This is a family favorite [new tag!] in our home, and we call it Carbonara, but it isn’t. No egg, hence not actually a carbonara, but we don’t care. Call it what you want, it’s tasty, easy, and oh yeah, tasty. This particular version was actually worth jotting down, as it really impressed with how much it could deliver impact … Read More
Foccacia di Vernazza
Yep. Bread. Again. This time 1/4 whole wheat, and a quadruple batch. I will find out how many kilos of bread my oven can bake at once one of these days. Fortunately, not all of it ended up in bread loaves. Not sure what to make for supper, I stole some of the dough, and made a quick foccacia. Man … Read More
I Heart Kitchen Design
The light was nice in my kitchen a few hours ago so I took some shots. Shots of IKEA-ville. I’m a huge fan of IKEA, but would be a fan of any other store that sold decent quality, practical, and dare I say ‘nice looking’ kitchen gear too. Maybe that store’s out there – I could have missed it But … Read More
Jamie Oliver on Foodie Snobbiness
I’ve been inhaling youtube content lately, and came across an interview Jamie Oliver did for a New Zealand TV station – and he said something that I found compelling. For all the knocking that Jamie gets from other chefs [Ramsay], I think he’s got some perspective right – at least in my opinion – that a lot of other chefs … Read More
Born-Again French-Pastry-Lover
I never thought I’d write this, but I have to admit that ever since a wonderful pastry shop finally opened up in our town [ICS], I’ve been jaded about eating pastries in France. It’s a loss I’m having to deal with. ‘Not bad, but I can get it better at home‘ is a thought I wish upon nobody who loves … Read More
Living on the Edge: Spaghetti & Meatballs
Yeah. Posting about spaghetti and meatballs again. I don’t know what it is. I’m such a huge fan of this dish, it’s a little embarrassing. Because it seems ridiculous to post a recipe for spaghetti and meatballs, I’m going to. This one reads a bit odd, but the flavors and textures make sense in the dish. Ingredients 1 pack ground … Read More
Prickly Ash…Sweet & Sour…Pork Shoulder?
Man, I’m glad I have friends that travel. Due to their freedom [newborns don’t exactly allow much culinary globetrotting], I get enjoy some small wonders from abroad. This time, some prickly ash of some kind from Laos. I think. What I do know is that the citrus vibe on the nose is really pleasant. I had to try it. So … Read More
Biggest blog break…ever?
Thanks for the prod, Des – and yes, everything’s good. Barring perhaps the January lull of food inspiration. But it’s February now, and that lack of inspiration is changing like the weather and the length of day. It’s time to get my seed catalog orders in. Which means it’s time to do some extensive garden planning – something I was … Read More
Christmas Chicken and Custard
Family, friends, food, wine, repeat – what’s not to like about the holiday season?! I figured I should slam up an unfocused post during the holidays. Unfocused because 1] I am successfully in holiday mode and 2] there are a myriad of food prep duties and social occasions speckling my days. This year’s Christmas dinner menu: Oven-dried tomato with goat … Read More
CBC Flugabwehrkanone
Quick comment on some recent flak I took in a national news forum. First, the author’s intent was genuine: to promote the ‘interesting topics you write about’, and I thank her for the exposure. But in the comments, a couple themes emerged. A couple readers felt that my use of the word ‘product’ to describe game meat severely disrespects the … Read More