Skip to content

Posts from the ‘Recipes’ Category

Dec 11

Paula’s Apple Pie

 

Yesterday I picked up a 20 pound box of Gala and Fuji apples from Jamie (see this post). The apples are crunchy and juicy and great for eating, but I also plan to use them in this fantastic apple pie recipe sent to me by my friend, Paula. I have tasted it but not yet baked one myself and I can tell you, it is wonderful. Instead of slicing the apples, they are grated, giving the filling a luscious smooth apple consistency. The recipe won Paula first prize (judged by John Bishop) for best apple dessert baked with apples from the bountiful trees of a neighbour who shares her crop this way. Read more

Dec 7

Lamb Burgers with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce

Here’s a spicy and easy casual dinner idea: grilled or pan-fried lamb burgers, with or without a bun. This recipe is adapted from American Masala, by Suvir Saran and Raquel Pelzel. My friend, Rooky, loaned me this book which is full of recipes like this one that combine Indian flavours with American-style favourites. Read more

Nov 29

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

Nov 27

6 Comments

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

Nov 24

1 Comment

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.

Nov 19

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

Nov 17

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?

Nov 12

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

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »