This was the first time I ever "winged it" with an Indian recipe. I mean, it's not as though I threw the recipe out the window, but there was nothing that said "30 seconds later add the" or "2 minutes later combine the", as Madhur Jaffrey is prone to do in my favourite Indian … [Read more...] about Mysore Masala Dosa
Main Dishes
South Indian Dosa
The South Indian Crepe. It looks a bit like a doily, I know. After about 4 days of mostly eating dosa I think I got okay at the technique. My first try looked like this: Not bad, but not the beautiful lattice work that I like. I experimented with making it thinner, sometimes … [Read more...] about South Indian Dosa
My Version of Hamburgers
My cooking is pre-meditated. I think about a recipe I want to make for a long time. Or I think about a food and then set about finding the perfect recipe. Unless I'm making a stir-fry, rarely do I just throw in a bit of this or a bit of that. Substitutions are another matter - … [Read more...] about My Version of Hamburgers
“It’s a Jambalaya-laya”: Spicy Lamb Sausage and Chicken
When I lived in Newfoundland my family billeted a choir from Louisiana. Two girls came to stay with us for a few weeks and as a thank-you, the choir threw a big Mardi Gras party for all the host families. That meant tons and tons of food that I'd never seen before. I'd heard of … [Read more...] about “It’s a Jambalaya-laya”: Spicy Lamb Sausage and Chicken
An Experience In Life: Tamale Pie With Chili-Cornmeal Crust
We all have those days, the ones when what should go perfectly smoothly turns into a disaster. I co-host a podcast on Midnight Poutine. It's kind of the highlight of my week. Probably better even than co-hosting the Friday Morning Show After on CKUT Radio (I have some audio … [Read more...] about An Experience In Life: Tamale Pie With Chili-Cornmeal Crust
Finally! Home-Made Noodles in Home-Made Broth
There's something so comforting about noodle soup. I've ranted more than enough about the wonders of pho', the layer of fat, making the rich broth, browning or not browning bones, the hours of simmering, the straining, and the intensifying of flavour. I've also talked enough … [Read more...] about Finally! Home-Made Noodles in Home-Made Broth
Chickpea Chili
When you go to as many farmers' markets as I do, you end up with a whole lot of vegetables, and even I get stumped on what to do with them sometimes. It's not that I don't know how to cook them, but they don't always have to be side-dishes, so finding recipes that combine them in … [Read more...] about Chickpea Chili
Champagne (Spanish Cava) Chicken
I've made this before, but this time I did it much better. I never use actual champagne since it costs a fortune and there are some good alternatives. Instead of just using chicken breasts like the recipe calls for, I also used a whole chicken. I also let it marinate about 8 … [Read more...] about Champagne (Spanish Cava) Chicken
Slow-Cooker Lamb Curry with Basmati Rice, Tomato Relish and Grated Cucumber Raita
This is in my top 5 recipes ever and my top 2 lamb recipes. It beats out braised lamb shank in all its forms and sauces, and only comes second to 2-day marinated leg of lamb with dried figs and poppy seeds. Sometimes you need an excuse to make a recipe, and part 3 in the … [Read more...] about Slow-Cooker Lamb Curry with Basmati Rice, Tomato Relish and Grated Cucumber Raita
Asian-Inspired Dinner Party: Dumplings, Miso-Marinated Cod, and Soba
Shiitake Mushroom and Bomboo Shoot Dumplings "Should we have some people over?" my mother asked. Well, yes, certainly. Two hours before the dinner party... Me: "You have no idea what I'm making, do you?" Mom: "No. If you got hit by a car I would have no idea what to do for … [Read more...] about Asian-Inspired Dinner Party: Dumplings, Miso-Marinated Cod, and Soba