Mains

Zucchini "Lasagne", Red & Pink Patterned Plate
Mains

Zucchini “Lasagne” With Tomato Sauce

Even though the ideal method of cooking, at least in my mind, is to barbecue all summer, I suppose it’s OK to have other options!  There’s no pasta in this tasty “lasagne” just long “lasagne” like strips of zucchini. Of course it’s best made with in season zucchini, especially if you can find the Italian ridged […]

Chicken Thighs Being Browned
Mains

Braised Chicken with Ramps

Ramps are a rite of spring if you’re lucky enough to find them!  A simple braise with just a few  ingredients.  A clove of garlic plus either the green tops of scallions or some chopped up chives can be used if you can’t find those ramps. For The Chicken: 1 (3 lb.) chicken, cut into […]

Asparagus Tart, Conran Cake Stand
Egg and Brunch Dishes, Mains

Asparagus Tart

I like to serve a big,  bowl of crunchy greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette with savory tarts, especially in the spring. Makes an 8″ or 9″ Tart A pre-baked pie shell (see below).  I prefer to use a glass pie dish because it gives a crisper crust.  However, you can also use a 9″ rimmed, fluted […]

Coq Au Vin with Baby Onions, Gold Rimmed White Bowl
Mains

Coq au Vin – Chicken Braised in Red Wine

My husband invited friends over for Sunday lunch. He suggested we make Coq au Vin and because we haven’t made this “French bistro favourite” for quite some time, I agreed! It’s definitely coming back into our repertoire! Over the years, the recipe from “Joy of Cooking”  has evolved. I figured adding some demi-glace to enrich the […]

Braised Lamb Shanks with Dried Cherry Sauce, Mom's Dinner Plate
Mains

Braised Lamb Shanks With Dried Cherry Sauce

We love  lamb shanks! They are almost falling off the bone scrumptious.  if you can source local lamb even better. We have found those to be smaller, so we adjust the cooking time slightly. Roasted veggies would be a nice accompaniment for the lamb but I have also made Spaetzle to serve with them. The […]

Short Ribs Asian Style, Carrots, Star Anise, Rice
Mains

Asian Beef Shortribs

My parents often cooked shortribs because they were one of the least expensive meats you could get from the butcher and we liked them a lot!  Those days are gone! It’s the same with oxtails. But they are so delicious that every once in a while we like to cook some for a treat. Chinese […]

Tourtiere with Greens & Green Tomato Relish
Mains

My Tourtiere

We may not live in Quebec, but we love this fragrant savoury pie redolent with herbs and spices so much it’s become an absolute must at our house over Christmas!  I have revised, changed and added things over the years and it just keeps getting better and better. I’ve made the filling using a mixture […]

Individual Cherry Tomato Tarts with Black Olives
Mains

Cherry Tomato Tarts

These days at #5 we seem to be eating cherry tomatoes 24/7. I’ve been wanting to make these tarts all summer and finally did! I’m we glad I did…they were so good! Whipped up a green salad, voila dinner! You can easily double the recipe to make 8 servings. The best time to make this […]

Bowl of Meatballs with Ginger/Spice Sauce
Mains

German Style Meatballs with Ginger/Spice Sauce

Meatballs are hard not to like! They’re quick and easy and you can have a meal on the table in no time, and the are child friendly too! I think these are especially good with mashed potatoes, Colcannon (a mashed potato/cabbage combo.) or buttered noodles and a green veg. Makes 4 Servings For the Meatballs: […]