From the Cold Cellar

How many ways can up put eggplant, tomato and fresh mozzarella together? Dozens certainly. Here they meet in a panino, or Italian sandwich. The sliced eggplant is grilled first, then layered with the other ingredients between two pesto-brushed pieces of focaccia. If eggplant isn't your jam, feel free to substitute other veggies such as grilled zucchini or roasted red pepper slices too. Better yet, make it a mix! Ingredients... 2 small eggplants, about 1/2 lb each Kosher or sea salt 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup Relish Garlic Scape pesto, or store-bought pesto 4 pieces thick focaccia, halved...

The honey, ginger and citrus flavors within the marinade highlight the delicate sweet flavor of the shrimp. If cooking the shrimp on an outside grill, for ease of cooking, you may choose to thread onto a skewer. This recipe is delicious on its own, or with a salad such as spinach or arugula.

Give the classic whiskey sour a festive spin using cranberry juice. Garnish with frozen cranberries, if you have them, for an extra-Christmassy touch

Have you ever thought of joining a book club? Back in 2014, we began our first "cooking, eating and reading" bookclub with Wordsworth Books in Uptown Waterloo. What began as a lively partnership between two small businesses, has evolved into longterm relationship that has held strong for the past 7 years. In this ever changing world right now, it is so important to continue to build strong bridges and keep the ties that bind. David and Mandy have worked hard, just as we have to keep their small independent book store one of the best in Ontario - and we...