Toronto has an ample amount of cafés and coffee shops. But what sets others out from the rest? What do you look for in your next study or remote working place? Most importantly they’ve got to have really good drinks and desserts. So what draws you in? Interior, the food, free WiFi perhaps?
At first when you walk in you can see that it’s a small place with minimal seating. You get that feeling that you’re in a bakery. All their delicious baked goods to the left and straight ahead pizza! There are stairs to the second floor where you’ll find a big table with more seats. I didn’t try the gelato, but they have that too!
And then there was this yummy drink and cake! Ok, so Sud Forno so far has the best Nutella drink in Toronto. It’s funny and sad at the same time that Canada’s first ever Nutella cafe that opened up here in Toronto doesn’t have a hot drink figured out but there are places in our city where you can get such a drink.
Portland Variety also has a Nutella drink however their steamer machine when I went wasn’t working so I’ll have to check that one out another day.
I’m on the hunt for the BEST nutella drink in Toronto. Do you know of any places that I should check out?
a late morning meal eaten instead of breakfast and lunch.
When brunch comes to mind, I usually envision a cute restaurant, possibly parisian themed with a whole list of items to choose from. When I go for a brunch I like to eat healthy but also enjoy a dessert. Most restaurants know people like me will want this and offer separate options for healthy and dessert items. Makes sense. However, if I’m making my own brunch at home, it’s a whole other ball game. This is why for one of my brunch items I’ve chosen to do a French toast roll with Nutella and strawberries.
When hosting a brunch at home, here are some tips on what you’ll want to do:
Invite your guests
Create your menu well in advance so you have time to gather or check what items you’ll need
Put together a juice station (prep the night before for certain mixes like Sangria’s)
Match number of guests to tableware. If I had a quarter for every time I mis-counted how many people were coming, I’d be a billionaire! Make sure you have your choice of cutlery, serving plates, bow tie charms (see image below) for identifying your guests’ drinks etc.
If planning to use decor or a theme, keep it simple with matching tableware or paper balls/medallions for your walls
Below I’ve put together a simple brunch with a touch of love. Rolled french toast, oat cups, Simply Simple Sangria (my own delicious recipe) and a side of fruit and heart shaped cheese.
Simply Simple Sangria
My favourite thing about Sangria’s is the colourful combination of fruit. Not only does it taste amazing, but it looks pretty too! Most Sangria recipes call for slices of lemon, however I chose to add my favourite lemonade by Simply Orange instead and their new Simply Orange with coconut water.
Ingredients
1 apple cored and cut into chunks
1/2 cup Strawberries sliced
Orange slices (optional)
1/2 cup Blueberries
1/2 cup Blackberries
Clementine, peeled into pieces
1/2 cup Simply Orange Lemonade
1/3 cup Simply Orange Lemonade with Raspberry
1/3 cup Simply Orange Coconut Water
In a large pitcher combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for as many hours as possible, preferably overnight.
Note: The longer the fruit stay steeped in your juice mix, the fruits will enhance the flavour of the juice and soak it up as well.
Rolled French Toast
Ingredients
Whole wheat bread
Nutella
Eggs
Cinnamon
Powder sugar
Strawberries
Directions
Mix eggs and cinnamon in a flat deep bowl.
I didn’t mention how many slices of bread, eggs or cinnamon you’ll need because that would differ based on how many guests you’re making this for. Now take one slice of bread and flatten the edges with your fingers. Spread Nutella and place strawberries on one end of the Nutella side. Roll the bread. Place bread into the egg mix. Make sure it’s all covered. Place it in a buttered pan on low-medium heat. Turn rolled bread to each side until it is golden brown. Place in plate and finish with powdered sugar on top.
Oat Cups
Ingredients
Rolled or Quick Oats
1/4 cup mashed banana
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon (as desired)
Yogurt
Fruit of choice for garnish or taste
This recipe makes 6 muffin cups. Butter the cups and set aside.
Mix together the honey, banana and vanilla.
In a separate bowl mix together the oats, cinnamon and salt. Combine both mixes together.
Press the mixture into the cups.
Refrigerate for an hour or more so that they’re not crumbling. You want the mixture to stick to the walls of the muffin cups. Preheat oven to 330F and bake for 15 mins. Once baked, let the cups cool down for a bit before removing them from the muffin tray or molds. Once removed, add yogurt and garnish.
