Last December I published an article on how to make your own saké on FineDiningLovers.com. Not for the faint of heart DIY-er, the month (or so) long process yielded about 40L of quality rice alcohol. Here's a link to the step-by-step article with accompanying photos of the … [Read more...] about How to Make Saké at Home: My Step-By-Step Article with Sebastien Bureau
Star Wars Ration Boxes
Luke’s savoury ration boxes: kale chips, sweet potato chips, zucchini chips, raisins, currants, dates, toasted almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts. What's a ration box, really? Let's ask the Star Wars wiki: "Food rations...were a transportable form of ready-to-eat food used … [Read more...] about Star Wars Ration Boxes
Misnamed “Womp Rat Stew” (Slow-cooker Spiced Lamb and Spinach) for the 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
I didn't create this recipe for womp rat stew. Womp rats are small creates that Luke talks about bullseyeing growing up on Tatooine. According to the Star Wars Wiki, the dish is sometimes called mystery stew and was served at Jun Seros' diner in Mos Eisley, Tatooine. But I got it … [Read more...] about Misnamed “Womp Rat Stew” (Slow-cooker Spiced Lamb and Spinach) for the 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
Photos from the 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza: Star Wars!
This happened neither a long, long time ago nor in a galaxy far, far away – and thank goodness, because those scallops tasted a whole lot better fresh... Here are all the pictures. Thanks to everyone who made it. Recipes are forthcoming. … [Read more...] about Photos from the 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza: Star Wars!
Riffing on Josée Di Stasio’s Red Lentil Stew
This red lentil stew is inspired by the du Puy lentil version in Josée di Stasio's cookbook À la di Stasio. I swapped in red lentils for the brown, mint for parsley and added red peppers, turmeric and potatoes. Stew is, after all, forgiving. You could also pressure cook it to … [Read more...] about Riffing on Josée Di Stasio’s Red Lentil Stew
The 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
No, the Volk/Watsons aren't all pop culture junkies...some of us (mom) just really, really like Star Wars. Thus the annual family Christmas party coming up next week will be Christmas themed. But don't expect cheap frosted cakes with "Use the Force!" in neon pink icing. Instead, … [Read more...] about The 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
Boozy Adventures and How to Make Homemade Limoncello
Limoncello is liquified Italian sunshine. The best versions are made with thick-skinned lemons from the Amalfi coast. They're sipped – glass by small glass – with memories of the azure coastline and often draw to a close a subjectively perfect meal of anything from simple … [Read more...] about Boozy Adventures and How to Make Homemade Limoncello
Baked Chicken and Rice with Okra…and Changing the World
I still dream about this dish. I have one serving in my freezer and I'm saving it for a special occasion when I'll need healthy comfort, like when the Habs lose game five, or for days worthy of a small celebration, like when Trump is ousted from politics forever (which will be … [Read more...] about Baked Chicken and Rice with Okra…and Changing the World
The Ultimate Vegetarian Chili and Lessons from a Party Hosting Pro
It was 9:30pm and I was eating my third bowl of vegetarian chili. I could have made excuses, like "it was a cold bike ride," or "I have no personal insulation," or "I haven't eaten all day!" But the bike ride had been two hours before and the last one about not having eaten was … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Vegetarian Chili and Lessons from a Party Hosting Pro
Oyster Seafood Paella
Do you suck at shucking oysters? Me too. But there's a trick. Throw them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350˚F and those little hinges release just enough to let you pry them apart with much less effort. They won't open like clams or mussels when cooked, but the upside is they'll … [Read more...] about Oyster Seafood Paella