Oh the sweet summertime. The flowers are surrounding us with colour and scent, and as the season rolls along, we are enjoying the many fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. The flavours are at their peak, and we have been waiting all year for these tastes. Some of my best food experiences have […] Read more
Tag Archives recipes
Food shortages, waste, high prices are recent concerns
During the first four years of 2020, food was a frequent news maker. Consumers had many challenges feeding their families, whether it was supply chain issues, high food costs or the alarming rates of food waste. As well, food security became a commonly used term in the 2020s. The 1996 World Food Summit defined food […] Read more
These beverages and snacks enhance hot summer days
Enjoy the dog days of summer with a few new ideas for beverages and snacking. Serving a flight of iced coffees is a fun way to spend a hot afternoon on the deck. Use your imagination or research ideas. The trick is to use very little sweetener and a fat reduced milk. The other option […] Read more
Growing and cooking vegetables can be both nourishing and fun
It is the season for farmers markets and community supported agriculture boxes delivered to your door or available for pickup from market gardens. I love vegetables, and I am always searching out new recipes. One good source of inspiration is Renee Kohl man’s cookbook, Vegetables — a Love Story. There are so many interesting recipes […] Read more
Ancient crops offer home cooks new meal prep options
During the early 2000s,the search for innovative crops to grow on the Prairies had resulted in the introduction of several crops. Two of particular interest were quinoa, an ancient seed from South America, and haskap berries, which had been used for hundreds of years in Japan. Quinoa (keen–wah) is a small seed from the spinach […] Read more
Fresh-from-the-garden ingredients help boost casual summer meals
Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, picnic in the park, tailgating in the field or a rainy day inside, simplicity and fresh-from-the-garden ingredients reign in the summer. Plan foods that can be made ahead and held in the refrigerator or countertop and then served at room temperature. Add dressings to salads at the last minute. While […] Read more
Shareable treats for summertime festivities
June is often filled with activity, and when there are gatherings, there is always good food. If you’re heading to a potluck or block party, try these recipes to add to the table offerings. These are favourites at our house. Creamy Dill Dip This homemade dip is such a hit that I am always asked […] Read more
Homemade meals can be the highlight of Father’s Day
Take out is fun, but nothing is more appreciated than home cooked food. Whether it’s Father’s Day or any other day a couple of easy homemade dishes can be the highlight of the meal. Chocolate cake Make the icing and set aside. Centre a rack in the oven and preheat oven to 350 F (180 […] Read more
Awareness increases about how the food choices we make can affect our health
At the beginning of the 21st century, scientists, governments and individuals were becoming more aware of the nutrients in foods and how they affected health. Scientific and medical research focusing on how lifestyle and food contributed to certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, began to recommend lower fat, higher fibre diets. […] Read more
Forage for mushrooms in the wild or buy them in the grocery store
Late spring and early summer marks the beginning of the mushroom foraging season. Morels, the earliest to be found, usually start showing up in May or June. And then as the summer progresses more varieties become available right through until fall. Morels, chanterelles, matsutake and porcini are the most popular wild mushrooms. Cultivated mushrooms are […] Read more
