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! […]
Continue readingFirst Incense
For the past few years, at the end of July, I teach a “Working with Herbs” class. It is often the last class of the season and I try to make it a little special. My challenge is that there are several people who have taken each class and I therefore work at coming up […]
Continue readingDelicate Pear Cake
In that time where summer transitions to autumn and we are not really ready for gingerbread or spiced pear cakes, this lighter fresh option makes sense to me. Delicate and fragile, the taste of pears stands alone. I have mentioned before that I have a favourite little 4 inch spring form that I often use […]
Continue readingChai 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 […]
Continue readingBraised Rhubarb Stew
There will be a need for two things with this dish, a love of rhubarb and a sense of adventure. Khoresht Rivas is a Persian Rhubarb Stew. As any recipe that travels through many countries there are variations galore and the thought of a savoury option for rhubarb may be a little outside the box […]
Continue readingLemon Buttermilk Scones
With all the lovely berry jams that can be made at this time of the year, it is a nice idea to have a batch of these stored away as something to put the jam on. They work just as well for a summer high tea or afternoon coffee clatch. They, in truth, are a […]
Continue readingTomato Basil Soup
As we head towards the end of summer, the vine-ripened field tomatoes and basil are perfectly paired in this light and tasty soup. Large beefsteak field tomatoes have wonderful flavour this time of the year and that would be my first choice. Delicious fresh with mayonnaise and a little salt on a slice of Sovital […]
Continue readingS’mores a la Cookie
S’mores and summer campfires are the stuff of memories. Sometimes though, time to get away or fire bans can make it a challenge for kids and adults alike. If you are feeling up to turning the oven on, there is a solution. S-mores a la Cookie! There is no roasting of marshmallows but there can […]
Continue readingChamomile Lemonade
A calming, thirst quenching summer drink with three ingredients. According to Medical News Today there are a range of health benefits to having chamomile in your diet, inflammation reduction, relaxation, better sleep, support in reducing blood sugar level and diminished menstrual pain. Magically chamomile is an herb of purification and protection.To prevent negativity from entering […]
Continue readingHerbs de Provence Ganache
When summer is closer to fall we start looking for earthier flavours and this ganache will definitely fit that description. Herbs de Provence is generally a mixture of herbs commonly used in the south of France. They usually include savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and oregano with lavender leaves sometimes added for the North American market. […]
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