homemade quince paste

quince paste

Quince is a yellow fruit that looks like a cross between an apple and a pear.  It is high in pectin and was typically used in jam and jelly making.  It’s too tart and hard to eat on its own but cooked it turns sweet with a slight floral taste.  My mom used to have…

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clam chowder

For generations, my family has made clam chowder and I continue the tradition.  I recall my pleasure of crumbling saltine crackers atop the bowl of mom’s homemade clam chowder; not to thicken it up but, simply put, it was a tradition in my parents home.  The maritime autumn weather can be lovely and sunny but…

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potato quiche (gluten-free)

grated potato quiche

This recipe takes the rösti, a classic Swiss comfort food, and turns it into a savoury, delicious pie.  Nearly every cook I know has their own favourite version of quiche and my mom’s quiche Lorraine recipe, a family favourite, is so darn good but I have also made a few non-traditional ones, too.  After tasting…

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spätzle – a budget friendly meal

spatzle

Spätzle, also known as spaetzle, is a soft egg noodle with Germanic roots.  My great grandmother used to make something similar to this with what she called, her German dinner (dumplings with roast pork and hot purple slaw).  Her dinners were the best!  Three simple ingredients are all that’s required to make spätzle. 

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pan bagnat – a delicious French sandwich

pan bagnat - a french sandwich

Looking for new ideas to make interesting sandwiches your kids will eat? Pan bagnat, the street food of Nice, is the answer.  Think of salade niçoise and you have the portable sandwich version.  I have to admit my lunches were not that inspiring…sorry mom.  To be fair, though, she had to make four lunches so…

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mustard pickles

mustard pickles

It’s canning season (the process of  preserving cooked food by sealing in jars or cans).  I come from a lineage of women who made their own preserves, jams, and jellies.  It was the best way to enjoy the summertime produce over winter.  Although in today’s world it might sound laborious and unnecessary with canned or…

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roasted vegetable stacks with goat cheese

roasted vegetable stacks with goats cheese

I am in veggie heaven with these roasted vegetable stacks and in one recipe I get the daily recommended servings of vegetables; my kind of dish.  Although the end of Summer means goodbye to warmer days (sigh), its departure signals the bounty of the harvest (yay!).  It’s the perfect time of the year to grab…

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blueberry-blackberry fool

blueberry-blackberry fool

Blueberry-blackberry fool has to be one of the easiest desserts to make.  Not everyone is a fan of blackberries but mixed with blueberries and cream, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.  Both blueberries and blackberries are in season so look for fruit that’s plump but not mushy to touch. 

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grilled radicchio with bagna càuda

grilled radicchio with bagna caudo sauce

Sometimes less is more and in cooking terms it’s spot on.  Simple ingredients can make any dish shine. Bagna càuda is an Italian sauce made with butter, olive oil, garlic and anchovies.  The Italians eat it with fennel, peppers, carrots, cauliflower.  Fresh bread dipped in this sauce is simply scrumptious!  Or, give your taste buds…

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pita bread pizza

pita bread pizza

Summer allows us to use our barbeque nearly every day.  It also saves me from using the oven or stove top especially when it’s hot outside.  One staple I like to have on hand is pita bread.  This ancient flatbread has been around since 2500 BC and its uses are numerous.  I love it in…

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