Let's Dish!

Will 2026 be the year of the kitchen garden?
Over the past 12 months, food prices in Canada have continued to climb and, according to a forecast by researchers at Dalhousie University, Canadians can expect food prices to rise by another 4 to 6 per cent next year. This increase has been largely driven by higher costs for meat products, along with steady gains in other sectors. Meatless Monday? Try Tuesday through Saturday as well! Rising meat prices combined with a growing interest in sustainable eating have led many Canadians to embrace plant-based meals throughout the week, not just... Read more...
Of lunch ladies and PB&J
Besides my revulsion at what some parents sent their kids to school with for lunch (a package of ramen noodles and a Twinkie, blech) my strongest memory is the constant vigilance I had to exercise for the presence of peanut butter sandwiches. They were verboten because there were children at the school with peanut allergies. Read more...
The Fiery Fun Behind Food’s Hottest Craze
Hot sauces, flaming snacks, and tongue-tingling peppers seem to be popping up everywhere lately—if you haven’t noticed, your taste buds definitely have! Spicy foods are heating up kitchens and conversations from coast to coast, and everyone wants in on the action. So, what’s driving this deliciously daring trend? Read more...
Dog treats cause Salmonella outbreak
The number of Canadians sickened by handling salmonella-contaminated dog treats has grown to 32, with illnesses reported in Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and the Northwest Territories. The number of people hospitalized has climbed to eight. Read more...
An un-bearable frenzy
Last Thursday, Starbucks released its $43.95 Bearista glass cold cup for the holiday season, sparking immediate sellouts and even in-store scuffles as customers scrambled to snag one. The limited supply led to social media outrage. Read more...
Update Salmonella Outbreak | Canada: Pistachios
As of October 21st, 117 Canadians have reported salmonella poisoning due to pistachios imported from Iran. This includes 17 people, age 2- 95, who have been hospitalized nationwide. People started getting sick in March, and reports increased in September. On September 27th, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) blocked all imports of pistachios from Iran. Read more...
One Year Later
I conceived the idea for My Epicurean Kitchen at the beginning of Summer 2024, when I saw so, much, Epicure for sale on various reselling sites, like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark. So many former reps were trying to sell their inventory, and so many Epicure buyers were trying to declutter their cupboards, that I thought, hmm, there has to be a better way to connect Epicure Selections fans with these sellers. And there were many buyers who were looking for their favourites that had been "vaulted" or discontinued. Read more...
Understanding the De Minimus Tariff Exemption and Its Impact on Small Businesses
As of August 29, 2025, the U.S. government suspended the de minimus tariff exemption. This shift means that shipments valued at $800 or less might now incur tariffs and duties. Such changes could lead to increased costs for consumers. Read more...
Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak | Canada: Pistachios
There is an ongoing salmonella outbreak in Canada connected to pistachios and pistachio-containing products. Four brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products have been recalled over the past several weeks by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency because of a possible salmonella contamination. Read more...
How to Choose Spices for a Clean-Eating Lifestyle
Choosing the right spices can transform your meals, making them flavourful and exciting without compromising your clean-eating goals. Spices not only add taste but also deliver health benefits, enhancing your overall well-being. This post will help you understand how to select spices that align with a clean-eating lifestyle, ensuring your dishes are both delicious and nutritious. Read more...
The good news keeps coming for Epicure fans!
A recent video shared with Epicure affiliates such as myself announced an additional 5 products that are to be in the first fifteen to be relaunched at the end of August. If you don't see your favourites in the lists, take heart! There are another five, at least, to be announced. Read more...
Epicure Relaunch Update
There will initially be about 15 products relaunched with new packaging and, presumably, new pricing. I have set up a new "Buy Direct From Epicure" button on each product page that will permit my customers to check Epicure.com for the availability of their favourite products. Read more...