Month: July 2012

Desserts

Maple Syrup and Walnut Ice Cream

I recently returned from a trip to Montreal, Quebec. It’s a gorgeous city full of culture, history and delicious food. One of my favourite cities in the entire world. I had been to Montreal before but decided to make this latest adventure to the city a culinary experience. We dined at many amazing restaurants recommended by those who have either lived there or have visited and had unbelievable food experiences. Although all the places I dined in were mouthwatering, the one that stood out the most is Au Pied de Cochon. This now is my favourite restaurant of all time. Hands down. The menu is a little intimidating and features plenty of duck, pig and fois gras. Very rich. Very decadent. Very French Canadian. Every dish I had was divine.

I returned and after a few weeks I still couldn’t stop thinking about Au Pied de Cochon and how I wanted to recreate some of the food I devoured. I decided to purchase their cookbook. I haven’t looked back. I figured I’d start with a simpler recipe…something I was more familiar with making. That’s when I selected this decadent Maple Syrup Ice Cream. Not to mention, maple syrup is also a Quebec staple. I adapted this recipe by adding walnuts to create Claudia’s favourite ice cream flavour! I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s sweet, syrupy, creamy and has great texture.

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Dinner, Healthy

BBQ Shrimp Kabobs

It has been very hot and humid here in Manitoba over the past few weeks. Even with the air conditioning running, there is nothing I’d rather do less than use the oven and stove in the house. That’s why I absolutely love BBQ season. You can enjoy the heat where it belongs – outside. You also have minimal dishes. It’s a perfect combination for me.

This recipe is very quick, simple and light for summer. Not to mention, super healthy! You can use any of your favourite veggies in the recipe. I happen to use sweet red onion and pineapple along with red and green bell peppers.

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Desserts, Side Dish

Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry season has arrived here in Manitoba. I love picking strawberries. As a kid, Claudia and her Mom (my Baba) would often take us strawberry picking outside the city. I had so much fun. Mainly because I ate more than I placed in the basket! There is nothing better than the taste of fresh fruit straight off the vine. When Claudia told me she was returning from a trip to Saskatchewan and was going to pick up some baskets of strawberries, I knew we immediately needed to make her recipe for Strawberry Freezer Jam that evening. This is by far my favourite jam on the planet. Friends who have tried it also agree. I actually learned while making this with Claudia last week that it’s no family secret – it’s literally the recipe from the Certo package! Regardless, it’s beyond delicious. I much prefer the freezer no-cook jam version as opposed to the cooked version. It’s also a lot easier to make.

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Desserts

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Cookies

Blueberries are everywhere right now. As I mentioned in my post a few weeks ago, I know it’s summer when blueberries are in abundance in the stores and are cheap! I’ve been trying to keep up with the supply in my house before they spoil. That’s how these cookies came about. I wanted to bake something different from the typical blueberry muffins, coffee cake and bars. I was so happy when I found this recipe from the blog Hot Polka Dot. These cookies are moist, rich and soft. Not to mention, the juicy burst of blueberry make them absolutely delicious.

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