Summer is the season of lazy meals, easy cooking and casual foods. Sauces go a long way to make the simple more spectacular, especially when grilling is on everyone’s menu plan. Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs are in abundance. Use them in creative ways to add an easy flavour zap to any meal. Toss a […] Read more
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Hot dog bar makes for easy summer family entertaining
What is your favourite way to cook a hot dog: boil, grill or both? Well, it turns out that boiling first and then charring on a hot grill yields the best hot dog. The inside is heated through and the outside is toasted to perfection without burning or drying out the exterior. The broiler works […] Read more
Saskatoon berries spark fond summertime memories
A favourite childhood memory for many of us who grew up on the Prairies is foraging for saskatoon berries. I have given little thought to the differences between wild foraged and cultivated types. Like any other fruit or berry, each type will have its own particular characteristics. I asked Elaine Bouvier of Bouvier’s Berry Basket […] Read more
Three reasons to eat salad every day (if you need them)
There are many good reasons to eat salads. First, leafy greens and raw vegetables are a natural source of dietary fibre. Fibre helps to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. It helps to control blood sugar. It normalizes bowel movements and helps in the prevention of bowel disease. Fibre intake also helps with maintaining a healthy […] Read more
Prepare fast and fresh meals, just in time for spring
May long weekend marks the unofficial beginning of cottage season. We are moving from spring into summer. It’s OK to plant the garden, put out our bedding plants and open the pool. The May long weekend is recognized as a celebration of the Queen’s birthday. Although our reigning queen’s birthday is in June, it is […] Read more
Mother’s Day celebration can be either small or large
Finding just the right way to honour your mom on Mother’s Day can be challenging. One can never go wrong with flowers and chocolates. A family brunch brings the whole clan together and can be planned as a potluck so that not all the work falls on one person. Or the celebration can be a […] Read more
Food plays important role in passover celebration
Passover celebrates the journey of Jews from slavery in Egypt. It is a celebration of spring, birth and rebirth. Passover is observed for seven days. This year it will be celebrated from April 19-27. Jewish people live throughout the world so don’t confuse Israeli food with Jewish food. King Solomon’s Table, written by Joan Nathan, […] Read more
Food in jars is convenient and helps control portion size
Perhaps because I live alone, I find myself not making proper meals. I graze, and at the end of the day I wonder what I actually ate. These situations provide just one example of the many benefits of having food in jars. Aside from the obvious that it is ready to eat, it also controls […] Read more
Everyone should have a house meal in their back pocket
The idea of a house meal is nothing short of brilliant. Having one or two recipes in your back pocket that you can prepare on a moment’s notice or if you are feeling less than inspired to be creative is what every home cook needs. A house meal is simple enough that there are only […] Read more
Incorporating citrus helps bring winter dishes to life
The tart flavour of citrus brightens winter dishes as much as it refreshes in the hot summer. Winter is when citrus fruits are at their sweetest and juiciest. It is the time to squeeze fresh juice for breakfast or make a variety of recipes using oranges, grapefruit, limes and lemons. Before squeezing for juice, wash […] Read more
