Archives for April 2015

cookbooks on bookshelf
by on April 28, 2015   •   10 Comments Holidays

Favourite Spring Cookbooks and Authors for Indies Events

I finally admitted to myself this week that I was missing the hustle and bustle of book tour days past.

It’s not the smell of a Sharpie or the late nights I find lacking, but getting out and connecting with you readers. That was absolutely the best part of that whole crazy month. It sure wasn’t the inflight snacks.

Meeting so many of you was such a highlight of my year to date, that I decided we should do it again soon. At least locally for now. This Saturday, May 2nd is Canadian Authors for Indies Day and I am jumping in with both feet, with events booked all day at independent bookstores around Montreal.

Read on to see where I’ll be throughout the day and to find out if I’m bringing the kids or any snacks (yes, and yes). Then, I’m sharing nine of my favourite Spring 2015 cookbooks. Books, books, books!

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by on April 23, 2015   •   23 Comments Breakfast & Baked Goods

Savoury Steel-Cut Oats with Ramps, Parmesan and Tamari

As a child, I can remember my dad occasionally stirring a spoonful of Marmite and a splash of Tamari soy sauce into his morning bowl of oatmeal. At the time, such a combination was of no interest to me, so content was I with a drizzle of honey and a pour of goats milk in mine.

However, I now see the appeal, after a recent success – nay, revelation – with a bowl of savoury steel-cut oats. My dad was onto something, with his decidedly bold umami flavourings first thing in the morning. A man ahead of his time, as savoury oats, kasha, and all sorts of breakfast bowls are trendy right now.

Our family has always been a champion of oatmeal (cookies, muffins, bread, breakfast, cake, scones, baked, instant…) and we are continuing the obsession with today’s Savoury Steel-Cut Oats with Ramps, Parmesan and Tamari.

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by on April 20, 2015   •   14 Comments Kids in the Kitchen

Kitchen Tasks for Kids Ages 9 to 11

“Do you have anything I can chop?” When my nine-year-old Noah joins me in the kitchen, this is a question I can expect him to ask every time.

He likes to work on his knife skills, and I require him do so only when I’m right by his side. This is one of the many understandings between us that has been established over years of teamwork. And I mean years.

Noah was my very first sous chef, starting around 15 months, on a chair next to me as I cooked and baked. At four he was making his own sandwiches. At five he was rolling doughnuts and doing most everything on this list of tasks for 3-5 year-olds.

He’s always been keen to learn in the kitchen, an in case you were wondering, he knows I’m writing this post and is okay with it. He’s all for inspiring other kids to get cooking, too.

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by on April 18, 2015   •   3 Comments Link Love

Weekend Links and 20 Canadian Instagramers Who Make Me Hungry

This week was rather extraordinary, in the very literal sense of the word; there were a handful of rare, and very special events.

On Sunday we met our newest nephew and there is nothing so wonderful as holding a seven-pound newborn bundle. Then Spring finally got her act together and bestowed us with a week of glorious warm weather which made the grass turn a pale shade of green and the wild ramps grow three inches in the back forest.

I even spotted rhubarb buds in the garden. It’s starting!

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by on April 14, 2015   •   21 Comments Sugaring Off

Sugaring Off and Bacon-Wrapped, Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots

I grew up as the younger sibling to both a brother and a sister and everything happened to them first: sleepovers, concerts, dating, driving lessons…

It was one of those things I had to make peace with, knowing that eventually I too would be able to wear make-up, get a summer job, or go overnight camping with just friends and no adults.

Watching spring come to our Southern neighbours in a splash of vibrant colour on Instagram while we are still sitting in slushy mud requires a similar resignation. I know it won’t be long before I too am snapping the ends off of bright green asparagus or roasting strawberries for an ice cream sundae, but for now, I have to be patient.

Fortunately, here in Eastern Canada we have a fifth season to tide us over until the blossoms bloom and the bulbs burst – the maple sap run. It’s an utterly magical few weeks when the towering maples, which already give so much in shade, oxygen and sheer beauty, offer up their sweet, sweet sap for the taking.

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