June 22, 2017

Roasted cauliflower and quinoa salad

Just to vary the theme a bit from pasta and potato salads I thought I’d pull out the quinoa from the pantry and see what I can do with it. I had the Bob’s red Mill tri-coloured quinoa variety, meaning red, white and black little grains (seeds, actually) and I thought they’d make a nice background for roasted cauliflower. Since the weather improved here (not by much), lighter dishes are appropriate and this salad-like plate... View Article

June 19, 2017

Beetroot salad with gorgonzola and walnuts

Beets and gorgonzola is one flavour pairing that was meant to be. The smooth, creamy, slightly pungent gorgonzola set against the sweetness of the roasted beets, nutty oil and sweet and tangy balsamic crema, you have to try it to understand. The added layer of walnut oil and crunch of walnuts make this a completely irresistible salad. I cut the beetroot into equal size cubes, toss them with the dressing and then distribute the cheese... View Article

June 16, 2017

Cucumber, radish and dill salad with foraged watercress and lemon creme fraiche

Local farm cucs are not yet available here but I found these little ones the other day at the store and made this fresh cuc salad to go with a pasta dinner. I still had the elongated French breakfast radishes from this recipe and a bag of gorgeous wild watercress from our local forager Scott Moran, so I combined them with the cucs together with lots of fresh dill from my garden. Instead of cutting... View Article

June 14, 2017

Carrot-Coconut Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

I have been thinking of making a carrot cake for some time, never getting around to actually doing it. I thought maybe making carrot muffins would get this out of my culinary “system”. We’ll see how it goes. These muffins are moist and not too sweet, letting the rich and creamy topping take a prominent role. I used the same topping for vanilla cupcakes I made a couple of days later. Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups... View Article

June 10, 2017

Radish and cattail salad with walnuts

My trip to the local market today did not yield much. A couple of bunches of garlic scapes, a few small new carrots and local walnuts was almost all there was. However, thanks to our local professional forager Scott Moran I also got wild watercress, cattails all peeled and ready to use and a pound or so of wild morel mushrooms. I know what to do with the morels and wild watercress, check upcoming posts.... View Article

June 7, 2017

Tuscan white beans with thyme

Whether you cook vegetarian or not, well cooked beans from scratch are good to have in your cooking repertoire. This simple bean dish using fresh thyme from my garden is an easy way to cook them and yields a dish that has lot of flavour. True, beans are not a quick fix because they require soaking. To soak or not to soak, that is the question. I have heard and read that you can do... View Article

June 5, 2017

Crostini with fresh ricotta, herbs and figs

The ricotta I picked at the market the other day from Bella Stella Cheese and used with the pappardelle was also good on crostini with garden herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, figs and balsamic crema. Ingredients: 6 slices bread of your choice Olive oil 2 cups ricotta Salt and pepper A handful of fresh summer herbs (chives, dill, parsley) Micro greens 3 ripe figs Balsamic crema (I used fig balsamic) Directions: Brush the bread... View Article

June 3, 2017

Chickpea-oatmeal vegeburgers

If you have a food processor you can whip these vegetarian burger patties in no time. Push the flavour up a notch with hot chilli sauce and add texture with crunchy vegetables and nuts. Serve as burgers with the usual trimmings, or simply as patties with the tahini sauce and a salad. Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chickpeas or 1 can organic chickpeas 2 scant cups oatmeal 1/2 an onion, chopped 1 teaspoon cumin 1 egg... View Article

June 1, 2017

Pappardelle with ricotta, tomatoes and herbs

You know that saying that you can never be too thin, too rich or eat too much pasta? Well, the last part is my ad lib but that’s how I feel. I am always ready for a delicious and comforting steamy bowl of pasta. I was at the farmers market this week and picked up fresh ricotta from a local organic cheese producer, Bella Stella Cheese from Lumby, BC. The Swiss born Igor and German... View Article

May 30, 2017

Latkes with creme fraiche (potato cakes)

When we lived in Calgary I used to go to the farmers market every Saturday and never missed a stop at Margarita’s Dishes to indulge in her Jewish style potato latkes topped with a large dollop of sour cream and homemade berry sauce. Oh-so delicious. I make a few different versions of potato cakes but today I was in the mood for traditional latkes, similar to Margarita’s. Together with the fennel and citrus salad it... View Article

May 27, 2017

Fennel and citrus salad with homemade date leather

I may have mentioned before that I am addicted to Master Chef Australia. I am watching the 2014 season and have totally bonded with the home cooks and judges on that show. It’s a stellar season in terms of personalities and the show is so well done that I don’t miss an episode. Surprisingly, I have learned a lot from watching this and other reality TV food shows. It’s not necessarily recipes but you get... View Article

May 25, 2017

Rice pudding

Rice pudding is one dessert I can never refuse. I can say “no” to chocolate cake, fruit crisps, and even apple desserts (that’s more difficult), but if I am offered a rice pudding it’s an automatic “I’ll have it”. It’s the sweet, creamy, slightly chewy and totally satisfying dessert that takes me back to my childhood and brings me the comfort of home. Of course, my Mom, with her discerning palate, used to make the... View Article