Today I'm featuring a guest post by fellow Montreal blogger Hilary Morden. The great news is that her photos are tons better than mine! So for more, check out her site, Cocoabeanthevegetable.com. She's big into sweets but also big into balancing the sugar frenzy with healthy, … [Read more...] about Guest Post: Ruby Grapefruit and Crystallized Ginger Marmalade
Ethiopian Misr Wot: Lentils with Spiced Butter
Have you ever infused butter before? I'm not talking a simple herb or spice. I'm talking a good 10 or so simmered to curry-like perfect. Then skimmed and sieved and used sparingly because it's precious. Because when you're cooking bland lentils, you need something to make … [Read more...] about Ethiopian Misr Wot: Lentils with Spiced Butter
Whole Roasted Pumpkin with Brown Rice, Barberries, Cranberries and Sorrel
I was inspired to roast a whole stuffed pumpkin while at an orphan Thanksgiving. All us food- and circus-lovers (longer story) without family in Montreal came together for a potluck on a day meant for being with people you love. I knew a grand total of two people at the potluck … [Read more...] about Whole Roasted Pumpkin with Brown Rice, Barberries, Cranberries and Sorrel
The Best Wines of the Season
I written about wine lately, but it's time that changed. I've attended wine salons, drank glasses of exquisite offerings at restaurants and occasionally splurged at the SAQ, though I can't go back to my neighbourhood one any time soon. This has nothing to do with kissing and … [Read more...] about The Best Wines of the Season
Weekly Round-Up of Food Writing: Cocktails, Sichuan Peppercorns and Roasted Grapes
Here's a round-up of the food writing I've done this week: Multiculturiosity: Roasted grapes, cauliflower and red onion—a little bit sweet, a little bit savoury and a whole lot comforting. And a spicy Sichaun bitter melon stir-fry (for June—my friend, not the month. Otherwise I'd … [Read more...] about Weekly Round-Up of Food Writing: Cocktails, Sichuan Peppercorns and Roasted Grapes
Roasted Cauliflower with Red Onions and Grapes
Roasting is highly underrated. There's really nothing like sticking a big tray of vegetables in the oven and letting it brown to soft, chewy, crispy perfection. And it's so easy. Any idiot could do it. Okay, maybe not the kind of idiot who tends to leave the oven on. I had one … [Read more...] about Roasted Cauliflower with Red Onions and Grapes
Spicy Sichuan Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Shrimp
I really thought this was a bitter melon. It started growing in my garden. Actually, it just appeared mysteriously on a vine one morning, after presumably spending at least a couple days hiding under some leafy vines on my trellis. I had planted bitter melon, but I'd also planted … [Read more...] about Spicy Sichuan Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Shrimp
Italian Marinated Eggplant Antipasto in Olive Oil
I gave a canning class today where we made pink grapefruit marmalade and carrot and cauliflower giardiniera. And if you've never heard of giardiniera, you're not alone...and you're not Italian. Italians have some great pickled vegetable recipes, one of the most popular being … [Read more...] about Italian Marinated Eggplant Antipasto in Olive Oil
Harrief: Some Seriously Funky Red Pepper Paste
When you meet a fellow preserver, one thing generally leads to another...and you end up talking about fermented pepper sauces. It's almost inevitable. So when I met the chef of Lapin Pressé, a very cute sandwich shop on Laurier Ave. and he found out I give canning classes, … [Read more...] about Harrief: Some Seriously Funky Red Pepper Paste
Nouveau Malay: Breakfast for Dinner at Nouveau Palais’ Weekly Malaysian Night
He used to have his own restaurant with a cult following. Go there for pad thai and coconut curries, my friend told me. He would come out, ask what you felt like eating, and make you something appropriate. There'd be toasted and ground coriander and cumin, fried shrimp paste and … [Read more...] about Nouveau Malay: Breakfast for Dinner at Nouveau Palais’ Weekly Malaysian Night