10.11.24 | Recipes

Garlic and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Rack of lamb is a family favorite, especially during the fall. This recipe begins by pan-searing the lamb to render the fat and achieve a beautiful caramelization, followed by a generous coating of a flavorful herb sauce. We typically serve the lamb with mint jelly, but I also enjoy pairing it with a garlicky, lemony mint yogurt sauce. If you’re serving it as part of a buffet, plan for at least two chops per person.

Ingredients

  • 2 racks of lamb, frenched, about 1.5-2 lbs each
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 tsp shawarma seasoning blend, or your seasoning of choice, optional
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 450ºF
  • With a sharp knife, score the fat cap of the lamb, this will help the fat render. Season the outside with about 1 tsp of kosher salt per rack and let rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Preheat a large stainless steel pan over medium heat. Add about 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to coat the pan. Pat the lamb dry with paper towel before searing. Sear the lamb racks, fat cap side down, until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Sear 1 at a time if needed.
  • While the lamb is searing, make the herb mixture. In a mortar and pestle combine the fresh herbs, garlic, dry seasonings, and a heavy pinch of kosher salt and mash into a fine paste. Alternatively, you can hand-chop the herbs and grate the garlic on a microplane or process with an immersion blender or food processor. Add 3 tbsp of vegetable oil and mix to combine.
  • Transfer the seared lamb racks to a foil line sheet pan with a wire rack, fat cap facing up. Coat in the herb sauce then transfer to the oven for 10-15 minutes for medium rare. Cover the bones with foil if they begin to burn.
  • Serve with mint jelly.

Inspo: Wishbone Kitchen

02.12.25 | Recipes

The Original Marry Me Chicken

A rich and creamy skillet chicken dish made with tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Known for its irresistible taste, this dish got its name when a taste-tester declared it was so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! Perfect for a cozy dinner, date night, or any occasion that calls for a showstopping meal.

Ingredients
  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • Torn fresh basil, for serving

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Generously season chicken with salt and black pepper and cook, turning halfway through, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 2
In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan; season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet.

Step 3
Transfer skillet to oven. Bake chicken until cooked through and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife, 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 4
Arrange chicken on a platter. Spoon sauce over. Top with basil.

Inspo: Delish

The Best Places To See Magical Christmas Lights in Halton | The Katherine Barnett Team

12.12.23 | Community

The Best Places To See Enchanting Christmas Lights in Halton

The Holiday season is here, which means the return of Christmas trees and Christmas light displays. Checkout our guide below to the Places to See Enchanting Christmas Lights in Halton.

 Light Up the Hills Festival of Halton

Now until January 14: Everyday from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm

This holiday season, experience a world of lights and the wonders of the season and join us at the Light Up the Hills Festival of Halton in Georgetown.   Join us for an unforgettable walk through captivating displays  as we illuminate the hills with our festival of lights. Our annual event celebrates the magic of the season, where there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a family outing, a romantic date night, or simply a moment of wonder and awe, Light Up the Hills delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with wonderful memories of the season.  Embark on this extraordinary adventure and discover why our festival has become a cherished tradition in Halton.

This year the lights will be lit for everyone to enjoy at Dominion Gardens Park in Georgetown, Shelagh Law Parkette in Glen Williams and Acton Sports Park in Acton. As always, there is no charge to visit any of the parks and you do not need to make a reservation.

Click here for more info

Burlington Festival of Lights

Spencer Smith Park: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington

Now – January 8th – 4:00pm – Midnight daily

The Festival of Lights illuminates Burlington’s waterfront through December to early January each year. Thousands of local residents and visitors from across the region, and beyond, have made it a seasonal tradition to wander through the park with family and friends to view the themed displays. Tens of thousands more take in the attraction while driving along Lakeshore Road at the City’s waterfront throughout the holiday season. It represents a popular annual tradition in the community. The Festival marked its 28th anniversary in 2023.

Come share your holiday spirits with family and friends while strolling through the magical lighting displays this year!

Click here for more info

 

Winter Wonders

Now to January 7 (Thursdays to Sundays)*
Hendrie Park – 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON

Winter Wonders, a unique outdoor evening experience, guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, interactive installations and magical displays that tell the stories of unique winter wonders. Stroll through our breathtaking garden to the rhythm of festive music while indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season.  

After your walk, cozy up indoors and explore the Botanical Train installation and the warmly lit Mediterranean Garden, and pick up unique gifts from Shop at the Gardens. Timed tickets are required and space is limited.  

Timed-tickets required; get yours now!

 

Winter Festival of Lights

Make it your winter tradition. The event will run until Jan. 10 and the lights will be illuminated from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The most enchanting of Niagara Falls attractions, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience the spectacular displays with millions of lights and larger than life displays across the tourism districts.

“Sparkling Winter Lights” Falls Illumination

To celebrate the beauty and majesty of the winter season and the annual Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, an illumination light show “Sparkling Winter Lights” has been produced for Niagara Falls Tourism by the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. The display features the subtle and sometimes harsh movements inspired by winter in the north. From gentle snowfalls to the aurora borealis gliding over snowy tundra, to blizzards and the frosted falls; winter’s spectacle is exciting and magical.

The mighty American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls will come to life every evening with this tribute to the natural beauty all around us. The display is part of the regular nightly illumination of the Falls, with the five-minute lighting display playing through on the hour, at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm each evening between November 18, 2023 and January 7, 2024.

The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights Hot Chocolate Trail

Warm up this winter season with a hot beverage while exploring the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights. This new self-guided trail will lead you to delicious stops of chocolatey concoctions created by chocolatiers, chefs and mixologists at some of the area’s excellent restaurants and bake shops across Niagara Falls. From classic combinations with mint, orange and s’mores to inventive cocktails like a Dulce De Leche or Naughty But Nice Hot Chocolate featuring unique homemade ingredients like flavoured marshmallows and even eyeball gummies, this new trail has 17 stops with 23 unique and delicious flavours to sip and savour (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options).

Click here for more info

 

 

The Best Places To See Magical Christmas Lights in Halton | The Katherine Barnett Team

11.24.20 | Community

The Best Places To See Magical Christmas Lights in Halton

Looking for a safe way to see twinkling Christmas light displays this holiday season?

The coronavirus pandemic will make it harder to celebrate the holidays this year. We’ve compiled a list of some dazzling holiday lights displays, several are drive-thru, while others are on foot with face masks and social distancing required. Keep in mind online reservations may need to be made in advance.

Country Heritage Park

Country Heritage Park is excited to announce its first ever Country Christmas Drive-Thru! Drive a 2 kilometre loop at scenic Country Heritage Park in Milton.

We know times have been challenging this year. That’s why this event follows the rules and regulations of COVID-19 in the Halton Region so you can enjoy this Christmas time knowing you are safe in the comfort of your own vehicle!

Tickets will be available for purchase online Click here to reserve your tickets

Burlington Festival of Lights

Burlington Festival of Lights is happy to announce that they are moving ahead with planning this year’s Festival of Lights!

Get in the holiday spirit with those in your family by viewing the magical lighting displays set up at Spencer Smith Park from November 27, 2020 to January 8, 2021. The lights are on daily from 4PM to Midnight.

The static display will be modified this year to keep the community safe and healthy during the pandemic! Safety measures include centralizing the displays to allow for better drive-by viewing, placing physical distancing reminder signs throughout park, and foregoing the Opening Ceremony.

Click here for more info

Winter Wonders

Wednesdays to Sundays, Nov 18 to Dec 23
Additional Dates: Dec 27-30, Jan 2, 35 to 10 p.m.; Hendrie Park

A brand new RBG experience! Follow incredible festive lights through picture-perfect Hendrie Park and discover something new at every turn.

Experience the magic of the holiday season under the stars as historic Hendrie Park transforms into a winter wonderland of nature and light. This unique outdoor experience guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive Christmas lights, including 7 magical displays that tell the stories of unique winter wonders! Discover the origins of popular holiday traditions while strolling through our breathtaking garden to the rhythm of festive music and indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season.

 

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A post shared by Royal Botanical Gardens (@rbgcanada)

 

Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls.

Make it your winter tradition. The event will run until Jan. 10 and the lights will be illuminated from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The annual lights festival is an eight-kilometre route that transforms Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands, and the surrounding area into an Instagram-worthy palette of colours and sparkling lights. All while social distancing, you can take in the over 3 million lights from your car or you can bundle up and walk the wide-open park spaces. Displays at the festival include 15 Canadian wildlife illuminations, the Sylma, and over 50 trees wrapped in lights in Dufferin Islands.Besides this, there will also be a light show on the Toronto Power Generation Station and the Zimmerman Fountain, three-dimensional angels at the Niagara Parks Police building, and the ever-popular Noah’s Ark.

Click here for more info