Food Trucks - A Whole New World

When I was a kid...no cracks, please!   I remember two types of food trucks... ice cream trucks in the neighborhood with the sound of magical bells that attracted every child within hearing.  Think Pied Piper.  The other type of truck I remember, was at the side of the high way (not the super highways of today, but rather slow two lane roads)...The chip truck.... freshly made fries... awesome!

Best of Both Worlds - Local Ingredients & Mediterranean Flavors

Finally, the sun is shining and I don't need a jacket (hopefully I did not just jinx things)!  I know I talk a lot about eating locally grown, locally raised food - It tastes better, stays fresh longer and it supports the local economy.  And what could I possibly mean by "stays fresh longer"?

Getting Ready for Passover

Passover is probably my favorite Jewish Holiday.  The photo is the lull before the cacophony of clattering dishes, noisy guests and general frenzy.  I love the weeks before it starts with the scouring through my favorite Jewish cookbooks, apps and Pinterest for new recipes and discussing options with my daughter (and then always end up with the classics)  You can check out some of my earlier ramblings and recipes.  I love the list making and schedules..

New Cookbooks, New Recipes & Fond Memories

It seems like forever since I've last written anything here... chalk it up to a short but intense stint working, lots of colds, some travel... and pure laziness.   Not that there is any excuse for not sharing my local market joys, some great cookbooks, and a taste of recipes.    I haven't been totally silent.  I have shared three cookbooks and quite a few recipes from them just to whet your appetites.  And now that I've got my blogging mojo back, I promise to write more frequently.   But this post is really about comfort food and a flashback to my childhood.

Local Flavours

I'm most often found writing about two of my favorite intertwining topics... food and local sources. Typically, though, it's about the ingredients, the producers of said ingredients, the season they are harvested and, naturally some recipes to go with them.  This time, I take a slightly different tack.  Still local, still flavorful, but this time it's about an evening out  - late dinner following a book launch... Seasoned Recipes and Essays from The Spiceman, Costas Halavrezos

Autumn in Nova Scotia

I do love this time of year....leaves changing colors...cool enough weather to actually use the stove without the need of fans or air conditioners ....tons of fantastic local produce for making batches of preserves ... my "why I love Autumn" list is endless so I thought I'd share some of the beauty of Nova Scotia and how we've spent a recent weekend...along with recipes, of course.

The Brown Bag Challenge

I love supporting local farmers and purveyors of all things delicious so I was intrigued by the Brown Bag Challenge presented by the folks at East Coast Organic Milk Coop and Just US! Coffee.  But as often as I am tempted by foodie challenges...I've never actually entered one...until now, that is.

A Perfect Slow Food Kind of Day

Yesterday was perfect...sunny and warm.  A perfect day for a Mother -Daughter date.  And a perfect day for a special hike along the Gaspereau River at White Rock in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.  For the longest time, my daughter Joanna has been talking about foraging for food in the wild.  I, of course, see poison and death at every corner.  So how could I not suggest a fabulous Slow Food NS event like this one - Foraging for wild edibles led by awesome and very knowledgeable botanists Ruth Newell and her husband Reg, followed by a heavenly lunch on the grape vine covered terrace at Le Caveau Restaurant at Grand Pre Winery.

Frittata - A Perfect Breakfast

If you ask me what to make for dinner when I a) have unexpected guests; b) am exhausted and don't even have the energy to check out a cookbook or the web; c) am plain brain dead... I'd say pasta, but if you ask me for the perfect breakfast/brunch I'd have to say...

Love My Market Breakfast for Dinner Omelet

Ever have one of those rushing around days when you've wolfed down a quick breakfast, run around town and missed lunch?  Of course you have.  Ever droolingly planned what you'd eat once you got home and then been too tired to make it?  Me too!

Springtime Farmers Markets are My Favorite

You're probably thinking ... "Haven't I read this already?"  True, most of my market score photos look similar, but trust me... this time of year has me smiling even more than usual.  Spring has finally hit the local farmers markets here in Halifax!  Two of my favorites Seaport Market and Historic Properties

Spring Has Sprung & Farmers Markets are Awesome

It's been forever since I've written, but I'm back.  I guess I was just waiting for Spring and all it brings...especially at the Farmers Markets.  True, I was hoping for fiddleheads and ramps in particular, but I'll have to wait a little longer.  In the meantime, here's my score from Halifax Seaport Market.

Tribute to Farmers

I know I'm not alone when I drive through the local countryside (at home or on vacation) in the summer and am impressed by acres and acres and acres of bountiful crops... not to mention stops at local farmers markets that are overflowing with the most wonderful fruit and vegetables.  Winter, on the other hand...

Savour Food & Wine Deliciousness

This isn't the first Savour Food & Wine Show showcasing Nova Scotia’s finest restaurants, wines and beverages. I've attended and I've shared highlights before.  2012  and 2011 and 2010  to be exact.  This was their tenth anniversary and it was, as expected, a feast...for the eyes and the tummy.  So naturally I thought I'd share some of the treats I enjoyed.  Don't you just love the little chef in a glass?  He appeared on every table and I couldn't resist taking a photo.

Short Ribs Galore

The truth is - no matter how much I reduce our meat intake, I am at heart a carnivore and winter has me craving slow cooking, long braising dishes that impart delicious aromas wafting through the apartment.  And they typically star short ribs.

Easy to Do, Delicious to Eat - Some Stress-Free Recipes

Like everyone I know, I'm trying to find some balance between work and family,while trying to eat well, and somehow reduce the stress of juggling so many balls at the same time.   So I thought I'd share some recipes I've made of late that make things a little easier and use local ingredients from my friends at the farmers markets

Getting Ready for Jewish New Year Festivities

My trip to the farmers market today was a little different than usual.  Normally, the focus is on the meat.... gotta love the folks at Getaway Farm... and the package on the right is flank steak to celebrate my Honey's birthday on Tuesday.  I'm just not sure which marinade to use ... but I'll keep you posted.  That said, most of today's goodies focus on the upcoming Rosh Hashana dinner...

Love My Meat, Love My Butchers

I read a couple of articles this morning about Organic vs non-organic foods and the recent research that states that nutritionally, there is no (or at least little) difference between the two.  Although there is definitely the benefit of fewer pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in organic food.  And did you know that 80% of all antibiotics produced in the States go to farm animals!   But don't get me side-tracked...

Homage to Farmers Markets and Hardly a Dent in the Swiss Chard

Breakfast on a lovely, sunny Sunday morning consisted of an omelet, sounds so... ordinary.  And that is so far from the truth.

Farmers and Their Markets

I usually, make that often, share my Saturday market scores - just to entice you to visit your local farmers markets.  In fact, if you can, drive out to meet a farmer, it will open your eyes to a whole new way of looking at food.  We're lucky here in Nova Scotia, we even have an official Open Farm Day that is province wide.  Not only can you check out the farms, you can share in some fun - great food and activities...  I digress...caught up in the moment.  Check out the photo and see if you can guess what this leafy green is.