Dining in Paris: From Produce to Pastries and More

I recently returned from a short stay in Paris. The thing I like most about Paris is its consistency- there are some things that will just never change. The beautiful old structures will always remain, Parisians will always smoke like chimneys (despite the indoor smoking ban!), and the food will be just as good as […]

Urban Farming Initatives in Toronto

I hold a special place in my heart for locally grown produce. I try to get as much fresh, local produce as I can get my hands on. It doesn’t just positively affect our dinner plates- supporting local growers also creates a positive impact on our economy. With recent increases in global food prices, coupled […]

Bacon-Wrapped Salmon with Pineapple Pabanero Sauce; Seasonal Stir Fry and Rice

The heat of summer brings bold flavours, lighter menus, and the use of all the fresh, seasonal ingredients available in Ontario right now.  Asparagus is in season right now, so I try to use it as much as possible. I also managed to get my hands on some Canadian limes recently (thank you, global warming!), […]

Whimsical Salad Ideas: Savoury Pea Mint Panna Cottas with Parmiagian Cups and Greens

Spring and summer are definitely salad season. Let’s face it, we all want nice food but don’t want anything heavy or hot on a warm summer evening.  This whimsical salad is the perfect start to a meal at a summer dinner or lunch party, and is easy to assemble. Pea and mint is a classic […]

Vegan Mixed Bean Salad

With the weather warming up and bathing suit season coming earlier than usual, I have gone into turbo-mode trying to get fit for all my pretty summer outfits.  This mixed bean salad is the perfect afternoon snack or light meal for everyone trying to get in shape for summer, but is so delicious that you […]

Delicious Roasted Chicken with Honey Roasted Beets,Carrots and Celery

This recipe is great as a main course both for family or entertaining.  Just adjust proportions according to the number of people you have! You will need: 8 chicken thighs, or about two per person 2 tbsp nutmeg 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp pepper 1 tbsp dry thyme 2 beets, skins removed (see below) 2 […]

Rainbow Trout with Pasta and Veggies in White Wine and Butter Sauce

Rainbow trout (also known as Steelhead trout) is a beautiful, tasty North American fish related to salmon. It is found in fresh water lakes and rivers, as well as in the Pacific Ocean. Unlike its farmed counterparts, wild-caught rainbow trout has a pinky-orange colour (more orange than the pink farmed stuff) and a nutty flavour […]

Orange Cake and Citrus-Honey Sorbet

I’ve been craving citrus flavours lately, which is the inspiration for this week’s recipes.  My orange cake is actually my easiest, standard go-to recipe for a simple baked treat. The great thing about it is, once you’ve gotten the hang of making this cake, the flavours are endlessly interchangeable. For example, I’ve used this same […]

Roasted Tomato, Onion and Cheddar Bread with Brie, Steak and Red Pepper Jelly

I don’t know if it’s the weather, or just my mood, but lately I’ve been in the mood for home-baked breads and rich snacking foods.  This particular recipe is actually a three-part recipe, as it includes the bread itself (which is amazing on its own!), a spicy red pepper jelly that is a fantastically flavourful […]

Valentine’s Dessert: Lemon Sabayon on Coulis of Cranberry with a Lady Finger

Valentine’s Day is on Tuesday so I’ve created the perfect dessert for a romantic dinner.  My lemon sabayon, served in a martini glass over a layer of cranberry coulis and finished with a spongy lady finger, is not only pleasing to the eye, but packs a big punch of flavor without making you feel weighed […]