Lemon Drop Martini

August 27, 2026

Some cocktails have a way of taking you back to a particular place and time. For me, the Lemon Drop Martini will always be Hong Kong.  I first made one in 2004, when we were living there. Hong Kong nightlife was buzzing.

Poached Shrimp with Honeydew, Radishes, Jicama, and Scallions

June 15, 2012

On Mondays I like to serve a light meal for dinner as we tend to eat a bit more on the weekend.  Light for us means little or no meat.  Too much meat and our body works overtime to process which makes us feel a bit sluggish and good nutrients are flushed away.   I’m sure…

BDC 2012 Young Entrepreneur Award

June 14, 2012

Who is BDC and what is this award all about? BDC is the Business Development Bank of Canada.  A financial institution owned by the Government of Canada, BDC has been serving Canadian entrepreneurs for more than 65 years. They have helped more than 29,000 businesses reach their full potential. As a complementary lender, they offer…

Grilled Zucchini with Tomato Slices and Feta

June 13, 2012

We use our barbecue on a regular basis and one of the things I like to grill are vegetables.  It’s easy to do, there’s little clean up afterwards and a bit of olive oil and seasoning is all you need to dress up any veggie.  I love how grilled zucchini allows the flavor of the…

Mango, Pineapple and Orange Paletas – A Summer Treat!

June 12, 2012

As a child I remember hot, sticky summers and one of the easiest ways to cool down (besides running through a sprinkler or a swim in the river) was by eating popsicles.  My siblings and I would raid the freezer, sometimes taking an extra one with permission!  When my kids were old enough, I would…

Grilled Asparagus and Steak Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette

June 8, 2012

   I’ve said this before, but I am a salad queen at heart! I must have over 30 recipes I’ve posted on salads alone.  And why not?  They’re easy to throw together, packed with nutritional goodness for a healthy body and a fab way to utilize leftovers.   Hoisin sauce is soy based and regularly used…

Fava Bean Purée

June 6, 2012

I can’t say I’ve ever been a ‘real’ fan of fava beans…it stems from my childhood intense dislike for lima beans.  Whenever mom would place mixed veggies on my plate I seemed to always get all of the lima beans – how could that be I used to ask myself when I had three other…

Strawberry Cupcakes

June 5, 2012

Fresh strawberries always remind me of summer.  As a child I distinctly recall picking wild strawberries in my grandparents’ field…this was not an easy task as it would take forever to pick a pint (wild strawberries are tiny!).  All the whinging that took place was soon placated by strawberry shortcake topped with sweetened whipped cream…

Cold Asparagus Soup

May 30, 2012

This an an easy recipe to follow and is without cream for those who are lactose intolerant.   I enjoy preparing meals that take little effort and taste great.  Asparagus is a nutrient-rich veggie full of vitamins as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits. Serves 4 one large leek, washed and choppedclove of garlic, chopped 4…

Fresh Cherry Relish and Goat Cheese Crostini

May 28, 2012

It’s been a sticky, hot Memorial Day weekend.  Summer officially arrives on the 20th of June but it already feels as though it’s here.   Warmer weather equals relaxed cooking – less time in the kitchen (hopefully) and more time devoted to being outdoors.  This appetizer is super easy to throw together and the flavors will…

Avocado, Fennel and Grapefruit Salad with Grilled Shrimp

May 25, 2012

What to make for dinner on a Friday evening when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen?  A salad!  Salads can be whipped up in no time, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, and you can add whatever you like or whatever is in the fridge that needs to be used before…

Smashed Potato Cakes with Watercress and Mascarpone

May 23, 2012

My husband loves his spuds but I can go a long time without eating one.  Over the years I seemed to have drifted away from this starchy, tuberous crop.  Don’t get me wrong, I love mashed potatoes with gravy from a good roast, french fries, potato chips or when I make gnocchi…I just don’t share…

Seared Scallops with Warm Radicchio and Pancetta

May 21, 2012

Radicchio (rah-DEE-kee-oh) is a garden plant from the north of Italy and is also known as red chicory. It offers a spicy bitterness that can add a bite to dishes when used raw, or that can be tamed through grilling or roasting. Radicchio is a good source of vitamin B and vitamin C, calcium and…