Friday, June 11, 2010

Grilled Ahi Tuna Burgers with Rémoulade and Arugula

I am convinced that someone, somewhere is experiencing some hot, summer-like weather. It may not be me and it may not be here but I still have the faith. If you do happen to be firing up your grill this weekend the following recipe may just come in handy. A nice, fresh twist on a traditional burger which is far quicker and easier to make. Just sear the tuna, that has been seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper on a hot grill (or a sauté pan if you are grill-less) for 2 minutes or so per side. The rémoulade is a cinch to make too and could be done a few hours, or even a day, ahead and chilled. Then all that is left is to decide whether or not to toast the buns and go out to the garden to snip a few leaves of arugula or lettuce. Continue reading →

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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Parmesan and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with Spring Vegetable Ragout

I know I’m not known for my brevity when it comes to these blog posts. Food, for me, is always linked to a person or a place, an event or a story (often longwinded).  But today, I am going to get to the point. I have a couple of upcoming recipes (and stories) to share that are rooted in summer which, I firmly believe, is right around the corner.

I have a great Ahi tuna burger recipe that will be perfect for this weekend, when it is time to fire up the grill, and a fantastic wine pairing to go with it. Continue reading →

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Thursday, June 3, 2010

Two-Bite Lemon Cheesecakes with Blueberries

Last Sunday was the final bake sale of the year at Max’s school and I was in desperate need of some inspiration. I had a few old standbys up my sleeve but really wanted to make something brand new.  Something unexpected. Something that would be bake-sale appropriate, relatively easy to eat out of hand, but not a cupcake or a rice crispy square or a chocolate chip cookie. Continue reading →

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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Lemony Risotto with Seared Sea Scallops and Truffle Oil

I love risotto. It is a dish that can be enjoyed in any season and is the perfect blank canvas to layer flavours onto, or use up leftovers lurking in the fridge. It can be elegant or rustic. It can be served as an hors d’oeuvre, first course or as a main.

We teach this very simple recipe at a lot of the cooking classes and I’m always surprised by the number of people who are really intimidated to make risotto at home. Lots of people truly believe it is a tricky dish to make, best left to the experts. Funny thing, risotto in Italy is often made by busy cooks at home because it is so easy and quick to make. Once the rice hits the pan it is a mere 20 to 25 minutes until it is ready to be served. And no matter whether you are going to dress it up (with scallops and truffle oil) or down (just lemon and Parmesan) the technique is absolutely straightforward. Continue reading →

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Rhubarb Cardamom Breakfast Muffins

Muffins. Generally, I am not a big fan. I have visions of the massive, softball size muffins I ate during university that were cheap, doughy, and sticky on the top. One friend used to eat one massive chocolate chip muffin for breakfast that would fill her up until dinner time. Perhaps not the best nutritional choice…

My friend Rolti calls muffins “cake in disguise” and I know just what she means. Store bought muffins are so often overly sweet with sticky, clammy tops. Dessert masquerading as breakfast. But with another opportunity to bake for Max’s school, this time for Sports Day Morning Bake Sale, I thought that I might revisit muffins and see if I could tweak some old recipes and make something that was seasonal, somewhat healthy and delicious. Continue reading →

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Arugula, Roasted Asparagus and Pea Shoot Salad with Croutons and Parmesan

Just easing back into the world of bread and cheese and all those other good things I’ve been missing. So in the spirit of my new found sense of moderation (don’t worry, it will only last a week or so) I decided to take a favourite salad, spring bread salad, and give it a bit of a makeover. Instead of it being mostly bread with some greens tossed in for colour I switched it up and reversed the ratios. Lighter, but still delicious. Continue reading →

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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Spring Minestrone with Brown Rice

I am officially more than half way through the cleanse (hooray!) and wanted to share a recipe that was a standout from this past week. I promised a brown rice recipe and here it is! Now, I know that for a lot of people (my husband included) the thought of eating a bowl of brown rice with broth and vegetables is hardly something to jump up and down about but… please don’t dismiss this recipe out of hand. This is the type of dish that epitomizes simple, with just a few ingredients, but somehow transcends it’s own simplicity to become something wonderful and delicious, that also happens to be healthy. This will be a springtime mainstay for me regardless of any dietary restrictions… Continue reading →

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Penne with Roasted Asparagus, Lemon and Pine Nuts

So, I am doing a 12 day detox cleanse. Not that crazy one where all you drink is lemon water with maple syrup and cayenne pepper. I tried that one once but after an hour became so depressed by the thought of no food for 2 weeks I started eating again.

The cleanse that I’m doing is far more sensible in my opinion. You take a few herbal supplements and drink lots of water and eat when you are hungry. You just can’t eat anything processed. Or any wheat. Or any type of flour. Or sugar or dairy (except for butter). Or anything fermented. Or any tropical fruits. No wine or any other alcohol.  So what does that leave? A whole lot of brown rice, vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains and as many almonds as you can eat. Continue reading →

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