This tomato salsa is a snap to make. Serve with a baguette, toasted or fresh. |  Sarah Galvin photo

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

Green beans are a popular vegetable grown in Prairie gardens. Saute them until tender for a change from steaming.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

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

Make a simple picnic platter with cucumber yogurt dill salad, devilled eggs, cold sliced meats, sourdough bread, mustards and tomatoes.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

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


These chicken wings remain crispy even after freezing with the buffalo sauce on them.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

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

Stuffed mushroom caps are a great way to use mushrooms and a popular appetizer for outdoor summer meals.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

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


Fat-reduced milk is considered a low calorie source of quality protein.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Versatile milk a nutritious addition to kitchen’s inventory

Milk, the source of all dairy products, is white because of the casein it contains. Casein is the protein found in cow’s milk, which is about 80 per cent protein. Fat-reduced milk is considered a low calorie source of quality protein. One glass of milk provides 30 per cent of our daily calcium, a nutrient […] Read more

Brown eggs have the same nutrients as white eggs but are often more expensive because they’re typically laid by a larger breed of hen that requires more food.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Eggs provide options for people who watch cholesterol

No matter what colour of eggs you buy, you get the same nutrients. One large egg contains 6.5 grams of protein, all nine essential amino acids, and 14 key nutrients that help maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin and eyes. And an egg has only 80 calories. Foods lower in saturated fats, like eggs, fish and […] Read more

Lamb chops cut from a rack of lamb create a nice presentation for an Easter meal.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Easter meal can be easily multiplied when entertaining

Easter meal planning can be a chore for many home cooks. This meal plan can be made for two people or multiplied for any number of guests. The cheesecake is large but can be frozen for up to three months. Lamb Chops with Mint Gremolata This can be made with loin chops but rib chops […] Read more


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