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
Author Archives
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
Heat up the kitchen with soups and warm spices
As I sit at the table in my cozy kitchen and my cat stretches out on the hardwood floor in front of the dishwasher and heat vent, we are locked in a polar vortex of frigid Arctic weather. I’m in the mood for comfort food. Slow cooking. Braising. Making a pot of soup. Filling the […] Read more
Dumplings help make Lunar New Year a special time
Feb. 5 marks Chinese New Year’s Eve, the year of the Pig. It is also called the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival. Although it’s still cold, the coldest days are over. Celebrations carry on for 15 days with festive foods and family visits. Children receive lucky money in gold-embellished red envelopes. Family kitchens […] Read more
These tips can help make Christmas dinner a success
The countdown is on. Although Christmas dinner is usually a set menu, it is nice to change things up from time to time. If it is your first time hosting, then here are some tried and true tips for success. The best mashed potatoes Starchy potatoes such as Yukon gold or russets are the best […] Read more
Christmas season foods for entertaining
The Christmas season sneaks up on us every year, and every year we search for new recipe ideas. Simple is best. And if it can be made in advance, even better. There tends to be no end of sweets, but interesting savoury foods are sometimes lacking. Firecracker shrimp Skip the usual shrimp ring this year […] Read more
