Rhubarb and Cod

Cakes, Confections, Cookies & Squares, Holiday

Five Spice Gingerbread Cake with Chestnut Cream

December 23, 2020 No Comments

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.

Holiday, Starters, Vegetarian

Brussels Sprout Egg Rolls w/ Sweet Chili Pomegranate Sauce

December 13, 2020 No Comments

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December is a party marathon in my family. My sister, father, and partner all have birthdays in December and so do I. Then there’s Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years’ to contend with. This month is basically a non-stop celebration. But in between flipping latkes, sending birthday wishes, and decking my many halls, I’ve been test-driving my 2020 Christmas Day menu. And rather than do this for my own selfish amusement, I thought I would share every course with you over the next 12 days. Yes, Christmas is 12 days away – I don’t know how that happened either. So let’s kick things off with these Brussels Sprout Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili Pomegranate Sauce.