How does anyone resist the temptation to eat a beautifully presented cupcake? Susie’s Shortbreads is a specialty cookie and cupcake shop in Halifax, NS. My family recently moved to Halifax and I was very pleased to have found this shop. A boutique bakery in a fun malt shop atmosphere where everything is baked fresh daily…

My husband introduced me to this dip a long time ago and my first impression was that I wanted more! So when we were in Greece last month, I had to have my fill of taramasalata! Don’t be put off by the ingredients or its color. An explosion of flavors marks this exquisite appetizer. Surprisingly…

I love roast vegetables any time of the year! An easy dish to whip up and ready to serve in half an hour. Halloumi or haloumi is a Traditional Cypriot cheese and is now made the world over. It is made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep milk, although some haloumi may also contain…

Watermelon is a summer favorite of mine. Not only is it a thirst-quencher, watermelon may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A. Serves 2Printable Recipe watermelon, chopped into bite…

I like to think I’m a bit adventuresome when it comes to trying different food and living in Asia for 11 years certainly has presented some interesting things to eat. However, I’ve never tried a persimmon until now. I am happy to report that this refreshing fruit is sweet and tastes like a cross between…

You know when you browse through a cookbook or food magazine and say, hey, this is something I have to make? Well, this dish caught my eye and I was hooked! Another recipe from Jamie Oliver’s new magazine. Did you know that researchers have identified at least 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function…

Having just returned from a glorious 10 day cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean (which included 4 ports in Greece), this recipe seems to be so appropriate for a couple of reasons. One, I just discovered Jamie Oliver (my all time favorite chef) has a new magazine out called, ‘Jamie Magazine’. I’ve been a Jamie fan…

Summer time……..a two week vacation for The Culinary Chase! Cheers!

Panzanella is a bread salad popular in the summer months. This Italian dish originated in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Lazio. It is quick to make, requires no cooking (unless adding boiled eggs), and is the perfect thing to enjoy on a hot summer day, especially at a picnic. The beauty of panzanella…

A meal ready to serve within 25 minutes! Pancetta (sometimes referred to as Italian bacon) is a type of dry cured meat. It is pork belly that has been salt cured and spiced (nutmeg, pepper, fennel, dried ground hot peppers and garlic are often featured), and dried for about three months (but usually not smoked).…

What a lovely appetizer to show off to your family and friends! Radicchio is a garden plant from the north of Italy and is also known as red Treviso or 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…

A beautiful way to enjoy fennel and fish. Fennel is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb with culinary and medicinal uses. Fennel is crunchy and slightly sweet, adding a refreshing contribution to the ever popular Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also a good source of fiber, folate, and potassium. Hiramasa kingfish has a delicate texture that is…