Why can you find a recipe only when you're not looking for it? I feel as though I've spent my life avoiding chicken à la Basquaise. I remember that whole slew of recipes to involve olives and paprika and a whole chicken cut up and slow-cooked. Turns out when I go to look for a … [Read more...] about Spanish (Basque-ish) Chicken with Olives
Cooking With Booze
Flambéed Plantains and Figs with Rum and Cinnamon
I met an Australian surfer in Lima at The House Project. He hit the water morning and evening almost every day for the three weeks or so that I knew him. We never really had a conversation until I saw him carrying a bottle of rum and a lighter. That wasn't so unusual, but then I … [Read more...] about Flambéed Plantains and Figs with Rum and Cinnamon
Ancho Chili Pepper and Lime Exotic Fruit Salad (and Margaritas!)
Ancho Chili Pepper and Lime-Spiced Exotic Fruit Salad You're probably thinking, lime and chili and salt on fruit? All I'll say is try it, and then tell me all of Mexico is wrong. Also feel free to use other fruit. Newfoundland is not so exotic. Papaya, cherimoya, star fruit, … [Read more...] about Ancho Chili Pepper and Lime Exotic Fruit Salad (and Margaritas!)
Desserts (Photos and Recipes) from the Christmas Fiesta Volk/Watson Extravaganza: Dairy-free Suspiro de Limena
Suspiro de Limena (The sigh of a woman from Lima - caramel mousse with port and Italian meringue): This recipe comes originally from The Art of Peruvian Cuisine, but it had a few surgeries to get it to its dairy-free version for the Fiest-themed Volk/Watson Christmas … [Read more...] about Desserts (Photos and Recipes) from the Christmas Fiesta Volk/Watson Extravaganza: Dairy-free Suspiro de Limena
The Week of Chilcanos in Lima, Peru
What's a chilcano? It's a Peruvian drink generally made with Pisco (strong booze that wipes the floor with tequila in terms of a hangover), lemon, and ginger ale or sometimes cola or soda, and most places throw in bitters (Note: Peru makes different bitters that we don't get in … [Read more...] about The Week of Chilcanos in Lima, Peru
Bourbon and Maple Syrup-Soaked Japanese Pears (and Peaches)
At the Columbia City Farmers Market in Seattle I met a man selling Japanese cucumbers. Now, I have a friend in Montreal who asked me to grow him Japanese cucumbers once because they're impossible to find there. So when I saw them at the market, I was intrigued. They're less … [Read more...] about Bourbon and Maple Syrup-Soaked Japanese Pears (and Peaches)
Vegan Jello Two Ways: Persimmon and Almond-Honey
When I made my persimmons with Quebec pear dessert wine a few weeks ago I decided to freeze about 2 cups of persimmon pulp for a rainy day. We've had a few of those here in Montreal lately, and so before heading into this week's deep-freeze I thawed them and decided it was time … [Read more...] about Vegan Jello Two Ways: Persimmon and Almond-Honey
My First Video: How to Make Hachiya Persimmons (Kaki) in Pear Ice Wine
Okay, I'm going to warn you now that it's not great. I didn't re-touch the exposure and I forgot to set up good lighting in the first place. But at least I did a lot of editing to cut it down to under 10 minutes. Unfortunately, my camera memory runs out before I actually finish … [Read more...] about My First Video: How to Make Hachiya Persimmons (Kaki) in Pear Ice Wine
Persimmons in Quebec Pear Ice Wine
I need you to buy these from me now! They're incredibly delicious but they're sitting in my fridge and I can't can them safely. Soft, sweet Hachiya (Kaki) persimmon pulp covered in honey syrup and Domaine des Salamandres Pear Ice Wine with lemon juice to bring it all together. … [Read more...] about Persimmons in Quebec Pear Ice Wine
Organic Sour Cherries Preserved in Rum Syrup
These should have been easy, but I over-cooked them, I think, because the skins started coming off like when you blanch tomatoes. So I did a second batch and got it right...again, I think. I also ended up with more cherries than sterilized jars, which is generally a horrible … [Read more...] about Organic Sour Cherries Preserved in Rum Syrup