by on November 12, 2019   •   8 Comments Hospitality

Simple, Essential Tips for Entertaining at Home

If you’ve pulled up your calendar recently and thought “This is the year I’ll host a holiday dinner or throw a festive party” then today’s post is for you, as we’re going to deep dive into entertaining at home.

Christmas Eve is just 6 weeks down the road and New Year’s Eve a mere 7 days after. It’s never too early to begin planning.

In this post I’ll explain how to choose a menu and help you discover your hospitality style. I’ll also list the questions to ask before planning to host and help you figure out the flow of the event.

So set the date for your party (ahem, bookmark this post for repeated referencing) and let’s get started.

[Read more…]
by on November 10, 2019   •   Leave a Comment Side Dish

Roasted Squash with Yogurt and Spiced Pistachios

Have you ever fallen in love with a recipe, making it over and over again, serving it to friends and working it repeatedly into your weekly menu plan?

That was my reaction to this recipe for Roasted Squash with Yogurt and Spiced, Buttered Pistachios – a decidedly wintery dish with strong comfort food vibes.

The recipe came to me via Allison Roman’s fantastic new cookbook, Nothing Fancy, and is just one of a few dishes from the book that I’ve got on repeat. (This Garlicky Beet Dip is another favourite)

Since the recipe features acorn squash, this is the perfect opportunity to continue our series on winter squash and put a bit of a spotlight on the Acorn in particular.

[Read more…]
by on November 6, 2019   •   1 Comment The Basics

How to Cook Butternut Squash

Butternut is the most versatile of the winter squash and so I’m beginning my series with this reliable vegetable.

I really want to label the popular butternut as a ‘gateway gourd’ – but, fun fact, gourds are inedible, grown strictly for decorative purposes – and that is the complete opposite of the butternut.

Instead, this winter squash has a mild, pleasant flavour that lends itself well to both sweet and savoury dishes. I’m in the habit of roasting one every week and using it for soups, pasta and the occasional pie.

[Read more…]
by on November 5, 2019   •   4 Comments The Basics

Winter Squash 101

Winter squash, in their various colours, shapes and sizes, are a staple ingredient during the cold months.

The world of winter squash and heirloom pumpkins is vast and wonderful, and holds some of our favourite comfort food recipes. Velvety soups, spiced pies, familiar casseroles, delicate curries and sweet breads are just the beginning.

There’s plenty of room for creativity when working with squash, but it’s helpful to be familiar with the varieties and know the best way to prepare them.

A brand new squash season has kicked off and these beauties are going to be around all winter. In a short blog series I’m going to share a few recipes, dish a tutorial or two, and give lots of tips for cooking and serving winter squash.

Read mor
by on November 1, 2019   •   3 Comments Bakeshop

28 Cake Recipes for Fall Baking Inspiration

Fall baking is a home kitchen tradition, just as much as spring cleaning and summer grilling are established seasonal rituals.

For me, a return to baking projects is sparked by the cooler weather and the desire to transform the kitchen into a cozy space. What better way than with a pan of spiced Pear Gingerbread in the oven and an accompanying pot of applesauce bubbling on the stove.

Fall is also a return to routines — and a sure way to keep the school kids happy is to tuck a thick slice of Chocolate Beet Bundt Cake in their lunchbox.

[Read more…]