When I first heard someone speak of chimichurri, I thought it had to be some kind of exotic animal or perhaps a reference to that song from Mary Poppins. But as it turns out, chimichurri is actually a sauce similar to pesto. It is usually vinegar and/or oil based with plenty of fresh, finely chopped herbs and garlic.
Category Archives: Sides
Rapini alla Paesana
Rapini , also known as broccoli raab, is a bitter green primarily used in Italian and Portuguese cooking. Rapini is low in calorie content but rich in vitamin A, B-6, C, Calcium, Magnesium and Fibre. If bitter doesn’t appeal to you, there are many ways to prepare Rapini to cut its bitterness. Once I tired rapini that had been prepared along with other fragrant ingredients, I became hooked, and it is now one of my favourite vegetables.
Behind every great dish, is a story…
Sweet Peas with Crisp Prosciutto, Fresh Mint & Feta
This side dish is simple to make and tastes great served hot or cold. Even the pickiest of eaters will be saying, “hmm…that’s not so bad!” I would know, because I live with the king of picky eaters when it comes to vegetables…and fruit…and pasta…and desserts! However, I do love a challenge! The key here is to not overcook the peas. You want them to be crisp in texture.
The flavors of this recipe go beautifully together and I hope that you too, can win over the picky eaters in your life…one dish at a time.
Potato Au Gratin with Caramelized Onions, Crisp Bacon & Fresh Thyme (Dairy-Free)
If you could fill an empty swimming pool with anything edible, what would you choose to fill it with? Jell-O, chocolate pudding, champagne? Why am I asking this ridiculous question?
Fresh Quinoa-Tabouli Salad
Refreshing, zesty and flavorful; this protein-packed salad is both tasty and healthy.
Tabouli is traditionally prepared with wheat-based couscous or bulgar (gluten) which is a big NO-NO for Celiacs like myself, but problem solved! Simply replace these ingredients with delicious, nutty quinoa.
Quinoa is pronounced as: Keen-wah (which honesty, I’m still trying to accept). Sometimes I want to confront “Keen-wah” because on occasion, she tends to come across as a little pretentious and quite honestly needs to lose the attitude problem already! I can picture her at parties with a fancy cocktail in hand while correcting strangers, “no, no it’s pronounced Keen-wah.” I’m pretty sure even couscous would roll her eyes. But the matter of fact is, Quinoa is quite simple and often misunderstood… Many people often neglect the important step of thoroughly rinsing quinoa which helps discard any unpleasant bitterness. It is easy and quick to cook and has more nutritional value than wheat-grains.
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milk & marigolds 