This should be illegal, this cold weather. My nose thought it was done almost freezing off for the year. But it got a nasty surprise the other day when the cold snap came. Now my nose hates me. And all it wants is soup. Fortunately, that's something I can get into. Homemade … [Read more...] about Baby it’s Cold Outside: The Best Soups, Stews and Slow Cooker Recipes
Soups
NuPasta: Low Carb and Gluten Free Konjac Pasta
Love pasta but can't do gluten? Or do you hate the idea of empty carbs? Or maybe you miss ramen as much as I do. Here's a solution: NuPasta. It's made with konjac, a mountain plant whose root is a bit like taro but instead of starch contains tons of fibre. Which is why each … [Read more...] about NuPasta: Low Carb and Gluten Free Konjac Pasta
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
Clef des Champs: Mushroom Tarts, a Summer Day Trip From Montreal and What You Didn’t Know About Medicinal Plants
You might have heard of Clef des champs. They're my go-to local company for tinctures — bottles of distilled organic herbal combinations that do anything from easing digestion to improving your immune system to helping you relax. But I didn't know that they had a terraced … [Read more...] about Clef des Champs: Mushroom Tarts, a Summer Day Trip From Montreal and What You Didn’t Know About Medicinal Plants
Nam Prik Pau! Thai Chile Jam That Packs a Punch
Every time I say the name of the recipe I picture graphic novel-style exclamations above me and I want to punch three times in various directions into the air — one, two, three! Basically I feel like a Thai warrior, not someone who just shallow-fried dried shrimp and fish, … [Read more...] about Nam Prik Pau! Thai Chile Jam That Packs a Punch
Simple Fish Soup with Quebec Turbot
This is so simple. You can either make a fish broth by boiling the head of a fish with a bay leaf and some peppercorns (celery and carrots if you've got time to burn), or boil Nordic shrimp and save the cooking water. OR buy a carton or bottle of fish broth. Chicken broth or … [Read more...] about Simple Fish Soup with Quebec Turbot
Soothing Summer Fava Bean Soup
Not all soups in summer need be cold. If I never see another clamato-doused gazpacho in my life it'll be too soon. But when you have fresh fava beans from your garden (my first!!!), rich, sweet homemade chicken stock, and you need something soulfully satisfying, this is your … [Read more...] about Soothing Summer Fava Bean Soup
Potato and Sorrel Soup with White Wine
I used to eat soup every day. I don't know what happened, but somehow I got sucked in the world of no soup. It's not a sad place, just drier. But then I was craving soup (and had a bunch of sorrel), and decided to make a classic potato and sorrel soup. Normally that means … [Read more...] about Potato and Sorrel Soup with White Wine
Andalusian Green Grape and Almond Gazpacho: A taste of summer
A little while ago a friend of mine sprained his wrist falling off his bike after hitting a pothole on a poorly-maintained Montreal street. This significantly impaired his ability to chop vegetables, open packages, and wash dishes, resulting in a slew of lackluster - and … [Read more...] about Andalusian Green Grape and Almond Gazpacho: A taste of summer
Soul-Satisfying Soup for the End of the Season: Seafood Broth with Parsnips and Broccoli
It's a sign. I've started opening my bedroom curtains because I can bear to look out onto the (finally) snow-less area behind my building. There are patios on which to sit, and cold, sparkling beverages to drink. And as exciting as this all is, winter hasn't quite let its hooks … [Read more...] about Soul-Satisfying Soup for the End of the Season: Seafood Broth with Parsnips and Broccoli