All of our new spring merchandise (linens, platters, cocktail napkins, cheese spreaders and more) has arrived, along with our Easter chocolate! We have a huge selection of Easter chocolate and candy from Reid's and Rheo Thompson Candies.

This is a friendly reminder to consider dropping by our shop tomorrow - we are having a charitable bake sale and 100% of the profits are being donated to KidsAbility!

We will be selling a wide selection of baked goods, including cupcakes, brownies, blondies, lemon squares, date squares, pecan squares, scones, rice krispie squares, assorted cookies, carrot cake, pineapple flan, muffins, ginger loaf, lemon loaf, banana bread and more!

amaretti cookies

My brother Adam is an awesome guy. When he heard that we were having a bake sale to support KidsAbility, he called me and asked if he could make something for us to sell. Of course I said yes!!! He decided to make these delicious amaretti cookies from one of his favourite cookbooks, "Babbo" by chef Mario Batali.... Thanks Adam, I know how busy you are and I sincerely appreciate your support.

makes about 30 cookies

ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups whole blanched almonds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• pinch of kosher salt
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon amaretto
• 1/2 cup turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

method

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Place almonds, cornstarch, and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until almonds are very finely chopped.
3. Place egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add salt and beat on medium speed until foamy and light. Gradually add granulated sugar in a slow, steady steam and continue beating until stiff and glossy. Beat in almond extract and amaretto.
4. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in ground almond mixture. Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle each cookie generously with turbinado sugar.
5. Transfer to oven and bake until cookies are pale golden and begin to crack slightly, about 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees F. Leave oven door ajar to release some of the heat. Let cookies stand in oven until completely dry and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes more. Let cookies cool briefly on baking sheets, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

I'll be cooking with asparagus next Monday, April 6th on "Daytime" on Rogers Cable 20.

Watch me on Citytv's "Breakfast Television" on Monday, April 13th (Easter Monday) I don't know the exact time that I'll be on but Breakfast Television airs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Last month, I asked for your help in coming up with a great name for our new gift basket featuring locally made items.
Thank you soooooooooooooooo much for all of your many ideas, creativity and support.

And now, let me announce the winner!!!
I'm so pleased to report that the winner is... Martha Law!!!

Martha came up with the name "Waterloo Region's Best-in-a-Basket" which I think perfectly describes the basket. Congratulations, Martha!

1st runner up: Rose Ryan. Rose is a DSG employee and came up with a whopping TEN fantastic basket names, including "livin la vida local" and "for the love of local", two names which I also adore.

Thanks so much Rose, it is a pleasure to work with you and your enthusiasm (for everything!) is contagious.

All dsg soups are 15% off for the month of April! We have at least 10 varieties on hand... including meat and vegetarian selections.

That you can freeze coconut milk? Often, a recipe will only call for 1/2 cup of coconut milk or less (leaving you wondering what to do with the rest of the can). Freeze coconut milk in ice cube trays and use in the future, or try one of the following suggestions:

• add to "finish" risotto (add just before serving) to make it extra creamy
• add to pancake, muffin or crepe batter for extra richness
• add to a milkshake or fruit smoothie
• drizzle over steamed veggies with some lime juice or zest
• use the frozen coconut milk "cubes" in place of regular ice cubes in blended or fruity based drinks so they don't get watered down.

One last thing – we’re hoping that all of you receiving this newsletter want to be on our distribution list.

If you would like to be removed from this list, please let me know and we will fulfill your request asap.