Tomato Artichoke Frittata

Tomato Artichoke FrittataI had some fresh, very flavourful cherry tomatoes from my friend’s mom’s garden so I wanted to put them in a dish that would let them shine. Mrs. Gill is one of the best cooks I have ever met so I was really excited to see her new garden and to get to try some of the fruits of her labour. For me, something homegrown, just like something homemade, has a really special quality to it that the stuff in stores just can’t compete with. Frittatas, the fancy word for egg pie or crustless quiche, are great for using up leftover odds and ends as well as showcasing an ingredient. Continue Reading →

Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Couscous

Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Couscous The days are still hot but they are ending earlier and earlier and the nights have a cold edge and the early morning light reflects through dense morning fog before the sun gets high enough to burn it off. The market stands are still abound with fresh and fragrant summer fruits and vegetables but I am starting to long for some of the tastes of autumn. A dish like this combines the lightness of summer with the grounding side of autumn. Continue Reading →

Salmon with Blackberry Avocado Salsa

Salmon with Blackberry Avocado SalsaThree simple ingredients come together to form this dish rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants fit for bears but made for humans. Succulent blackberries warm up and melt in your mouth once they come in contact with the baked salmon and avocado adds in richness and brings the other two ingredients together- there are very few, if any, circumstances where adding avocado will not improve something. Continue Reading →

Swiss Chard Salmon Wraps with Kimchi Slaw

Swiss Chard Salmon Wraps with Kimchi Slaw

These wraps are made entirely of nutrient rich superfoods, each with their own benefits. The first layer is avocado, rich in unsaturated fats mixed with lime juice abundant in vitamin C. Next up is baked wild salmon, one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty aids, essential for optimal brain function. The final layer in slaw flavoured predominantly by kimchi. It also features red pepper, one of the best sources of vitamin C, carrots, one of the best sources of beta-carotene, cilantro, a fresh herb high in vitamin K and antioxidants and a natural chelator that helps the body detoxify heavy metals. Kimchi is Korean style fermented cabbage, similar to sauerkraut but with some spiciness. Fermented cabbage is high in vitamins, minerals and enzymes but what makes it extra special is the probiotics it gains through the fermentation process. Continue Reading →

Blueberry Salad with Orange Cashew Dressing

Blueberry Salad with Orange Cashew DressingThere are only so many salad dressings that can be made with oil and vinegar but using nut and seed butters opens up a whole new world of flavour possibilities without making the process any more tedious. Cashew butter is delicately creamy and slightly sweet, making it perfect for dressing a salad featuring tender summer leafy greens and berries. This version combines it with orange juice, dijon mustard, olive oil and maple syrup for a dressing that’s sweet, citrusy and has a bit of a kick. Continue Reading →

Black Bean Mango Fajita Plantain and Yam Boats

Black Bean Mango Fajita Plantain and Yam BoatsOne of the ways I attempt to get more vegetables in is to substitute them for breads and crackers as the base of a dish from time to time. In this case, sweet and starchy plantains, yams and sweet potatoes take the place of tortillas for an extra filling version of fajitas with a range of different nutrients. This is light and fresh enough for dinner on hot summer days but provides enough substance to be a really nourishing large meal. Continue Reading →

Blackberry Orange Mango Roast Chicken

Blackberry Orange Mango Roast ChickenAfter several years of strict veganism learning to cook meat again was very intimidating. Chicken especially has been my nemesis. Making it flavourful and moist but cooking it enough to avoid salmonella can be pretty tricky as it is a fine line between potential food poisoning and overcooked and dried out. I have found that roasting whole chickens with fresh herbs and fruits or vegetables is a consistent success and using ones that are butterflied/spatchcocked (the backbone is removed and the chicken is opened like a book) cuts down the prep and cooking times and makes them a bit easier to work with. Continue Reading →