easy to make
squash and parsnip soup
Soup has been around for centuries and previous generations did not use a recipe. They simply dumped various ingredients into a pot to boil. And each culture adopted its own variation with whatever was on hand. For my readers who feel more comfortable using a list of ingredients, throw caution to the wind and be…
Read Morepork belly bites – one helluva snack!
.Well, hello 2016! Whatever the days or weeks ahead have in store for me, I’m ready! Mr. S and I spent Christmas in Calgary. Over the holiday period I cooked in other peoples homes; one being my daughter’s (a first for me!), one at my cousin’s (in Edmonton) and the other at my daughter’s employers…
Read Morelinguine with clams (linguine alle vongole)
This is a busy time of the year with most of us running around doing last minute errands in preparation for the holidays. When I’m short for time, pasta is my savior and the time it takes to cook it I can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes! Toss in some clams and…
Read Moreprosciutto wrapped tomato
The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s that time of the year when we’re out socializing and entertaining at home. The thought of entertaining can be intimidating for both the novice and the experienced. When I know I am having friends over, I generate a plan, cook ahead, stay within my limits…
Read Moresavory palmiers
These delicate, but easy-to-make French pastries can be sweet or savory. Palmiers, named so because they look like palm trees or the shape of an elephant’s ear, uses puff pastry for its base. Traditionally, simple ingredients such as sugar and cinnamon are sprinkled over the pastry then folded, rolled, sliced and baked in the oven. …
Read Morepoached pears – an easy dessert
It’s been a while since I last poached pears. A super easy dessert to make and one where you don’t need any special ingredients. Poached pears make the best use of unripe fruit and heightens the flavor of firm but ripe pears. This light and delicate dessert is perfect for entertaining; the pears stay in…
Read Moremushroom pâté
Now that November is here, I start looking for easy-to-make snacks, appetizers, and finger food for the upcoming holiday season. Everyone has their favorites and one of mine is pâté. The thing is, it’s rich and calorie laden. An easy solution without compromising taste is to use the mighty mushroom. Not only are delicious, they’re…
Read Moresplit pea soup
Have you heard of the nursery rhyme about peas porridge? If not, here it is: peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. This nursery rhyme is a reflection of a time when fireplaces not only heated homes but were used as the main source for cooking. A large…
Read Moreplum torte – a classic
Summer heat tends to make me lazy. I want to spend more time outdoors and less in the kitchen but when I spotted plums at the farmers’ market, I knew it was a dessert I’d happily sacrifice my precious outside time. They looked so good and after one bite, the sweet tasting plum would be…
Read MoreGrilled Pepper Salad
Simple ingredients mingling together to pull off an out-of-this-world taste! If you’ve never had grilled peppers then you are in for one heck of a treat! Grilling or roasting brings out their natural sweetness making them so good on their own and they really don’t need much attention to shine, so keep the ingredients simple. …
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