August 19, 2024

Mexican red and green sauces

Salsa roja and salsa verde (red sauce and green sauce) are two quintessential elements of Mexican cuisine, each offering a distinct flavor profile and playing a crucial role in enhancing various dishes. Both can be made with roasted ingredients or fresh ones.  Salsa roja, translating to “red sauce,” is made with tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and garlic. Salsa verde,the green sauce is made the same way but with tomatillos and plenty of cilantro.  To make... View Article

August 19, 2024

Mexican red sauce

Here is a simple and delicious Mexican style tomato sauce that goes with many Mexican dishes. You can thin it out as you need. 1 lb tomatoes 🍅 5 guahijo Chiles, stem and most seeds removed1/2 an onion, roughly chopped2 cloves garlic, peeled1 cup tomato puree Place sauce ingredients in a pot, add water to just cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes or so until everything is soft. Let cool,... View Article

May 28, 2024

Rhubarb Cobbler

Rhubarb cobbler. This dessert is a bit nostalgic. It was my signature dessert back in the day in Calgary when we entertained large groups of friends almost every week. We had a wonderful group of friends with kids of similar ages and every weekend we were at each other’s homes for long lunches that lasted the whole day and into the evening. You know who you are.  Life changes, we are no longer in Calgary,... View Article

May 28, 2024

Asparagus, Sorrel Sauce, Sorrel Oil, Parmesan

Asparagus, sorrel sauce, sorrel oil, S&P, Parmesan.  Sorrel is the first thing to grow in my rooftop garden in the spring, together with chives. I must admit it’s a bit underused because it seems to turn brownish when cooked but I do use it fresh in salads, sauces and oils.  I have a separate post in draft about sorrel sauce and oil so I’ll post it after this one. For this dish steam the asparagus,... View Article

May 28, 2024

Cucumber Avocado Salad

This cucumber, avocado, scallion, dill and lime recipe inspired by the NYT. Slice the cucs, salt to drain for a while, then mix with a couple of chopped scallions. Mix in 2 avocados, peeled and cubed. Squeeze a lemon or lime over and mix. Add dill and hot pepper flakes. Feta cream: A small block of feta1 cup sour cream, yogurt or whipping cream.Salt and pepper as needed. Combine ingredients in a food processor and... View Article

May 28, 2024

Barley and Carrot salad with barley and peanut crunch

Barley and carrot salad with crispy barley and candied peanut crunch topping.  Trying to up veg intake? I am posting various salad and cooked veg dishes. I think we can learn to love veggies if we don’t love them already. I do, it’s what we eat most. To make:4 carrots1 cup barleyA handful of parsley2 green onions, chopped1/3 cup golden raisins or another dried fruit.Microgreens Shred the carrot in a food processor. Cook 1 cup of... View Article

May 28, 2024

Grilled bread, rapini, poached egg

Do you like cime di rapa, aka rapini or broccoli rabe? It is bitter for sure but you can remove some of the bitterness by blanching in boiling water and replacing the water once or twice. For me it’s way too much work so I just boil it for a few minutes, drain and squeeze out excess water. I personally like some bitterness in food, like in radicchio, grapefruits etc., it suits my palate. This... View Article

May 28, 2024

Asparagus, Morels, Morel sauce, Poached Egg

Local spring asparagus, locally foraged morel mushrooms, soft poached egg, morel cream sauce.  I was so excited yesterday at our farmers market to see Scott Moran @kelownaforagerwith piles of fresh morels and bagfuls of lamb’s quarter lettuce, all foraged in the hills and mountains of B.C.  I wanted to prepare them the simplest way possible because everything was so fresh and beautiful.  To prepare: Steam the asparagus until crisp tender. Wash the morels to remove any... View Article

March 31, 2024

Baked donuts

This is an easy doughnut recipe made with baking powder and baked in the oven (yeast ones are usually fried). 1.5 cups flour1.5 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 cup sugar 2/3 cup yogurt1/2 coconut water1 egg2 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 cup oil or melted butter Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and sugar in a bowl.  Combine tensing ingredients in another bowl, then add to flour mixture and mix well. Transfer to a piping bag.  Pipe... View Article

March 31, 2024

Cauliflower cheese soup

Soup beautiful soup. This one is a quick and truly delish cheesey cauliflower soup with lots of veggies in it. To make, sauté an onion in a butter and olive oil until soft and translucent. Add 2 tablespoons of blending flour and cook for a couple of minutes stirring. Add 4 cups vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Add about 3-4 cups vegetables: carrot, corn, small-diced potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli. You can wait a... View Article

March 31, 2024

Challah bread and buns

To finish the holiday foods here are a braided loaf and buns made from one recipe of challah bread. It’s such a lovely dough and versatile too. Challah braid:4 cups flour7 gr active dry yeast1/4 cup sugar1 teaspoon salt1 1/3 warm water1 whole egg1/4 cup oil One egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water for glazingLight brown sugar for sprinkling on top Combine all challah ingredients in a stand mixer, mix on low until all flour... View Article

March 30, 2024

Shredded salad with sweet and tangy dressing

Shredded salad with hazelnuts and sweet and tangy dressing. For the salad I used carrots and watermelon radish shredded with a vegetable peeler shredding blade. I added radicchio cut into thin strips with a knife (not torn) and chopped parsley.  Add a handful of dried cranberries and toss everything together.  Dressing:1 tablespoon maple syrup1 teaspoon Dijon1 tablespoon cider vinegar4 tablespoons olive oilCombine ingredients and whisk to emulsify. Toss the salad with some of the dressing.... View Article