Rhubarb and Cod

Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese

April 28, 2023 No Comments

Mac and cheese is one of those universally loved dishes that takes to slight tweaks and additions beautifully. Think of how many different mac and cheese incarnations you’ve encountered on restaurant menus. From brisket to lobster it seems almost anything can find a home in a bowl of mac and cheese. Today I gave those cozy accommodations to the dill pickle. If you grew up on Dill Pickle potato chips, I’m willing to bet you’re on board with this little number. This Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese contains tender pasta coated in a cheddar and havarti cheese sauce studded with minced dill pickles, sautéed shallots, peas, and fresh dill. The casserole is topped with yet more cheese, pickle slices, and crushed dill pickle chips. If this dish seems like a little much that’s because it is. So let’s make it.

Grains & Legumes, Vegetarian

Asparagus Celeriac Risotto

April 19, 2023 1 Comment

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Last week in Toronto temperatures soared. I sat on patios, drank beer, and ate ceviche while plotting future BBQs and outdoor seafood boils. I Googled sangria recipes, whipped up an Aperol Spritz or two, and nearly bought a watermelon floaty. But just as quickly as the summer-like weather arrived it disappeared. Less than a week after we hit 30° C the city saw flurries. To say this turn of events is depressing would be an understatement. And yes, ask any Canadian and they will tell you April is a cruel, flip-flopping mistress. But even though I knew this was coming it doesn’t make it any less painful. So I’m drowning my sorrows with decidedly spring-forward food like this Asparagus Celeriac Risotto with Pickled Shallots. It may not be spring out there but it sure as sugar is in my kitchen.

Pasta, Vegetarian

Silky Spinach Spaghetti with Burrata

April 13, 2023 2 Comments

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Today’s recipe is a vision in green. This Silky Spinach Spaghetti features al dente strands of golden spaghetti coated in a rich emerald green spinach sauce topped with a creamy ball of burrata and finished with a sprinkling of arugula, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Talk about eating your greens, this vibrant platter of pasta contains nearly a pound of baby spinach. But don’t let the veggie content fool you. This dish tastes every bit as decadent as your favorite plate of carbonara. So let’s make it.

Cakes, Holiday

Malted Snack Cake with Salted Vanilla Buttercream

April 8, 2023 1 Comment

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Easter is here and we have little to no plans, which is exactly how I like it. Nice and low-key with a quiet dinner at home. But just because we’re keeping things chill doesn’t mean we can’t have a lavish dessert. Well, maybe “lavish” isn’t the word for this particular cake. Loud and obnoxiously joyous is a little more fitting. But before we get to the vibrant decor, let’s talk about the cake itself. This is a Malted Snack Cake with Salted Vanilla Buttercream. The cake is spiked with chocolate Ovaltine powder and topped with a simple vanilla American buttercream dyed in a shouty, springy array of colors. The cake is finished with Whopper Easter eggs and cape gooseberries for a little extra whimsy. Sound good? Good! Let’s make it!