cowboy butter: the finishing touch that transforms everything!
I have been meaning to do a post for quite some time on this rich, garlicky herb-laced butter. Cowboy butter has been around since the 19th century. This compound butter was the spirit of Western cooking. Cowboys on cattle drives craved meals that were simple, flavorful, using readily available ingredients. A staple was butter,
peach tomato salad
Summer is a season of abundance when the markets overflow with produce and flavour comes effortlessly. Juicy tomatoes, sun-ripened peaches, and lingering dinners on the patio make these months some of my favourites. It’s a time to celebrate simplicity, savour the season, and connect over good food. In our family, salads are a staple, and…
the real spaghetti bolognese
Contrary to popular belief, the true traditional dish of Bologna isn’t meat ragù, but spaghetti with tuna and tomato. Yes, you read that right. Spaghetti Bolognese as we know it today—a dish of spaghetti topped with a meat-based sauce—is not a traditional Italian recipe and does not originate from Bologna. Instead, it’s largely a product…
spinach & cheese crisps
There’s an undeniable joy when a recipe works its magic—simple ingredients transforming into something elegant and delicious. These crisps are whisper-light, delicately crisp, and come together with minimal effort. My in-house taste tester (aka Mr. S) gave them an enthusiastic nod of approval. 🙂
beurre monté (emulsified butter sauce) over local asparagus
Thomas Keller calls beurre monté the workhorse sauce at the French Laundry. “We cook in it, rest meats in it, make sauces with it. It’s an extraordinary vehicle for both heat and flavour.” I stumbled upon this gorgeous silky sauce last month. Eager to try beurre monté, I first used it over local asparagus. Typically,…
smoked salmon dip
Smoked salmon dip has been a cherished entertaining classic since the 1950s—a perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity. Often served with bagel crisps, crostini, or crisp vegetables, this vintage favourite adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
rhubarb tart
Rhubarb season has officially arrived, and with it comes a wave of nostalgia. This vibrant, tart perennial has been a beloved part of my family’s kitchen and garden for decades.
cottage cheese pizza snacks
These protein-packed mini pizzas make the perfect after-school snack or quick bite when trying to tame those hunger pangs. While using cottage cheese as a pizza base might sound unconventional,
baked cod parcels
En papillote is French for “enveloped in paper” (or al cartoccio in Italian). It is a cooking method where food is sealed in a folded pouch of parchment paper or tin foil and
crustless lemon hand pies
Hand pies have been around for centuries with cultures worldwide crafting unique versions. From Cornwall’s flaky Cornish pasty to Latin American empanadas, Jamaican patties, Indian samosas, and the iconic
homemade lemon curd
Yesterday, as I was about to make mini lemon impossible pies—those irresistible bite-sized treats—I realized something surprising: I’ve never shared my lemon curd recipe! With all the lemon dishes I’ve posted, how did this one slip through the cracks? It’s long overdue, so let’s fix that.
pineapple fried rice
It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we lived in Singapore! Immersing myself in the expat community was the best way to make new friends, and one of my favorite ways to connect was through cooking classes.
creamy lemon honey salad dressing
This creamy salad dressing is light, effortless to make, and bursting with flavour. While its name suggests it’s just for salads, it also makes an incredible marinade for chicken! And it’s ideal for those who prefer to skip mayonnaise-based dressings. This recipe is a must-try.