There are a lot of complicated recipes in Chinese cuisine — this is not one of them. This is dirt simple. It's also healthy. And crunchy. And salty. And spicy. It's the perfect side dish in five minutes. For goodness sake, stop thinking so hard. Stir-Fried Asian … [Read more...] about Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Chilies and Soy
Greens & Herbs
Maple Spring Salad with Roasted Chicken and Lemon Potatoes
The name of this salad is maybe only a double entendre to Quebeckers who made it through last year's student protests, aka maple spring. But this is a salad for all — student or not, protester or not. Because food, after all, is a great unifier. And if anything can unify, then … [Read more...] about Maple Spring Salad with Roasted Chicken and Lemon Potatoes
Bean Sprouts with Fried Fish and Chili from “Heavenly Fragrance”
I'm more than a little addicted to this salty, spicy, crunchy side dish. It's simultaneously the perfect bar food and lunch. You hallow-fry fried anchovies or some other small dried fish and then toss them with sautéed garlic, beansprouts, chili and fish sauce. Then serve with … [Read more...] about Bean Sprouts with Fried Fish and Chili from “Heavenly Fragrance”
French Rack of Lamb with Honey-Parsley Marinade, Potato Purée and Pickled Beets
I was a rack of lamb virgin. Embarrassing, right? 28-years-old and I'd never seared an expensive piece of meat with the ribs sticking out like boney fingers. I bet that's not what you think when you order it in a restaurant — bony fingers — but I do. Which is mostly why I didn't … [Read more...] about French Rack of Lamb with Honey-Parsley Marinade, Potato Purée and Pickled Beets
How to Cook Whole Fish: Baked Sustainable Bass Stuffed with Herbs
Make this when you have leftover parsley or white wine. You can do it the mild way (Italian) or the spicy way (Asian). The difference is chili flakes and soy or fish sauce. One note about sustainability: Ask your fishmonger where the fish comes from and how it was caught. If it … [Read more...] about How to Cook Whole Fish: Baked Sustainable Bass Stuffed with Herbs
Calamari and Pomegranate Ceviche Salad
The dressing of this salad tastes sharp and bright like ceviche, but the fennel and pomegranate drag it far from its South and Central American roots. You could add other seafood, like thinly sliced scallops and shrimp if you like. Or if you can find really good quality white … [Read more...] about Calamari and Pomegranate Ceviche Salad
Spiced Orange, Fig and Toasted Sunflower Pilaf
I'm reviewing a new cookbook called The Smart Palate. It was created by the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center at McGill University. It's three authors aim for easy-to-make recipes that are visually appealing and healthy. Healthy in their views means fairly low in … [Read more...] about Spiced Orange, Fig and Toasted Sunflower Pilaf
Healthy Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers with Avocado Dip
There's a slow burn that comes from cooked jalapeno. You bite into a baked or fried whole pepper and there's a mild sweetness of the roasted flesh. Then bitterness hits from the skin and membrane as you chew. And finally, there's the heat. That's what you wait for. It's what … [Read more...] about Healthy Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers with Avocado Dip
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple Pico de Gallo, Sherry and Toasted Pecans
In a party over-loaded with tacos and deliciously sloppy comfort food, this was my favourite dish. It was sweet and comforting, savoury and simple, with being overly heavy. The best part is that it's pretty easy. Sauté some stuff, add some sherry and stuff it into the squash … [Read more...] about Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple Pico de Gallo, Sherry and Toasted Pecans
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds and Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry
When you buy and cook a squash, don't throw out the seeds. Sure, they're sticky and kind of gross, but if you wash them, strain them and toss them with salt, pepper and oil, they bake up to cheap treat perfection. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Seeds of 1 pumpkin or squash 1 tsp olive … [Read more...] about Toasted Pumpkin Seeds and Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry