Rhubarb and Cod

Smoked Duck Split Pea Soup with Swiss Chard

March 25, 2024 No Comments

Spring is here at long last, so why doesn’t it feel like it? Well, it could be in full swing where you are, but here in Canada we recently shoveled our way out of a snowstorm. I wish I could say this was a freak incident. It is not. If you grew up in Canada, you’ve had your heart broken by a late March blizzard. You’ve probably also been burned by the ever-charming April version as well. So if spring snow is par for the course for us hearty canucks, we should be fine with it, right?! No. We’re grumpy and impatient as all hell, or at least I am. The only upside I see to this bonus winter is the opportunity to squeeze a few more comfort foods into the season. Dishes like today’s Smoked Duck Split Pea Soup.

Eggs, Pork, Salads

Guanciale Chickpea Salad with Preserved Lemon Dressing

March 20, 2024 No Comments

Guanciale Chickpea Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

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This Guanciale Chickpea Salad is a play on an Italian Antipasto Salad. It features crisp gem lettuce, olives, sliced red grapes, pickled shallots, torn fresh mozzarella, and chickpeas tossed in a preserved lemon vinaigrette and topped with seared slabs of guanciale and hard-boiled eggs. This salad may seem a little disjointed and it certainly does have a lot going on. But I think you will find that each forkful makes a certain sense. This dish hits all the notes: salty, sweet, savory, sour, tart, and meaty. No two bites are the same. And while this dish has a lot of moving parts, it is a cinque to make. This salad isn’t a side or a starter, it’s definitely a main course.

Beef, Pasta

Salisbury Meatball Orzo Skillet

March 15, 2024 2 Comments

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Spring may be on the horizon but it’s not quite on our doorstep. So I’m still in comfort mode. And today’s Salisbury Meatball Orzo Skillet is my current favorite cozy indulgence. This recipe borrows its flavors from the American diner and TV dinner classic- Salisbury Steak. A meal that has been beloved by many for over a hundred years. Today, we’re going to take the storied steak and turn it into meatballs, introduce it to orzo, and marry the two in the dish’s classic mushroom onion gravy. It may be a simple recipe but it is beyond satisfying, so let’s make it!

Sandwiches & Wraps, Vegetarian

Maitake Smash Burgers with Sumac Onions

March 8, 2024 No Comments

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Smash burgers are having a moment. They seem to be served on every corner of every metropolis. They have been turned into everything from tacos to salads. Smash burgers are even served fries-supreme-style over their traditional side. We have reached peak smash burger and I for one am happy to see it. Burgers, smashed or otherwise, are a perfect food. But why would I present you with a classic burger when I already have one on this site? So instead here is my vegetarian take on the smash burger. These Maitake Smash Burgers feature maitake mushrooms marinated in ras el hanout and olive oil smashed and roasted between two large baking sheets. The mushrooms are piled onto a bun slathered with a mint aioli and topped with sumac onions and fresh cucumber. It may not be your classic burger stand burger but it’s still mighty fine, so let’s make it!