I picked up a tin of Za’tar Za’tar while traveling a while back, such a while back that I don’t remember where. It seemed like serendipity when I found a recipe for Socca – a grilled chickpea flatbread made frequently in the south of France. A Middle Eastern spice blend of marjoram or thyme, oregano, dried… Continue reading
Every summer there seems to be a salad that I gravitate to, and tend make again and again. The criteria is usually that it’s super easy to whip up, no ingredients that are strange or hard to procure. Extra points if it contains local, in season produce, doesn’t need extended refrigeration, can pair well with most… Continue reading
I am not going to pretend that I haven’t posted these muffins previously, I have. The reason to share them with you again is because they are so versatile. I made them the first time because I was traveling and needed them to be hearty enough to last in my carryon without being squashed too… Continue reading
Some of the best dishes I have ever made were created, not because I followed the recipe correctly (I am really not good at that) but rather because I didn’t have all the ingredients listed, and had to just wing it. For all you recipe followers, I know that is a tough concept – just… Continue reading
My daughter and I travelled to Toronto last week, a little girls getaway (along with educational excursions, of course). When we arrived at our hotel in the very late afternoon (around high tea time), we were delighted to find a lovely plate of cookies waiting in our room. As you know, I wouldn’t even dream… Continue reading
My daughter made a request yesterday for Lemon Bars, I had made them awhile back and they were such a huge hit that they were gone in one day. Only hitch was that I had no lemons, with the rain pelting down and wind howling, getting into the car and driving all the way to the store just… Continue reading
My daughter was home from university last weekend and noticed a small container of ricotta cheese in the fridge. Lately, I have been spreading it on toast, then showering it with lemon zest and capers, adding few slices of smoked salmon, and finishing with tons of fresh chopped dill for a fabulous and easy lunch…. Continue reading
Well I’ve gone and done it! Made the best gluten free Oatmeal Cookie – ever. The thing is, I wasn’t really trying for a best in the baking department, I was trying to use up some of the 20 or so half bags of flour I have accumulated, I swear they procreate in the dark… Continue reading
When most people plan a big trip I think the last thing on their mind is baking. Not so much for me – of course. I need to bake to make sure I have something gluten free to resort to if there are no other options. Bonus points if it travels well, fills me up, with sweet… Continue reading
Today, I had planned on sharing a chicken and wild rice soup recipe, however I didn’t love the picture I captured at all – that happens, quite a bit judging by all the snaps sitting on my desktop screen that probably won’t get imported. Instead, seeing that it’s well into the new year,… Continue reading
In these dwindling December days filled with endless parties full of punch bowls laden with egg nog, bacon wrapped scallops on fancy trays, and entire tables devoted to artistic cheese displays, I thought you might appreciate something a bit lighter to ingest between Fêtes. This one simple soup may be the thing we all need… Continue reading
I am in the fortunate situation of celebrating Thanksgiving twice every year. Once in October with my Canadian side, and again in November with all my American friends and family. Some years it is exactly the same dinner both times. Other years, we vary it slightly to reflect the food allergies or aversions of our… Continue reading
I certainly have developed a newfound respect for cornstarch. It usually hangs out way in the back of that cabinet that houses the baking powder and various exotic spices rarely used – until today that is. Sure, most of us already know it can be used to thicken soups, sauces and stew. But used alone… Continue reading
As I was putting together these BLT Deviled Eggs for a party last weekend, my daughter noted “very 50’s housewife, mom.” What? Since when? A few years back I made these Kimchi Deviled Eggs for a dinner party – even the kimchi skeptics gobbled them up. I think more often than not, the tried and true… Continue reading
I have been spoiled this last year, with the kids off at university I wasn’t called on for breakfast duty. I could leisurely sip coffee with a few sections of the newspaper, glance at the today show now and then, and enjoy whatever I deemed acceptable for breakfast. Now, with them both home for the… Continue reading
I have noticed that every summer I seem to gravitate to a go-to salad, one I can quickly whip up for a impromptu BBQ at a neighbors, a dish to pass for a picnic, or maybe just for a quick fix dinner here. Last year it was this Summer Squash with Feta and Herb Salad, the… Continue reading
Food trends seem to come and go without me jumping on the bandwagon. Did you see a ton of kale chip recipes here a few years back? Nope. Ancient grain concoctions? Endless ways to eat an avocado? Cauliflower pizza? Okay that one I couldn’t resist. I really wanted to believe all those raving reviews. While… Continue reading
If we were to poll dessert lovers about their summer favorites, strawberry shortcake would rank right up there—probably in first place. But anyone who’s enjoyed key lime pie on a hot summer night is likely to place this dessert first. It’s certainly my preference. The cool creaminess of this pie that packs a delightful citrus… Continue reading
I am sure I have mentioned before, that we eat a lot of eggs for dinner here. Sometimes it’s a quick and easy frittata – like this Broccolini Frittata today, or maybe eggs Benedict with blender hollandaise, always a hit. And, my all time favorite – toast with smashed avocado, a sprinkle of lemon juice,… Continue reading
Usually, I have this crazy notion that the baked goods I post here should be over the top, drool worthy, confections. When really, sometimes you just want a nice little loaf. A basic recipe that doesn’t involve sourcing hard to find ingredients, especially those you have to order online, and then wait for delivery. Nope, this… Continue reading
For most, the thought of international travel lends a feeling of excitement and wonder. For me, I usually default to thinking “what the heck am I going to eat?” Really, off to Bormio Italy to ski the Alps, and I am worried about food? Well, yes. I lost 5 lbs a few years ago while… Continue reading