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Recipe To Riches On The Food Network – Vote For John Grass’ Chicken Grenades, Winner Receives $250,000.00

December 5, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

Have you seen the reality show Recipe To Riches? This show is featuring one of our very own city natives, John Grass. John is a happily married husband, a father of two, the co-owner of Grass Home in Riverview, New Brunswick, and is the very proud creator of the Chicken Grenades, which is being sold at your local Superstore on behalf of Presidents Choice. John will be flying to Toronto tomorrow to find out his fate in winning the grand prize of $250,000.

A typical late January afternoon finds me catching up with the news and then watching Food Network. I saw the commercial for the new reality series ‘Recipe to Riches’ where they asked “Do you have a recipe worth $ 250,000.”? I immediately thought of my Chicken Grenades, I went to the website and filled out the application. While barbecuing an hour later, I received a phone call from the Food Network to discuss my application and schedule a telephone interview for the following day.

John Grass

This contest began when John saw a commercial on the Food Network in January, not even an hour after doing the application online John received a call from the Food Network and his journey began. Are his Chicken Grenades good enough to potentially win this contest? With thousands interviewed, John’s recipe may be the one to beat!

This season of Recipe to Riches began on October 19, 2011 @ 9pm. ET/PT on the Food Network Canada. This show is a dream come true for a Canadian home cook. The show has hosted a cross-Canada search for the most delicious home recipe in 7 different categories. Hosted by former The Bachelor star Jesse Palmer, each category ended with three recipes and then the judges a panel of experts including Laura Calder, host of French Food at Home; Tony Chapman, Founder and CEO of leading advertising agency Capital C; and Dana McCauley, Culinary Director of Jane’s Family Foods. Making a special appearance as a weekly guest judge is Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited, pick the top two mouthwatering dishes. From there after marketing and seeing what the public thought of the meal, the judges choose one. The one person chosen by the judges from each category win $25,000.00 personally.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winner ‘s recipe to be developed into a President’s Choice® branded product available in select Loblaw banner stores across the country. Each week, Canadians will have the chance to sample category winners’ products in the frozen section in the store in your local area. After all category winners have been determined viewers will have the opportunity to vote online for the best of the best and, during the exciting finale, witness who will take home the $250,000 grand prize.

The final 7 in their selected categories are:

Sweet Puddings and Pies
Glo McNeill, 82, Lunenburg, NS – Luscious Lemon Pudding

Cakes

Jacqui Keseluk, 22, Fall River, NS – Multi-Layered Peach Cake

Appetizers
John Grass, 49, Riverview, NB – Grilled Chicken Skewers

Savoury Pies
Melaney Gleeson-Lyall, 45, Burnaby, BC – Bannock Hazelnut Pie

Sweet and Savoury Snacks
Sonya Walos, 31, Whistler, BC – Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie

Frozen Treats

Rosy Soobrattee, 43, Milton, ON – Creamy Kulfi

Entrees
Robert Luft, 39, North Vancouver, BC – Pulled Pork

The judges are looking for Canada’s most mouth-watering, original, and delicious home recipes, but taste alone isn’t enough to win, a place for their winning recipe on store shelves across the country. Each week, a series of challenges will determine whether or not the contenders’ recipes can be mass produced and if they have the marketing potential to fly off the shelves.

It seems like such a long time ago but yet time has passed so quickly. Every day I would think about the show, how it went, what happened and the fact that I was unable to share the outcome: I had won my category, $ 25,000., and would have my recipe debut as a President’s Choice product at my local Superstore and across the country. The rules of the show prohibit many things…..including sharing the results with anyone!!

I am ready to travel once again to Toronto to take part in a media event with the other category winners and tape the show before a live audience. I’m very pleased that 3 of the 7 category winners are from Atlantic Canada! Food Network will be airing a marathon recapping all 7 episodes on December 7^th from 4pm ET to 11pm ET. Canadians then vote for the best-of-the-best at www.recipetoriches.ca from December 7^th to 9^th. The finale will air on Wednesday night, December 14 at 9pm ET/PT, and one of the category winners will have their life changed all because back in January we entered a contest and won. Will it be me? I have a shot and I have done my best, good luck to all of the category winners and enjoy the show!

John Grass

So with 7 in the running to have Canada’s next recipe on Recipe to Riches winning $250,000.00 dollars which recipe will win!! Show your support by voting for who you think has the winning palate. Who’s recipe has the winning touch. Support our local talent.

How do you vote? Visit recipetoriches.ca, voting will begin on Wednesday. To keep tabs on what Canadians are saying about Recipe to Riches, check out the Recipe to Riches page on Facebook at facebook.com/recipetorichesor you can also follow @RecipetoRiches on Twitter.

John’s Winning Chicken Grenades Consists of the followed:

Ingredients

4 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili pepper powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 unit boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 500 g
1 package sliced havarti cheese 170 g
1 package sodium-reduced bacon 500 g
1/2 cup drained pickled jalapeño slices
2 tablespoons apple jelly
2 tablespoons hot pepper jelly

Directions

In small bowl, stir together paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, chipotle powder, oregano, thyme and garlic powder. Measure out ¼ cup (50 mL) to use in grenades. Store remaining in tightly covered jar.
Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil.
Cut chicken breasts lengthwise into thin slices, about 1/4 inch (5 mm) thick. Set aside. Cut cheese slices into strips the same width as bacon slices. Lightly dust another baking sheet with 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the spice rub. Place half of bacon slices on baking sheet, side by side. Top each bacon slice with a chicken strip and a cheese strip. Place one jalapeño ring at one end of each; roll into pinwheels. Secure each with a toothpick. Redust baking sheet with another 2 tbsp (25 mL) spice rub and repeat with remaining bacon, chicken, cheese and jalapeño rings.
Stand grenades up on foil-lined baking sheet (not on their sides). Bake in centre of oven for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in 1 cup (250 mL) glass measuring cup, combine two jellies; microwave on HIGH for 20 to 30 seconds or until melted. Remove grenades from oven and brush with jelly mixture. Either return to oven for 10 minutes longer or transfer to barbecue preheated to medium heat to crisp for 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve warm.

Enjoy and don’t forget to vote!! Good luck!

Moncton Snowblower Ad on Kijiji Goes Viral – Weh-Ming Cho’s 300,000 + Hits

November 26, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

On Wednesday the day of the snowstorm in Moncton, a Moncton man was looking to sell his snowblower on Kijiji soon found out that his Kijiji ad would be a hit. Weh-Ming Cho’s Kijiji ad went viral and has now received more than 300,000 + hits to date.

If you haven’t seen this amazing humourous snowblower kijiji ad you need to read this now. This snowblower ad on Kijiji goes viral!

Do you like shoveling snow? Then stop reading this and go back to your pushups and granola because you are not someone that I want to talk to.

Let’s face it, we live in a place that attracts snow like Magnetic Hill attracts cars, only that ain’t an illusion out there. That’s 12 inches of snow piling up and, oh, what’s that sound? Why it’s the snow plow and it’s here to let you know that it hates you and all the time you spent to shovel your driveway. Did you want to get out of your house today? Were you expecting to get to work on time? Or even this week?

You gave it your best shot. You tried to shovel by yourself and I respect you for that. I did it, my parents did it, some of my best friends did it. But deep down inside, we all wanted to murder that neighbor with the snowblower who was finished and on his second beer while you were still trying to throw snow over a snowbank taller than you are.

So, here we are. You could murder your neighbour, which could ensure that you won’t need to shovel a driveway for 25 to life, but there are downsides to that too. What to do?

Here’s the deal. I have a snow blower and I want you to own it. I can tell you’re serious about this. It’s like I can almost see you: sitting there, your legs are probably crossed and your left hand is on your chin. Am I right? How’d I do that? The same way that I know that YOU ARE GOING TO BUY THIS SNOWBLOWER.

I want you to experience the rush that comes with smashing through a snowdrift and blowing that mother trucker out of the way. The elation of seeing the snow plow come back down your street and watching the look of despair as your OTHER neighbour gets his shovel out once more while you kick back with a hot cup of joe (you don’t have a drinking problem like that other guy).

Here’s what you do. You go to the bank. You collect $900. You get your buddy with a truck and you drive over here. You give me some cold hard cash and I give you a machine that will mess up a snowbank sumthin’ fierce. I’ve even got the manual for it, on account of I bought it brand new and I don’t throw that kind of thing away. Don’t want to pay me $900? Convince me. Send me an offer and I’ll either laugh at you and you’ll never hear back from me or I’ll counter.

You want a snow blower. You need a snow blower.

This isn’t some entry level snow blower that is just gonna move the snow two feet away. This is an 11 HP Briggs and Stratton machine of snow doom that will cut a 29 inch path of pure ecstasy. And it’s only 4 years old. I dare you to find a harder working 4 year old. My niece is five and she gets tired and cranky after just a few minutes of shoveling. This guy just goes and goes and goes.

You know what else? I greased it every year to help keep the water off it and the body in as good as shape as possible. It’s greasier than me when I was 13, and that’s saying something.

You know how many speeds it has? Six forward and two in reverse. It goes from “leisurely” slow up to “light speed”. Seriously, I’ve never gone further than five because it terrifies me. I kid you not, you could probably commute to work with it dragging you.

You know what else is crappy about clearing snow in the morning? That you have to do it in the dark. Well, not anymore! It has a halogen headlight that will light your way like some kind of moveable lighthouse (only better, because lighthouses won’t clear your driveway).

Oh, and since it’s the 21st century, this snow blower comes with an electric starter. Just plug that sucker in, push the button, and get ready to punch snow in the throat. If you want to experience what life was like in olden days, it comes with a back-up cord you could pull to start it, but forget that. The reason you’re getting this fearsome warrior was for the convenience, so why make it harder on yourself?

By this point, you’re probably wondering why I would sell my snowblower since the first snowpocalypse is upon us today. I’ll tell you why: because I heard it was time for you to man up and harness some mighty teeth and claws and chew your way to freedom, that’s why.

This is my snow blower. Make it your snow blower.

UPDATE – I assure you that the snowblower is real, and it is still available. Do not despair if you have made an offer on this glorious tribute to man’s triumph over nature and I have not responded yet, your time has yet to come.

Weh-Ming Cho has yet to sell his snowblower but he has received many replies to his Kijiji ad. He even received a tweet from Kijiji on Twitter that he is in the running for the most hits ever on a Kijiji ad. It didn’t take long before all the people across the Moncton area and also across the world started sharing this on Facebook and Twitter. Weh-Ming has received everything from date offers, job offers but has yet to sell his snowblower. Through his writing style marketing firms would be pleases to have him join their team through is unique approach to selling items.

We wish Weh-Ming Cho best of luck selling his snowblower with his Kijiji ad and we thank him for brightening our day with a little laugh when the weather outside wasn’t the greatest. This is by far the most humourous ad ever on Kijiji!

Men’s Prostate Cancer Health Awareness Month – Movember Grow A Moustache

November 13, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

Are you showing your support for men’s prostate cancer research by growing a moustache for Movember for men’s health ? You might have seen more men in Moncton growing moustaches then normal for the month of November. Men all over Canada are showing their support for a great cause, prostate cancer research. To be honest I never even heard of Movember until I read an article on A Mother’s Thoughts the other day. Movember is a moustache growing charity held every November every year which help raise funds and awareness for men’s health. Prostate Canceraffects many men worldwide and Movember helps spread awareness of the #1 leading cancer in men by offering education and helps towards research.

Movember first began in Melbourne Australia and has now grown worldwide with nearly 1.1 million people helping support the awareness, education and research towards prostate cancer. In 2010 nearly 119,000 Canadians participated in Movember and showed their support for a great cause. In Canada men and women helped raise 22.3 million dollars. Since Movember first started back in 2003 people worldwide have raised over 176 million dollars.

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research

To all those Canadians who participated in Movember November 1st this year, congratulations! It’s through everyone’s efforts where we all can make a difference. Remember when prostate cancer is caught early men have a greater chance for treatment. This Movember movement for men’s health worldwide is making a difference and saving lives. If you haven’t joined for Movember this year, you can always donate to show your support for prostate cancer research. You don’t have to be a participant in order to show your support, donations is another way you can help contribute towards a great cause.

All funds raised by Movember is used to support Prostate Cancer Canada and the Movember Foundation. Prostate Cancer Canadauses the Movember funds for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy and support of those affected, as well as research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.

If you are looking for a great article to read about prostate cancer I urge you all to read this article at A Mother’s Thoughts – Support Prostate Cancer Reasearch – Grow A Moustache For Movember. If your a man asking yourself the following questions, you need to read this:

1. What is prostate cancer?
2. How old should you be when you start getting your prostate checked?
3. What are the warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
4. How often should you get checked for prostate cancer?
5. What increases your chance of getting prostate cancer?
6. Is there a treatment and cure for prostate cancer?
7. What are some ways to prevent prostate cancer in men?

If you don’t know the answers to the questions above, go read the article above or schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor. Check in, don’t check out! Be proactive and not reactive. Prostate cancer is treatable if caught early, so do yourself a favour and get checked today!

Conrad Robert Murray Found Guilty In The Death of Michael Jackson – Involuntary Manslaughter

November 7, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

CONDRAD MURRAY FOUND GUILTY OF INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER IN THE DEATH OF MICHAEL JACKSON! Today Monday, November 7, 2011 at 5:17 pm after two days of deliberation the jury came back with the verdict that Dr. Conrad Robert Murray has been found guilty of the crime of involuntary manslaughter. Judge Michael E. Pastor, presided when asking the jury if their decision was final.

It’s been a long grueling process for the family of Michael Jackson, awaiting the decision to find out whether or not Conrad Murray would be found guilty or not in the death of their son and brother Michael.

Conrad Murray was Michael’s well know, in-house doctor, who actively treated Michael Jackson. Before his death, Jackson reportedly had been administered propofol, along with two anti-anxiety benzodiazepines; lorazapam and midazolam. Law enforcement officials investigated Jackson’s personal physician Conrad Murray and on February 8, 2010, Murray pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, and was released after posting a US $75,000 bail. His trial started on September 27, 2011. Conrad Murray will likely loose his medical license and may serve up to 4 years in prison.

Michael Jackson the “King of Pop” who once moon-walked above the music world, was 50 years old when he as found dead in his home in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest. Later, an autopsy showed Jackson died from an overdose of an anesthetic propofol.

Michael Jackson was laid to rest in a mausoleum at the Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in California on September 3, 2009.

Michael Jackson left three children, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr, Paris Katherine Michael Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II. Who are now being raised by his parents.

With alot of patience of the world, I am sure that the verdict does not come as a surprise to the millions that know of Michael Jackson and his case. You can now rest in peace.

What did you think the outcome of this trial would be? Are you happy with the end result?

Melanie Morgan Band Final 2 In Cover Me Canada – Vote For Her To Win!

November 7, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

Well it’s been a dream that may come true for Melanie Morgan and her band as she will be in the finale on Cover Me Canada for a chance to win $100,000 and a recording contract. Melanie Morgan will be going up against Whosarmy in the Cover Me Canada finale next Sunday night November 13th on CBS.

Last night on Cover Me Canada, Melanie Morgan was saved by getting the most votes and highest social media score. It was the end of the road for Ali Milner and her band. Regardless Ali Milner is an amazing artist and will be sure to have success in her singing career. The path may have ended but the possibilities that have opened up for her while being on the show are endless.

Everyone here in the Moncton, Shediac and Cap-Pele area are extremely excited for Melanie Morgan as she gets this much closer to bringing it home for the East Coast. We all wish Melanie and her band best of luck next week in the season finale of Cover Me Canada. Lets be sure we all vote for Melanie Morgan next week as she looks to win Cover Me Canada.

Amber Kirwan’s Remains Found – Missing 19 Year Old Found Dead

November 6, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

On Saturday afternoon in Pictou County the search for missing 19 year old Amber Kirwan has ended. Her remains have been found in on a wooded farm property found by search and rescue. Amber Kirwan was missing since October 9th where she was last seen at Dooly’s Pool Hall in New Glasgow. Amber was found dead just 30 minutes from where she was last seen.

On the night of October 9th Amber Kirwan left Dooly’s at around 1:30am to meet up with her boyfriend, Mason Campbell. This was the last time she was seen. After leaving Dooly’s she failed to meet up with her boyfriend.

RCMP have the area blocked off while they conduct their search and investigation where the remains of Amber Kirwan were found. This is a sad day for the family of Amber and her death has everyone deeply saddened. Many Facebook Pages have been set up where people are expressing their condolences and reactions of the news of the death of Amber Kirwan. She was just 19 years old. Our condolences goes out to her family.

Natural Smiles Teeth Whitening Center In Moncton – Get A Brighter Smile Today!

November 6, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

Are you looking for a brighter and whiter smile? Natural Smiles owner Denise Leblanc in Moncton can help. Natural Smiles is a new business in Moncton that opened June 13th, 2011 and is located at 527 Main Street directly across from the Keg Restaurant.

Natural Smiles are a professional, affordable teeth whitening center that delivers immediate results. Unlike both white strips and dental whitening centers, they offer a product that is both TIME and COST effective, that being a $99 dollar treatment that offers INSTANT whitening! A brighter and whiter smile in just 20 minutes! Natural Smiles are FDA/Health Canada approved and our products meet and exceed regulations.

If your looking to improve the colour of your teeth and improve your smile, Natural Smiles will get you the results your looking for. GUARANTEED results up to 2 to 8 shades lighter. Get whiter teeth and show off your smile today! Pre-book your appointment , free parking is available.

Natural Smiles – Teeth Whitening Center
527 Main Street
Moncton NB
E3T 1N5

Tel: 1-506-856-8612

Improve your smile for your upcoming Christmas party today!

Ian Fowler Has Died Suddenly at Age 53 – Magnetic Hill Concert Promoter For Moncton

November 5, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

Today is a sad day for Moncton. The man responsible for many successful concerts in the Moncton area has died. Ian Fowler was the man that has brought many huge bands to Magnetic Hill concert site has died at the age of 53. We’ve seen bands like the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, U2, The Eagles, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and many others including sporting events like the World Junior Track and Field Championships in 2010.

Ian Fowler was the General Manager of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture in Moncton. His sudden death has been a shock to many and will be a great loss for the City of Moncton. It has been known that he was ill but his death was sudden.

Throughout the years he was great at what he did. He has brought huge Economic growth to Moncton. There has been many rumours lately that there was a Madonna Concert coming to Moncton but there was no confirmation of this. Ian Fowler will be missed and our condolences goes out to his family.

Remember November is Prostate Awareness & Research Month

Support Prostate Cancer Research – Grow A Moustache For Movember

Movember is when men grow moustaches to show their support for prostate cancer research.

Hub Meat Packers In Moncton To Close By 2014 – 400 Jobs Will Be Lost

October 20, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

It was a sad day for some workers yesterday when it was announced that Hub Meat Packers will close by 2014. In total there will be close to 400 people that will lose their jobs. Hub Meat Packers is set to close by 2014.

Maple Leaf bought Hub Meat Packers in February of 2000 from David Rinzler who opened the plant in 1966. Michael McCain, President of Maple Leaf, originally bought Hub Meat Packers to be more competitive in their market. No changes were expected to occur.

In 2000 Maple Leaf Foods shut down the kill floor at Hub Meat Packers and more workers lost their jobs. Then in 2008 Maple Leaf Foods plants were linked to a listeria outbreak which many people got sick and some were even killed. This was traced to machinery not being cleaned properly and which cost Maple Leaf millions of dollars.

Over the years we can see the changes and challenges Maple Leaf has faced. The decision to close Hub Meat Packers wasn’t done overnight and every possible way was ultimately looked into. Maple Leaf also plans on shutting down 6 more processing facilities and 4 distribution centres. A total of 1550 people are expected to lose their job.

Hub Meat Packers is expected to close it’s doors by 2014. Micheal McCains understands that this is a difficult time for workers learning of the news but it’s necessary to be able to compete in today’s market. Maple Leaf plans on doing everything they can in helping those who will lose their job as a result of the closure of Hub Meat Packers.

Are Great White Sharks In The Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada and PEI?

August 19, 2011 | Author: Moncton Blogger

Great White Sharks can travel anywhere, yes even Atlantic Canada which was recently found in New Brunswick off the Coast of Bay of Fundy. The Great White Shark found in the Bay of Fundy has shocked many. Yes it may shock many of you but animals adapt and can travel long distances. This is not the first time a Great White Shark was found near New Brunswick, PEI or Nova Scotia.

Great White Sharks have always been a passion of mine. I use to do school projects when I was younger all about sharks. Here is something very interesting. Did you know that the Great White Shark can smell a drop of blood from over a mile away? Interesting eh! I learned something the other day is that Great White Sharks are now endangered. There is believed to be around 3500 Great White Sharks remaining. Apparently after the Jaws movies debut many people went out and fished sharks tremendously. This resulted in a quick decline of Great White Sharks.

The recent baby Great White Shark that was caught in a fishing net of a fisherman is believed to be around 7 years old. Yes it interesting to see one around here but there are many sharks already out there. I use to go lobster fishing when I was younger and the crew I went with use to fish Mako Sharks whish can be 12 – 14 feet long. Yes they look scary. Also there are tons of dog sharks out there that don’t grow very long 18″ to 24″ long maybe. These small ones are nothing to worry about. I always say to my family and friends that the waters are all connected, besides the temperature difference what is really stopping sharks from travelling?? The waters are warming as a result of global warming so does this mean that other species of sharks could come this way? Could this be more normal to see in the future? This Great White Shark is not the first nor will it be the last. It’s just not common to see one thats all.

Did you know that in 1988 David McKendrick of Alberton West Prince caught a female Great White Shark off the Coast of Prince Edward Island, PEI, tha measured 6.1 metres long, 20.3 feet long, largest recorded in Canadian water according to the Canadian Shark Research Centre. Look at the photos below of the Great White Shark. Do you really know what’s in the waters when you go to the beach???

What do you think, amazing eh? Photos are from JawShark.com Check this next one out!

I don’t know about you but I’ll think twice next time I go swimming!

Do you think we”ll’ see more Great White Sharks around here so close to home? What do you think of Global warming and the impact it has on sharks travelling great distances. Share your stories and thoughts!