I've been pruning my basil plants. That means pinching off the little suckers (that's actually the name of the new leaves that try to come along where big leaves are already trying to grow. You pinch them off to encourage large leaf growth) and the flowers (same justification). … [Read more...] about Arugula: My Garden’s First Bountiful, Nibbled-On Harvest (plus lots of recipes)
Andalusian Green Grape and Almond Gazpacho: A taste of summer
A little while ago a friend of mine sprained his wrist falling off his bike after hitting a pothole on a poorly-maintained Montreal street. This significantly impaired his ability to chop vegetables, open packages, and wash dishes, resulting in a slew of lackluster - and … [Read more...] about Andalusian Green Grape and Almond Gazpacho: A taste of summer
Vegan Comfort: Brown Rice Pilaf with Fava Beans, Sauerkraut and Seaweed
I have a feeling this might be macrobiotic in addition to vegan, but I confess to not knowing for sure and I don't want to make any false claims. Still, it was warm, soft, and savoury, full of nutrients and deep, earthy umami flavours. Did I also mention it was simple? And a … [Read more...] about Vegan Comfort: Brown Rice Pilaf with Fava Beans, Sauerkraut and Seaweed
Summer Nights Sweet-and-Sour Chipotle Slow-Cooker Chili
There are two schools of thought on chili: 1. It's a winter-only food, meant for heating you up from the inside out 2. It's a year-round food, meant for heating you up in winter and cooling you down with mind-numbing and shiver-inducing sweating in summer. I fall into the … [Read more...] about Summer Nights Sweet-and-Sour Chipotle Slow-Cooker Chili
Restaurant Mais: Mexican-inspired fare in the Mile End
Conveniently located in Mile End where everyone wants a fairly priced meal in a relaxed but sleekly-decorated location, Restaurant Mais has its vintage and cocktail-loving clientele cornered. The spot is tiny, doesn't take reservations, and has an open kitchen. Hipster-friendly? … [Read more...] about Restaurant Mais: Mexican-inspired fare in the Mile End
Candied Pecan and Arugula Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/3 cup pecan pieces 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave 1/8 tsp salt 6 cups arugula, washed 1 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp blueberry balsamic vinegar (or regular aged balsamic or other flavoured balsamic. If you use regular un-aged balsamic reduce the quantity to 2 … [Read more...] about Candied Pecan and Arugula Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Garden Update: My First Garden, Part 2
Here's the long-awaited update on my first garden. I'm sure you anxious to know if I'd killed everything yet. So far, nothing has died, per se. My tomatoes are looking awfully sad after their transplant into the soil at the far end of the plot. And the sorrel (closest to you in … [Read more...] about Garden Update: My First Garden, Part 2
Midnight Poutine Podcast in the Montreal Gazette
Steve Faguy of The Montreal Gazette and Montreal blog, Fagstein, wrote an article on our 300th podcast over at Midnight Poutine. He came in studio for our 299th episode to see how all the magic happens. The photo doesn't even make it look like we record in a veritable closet, so … [Read more...] about Midnight Poutine Podcast in the Montreal Gazette
Deconstructed Banana Cream Pie: Layered Vanilla-Almond Custard with Banana Ice Cream and Meringue
You can also make these in individual mason jars for a dinner party, or in one large casserole dish. Either way, you'll need: 1 recipe vanilla-almond custard 2 fresh bananas, sliced 1 recipe banana ice cream 1 recipe meringue Vanilla-Almond Custard 6 tbsp sugar or mild honey … [Read more...] about Deconstructed Banana Cream Pie: Layered Vanilla-Almond Custard with Banana Ice Cream and Meringue
Gluten-free Pasta Puttanesca with White Wine, Artichokes, Capers and Olives
I don't eat a lot of pasta, but when I do it's a real guilty pleasure. Not that I'm doing the traditional dairy-heavy, rich, creamy sauces that would make it something requiring the adjective "guilty," and I don't even use a cup of olive oil. But it's a comfort food and it's a … [Read more...] about Gluten-free Pasta Puttanesca with White Wine, Artichokes, Capers and Olives