I wanted to call this "How to Kill a Lobster," but that just sounded awful, even though the blog post is about the most ethical way to do it. Ever since the first time I biked live lobster back to my university apartment and boiled them alive, I've been squeamish about cooking … [Read more...] about How to (Most Ethically) Cook a Lobster (and a Recipe for BBQ’d Lobster and Seafood Pasta)
Main Dishes
Dived Scallops with Avocado and Pink Grapefruit Salsa
This recipe comes from Scottish Highland Hospitality, which you can read more about in my recipe post for dairy-free cod brandade. It was my favourite recipe from the book, mostly because of the salsa. The key is to buy really tasty avocados and grapefruit. I splurged on organic … [Read more...] about Dived Scallops with Avocado and Pink Grapefruit Salsa
Dairy Free Gluten Free Cod Brandade
I knew I could never eat cod brandade. For one, the salt cod was unsustainable. I come from Newfoundland, a Canadian province that knows all about the overfished cod. So I would never buy the giant sheets of the salted stuff from Portuguese markets in Toronto. I also knew that … [Read more...] about Dairy Free Gluten Free Cod Brandade
Peruvian Ceviche is Not Mexican Ceviche
I don't know if I was ever more disappointed in myself than when I realized that I'd never cooked ceviche before... ...because goodness knows I've eaten more than my fair share. I basically had it every other day for two months in Lima, Peru and almost order it (and am … [Read more...] about Peruvian Ceviche is Not Mexican Ceviche
Modernist Tacos: Pressure-Cooker Carnitas with Black Bean Foam, Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Handmade Tortillas
I'll be the first to admit that I wussed out a little. A friend asked me to make something fancy from Modernist Cuisine. He owns the five-book $500 set. I own the significantly cheaper Modernist Cuisine at Home. Think of it as Modernist Cuisine for dummies, which is all … [Read more...] about Modernist Tacos: Pressure-Cooker Carnitas with Black Bean Foam, Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Handmade Tortillas
Raw and Paleo Nori and Lettuce Wraps
You can put whatever you want in these wraps. Once all the veggies are chopped, it's just a matter of throwing it all together. I shredded some carrots and beets, chopped some cucumber half-moons, grated some cauliflower as a rice replacement, added a layer of sauerkraut and some … [Read more...] about Raw and Paleo Nori and Lettuce Wraps
Everyday Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy and Snow Peas
Look at those peas. Aren't they gorgeous? Those peas and bok choy were not bought in a grocery store. I picked those myself, and felt almost bad stir-frying them until I saw how bright green and delicious this recipe made them. The recipe is incredibly simple, and it's not … [Read more...] about Everyday Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy and Snow Peas
Life-Changing Lemon Chicken, Homemade Hoisin and Everyday Chinese
I read an article in the Globe & Mail a little while ago called "Chop Suey Nation" about why Canada has so many Chinese-Canadian takeout restaurants in small towns from BC to Fogo Island. Not regional Chinese places making hand-pulled wheat noodles in bone broth soups or … [Read more...] about Life-Changing Lemon Chicken, Homemade Hoisin and Everyday Chinese
Cheater’s Risotto with Turbot, Dill and Capers
Here's how you make awesome seafood risotto: Buy a whole fish. Get the fishmonger to filet it. Ask him or her to toss the skin but save you the bones and head. Put these flavourful bits in a pot covered with water and bring them to a simmer for 30 minutes. Strain. Eat the fish … [Read more...] about Cheater’s Risotto with Turbot, Dill and Capers
Spicy Fish Soup with Turmeric and Lemongrass (and deep-frying for skinny people)
This is what you need to eat on a rainy summer day. It's spicy and hot and rich but not heavy. And most importantly, it'll warm you up from the inside. The best part? You get to shallow-fry a bunch of garlic. It's not scary, it doesn't waste a ton of oil, and it tastes delicious. … [Read more...] about Spicy Fish Soup with Turmeric and Lemongrass (and deep-frying for skinny people)