We also made a second visit to the Vancouver Christmas Market, using our handy dandy re-entry passes. I had schnitzel again (but not gyro style), and it was just as crisp and fresh as before. Hubby also got some potato pancakes, which came with sour cream and apple sauce for dipping. They were not made with shredded potatoes, but with mashed potatoes. The outside was nice and crisp and the insides were very creamy and rich. Yum!
We also passed by the Maple Hut, which had some good 'ol French-style tire (hot maple syrup drizzle in a line on clean snow or crushed ice, then rolled up with a popsicle stick). I forgot how sweet good maple syrup can be, but this stuff was darn tasty!
We then passed by the Apfelhaus so that I could get a baked stuffed apple for my dessert. I had the classic stuffed apple, which has raisins and walnuts and is topped with their yummy vanilla sauce. I also picked up one Pink peppermint macaron from the French bakery stall (the same place when I picked up my biscotti on our last visit).
Earlier in the week, I made a second attempt at Ted Allen's Spaghetti and Meatbrawls with Serious Sunday gravy. I decided that I would not use the scary amount of stock as indicated in the recipe (just half the amount, which equals about 6 cups), and I also increased the tomato paste to a small 5 oz can (which is normally how much I use when I make my own meat sauce). I was tempted to fry the meatballs up in the pan, but ended up doing them in the oven again (it's just so much faster and easier!). After the gravy was left alone for an hour, it was a much thicker sauce in comparison to my first attempt and just as flavorful. It became even thicker once the meatballs were added to the sauce and left to simmer for another half hour. The result was quite delicious, but methinks I still need to play around with the amount of stock. I suspect that 4 or 5 cups will be the perfect medium, but I won't know until I try it again. The meatballs also got a little stuck to the foil, so I may have to add a little more fat to the mix to prevent them from sticking.
Here is the meal plan for the coming week. Nothing too complicated, as we'll be off at the end of the week to have a very white Christmas. Happy cooking all! Enjoy the holidays and see you in the New Year!
December 16-21st
Sunday: Honey-garlic wings, veggies, onion dip
Monday: Best-ever Mac & Cheese
Tuesday: Mini pizzas
Wednesday: Quinoa salad with black beans, corn & tomatoes (I was lazy last week, and didn't get to make this one)
Thursday: Burritos
Friday: Nothing (possibly go out somewheres)