Recipes & Food-Related Ramblings
This was supposed to be a dessert. It was supposed to be a festive and Easter-y treat… but also unleavened to acknowledge the Jewish half of this household. But as you can clearly see, this Bacon and Egg Fried Rice is not a dessert. I mean, unless you have a fairly loose definition of the term “dessert”. Very loose…and weird.
I wanted cassoulet the other day and that is essentially why this pot of Baked White Beans happened. Lately, memorable restaurant meals have been flitting before my eyes. I dream of the agnolotti from my favorite Italian haunt and revisit every slurp of ramen and sip of ice-cold beer I experienced at the izakaya down the street. But mostly, I am haunted by memories of the cassoulet from La Palette on Queen West here in Toronto. And it’s not just the dish itself, it’s the staff, the decor, everything I felt sitting at that handsome bar. But I won’t be sitting at that bar again anytime soon. And I somehow doubt there is Toulouse sausage within walking distance from my house.
I’ve got a quick recipe for you today. And although I say “recipe” it’s really more of a concept. With the holidays approaching, we are all about to be inundated with family members, gifts, and leftovers. I know, leftovers are by far the least glamorous aspect of the holiday season but they are a reality we all have to grapple with. So, allow me to show you how best to grapple with leftover ham – Ham and Kimchi Quesadillas with Pomegranate Guacamole.
I know, I know, one should never mess with an Italian classic. And here I am with a big ol’ bowl of this Green Carbonara just begging you to come at me, bro! Many people consider Italian cuisine to be hallowed ground and, despite all appearances to the contrary, I agree with them. The beauty of Italian food lies in its simplicity. There’s nowhere to hide when your culinary tradition is ingredient-centric. Quality produce takes center stage with a minimal flourish and few enhancements. The restraint is admirable, but apparently, I can’t handle simple elegance.