Melons begin to ripen in mid-August. Most people eat them simply sliced and as a snack or dessert. However, they deserve more credit. They are a good source of fibre and fill you up quickly. Melons have high nutritional value. They are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamins of the B group, […] Read more
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Summer at its best: barbecue on the coals
For the past 10 or more years, I have been using my little Weber barbecue with natural charcoal and I totally forget that most everyone else is using gas or propane. What it lacks in convenience it makes up for in flavour. So, I when I ask friends to go out and check the barbecue […] Read more
Eggplants a mainstay of Mediterranean cooking
Eggplant, also called aubergine, originated in India where it continues to grow wild. As trade routes opened, eggplant was introduced to Europe by the Arabs and transported to Africa by the Persians. The Spaniards carried it with them to the New World and, by the early 1800s, both white and purple varieties could be found […] Read more
Summer at the market is great — no matter where you are
A highlight of the summer is the array of markets that pop up across our country; from Halifax to Inuvik to Swift Current, Sask. Even if some markets remain open year-round, we eagerly wait for the summertime markets to arrive. Call it cabin fever, but when the tents go up and growers come out, people […] Read more
Summer sauces make simple meals more spectacular
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
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
