by on May 12, 2022   •   1 Comment Picnics

How to Plan a Picnic

Simple strategies on how to plan a picnic, including tips for what to bring and why.

Nova Scotia summers are a continuous invitation to bring dinner outdoors and I’m happy to accept. The beach beckons to us on sunny days and I’ve always got a basket at the ready.

It occurs to me that with all my writings on dining al fresco, I’ve never specifically divulged on how to plan a picnic. Today’s post summarizes the best of my knowledge with practical tips on what to bring and why it matters.

Get ready for a memorable outing – here’s how to plan a picnic!

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by on May 4, 2022   •   Leave a Comment Traveling

Top 10 Things to Do in Nova Scotia

An insider’s list of the Top 10 things to do in Nova Scotia. A family-friendly travel guide for all budgets and all explorers.

Four years ago we made a lifestyle decision and chose Nova Scotia for our home province. You know the story. Ever since we’ve had many adventures exploring nearly every corner. We’ve road tripped from Yarmouth to Meat Cove, and from Advocate Harbour to Louisbourg. We’ve paddled in Kejimkujik and hiked in the Cape Breton Highlands.

One thing is certain: we love Nova Scotia more than ever. And I am so proud to bring you my list of top 10 things to do in this ocean province. Travel virtually with me, or make plans to come visit very soon.

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by on March 24, 2022   •   7 Comments Bakeshop

Recipe for Paska: Ukrainian Easter Bread

A simple recipe for Paska, a traditional Ukrainian bread that is baked in a tin and served during the Easter season.

As some of you may know, my family has a rich Ukrainian heritage. My maternal grandparents were born in Ukraine, but grew up on the Canadian Prairies. My Baba indelibly influenced my homesteading practices, including home canning, batch cooking, gardening and more.

As this horrible war on our motherland unfolds, my family and I are advocating, praying, donating and believing for a peaceful end soon. Each day I continue to bear witness to the war on Ukraine – I feel it is the least we all can do.

Even with all the sufffering, we still have Hope: Easter is just a few weeks away. I have so few words these days, just a crushing weight of emotions, which is why I bake and cook. Today’s recipe is very special to our culture; read on to learn about Paska.

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by on January 10, 2022   •   13 Comments Sauces

Any Season Dragon Sauce

A versatile flavour-bomb condiment, delicious on both plant and meat-based meals. Dragon sauce is an essential power bowl ingredient.

Happy New Year!

January seems like a fitting time to share our favourite homemade condiment for topping power bowls, although we certainly don’t limit it to this month.

This sauce is my inspiration for healthy meals when I’m feeling uninspired. Just knowing I have jar in the fridge is the impetus for many a ‘real food’ dish. You need this recipe for your repertoire!

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by on December 20, 2021   •   4 Comments Desserts

Cranberry Orange Eton Mess Recipe

Simple yet elegant, a Cranberry Orange Eton Mess is an easy, do-ahead holiday dessert.

I‘ve always loved the combination of soft whipped cream, crunchy meringues and winter fruit. Who doesn’t?

In the past I’ve paired those ingredients in an elegant cranberry curd tart. And I’ve married the same in my Mini Citrus Pavlova. Both of those desserts are wonderful, and have been my Christmas sweets for years now.

Today’s recipe for Cranberry Orange Eton Mess simplifies this trio even more – and delivers all the favourite flavours. With everything that this year has been, we need easy recipes more than ever.

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