Food

Tourtière is, for me, the dish that best represents Québec. It can be traced back to the 1600s, and there’s no master recipe; every family has their own twist. Originally, it was made with game birds or game meat, like rabbit, pheasant, or moose; that’s one of the reasons why I prefer it with venison instead of beef or pork. Variation: If you prefer to make single servings, follow our lead at the restaurant, where we make individual tourtières in the form of a dome (pithivier) and fill them with 5 ounces (160 g) of the ground venison mixture. Variation: You can also use a food processor to make the dough. Place the flour, salt, and butter in the food processor and pulse about ten times, until the butter is incorporated—don’t overmix. It should look like wet sand, and a few little pieces of butter here and there is okay. With the motor running, through the feed tube, slowly add ice water until the dough forms a ball—again don’t overmix. Wrap, chill, and roll out as directed above.

My love of artichokes continues with this classic recipe, one of the best ways to eat this interesting, underrated, and strange vegetable. Frozen artichoke hearts are a time-saving substitute, though the flavour and texture of fresh artichokes are, by far, much superior and definitely preferred.

Yield: 1 3/4 Cups (425 ml)

Cervelle de canut is basically the Boursin of France, an herbed fresh farmer’s cheese spread that’s a speciality of Lyon. The name is kind of weird, as it literally means “silk worker’s brain,” named after nineteenth-century Lyonnaise silk workers, who were called canuts. Sadly, the name reflects the low opinion of the people towards these workers. Happily for us, though, it’s delicious—creamy, fragrant, and fresh at the same time. Cervelle de canut is one of my family’s favourite dishes. It’s a great make-ahead appetizer that you can pop out of the fridge once your guests arrive. Use a full-fat cream cheese for the dish, or it will be too runny and less delicious.

Black, pearly lentils serve as a springboard for a highly nutritious salad that seems more sophisticated than its ease of prep would suggest. You want a lot of broccoli in this dish, so if only small heads are available, use two bunches. French green lentils also hold their shape with cooking, so they would be an adequate substitution for black lentils. Take stalk Don’t compost those broccoli stalks. When relieved of their outer green layer, they are crisp, tender, and mild in flavour on the inside. Slice and sauté them in stir-fries, or use as a crudité for dips.

Who says meatballs are just for pasta and red sauce? These curry fish balls are an exciting focal point for this salad inspired by traditional Asian flavours. The raw greens and herbs deliver freshness to the salad, while the sweet and nutty-tasting black rice adds a visual pop. If you can’t use black rice, long-grain brown rice can stand in. Can do Convenient canned salmon is a strong source of heart-helping omega-3 fatty acids. If your budget allows, opt for the sockeye version, which typically has higher levels than pink salmon. You can now find no-salt-added options for both.

The sweet-tart warm blueberry dressing is a wonderful counterpoint to the earthy elements of this simple yet satisfying salad. All the cooked elements of this salad—berry dressing, chicken, and farro—can be prepared ahead of time and then assembled for a quick weeknight meal. If farro is not available, other grains, including spelt berries, sorghum, or quinoa, can be used. Raise a toast To deepen the flavour of the farro, you can give it a quick toast before simmering in water. Simply heat a small amount of oil in the saucepan and then toss in dry grains. Heat, stirring a few times, until grains turn a shade or two darker and emit a nutty aroma. Then add water to pan.

This virtuous salad is reminiscent of what you’d be served at a well-reviewed bistro. The process of oven-blasting the vegetables serves to intensify their naturally occurring flavours by drawing out excess moisture, leaving behind a new, and improved, concentrated taste. And when caramelized veggies are paired with lacy greens, silky poached egg, and a mustard-forward dressing, you have a salad that wins. For a special finishing touch, garnish egg with a pinch of smoked salt. Fresh-obsessed poached eggs If you use older eggs for poaching, you’re more likely to see ghostlike wispies in the water. The fresher the egg, the “tighter” it will poach. Cook for 2 minutes for runny eggs, 3 minutes for a set white with a runny yolk, and 4 minutes for a more well-done egg with a yolk that’s still soft.

This plant-based BLT pasta salad recipe is an exciting twist on the classic sandwich. There’s no actual bacon here, but that’s hardly a missed omission. Packed with smoky tempeh, warm tomato dressing, and creamy avocado, it hits all the flavour and texture pleasure points. It’s a great dish to bring to a potluck as a vegan-friendly main. For a simpler preparation, look for tempeh that is pre-flavoured. Up in smoke No need to break out the smoker. Bottled liquid smoke is a natural product made from condensing the smoke from burning wood. The flavouring can be used in marinades for both meats and plant-based proteins such as tempeh to contribute a smoky taste to a variety of dishes including chili, baked beans, and even mac and cheese. Because of its concentrated taste, only a small amount is required.

Carrots, whose earthy sweetness is intensified in the oven, are an inspiring and eyesome stand-in for grains in this lively gluten-free version of a classic Lebanese side dish. You can serve the tabbouleh salad on a bed of freekeh or quinoa for a more substantial dish. If za’atar is not available, you may season the carrots with Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence. Nice spice Za’atar, a combination of sesame seeds, sumac, and thyme, can be found at Middle Eastern grocers or natural food stores with a well-stocked spice aisle. It can instantly vivify dressings, dips, roasted vegetables, and yogurt for savoury uses.

Decadent and rich, this picnic-packable bar will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. A hearty mixture of oats and nuts is bound together with sweet dates and maple syrup, creating a tasty base that’s topped with a luscious layer of decadent, rich, and dreamy chocolate. No time to chop Dark 60% cacao chocolate chips can be substituted for chopped dark chocolate to save on prep time! Out of sight, out of mind These ganache bars freeze well, so you can hide these tasty treats away for another day! Simply wrap each bar in a small piece of parchment paper and store all in a resealable bag or container. Freeze for up to one month.

Roasted sweet potatoes and zesty Dijon mustard transform a classic picnic salad concept into a new and fresh menu item for your basket.  One step ahead Reduce your prep load by making the sweet potato salad a day ahead and storing it in the fridge. This will not only allow for quick wrap assembly but also deepen the flavours in the salad.

With very little effort, chicken drumsticks are transformed into a fun and flavour-filled tasty treat! Enjoyed hot or cold, these meaty lollipops pack well and are fantastic on their own or will complement just about any side dish. Slip and grip Prepping these chicken drumsticks can be quite slippery! To improve grip when peeling and removing skin and tendons, use a paper towel and then discard. To foil or not to foil To prevent possible scorching of the drumstick bone on the barbecue, place a piece of aluminum foil around exposed bone while grilling and remove before serving.

Each salad component is unique and distinct in flavour—from fennel’s hint of licorice to tart and fruity pear, peppery arugula, and smooth, salty blue cheese—it’s all brought together with a sweet and tangy citrus dressing. Elegant in appearance yet simple to create, this light and fresh salad is great for any occasion or as a perfect side for a winter picnic. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for another layer of crunch! Layered effect Packing this salad to go for a picnic or dinner party? Layering the salad will help keep the colours vibrant and greens fresh. Toss fennel, onion, and pear with citrus dressing for bottom salad layer. Top with arugula and blue cheese, and cover. Just before serving, mix arugula and blue cheese into the bottom salad layer, coating everything with dressing.

Full flavoured yet easy to make, this simple but refined soup is cozy and rich in earthy mushroom flavours and cashew creaminess. It’s a plant-based spinoff of an age-old family favourite that is sure to please!  Fungi family relations Did you know that a portobello mushroom was once a white button mushroom, and that a white button mushroom turns into a cremini mushroom? They’re all the same, and part of the Agaricus bispourus fungi family!  This edible mushroom, in its immature form, is white and often referred to as a button mushroom. When it ages and darkens in colour, it becomes known as a cremini or baby bella. Once the mushroom matures and the cap widens and dries out, you can find them described as portobellos.

Sweet apple cider partners perfectly with fragrant chai-inspired flavours for a delicious and warming beverage sure to spice up any winter picnic! Keep it spicy! With age, spices and herbs can lose their flavour, colour, and potency. To maximize your herb and spice shelf life, store them in glass containers and avoid keeping them in areas with direct sunlight, heat, and/or moisture. Typical shelf life dried herbs 1 to 2 years ground and powdered spices 2 to 3 years whole or unground spices 4 years

This chocolate mousse recipe is so simple and so delicious that I can almost guarantee it will become your go-to. The chocolate mousse tastes best if you eat it when it’s been refrigerated between 6 and 12 hours. After the 12-hour mark, the mousse becomes heavier and more dense.

This plant-based mousse contains only three ingredients, but it’ll wow both you and your guests. With the rich, sweet dark chocolate, a dash of cayenne pepper (if you desire!) adds just the perfect hum of heat. For added texture, top this smooth and creamy mousse with a crunchy cinnamon churro crumble. Easy egg swap Try using whipped aquafaba in your next cocktail or omelette as a substitute for egg whites.

This dish provides a flavourful twist on the famous patatas bravas that many of us know and love. Here, traditionally crispy potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce are swapped out for roasted butternut squash and a smoky pepper sauce. This dish offers fantastic umami flavour loaded with smoky and subtle bitter notes, compliments of roasted red peppers. The creamy sweet garlic yogurt drizzle is the perfect accompaniment to balance the bold piquancy. A perfect couple! Get saucy Keep this 5-minute yogurt sauce on hand to liven up a variety of vegetables and other dishes. Get creative!

Enjoy the zippy tang of sherry vinegar, popular in Spanish cooking, and the briny taste of capers in this zesty take on roasted cauliflower. Serve as a tapas side or on a charcuterie board accompanied by a selection of Spanish meats, cheeses, and olives. The smaller, the better The smaller you cut garlic, the more oils you’ll release, providing additional flavour. Looking to achieve more subtle flavour? Slice your garlic rather than crushing it.

Braising these hearty beans not only changes their texture but leaves them creamy and satisfying. Using a savoury broth with saffron for braising provides the traditional Spanish flavour, similar to a paella. This dish is served as a shared side, but it could also be served with rice and vegetables as a delicious stand-alone dinner or as a satisfying nourish bowl. Swap your spirits Try substituting vermouth for white wine in this recipe, if you have some on hand. It’s a great alternative to wine and will last much longer in your cupboard. An added perk? You can save that nice wine for sipping.

With Spain’s expansive coastlines and multiple islands, seafood is a staple of the cuisine. This quick and easy prawn dish will add a pop of protein and a wonderful smokiness to your tapas-style lineup. Sustainable seafood When choosing prawns (or any seafood), opt for sustainable varieties that recognize and even reward sustainable fishing practices. As an important protein in many cultures, seafood, caught sustainably, helps contribute to healthy oceans < and > healthy communities.

This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.

Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.