A traditional cold plate will have three flavours of potato salad, cold sliced meats, other salads and homemade pickles.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Maritime dishes can provide a tasty kitchen challenge

Canadian foods are regional. Poutine is common across the country now, mostly because cheese curds are available, and tourtiere is popular because there is a large population of French Canadians outside of Quebec. Maritime Canada foods, on the other hand, are more difficult to find or even make at home in the West. It’s next […] Read more

Thai red curry chicken is a popular restaurant or take-out dish that is easily made at home.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Mid-winter meal preparation can use a little inspiration

We all need inspiration from time to time, especially in mid-winter. I reached out to friends and family for their favourite meals, and this was the response — a few healthy, easy meals to break up the winter while we await the local, fresh garden produce in a few months. Thai red curry chicken If […] Read more

Wheat berry salad stores well in the refrigerator for a few days.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Diabetics can eat well while still watching their health

Refined carbohydrates are unhealthy for people with diabetes. Instead, choose whole grains, a variety of vegetables, low fat meats and dairy products to stay healthy. Our bodies break down carbohydrates into sugar. This raises blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, break down more slowly so they are preferred. A registered dietitian will […] Read more


Oven roasted ginger dill salmon can be served family style on a platter or on individual plates.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Effort to eat healthier starts with the right food choices

It is a new year and resolutions aside, many of us feel a renewed commitment to healthy eating. Make vegetables, fruits and whole grains the focus of your diet. Include fish, legumes and nuts and use olive or canola oil instead of butter. Foods to avoid for a healthy heart include red meat, bacon, hot […] Read more

Golden beets pair well with the orange vinaigrette. Any colour of beets may be used.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Salads add colour, freshness, nutrition to holiday meals

Whether it is for the turkey dinner or for another time during the holiday season, salads add colour to the table and freshness to the menu. They also add nutrients. These are a few winter salads that may pique your interest. Prosciutto, pear & burrata salad Burrata is a ball-shaped Italian cheese made from cow’s […] Read more


 A selection of varieties of tinned fish, preferably ones that are MSC certified sustainable, will ensure there is something for everyone. Clockwise from top left: Bar Harbour brand sardines packed in water, smoked mussels in oil, smoked sprats in oil, smoked scallops in oil, solid light tuna in olive oil.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Tinned Fish

Tinned fish has made a big comeback. Once seen as an economical way to feed the family, tinned fish is showing up in gourmet markets. It is one of this year’s trendiest foods. Tinned fish is also healthy. It is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients and […] Read more

Think outside the box by giving seedy salad toppings for Christmas. | Sarah Galvin photo

Imaginative touch helps make Christmas giving special

Gifting is as much fun as receiving. I have brought together some ideas for the person who loves to be in the kitchen. Gift cards are always welcomed. They are offered everywhere — wine stores, kitchen shops and grocery stores. Clubs and subscriptions are also popular. Monthly or quarterly deliveries for cheese, coffee and baking, […] Read more

A profiterole wreath can be decorated in any manner you choose. Layer them up for a larger group.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Pate a choux is a unique way to bake for the holidays

Christmas baking is wonderfully predictable. We love shortbread cookies, Nanaimo bars, butter tarts and fruitcakes. But if you have a hankering for something different think about making Pate a choux. The Christmas wreath is especially apt for the season. The choux puffs can be made in advance and frozen. Pull them out and crisp them […] Read more


Kentville, N.S., has fun with an annual Pumpkin People Festival, which is held for almost the entire month of October.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

There are lots of options when pumpkin season arrives

Choose a firm pumpkin with no soft spots. The orange-skinned, round pumpkins are better for carving and decorating rather than eating. Pie pumpkins and sugar pumpkins are the best choices for cooking. Smaller pumpkins are sweeter and more flavourful than larger carving pumpkins. Cut pumpkin in half lengthwise. Place cut side down on baking sheet. […] Read more

Rather than offering sit-down, served meals, many fall suppers are now self-serve buffets.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Many prairie communities continue fowl supper tradition

Fowl suppers were an annual event in the farming community where I grew up. It was a time for everyone to get together and socialize after the busy harvest. Tables were set in the basement of our small country church and the ladies served a full turkey dinner. Pies were made by the neighbours and […] Read more