by on July 2, 2019   •   9 Comments Entertaining

Prepping for Simple Summertime Entertaining

Over the next five weeks, we’ll be hosting five families at our little lakeside homestead.

We could’t be more thrilled about our line-up of summer visitors; it means that we can hunker down in full staycation mode and still get to visit with out-of-town family and friends. Most people are making the trek to Nova Scotia for the very first time, and we’re going to ensure they have a wonderful visit.

So how do I feed a stream of house guests while still relaxing and enjoying my first Maritime summer? It comes down to combination of loosely structured menu planning, strategic meal prep…and letting go of perfection.

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by on June 27, 2019   •   12 Comments Bakeshop

Fudgy Chocolate Two-Bite Brownies (GF, DF)

I‘ve discovered the perfect picnic brownie and so naturally I’ve been making them on repeat. As is my custom with a favourite new-to-me recipe, I had to share it with you.

We’ve already had our first wave of summer visitors and we spent many happy hours exploring Nova Scotia beaches while they were here. With 10 hungry folks to feed, I needed a sweet treat the toss in the picnic basket that had a few redeeming qualities (my parents are extreeeeeemly health conscious).

Fortunately, Peace, Love & Fibre had just landed in my kitchen, the latest (and greatest!) cookbook from the Queen of Fibre herself, my friend, Mairlyn Smith.

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by on June 19, 2019   •   14 Comments Home DIY

The Community Zero Waste Picnic Baskets

If you’re just catching up, I’ve officially declared this the Summer of the Picnic.

Now that we live just a short drive away from the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline beckon to us on sunny days. I’ve always got a basket at the ready and a plan of action for transporting our meal.

I’ve always been a picnic enthusiast, no matter the season. When the kids were little we bundled up for snow picnics, complete with hot cocoa and warm cookies.  My backyard garden inspired many a vegetarian picnic, and I’ve always found a reason to plan a fall picnic. They are good, simple family fun and we make the best memories every time we adventure out of doors with our dinner.

Earlier this spring, I did a massive sorting of all of my picnic gear and found I had plenty to spare. I decided to put together a few baskets for sharing around my community – zero-waste, plastic free picnic baskets with everything required for an outdoor feast.

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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…]