and grab a bite to eat.

The Streetsville Pool will open to the Public for a special preview on the evening of Friday June  17.  Following the launch, regular June hours start on Saturday June 18. An Official Celebration will be held on Saturday July 9 from 4 – 7:30 pm, featuring refreshments, entertainment, and free swims at 5 and 6:30 pm

Tis the season and Mississauga’s Farmers’ markets are now all open and running.  We are a big supporter of these markets.  They give kids and opportunity to find out more about where their food comes from and to meet and greet the farmers.  Sometimes the farmers will even offer a sample to try! For more information about farmers’ markets in Mississauga visit our MississaugaKids.com home page.

From Farmers’ Markets to neighbours’ gardens we have a bit of a theme going here this week.  This weekend the Credit Valley Horticultural Society will hold their 17th Annual Garden Tour on June 18 starting at 10am and ending at 4pm. The gardens will be located in the Credit Valley/Clarkson area.  Each year they select a variety of gardens, small to large, simple to complex, few features to many features, but all the gardens will contain a variety of plant material and features or structures that welcome you to enter and be enveloped in a feeling of peace and calm. This year the event also includes door prizes, music, and original art at selected gardens.  This money raised at this Mississauga Garden Tour helps fund public plantings, scholarships and local women’s shelters.

On Sunday families can enjoy Peel Ecofest, an outdoor festival showcasing the environmental achievements of student in Peel schools will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Britannia Farm. This free family event will feature several earth friendly activities.

Wishing you all a safe and fun weekend!

Anne

If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids during this second weekend of June… WHOA! School’s almost out! Better do a little Public Service announcement: Have you signed the kids up to one of the great Mississauga Summer Camps yet? We now return you to your regularly weekly event blog… Here’s what’s happening in Mississauga for the second weekend in June!

On Friday June 10, 2011 you might consider dropping by Sherway Gardens. They are having an Antique Show. It’s a great chance to show the kids a little bit about what it was like in the “Olden Days”. Please remember to remind the children that they can look but don’t touch unless they ask the owner of the item! While you’re at Sherway Gardens don’t forget they have a Farmer’s Market on Fridays as well! Read More about Sherway Gardens’ Antique Show.

On Friday Evening you can grab a blanket and some big spray and head out to  Benares Historic House to enjoy a concert by “Selahbration” This all women triple trio is based out of Church of St. Bride. They present a varied selection of traditional and current sacred songs, plus some folk tunes and crowd engaging sing-along favourites. Read more about the Friends of Mississauga and the “On The Verandah” Concert Series.

If it’s hot out this weekend don’t forget you have the option of taking the kids to one or more of the amazing  Mississauga Splash Pads.  You could make it a summer goal to visit each one at least once!  Remember to pack water to keep the kids hydrated and dry clothing for the ride home.  Of course sun screen is a must when visiting a spray pad!!

On Saturday June 10th get the kids up and out early and bring them to a Strawberry Waffle Breakfast at Peel Montessori School.  This event is just the beginning of a day full of strawberry fun in Clarkson!  Read More about the Clarkson Strawberry Festival!

On Saturday there are Farmers’ Markets in both Streetsville and Port Credit.  These provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about healthy food and about where the food comes from.  Sometimes the farmers even offer samples, which can be a special treat and inspire kids to try different foods.

On Saturday June 11, Pheasant Run Public School will have a fun fair! There will be fun for the kids, fun for the adults! We will have craft vendors, garage sale tables, a used books sale, as well as games and bouncers for the kids. Read More about the Pheasant Run Public School.

The place to be on Sunday evening is Mississauga Synchro Swim Association’s Annual Swim Show. The show will showcase all of their swimmers including Novice/Recreation teams, Competitive Provincial teams as well as Solos and Duets at various levels.  Swimmers from all levels, talents and ages will perform.  You never know… you just may be looking at a future Gold Medalist performing!  You can bet watching this event will inspire your little swimmers to come up with some creative performances a pool or lake near you! Read More about MSSA’s Annual Swim Show!

Enjoy!

~ Anne Green

You just never know who you'll find reading a Mississauga Kids Guide!

Recently Karina Tano and Anne Green attended the Mississauga Waterfront Festival Media Launch and guess who they caught flipping though a copy of the Mississauga Kids Guide?  Our Marvelous Mayor Hazel McCallion! She’s going strong at 90 years old!

Looking for something fun to do with the family in Mississauga this weekend?  There’s lots planned for this first weekend in June!

This Friday evening marks the start of The Friends of the Museums of Mississauga‘s summer-long program of outdoor musical concerts, ‘On the Verandah’ Summer Concert Series. Bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets, picnics, insect repellent and best sing-along voices to enjoy these outdoor performances.  Read More…

One of the benefits of living in Mississauga is the chance our Mississauga Kids have to grow up experiencing the wonders of a truly multi-cultural community.  Mississauga’s annual Carassauga festival highlights many of our cities cultures. Eight pavilions will be set up in Mississauga’s Hershey Centre, and 18 more will be scattered throughout the city.  Countries showcased this year include but are not limited to India, Iraq, Italy, Vietnam, Turkey Croatia and, yes, Canada.  Eat great food, see great performances, have fun exploring! Read More…

MontessoriWorks the School for Me is hosting and open house for interested parties this weekend. Drop in and find out, what is Montessori and why it could be the best choice for your child’s preparation for life! Summer Camp at Mississauga’s leading Montessori School promises to be full of surprises. From rocking on world music to becoming mini- chefs it will be fun-filled and exciting. Read More…

Where’s the best place to go for sweet goodies, excitement and a whole lot of fun for the whole family? The annual Streetsville Founders’ Bread & Honey Festival, will celebrate with bigger and better live entertainment and a wide selection of rides and games for the whole family, including a massively popular village-wide parade, three stages filled with activities for everyone! A Rotary Pancake Breakfast, hands-on educational demonstrations, free Bread & Honey and much, much more await you! Read More…

We encourage you to visit the Mississauga Kids Event Calendar to find out more about the events listed here as well as many other events this weekend and through out the year.

~ Anne Green

Want to take a chance on winning a $10. Tim Horton’s Gift Card? Learn more about Anne Green, publisher of the Mississauga Kids Guide and enter here: All About Anne

The A to Z Guide to the mysterious Anne Green!

Anne Green Age 10

Want to Know what I looked like when I was a kid? Now you do!

A. Age: 46 WOW… when did that happen!

B. Bed Size: Queen. Never thought I’d want a king… then we started letting the dog get up on the bed now and then. That was probably a mistake.

C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning out the kitchen sink drain. Has to be done daily and it’s gross.

D. Dogs: Ellie the Airedale Terrier, she’s a rescue from Kansas via AireCanada.com. She even has her own facebook page!

E. Essential start to your day: A hot cuppa tea and an Adult Essential Gummy Vitamin! Cause grown-ups should have fun vitamins too! (Now if I could find a pair of light up sneakers in my size life would be complete!)

F. Favorite Color: I never liked this question.  Favorite color for what? Clothing? Bedroom walls? Birthday cake icing? Christmas wrapping paper?

G. Gold or Silver: Are you making fun of the silver that has begun appearing in my hair?  That’s not nice.

H. Height: 5’7”

I. Instruments you play(ed): None, though my mother, an antique dealer, did have a baby grand piano put into our living room.  None of us played.  She used it to serve hor’dourves when she hosted cocktail parties.

J. Job Title: Entrepreneur, Mississauga Kids Guide Publisher, Philanthropist, Mentor

K. Kids: One handsome, amazing, responsible, kind, savvy, messy, drives me nutso son who is leaving the nest for university soon!

L. Live: In Mississauga of course!

M. Mom’s Name: Karen, she left us too soon. I wish iPhone had an app that let you phone heaven.

N. Nicknames: Never had one… that I know of!

O. Overnight Hospital Stays: When I was in grade one I had pneumonia, they made me sleep in a crib instead of a big girl bed, that really made me angry. Obviously the mental scars remain.  Later I stayed for 2 nights after my son was born by cesarean.

P. Pet Peeves: Pettiness, Mean Girls, People who don’t give their spare furniture to the Mississauga Furniture Bank. (Yes, that last one was a plug for one of my favorite causes.)

Q. Quote from a movie: “Well, then. Now. I’ll begin at the beginnin’. A fine soft day in the spring, it was, when the train pulled into Castletown, three hours late as usual, and himself got off. He didn’t have the look of an American tourist at all about him. Not a camera on him; what was worse, not even a fishin’ rod.” ~ Father Lonergan narrating the beginning of “The Quiet Man”.  I just love that movie.

R. Righty or Lefty: Righty, buy both my siblings are left handed… not sure what that means…

S. Siblings: I have two. One younger brother, he owns Cactus Mailing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He’s a brilliant businessman.  One younger sister, she is a sergeant in the Orange County Sheriffs Dept. in New York.  Don’t mess with her, trust me, just don’t.

T. Time you wake up: 6 am on weekdays, 7am on the week ends.  I’ll probably get up later once my nest empties out.

U. Underwear: Only my husband knows…

V. Vegetables you don’t like: I can’t think of any… oh maybe hot peppers!

W. What makes you run late: The phone… it always rings on my way out the door and I can’t resist picking it up!

X. X-rays you’ve had: Dental, and I broke my femur in grade 7. Do mammograms count? Make sure you get yours!  It’s not as bad as you think it will be.

Y. Yummy foods you make: I enjoy making my Dad’s famous rum cake.  I also like to make soup with whatever leftovers I have in the fridge. Sometimes it’s great… sometimes it’s just okay.

Z. Zoo Animal Favorites: The gorillas, they are so much like us I could sit and watch them for hours!

Since you’ve taken the time to learn about me I want to know more about you!  Post your own A-C below to be entered into a draw to win a $10. Tim Horton’s Gift Card!  Come on and have some fun.  I’m not even making you go all the way to Z! Please keep your post G rated or you will be disqualified. Winner will be drawn on July 15. 2011. ~ Anne

Looking for something fun to do with your Mississauga Kids this weekend? Look no further! Here’s a great list of activities in and around Mississauga that should keep you and the family pretty busy!

Sherway Farmers’ Market is held each Friday through October 28 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the north parking lot of Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre (Etobicoke) near Hwy 427 & The Queensway.  Sherway Farmers’ Market, in it’s 21st year of operation, features Ontario grown produce and other Ontario food products including honey and honey products, cheese, fresh baked goods, Ontario raised lamb and venison, grill and deli meats and much, much more. Read More…

On Saturday May 26 come on out to Jack’s Lemonade Stand! Since 2007, Jack has been helping the children at SickKids Hospital by hosting an annual lemonade stand in Oakville, ON. Through incredible community support, more than $220,000 has been raised! The annual event in May has become a community festival and in addition to lemonade, the event now includes activity stations, live entertainment, special guests, a bouncy castle, a petting zoo complete with kangaroos and hundreds of prizes. Read More…

MontessoriWorks the School for Me is hosting and open house for interested parties this weekend. Drop in and find out, what is Montessori and why it could be the best choice for your child’s preparation for life! Summer Camp at Mississauga’s leading Montessori School promises to be full of surprises. From rocking on world music to becoming mini- chefs it will be fun-filled and exciting. Read More…

Come on out and enjoy the fun as Ashgrove Public School hosts it’s 20th annual family fun fair and Saturday May 28th from 11am to 3 pm. Fun to include games and przes, inflatable fun, a live reptile show, and a silent auction.You won’t go hungry because there will be a barbeque, pizza and a bake sale! Read More…

Peel Children’s Water Festival’s Family Fun Day on Saturday May 28 is a community event that offers an array of water-related activities and events throughout the day.  There will be over 50 interactive activities for the family to enjoy! Freddy Fusion will be presenting a Magic Show and there will be a trout release planed as well. Read More…

Discover the beautiful gardens of Lorne Park during the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2011 Spring Garden Tour, which will be held on Sunday May 29 from 10 am to 4 pm. Home owners in the prestigious Lorne Park neighbourhoods have graciously agreed to open their breath-taking gardens to the public view to support the fight against cancer. Renowned garden specialist and City TV and Breakfast Television broadcaster Frank Ferragine will enlighten garden tour guests at several different garden locations. To further enhance the experience local musicians will perform instrumental music in some of the gardens throughout the day. Read More…

Come out to Trillium Health Centre’s Bike $ Betty! Bring your family, friends and bicycles for a 2k, 15k, 30k, 75k or 100k ride to benefit patients at Trillium Health Centre’s cancer care services.  This family ride and festival serves up exercise, barbecue, live entertainment, clowns, face painting, inflatables for the kids, and fun for everyone! Register as a group of 10+ members in the Bike 4 Betty Team Challenge.  All team members will receive their very own personalized team T-shirt. When you “Bike 4 Betty” you help women get expert diagnosis and compassionate treatment at our Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre and new Betty & Buster Lockwood Cancer Detection and Treatment Centre.  One in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. ”Bike 4 Betty” and celebrate all the courageous women in your life. It’s Never too late to join the fun! Read More…

Do you know of an activity that should be included on this weeks list that we missed? Post it as a comment! We’ll try to get the word out!