There are a handful of things that I’ll order any time I see them on a menu. Thankfully those things don’t often compete in the same restaurants. One of those things is duck … a dish that makes my spine relax with the simple promise of a taste. It might therefore sound odd that I’ve…
Archives for December 2013
Pumpkin Pie Latte
A few things about me…. I love my coffee and almost every day starts the same with a latte. I love all things pumpkin and as much as I generally dislike the coffee and commercialization that is all-things “Starbucks,” I do adore the emergence of their pumpkin spice latte every year. But, in some regards,…
“Perfection” (English Pale Ale), Renaissance Brewing Company
After watching Invictus the other night and then scoping out my fridge for what to taste next, the New Zealand trio seemed almost perfect given the how big the All-Blacks rugby team had figured in the film. As bold as Eastwood was to dive into a sacred moment in world history, Renaissance Brewing is equally…
Traditional Tourtière
Some traditions run deep …. A few weeks ago, I broke with French-Canadian tradition and created a vegetarian tourtière and wrapped it in a gluten-free crust that stole the show. While the French-Canadian in the family loves her whole grains and veggies, she isn’t a vegetarian and she couldn’t for the life of her figure…
Sweet Potato Praline Casserole
The holidays have arrived and with that, I hope, more time to get caught up with my blog. My first contribution to the holiday season is a sweet, succulent sweet potato dish that will make believers out of the most ardent doubters who question the rightful place of this tuber on the dinner table. First,…
Morning Frost Light Trees
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Who doesn’t love Lady and Tramp? What kid doesn’t enjoy slurping spaghetti? Who doesn’t love a meatball (spicy or not)? With all due love to vegetarians in my life, I gave you my my almost vegan tourtière — now, this is my chance to indulge the carnivore in me … and the Italian in me which I’m…
Ice Storm Trees
“St-Ambroise Double IPA” (DIPA), McAuslan Brewing
No, you don’t have to whistle the tune associated with Doublemint Gum to enjoy this beer … but I bet you are now, right? If IPAs have been en vogue in beer making for the past decade, then the past few years have seen the emergence of the DIPA (pronounced dee-PA). It seems every week,…
An Untraditional Canadian Christmas: Vegetarian Tourtière
I believe in Christmas and I believe in the power of tradition. For me, the power of Christmas, and the true spirit of it, is beautifully wrapped up in O. Henry’s masterful short-story “The Gift of Magi.” In this story first published more than a century ago, O. Henry beautifully shows the power of giving…