Vol au Vent in the 80s

Vol au Vent is the French for “windblown” and is a reference to the lightness of the puff pastry shells that can be used for both savoury and sweet fillings. They can be made appetizer size and go all the way up to main course size. For many years it was possible to purchase them […]

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Imbolc Seed Bread

At this time of the year, the idea of doing something with lots of seeds always comes to mind. The potential within as a new cycle begins is one of the themes of Imbolc. A quick search around the house revealed, Brown Mustard , Black Sesame, Caraway, and Celery seeds along with the ones already […]

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Walnut Squares with Lemon, Rum & Cardamon

May 25th is Brown Bag It Day and something easy to cut and package seemed like a tasty treat for your workplace. Working from home? May yourself a cuppa and enjoy. Walnuts are actually a drupe. The nut is the “stone” inside the shell and will release when it is fully ripe. It takes between […]

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Rhubarb Lemon Turnovers

It has been suggested that finding a clump of rhubarb in a witches garden was a common occurrence as using a stock to “stir the pot” was said to amplify the energies of what was being prepared. This week when I finished making Rhubarb Lemon Syrup, I remembered a sheet of puff pastry in the […]

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Almond Mocha Rice Krispie Treats

A quick no bake favourite with a full bodied twist, perfect for a java lover. Rice Krispies Treats were created by Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day in 1939 at the Kellogg Company home economics department as a fund raiser for Camp Fire Girls. They are a simple project for kids to put together, with a […]

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Valentine’s Pavlova

I often hesitate to make things that are out of season as rarely, in my opinion, does anything taste as good as local in season produce. That said Valentine’s is coming and with a few tweaks the more traditional wreath shape can become a nice dessert for Valentines (when things go as planned). Step one […]

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Savoury Thumbprints

In honour of Cheese Lover’s Day (January 20th) but good for any day (don’t you think?), a tasty savoury variation on thumbprint cookies! Four things came together that got me thinking. We are headed towards Imbolc and cheese is one of the foods of the season. Definitely not this cheese as it is an aged […]

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Nectarine Pie with Lemon Basil Glaze

We have a valley about three hours away by car that grows wonderful fruit; grapes for wine making, cherries, melons, apples, peaches, apricots and nectarines for jams, wine, preserving and just enjoying. This time of the year I always look forward to the first of the local nectarines and generally do not do anything other […]

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Hazelnuts in Sweet Chili Sauce

Before classes begin again next month a little summer excursion into the pantry was in order the other day. I came across a small container of hazelnuts, shelled one evening last winter and then forgotten. Roasting seemed like a good idea and then I remembered the sweet chili sauce sitting in the fridge almost finished! […]

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Chai Rooibus Baklava

Baklava is a sweet Mediterranean dessert made from filo(or phyllo) pastry, nuts of some variety and honey or a syrup. After baking the thin sheets of pastry to golden brown perfection, honey or syrup is immediately poured over the individual pieces or a full tray allowing the sweetness to be absorbed into the layers of […]

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