Win Tickets to the 2010 Toronto Wine & Cheese Show

Taste, sip and savour your way through the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show! The three-day event features a tasty selection of gourmet foods, wines, beers, and spirits, as well as interactive and informative seminars.

Would you like to attend this year's Toronto Wine & Cheese Show?

Well, today is your lucky day because I am giving away 2 Free Admission Passes to the 2010 TO Wine & Cheese Show on March 19-21!

How to Enter
Simply leave me a comment below telling me your favourite mushroom recipe in the Mushrooms Canada Recipe Library.

The Rules

• Answer must be left in the comments section of this post. One answer per person.
• You must be a resident of Toronto, Ontario (or GTA).
• Provide an email address/blog link by which I can contact you if you win.
• You have until Thursday March 11th to submit you answer. A random draw from all the entries will be held at 12:00 noon on the 12th of March. Winners will be contacted/posted shortly thereafter.
• Mushrooms Canada will provide no compensation for additional expenses related to you attending the event. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Value of ticket is $18. One (1) ticket will be awarded to each of the 2 winners.

Good Luck!

posted by Brittany

Canadore College Student Chefs Win the 2009 “Make it with Mushrooms Masters” Title

Canadore’s Mushroom Cannelloni recipe and cooking video wowed the judges in the Third Annual “Make it with Mushrooms Student Chef Challenge.”

“Creamy, elegant and surprisingly easy to prepare,” says Clare Jones, home economist, nutritionist, and judge in this year’s Make It With Mushrooms Student Chef Challenge. “The team from Canadore College certainly brought their A-game when creating both their written recipe and corresponding cooking video.”

Similar to last year, this year’s challenge was extremely close with only a few points separating the first, second and third place winners, but in the end Canadore College claimed the title.

The Canadore College student chef team, consisting of Ryan Stencill and Isaac Bonfield, joined by video team Matthew Fraboni and Jeff Chattaway, worked under the direction of their course director Derek Lawday to create an elegant, yet simple recipe; Canadian Mushroom Cannelloni in a Goat Cheese Tarragon Cream Sauce.

Judging was based on a set of criteria that tested the student chefs’ culinary skills; taste, presentation and originality. Also included in this year’s challenge was a video submission. Videos were judged on a set of criteria including delivery of messages, originality and entertainment.

As the winning team, Canadore Collge was awarded a certificate recognizing their achievement as well as a $1,500 grant for their program, $1,500 for the student chef team, and an additional $600 for the video team.

“We plan to contribute our winnings towards our education and future competitions,” says the Canadore Student Chef team. Course Director Derek Lawday says the grant money will be used to “purchase equipment and offset travel to other competitions.”

The second place winners, Fanshawe College, were awarded a $1,000 grant, $1,000 for the student chef team, and $350 for the video team for their flavourful Fresh Ontario Mushroom Cheddar Burger with Roasted Peppers, Sweet and Sour Shallots, Chipotle Mayo and Portabello Fries.

Third place winners, Georgian College, were awarded a $500 grant, $500 for the student chef team, and $200 for the video team for their hearty and satisfying Mushroom Stampeder Dip with Sweet and Spicy Potato Chips.

This was the third Make It With Mushrooms Student Chef Challenge conducted by Mushrooms Canada. Seven community colleges accepted the challenge back in September, and each submitted a mushroom recipe and cooking video.

“This year’s challenge was distinctively different than last years, as we had removed the cook-off portion and replaced it with a video submission,” says Mushrooms Canada Marketing Manager Brittany Stager. With the demand for online cooking videos rising, Mushrooms Canada sees this challenge as a unique way to highlight fresh Ontario Mushrooms, and for the Colleges’ Culinary programs to showcase their students, culinary abilities, and facilities.

Watch the rest of the “Make it with Mushrooms Student Chef Challenge” videos on the Mushrooms Canada YouTube Channel.

To Print the Canadian Mushroom Cannelloni in a Goat Cheese Tarragon Cream Sauce Recipe Click Here.

posted by Brittany

Mushrooms Canada Survey

Mushrooms Canada would like to thank all the people who took the time to take our Fresh Mushroom Survey.

As promised, the first 150 people to fill out the survey received a $10 Gift Card to either Tim Horton's or Canadian Tire. So, congratulations to:

Anna H. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
Brian S. from Barrie, Ontario
Al H. from Amherstview, Ontario
Harold R. from Regina, Saskatchewan
Patricia S. from Waterloo, Ontario
Glenna W. from LaHave, Nova Scotia
Fatima S. from Calgary, Alberta
Cathy M. from Sarnia, Ontario
Paul S. from Woodstock, Ontario
Gisele D. from Hanmer, Ontario
Ruth P. from North York, Ontario
Ashley C. from Victoria, British Columbia
Michael V. from Wallaceburg, Ontario
Lindsey H. from Saint John, New Brunswick
Joanne A. from Calgary, Alberta
Amy from Windsor, Ontario
Anne P. from Gloucester, Ontario
Brian B. from Oakville, Ontario
Joanneussan H. from Lethbridge, Alberta
Pamela H. from Kitchener, Ontario
Susan G. from Kitchener, Ontario
Randi M. from Kakabeka Falls, Ontario
Jennifer D. from Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Carol M. from Burlington, Ontario
Mary Ellen K. from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Ada S. from Stephenville, Newfoundland
Jessica D. from Palgrave, Ontario
Anne G. from Brampton, Ontario
Danielle H. from Brampton, Ontario
Karla O. from Kanata, Ontario
Mona B. from Beloeil, Quebec
Patty S. from Hamilton, Ontario
Barry P. from Ottawa, Ontario
Phyllis M. from Montague, Prince Edward Island
Debra B. from Cherry Valley, Ontario
Betty B. from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Jujne L. from Windsor, Ontario
Bob B. from Pickering, Ontario
Marie M. from Janetville, Ontario
Gary D. from McGregor, Ontario
Colleen M. from Middleton, Nova Scotia
Bernice L. from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Melody F. from Nanaimo, British Columbia
Dawn B. from King City, Ontario
Treena C. from Nipawin, Saskatchewan
Linda B. from Oshawa, Ontario
Lee N. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jay K. from Trenton, Ontario
Alison F. from Thornhill, Ontario
Colleen from Hamilton, Ontario
Joy from Sudbury, Ontario
Kari D. from Moncton, New Brunswick
Catherine F. from Dundas, Ontario
Rob M. from Harrow, Ontario
Josie R. from Toronto, Ontario
Wendy M. from Kincardine, Ontario
Janice S. from Markham, Ontario
Dalton W. from Fenwick, Ontario
Barbara M. from Toronto, Ontario
Marilyn S. from Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Lorena V. from Mississauga, Ontario
Marilyn B. from Chester, Nova Scotia
Shirl S. from Mt.Brydges, Ontario
Todd M. from Richmond Hill, Ontario
Lisa T. From CBS, Newfoundland
Will T. from Oshawa, Ontario
Barbara W. from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Kim F. from Hare Bay, Newfoundland
Keith G. from Parry Sound, Ontario
Ellen W. from Janetville, Ontario
Elaine T. from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Doreen C. from Cobourg, Ontario
Margaret O. from London, Ontario
Brenda C. from Scarborough, Ontario
Kenneth B. from Napanee, Ontario
Anita S. from Baxters Corner, New Brunswick
Taban N. from Greely, Ontario
Erin from Iron Bridge, Ontario
Wendy H. from Midland, Ontario
Brenda J. from Elora, Ontario
Christina S. from Toronto, Ontario
Michelle C. from Halifax , Nova Scotia
Shane M. from Kingston, Ontario
Dan T. from Dundas, Ontario
Gloria M. from Noel, Nova Scotia
Jean S. from Shakespeare, Ontario
Debbie G. from Grand-Barachois, New Brunswick
Donna M. from London, Ontario
Teresa H. from Duncan, British Columbia
Bonnie from Quispamsis, New Brunswick
Debbie B. from Thamesford, Ontario
Margaret S. from Toronto, Ontario
David M. from Toronto, Ontario
Tom R. from St-Peters Bay, Prince Edward
Cathy A. from Glen Williams, Ontario
Kim T. from Orillia, Ontario
Linda R. from Toronto, Ontario
Helen R. from Courtice, Ontario
Dianne H. from Port Elgin, Ontario
Carol P. from Orleans, Ontario
Maureen T. from Toronto, Ontario
Heather from New Maryland, New Brunswick
Mary-Ellen F. from Burlington, Ontario
Georgina H. from Brockville, Ontario
Silke F. from Kitchener, Ontario
Stephanie from Scarborough, Ontario
Anne T. from Burlington, Ontario
Beverly M. from Cobourg, Ontario
Marlene D. fro LaSalle, Ontario
Ella W. from Burlington, Ontario
Krista S. from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia
Nancy L. from Ange-Gardien, Quebec
Shannon S. from Hamilton, Ontario
Carla C. from Toronto, Ontario
Carol from Surrey, British Columbia
Paivi L. from Toronto, Ontario
Connie P. from Kitchener, Ontario
Brenda R. from Nepean, Ontario
Cindy C. from London, Ontario
Linda D. from Bathurst, New Brunswick
Josee L. from Toronto, Ontario
Louise B. from Chertsey, Québec
Monica M. from Montreal, Quebec
Lee A C. from Tignish, Prince Edward Island
Mary B. from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
David R. from North York, Ontario
Roseanne C. from Toronto, Ontario
Mary Jane from Miramichi, New Brunswick
Clayton V. from Bell Island, Newfoundland
Gord S. from Trenton, Ontario
Sherry B. from Miscouche, Prince Edward Island
Shannon M. from North Bay, Ontario
Carol D. from Bowden, Alberta
Carol G. from Oshawa, Ontario
Laura R. from Willowdale, Ontario
Lynda K. from Richmond Hill, Ontario
Michele F. from Mississauga, Ontario
Chrissy M. from Windsor, Ontario
Gary E. from St.Thomas, Ontario
Deborah M. from St. Jacobs, Ontario
Noelle L. from Bear River, Nova Scotia
Edith R. from Surrey, British Columbia
Colleen M. from Toronto, Ontario
Lori W. from Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia
Cynthia R. from Cambridge, Ontario
Alana L. from St Andrews West, Ontario
Ken C. from North Bay, Ontario
Diane B. from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Bonnie C. from Brampton, Ontario
Janet G. from Scarborough, Ontario

Mushrooms Canada also conducted one Grand Prize draw for a $150 Gift Card from all the completed surveys. The winner of the Grand Prize is:

Louise Gilbert, from Quesnel, British Columbia

We thank you once again for filling out the survey. Look for more opportunities to participate in the new year.

posted by Brittany

Mushrooms Canada’s Video Contest Challenges Student Chefs to “Make it with Mushrooms"

Ontario Community Colleges participate in third annual mushroom recipe competition.

GUELPH, ON – New and unique were the two attributes that came to mind when Mushrooms Canada designed the third annual “Make it with Mushrooms” Student Chef Challenge. After two successful years, Mushrooms Canada decided on a format change that was unique, innovative, and never done before; a video submission.

Community Colleges from all across Ontario were invited to participate. Cambrian College in Sudbury, Canadore College in North Bay, Conestoga College in Waterloo, Fanshawe College in London, Georgian College in Barrie, Humber College in Toronto, and Niagara College in Niagara have accepted the challenge.

“This year’s challenge is distinctively different than last years, as we have removed the cook-off portion and replaced it with a video submission,” says Mushrooms Canada Marketing Manager Brittany Stager. With the demand for online cooking videos rising, Mushrooms Canada sees this challenge as a unique way to highlight fresh Ontario Mushrooms, and for the Colleges’ Culinary programs to showcase their students, culinary abilities, and facilities.

“I like the new format, especially the video idea - it is a great way to connect with our technology savvy students and work with other departments of the college such as Broadcasting,” says Fanshawe Colleges Culinary Program Coordinator Patrick Hersey.The Student Chefs will compete for a chance to win a $1500 team scholarship, a $1500 donation for the Colleges’ Chef Training Program, and the title “Make it with Mushrooms Masters.” The winning team’s video production group will also receive a prize of $600.

Each team of Student Chefs will submit one Main Course recipe video featuring the star ingredient; fresh Ontario mushrooms. Submissions will be judged on the basis of Presentation, Taste, Simplicity, Consistency, Originality, Nutrition, Story and Video Production. The team with the highest score will be named the “Make it with Mushrooms Masters.”

Contest entries are due by November 13th 2009, and the "Make it with Mushrooms Master" will be named by December 1st, 2009.

This will be the third year Mushrooms Canada hosts the Make It with Mushrooms Student Chef Challenge, and hopes to make it a National Challenge in 2010. “Nurturing the skills of today’s youth and tomorrow’s influencers is very important to Mushroom Canada” states Mushrooms Canada’s Executive VP, Bill Stevens. “Working with the student programs at Ontario’s community colleges has proven to be a successful strategy to achieve this goal.”

We have some Winners!

Get your shopping shoes ready, you're going to the National Women's Show!

Congratulations to:
- Jane*
- Rosanna*
- ctoan72(at)gmail(dot)com
- jencaputo.77(at)gmail(dot)com

You ladies have all won 1 Free Admission Ticket to this weekend's National Women's Show!

Please check your emails for details.

*Jane and Rosanna, could you please email me your mailing address, brittanystager(at)mushrooms(dot)ca.

posted by Brittany

Win Tickets to the National Women's Show

Looking to get out of the house for a day? Maybe get a new hairstyle, get caught up on all the latest fashion trends, sample delicious foods and wine, or spend a day shopping with the girls?

Well today is your lucky day because I am giving away 5 Free Admission Passes to next weekends National Women's Show in Toronto!

How to Enter
Simply leave me a comment below telling me your favourite mushroom recipe in the Mushrooms Canada Recipe Library.

The Rules

• Answer must be left in the comments section of this post. One answer per person.
• You must be a resident of Toronto, Ontario (or GTA).
• Provide an email address/blog link by which I can contact you if you win.
• You have until Sunday the 18th to submit you answers. A random draw from all the entries will be held Monday October 19th. Winners will be contacted/posted shortly thereafter.
• Mushrooms Canada will provide no compensation for additional expenses related to you attending the event. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Value of ticket is $14. One (1) ticket will be awarded to each of the 5 winners.

Good Luck!

posted by Brittany

Winner: The Cap Crew Colouring Contest

Mushrooms Canada would like to congratulate this year's winner of the Cap Crew Back to School Colouring Contest:

Amy M. from Peterborough, Ontario

Amy has won a fabulous new Back to School Prize Pack, valued at $150, it included:

• Backpack
• Lunch bag
• Markers
• Pencil Crayons
• Crayons
• Paper
• Writing Supplies
• Binders
• Duotangs
• and much more!

Once again, thank you to all who entered.

Be in the know! Sign up for the Mushrooms Canada Mailing List and receive our monthly recipe ideas, our quarterly newsletter, and invites to great contests. Never miss a Mushrooms Canada contest again!

Sign Up Here

T-Fal Dream Kitchen Winner

Mushrooms Canada would like to congratulate this year's winner of the 2009 T-Fal Dream Kitchen Contest:

Tammy S. from Alliston, Ontario

Tammy has won a fabulous new T-Fal Kitchen stock with the following cookware appliances:

• T-Fal VitaCuisine Food Steamer
• T-Fal Toaster
• T-Fal Elegance Cookware Set
• T-Fal Kettle
• T-Fal Deep Fryer
• T-Fal Bread Maker
• T-Fal Food Processor

Once again, thank you to all who entered.

Be in the know! Sign up for the Mushrooms Canada Mailing List and receive our monthly recipe ideas, our quarterly newsletter, and invites to great contests. Never miss a T-Fal contest again!

Sign Up Here

Update: The Cap Crew Colouring Contest

I thought that I would take a quick second to showcase some the wonderful Cap Crew Colouring Contest entries that seem to be taking over my desk lately!

Sarah, Age 11, from British Columbia:

Ava, Age 5 from Saskatchewan:

Madalene, Age 10, Ontario:
As you may know we opened the Cap Crew Colouring Contest on the last day of school, and since, I have received a steady flow of these colourful masterpieces delivered to my desk daily. It's a great way to start my day with a smile.

The contest closes on August 21, so there still is time to get your child's entry in. The Grand prize is a fabulous "Cap Crew Back to School Prize Pack" valued at $150.
Click here for more details on how to enter.

posted by Brittany

The Cap Crew Colouring Contest

School's out for summer!!

Today marks the day that most Canadian schools take a break for summer holidays, and most parents prepare themselves to hear the never-ending, "I'm bored," and "there is nothing to do!"

Mushrooms Canada has just what you need to fulfill to your kids quest to find something to do, The Cap Crew Colouring Contest!

Simply download The Cap Crew Colouring Contest, print it off, and hand it over to the kids! It's guaranteed to keep them busy for at least 10 minutes while you read, shop, or make dinner.

The best part is, this little masterpiece could win your kid a "Cap Crew Back to School Prize Pack" filled with lots of goodies and school necessities.

So what are you waiting for, get them colouring!

Download The Cap Crew Colouring Contest & Official Rules here.

For more fun-filled mushroom activities, like our Cap Crew Trivia Game and Activity Booklet, visit the Sizzling Skillet Arcade on The Cap Crew website, www.thecapcrew.ca.

posted by Brittany

Win Tickets to this Friday's WOW Fundraiser

Do you live in Owen Sound, Ontario? Are you looking for something to do this Friday night with the girls? Then why not come on out to the WOW Thanks Mom Fundraiser?!

With a mini shopping mall filled with local businesses, and engaging seminars; WOW Thanks Mom is a fun filled night out! And best of all, proceeds raised from this event will go to Keppel-Sarawak Elementary School.

Of course I will be there cooking up my favourite recipe, Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Mushrooms, on the seminar stage, handing out recipes, and answering any questions you may have about mushrooms. I will also have a fabulous door prize with me, so make sure you come by my booth and enter the draw.

The Giveaway:
I have four free admission tickets that I am giving away to four people who can answer the following trivia question correctly:

What variety of mushrooms has as much Potassium as a banana? (need a hint).

The Rules:
- Answer must be left in the comments section of this post.
- You must be a resident of Owen Sound, Ontario (and area).
- Provide an email address/blog link by which I can contact you if you win.

- You have until Thursday at 11:59pm to submit you answers. Random draw will be held Friday morning at 9:00am.
- Mushrooms Canada will provide no compensation for additional costs related to you attending the event. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Value of ticket $20.

Good Luck, and see you at the event!

posted by Brittany

Feature Friday: Kid Friendly Recipes Just in Time for March Break

It's that time of year again! March Break; a whole week off, the perfect time to spend with family on vacation or perhaps just at home. Mushrooms Canada and The Cap Crew have some great ways to keep the kids busy this March Break with some fun activities and great recipes.

Get the kids involved in the dinner making process with this great recipe for Stuffed Pizza Pockets. Watch the Stuffed Pizza Pockets Video to see how truly easy it is.

Stuffed Pizza Pockets
Preparation Time: 30 mins. Cooking Time: 15 mins.

A larger version of this Italian recipe is often called a calzone. Vary the fillings to your families liking and you will win raves at the table.

Ingredients
5-6 medium fresh white Mushrooms
(about 3 oz/90g pre-sliced)
1/2 cup diced green pepper 125 mL
1/4 cup pre-cooked bacon pieces or pepperoni 50 mL
1/2 cup pizza or spaghetti sauce 125 mL
3/4 cup pre-shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend 175 mL
1 pkg (10 oz/283 g) refrigerated pizza dough 1
1 tbsp milk 15 mL
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 15 mL

Method

1. Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. On the cutting board with the sharp knife trim bottom of stems; coarsely chop the mushrooms to fill 1¼ cups (300 mL).
2. Place the mushrooms, diced green pepper, bacon, pizza sauce and cheese in the bowl; stir to mix well. Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
3. On a lightly floured counter or cutting board unroll the pizza dough according to package directions. Roll or press out to 12”(30 cm) x10” (25 cm) rectangle. With sharp knife cut into 4 equal pieces.
4. Using a pastry brush moisten edges of each piece of dough with water. Mound ¼ of mixture onto half of each piece of dough leaving a ½”(1 cm) border. Pull and stretch the other half of dough over the filling and press edges firmly together.
5. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray and place pizza pockets about 2”(5 cm) apart on it. With the tines of a fork press edges firmly again to seal and prick a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
6. Brush top of pockets with milk and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.


7. Place baking sheet in middle of oven and bake for 13 –15 min until lightly browned and crisp on top.
8. Using oven mitts remove baking sheet from oven and place on cooling rack for 5 minutes.
9. With sharp knife cut in half diagonally to serve if desired.

Makes 4 pizza pockets

Tip: If rolling dough on a cutting board, place a damp dishcloth under the board to prevent it from moving around.

Variations: Substitute broccoli for green pepper and ham for bacon.

And to keep the kids busy while the pizza pockets are baking, you can give them our New Cap Crew Colouring Contest.

If you make this recipe with the kids we would love for you to share your experiences, stories and photos, so feel free to drop us a line (or photo) in the comments section.

Have a great weekend, and a wonderful March Break!

posted by Brittany

2009 Better Health and Living Expo

Are you looking for ways to improve your life through healthy living? Then come on down to the 2009 Better Health and Living Expo at RIM Park in Waterloo this weekend.

Discover the latest products, services and innovations in personal health and care management. Whether it is your first time discovering the benefits of prevention or an ongoing journey in personal wellness, the Expo will provide you with what you need to start you on your path to a long and healthy lifestyle.

While you are there, come by and see us at booth #63. We will be sauteing up some fresh crimini mushrooms, handing out recipes, and answering all your mushroom questions.

Bringing the kids? We have just the thing for them, Mushrooms Canada's New Colouring Contest, where you can win a Cap Crew Back to School Prize Pack. Just request the colouring page at our booth, or download it from the Cap Crew Website.

We will be there all weekend, hope to see you there!

posted by Brittany

Enter to Win a T-Fal Dream Kitchen

Are you in need of a kitchen appliance make-over? Well, Mushrooms Canada has the contest for you! Enter to Win a brand new T-Fal Dream Kitchen.

This huge Grand Prize comes with every appliance you could possibly need in a kitchen, 7 to be exact! You could be cookin' up a storm in no time!

The Grand Prize includes:

• T-Fal VitaCuisine Food Steamer
• T-Fal Toaster
• T-Fal Elegance Cookware Set
• T-Fal Kettle
• T-Fal Deep Fryer
• T-Fal Bread Maker
• T-Fal Food Processor

Click here to Enter the T-Fal Dream Kitchen Contest Now!

Good Luck to everyone who enters!

posted by Brittany

Rules and Regulations