The original recipe is for frogs legs and it's in honour of Jabba the Hut's preference for eating them in brandy (see Christmas Party 2015 for further explanation). But frog's legs are somewhat hard to come by in Newfoundland, let alone in the middle of winter, so I subbed … [Read more...] about Frog’s Legs, Chicken Wings or Scallops in Brandy
Main Dishes
Misnamed “Womp Rat Stew” (Slow-cooker Spiced Lamb and Spinach) for the 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
I didn't create this recipe for womp rat stew. Womp rats are small creates that Luke talks about bullseyeing growing up on Tatooine. According to the Star Wars Wiki, the dish is sometimes called mystery stew and was served at Jun Seros' diner in Mos Eisley, Tatooine. But I got it … [Read more...] about Misnamed “Womp Rat Stew” (Slow-cooker Spiced Lamb and Spinach) for the 8th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
Riffing on Josée Di Stasio’s Red Lentil Stew
This red lentil stew is inspired by the du Puy lentil version in Josée di Stasio's cookbook À la di Stasio. I swapped in red lentils for the brown, mint for parsley and added red peppers, turmeric and potatoes. Stew is, after all, forgiving. You could also pressure cook it to … [Read more...] about Riffing on Josée Di Stasio’s Red Lentil Stew
Baked Chicken and Rice with Okra…and Changing the World
I still dream about this dish. I have one serving in my freezer and I'm saving it for a special occasion when I'll need healthy comfort, like when the Habs lose game five, or for days worthy of a small celebration, like when Trump is ousted from politics forever (which will be … [Read more...] about Baked Chicken and Rice with Okra…and Changing the World
The Ultimate Vegetarian Chili and Lessons from a Party Hosting Pro
It was 9:30pm and I was eating my third bowl of vegetarian chili. I could have made excuses, like "it was a cold bike ride," or "I have no personal insulation," or "I haven't eaten all day!" But the bike ride had been two hours before and the last one about not having eaten was … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Vegetarian Chili and Lessons from a Party Hosting Pro
Oyster Seafood Paella
Do you suck at shucking oysters? Me too. But there's a trick. Throw them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350˚F and those little hinges release just enough to let you pry them apart with much less effort. They won't open like clams or mussels when cooked, but the upside is they'll … [Read more...] about Oyster Seafood Paella
Chana Masala from “My Indian Kitchen”
There are three tricks to making delicious Indian food: Don't use canned beans or lentils thinking they will taste as good as fresh Don't use pre-ground spices they will taste as good as freshly toasted and ground whole spices Follow the freaking recipe! At least the first … [Read more...] about Chana Masala from “My Indian Kitchen”
Swordfish with Sunflower, Currants and Capers
If you're trying to eat a little healthier, this recipe adapted from Bonnie Stern's The Best of HeartSmart Cooking is for you. Nine grams of fat per serving, 204 calories, 400 mg of potassium and 23 grams of protein mean you'll feel satisfied without the heavy feeling or the … [Read more...] about Swordfish with Sunflower, Currants and Capers
Crispy Roasted Chicken Breasts with Fennel, Carrots and White Wine
This is one of those "looks fancy, but isn't" recipes. You roast a bunch of fennel and carrots with some white wine and then throw some marinated chicken breasts on top, letting their juices soak into the vegetables. If you feel ambitious, you add some beans and peas. Yup, … [Read more...] about Crispy Roasted Chicken Breasts with Fennel, Carrots and White Wine
Three Slow-Cooker Recipes and Throwing Off Winter with Lamb Tajine, Tequila Chicken Tacos and the Ultimate Tomato Sauce
Was that snow falling outside my window the other day? I refuse to believe that those big pillows of fluff weren't hallucinations. There's no way we're subzero and it's not even November yet. My general rule is that if it's not worse in Newfoundland than here in Montreal at any … [Read more...] about Three Slow-Cooker Recipes and Throwing Off Winter with Lamb Tajine, Tequila Chicken Tacos and the Ultimate Tomato Sauce