Ahh… the flavours of the Mediterranean. There is an elemental purity to Mediterranean food which is hard to describe and which can really only be experienced. So elemental is it, that it is a challenge in my experience to fully participate outside of the region itself. You can taste the fire of the sun, the…
Thai Salad with Napa Cabbage
Sweet ♦ Salty ♦ Sour ♦ Spicy ♦ Aromatic Some would define the classic Thai flavours as simply Sweet, Salty, Sour, which they are, but I like to think that it is a quintet that makes for most Thai food, not just a trio. And like any great band, it is harmony of playing together that creates memorable moments….
Maple-Lemon Mint Quinoa with Grilled Zucchini and Dried Cranberries
What do we name our creations? It’s not like naming a newborn where you can easily choose a family member or favourite character in a novel. My ability to choose the right name will determine whether you’re reading this right now or have passed it over, dismissing this as another trendy quinoa recipe. Recipes so…
Caesar Salad with Grilled Hearts of Romaine
Sometimes, certain things get into my head and like a catchy song they just linger and play over and over again. Such is the notion of grilling romaine lettuce, and idea that took root a few months ago when I first saw mention of it … and, if you’re anything like me, you’re colourfully saying…
Vegetarian Tacos with Grilled Zucchini
When four more beautiful, firm yellow zucchini showed up in last week’s CSA share, the challenge was on. What else could I do with them that would not only be delicious but would push my envelop. Inspired by the success of my Grilled Salsa a few weeks ago, I thought, hmm: tacos. I knew from…
Asian Red Plum Salsa
The vegetarian tacos and their sauces were nearing completion. I had already made the Avocado-Chimichurri Sauce and the Black Bean and Corn Salsa. What I wanted now was something with a little sweetness and a bit of a kick … something to complement the Argentine and Mexican flavours I was already combining. And I was…
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
With the promise of vegetarian tacos firmly within my grasp, I knew that the dish was going to need some protein to give it some nourishing “staying power.” What better than black beans? They are my favourite in the legume family — I love their crunch, flavour, and their size. Instead of the doing a…
Coleslaw
Few salads scream fresh and summer as well as the perennial summer favourite, coleslaw. While the ingredients in coleslaw — which are hardy and store well — make this a great year-round salad, there is something truly exceptional about making this supremely creamy version when the ingredients are young, fresh and in season. So when…
Salsa with Grilled Summer Squash and Pineapple
The pattypans in my CSA this week presented another opportunity to really test myself and try something different. I wanted a fresh salsa that would pair well with the blackened tilapia I was making — which meant I wanted something fresh, but not overwhelmingly ‘fruity’ or sweet. I looked at that pattypan (and I think…
Papaya-Mango Lime Salsa
Here’s an amazing fruit salsa that will be sure to put the kick back in your favourite Mexican fare. The papaya and mango work well together but what really brings this dish together is the lime … and the lime skin in particular. I’ve tried just the zest but there is something much more powerful…