By JAN MAIN You may not be able to take a flight to Mexico for the March Break, however, one can certainly celebrate Mexican hospitality at the Canadian table. Take a quick trip to Mexico with the evocative flavours of the country: Avocado, lime, cilantro (also called coriander) chilies of all sorts, smoked, hot, mild […]
By JAN MAIN Valentine’s Day comes as a welcome sparkle in the middle of the coldest month of winter. It’s a chance to say, “Let’s celebrate!” This year, try a 1960s favourite – fondue. Everyone participates to make their dinner which results in comradery and good eating. There are two fondues, a main course cheese […]
By JAN MAIN The news is full of depressing information of rising grocery costs, as if we need to be reminded. Each shopping trip is a surprise. Each grocery bill reflects ever increasing costs. With that in mind, I turned to “experts” in keeping costs down, my grandmother Ada Cargill, a product of the depression […]
By JAN MAIN Who wants to be in the kitchen on Christmas Day? Most of us want to enjoy this special celebration, stress free relaxing by the tree. Make the most of the following suggestions, plan what needs to be done in advance and simplify. You too can enjoy the festivities and have Christmas all […]
By JAN MAIN As I looked at the basket of perfect apples, blemish free and enticing, it brought back memories of the orchard at my parent’s home near Caledon East. In the past, they had a scenic apple orchard in the front of the property laden with blossom in early spring and covered with apples […]
By JAN MAIN September brings to mind two things: going back to school (packing lunches) and farmer’s markets (our harvest) Of course, for me, both of these are associated with food. Let’s talk about the first – packing lunches. Gone are the carefree summer days when you can slice a fat home grown tomato, put […]
By JAN MAIN August is the month for peaches. An annual pleasure, peaches can be enjoyed in crisps, pies, cakes and for longer pleasure, canned in glass jars for a winter treat bringing back summer memories of their luscious flavour. Peaches do not freeze well but preserve with quality by canning in a simple syrup […]
By JAN MAIN The best recipes come with a guarantee from friends that they are their favourites. Better still, if you have a chance to taste them for yourself, you know they will work for taste and preparation. At a recent potluck of my Beach Book Club, I “recipe wrestled” for these as summer recipes […]
By JAN MAIN “The day that I pick strawberries, we have strawberry shortcake for supper!” These were the words I heard as I bent picking the first berries of the season at my favourite strawberry farm, Whittamores. (Long gone, alas, now a subdivision!) Yes, those fresh picked strawberries are worthy of a dinner in their […]
By JAN MAIN June is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It is also a perfect time for the barbecue. Make the most of early summer days with recipes designed for outdoor dining. Tips for the Barbecue: • Check the barbecue grill to make sure it is clean and ready to use. […]
