Hi Reader, It's pumpkin season! If you love all things pumpkin and pumpkin spice, you're going to love this weekend's recipes. They truly are 'weekend cozy!' π π₯ Hot tip before you dive in: it's super easy to make your own pumpkin spice blend! Here's my recipe β‘οΈ Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend π¦π₯π₯ CANADIAN READERS, NEED SOME LAST-MINUTE THANKSGIVING IDEAS?Check out these 24 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for some stress-free inspiration! Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Creamy pumpkin cheesecake with...
6 days agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, The minute the weather starts to shift, I crave soup. Lunch or dinner, it's exactly what I want on a chilly (or downright frigid) day. These three soups are all hearty, cozy and easy to make. There's a recipe for everyone, with both vegan and vegetarian options in the mix as well! Happy soup slurping!! ππ₯π P.S. I'm including a free holiday menu inspiration guide lower down in this email. I hope it helps make your holiday planning a little easier! β¨ Lentil & Carrot Soup Warm, hearty...
12 days agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, It's the last weekend in August, which means summer tomatoes are at their peak. This week I'm sharing two recipes that let ripe tomatoes shine. Neither requires any cooking, and both come together in under 20 minutes. Pico de Gallo A fresh, chunky salsa that's bright and a little spicy. So much better than anything from a jar. MAKE THIS RECIPE Greek Salad Chunky tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a slab of feta make this one of my favourite salads of all time. MAKE...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, This sour cream peach pie recipe came to me through a brand partnership years ago. It was a peaches-and-cream tart that I was asked to share. The original recipe is long gone (on both my site and the brand's site), but the recipe itself never left my kitchen. Over time, I started adding nutmeg and cinnamon to the custard because the combination reminded me of one of my favourite doughnuts: the old-fashioned sour cream. That warm flavour of the spices pairs so nicely with sweet,...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, Today I'm following up on last week's basil pesto recipe. I wanted to share one of my favourite ways to use it: my pesto pasta salad with feta. I was inspired by a version I had at a cafe in Orillia, Ontario (years ago), and I've been making my own ever since. It's loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, and feta, and it tastes even better the next day, which makes it great for meal prep. The pesto recipe I shared last week makes just enough for this...
3 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, I learned to make pesto in a Northern Italian cooking course I took as part of my Culinary Arts certificate at George Brown College. The instructor mentioned that while pine nuts are traditional, walnuts and cashews work just as well, which turned out to be very useful information. Pine nuts have gotten really expensive over the years. At Costco right now, 1 kg costs $47.99, but walnut pieces from the same brand are only $16 for the same amount. So I adapted my basil pesto recipe...
3 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, Berry season is here, and I have two new salad recipes to share this week. Both feature fresh summer berries and come together quickly as a side dish or a light lunch. ππ« If the idea of fruit in a savoury salad sounds a little odd, don't worry. The berries actually add a nice pop of sweetness that balances out the other flavours really well. Summer Kale Salad This massaged kale salad has fresh blackberries and strawberries, crunchy cashews and sunflower seeds, and a honey Dijon...
3 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, I hope youβve had a wonderful week! We celebrated Canada Day here on Wednesday, and I know many of my readers in the US are heading into a big holiday weekend right now. Whether you are firing up the grill or just settling into a relaxing Friday night, I have the perfect drink to kick back with. To my friends in the US, think of this as an upgraded, deeply savoury cousin to the classic Bloody Mary, made with clam juice! If you have never tried a Canadian Caesar cocktail before, I...
3 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, We are halfway through asparagus season here in Ontario, Canada, which means you still have a few weeks to make the most of it before it disappears from the farmers' markets until next spring. This week I'm sharing two recipes that put it front and centre. Smoked Salmon Crostini with Asparagus A quick and elegant appetizer with crispy crostini, silky smoked salmon, and tender asparagus spears. Ready in 15 minutes. GET THE RECIPE Eggs Benedict with Asparagus A lighter, spring take...
4 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader, I hate to admit it, but I'm not a big fan of lettuce-based salads. Never have been. But a veggie-loaded salad with potatoes? Pass the plate! This week I've freshly updated my Tuna Nicoise Salad recipe, and it's one of my favourite meals to make in the summer. I acknowledge that a traditional Nicoise doesn't include boiled vegetables (and some people feel very strongly about this), but this version follows in the footsteps of cooks like Julia Child, who popularized the addition of...
4 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read