July 18, 2013

Breakfast Farro with Apples and Blackberry Syrup

Farro is an ancient grain that came into vogue a few years ago and is now readily available in grocery and specialty stores. It is known by many names and there is some culinary controversy over this but who really cares? it is basically a nice nutty chewy grain that cooks quickly and beautifully and can be used in many dishes. Since it is a grain I cook it for breakfast occasionally and serve it... View Article

July 16, 2013

Potato and Leek Pizza with Rosemary and Creme Fraiche

What? Potatoes and pizza? I am in. I have had a few potato pizzas here and there, the most memorable one at the exquisite Crazyweed in Canmore a while back. At Crazyweed they call theirs Bella Pizza and it has pesto, rosemary-crusted potatoes, mushrooms, charred onion and parmesan. It’s not the most common combination for pizza topping but a delicious and satisfying one just the same. If you are a foodie you look for new... View Article

July 11, 2013

Potato-Vegetable Salad with Pea Shoots and Champagne Vinaigrette

Here is the recipe for the potato vegetable salad that I prepared for the Diner en Blanc the other day. As far as I am concerned it’s a full meal deal but also makes a nice substantial salad to serve alongside other foods. Make it with small new potatoes cut in half or quartered and add corn, green peas, green beans, radishes, green onion, shredded radicchio and whatever else strike your fancy. I like adding... View Article

July 9, 2013

Fava beans and Peas Crostini

I have written about fava beans here so I will not repeat the information except to say that Fava beans are a special summer treat that requires a little work. Not only you have to remove the beans out of their comfortable, cushiony pod, but you also need to pop each individual bean out of its protective waxy shell. But , you have done more difficult things and I assure you your effort will be... View Article

July 9, 2013

Fava Beans

It seems that fava beans, also known as broad beans, are the less known variety of beans for home cooks. Several of my friends have never cooked them. This is unfortunate as fava beans are buttery-delicious and are readily available in farmers market in spring and summer. Fava and green pea crostini with goat cheese Maybe the problem is that fava beans are a little time consuming to prepare because you have to shell each... View Article

July 8, 2013

Chilled Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

As promised I am posting the recipes for the food we prepared for the Dîner en Blanc event in Kelowna July 4th. We chose a cold menu that was easy to transport and remained fresh and beautiful over the course of the evening. First course was a chilled fresh pea soup with mint and a drizzle of cream. I didn’t add the cream earlier because the emerald green colour of the soup was so beautiful... View Article

July 5, 2013

Dîner en Blanc

Dîner en Blanc, Kelowna, July 4, 2013 After much anticipation (not excluding a few “do I really need to do this” moments) the day has arrived. Dîner en Blanc dream-like picnic in Kelowna was happening tonight. The event was conceived almost accidentally by a French (who else) aristocrat entertaining his friends at the Bois de Boulogne forest-like park in the 16th arrondissement in Paris. This popular park is a destination for many Parisians and guests... View Article

July 5, 2013

Shredded Cabbage with Lemon Vinaigrette

Simple yet delicious crisp salad made of shredded cabbage, chopped parsley and vinaigrette. As far as I am concerned simple is often the best, in almost everything. Instead of the usual coleslaw with mayo, why not try something light and refreshing? Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped peanuts also enhance this salad. Of course you can elaborate, add red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly slice onion, even apple.  Go ahead, make my day. No, just kidding, I won’t... View Article

July 4, 2013

Linguini with Vegetables and Ricotta

Pasta is probably my favourite food after bread, and if I can have both together I am pretty well in culinary heaven. I cook a lot of pasta dishes, some quick and light, some more substantial and either way they are always satisfying and good in their simplicity. I made this pasta for dinner using some vegetables that I intended to use and didn’t get around to in the last couple of days. I had... View Article

July 3, 2013

Potato, Radicchio and Green Bean Salad with Fresh Peas and Sherry Vinaigrette

Potato salads are a regular feature in my summer kitchen. They are easy to make, satisfying and flavourful and I like them combined with other summer vegetables and dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. I noticed that I have been making more and more potato salads with vinaigrettes and less with mayo based dressing. This salad was made with waxy yellow skinned, golden fleshed potatoes that keep their shape when they cook. I steamed them over... View Article

July 1, 2013

Flatbread with Tomato and Mozzarella

I made this flatbread with whole wheat pizza dough I had lingering in the fridge for a couple of days. I was looking for pizza”esque” appetizer to serve with a glass of wine and thought the longer, rectangular shape would be good as it can be cut into strips that are easy to serve and eat. I made three flatbreads with three different toppings, each so good and deserving of its own post. Watch for upcoming... View Article

June 25, 2013

Radicchio and Endive Salad with Gorgonzola and Honey Vinaigrette

Radicchio and endive are slightly bitter salad greens (or reds) that combine wonderfully with the creamy gorgonzola. To bridge the flavours I like it with honey vinaigrette and a scattering of crunchy walnuts. It’s truly a treat. When making this salad I prefer to chop both radicchio and endive with a knife into ribbons. I find that it’s easier to eat this way and with every forkful you get some of each of the leaves,... View Article