Author: David

fresh Mexican ingredients

Now gather round my friends and I will regale you with the tale of the mysterious chicken-dog…   One spring evening, while sitting in Steph’s back yard,  I heard a sound…. Part bark and part crow. When I asked what it was, I was regaled with tale of the infamous chicken-dog. Half dog, half chicken. This creature is known to haunt the streets of North York. Many tell the tale, but to this day no one has managed to get solid evidence to prove its existence. We have found a mock-up of what he may look like, from an eyewitness. read more

Turkish Table

This time of year is amazing, with all the fresh produce, being pulled, from the gardens.  So often we use this produce as side dishes and add-ons.  Sometimes these side dishes become the stars of the night, due to their vibrancy.  This week we wanted to truly feature what we have grown, and what better cuisine to feature it in than Turkish?

Turkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Caucasian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. Turkish cuisine has in turn influenced those and other neighbouring cuisines, including those of Western Europe. Best of all we found recipes that could truly feature the freshness of the ingredients at hand. read more

Savory Scallion Pancakes with Hoisin sauce

This week marks 2 special anniversaries. Tonight would have been Steph’s 25th wedding anniversary. So this was a night of warm memories, but also leaves an empty space in our lives.

Later in the week is the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, one of the most lethal events in human history, but ended one of the bloodiest wars ever. You may want to check Steph’s blog, for her insights. In remembrance of this event we decided to try our hand at our first Asian themed Monday Night Dinner. read more

Octopus with ginger chipotle and cilantro jus

Due to trips, vacations and family matters, Monday Night Dining had to take a brief sabbatical. But we were very excited to gather together once again, for a double celebration. First our return to Monday Night Dining (even if it is Wednesday) and Canada’s 148th birthday!!!  This was perfect timing, as Craig and Susan are in town, from Montreal.  We also invited our friends Tom and Ann.  The weather is perfect, so we decided to eat al fresco, in Steph’s yard.

This meal has been in planning and taste testing for a while. Mind you half the things we tested, we ended up not making, but that is half the fun.  Tonight’s menu is our little tour of Mexico. read more

Rhubarb Granita spoons with Crème Fraiche

Judith is triumphantly behind us.  We sang to an almost sold out house.  After months of rehearsals, we have brought a lost work back to life. Singing at Koerner Hall for 950 people, with the full orchestra, and amazing soloists, under the careful leadership of Steph.  Just WOW!  The comments and reviews have been fantastic, and this week for dinner, we have the pre-eminent Parry scholar coming for dinner.

Joining our trio this week are Jeremy and Alison Dibble, Michael and Ann Trott, Chris and Rosemary, and Brian.  With 2 couples from the UK and one from Vancouver, we decided to try to feature some Ontario ingredients, and wines.  For our pre-appetizer nibbles… No wait I ran out of time to make them, what to do?  With inspired timing, Chris and Rosemary gave us a gift of the carmelized onions we enjoyed in Worcester.  We had a baguette on hand and with ingredients from the fridge, Shawn whipped up a quick little app of baguette with goat cheese and carmelized onion chutney.  Nice save. read more