Author Archives: Andrea

Classic Cream of Tomato Soup (with bacon base)

Posted on by Andrea

Classic Cream of Tomato Soup

Classic Cream of Tomato Soup

I’m definitely blogging this recipe, since this is where I catalogue  all my favourite recipes. This soup starts with a base of bacon so it’s unlike cream of tomato soup as we know it.  It sounded unusual to me at first,  but bacon and tomato is a classic combination so I went ahead and made  it and continue to make it often. It’s delish, I tell you.  This soup’s  got a smoky and savoury richness that you don’t usually find in vegetarian versions of this soup. Continue reading →

Strawberry Almond Mini Cakes

Posted on by Andrea

fireworks at Sharbot Lake beach

Strawberry Almond Mini Cakes

Happy Canada Day!  Here’s an easy and delicious little cake that takes advantage of fresh strawberries.

These come together quickly and easily.  They are more dense than a traditional muffin, made with ground almonds, egg whites and a bit of flour. The addition of freshly crushed seasonal stawberries makes this a great recipe. Give them a try while the berries are in – you can keep them simple or fancy them up with some whipped cream and extra berries on the side.  The recipe is from Anna Olsen and we all know what a great (Canadian) baker she is. Continue reading →

Rhubarb Cake with Cinnamon Crunch Topping

Posted on by Andrea

rhubarb cake with cinnamon crunch topping

I was wondering what to make with some fresh rhubarb from the farmer’s market…when I saw this recipe, I gave it a whirl. So good!  It’s a buttermilk batter and it’s just so creamy and delightful…with some rhubarby tartness and cinnamon crunch on top. A keeper. Easy too. Continue reading →

Dry Spice Rub for BBQ Meats

Posted on by Andrea

Dry rub for bbq meats

Now that bbq season has arrived, thankfully, everyone should have a container of all-purpose spice rub on hand for bbq meats.  I use this on chicken, pork and ribs.  It can be used dry or feel free to mix in a bit of olive oil to make a spice paste to rub on a beer can chicken or pieces of chicken.  Either way, it’s nice to have your own unique spice rub to use throughout the summer.  I love the idea of dry-roasting whole spices then grinding them up in my coffee grinder.  You can use pre-ground spices for this recipe as well (use same amount as whole), but if you have the chance, try dry-roasting some of your spices in a regular pan and grind them.  You’ll be surprised at the roasty, robust flavour that results.

As usual, you can and should customize this spice mixture as you see fit. Continue reading →

Mediterranean Dip

Posted on by Andrea

Mediterranean Dip

This dip is easy to put together and is packed with fresh Mediterranean flavours — it’s nice to have in the afternoon on the deck, or if you have some friends drop over.  As ‘entertaining’ season begins (at least for me, being at the lake), it’s nice to have some easy appetizer ideas.  As usual, you can modify this to your taste. Continue reading →