by on May 29, 2019   •   5 Comments Hospitality

How to Host a Modern Dinner Party

I count myself among those who have realized that the act of gathering is much more important than a styled table or fancy food.

When I take a close look at the modern dinner party these days, I feel like it is about embracing the simpler things in life and valuing relationship above all else. We’re busy people, and getting together with friends is sacred in this digital age because face-to-face interaction is essential for true community.

My table – indoors and out – is going to be packed this summer; not only do we have a stream of family members coming to visit, but we’re making friends here in our new province. Everyone is invited over, basically, beginning with my cookbook club in June. Hooray!

So with summer entertaining kicking off I thought we’d take a look at the modern dinner party here on the blog. Read on!

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by on May 23, 2019   •   5 Comments Gift Guides

Spring 2019 Cookbook Picks

The Spring 2019 cookbook lineup has been so incredibly inspiring, it’s been challenging to pick my favourites.

I must have bookmarked at least twenty recipes to share with you, alas, other work commitments took precedence over recipe blogging. While my committments are exciting and fulfilling (hey, I’m speaking at Women Deliver 2019!) sometimes I wish I could cook, bake and write seven days a week.

You’re just going to have to discover these cookbooks for yourself. Pull up a chair at the Prairie Table or take a trip to the Wildness of Newfoundland. Cook up a modern lunch and remember that fibre is important.  You’ll find inspiration aplenty on this list. [Read more…]

by on May 14, 2019   •   Leave a Comment Cooking School

Meal Prep 101: How to Freeze Grains

My mother instilled a love of whole grains in me from a very early age, back on our original homestead in the Yukon.

I can still picture the orange oval cast iron pot that she would set in the middle of the table at meal time when the six of us were gathered. That pot of rice or barley or millet rounded out most of our meals, filling the corners in the tummies with comfort.

Nowadays grains of all kind fill my pantry – red quinoa, basmati rice, wheat berries and farro, in addition to my childhood favourites. I add them to everything from citrus salads to quick stir-fried dinners.

You all know that meal prep is key for helping me to get organized for dinner and I’m also a long-time believer in batch cooking. Freezing big batches of grains checks both those boxes and makes my life a little bit easier; here’s how I do it.

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by on May 6, 2019   •   6 Comments Bakeshop

Sweet and Savoury Scone Recipe Round-Up

It was almost exactly one year ago when I shared my recipe for Vanilla Cream Scones with you all, as well as details on an elaborate tea party.

A few friends and I had gathered to celebrate the Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan, and we toasted their happiness with many cups of tea – and a few gin & tonics. Today, as I sat down to write this post, the same Royal couple announced the birth of their son. Welcome Baby Sussex!

Now more than ever, it seems fitting to share a sweet and savoury scone recipe round-up with you.  These are my favourites – plain and simple, cheesy and fruity. You’re bound to find a recipe you’ll love forever.

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by on May 1, 2019   •   Leave a Comment Salads

Springtime Lobster Niçoise Salad with Tarragon

Hello May!

The crocuses in our yard opened up this week and the tulip have pushed up next to them. It’s wonderfully exciting to watch spring creep over our new little homestead and it seems as though there are discoveries to be made after every warm rainstorm.

I’m channeling spring in the Simple Bites kitchen as well, and this Lobster Niçoise Salad is a perfect example. We enjoyed it over the Easter long weekend paired with a platter of lamb and lentils for a surf ‘n turf feast with friends.

I’f you don’t have a basic Salade Niçoise in your culinary repertoire, then please adopt my recipe and make it yours. It’s such a versatile salad and so well suited to spring greens.

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