Food, Travel, and Cooking!
It’s apple season! Who doesn’t love eating and cooking with new crop, crisp, juicy apples. The English really know a thing or two about cider and we’re lucky enough to have cideries like Merridale and Seacider in B.C., both make excellent ciders. We like to buy our apples from our farmer’s market when they are […]
In my former life as a corporate chef, I made this chicken often in the fall/winter months when the new-crop local hazelnuts were available. I think it’s excellent, not difficult to do and also would make an excellent main course when entertaining. I’m fond of serving barley pilaf as a side dish. Makes 6 Servings […]
This was our first course for Thanksgiving dinner, followed by a roast of pork. Sensational. The gnocchi were very light and delicious. The addition of locally sourced hazelnuts found at Riley Park farmer’s market was the perfect finish to the gnocchi! For the Gnocchi: 1 ¼ lbs. russet (baking) potatoes 1 (3/4 lb.) sweet potato, […]
I keep chicken thighs on hand in the freezer. They come in handy for a quick summer barbecue or a braise in the fall and winter. This chicken would be delicious served with a saffron risotto, pasta or roasted potatoes. If you can keep good, homemade stock in the freezer. Such a good thing […]
I love to make this chutney in the fall and winter using new crop fruits. Nicely spiced and chock full of fruit and making the kitchen smell so wonderful while it’s simmering. It is really fabulous with Tourtiere, roast pork, lamb or roast turkey. It’s pretty darned good with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich […]
Last fall we were invited to have dinner with friend’s. They are very creative, excellent chefs/cooks and it’s always a pleasure sharing a meal with them. Many years ago, my mother had given me a bag of quince and I made and preserved a condiment to be served with game. I was so beside myself […]
A truly wonderful dessert from Bon Appetit Magazine. The crust can easily be made the day before and kept in the fridge until needed. The caramel is not difficult. Use a light coloured pan so you can closely watch for the colour to change. It actually takes about the time the recipe says. Have your large […]
The first time I made gnocchi, I was a little apprehensive but what I found was they were quite simple to make. I love being able to use local squash from the Farmer’s Markets in the fall. Just remember, the trick is not to work the dough too much and use as little flour as […]
The first time I baked this loaf, I wrote a note at the top stating that it’s “fabulous”. And it’s definitely time to make it again! I love all the spices used in fall baking, they make the house smell so darned good! Make the Pumpkin Loaf 2 cups unbleached flour 1 tsp. baking soda […]
This tart recipe comes from the late Noel Richardson, one of my favourite food writers. Noel and her husband owned the lovely Ravenhill Farm in Saanich, B.C. until her passing a number of years and thankfully has been stewarded by new owners. The caramelized onions are so delicious. If you don’t want to make your […]