I never seem to make Pad Thai the same way twice. Sometimes I'm feeling all traditional and I keep it dry and mild, and other times I'm craving that sweet-and-sour tomato saucy, spicy mess you get at most Thai takeaways. But there are some constants, whatever way I do it. It has … [Read more...] about Sustainable Shrimp and Chicken Pad Thai and the Elements of Thai Flavour Balancing
Mazamorra Morada – Purple Corn and Pineapple Pudding
This one is a little tough to make in North America, what with our lack of purple Peruvian corn. In Peru, however, it's one almost every restaurant's dessert menu. It's a thick pudding made from boiled down corn and pineapple husks with tons of dried and fresh fruit, sugar, and … [Read more...] about Mazamorra Morada – Purple Corn and Pineapple Pudding
In a Country Without Pennies What Happens to the Penny Pinchers? (Plus “Thrifty savoury pineapple bread”.)
Canada really pulled the rug out from under me this time. I go away for two months and when I come back suddenly we're not using pennies anymore. They up and decided that pennies won't be a valid form of currency and if you don't want to hold on to your now worthless pieces of … [Read more...] about In a Country Without Pennies What Happens to the Penny Pinchers? (Plus “Thrifty savoury pineapple bread”.)
Walls of Watermelon, Aisles of Potatoes, Bushels of Chili Peppers and a Lifetime Supply of Mangoes in Lima, Peru
I've been putting off writing this, because every time I look at the photos of this market in the north part of the city of Lima I want to cry. Editing them was very difficult for me. I see mangoes and I can taste their juices. I see heaping piles of dark purple yams and I … [Read more...] about Walls of Watermelon, Aisles of Potatoes, Bushels of Chili Peppers and a Lifetime Supply of Mangoes in Lima, Peru
Natto and Lime-Sauced Sole Sashimi at Izakaya Restaurant, Lima, Peru
I don't think I've ever seen sashimi served with a lime dipping sauce before in North America. In Lima, though, this is a non-spicy variation of tiradito, which is essentially ceviche smothered in a lime-based puréed chili pepper sauce. In this Izakaya restaurant (small plates, … [Read more...] about Natto and Lime-Sauced Sole Sashimi at Izakaya Restaurant, Lima, Peru
Interview with Chef Henry of El Almazen Organic Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Almazen is the only organic vegetarian restaurant in Lima, Peru. It's been open for four years, and is run by Henry Vera and his wife, Mariella Matos. But it's really a 30-year old project in the making. Henry is the kind of chef that leaves his kitchen to walk individual diners … [Read more...] about Interview with Chef Henry of El Almazen Organic Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Warm Carrot, Orange and Endive Salad with Toasted Coriander
This is a simple salad that looks awfully fancy. Taking the extra few minutes to toast and grind the coriander seeds is the secret to being a fake gourmet. And if you're going to grind the coriander seeds you may as well grind the black peppercorns while you're at it. Can't find … [Read more...] about Warm Carrot, Orange and Endive Salad with Toasted Coriander
Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Mixed Bean Chili with Parsnips, Carrots and Eggplant
This is the ultimate quick-fix meal. It takes forever to cook (either stove top or slow-cooker) if you use dried beans (and you should), but it's simple because you just toss in whatever vegetables you have (almost) and lots of dried spices. It's very economical, it's fresh, and … [Read more...] about Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Mixed Bean Chili with Parsnips, Carrots and Eggplant
Red Lentil Dal with Broccoli, Peppers and Toasted Coconut, and Comfort Food for Snowy Winters
I keep seeing cockroaches. In the street, on the metro...They're not really there, but it always takes an extra second after my head has remarked, "Oh, a cockroach," for it to subsequently think, "No it's not. I'm not in Lima anymore." That's not to say there aren't cockroaches … [Read more...] about Red Lentil Dal with Broccoli, Peppers and Toasted Coconut, and Comfort Food for Snowy Winters
Curich Cremolada in Lima, Peru
I hung out with a friend down by the Malecon in Lima one day. That's the seaside boardwalk overlooking the Pacific. It felt a lot like being in Montreal, but with a dramatic ocean view. Okay, so maybe it felt more like being in St. John's, NL, but, you know, hot... Hot enough … [Read more...] about Curich Cremolada in Lima, Peru