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
Are There Too Many Restaurants in Montreal?
This week I joined a roundtable discussion on Citylife, a show on MAtv, about whether or not Montreal has too many restaurants. How can restaurants be successful? Is there a shortage of workers? How do you pick a good restaurant? And what can you expect for your money? Reporter … [Read more...] about Are There Too Many Restaurants in Montreal?
Chana Masala from “My Indian Kitchen”
There are three tricks to making delicious Indian food: Don't use canned beans or lentils thinking they will taste as good as fresh Don't use pre-ground spices they will taste as good as freshly toasted and ground whole spices Follow the freaking recipe! At least the first … [Read more...] about Chana Masala from “My Indian Kitchen”
Swordfish with Sunflower, Currants and Capers
If you're trying to eat a little healthier, this recipe adapted from Bonnie Stern's The Best of HeartSmart Cooking is for you. Nine grams of fat per serving, 204 calories, 400 mg of potassium and 23 grams of protein mean you'll feel satisfied without the heavy feeling or the … [Read more...] about Swordfish with Sunflower, Currants and Capers
The Best Thing I Drank at the Sparkling Wine Salon…Was Cognac
Sparkling wines from around the world (mostly Europe) was this year's theme at La Grande Dégustation, Montreal's largest wine salon that takes over the Palais des Congrès in early November. The other two themes (because one should never lack for themes) were Grenache and … [Read more...] about The Best Thing I Drank at the Sparkling Wine Salon…Was Cognac