Tag Archive: Spring

Potato and Leek Pizza with Rosemary and Creme Fraiche

July 16, 2013

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

Potato-Vegetable Salad with Pea Shoots and Champagne Vinaigrette

July 11, 2013

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

Fava beans and Peas Crostini

July 9, 2013

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

Fava Beans

July 9, 2013

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

Shredded Cabbage with Lemon Vinaigrette

July 5, 2013

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

Linguini with Vegetables and Ricotta

July 4, 2013

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

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

July 3, 2013

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

Radicchio and Endive Salad with Gorgonzola and Honey Vinaigrette

June 25, 2013

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

Cabbage and Potato Soup with White Beans and Herbs

June 25, 2013

To be honest, I seldom make a soup exactly the same twice. I tend to build a soup up from what I have in the fridge, what inspires me that day and of course, what I may be “in the mood for” at the time. This hearty yet not heavy soup makes a perfect complete dinner, nice when served with a crisp salad and crusty bread. One caveat: don’t use dried herbs. The aroma and... View Article

Lentil-Peach Salad with Lime-Agave Dressing

October 2, 2012

Last year while visiting the Mayan Riviera we had dinner at the famed Hartwood restaurant in Tulum. The restaurant became famous after Bon Apetit magazine did an article about the chef-owner and his wife (from NYC) and since then the line-ups to go into this no-reservation policy restaurant have been increasing as I believe have the prices. I was motivated to write a review of our experience at the restaurant and you can find it here... View Article

Burritos with Potatoes, Roasted Poblanos and Beans (vegan)

September 28, 2012

Burritos are such a nice food to prepare. You can make so many different fillings and simply wrap them in small or large flour tortillas and voila, lunch or dinner is ready. You don’t even need a salad because the greens can form part of the filling. These burritos are quite satisfying, with sautéed potatoes forming the main part of the filling. I make this dish dairy free and you can even make it fat... View Article

Homemade Mayo (aioli)

September 27, 2012

Did you know I take “requests”? Joanne was browsing throguh the Avocado Fritters recipe and asked for my recipe for homemade mayo. Well Joanne, here it is, just for you:). Mayo is one of those items that you “need” to learn how to make if you are a foodie (foodie “police” may check up on you). It’s a very simple process and if you make it in a food processor it takes no time or... View Article