What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: It’s APPETIZER NIGHT!  2 people on each team bring an appetizer to share.  Then NEXT week - the other 2 people on the team will bring an appetizer to share. Bring your own napkins, plates, serving utensils, and recipes to share!

You are bringing for just your table.  You can share with others if you like though.

Last year 9pm playing teams chose to come early and celebrate before their game – contact your opposing team and see what you want to do. 

Next week: APPETIZER NIGHT PART 2!  This time the other 2 people on the team will bring an appetizer to share. Bring your own napkins, plates, serving utensils, and recipes to share!

A Question: How excited are you that our first bit of NEW LOGO swag will be here next week (hopefully)?!

We have embroidered crests for $ 8 (black, red & gold)

We have socks for $ 23 (only 30 pairs) Get yours before Christmas!

 

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 😊
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

(Next week I will be at the club all night! (6pm – midnight)  Bring your scavenger hunt so far – I will tally up your totals and let you know who is winning so far in a special Christmas Newsletter Edition!

Laugh of the Week:

What’s every elf’s favorite type of music?

Wrap!

Stuff that makes us Curl better:

 

 

(Opps!  I don’t do this!  I like the friendliness of the game – but we do need to make sure the game keeps going!)

Recipes Around The Rings:

Puff Pastry Appetizer With Goat Cheese and Jam

This easy puff pastry appetizer is made with goat cheese and fruit preserves. Topped with fresh thyme, it is an easy bite sized appetizer for any party!

PREP TIME: 5minutes mins
COOK TIME: 18minutes mins
COURSE: Appetizer
CUISINE: American
SERVINGS: 24 tarts
CALORIE: S95 kcal

EQUIPMENT

• Mini Muffin Tin

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1.5 cups cranberry sauce or any fig preserve
• 1 bunch fresh thyme

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Unfold the puff pastry on a flat surface. Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 24 equal sections.
3. Place one rectangle of puff pastry in each mini muffin tin. Fill pastry with about 1 tablespoon of jam or cranberry sauce. Top with a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of goat cheese.
4. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-22 minutes until the edges of the pastry turn golden brown.
5. Let cool on wire rack for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Song of the Week:

Who doesn’t like Michael Bublé at Christmas??

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter? Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful. Please send by Monday evening. I need stuff! 😊

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: Is the 1^st night of the new Series.  What Division are you in? When do you play?

Last week:   I saw one broom stack!  Were there more??

Next week: It will be APPETIZER night!  2 people on each team bring an appetizer to share.  Then the week after that the other 2 people on the team will bring an appetizer to share. Bring your own napkins, plates, serving utensils, and recipes to share!

A Question: Do you know what shape your GRIPPER is in?

Is it your gripper leaving stuff on the ice?  I hope not!  That makes curling tough when the rock has to travel through or stop on debris on the ice.  Clean your grippers!  Or buy a new one!  (The office has grippers on sale for the month of December – they make great stocking stuffers too!)

You can clean your shoe or slip-on gripper with luke-warm soapy water using mild dish detergent. Be sure to use a lint free cloth. Allow the gripper to air dry completely before storing. Grippers can lose their grip over time if this happens rejuvenate the gripper surface by heating it with a hair blower; or if needed get a new one.

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 😊
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

Laugh of the Week:

Here is a great video (OMG he’s funny) about looking after your gripper! I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Stuff that makes us Curl better:

  

 

Some curling etiquette.

When your game is complete and you are returning to the locker room.

Remember other games may still be ongoing. Before walking behind a sheet that has a game still in progress, do not walk behind that sheet when a player is in the hack - either at the near or the far end. Just stand quietly until the rock is delivered, and then continue on. Always be aware of not being any kind of a distraction to other players.

Recipes Around The Rings:

 

Christmas Appetizer Bites

Christmas appetizer bites are a festive and easy holiday appetizer with cream cheese, pesto, sundried tomatoes, and phyllo dough shells.

TOTAL: 25minutes mins

SERVINGS: 30 bites

Ingredients 

• 2 boxes mini phyllo shells 30 total
• 8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto 
• 1/2 cup diced olive-oil packed sundried tomatoes patted dry
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh basilor parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Remove the phyllo shells from their box and place them on the counter, keeping the shells in their protective tray until ready to use.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
3. Mix in the pesto until evenly combined.
4. Then on low speed, add 2/3 of the sundried tomatoes and Parmesan and beat just until blended.
5. Pipe or dollop the pesto filling into each phyllo shell, then transfer to a serving plate. Top with the remaining sundried tomatoes and chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four hours.

Notes

• FOR EXTRA CRISP SHELLS: Arrange the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• TO STORE: Assembled Christmas appetizer bites are best eaten within a few hours of assembling. They may be stored in the fridge for up to two days however the phyllo shells will lose their crispness.
• MAKE AHEAD: The filling for these Christmas appetizer bites may be made up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge before filling the phyllo cups. Stir the filling before piping if the ingredients have separated.

Song of the Week:

Thank you to Jane Twidle for suggesting the song of the week!

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening. I need stuff! 😊

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: Is the last night of this series!  Make it count! 

Last week:  There were some great hats last week!  I am sorry I forgot to take pictures!

Next week: Check your team status and when you curl – if you change divisions you may change your curl time.

A Question:   What is The Bell Rule??

We have 3 bells during a game.

The 1st sounds when the game starts - it typically sounds at 6:40 for the 1st game, and sounds when the last ice is ready for play for the 2nd game.

The 2nd sounds 1hr and 40min after the 1st bell and when the bell clock reaches 15 min. - This signifies that you can complete the end you are on and one more end.  Of importance here is how to determine what end you are in. An end is considered finished and the next end has started when the final rock of the skip with hammer crosses the tee line (the line that runs across the centre of the house rings) at the delivery end.

The 3rd sounds when the bell clock reaches 0:00. This means you can only finish the end you are currently playing.

An extra note: just because when the 2nd bell sounds you have started an end and should be able to play that one and one more - if you take too long to play the end you are in and the 3rd bell sounds while you are still in that end, you cannot play the one more.

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

Laugh of the Week:

 What do you call a magician that loses his magic?

Ian.

 Stuff that makes us Curl better:

  

Some curling etiquette

Positioning of Players during play

When your team is not delivering a stone, the players who will be sweeping the next stone should always stand to the side of the ice between the 2 hog lines, You should not be standing on the boards or behind the house at either end of the sheet. Also once you have stopped sweeping your team rock and are returning to the delivery end, please remember to walk down the sides of the sheet in single file - and try to stop moving while the opposition rock is being delivered.

Recipes Around The Rings:

 Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

• Author: Cookie and Kate
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 spring rolls 3x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: By hand
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

INGREDIENTS

Spring Rolls

• 6 ounce rice vermicelli or maifun brown rice noodles*
• 3 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 cup torn butter lettuce, ribs removed
• 3 cup very thinly sliced red cabbage
• 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks or sliced into strips with a julienne peeler
• 6 Persian (mini) cucumbers or 3 small cucumber, thinly sliced or sliced into strips with a julienne peeler
• 6 medium jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 3/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
• 3/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint
• 24 sheets rice paper (spring roll wrappers)

Peanut Sauce

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 6 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 6 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 3 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 6 to 9 tablespoons water, as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the spring rolls: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the noodles just until al dente, according to package directions. Drain, rinse them under cool water, and return them to the pot. Off the heat, toss the noodles with the sesame oil and salt, and set aside.
2. Fill a shallow pan (a pie pan or 9″ round cake pan works great) with an inch of water. Fold a lint-free tea towel in half and place it next to the dish. Make sure your prepared fillings are within reach. Combine the green onion, cilantro and mint in a small bowl, and stir.
3. Place one rice paper in the water and let it rest for about 20 seconds, give or take. You’ll learn to go by feel here—wait until the sheet is pliable but not super floppy. Carefully lay it flat on the towel.
4. Leaving about 1 inch of open rice paper around the edges, cover the lower third of the paper with a few pieces of butter lettuce, followed by a small handful of rice noodles, some cabbage, and a few strips of carrot, cucumber and jalapeño. Sprinkle generously with the herb mix.
5. Fold the lower edge up over the fillings, rolling upward just until the filling is compactly enclosed. Fold over the short sides like you would to make a burrito. Lastly, roll it up. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
6. To make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari, honey, sesame oil, and garlic. Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed to make a super creamy but dip-able sauce.
7. Serve the spring rolls with peanut sauce on the side. You can serve them whole, or sliced in half on the diagonal with a sharp chef’s knife.

Song of the Week:

Come From Away – Welcome to the Rock

 Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: It’s wear your favourite HAT night! Looking forward to it!

Last week:   Did you remember to shake the hands of the teams on your right?  At least say “Hello and Good Curling!”

Next week:  We are getting closer to our appetizer night – start thinking about what you are going to bring to share with your competitors.

A Question: Do you have feedback for our league?  Do you have ideas and or suggestions? Do you know who to talk to?

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

Laugh of the Week:

 

 Stuff that makes us Curl better:

  

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

 SNOOP DOGG’s Ceasar Salad Dressing

(from KJ Terry – A Day Women Curler)

Snoop Dogg Caesar Salad Recipe

Author: Maddy & JD – Them Bites

Crisp lettuce, savory chicken, crunchy croutons drenched in an irresistible dressing make Snoop Dogg's Caesar Salad one of the best.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes mins
COOK TIME: 0 minutes mins
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes mins

INGREDIENTS

• 1 head romaine lettuce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup mayo
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cooked chicken
• croutons

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce before chopping it into bite-sized pieces and adding it to a big salad bowl to start making the salad.
2. Make the dressing by combining the Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
3. Next, douse the lettuce with the dressing and toss to evenly coat. Top with croutons, more cheese, and chicken.

Song of the Week:

NICKELBACK – Rockstar (That’s us! Women Rockstars!!) 

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

---

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: Don’t just shake hands with the team you are playing against – shake hands with the teams playing on the sheet to your right!

Last week:   It seems most of you have approved the new logo.  Please note – It does not say “Night” anymore.  Therefore, our logo is Wednesday Women. However, we will be known to the Club as Wednesday Night Women.

Next week: Wear a FUN hat!  Make it colourful/wild/unique/normal/baseball/cowboy – just have fun with it!

 

A Question: What swag do we want our LOGO on? 

Some suggestions from curlers in our league: Turtlenecks, water bottles, just a crest to sew/iron on our own stuff, tote bags, socks…

Let me know what you think – send me an email.

I will price stuff out and get an order form ready- so we can get it for Christmas? Maybe??

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off-ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

Laugh of the Week:

 

 Stuff that makes us Curl better:

 

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

 

Song of the Week:

I began typing in random words that I associate with curling – Wow!  What an eye-opening experience to different songs!  This is what I found when I entered – Score…

The Score – Unstoppable

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: What do you think about the logo above & at the end of the newsletter??

Let me know – email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Last week:  Was great!  Let’s keep it up! 😊

Next week: ½ way through November – December is just around the corner – Appetizer night coming soon!

A Question: What do you think about the new logo?  Sweaters, travel mugs, touques!  What do you want us to order?

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 😊
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

Laugh of the Week:

 

Team of the Week:

Team GAULT

Members:

GAULT, Maura

SLAVIN, Alicia

ABRAHAM, Carolee

MADILL, Jen

Stuff that makes us Curl better:

 

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

(Don’t worry it’s not really braised pigeon – they use chicken!!)

Phyllo Pigeon Pie

by SOHLA EL-WAYLLY

October 31, 2023

COOK TIME. 2h  YIELDS.  4 servings

Bisteeya is a Moroccan pie traditionally made with braised pigeon, almonds, warm spices, herbs, and eggs. Instead of slowly braising whole cuts of poultry, here I make it with quickly seared ground chicken. By developing dark brown color on the ground chicken, I’m able to mimic the deep flavors of a long-cooked braise in a snap. For the best color, spread the ground chicken out on the skillet and walk away (well, not literally). By leaving it put, the chicken has a chance to dry out and go to brown town on one side, while the opposite side stays moist. This is how I get the best colour and texture with any ground meat. If you’ve never used phyllo, this recipe is a good place to start. We’re simply layering the phyllo and folding it over the filling. There’s no complicated scrunching or rolling, and with only a few sheets, if you move quickly, there’s little risk of the pastry drying out. Don’t fret if any sheets tear. With all the layers, the pie can withstand a few ripped sheets.

Phyllo sheets come in various dimensions. If you can’t find the size I’m using, don’t fret. You ultimately want a 14-inch square of phyllo. If your sheets are larger, them to fit. If your sheets are smaller, use 12 sheets, staggering each as you lay them, so you end up with a wider square. The edges will be thinner than the middle, but once folded up and over the filling, you won’t notice at all.

INGREDIENTS

Filling

• 3 Tbsp neutral oil or clarified butter, plus more if needed
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• 450g ground chicken
• 1tsp plus a big pinch of Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• ¼ cup golden raisins
• 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup lightly packed fresh parsley leaves and tender stems, finely chopped

Assembly

• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 8 14×18-inch frozen phyllo sheets, thawed
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Ingredient Substitution Guide

DIRECTIONS

Notes: This recipe requires a pastry brush.

1. Make the filling: In a medium skillet, combine the oil and almonds and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the nuts are golden brown and aromatic, 2-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and use a slotted spoon to scoop the nuts into a large bowl, leaving the fat in the skillet.
2. Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and use a stiff silicone spatula to break it up and spread it out into one layer. Sprinkle with the 1 teaspoon kosher salt and cook undisturbed until browned on one side, about 5 minutes. Break up the chicken and cook, tossing frequently, until no pink remains, 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to the bowl with the nuts.
3. If the skillet looks dry, add more oil. Return to medium heat and add the onion, garlic, ginger, and a big pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan, until wilted, translucent, and browned along the edges, 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, and raisins and cook, stirring frequently, until the spices are aromatic and the raisins plump, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons water and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Scrape the mixture into the large bowl.
5. Finely grate half the zest of the lemon into the bowl, add the parsley, and toss until everything is evenly combined. Taste and add lemon juice and more salt, pepper, and zest as needed. Set aside to cool slightly, about 30 minutes. (You can refrigerate the filling for up to 2 days.)
6. Assembly: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 350°F. Have the melted butter and pastry brush ready.
7. Stack the phyllo on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, trim and discard 4 inches of the phyllo dough, leaving you with a 14-inch square. Cover with a slightly damp towel. (Wrap up and put away any remaining phyllo immediately.)
8. Transfer 1 sheet of the phyllo to the prepared sheet pan and evenly brush with butter. Continue layering on all the phyllo, brushing each with butter, and ending with a layer of butter.
9. Place the chicken mixture in the centre of the square of stacked phyllo. Using an offset spatula, spread it into a flat, 6-inch circle. Starting with a corner, fold the edges of the phyllo up and over the filling, pleating the dough as you go. All the filling should be covered by the dough. Brush the top with the remaining butter.
10. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 45-50 minutes. Rest for at least 15 minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon. To serve, use a sharp serrated knife to cut into wedges.

 

Song of the Week:

Shania Twain – Man! I Feel Like A Woman. (get it?!? WNW)

 

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

Logo – Same but different colour….. 

 

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 😊

---

WNW

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: WE ARE WOMEN – HEAR US ROAR!!  Welcome to the new Wednesday Night Women! WNW!

It’s also the beginning of November! Today is National Author's Day · National Cook For Your Pets Day · National Vinegar Day · World Vegan Day · All Saints' Day.

Last week:  

Below are the voting polls – Look how close the votes were….

Next week: Hopefully we can nail down a new logo and start organizing swag!

Question:  Who should record the game results?

The VICE of the winning team should record the win online ASAP after the game.

If the game is a tie, it really doesn’t matter who records the tie.  Maybe the 2 vices can decide around the table after the game.

In reality, anyone can record the results, as long as someone does ASAP.

If it is not done by 9am Thursday morning you will get a reminder email from Evelyn (but you don’t want that – and she doesn’t want to send it!) 

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season.  
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 😊
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

Answer This #3: You cut me on a table, but you never eat me…..

Laugh of the Week:

Stuff that makes us Curl better:

 #1 out of 6

Recipes Around The Rings:

Spinach Dip Hot Bread

The classic spinach dip appetizer achieves new heights in this irresistibly cheesy appetizer from Mr. Digby's in San Francisco.

By Michael Ocampo 

Updated on August 2, 2023

PHOTO: PHOTO BY JENNIFER CAUSEY / FOOD STYLING BY MARGRET MONROE DICKEY / PROP STYLING BY CHRISTINA DALEY

Active Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Servings: 10

This gooey, cheesy appetizer is perfect for watching the game, alongside a salad or bowl of soup, or on a lazy weekend afternoon. The toasty sliced sourdough boule is filled with buttery bechamel sauce and spinach, but the real star is the Calabrian chiles, which lend each bite a gentle kick of heat. Feel free to customize this depending on the bread you have on-hand; it works nicely with a baguette, too.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• ¾ teaspoon ground white pepper, divided
• 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium [10-ounce] onion)
• 1 (10-ounce) package fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups)
• 14 ounces pre-shredded Parmesan cheese (about 4 1/4 cups)
• 1 (24-ounce) sourdough boule
• 1 tablespoon chopped jarred Calabrian chiles
• 1 ½ ounces pre-shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 1/3 cup)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a small saucepan over medium. Add flour, whisking until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually drizzle in milk and cream, whisking constantly, until fully incorporated and no lumps remain. Bring to a boil over medium, whisking constantly; boil, undisturbed, for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the white pepper. Remove from heat.
2. While milk mixture simmers, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in a large Dutch oven over medium. Stir in onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add spinach, and cook, stirring often, until liquid has evaporated and pot is dry, about 4 minutes.
3. Pour milk mixture into spinach mixture in Dutch oven; stir to combine. Stir in Parmesan and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
4. Cut sourdough boule crosswise into 5 (1-inch-thick) slices, cutting through bread almost completely but leaving bottom crust intact. Slice boule lengthwise down center so each slice is halved but bottom crust is intact. Place boule on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spoon spinach-Parmesan mixture evenly between bread slices, and top evenly with Calabrian chiles. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella.
5. Bake in preheated oven until top is browned and center is hot and gooey, 7 to 10 minutes.

Song of the Week:

Not really a curling song – but it could be!

Vanilla Ice – Ice, Ice Baby

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNW. Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 😊

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Last week:  I am sorry we didn’t get the vote done.  I was unwell and unable to get to the club.  I’m better now – TODAY we VOTE!

Update: Vote Online

Click on the link below to vote for our league name.

Voting will close at 11pm on Wednesday Oct 25th.  Any votes received after 11pm will not be counted.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WedLeagueVote

What we are voting for? What do we want our league to be called.  Please recall last week’s reasoning as to why we are doing this.

We now have 3 options:

1. Wednesday Night Ladies (WNL) 
2. Wednesday Night Women (WNW)
3. Wednesday Sisterhood of Curling (WSC)

This is a last-minute new name suggestion - it seems worth the consideration; it grows on you – say it to yourself a couple of times…

ACCOLADES:  Our very own Janet Murphy and team have won the qualifiers so are now off to the provincials in Brockville Oct 27-29. (Curling Club Championships) You can follow the event at www.curl-on.ca and HERE

Next week: We curl with a league name established and new plans for our swag!  We will also bring back our team of the week! Do you want to be the next team of the week?  Find me so I can take a picture for the newsletter – email me what you want the league to know about you.

A Question: What’s happening with the lockers? Did anyone volunteer to share?  Do we need more ideas/volunteers?  Let me know.

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week your team will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)

To Do #2: Either write out or take a picture of your favourite meal (more points for a picture).

Each Team member must do this and share with the team member collecting the Scavenger Hunt information.

 

Laugh of the Week:

  

Stuff that makes us Curl better:

From CurlTech – Strategy & Tactics

Strategy Principles 

Someone once said that curling is chess on ice. This is true to some degree because, in addition to throwing and making shots, the skip must determine the course of action to be taken before and during the game. During the game there are several options to each possible situation. The skip must decide what shots to call and when to call them.

Most curlers use the term strategy to describe the process of calling the individual shots. This is not entirely true. CurlTech believes the game has two separate components:

1. Game strategy - overall game approach.
2. Calling the Game - shot-by-shot tactics that support the game strategy.

The term "strategy" is often used to describe both of these components, but we want to concentrate on the differences between them. These principles will work using any of the curling formats (four vs. four, mixed doubles, etc.)

Most strategy clinics talk about the how you call shots "in the moment". This is a difficult way to learn strategy since there are an infinite number of possible situations. Of course, there are some key factors in choosing the shot and those will be reviewed later. CurlTech suggests you view strategy as an overall plan. Shot calling becomes much easier if there's a plan in place.

Only Four Outcomes 

There are only four possible outcomes to every end. It doesn't matter how many shots were made or missed or how brilliant the strategy was, there are only four outcomes:

1. Conversion: Taking two or more with the hammer.
2. Steal: Taking one or more without the hammer.
3. Force: Forcing the hammer team to take only one.
4. Blank: Neither team scores - hammer team retains last rock.

Conversion	"To convert" means to convert your last rock advantage into multiple points. Teams should want this almost every time they have hammer. In some cases a force is acceptable in the even ends such as 6 and 8.
Steal	Taking one or points without the hammer is a desirable goal for the non-hammer team. It is, in most cases something the hammer team wants to avoid. There are cases where giving up a steal is acceptable (up on the score board playing the ninth - allow a steal to have hammer in the tenth).
Force	To force your hammer team opponent to just one is beneficial unless the game is tied playing the last end.
Blank	Blanking an end is beneficial to retain the hammer. This can be intentional or unintentional.

Game strategy and shot calling is about deciding what you want and executing against that plan.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

 

Flatbreads with Garlic Butter

By Sabrina Ghayour

• Prep:15 mins
• Cook:15 mins
• Serves 8

Rustle up some homemade flatbreads to enjoy with your favourite recipes. They're the ideal partner for koftas, grilled meats and salads

Ingredients

• 400g Greek yogurt
• 400g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil

For the garlic butter

• 75g salted butter
• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed

Directions

1. Put all the ingredients for the flatbreads, except the oil, in a mixing bowl with a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Using a fork and a drizzle of olive oil, bring everything together to form a dough, adding more olive oil (up to 3 tbsp) if needed, until you have a soft dough.
2. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently for 1 min until smooth. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions – you can weigh the mixture to be more precise. Dust the work surface with a little extra flour, then roll each portion into a circle 5mm thick. This will ensure you get a nice pillowy flatbread – if rolled too thinly they will be crisper and less light, although still delicious.
3. Put a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the first flatbread and cook for 2 mins on each side. Don’t be tempted to flatten the bread against the pan – allow it to rise naturally and brown in spots on both sides. Transfer to a plate and fry the remaining flatbreads in the same way.
4. To make the garlic butter, put the butter and crushed garlic in a small saucepan over a low heat until the butter melts. Brush the butter over the warm flatbreads to serve.

Song of the Week:

Introducing (my new favourite singer) Jade Eagleson (and he is from Ontario)

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL2. Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

---

What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: We curl!! Check out the website www.oakvillecurlingclub.com – Game Centre for your Team ranking and Draw times.

AND - we vote on our league name!! We will vote between games @ 8:50pm in the lounge.

What we are voting for?  Do we want to be called Wednesday Night Ladies (WNL) OR Wednesday Night Women (WNW)?

Why are we voting on this?  At the beginning of the summer, I received an email for us to consider: 

Ian sent this to me and I believe it is something we needed to discuss, and I sent an email to our league members at the time to think about and give me their thoughts.

---

From Ian: 

I came upon the enclosed article (see link below) that was posted on one of the Social streams and it struck a chord. 

Should we be modernizing our “Wednesday Night Ladies” to “Wednesday Night Women’s”?

It may be worth a discussion. It may not matter. But I would think we should address it.

Click Here to Read 

AFTER the email was sent out - there were approximately 20 responses.  Hardly a big representation of our 113 member league (now 128 members!!)  

4 responses were good with keeping us Wednesday Night Ladies.

3 responses preferred to abstain.  Of that, they wondered if there was another option. Wednesday Night League? (Personally, I want newcomers to know who we are).  A query about including all of our gender community; However, I am unsure how to do that.

The rest liked the change to Wednesday Night Women (WNW - the same forward as it is backwards!)

My favourite response was: "I don’t yell like a lady on Wednesdays, definitely like a woman who means business, lol." (I forgot to ask permission to share this quote - so you will just have to wonder who it was until next year!)

I personally kind of like that Ladies does not include the word 'man' or 'men'.  Yet, I am on the fence and don't mind the name change.

Therefore, I am not comfortable deciding this without more of your input.  So we are taking a vote at our first game in the new season TONIGHT!

Last week:  What a great Opening social evening – Big Thank you to Marianne Lawton, Mary Anne Carson, Louise Koyanagi, Theresa Morris & Johanne Boivin.  Now who is going to organize our Closing social evening?? See Evelyn or myself to volunteer and get a big hug from me (unless you don’t want one – I’m okay with that too)

Next week: We curl with a league name established and new plans for our swag!

A Question: Now that we have all of our wonderful new teams joining our league – are there any of you with lockers that are willing to share?  Our new players are on the waitlist and would like to leave their gear at the club. 

I would offer but there are already 4 people in our locker! If not, do you have suggestions on how we can accommodate more players?  We brainstormed maybe lockers in the “makeup” room by the bathrooms?

 

The Year Long Scavenger Hunt

– This is your off ice team building fun….

Guidelines:

• Keep a spot on your phone/computer or day book that tracks your successful ‘hunting’ over the curling season. 
• Each week you will be given a clue to gather, take a picture of , answer or do….
• As per my personality – the more creatively you complete the clues – you can get bonus points!! 
• We will assess your progress before Christmas and keep going in the new year (if it is a success!?!)
• Let’s start out easy…..

To Do #1: Take a great picture of your team!

(if you are registered as a 5 or 6 person team – you will get bonus points if you have a picture with all of you in it).

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Loaded Mexican Pizza

Total Time

• Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

• 6 servings

Updated: Aug. 25, 2023

Loaded Mexican Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 small sweet yellow pepper, chopped
• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 prebaked 12-inch thin pizza crust
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• Hot pepper sauce to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mash black beans. Stir in the onion, yellow pepper, chili powder and cumin. In another bowl, combine the tomatoes, jalapeno and garlic.
2. Place crust on an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan; spread with bean mixture. Top with tomato mixture and spinach. Sprinkle with cilantro, pepper sauce, cheddar cheese and pepper Jack cheese.
3. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

What else can you put on Mexican-style pizza?

• Beef it up with some taco meat or rotisserie chicken with salsa.

Can you make your own pizza crust for Mexican-style pizza?

• Of course! Customize your crust with our best homemade pizza dough recipe. If you need something fast, try this thin crust pizza crust that’s ready in 10 minutes.

How do you store Mexican-style pizza?

• Store this loaded Mexican-style pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.—Elizabeth Harris, Taste of Home contributing writer

Nutrition Facts

• 1 piece: 295 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 581mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.

 

Song of the Week:

Simon and Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson

 

Do you have a song request?  Email it to me (address below)

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

---

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

---

What's happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: 

Please Join Us!

Wednesday Night Ladies League

OPENING NIGHT SOCIAL

Wednesday October 11, 2023

7:00-9:00 p.m.

(The ice will be available for practice if wanted )

Skips (or delegate) Meeting @7:45 p.m.

Oakville Curling Club Lounge

League Play begins Wednesday October 18, 2023

See you there!

 Next week:  

We curl!! Check out the website – Game Centre for your Team ranking and Draw times.

• AND - 

We still have to decide if we want to be Wednesday Night Women (WNW) or continue to be Wednesday Night Ladies (WNL)….. 

We vote on October 18^th!  Logo tweaks to be included at some point (as per usual I am behind this)

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

NO-TICK RULE ADDED IN 2023-24

CURLING CANADA ADOPTS NO-TICK RULE FOR ALL EVENTS AS OF 2023-24

Curling Canada will formally adopt the World Curling Federation’s No-Tick Shot rule for all its championship events starting in the 2023-24 curling season.

The update to Curling Canada’s rules matches a World Curling Federation decision to implement the No-Tick Shot rule at all international events starting immediately.

The No-Tick Shot rule now being used for all Curling Canada events is as follows:

If, prior to the delivery of the sixth stone of an end, a delivered stone causes either directly or indirectly, an opposition stone in the Free Guard Zone (FGZ) which is touching the centre line to be moved to an off-centre line position or to a position outside the FGZ, the non-offending team has the option to:

(i) Remove the delivered stone from play, and replace all stones that were displaced to their positions prior to the violation taking place; or

(ii) Leave all stones where they came to rest.

If the stone is moved from the centre line to an out-of-play position, then the FGZ rule applies.

This does not apply for Wheelchair Curling or for Mixed Doubles competitions.

Ian Tetley

General Manager|Oakville Curling Club

W: 905.844.6982

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes

These twice-baked potatoes taste wonderful and always a big hit!  They make a great side dish for any meal and are terrific heated up the next day for lunch.

Recipe by PONYGIRL64 

Updated on September 6, 2023

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 8

These twice-baked potatoes work perfectly as a simple, crowd-pleasing entrée or as a rich side dish.

How to Make Twice-Baked Potatoes

Making perfect twice-baked potatoes at home is easier than you think. You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

The Best Potatoes for Twice-Baked Potatoes

The best potato variety for baking is low in moisture and high in starch, such as a Russet potato. Plus, they have sturdy skins (perfect for holding the rich filling) and are naturally perfectly portioned.

How to Cook Twice-Baked Potatoes

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this twice-baked potatoes recipe:

1. Bake the potatoes until tender.
2. Cook, drain, and crumble the bacon.
3. Slice the potatoes and scoop out the flesh.
4. Mix the flesh with the remaining ingredients (reserving half of the cheese and onions).
5. Spoon the mixture back into the skins. Top with reserved ingredients and bacon.
6. Bake the potatoes again for about 15 minutes.

How Long to Cook Twice-Baked Potatoes

All in all, the potatoes should spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes baking in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. They'll cook for about an hour during the first round of baking, then about 15 minutes during the final round.

How to Store Twice-Baked Potatoes

Store leftover twice-baked potatoes tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil (or in an airtight storage container) in the fridge for up to four days.

How to Reheat Twice-Baked Potatoes

Reheat by baking the potatoes in an oven preheated to 350 degree F for 15 to 20 minutes or in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel) for 2 to 3 minutes.

 

Song of the Week:

Don’t worry – not every week will be a curling song!  I’m sure we will run out of them soon!! Ha!

Ben & Dan - I'll Marry Me A Curler (Live)

 

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by  Monday evening.   I need stuff! 😊

---