In the Netherlands, one special Christmas tradition is apparently to make a big cake in the shape of the first letter of the family's last name. That got complicated in my family, where my mom's name is Volk and my father's is Watson. Instead of making two cakes, I figured … [Read more...] about Dutch Letter Cookies and the Family Name
All Recipes
How to Make a Smorgasbord
Gravlax, cheese, cucumber, sweet mustard, pickles, boiled beets, and rye bread - check. Reindeer? Yeah, I couldn't find any of that, but I did find some French Rosette de Lyon sausage that worked alright. And I threw in some Dijon while I was busy being so French. Lutefisk? … [Read more...] about How to Make a Smorgasbord
Homemade Lithuanian Poppy Milk
You've probably heard of almond milk. Probably also rice milk, hemp milk, flaxseed milk and soy milk. And if you frequent "raw" restaurants you probably also know all about brazilnut milk, macadamia nut milk, and maybe even hazelnut, cashew, and pecan. Take any nut, seed, or … [Read more...] about Homemade Lithuanian Poppy Milk
“Rosolli” Pickled Herring Salad
Any time you mix beets into something, the whole dish is going to turn pink. This salad can get pretty ugly... But leave it in layers, and only add the dressing to the fish, and you'll be alright. Heck, it might even be pretty. It's a Finnish dish involving pickles, cooked beets … [Read more...] about “Rosolli” Pickled Herring Salad
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
Super-Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping (Gluten-free, dairy-free)
For any last-minute sweet teeth out there, here's a Christmas-friendly recipe for dessert, lunch, or breakfast. Aw, the miraculous ambiguity (versatility?) of coffee cake... Super-Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping (Gluten-free, dairy-free) It's not low-fat, but … [Read more...] about Super-Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping (Gluten-free, dairy-free)
One-Dish Seafood Bake: Prosecco-Poached Turbot, Mussels and Clams with Herb Vinaigrette
I rarely splurge on halibut. Sure, the texture's nice—it's a firm, white fish—but I usually feel there's just not enough flavour to justify the price tag. Poissonerie Atwater doesn't have the greatest selection of well-priced, quality fish. But fortunately there was turbot in … [Read more...] about One-Dish Seafood Bake: Prosecco-Poached Turbot, Mussels and Clams with Herb Vinaigrette
“Heinz on Crack” Homemade Sweet and Spicy Ketchup for Fine Dining Lovers
My most recent publication is the last of my canning series over at Fine Dining Lovers. In this final installment I break out the big guns: my bestselling "Heinz on Crack," a sweet and spicy tomato ketchup that should not be restricted to hamburgers. Tourtière, shepherd's pie, … [Read more...] about “Heinz on Crack” Homemade Sweet and Spicy Ketchup for Fine Dining Lovers
Sticky Toffee Pudding (Vegan, Made Gluten-free)
I used to work in a restaurant on the top floor of a gorgeous museum with a view of all of St. John's. Everyone reading this from St. John's is smiling right now because they know exactly what I'm talking about. It was a brand new kitchen and the menu was evolving at the … [Read more...] about Sticky Toffee Pudding (Vegan, Made Gluten-free)
At (My New) Home Without Madhur Jaffrey: Spicy Sambhar and South Asian Cuisine from Mangoes and Curry Leaves
I’ve moved a lot. 10 places in 9 years, last I counted. More than 30 roommates. With the good comes the bad. In one I only had a mini fridge and a shoebox of a room, but in another I had enough room for yoga, and a gas stove…which was great until I got asked to leave because the … [Read more...] about At (My New) Home Without Madhur Jaffrey: Spicy Sambhar and South Asian Cuisine from Mangoes and Curry Leaves