Bún chả Lettuce Cups with Mung Bean Noodles

Bun Cha Lettuce Cups with Mung Bean Noodles

This week it got well and truly cold in Toronto. Layers and lots of them have been my priority all week long. But when I wasn’t willing my jeans to close over my second pair of long johns, I was thinking about places that are not here. Places where there’s no need for parkas, where flowers are in bloom 365 days a year, places where you can contemplate eating something other than chili night after night. Something like these Bún chả Lettuce Cups with their light, crisp texture and simultaneously rich and refreshing flavors. I’ll admit posting these beauties in the midst of winter isn’t the best idea I’ve ever had. But hey! There’s nothing wrong with a little culinary escapism. So crank the heat, swap your snow pants for something fluorescent, and crack a beer. We’re going to pretend we’re anywhere but here.

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Breakfast Polenta Stacks with Rosemary White Beans

Breakfast Polenta Stacks with Rosemary White Beans

Today’s Breakfast Polenta Stacks have all the appearance of a hangover cure. They’ve got cheese, fried eggs with deliciously frizzled edges and shatteringly crisp bacon. Oh! And beans, can’t forget them. Beans are central to the recovery process thanks to their powers of absorption and general bulk. But I did not serve these Breakfast Polenta Stacks as a Sunday brunch alongside hair-of-the-dog. I ate these bad boys for Friday night dinner whilst in the process of getting drunk and, man, did it feel spectacularly good…Please drink responsibly.

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Thai Beef Salad with Cara Cara Oranges & Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Thai Beef Salad with Cara Cara Oranges and Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Listen, I get it, the Internet needs another Thai Beef Salad recipe like I need another labneh post, but I don’t care, it’s just the rebel in me. I wanted to share this recipe with you because I love it deeply, passionately, obsessively. Also, it’s kind of healthy and there’s still a lot of January to get through and, let’s face it, I ’m not swimming in healthy recipe ideas. My brain is generally awash with fried chicken and the like. So, although you don’t need it, although you didn’t ask for it, I’m going to give you MY recipe for Thai Beef Salad and you’re going to sit there and take it…or just click away. Don’t click away. 

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Honey Cardamom Labneh with Clementine Curd

Honey Cardamom Labneh with Clementine Curd

Labneh has made its fair share of appearances on this blog. Here it is getting friendly with some falafel and here it is curling up in some tortellini. But in each instance, the labneh has been left to thrive in all its natural savory glory. So, out of fear of becoming repetitive, I’ve decided to put a sweet spin on it and today’s Honey Cardamom Labneh is the result. Consider this to be my one and only January-friendly dessert offering. Healthy desserts that don’t leave you wanting are not my forte. Now, sugary debaucherous affairs? That’s where my true talents lie.

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