Me: "Do you have ground lamb?" Friendly Guy at Boucherie de Tours: "Sure." Me: Turkey? FGBT: "Breast or thigh?" Me, realizing they grind everything to order and appreciating that the butcher even cares to ask when most ground meat is a mix of whatever fatty bits are left … [Read more...] about Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs (The Easy Way and the Complicated Way)
Meat
Seared Duck Breast with Orange and Star Anise
Don't be intimidated by duck breast. All it needs is a good spice rub and a quick sear followed by a little rest from the exertion and you've got yourself a restaurant-quality meal for half the price. The orange and star anise sauce is just the icing on the cake. And sure, duck … [Read more...] about Seared Duck Breast with Orange and Star Anise
Slow-Roasted Champagne and Maple Barbecue Ribs
I almost never eat pork. I don't even remember the last time I ate ribs. But I got a rib craving - something to do with the sunshine and the thought of barbecues, parks and checkered picnic tablecloths (do those even exist??) - and then I saw Nagano pork ribs for a good price at … [Read more...] about Slow-Roasted Champagne and Maple Barbecue Ribs
Bison (or Lamb) Tajine with Sweet Potatoes and Apricots (Not Dates)
What was I thinking, using Chinese dates? I needed apricots! There has to be some sour to the sweet. Any idiot knows that? So said Two Michelin Star chef Nenad Mlinarevic in our interview last week. Well, not in those exact words... The point is, don't use dates here. I forgot … [Read more...] about Bison (or Lamb) Tajine with Sweet Potatoes and Apricots (Not Dates)
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
I’m Back! With Chipotle Beef Tacos and Salsa Verde
Didn't notice I'd gone? Well, good. My site has been on the fritz for the past few weeks, but hopefully now it's all back to normal. That's basically how I feel about winter. It's a little freak-out period when temperatures plummet along with moods, but then everything goes back … [Read more...] about I’m Back! With Chipotle Beef Tacos and Salsa Verde
7th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza: The Pictures
My family's annual Christmas party happened yesterday. As usual, it was ridiculous: There were the beef tacos. And the chicken tacos. And the shredded chicken with Mexican rice, black beans and aioli crema. Since the party was tex-mex themed, there was a table with … [Read more...] about 7th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza: The Pictures
Slow-Cooker Lamb Shanks with Sweet Shallots, Sherry vinegar and Dijon
I guess I'm kind of all-or-nothing when it comes to lamb. I wanted some slow-cooked, tender, red meat. I've been awfully tired lately and spinach wasn't cutting it, sadly. (If I could eat just that spinach from the Concordia Farm School every day, I might not need lamb or chicken … [Read more...] about Slow-Cooker Lamb Shanks with Sweet Shallots, Sherry vinegar and Dijon
Karelian Pasties: Savoury Finnish Pastries with Creamy Rice Custard Filling
I didn't know a Finnish person was coming to the annual Christmas party! I made these Finnish pastries, pinching the edges as I rolled the dough over the cooled rice and egg filling, thinking that no one would mind if they were ugly and bland. I didn't expect someone to walk into … [Read more...] about Karelian Pasties: Savoury Finnish Pastries with Creamy Rice Custard Filling
Slow-Cooker Sherry-Braised Beef with Tomatoes and Eggplant
This is the ultimate comfort food. Though I don't eat a lot of beef, I decided it was time for some red meat. I headed to the organic place in Atwater Market and asked what a good cut would be for braising. The woman gave me this. I don't remember what she said it was; it wasn't … [Read more...] about Slow-Cooker Sherry-Braised Beef with Tomatoes and Eggplant