Turkey Meatball and Pasta Soup
Here’s a warm idea for dinner in a bowl on a winter night…hot broth, vegetables, juicy meatballs and pasta. Add a baguette, and there you have it. Read more
Archive for
Nov 29
Yogurt Pancakes with Blueberries
I’m thinking about making these little gems on this rainy morning. They’re easy to put together and you might even feel virtuous eating them…mostly yogurt and fruit, after all. I found this recipe a long time ago in an early cookbook of Bonnie Stern’s, but have tweaked it a few times since. Read more
Fuji Apple and Chanterelle Salad
A lovely respite in the middle of the day today: lunch at Sage Bistro at UBC. I have never combined apples and mushrooms before, but it worked well and this is how it looked:
Mushrooms were warm, apples cold and fresh, light vinaigrette, garnished with shaved parmesan and chives. We indulged in frites with pepper aioli and were well fortified to face the wind and rain of the afternoon.
Peruvian Lime Chicken
If you’re wondering what to get ready today for Sunday night dinner, here’s an idea. Blend the marinade today, smear it all over the chicken and put it in a zip-lock bag to soak up all of the deep garlic and lime flavours before roasting it tomorrow. Then go vote! Read more
For Art and Apple Afficionados
Our friend, the well-known artist Jamie Evrard, is having an exhibition of her recent work at the Bau-Xi Gallery, starting this Saturday and running until December 1st. Please see the invitation below.
Jamie is also selling her famous just-picked-last-week apples from Naramata, on Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th from her home in the Douglas Park area. There will be 20 lb. boxes of mixed organic Fujis and Galas for just $25.00/box. She says that the apples will stay fresh for months in a cold place, but in my past experience, they don’t last that long! You can place your order via email to Jamie at: jevrard@shaw.ca
I’ll post some apple recipes when I’m cooking mine!
The Pleasures of a French Baguette: So Simple, So Perfect
My friend, Kathleen, is immersing herself for a month in French language and culture in the south of France. I have long admired her way of diving into experiences, pushing herself to learn new things and getting the most out of every minute.
Here is her story:
Diane, this does not qualify at all as a “recipe” but I wanted to send you something from my “aventure Français” here in Villefranche. Of course it’s customary to stop in to the boulangerie on the way home from class for a fresh baguette — but one person can’t eat the whole thing while it’s still fresh. So, my landlady has supplied a sort of grill pan that is exactly the same as the toaster we use over the campfire at the ranch. She gave me a small tin of beautiful local olive oil and a carton of fleur de sel from the Camargue. I toast a few slices of the not-so-fresh baguette over the gas flame, drizzle it with the olive oil and sprinkle with the fleur de sel. So simple, and so perfect. All that’s left is to pour myself an apéritif, and settle down on my little balcony to watch life unfold in the village at my feet, with small boats bobbing on the blue, blue Mediterranean below. Can this be real?
Wine-Braised Salmon with Bacon and Mushrooms
Here is another Molly Stevens‘ inspired recipe. I have made some adjustments and the recipe here serves 2 people. The braising technique works very well with salmon, keeping it moist and injecting robust flavour into the fish. A perfect November in Vancouver dish! Read more
Mackie’s Squash Dilemma
My friend, Mackie, is a natural cook, with the ability to put together whatever ingredients happen to be on hand, instinctively and without a recipe. Yesterday, knowing how I am welcoming reader ideas to this site, she was describing her squash dilemma to me in her off-hand and humorous way and I persuaded her to share it here. So, here is Mackie’s story and recipe, and a photograph of an array of squashes from the 2-acre permaculture garden of her son, Eli, and his partner, Christy, who live near Bellingham. More on Eli and Christy’s creative enterprise below. Read more
I can’t remember a time when food was not an important part of my day. From an early age, I observed and participated in the kitchens of my mother and two grandmothers. 
Nourishing Vancouver 