Rhubarb and Cod

Braised Turkey with Chorizo and Malt Vinegar Polenta

November 23, 2021 No Comments

And just like that, it’s American Thanksgiving. We Canadians had our Thanksgiving over a month ago, but I still pay attention to our neighbors to the south’s big day. Mostly because I want to involve myself in every giant dinner party I can. But also because I think of American Thanksgiving as the official kickoff to the holiday season. And l love the holidays because they’re like one never-ending dinner party. So to celebrate the arrival of the most wonderful time of the year and the USA’s turkey day, I put together this Braised Turkey with Chorizo.

Soups & Stews

Red Curry Sweet Potato Soup with Peanut Butter Swirl

November 20, 2021 No Comments

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The title for today’s recipe reads like a laundry list of my favorite things. Adding red curry paste to soups is well-trodden territory on this blog. And pairing peanut butter with chili, well, that’s practically old hat at this point. Except it’s not. It never gets old for me. Peanut butter and spice just belong together and I know I’m not alone in believing this. There are enough spicy peanut noodle recipes out there that you could probably try a new one every night for the next 10 years. Thai Panang curry is one of my favorite spicy peanut concoctions and this Red Curry Sweet Potato Soup is more or less a love letter to that dish. If you have not tried it, run, don’t walk. It’s a dish you ought to experience. I mean, as long as you don’t have a peanut allergy.

Beef, Salads

Smoked Meat Chopped Salad with Rye Croutons

November 13, 2021 1 Comment

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There are many reasons to love the city of Montreal. But the smoked meat has got to be in the top five. Sure, everyone bangs on about the poutine, but for my money, Montreal’s most iconic culinary achievement is this king among deli meats. If you haven’t had the pleasure of snagging a Montreal smoked meat sandwich before, allow me to explain. Basically, the sandwich is comprised of thin slices of peppercorn-coated meat piled high between two slices of light rye bread. Mustard is an optional component but for me, there is nothing optional about it. Today’s Smoked Meat Chopped Salad attempts to capture the spirit of that legendary sandwich in a salad format. And while it’ll never beat tearing into a smoked meat sandwich in the city that birthed it, this salad does come pretty damn close.

Fish & Seafood, Overthinking Classics, Pasta

Pasta Alle Vongole – Overthinking Classics

November 9, 2021 No Comments

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People often ask me about my favorite foods and restaurants. The moment they find out what I do, I am immediately asked what my favorite pie, Italian restaurant, and/or cocktail is. And my answers are always halting, vague, and laced with caveats. I can’t help it. For me, my favorite anything has so much to do with context. Are we talking lunch or dinner? Upscale or guilty pleasure? What neighborhood am I in? How tired am I? Who am I with? All of these are factors when I decide what I want to eat and drink and where I want to do it. But when it comes to the inevitable pasta question, I always have my answer at the ready because that answer never changes. My favorite pasta is Pasta Alle Vongole. So naturally, it’s the subject of the latest installment of my ongoing series Overthinking Classics.