Recently one of my granddaughters gave me a lesson in salad creativity. From the serving plate of fresh raw vegetables, four-year old Breanna proceeded to make herself a salad. She carefully broke cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and cucumbers into small pieces and put them on her plate. She was encouraged to quit playing with her food […] Read more
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Squishies and slime help make fun summer activities
Squishies and slime. If you don’t know what these are just ask your kids or grandkids. While shopping at a craft store recently, I was amazed at the number of kits for making squishies and slime. Squishies are soft squeezable toys similar to stress balls but with more personality. They provide a calming distraction that […] Read more
Make-ahead food for leisurely summer entertaining
Whether at the cabin, entertaining on the back deck or for busy farm seasons, food prepared ahead of time frees up the cook to enjoy the fun or help with the work. Barbecue slow cooker beef dip Beef roast is browned on the barbecue and then cooked in a flavourful broth. The sliced meat is […] Read more
Garden to plate philosophy yields taste sensations
SO WHAT’S UP?… In our kitchen, it is winter onions, fresh asparagus and rhubarb stocks! We have waited for many months to once again bite into something from our own garden. I like to think of it as, ‘garden to plate philosophy!’ The fresh picked flavour cannot be replicated. What a taste sensation! Please enjoy […] Read more
Fresh spring rolls one way to make eating light possible
For many people, spring, the season of new growth and renewal, is synonymous with fresh food and lighter, simpler meals. Spring rolls are one of those simplified foods. Originally from eastern and southeastern Asia, spring rolls have been enjoyed and adapted to western culture. The thin rice paper rolls are filled with raw vegetables, cold […] Read more
Soups offer warmth and comfort for cold winter days
Winter and hot soups just seem to be a natural union. Hearty soups loaded with fresh ingredients and flavourful seasoning give a comforting warmth on cold winter days. Mexican tortilla chicken soup This is an intensely flavoured soup; adjust the peppers and seasoning to your personal taste. 2 tbsp. canola oil 30 mL 6-8 boneless, […] Read more
Implementing new Canada’s Food Guide at breakfast
Three key ideas promoted in the recently released new Canada’s Food Guide are the reduction in the use of processed foods, the increased consumption of whole grain foods and being mindful of what, when, where, why and how we eat. Breakfast is a perfect example of how to implement these ideas. Boxed breakfast cereals are […] Read more
African safari introduces travellers to new cuisine
Tours to explore the national parks and game preserves of Africa have become a source of income and pride for many people who live in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and other African nations. The thrill of sitting in an open safari truck as a large male lion walks toward the vehicle and then leaps, only to […] Read more
There’s nothing like comfort food for a cold January
When the cold January winds blow it is a good time to settle in with a good book and some nice, warm foods that stimulate strong memories of home and family. Some of these recipes are from our readers and others are from my family’s recipe box. Ye Olde Shepherd’s Pie Nielle Hawkwood of Cochrane, […] Read more
Reader favourites help make Christmas more enjoyable
Thank you to all of our readers for your readership and support throughout this past year. We wish you abundant joy and happiness during this holiday season. Our family favourite recipes contest this fall encouraged several of our readers to share recipes that are part of their family’s Christmas tradition. The following are a few […] Read more
