Okay, I readily admit that I tend to write a lot about baking. I love to bake, especially during the holiday season, and as I prepare this newsletter I’m trying to figure out how I can manage to integrate this month’s Product of the Month, the fabulous MIYABI knife, with holiday baking. But I think I’ve figured out a way to do it -- icebox cookies! Simply prepare the dough, roll the dough into a log and slice them up when you are ready! I think you see the (vague) connection.

This time of year we’re all busy, and the house is filled with the friendly hustle and bustle of holiday season anticipation. Everyone knows that a great knife is a kitchen essential, and I am particularly excited when I discover a new line of knives that I know will help you in your kitchen preparations, and it’s why I’m so pleased to introduce the MIYABI knife from Zwillings J.A. Henckels.

Be sure to drop into the store this month, as the shelves are lined with all kinds of new products, just in time for your holiday shopping. To make life even easier, we’ll once again be sending out our weekly Gift Giving Guides to all our loyal newsletter subscribers. These quick and handy guides make shopping for your favourite chef as easy as possible. Just drop in with your list and we’ll take over from there. And be sure to try our Holiday Icebox Cookies and Brown Sugar Icebox Cookies!

In this Issue

• Culinary Events and News
• Did you know?
• MIYABI Japanese Knives from Henckels
• Fun Kitchen Toys
• Knife Know How
• Riedel Wine Tasting and Glass Education Event

Culinary Events and News

Wednesday, November 10th - 6:30pm
Riedel Wine Tasting - $25.00 per person, refunded with your purchase of any Riedel wine product. Event details and order tickets.

Friday, November 19th - 6pm to 10pm
Downtown Orangeville’s Moonlight Magic Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, November 25th between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knife Clinic
All monies collected will be donated to the Orangeville SPCA

Saturday, November 27th - 11am to 3pm
Cuisipro Gadget Demonstrations & great specials.
Demos of the new Cuisipro graters and cookie cutters.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Carolyn R,, the October winner of our Staub Ceramic Large Pie Dish

November Subscriber Draw
All subscribers to our electronic newsletter during the month of November will be entered to win a $100 FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE TABLE gift certificate (perfect for holiday shopping). Subscribe to Secrets from our Kitchen

Did you know?

• The first cookies appear to have been created by accident! Cooks used small amounts of cake batter to test oven temperatures. These small test cakes were called “koekje”, meaning “little cake” in Dutch.
• Icebox cookies became very popular in the 1930s, around the same time as the introduction of the electric refrigerator.
• In 1957 Pillsbury announced a delicious addition to their line-up: icebox cookies in three flavours of Butterscotch Nut, Crunchy Peanut and Coconutare.
• Icebox cookies use a simple dough as their base, with butter, sugar, flour, eggs, salt, flavouring and leavening agent.
• Icebox cookies can be made in a multitude of flavours ranging from vanilla to chocolate to lemon or orange, and can be enhanced by adding nuts, fruits, cherries, and a variety of flavourings and spices.
• The best thing about icebox cookies is that you make the dough, roll it in a log, and then refrigerate or freeze and use when needed. When ready to use, simply slice cookies off the log and bake for a fresh from- the-oven treat.
• Icebox cookies make wonderful hostess gifts -- either baked up, or as frozen gifts to use when desired.

Icebox Cookie Recipes

Holiday Icebox Cookies and Brown Sugar Icebox Cookies!

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MIYABI Knives from Henckels

MIYABI - The Beauty of Sharpness

Japanese knives are becoming increasingly popular in Western kitchens because of their unique symbiosis of aesthetics, precision and sharpness.

As a result Zwilling J.A. Henckels, a brand known for delivering outstanding quality knives since 1731, has strengthened its position in the marketplace with the introduction of MIYABI Japanese knives. MIYABI knives showcase the virtues of purity, grace and elegance that are so highly valued in the Japanese culture.

Combining German engineering with the finest Japanese craftsmanship,
the MIYABI brand satisfies even the most demanding chefs and hobby cooks, who have come to expect the strict quality standards that have been the hallmark of Zwilling J.A. Henckels for centuries.

In the Japanese kitchen the cutting of food is very much an art form!
Only very sharp knives can preserve the texture and fine taste of the food. To fulfill these expectations all MIYABI knives get the original Honbazuke honing that only the best master craftsman can produce. Four traditional knife types are also distinguished by their asymmetric blades whose extremely sharp profile is essential for the precise boning and filleting.

11 Different Knife Types starting at $85

The MIYABI collection features 11 different knife types that are practical and always reliable due to high-grade, easy-case materials and utilizing Henckels special formula steel.

Check out the Henckels Fall Shopping Guide to see the full Miyabi Collection of knives.

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Fun Kitchen Toys

Small in size -- big in practicality!

The handy “mini” kitchen tools from Danesco are perfect for little jobs in the kitchen. Pick up a mini whisk, brush, spatula or turner in bright, fun colours. Featuring sturdy stainless steel handles, these tools are made of food safe silicone, are safe for nonstick surfaces and are dishwasher safe.

$2.25 each

Roll out some holiday treats!

Danesco’s pastry and baking mats are terrific for rolling out pastry, cookies or dough of any kind. The baking mat is made of food safe silicone, can be used in the oven (up to 600℉) and the nonstick surface is easy to clean. The plastic pastry mat is imprinted with pie shapes of various sizes, taking the guesswork out of rolling your pie crust.

Baking mat $14.99 each
Pastry mat $8.99 each

Don’t be a cut-up!

Kitchen Supply’s Knife Guards are heavyweight polystyrene sheaths that protect any knife blade from damage and also protect hands from cuts.

Available in many sizes to fit all size blades -- from small paring knives to the largest cleavers and chef’s knives.

Knife Guards are easy to use and more sanitary than a knife block because they are sterilized every time you run them through the dishwasher.

From $3.30 to $8.99 each

Sweet chocolate treats!

Make your own holiday chocolates or truffles with the help of Kaiser’s new chocolate moulds.

Now anyone can make their own sweet treats -- perfect as hostess gifts! Simply heat the chocolate, fill the moulds and then cool and remove.

$19.99 each

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Knife Know-How - Tips for Choosing a Knife

Three key considerations when buying a knife:

• The knife should feel comfortable in your hand!
• The knife should be fully forged, not stamped! A fully forged knife is a single piece of metal, beaten and ground into shape, whereas stamped knives are cut out of sheet metal.
• The blade should be made from high-carbon stainless steel, which combines carbon steel (which sharpens easily) and stainless steel (which holds an edge longer and doesn’t stain or discolour foods).

The best blade edge for your needs:

• Straight edge blades allow a smooth, clean cut. When carving with a straight edge, no fibres are torn from the meat. This edge can also be used for both soft and firm foods like meat, fruit and vegetables.
• Serrated edge blades allow an easy cut through crusty food like traditional roast and crispy bread.
• Hollow edge blades create an air pocket between the hollow edge and the slice. This prevents food from sticking to the blade and allows for finer slicing.

Riedel Wine Tasting and Glass Education Event
Wednesday, November 10th

Our October Wine Tasting sold out quickly so we’ve added another evening!

Wednesday November 10th - 6:30pm - buy tickets

Join us on Wednesday, November 10th for a casual evening of wine and conversation and discover the subtle nuances that your vessel of choice has on your wine tasting experience.

Featuring one of the world’s premier lines of wine glassware, Riedel!

• Learn how to taste wine under the guidance of a Sommelier
• Learn about wine colour & clarity
• Taste wine varities in different glasses
• Is there a difference to the glass used? Find out!

One of our most popular annual events. Great discussion, great wine and great fun! Limited space. Book early to avoid disappointment.

6:30 pm - Meet and Greet
7:00 pm (sharp) - Wine Tasting and Glass Education
(with Mr. Wayne Bentley from Riedel)
9:00 pm - Questions and Shopping
Cheese and crackers, water, coffee or tea will be served, as well as a variety of wines.

Tickets
*** Order and pay for your ticket online with a Credit Card ***
Tickets $25 each (refunded with your purchase of any Riedel product)