I’ve been collecting recipes for many years now. Here are a few of the ones that caught my eye. Although you may find it in one category, it could easily fit into another i.e. an appetizer could also be found in a main etc. Some have been tried, my comments usually show up in italics if I have made them. I’ve given credit to Chef’s/authors/publishers whose names I wrote down when recording the recipes, but go figure – in at the tail end of the boomer generation and blogs didn’t exist when I started collecting them and I never thought of a website either. If I’ve violated any copyrights – just let me know and I’ll fix it. If you try a recipe and have comments, please let me know, I’ll respond. As always – enjoy! Thanks – Chris (cater@foodinspires.com)

What’s in your pantry?!

I often get asked this question.  I didn't learn this in school although I spent a lot of time in the pantry at school and this list is by no means exhaustive (anyone who has been to my house will verify this), but to me it's the basics.  When I cook, except for fresh ingredients which [...]

What’s in your pantry?!2020-10-12T19:37:57-04:00

Toronto’s got snow… Let’s make some Asian Chicken Vegetable soup!

There I said it!  For all the times I said we don't get snow, we got snow.  Snowmageddon - just kidding.  It's a fair amount and still falling but again, nothing like what some of the snowier parts of the country get on a typical snow day.  So... what are we doing today.  Soup of [...]

Toronto’s got snow… Let’s make some Asian Chicken Vegetable soup!2020-10-12T19:37:57-04:00

Madelines

Another Cooks Illustrated recipe which yields consistently great results. Makes 12. Published March 1, 1996. To coat the Madeline moulds, mix two teaspoons of melted butter with one teaspoon of all-purpose flour. Brush the molds and rims thoroughly, but not thickly, with this mixture. Essential step. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cake [...]

Madelines2020-10-12T19:37:58-04:00

Salmon Cakes

I have a very good friend who gave me this recipe.  I've made it many times and it is delicious - Thanks Jim!  As always, my variations are at the bottom of the recipe (so give them a try). 1/2 lb skinless salmon, diced 1/2 cup Panko Crumbs 1/4 cup diced Celery 2 tblsp chopped Cilantro [...]

Salmon Cakes2020-10-12T19:37:58-04:00

Asparagus Gruyere Tart

This recipe is adapted from “Everyday Food” (March/April 2003).  I've made this many times for catered events, family parties etc so it is a nice go-to recipe and can be either an hors d'oeuvre or an appetizer or light lunch if served with a simple salad. Serves 4 Ingredients •  1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed - I use the [...]

Asparagus Gruyere Tart2020-10-12T19:37:58-04:00

Baba Ghanoush

Plan to make it the day you want to serve it. Pita bread to dip and for garnish, any of - black olives, tomato wedges, sambal oelek, olive oil – use your imagination.  Makes 2 cups.   Ingredients 2 pounds eggplant poked with fork to prevent bursting 1 tblsp lemon juice – extra if needed – [...]

Baba Ghanoush2013-03-02T16:34:17-05:00

My day with a Chef in Tuscany!

As I sit here working on the website, I'm looking out the kitchen window watching the snow fall and cover what was a green/brown yard just a few hours ago.  I can remember when winters in Toronto (I've been here almost 46 years) were really winters with a lot more snow than we have now, but still [...]

My day with a Chef in Tuscany!2020-10-12T19:37:58-04:00

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery Pecan Sandies

I got this amazing cookbook, “Thomas Keller – Bouchon Bakery”, from my niece Lisa, at Christmas.  She is as much a foodie as I am but I think a bit more adventurous.  She has an “it’s food, don’t fear it” approach to making anything she tries and I must say, unbiased of course, she’s pretty [...]

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery Pecan Sandies2020-10-12T19:37:58-04:00

Tea time… Victoria sandwich anyone?!

There are a few things I remember about growing up in Tanga (East Africa, we came to Canada when I was 7), but one of them for sure was tea time. As we were under British rule, the afternoon tea was more than a “coffee break”. It often included little sandwiches, cakes or scones and cream. Today I decided to [...]

Tea time… Victoria sandwich anyone?!2020-10-12T19:37:59-04:00

Ham and Cheddar Scones

I was walking by the meat section at the grocery store on the weekend and saw this beautiful piece of cooked ham. Thought I would make some savoury scones out of it, simple recipe, easy to make and delicious. As always, I’ve put pictures of the various stages below. Total working time – from start [...]

Ham and Cheddar Scones2020-10-12T19:37:59-04:00
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