teatree cafe and eatery

BASSically it's a chocolate peanut butter cake.

2012-02-17T17:43:00.004-05:00

best. cake. ever.

this is a triple layer chocolate peanut butter cake with cream cheese filling and cookies and cream icing! it's for a bassist (as you may or may not have figured out) who is crazy excited about some new recording equipment he got for his computer. it also serves as a belated valentine's cake, hence the love message. i love this cake from the flavours, to the message, to the picture of the computer. and i'm sure they will too! i asked them to take a picture of the cross section when they slice it up, because i have a feeling that it's going to look immaculate. :)

best cake ever!

xoerin

get your hubby a gluten free red velvet cupcake!

2012-02-13T22:08:00.003-05:00

the crappy part about regular valentine's day treats?

if you have a gluten allergy, then holiday goodies you can eat are few and far between! but here at teatree, that is simply not so. we've got lots of our famous beet dyed gluten free cupcakes in stock for your gf intolerant loved ones! and don't hold the homemade cream cheese icing ...

happy valentine's day everyone!

xoerin

vegan AND gluten free?

2012-02-10T16:38:00.002-05:00

not finding any desserts at the store that fits your allergies or sensitivities? no problem!

your solution is to call ahead and order! we can make anything from gluten free, vegan, soy free, dairy free, nut free, or any combination of these needs! we generally carry items that are either vegan OR gluten free, because that's what is most popular. if that does not work with your special diet, then please give us a call and we will whip something up for you that does. for instance- these gluten free, nut free, and vegan mini cupcakes in four different flavours: vanilla, chocolate, green tea and lemon, and chocolate raspberry!

i've got your back, peeps! :)

xoerin

teatree in 'on the danforth magazine'!

2012-02-08T15:14:00.002-05:00

hey there!

doing more teatree googling today, and came across this recently written article in 'on the danforth magazine':

http://onthedanforth.ca/2012/01/26/no-meat-no-worries/

it mentions teatree cafe and eatery as one of the vegetarian destinations on the danny, along with the big carrot, jean's, and green earth. i wonder if it's in the print edition! must find out.

see you soon!

xoerin

boobs and bums! oh yeah, hearts too ...

2012-02-04T18:33:00.004-05:00

yay!

i love these cookies- they're so sassy! my favourite part is how they're just inverted hearts (aww). i had so much fun doing all the different sets of underwear, and adding the sparkles (which i guess would be sequins), and the little candy hearts in the middle. at first, i wanted those little silver candy balls, so it would be like a metal clasp or charm, but these do nicely. it makes them sweeter, i think.

and yes, for the kids, i still made lots of cookie hearts. both ginger and my low-sugar sugar cookies. valentine's cookies for kids and adults alike!

come and get 'em!

xoerin

the black bean cake strikes again!

2012-02-03T17:54:00.002-05:00

people can't get enough of this thing.

including me- and i'm not a chocoholic by any stretch of the imagination (i've eaten two lemon vanilla cupcakes so far)! i kind of dig the colour palate on this cake, but it was a little difficult to write over the chocolate chips. it ended up evoking a little childish charm, reminding me of a big chocolate chip cookie!

toodles!

xoerin

overcast days call for some lemony sunshine!

2012-02-02T16:32:00.004-05:00

and these lemon vanilla vegan cupcakes do the trick!

i don't know what it is lately, but i've been pushing the 'lemon kiss' white tea, making a lemon meringue pie for a potluck, and made these entirely non-seasonally appropriate cupcakes for teatree! a couple overcast days will do that to you- get you wishing for the arrival of spring/summer cupcake flavours like banana, green tea, berry, and of course, lemon. and by you, i mean- me. so i did it! weather be damned. i wanted my lemon vanilla cupcake! and you know how much i love vanilla, too ...

please come buy one before i eat them all myself- i beg you.

xoerin

ay! it's me, mario!

2012-01-24T21:19:00.004-05:00

this fun character cake is a dairy free, gluten free chocolate cake, with a ground nut base!

that means, that rather than using alternative flours (rice, chickpea, quinoa, etc.), i just use ground nuts instead. my favourite combo is almond, walnut, hazelnut- it's easy to do if you have a food processor. and if you toast them first? oh mama ... (or should i say, baba?)

hope they like it!

xoerin

anyone order some cupcakes?

2012-01-22T19:18:00.003-05:00

yes, actually! an order of 96 cupcakes, no less!

a busy weekend here at teatree! busy brunch, lots of prep, a couple cake orders, and a teacake order for tealish! whew ... i don't know about you, but i'm glad i've got monday off.

some great news: i'll have another student with me starting next monday! her name is kat, and she'll be with be for two weeks, 30 hours each. i'm pretty excited for the help. god knows i need it! :)

xoerin

black bean chocolate fudge cake!

2012-01-19T15:41:00.003-05:00

i'm going to go out on a limb and say that this is teatree's most popular gluten free dessert. it's probably the only dessert item that we always have in the display fridge!

i first got the idea from a chili chocolate truffle i once had, and grew to learn that you can hide almost anything in chocolate: vegetables, spices, nuts, and yes, even legumes! it all just adds to the depth of flavour. and since one of teatree's mantras is packing in as much nutrition as humanly possible, the rest is history ... the result is a rich, bittersweet cake with a moist, fudge-like texture.

if you haven't had it yet, where on earth have you been? come in to teatree today!

xoerin

vanilla earl grey cupcakes!

2012-01-17T16:58:00.002-05:00

i've done green tea and lemon cupcakes ... how about earl grey cupcakes?

i used my recipe for vegan vanilla cupcakes, and added the tea leaves to that! first, i put the leaves in the processor to make them as fine as possible (like a matcha). it worked out great- i got them down to almost a powder. and these things are divine! top it with a vegan vanilla buttercream icing, and you've got a matcha made in heaven! get it? groan ...

see you!

xoerin

new painting!

2012-01-09T19:39:00.004-05:00

yay!

this is the new painting of a new series about baby animals and their relationship to us. i have three ideas sketched out, but hope to come up with a couple more to make four or five paintings in total. and when they're done, i'll be selling what's on the wall now! :)

fun, fun!

xoerin

teatree is one of the best gluten free restaurants in toronto!

2012-01-07T18:08:00.003-05:00

as i was googling teatree today, i came across something cool!

i often google the business to have a look at the latest mentions of teatree on the web. it also helps me figure out what websites i need to be in contact with, so people can easily find us when they're looking- for example, searching for "vegetarian toronto", "gluten free toronto", "vegan toronto". googling "teatree cafe" usually takes me to the lastest reviews, which i'm always eager to read. but today, i came across one of blog.to's helpful articles chronicling the best _____s in toronto. it was written in november, but i just saw it now- teatree is listed as one of the best gluten free restaurants in toronto (and there are only twelve listed)! the best part is that it links you directly to a great article blog.to wrote last year with some of the best pictures taken of teatree yet! here's the address:

http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_wheat_and_gluten_free_restaurants_in_toronto/

wahoo!

xoerin

chocolate and orange ... a lovely combination!

2012-01-06T16:30:00.002-05:00

i love cakes with unique messages like this one! so much better than the traditional happy birthday. this one is a gluten free chocolate orange cake made with full clementine oranges, and of course, love!

the first week of january has been a little slow for business, but not for excitement! there's been a lot going on at teatree with the ceiling repair, the hot water heater on the fritz, and now, a new problem ... yesterday morning the basement smelled like burning, to which i credited the malfunctioning hot water heater. the heater was then fixed. this morning, i come into a restaurant smelling very much like burning, and i open the basement door to billows of smoke, but no fire. the hot water people came back to make sure that the problem wasn't anything to do with that, and suggest that we call an electrician, who is coming tomorrow morning. the burning smell and smoke dissipated as the day went on, but i know it will accumulate overnight again. well, at least they'll be here first thing in the morning, and see the problem when it's really bad! hahaha! oh, thank god i'm insured.

never a boring day here at teatree!

xoerin

happy birthday teatree!

2012-01-04T15:57:00.003-05:00

that's right!

teatree opened two years prior to this very date. the fastest two years of my life, no lie. i am so proud to think of all we've accomplished in just two years. i am forever grateful for all the help i've received, and look forward to a healthy and happy new year at teatree!

and she got a lot of presents (as you may know by reading recent blogs)- a new light fixture, the ceiling repair, a fresh coat of paint, new grill, new cake catalogue, just today the hot water was fixed, new mop (ok, that wasn't really blog worthy) ... but now, freshly upholstered chairs! another mike pim original creation, these things were surprisingly tedious. he's actually been working on them on and off since before christmas- but as of yesterday, they're finally finished! so thanks, daddio! everybody is noticing how lovely they look.

happy second birthday, teatree! mama loves you.

xoerin

happy new year everyone!

2012-01-02T12:14:00.003-05:00

i would just like to inform you of our new winter hours effective today! they are:

MONDAY- SATURDAY: 10-7

SUNDAY: 10-6

thank you!

xoerin

closed new year's day!

2011-12-31T16:38:00.001-05:00

ps. a quick note to inform you that teatree will be CLOSED tomorrow, NEW YEAR'S DAY.

see you in the new year!

xoerin

another year comes to a close ...

2011-12-31T16:13:00.003-05:00

thank you to:

the staff of woodgreen, oasis, pet valu, red tent sisters, td, starbucks, cash for gold, fabutan, and circus books for being amazingly supportive neighbours this year! may our neighbourhood continue to prosper with a wealth of happiness and friends.

nikita films and tealish- you two get my favourite client of the year award! you have no idea (well, i hope you have some :) ) how much we appreciate your business and thank the powers that be for you everyday!

all teatree's regulars, from people that live in the neighbourhood, to folks that come from all over toronto (and beyond!) to break bread with us everyday. happy new year to all of you and your families! it's you that makes teatree such a positive, enlightening, loving place to work on a day-to-day basis.

my rockstar employees: alyson, becky, and robyn. you three hold a very special place in my heart! sharing teatree with you is like sharing a piece of myself, and i have grown very close to all of you. i hope to have more good times with you in the new year!

sysco, orkin, empire, toronto health, and all the other companies that will allow us to bring tomato melts to the citizens of the danforth for years to come!

my family and friends, for helping me realize the dream of teatree cafe! without you, none of this could be possible.

all my blog followers, who grow in number and generosity everyday! i hope you continue to share this journey with me in cyberspace. it's a really fun part of this job, and i thank you for reading, your comments, and well wishes.

thank you for a great 2011, and happy new year!!!

xoerin

little chefs at teatree!

2011-12-30T15:22:00.003-05:00

i was very happy to have my nephews at teatree today, baking up a storm with me!

we had a lot of fun making and decorating cookies, which we then put in holiday boxes for the rest of our family! i'm really glad that we had this time together for the holidays, and hope we do it again soon!

i love you both!

xoerin

the water damage saga concludes (knock on wood)!

2011-12-29T16:22:00.003-05:00

as some of this blog's followers may know, teatree has a slight water damage issue.

for those who are just tuning in, we have been dealing with a leaky ceiling since december 2009 (see the blog entry from december 15th entitled 'the sky is falling'. really, do it now. it's a laugh). it's been a pretty constant problem that has plagued teatree for over two years now- for a more recent account (and video!) check out the entry from april 17th, 2011 called 'the water damage saga continues' (another good one). and just last month, the top picture above shows a full out hole carved into the ceiling, as a contractor in his broken english said to me, "i cut hole?" yes. you cut hole.

well, some of you may seen my dad in the store over the past couple weeks ... and guess what? we were finally given the go ahead to refinish the ceiling, as the leak has finally been fixed. famous last words, i know, but i'm optimistic. my dad's repaired the ceiling a total of four times now- i seriously doubt my landlord wants yet another invoice in his inbox a few months down the line.

funny- it looks weird. every time it catches my eye, it feels like something's not quite right. and i thought- wow, it's because i've actually really never seen it this way (besides the first couple weeks right at the beginning)! so sad. poor teatree. so soggy.

anyhoo, cross your fingers for me!

xoerin

new cake catalogue(s)!

2011-12-28T22:18:00.005-05:00

yes!

i finally got a hard copy of the cake catalogue printed and spiral bound, all professional-like, to be kept at the store. i've added sections for writing cakes, character cakes, and fondant cakes- not to mention with lots of new pictures, flavours, and designs! and there's a new online edition to go along with it- just click on the 'order' button at teatreecafe.com. cruise the website a little more, and you'll see a bunch of new pics elsewhere, as well!

check it out!

xoerin

because i have so much time on my hands ...

2011-12-20T18:02:00.002-05:00

i decided to make some earrings for all my gal pals for xmas!

but let's get this straight- i did not make them like i make things here at teatree. i just bought some earrings hooks, studs, and backs, and went looking for interesting little beads and baubles, and glued them together. not made for scratch, per se. but i still had fun and like them very much!

and what does this have to do with teatree, you say? mmm ... nothing really. unless i start selling them in the store or something! but i'd say i'm a long way from that. if i'd ever sell something like that, then i would truly want to make every aspect of it. as i do here at teatree!

anyway ...

xoerin

holiday hours!

2011-12-19T10:27:00.003-05:00

hi folks,

just a quick message to inform you of teatree's holiday hours:

THURSDAY 22nd: CLOSED AT 6

FRIDAY 23rd: CLOSED

SATURDAY 24th: CLOSED

SUNDAY 25th: CLOSED

MONDAY 26th: CLOSED

TUESDAY 27th: CLOSED

hallelujah!

xoerin

gluten free holiday tins!

2011-12-13T18:33:00.003-05:00

that's right!

you get 6 different gluten free goodies including: clementine cake, black bean cake, chocolate dipped macaroon, hazelnut cake, beet dyed red velvet cake, and candy cane bark! the tin comes complete with 9 pieces surrounded in gold tissue and cellophane, topped with a bow and gift card for $16! it's the perfect gift for celiacs and non-celiacs alike, great to bring to holiday parties, and great in a pinch- as it's all ready to pick up and go.

while supplies last- so come and get yours today!

xoerin

homemade lampshades, too!

2011-12-10T09:38:00.004-05:00

when i say everything at teatree is homemade, i'm not kidding!

as most of you know, my dad and i renovated teatree ourselves- from the chairs, to the door frmaes, to the shelves, to the menu boards ... all from reclaimed wood and other salvaged materials! well, i cooked up this twine lampshade about a year ago, but haven't ever got around to hanging it up! luckily, my dad is staying with me for the weekend, and just like old times ... we were doing some teatree renos.

t'anks pa!

xoerin

two drizzly cakes!

2011-12-09T21:05:00.004-05:00

and both gluten free, to boot!

the first is the blondie version of my black bean chocolate fudge cake! instead of black beans i use chickpeas, walnuts i use almonds, and chocolate chips i use probiotic yogurt chips! i also add a little lemon and dried cranberries, and there you have my yogurt cranberry cake!

next, is the famous clementine cake- using real clementines (peel, pith and all!) and ground almonds. top with an almond drizzle and you're good to go!

see ya!

xoerin

two fun cakes!

2011-12-05T19:19:00.008-05:00

here we have a gluten free chocolate cheesecake (yum!) and a gluten free and lactose free chocolate cake (double yum!).

i've actually have two gluten free chocolate cheesecake orders recently- i think people must have been talking about them! with a chocolate cheesecake (rather than a fruit based one), i usually do a hazelnut crust. it's very easy! crushed nuts (i also through in some almonds and walnuts), a pinch of sugar, melted butter, and a shake of cinnamon. press into the bottom of a pan, and chill for about an hour. pour in your filling, and bake! you can do a chocolate drizzle peppered with chocolate chunks, or write on it, like this one.

and then there's spiderman! there wasn't a nut allergy, so i chose a nut base. throw in some cocoa, and you have a delicious chocolate cake with a nutty finish. and spiderman's kinda nutty, so it works out ...

k bye!

xoerin

two small print features!

2011-12-03T17:49:00.003-05:00

that's right!

this week teatree has been lucky enough to receive two small mentions in two different magazines (gotta love free press!)- now magazine, and neighbourhood living. in this week's issue of now (the one with feist on the front), teatree is mentioned briefly as one of the east end brunch spots as "quirky teatree up on the danforth". heh. i'm quirky!

also, in the 'behind the counter" series of neighbourhood living, they're featuring organic cuisine, and therefore, teatree! if you don't know this magazine, it's the most beautiful local mag i've ever seen. with great big glossy colour photos, they print several editions throughout toronto, by neighbourhood. it's a great resource to learn about independent businesses in your area. if you'd like to look at this edition online, go to:

http://neighbourhoodliving.dgtlpub.com

a big thanks to both magazines!

xoerin

stretch, strengthen, smile!

2011-11-30T17:12:00.003-05:00

this logo cake was a donation for a yoga-fitness themed fundraiser to increase awareness of women abuse prevention month. corporate communications students at centennial college put together the event, which was held yesterday at dr. roz's healing place, a woman-positive organization that provides a safe environment and supportive programming to those who require it!

i hope they raised many funds, and also fun(s)!

xoerin

new menu item!!!

2011-11-24T16:16:00.003-05:00

VEGAN PASTA BOLOGNESE:

whole wheat fusilli with an all fresh tomato sauce (no tomato paste here!) with grated carrots and chopped celery, served with a handmade whole wheat herb bun brushed with a fresh garlic and parsley olive oil! the veggie meat is eve's veggie ground beef (the same stuff i use for my chili)- the absolute best vegetarian meat product around!

a hearty meal made with whole, fresh ingredients: the perfect thing for a chilly day or night on the danforth! stop by and check it out today!

erin

two fun cakes!

2011-11-19T19:24:00.002-05:00

the moon cake is a vegan cookies and cream, and the cake with the blocks is gluten free hazelnut!

the kids cake is actually a donation for dentonia park nursery school. at their annual fundraiser, it will be put in a draw and won as a prize! the decoration is the school's logo- but it's usually in black and white. i had fun adding a little colour to their cool design!

and for the moon cake, i took a cue from my scary moon halloween cookies! i used a similar silhouette design and it worked out so well, i thought i'd give it a try for this cake. it seemed the perfect pairing to the sweet message!

ta!

xoerin

groupon $1 give back day!

2011-11-18T17:29:00.003-05:00

today only, you can get our deal on groupon for only a dollar!!!

the best part, is that each dollar spent will go to feeding america to help provide at least 500,000 meal to families in need over the holiday season. just go to groupon.com and get teatree's deal ($8 value for $4) for only $1! that means you're getting $8 for just $1, and that dollar is going to charity. talk about a win-win situation!

thank you groupon for creating this generous deal!

erin

the gingerbread women are back!

2011-11-17T16:01:00.003-05:00

and they're sassier than ever.

i'm excited to do the next batch, though- i forgot to add some things this time around. i meant to do some with glasses, longer hair, also i skipped the brunettes altogether! they seem to be selling well today though, so maybe i'll get my chance sooner than i think. :)

girl power!

xoerin

teas the season!

2011-11-15T17:27:00.004-05:00

wish i could take credit for that one- it's on tealish's new homepage. speaking of tealish ... our holiday teas have arrived! wa-hoo! in order of my preference, they are:

OH CHRISTMAS TEA: a spicy black tea with notes of citrus. the perfect thing for drinking wrapped in a blanket by the fireside ... or, you know, here at teatree. i had four cups today.

WINTER BLEND: an intoxicating herbal infusion that reminds me of, i don't know- potpourri? but in a delicious way? i think it's the cloves ...

DREIDELS AND DONUTS: another black tea (loving it- i'm a black tea girl myself) with a combination of creamy chocolate and luscious strawberries. tastes like a jelly donut!

RUDOLPH'S RED ROOIBOS: with cranberry and vanilla rooibos, this naturally decaf tea is the perfect fruity blend for this time of year. haven't actually tried it yet, since it's on back order- but you seriously can't go wrong with a cranberry rooibos.

also, EARL GREY CREAM is back (yes, please) and our ginger honey green tea has changed to GINGER CITRUS, which, in my opinion, is a much better infusion. also, it's prettier. i made a 'dessert tea' sign as well- recommending the teas that make the best lattes! so teas all around!!

cheers!

xoerin

one world, one cake ...

2011-11-11T18:50:00.003-05:00

remember the black and white cookie?

well, this is a black and white cake! well, that's what it looks like anyway. inside, it's a low sugar vegan banana cake, but the customer requested half vanilla icing, and half chocolate, so the guests could have their choice. ingenious!

also, something funny and kind of related: you know how everyone loves the tomato melt? well, when maha was here (she's new to canada from morocco), i gave her a taste of the sandwich, and she took and bite, closed her eyes, and emphatically said, 'delicious'. all i could think of was one world, one sandwich!

find me one person that doesn't like the tomato melt, and you can dress me like a monkey and call me trudy.

xoerin

a very fall birthday ...

2011-11-09T16:27:00.003-05:00

yay! i love the fall colours and leaves on this cake!

it's another beet dyed red velvet cake (it's so hot right now), with a traditional cream cheese icing. it's for an amazing client of mine, nikita films! i heart them.

it's a big week for cakes in general, actually! i just did 24 vegan carrot cupcakes yesterday, a red velvet for today, a banana spice cake for tomorrow, and gluten free red velvet cupcakes for the weekend! fall is looking up, i say.

toodle-oo!

xoerin

apples galore!

2011-11-06T13:02:00.003-05:00

i'm putting apples in everything right now.

above is one of my more interesting quiche combos- brie, red onion, rosemary, and apple. add a pinch of nutmeg, and voila! i'm pairing zucchini and potato with apples in soups, and putting them in just about every spiced dessert i'm making lately, be it cakes, loaves, or muffins. along with our new caramel apple rooibos tea, teatree's cup runneth over with apples!! buy a bag of fresh ontario apples and just start adding them to things. you won't be sorry!

have fun!

xoerin

maha's last day!

2011-11-04T16:28:00.003-04:00

as you may have noticed, there has been a new face around teatree these last couple of weeks.

maha is new to the country from morocco, and she taking a program as a part of ptp and the daily food bank, for which she needs some volunteer hours. well, i'm here to say that i have never been more pleased to have someone help around my kitchen- maha is hard working, pleasant to be around, has a lot of culinary skill, and is a cleaning machine! it gave me a little taste of what it would be like to have a prep cook here at teatree (sniff- not yet, erin). i wasn't able to teach her much (considering all her experience in morocco), but i was able to share a few things here and there- cornbread, my sandwich breads, some new flavour combinations in soups, and let's not forget MACAROONS! :) and thus concludes her time here ...

i will miss you, maha! thank you for all your hard work. please keep in touch!

xoerin

teatree's robyn in the globe and mail today!

2011-11-02T16:10:00.004-04:00

that's right!

come out to brunch this weekend and get her autograph- because robyn is not only quoted in the globe and mail today about what it's like to street canvas in toronto, but a video interview is on their website as well!! she is an amazing gal that never seems to stop giving- so check her out at:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/how-to-give/canvassers-take-the-cause-to-the-street/article2221151/?from=sec434

go, robyn!

xoerin

we can do it (halloween fun at teatree)!

2011-10-31T10:09:00.003-04:00

you may have noticed some odd characters at teatree this 'hallo-weekend'*.

a cowboy perhaps ... a gypsy, a fairy, even maybe rosie the riveter! yes, i love halloween. and so do my teatree peeps (i believe robyn had a grand total of three costumes this year)! as for me, i'll be using my well timed day off to attend a live performance of the rocky horror picture show! wahoo!

so come by teatree, and see the freak show! and pick up a handmade halloween sugar cookie while you're at it!

xoerin

* a term coined by the kids when halloween lies close to the weekend = costumes and parties ALL weekend long.

two new teas whaaat?

2011-10-25T18:05:00.002-04:00

CARAMEL APPLE ROOIBOS: the sweet fall treat that you can enjoy every day- with chunks of real caramel and a creamy rooibos base! very much in line with teatree's deceivingly sinful food. this dessert tea is naturally decaffeinated, so feel free to enjoy it before bed!

COLD FIGHTER: also perfect for the changing seasons, this one is packed with herbs specifically formulated to ward off colds. elderflowers, lime tree blossoms, aniseseed, fennel, rosehip, licorice, blackberry leaves, and marigold blossoms combine with savoury notes of thyme and oregano. tastes like a comforting cup of thanksgiving stuffing to me!

come in and check them out!

xoerin

mini gluten free cupcakes!

2011-10-24T17:51:00.002-04:00

another thing that's not technically in the cake catalogue, but i do quite often for people.

you can basically have any recipe that's in the catalogue in either a 9" full cake, cupcakes, or mini cupcakes. i say 'basically' because some cakes require a spring form pan, but either than those few recipes, you can have whatever cake you want, in whatever size you want. don't be shy! just ask.

i'm lovin' the fall recipes, by the way- teatree's been serving up fall favourites like butternut squash soup, lentil shepherd's pie, and pure maple syrup cupcakes! stop in today for our seasonal treats!

'till next time!

xoerin

eureka!

2011-10-20T16:52:00.003-04:00

i had made some vegan banana cupcakes, and was wondering what icing i should pair it with. usually i go with half chocolate and half vanilla, so the guest has their choice- in the summer sometimes i go with the daring banana-berry combo. but i just finished a vegan cookies and cream cake for someone and had some leftover icing- well, that cookies and cream icing caught my eye, and BAM!

sweet, sweet jesus.

why didn't i think of this before?? i mean, chocolate banana is a staple here at teatree, but what about chocolate COOKIES and banana?! it's only the next logical step in the banana cupcake path to enlightenment ...

while supplies last!

xoerin

cats, bats, and ghosts- oh my!

2011-10-16T15:11:00.004-04:00

halfway through october ... i think that gives me permission to start with some hallowe'en treats!

using the cookie cutters robyn so generously lent me last year (which, i think, at this point, is GAVE), i decided to stick with a traditional sugar cookie- half sugar, as course- and a meringue powder royal icing. anyone that's ever done royal icing cookies from scratch knows what a long process it is. first make the batter, then chill, then roll and cut, chill again, bake, cool, make the icing, outline, flood (one colour at a time because otherwise it will harden- also it's a pain to make each batch the perfect consistency), decorate the details, refrigerate overnight, and finally WRAP!!! it's enough to make anyone go mad scientist mad! all this work makes you (me, who am i kidding) want to price them at $10 each ... but i'm letting them go at the low, low price of $2!!!

what can i say, i'm a giver.

xoerin

a post-thanksgiving moment ...

2011-10-13T18:13:00.003-04:00

here at teatree, there's a lot to be thankful for ...

the fact that we have jobs despite a crappy economy, that we are surrounded daily by supportive friends and family, this great neighbourhood- that has welcomed and embraced us as one of their own ... we are thankful that we are still here and thriving after almost two years, that we get to do fulfilling and creative work everyday, that we meet new amazing and like-minded people all the time, that we have so many great regulars, that we are helping people eat healthier, that we are making people happy day after day with delicious food! people always thank me after their meal- to which i proudly reply, "no, thank you!"

and most importantly of all, i am thankful for you!

so happy thanksgiving, already!

xoerin

new business cards!!!

2011-10-06T15:29:00.002-04:00

yay!!!

i am so excited about these! i designed these in photoshop after (sadly) not being able to afford more lovely letterpress ones from my friend josh. i came across this cool shiny texture on another card i saw recently, and hoped that it would amp up my rather simple design ... and i couldn't be happier! the tree has an upraised texture that you can feel when you run your fingers over it (i don't know if the photograph does it justice).

and the best part? the price!!! even with the fancy shiny bits, they were only $65 for 500 at cml printing (919 danforth ave)! i get all my printing done there- it's an independent small business with some super friendly people owning it.

go there now now now!!

xoerin

thanksgiving weekend hours ...

2011-10-05T16:51:00.002-04:00

hi folks!

hope the beginning of fall is finding you well. just a quick note to let you know our thanksgiving weekend hours:

SATURDAY: closed at 4pm

SUNDAY: closed

MONDAY: closed

many thanks! get it?

xoerin

gluten free red velvet w/beets!

2011-09-30T17:21:00.004-04:00

i haven't decorated a cake in a couple weeks, so i was very happy to do this fresh and funky cake!

it's a gluten free red velvet cake, dyed with beets! as tradition states, i accompanied it with a cream cheese icing (yes, please). i actually have two variations on this cake- one with rice flour for nut allergies, and a nut based one for everyone else! this one is a nut base- so almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts (between you and me, it's my favourite of the two).

so dig in, nick! oh, and, ahem ... happy birthday.

xoerin

vegan AND gluten free?

2011-09-25T17:01:00.002-04:00

these vegan and gluten free cupcakes are the kind of thing i rarely have here at the store, but am happy to do as special orders! in the display fridge, i typically make items that are either vegan OR gluten free, because they are the most popular requests. but that doesn't mean teatree doesn't have the exact thing for you and your sensitivities!

these are lemon green tea and chocolate raspberry, for example, that a couple ordered for a birthday party. you can basically have any of the flavours you see in the cake catalogue (and really, any flavour you can dream up), with the recipe adapting to fit your needs. here at teatree, we can do any combination of dairy free, egg free, gluten free, soy free, nut free, and sugar free- so just let us know! and you'll have your delicious goodies in as little as 24 hours.

here's to yummy treats!

xoerin

shepherd's pie is back! hell, everything is back ...

2011-09-23T18:13:00.002-04:00

that's right! isn't fall great?

we're bringing back our fantastic lentil shepherd's pie with an organic salad for $7.99! it's loaded with vegetables (peppers, celery, tomatoes, zucchini, corn, even apple!), spices (garlic, onion, oregano, basil, thyme), and of course, the star of the show- red lentils. topped with a browned garlic mash, this hot and hearty meal will be perfect for the upcoming fall/winter. did i mention that it's both vegan AND gluten free? holler!!!

welcome back, shep pie. i heart you.

xoerin

vegan zucchini bread is back!

2011-09-22T17:48:00.003-04:00

i've had a customer that's been requesting it, so i thought i'd blog about it just in case she reads. :)

well, it's actually a zucchini-carrot-apple-walnut-coconut-raisin loaf, but who's keeping track? made with whole wheat flour and sweetened minimally with molassess and brown sugar, this zucchini bread joins our fall repertoire of as-healthy-for-you-as-possible treats. and it's vegan! what could be better for a fall afternoon snack?

nothing! good answer.

xoerin

fall/winter samples for tealish ...

2011-09-21T14:38:00.002-04:00

over the past week, i've come up with five new vegan teacake recipes for tealish! and as a result, i have many of them in the window as we speak ...

come in and see!

xoerin

three new teas!!!

2011-09-20T11:53:00.002-04:00

three new seasonally appropriate teas brought to you by tealish!

lemon kiss white tea: this high antioxidant tea is blended with lemon verbena, lemongrass, and flower blossoms. great for that fall/winter sore throat, or a sweet cup after a hot meal!

milk oolong: this chinese oolong tea features tightly packed leaves and a yellow, buttery infusion that is reminiscent of freshly baked goods. i love teas with milky notes, so i have a feeling this will become one of my absolute favourites!

chocolate mint rooibos: the most amazing combination of creamy chocolate rooibos and a bright peppermint kick alongside pieces of sweet apple and zesty orange peel! this fall/winter you'll be getting your mint hot chocolate without the calories!

come in and try them!

xoerin

some new fall flavours ...

2011-09-16T17:27:00.002-04:00

this week, i've been putting together some fall/winter samples for tealish.

i supply them with my special vegan teacakes, and thought they might like some new seasonally appropriate flavours! so i'm experimenting with some new desserts here at the store: these two are vegan rum spice (front) with real rum extract and warming spices, and maple walnut (back) sweetened solely with pure maple syrup. i'm also working out a vegan red velvet recipe, dyed with beets- i usually do it gluten free, so we'll see how it turns out!

see ya!

xoerin

summer extended 'til october!

2011-09-13T14:24:00.002-04:00

we wish.

some lovely weather we're having- almost 'indian summer-like' with the awful labour day weekend we got. but it won't last for long! wednesday overnight is supposed to drop a good ten degrees to some more fall-like temperatures.

that said, i'm getting my last fill of summer recipes- like these vanilla blueberry cupcakes with a touch of lemon and blueberry dyed icing! also gearing up my fall recipes and halloween goodies for october!

see you then!

xoerin

karma chameleon ...

2011-09-02T13:49:00.003-04:00

something new this week- i tried my hand at a carved buttercream cake.

a customer wanted to bring in a cake for me to decorate, so i said sure. she had her heart set on a chameleon, because she is finishing an internship with a company that has a chameleon in it's name. when it arrived, i was surprised to find two jelly roll style cakes. what was i to do? certainly i couldn't draw a chameleon on such a tiny surface ...

and the chameleon was born! i ended up using the rolled cakes as the inspiration- they ended up playing the role (get it?) of the animal's body and tail. and a drop icing tip for it lumpy bumpy skin! i enjoyed it very much. hopefully she did too!

see ya!

xoerin

labour day weekend!

2011-08-31T17:08:00.003-04:00

hi folks!

our new hours are being received really well thanks to all of you! people are just loving the fact that teatree will now be open until 8 almost every night! speaking of hours, i just wanted to post when we'll be closed over this coming labour day weekend:

SATURDAY: CLOSING @ 3PM

SUNDAY: CLOSED

MONDAY: CLOSED

and on tuesday, we'll be back to our regular hours. thanks everyone and i hope you enjoy your holidays!

xoerin

summer is the time to party!

2011-08-27T14:55:00.003-04:00

and where's teatree's involved, there's always a party!

or something like that. summer just seems to be the time of the year that people order more birthday cakes- which is great, considering that summer is usually a slow time at the restaurant. this one is a vegan chocolate raspberry cake, and earlier in the week i did a gluten free hazelnut cake. also this week was another order of teacakes for tealish- which reminds me to um ... remind you ... that teatree's vegan and gluten free goodies are now available on the west side at 728 queen street west!

cheers!

xoerin

fall hours coming soon!

2011-08-24T10:40:00.004-04:00

hi folks!

just wanted to give you a heads up that teatree's fall hours will be effective next week. we will be open until 8pm almost every night- but in order to be able to do this, teatree will now have a later start time. the new hours will be:

MONDAY-SATURDAY: 10-8

SUNDAY: 10-6

starting monday august 29th! thanks!

xoerin

the last painting of the series!

2011-08-22T13:57:00.003-04:00

hey y'all!

look what i did on my day off- finally completed this series of paintings! i'm really happy with it, despite how apprehensive i was. i left it until last because i thought i would be the hardest, but it turned out to possibly the easiest (maybe because i had three similar paintings to do before this one)! either way, it should be up at teatree soon. it just needs a couple weeks to cure ...

hope you like it!

xoerin

ps. also i'm kinda thinking of creating an art section for the website- i've had a few people inquiring about it as of late. we'll see!

angie, you can't say we never tried ...

2011-08-19T13:51:00.003-04:00

i sing this song a lot.

it probably bothers aly. i love the way mick distorts the vowels so much that you can't even understand what he's saying. when i hear the song on the radio at work, i automatically do my ridiculous impression ... angeh! an-geayuh!

so when someone wanted a 'happy birthday angi' cake, aly immediately asked if she happened to like the rolling stones. "she does, actually! can you put that on the cake somehow?" why yes, yes we can.

and here it is! the mother picking it up was very excited, so hopefully angi will like her very own rolling stones cake.

toodles!

xoerin

for an awesome customer ...

2011-08-18T18:13:00.003-04:00

this cake is for a client of mine that will be moving jobs, so i won't see her anymore! her friends said that she mentioned missing teatree as well, so they decided to get me to make two cakes for her going away party. she got a cupcake almost every day, and her favourites were gluten free hazelnut cake and vegan carrot cake, so that's what i made! best of luck at your new job! teatree will miss you too!

xoerin

variety night at clinton's!

2011-08-14T20:31:00.003-04:00

hey y'all!

just wanted to let you know that comedienne alyson doyle is hosting another one of her infamous variety nights this wednesday the 17th starting @ 8:30 at clinton's. the line-up includes:

comedians phil maynard and adrienne fish!

solo acoustic acts reid pickering and erin pim (yes, me)!

bands morning whiskey and outlaws and heroes!

all donations go to the red cross for famine relief in east africa.

hope to see you there!

xoerin

another balloch tea party!

2011-08-12T16:12:00.003-04:00

it's nice when i've been open long enough to do cakes for people annually ...

like this cake for the balloch tea party! i love this client, remy, because she always lets me decorate the cakes however iwant! the last cake i did for her was an elaborate easter cake (that i unfortunately forgot to take a picture of) in which i designed a bunny sharing its egg with a baby chick. last year for the tea party i drew a large teapot with the writing inside, so this year i decided to do something a little different! i like the colours. i love chartreuse and white- it's looks so fresh. hopefully remy will too!

chow (down)!

xoerin

the peep show is free ...

2011-08-10T16:06:00.004-04:00

had an embarrassing moment yesterday.

i was wearing a particularly snug pair of jeans, and upon squatting down, heard a couple stitches rip. i mean, this has happened many times before- especially with these pants. it's just one or two stitches in the crotch that sometimes break. nothing new- you can't see it or anything, so i continue with the lunch rush as per usual. later, i bend down again and hear them rip a little further. again, no big deal- i probably just broke a couple more stitches in the rise, and i'll have to sew it up when i get home. then, i'm going along, and i'm noticing that the pants seem a little looser, so i must have torn quite the little hole in the crotch. again, the hole is probably between my legs, so it's most likely completely out of sight. maybe now i'll have to throw some duct tape on it after the rush, but right now, i'm busy with the customers.

the rush is over. i've finally cleaned up the dining room, and i'm ready to start the dishes. i give the last gentleman his chili, and nip downstairs to take a look in the mirror.

oh.

my.

god.

it's not just a couple stitches- it's the whole ass of my pants, split open halfway up to the waistband. my jaw drops to the floor. I WEAR THONGS, PEOPLE!!! i'm embarrassed to even go back upstairs to get the duct tape. eventually, i sidestep over to the counter to find that we don't have any- i take a look in alyson's locker to see if she has any pants. at this point, another customer comes in! followed by another, and another ... let's just say that i stayed behind that counter as much as i possibly could. and thank god, i had some bike shorts in my backpack that i could wear the rest of the day.

i'd apologize that everyone got a nice view of my gams in my short shorts for the rest of the day, but i think that's the least of my worries.

twas a full moon rising.

xoerin

STILL leaking ...

2011-08-09T11:23:00.002-04:00

no, this isn't the same video i posted on april 17th of this year. and yes, this is the same issue i've been dealing with since december 2009. ah, the trials and tribulations of having a landlord that lives in japan.

i like rain. really, i do. it gives much needed moisture to plants and animal life, it cleans the streets, and takes down the humidity. not to mention the sound- sitting next to an open window during a rainstorm while reading a book is one of my favourite things to do!

but, not when it's HAPPENING INSIDE.

just wanted to make that perfectly clear. thank you!

xoerin

catering a vegan wedding!

2011-08-06T15:38:00.002-04:00

lots of catering-type things this weekend!

muffins in the morning for a movie set, full cakes for parties, and mini desserts for a vegan wedding! i got the gig through my supplier bob- he's the best! they wanted a vegan variety of 120 desserts, so i ended up doing coffee cupcakes, green tea and lemon cupcakes, chocolate raspberry cupcakes, real orange squares, banana chocolate squares, and apple crumble squares. i just tried the orange cake with almond drizzle and almond slivers, and i couldn't believe how good it was! i've never tried using blanched oranges in a vegan recipe before, and let me tell you, i'll definitely do it again.

having fun at the taste of the danforth too! come on down and see us!

xoerin

vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free at taste of the danforth?

2011-08-05T10:59:00.003-04:00

then, come on down to teatree!

let's be honest- as fantastic as taste of the danforth is, there aren't many vegetarian, let alone vegan or otherwise, options (you can only eat spanakopita so many times). that's why we're here! we'll be serving our vegan and gluten free brunch all weekend, as well as the rest of our delicious vegetarian menu. handmade desserts too! there's lots to choose from- so, if there's nothing for you at the festival, don't miss it!

see you there!

xoerin

new art at teatree!

2011-08-03T10:56:00.002-04:00

there's still one more to come, but i thought i may as well hang the new paintings!

some of you may know that i do some painting occasionally, and that i've been working on a series of animal inspired portraits this year. i have three out of the four completed, and you can now see them hanging at teatree!

i hope you like them!

xoerin

closed for civic holiday!

2011-07-31T11:54:00.001-04:00

hi folks!

just a quick note to say that teatree will be closed on monday august 1st for the civic holiday.

thank you and we'll see you tuesday!

xoerin

you've come along way, baby!

2011-07-30T18:17:00.002-04:00

i was looking through my old teatree pictures the other night, and came across this embarrassingly hideous cake (see 'before') that apparently was decorated by a two year old.

this was my first cake at teatree. all the recipes had been tried, tested, and true- but there was one thing that i didn't count on getting into as fast as i did- and that's cake decorating. having never written on a cake before in my life, i had a regular ask me if i did full cakes to order. i said that i didn't, but would be happy to do it for her just once. she said, can you write a happy birthday message on it? dun, dun, dun ...

thinking it wouldn't be too hard considering that i'm usually fairly artistic, i ran out to the dollar store to buy some tips and an icing bag. and this atrocity was the result! the colours are awful, the writing (sorry, printing- notice the letters aren't even connected) is crooked and shaky, and let's not get started about the flower. i remember adding it to balance out the cake- good thinking on that one! it seemed to me that this was an art that i'd better start honing ...

anyway, look how far my cakes have come in a year! i just wanted to thank everyone who's purchased cakes from me- with each one, i get better and better! and here's proof!

xoerin

hottest day in recorded history?

2011-07-20T13:41:00.003-04:00

look out for tomorrow, people. they're saying that it could possibly be the hottest day in toronto ever.

which is probably highly inaccurate, considering that records only go back around fifty years, but still! hottest day ever or not, there is no doubt that we'll be feeling it- and what we'll be feeling is temperatures around the mid forties with the humidex.

so, stop in for an iced loose leaf tea, iced coffee, or fruitea smoothie! it's extremely important to stay hydrated on such a day, and with refreshing iced teas like pina colada, coconut cream chai, and pomegranate gogi berry green tea, you'll be ready to brave the heat. don't forget to limit your activity outside, drink lots of water, and check up on vulnerable loved ones often.

stay cool!

xoerin

a citrus-y snack!

2011-07-15T11:52:00.005-04:00

i went for coordinating colours with this one- yellow and orange to compliment the citrus theme on this gluten free chocolate orange cake!

this weekend we got some great catering orders, which is awesome- since summer is usually a slow time for the cafe. isn't it great how it all evens itself out? lots of cakes, too- i guess summer is the season to party! hence, why i'm in grand bend on the beach this weekend ... :)

enjoy the weather!
xoerin

clean!

2011-07-14T15:48:00.008-04:00

clean! is a new service in the toronto area offering all-natural, personalized cleaning services for homes and offices.

alyson started up this eco-friendly business out of a passion for her dog, marley. anyone who has a small loved one at home, knows how important it is to keep them away from potentially harmful chemicals. she does an all natural clean: using only vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, teatree oil (it was meant to be!), borax, glycerin based soaps, and baking soda, to which natural scents can be added for extra aromatherapy benefits.

not only is aly my best friend, but she helps me out at teatree, too- so, please pass this along in support of her new business to anyone who you think would be interested!

alyclean@yahoo.ca
http://www.alyclean.blogspot.com/

love you aly!
xoerin

go see mickey and judy! two more shows!

2011-07-13T20:11:00.005-04:00

i saw mickey and judy at the fringe the other night, and let me tell you!

it's got great reviews on tons of online blogs, now magazine, and let's not forget the amazing press he got on the front page of the entertainment section of the toronto star! if you've never heard of michael hughes, then check out his new album at mickehughes.com or go see this show (mickeyandjudy.ca for info)! he pairs flawlessly performed broadway standards with hilarious and touching real life stories in this must-see perfect package!

two more shows! go see mickey and judy:

thursday july 14th @1:45pm

sunday july 17th @3:30pm

break a leg, michael!

xoerin

samples galore!

2011-07-06T16:00:00.003-04:00

as you already may know, you can now find teatree desserts at tealish tea boutique @ 728 queen st. west!

and there may be another spot in the works! i don't want to jinx it, but there may be another cafe that will be soon selling teatree's vegan and gluten free treats! i can't tell you who it is for certain, but this cafe is innovative, independent, and inspiring. it would be amazing to team up with this neighbourhood gem! and just like tealish, it's on queen- but that's all i'm going to say! the samples are ready, but they close at 4:30 and i won't be done here until 6pm. so, i'll have to wait until tomorrow, when aly's here. :)

i'll let you know how it goes!

xoerin

something's fishy about this cake ...

2011-07-05T16:11:00.002-04:00

hi!

first of all, i'd like apologize for the crapiness of the pictures lately- i lost my memory card and have been taking them with my phone. but, on the weekend i finally found it! today, i put it in the camera to take a nice pic of this cake, and the batteries were dead. wah- wah- wah-waooooh!

how do you like my fishy cake? this little tyke has a soy allergy- so that not only means no soy milk, but also no margarine or shortening for the icing either! usually my icings at teatree are vegan- so this was the first time in a long time that i've used butter! and what do i do after i'm done beating it? put it in the fridge (force of habit). i went to ice the cake an hour later and it was rock hard! i think i made cocoa butter ...

later!

xoerin

happy canada day!

2011-07-02T09:50:00.006-04:00

says elmo.

i think i'm really getting good at these elmo cakes! he's quite the popular little character. but i don't mind- they're so fun to make!

hope everyone is having a lovely canada day weekend! i know i am!

happy canada day!

xoerin

vegan mocha cake!

2011-06-30T11:53:00.002-04:00

i really like the colours on this one ...

haven't really made a coffee cake before, so this was kind of new to me. i ended up grinding the espresso to a powder, substituting one of the cups of soy milk for brewed coffee, and adding a little rum! the cake itself is swirled with light and dark chocolate, and there's vegan chocolate buttercream in the middle, with mocha icing on top. i like the colours, too- it really says "coffee" to me!

happy long weekend!

xoerin

aly's photo album!

2011-06-26T15:53:00.003-04:00

hi folks!

you may have seen a new face around teatree lately ... it's my good friend alyson! she will be helping me out this summer (and hopefully beyond) and i'm very grateful to have her join the teatree family. go to this address to see some awesome photos that she took around the store when she got snap happy yesterday!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150662834815624.705124.906995623&l=96ad03270f

bye!

xoerin

now open until 8pm!

2011-06-23T10:14:00.004-04:00

that's right! for everyone that hasn't been able to come in because they work past 6 ... this one's for you! teatree's new summer hours are:

MONDAY: 8-6

TUESDAY: 8-6

WEDNESDAY: 8-6

THURSDAY: 8-8

FRIDAY: 8-8

SATURDAY: 10-8

SUNDAY: 10-6

join us for dinner this summer thursday, friday, or saturday!

xoerin

black bean burger now available gluten free!

2011-06-21T16:04:00.002-04:00

you heard it here!

teatree's black bean burger (you may remember it from the recipe posted in the toronto star recently) is now available to all gluten free customers! our homemade patty, which was previously made with bread crumbs, is now made with quinoa! and that's not all- it now comes on a gluten free herb bun upon request! and you'll be requesting, let me tell you.

now almost all our lunch items are gluten free! very exciting. and that also adds another item to the list that is both vegan AND gluten free.

come in and try it today!

xoerin

now serving breakfast daily!

2011-06-19T16:49:00.003-04:00

ANOTHER *BIG ANNOUNCEMENT*:

TEATREE IS NOW SERVING BREAKFAST DAILY FROM 8-10:30AM!!!

join us!

xoerin

chickpea salad is back!

2011-06-17T10:54:00.002-04:00

CHICKPEA SALAD

with organic greens, tomatoes, fresh basil, and bocconcini

WITH SOUP $6.99

posting this for a friend (yeah, that's it ...)

2011-06-15T14:04:00.004-04:00

SHARE AN AWESOME HOUSE IN THE UPPER BEACHES! $825

share a new, immaculate, spacious house with a quiet housemate. this fully detached, 2 floor house contains a sun room, living room, large kitchen/ dining area, office, two bedrooms, full bathroom, laundry, back porch, FREE WIFI, and PARKING! on a safe, residential street that is close to TTC, no frills supermarket, little india restaurants, downtown, the beaches, with a mosque and a buddist temple right down the street! great landlord, too. july 1st.

if you're interested, give me a shout at pimmer@hotmail.com!

xoerin

more elmo cakes!

2011-06-13T14:37:00.006-04:00

yay! i think this one came out better than the last! i tried to make it look like he's throwing confetti. :)

haha- i 'lol'ed at reading my last entry: my dad has been teasing me about coming off as a total over acheiver on my blog, so i thought i'd share the fact that i haven't touched that painting in weeks, let alone starting a new one. i want to get these paintings up at teatree so badly! but it looks like they'll be another little while ...

see you soon!

xoerin

third painting almost done!

2011-06-06T19:11:00.003-04:00

yes!

the paintings are going swimmingly. i'll finish the rabbit bride and groom on wednesday (knock on wood), and next week i'll be onto the old school aviator. really happy with the way the wedding dress turned out- i was trying to give it a lace-y, semi transparent look. next i'll add a splash of colour with a pink bouquet in her hands (paws?) and a pink corsage for him. a navy background should really make the rabbits pop!

let me know what you think!

xoerin

the toronto star's love affair with teatree ...

2011-06-04T10:32:00.002-04:00

hey y'all!

that's right! this is the second time the toronto star has featured teatree! thank you to the toronto star, eric, and adrien for the awesome article and photos! check it out here:

http://www.thestar.com/article/999370--chef-s-showcase-black-bean-burgers

wahoo!

xoerin

wilkinson school fun fair tomorrow!

2011-05-27T16:02:00.003-04:00

it's that time again!

teatree is pitching in our second annual fun fair cake in support of wilkinson public school!

WILKINSON SCHOOL FUN FAIR

53 DONLANDS (@ DONLANDS SUBWAY)

SATURDAY MAY 28TH 11am-3pm

it's a great local event for you and your kids to visit on the weekend, but more importantly, you're helping out the very deserving school down the street! for more information, please visit:

http://www.wilkinsonschool.ca/styled/about.html!

have fun!

xoerin

teatree teacakes now at tealish!

2011-05-22T16:04:00.004-04:00

a very exciting announcement: starting tomorrow, you will be able to purchase teatree treats at tealish tea boutique!

tealish is an amazing local business located at 728 queen street west, and has provided loose leaf tea for teatree since the very beginning! now all you west enders will have access to teatree's vegan and gluten free treats! and we have formulated an all new dessert for them: TEACAKES! a light, scrumptious treat to enjoy with your tealish tea in four fantastic flavours:

VEGAN + GLUTEN FREE CARROT TEACAKE

VEGAN GREEN TEA AND LEMON TEACAKE

VEGAN VANILLA RASPBERRY TEACAKE

VEGAN COOKIES + CREAM TEACAKE

get them only at tealish today!!!

xoerin

"fruitea" smoothies are back!

2011-05-20T15:09:00.002-04:00

ORGANIC FRUITEA SMOOTHIES $3.99

made with iced loose leaf tea, organic yogurt, real fruit, and a splash of soy milk in four fantastic flavours:

ORANGE MANGO MARZIPAN

BANANA WALNUT GREEN TEA

BLACKBERRY CHAI

WHITE TEA STRAWBERRY

cheers!

xoerin

second painting done!

2011-05-18T15:08:00.002-04:00

only ... two more to go!

next i think i'll tackle the husband and wife rabbits. it will be a full length body shot, with old an fashioned tux and wedding dress.

excited!

xoerin

more fondant work!

2011-05-17T17:42:00.002-04:00

this is a penguin cake i made for my best friend aly! she took the penguins on before we ate it and put them in the freezer. i think she intends to lacquer them ...

it was her birthday last night, and we spent it doing the best thing possible- eating pizza and watching dancing with the stars. yes! and, as usual, i starting nodding off around 9:30pm. i'm such a party animal!

love you, aly! thanks for spending your birthday with me!

xoerin

mmm ... vegan carrot cake.

2011-05-15T10:35:00.003-04:00

why is it that i think i can throw everything on earth into carrot cakes when i make them?

because they're more delicious that way, of course! this one has apples, zucchini, coconut, walnuts, and fresh ginger. and i didn't have to stop there! it's just like teatree's daily soups- even something as simple as my tomato soup has about a dozen other fresh ingredients in it. try it next time! you'll be happy you did ...

toodles!

xoerin

she's a galaxy girl!

2011-05-10T14:05:00.004-04:00

you may remember a certain 'inter planet janet' from the seventies program 'school house rock'! if not, youtube it. it's good stuff!

well, this is my fondant cake rendition of 'inter planet janet' for my fantastic friend becky. she's a mad hippie and actually had an inter planet janet t-shirt back in the day. i told her that i had a hell of a time trying to find something that both rhymes with becky and has to do with outer space! something 'tech-y' ... ?

happy birthday becky! you rock- school house style.

xoerin

catering at ptp!

2011-05-04T16:46:00.002-04:00

this week you may have seen me running back and forth from teatree to ptp!

i've been doing a catering gig for ptp- an organization at woodgreen employment services for adult learning! it's three day training session with breakfast, snacks, and a full lunch by yours truly! we did everything from muffins, to mac and cheese, to mini cupcakes! i absolutely loved doing this gig- i have many amazing clients from this office and it was my pleasure to bring them deliciously healthy treats! thank you ptp! i hope you enjoyed everything!

plus, i have some more pictures for the catering page of my website! ;)

xoerin

the next in the series ...

2011-05-01T18:39:00.003-04:00

got to work on a new painting for a wee bit today!

i am in the midst of painting a series of animal portraits to hang on teatree's walls. this will be the second in the series- it's taking me a while because i can only work on them for a couple hours every couple weeks. :( this fox will be dressed in a quirky bowtie and corsage, as i imagined his personality might be- sly, and a tad flamboyant! the fancy fox.

now that i look at what i worked on, i need to add much more brown and lowlighting into the face. dirty up the colours, as they say.

ah well! it's a work in progress!

xoerin

little chefs!

2011-04-25T19:51:00.003-04:00

i had the pleasure of having my ridiculously talented sister-in-law, along with my two adorable nephews at teatree to decorate some cookies and cakes for easter!

we had a lot of fun making two chocolate fondant cakes (one easter egg, and one easter bunny) and lots of sugar cookies of every shape and size! i love you all and hope we can do it again very soon. :)

happy easter!

xoerin

easter weekend!

2011-04-21T19:30:00.004-04:00

just a quick note to say that teatree will be closed for:

friday the 22nd

saturday the 23rd

sunday the 24th and

monday the 25th

thank god! love you all but i needs my rest!
xoerin
ps. i did a lovely easter cake today that i fully intended on posting with this message but i forgot to take a picture of it. :(

the water damage saga continues ...

2011-04-17T09:52:00.004-04:00

as some of you may know (well, actually many of you, if you've ever looked up at the ceiling)- teatree has some water damage in it's past. and by past, i mean present. we've repaired the ceiling a total of three times over the past year and a half, and yet the roof just can't seem to stay fixed. now, this may be for a variety of reasons- the fact that my landlord calls taping down plastic to the roof and sealing a bucket into the ceiling 'fixed' (see the entry on december 15th, 2009), for example. or maybe that he currently lives in halfway across the world and i have to send him videos via email to make my point. yes- today, more pieces of plaster came plummeting down to the floor, more puddles, more pots. as one of my more observant customers said to me yesterday, "you're ceiling is falling apart!" yes. once again the sky is falling.

check it out:

there's nothing left to do but laugh. ahhahhhahahhahha! ok, now i feel better.

xoerin