Growing up in Canada, I loved Marks and Spencer potato rings.

I remember putting a ring on each of my fingers and gingerly biting each one off.

Sadly, there are no more Marks and Spencer stores in Canada.  

So we were really excited to exchange NYC foods for British gastro-treats with The Gourmet Traveller in the hopes of scoring those beloved potato rings.

I remember the first time I enjoyed edamame beans prior to a sushi lunch.

Cracking each pod and popping the salted beans into my mouth filled me with joy.

Since that first experience, frozen shelled edamame beans have become a staple in our freezer.

Not only do we feel healthier eating them, but they also brighten up our day with their vibrant color.

So when we found this recipe, we were eager to try the edamame beans in a new way.

With Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year falling on the same day this year (an odd occurrence that has not happened since 1953), I wanted to make something that would fuse the two occasions together.

I decided to incorporate lychee and pomegranate flavors because both fruits represent fertility in the Chinese culture (i.e. the closest symbolism to love and romance).

By adding some sparkling wine and PAMA pomegranate liqueur, we have ourselves a pretty pink adult slushie or granita.

We love one-pot dishes for dinner.  Not only are they easy to make, but clean-up's also a snap (which for dishwasher-less people like us is a big plus!)

This recipe is all about layers - and instead of cooking the pasta separately, it's cooked in the oven with the other ingredients.

This dish is very hearty and perfect for a cold evening at home.  

Weekday brunch is a wonderful luxury on the Upper West Side.  There are no crowds or lines outside and we can eat at our leisure.

So I was excited to have a free day to meet up with Christine from Fresh, Local and Best before her truffle-hunting trip to France (lucky girl!)

I invited her up to Good Enough to Eat, a casual restaurant (that reminds me of a country farmhouse) which features comforting homemade breakfast foods.