Have you ever had a sparkling red Italian? A wine, I mean, but some of the same criteria fall to men I've dated, too: questionable ethics, a lack of concern for the environment, excessive sweetness or bitterness, and the tendency to try to present themselves as the kind of … [Read more...] about Lambrusco: Hunting for Quality Among Italian Sparkling Red Wines
Southwestern Tequila Shrimp Skewers and Spicy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Here are another two recipes from Savvy Southwest Cooking. The Gulf of Mexico has some sustainable shrimp options, but make sure you source yours carefully to avoid food colorants, antibiotics, sea lice and other parasites and chemicals. Not to mention the destruction to … [Read more...] about Southwestern Tequila Shrimp Skewers and Spicy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Experimenting with an Instant Pot: Soup Stock and Risotto
Why should you buy an Instant Pot? Don't you already have a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice maker, Dutch oven, skillet and yogurt maker? I do, in fact. But normal people don't. I'm not about to chuck all those things and replace them with this device, but if someone gifted … [Read more...] about Experimenting with an Instant Pot: Soup Stock and Risotto
Monarque: The Old Port Bistro, Restaurant and Bar with a Touch of Léméac
When you're a French restaurant, you don't call your tom yum soup a "tom yum soup." You say "black cod in tom yum broth." That's much better marketing when you're charging $21 for perfectly tender fish, sustainable shrimp, earthy mushrooms, al dente carrots and blanched spinach … [Read more...] about Monarque: The Old Port Bistro, Restaurant and Bar with a Touch of Léméac
So You Want to Buy Private Import Wine?
Have you ever had a bottle of wine at a restaurant that blew your mind? Did you later go to your local liquor store to try to find it, only to be met with blank stares? Or maybe you asked your server where you could get it and received a look of pity? "It's only available in … [Read more...] about So You Want to Buy Private Import Wine?
Duck Fat Oatmeal Cookies (Without the Oatmeal)
I'm a big believer in not wasting things, like the 4 cups of duck fat I ended up with when I roasted two whole ducks recently. I'm also a big believer in not putting junk in my body, which is why I don't stock dairy-free or vegan margarines on a regular basis (I'm lactose … [Read more...] about Duck Fat Oatmeal Cookies (Without the Oatmeal)
Gluten Free Apple Caramel Upside-Down Cake
Pineapples aren't the only fruit that like to be upside-down, suspended in caramel. To be honest, I'm a little jealous. Quebec has Tarte Tatin, but the traditional recipe involves making a caramel first, before baking, which is more work than needed. It can also lead to all … [Read more...] about Gluten Free Apple Caramel Upside-Down Cake
Fennel, Beet and Pistachio Salad with Verjus Vinaigrette
Make a big batch of this dressing and save it for every salad, piece of lettuce, raw vegetable or piece of bread that's screaming to be dipped. Verjus is a sour grape juice that works as a vinegar replacement. If you boil it down, it turns into sweet-and-sour heaven – perfect for … [Read more...] about Fennel, Beet and Pistachio Salad with Verjus Vinaigrette
Chipotle Scallop and Halibut Chowder (dairy-free)
When I was in Tucson, Arizona over Christmas I cooked my way through a handful of recipes in a local cookbook called Savvy Southwest Cooking. The book has a lot of seafood options, despite heralding from a landlocked state. No problem, because Whole Foods and Sprouts both have … [Read more...] about Chipotle Scallop and Halibut Chowder (dairy-free)
A Preview of the 2019 Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert: Locally Made Gluten Free Bread, Soy-Free Tempeh and Vegan Smoothies
What foods am I excited about at next week's Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert? A lot. That's why I had to talk fast this morning on Global Montreal with the lovely Laura Casella. Here's everything I didn't get to say about the companies that were kind enough to give me … [Read more...] about A Preview of the 2019 Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert: Locally Made Gluten Free Bread, Soy-Free Tempeh and Vegan Smoothies