Life is filled not only with sweetness, but the tartness of it can also surprise … and reward. The Back Story: I know my most recent CSA Mystery was a tough one and even you had a chance to see the plant growing, I’m sure it didn’t make it any easier to identify. If you…
Macaroni and Six-Cheeses … with pancetta crumble
If there was a food equivalent of original sin, I think I’ve discovered it. Long have I had the notion of creating a gourmet version of a childhood comfort food so many of us grew up on … create something very very adult. The inspiration for this comes from watching Gordon Ramsay several years ago challenge his…
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…
Fettuccine Carbonara with Sweet Peas
The sweet peas that arrived in my CSA share this past week have been screaming “do something different with us.” And really, who’s to argue with talking veggies? For some reason pasta came into my head and when I added the bacon and then the lemon zest in my brain, I had arrived at the…
Salmon Carbonara with Asparagus (Pasta)
The weather in Ottawa the past few months — indeed, dating back to last fall — has been akin to some kid flicking the weather “light switch” on and off repeatedly. On Monday, many people here still needed their furnaces — and a few days later summer suddenly has arrived and we are under a…
Rösti-Potato Quiche with Caramelized Leeks
If you’ve had potato pancakes (or some version thereof), love fondu, and think the inventors of raclette should simplify things by getting rid of a kitchen applicance you use once every two years, I’ve got good news for you in this recipe. And, yes, this was my eclectic inspiration for this recipe — that and…