By JAN MAIN Get a head start on the holiday season by baking now. The colder days of November are perfect for “stirring up” your favourite recipes with friends and family, or try these tried and true favourites of mine. It is a fun activity, especially done with a friend or grandchild. Baking freezes well, […]
By JAN MAIN Pulse is a gem of a restaurant at 821 Gerrard St. E. (just east of Carlaw Avenue on the south side). As the name suggests, the restaurant features pulses (dried beans such as a lentil, split pea, chick peas—a source of protein, vitamin A and B and minerals, calcium and phosphorous) on […]
By JAN MAIN September is a spectacular time for cooks — especially this year! The ample rainfall and sunshine have produced fabulous crops: tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, new potatoes cauliflower, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, lettuces, herbs of all sorts. And that is just the start. As the month progresses, there will be later varieties of […]
By JAN MAIN Ah picnics! A vision of lounging on grass beneath spreading branches with an enticing basket of food comes to mind. A picnic can be as simple as a peanut butter sandwich or fresh baguette with cheese, pate and pickles (and of course, a bottle of wine). The food can be your heart’s […]
By JAN MAIN Celebrate summer with a variety of lively flavours and colours of just picked asparagus and strawberries. As the season progresses, feel free to substitute the best fruit and vegetables of your preferences: beans, zucchini, baby carrots, tomatoes, peaches, plums and pears…. Tips: Before cooking asparagus, break off the tough stems and save […]
By JAN MAIN It has been a long time since I have been in touch with you. I believe March was the last time. I spent the interim time in hospital being treated for a virus. When I got home on May 13 (in time to celebrate Mother’s Day.Hurrah!), the birdsong, flowers and bright green […]
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 […]
