If you’re in a dinner party club, you know the one-upmanship and stress they can create. I’ve been in a dinner party club for the last decade or so. We meet once a quarter and take turns hosting. And while I’m lucky to be part of a group whose members don’t try to outdo each other, I must admit I generally try to outdo myself. I feed off of making people happy with food. Just call me Monica Gellar.

One of my favourite Grocery Bag episodes was when Kristina and I got to spend a few days in Whistler, B.C. testing an “apres ski” cookbook. The book wasn’t a home run, but skiing is among my favourite ways to spend a day, due in no small part to the well-earned meal that comes after hours of fun in the snow. Add a roaring fire and a big jug of red wine, and I have found my nirvana. For this episode we cooked for world renowned chef James Walt, from Araxi restaurant. And now, I am thrilled to report, this guy is going to be cooking for me!