Rhubarb and Cod

Cannoli Arancini with Dark Chocolate Ganache

December 31, 2020 No Comments

Consider this my New Years’ offering and my final post of 2020. And what better way to bid adieu to one of the crappiest, strangest years on record than with a Frankenstein of a dessert. These Cannoli Arancini are not the classiest things to grace a dessert table. But they are so good – achingly good. And yeah, no one asked for a weird hybrid of cannoli and arancini. But I like to think I filled a void the world didn’t know it had. Call it a public service or an affront to Italian cuisine. It all depends on your perspective…or taste level, I suppose. But if you’re down with unholy snack cross-overs, these Cannoli Arancini are for you.

Cakes, Confections, Cookies & Squares, Holiday

Five Spice Gingerbread Cake with Chestnut Cream

December 23, 2020 No Comments

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Many thoughts ran through my head while I was constructing this Five Spice Gingerbread Cake. “Why am I doing this to myself?” was the loudest and most insistent among them. This whole over-the-top exercise began when I got the “fun” idea of doing a gingerbread diorama on a cake. And once that idea took root in my brain, I knew I was in trouble. I don’t make gingerbread – I’ve never even attempted a prepackaged house kit before this. And my experience with royal icing is…scant. But I’m stubborn, so I persevered and I am so glad I did.

Beef, Holiday

Sichuan Peppercorn Ribeye with Shiitake Gravy

December 21, 2020 No Comments

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For many people, Christmas looks different this year. Here in Toronto, we are in lockdown due to COVID, so I will be setting the table for two. Yes, two. Such a strange concept for me. Sure, I’ve set a small Thanksgiving table in the past, but Christmas? Most meals associated with Christmas aren’t built for two. So that’s where you have to get a little creative. Instead of turkey, you reach for Cornish hens or a duck. In the place of ham, you grab a couple of smoked pork chops. And in the case of prime rib, you have a multitude of excellent steaks to choose from. So without further ado, I present you with my version of prime rib for two – this Sichuan Peppercorn Ribeye with Shiitake Creme Fraiche Gravy.

Grains & Legumes, Holiday, Sides

Char Siu Squash, Chestnut Rice & Asian Pear Salad

December 18, 2020 2 Comments

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Welcome to the next installment of my 2020 Christmas menu. In this post, I will be sharing the sides – the best part of any holiday meal, in my opinion. In this post, you will find three, yes three, recipes. It was a monster of a post to shoot and write and for some reason, I felt compelled to turn it into an Insta reel as well. I don’t say this to make you feel bad, I most definitely did it to myself. I only mention it to illustrate my dedication to the art form of making scene-stealing sides. And I think all the sides chronicled in this post have achieved lofty heights – yes, even the salad. So without further ado, allow me to present Char Siu Squash, Chestnut Fried Rice, and Asian Pear Salad.