The autumn got away from me and I did not get around to sharing my 2014 Thanksgiving tablesetting. When I realized it was too late to share it on my blog for the Canadian Thanksgiving in October, I knew I’d have a second chance in late November to share it in time for the American Thanksgiving. So, this one is for our American friends to the South who will celebrate their Thanksgiving tomorrow… if you haven’t already set your Thanksgiving table, this one is quick and easy!
I went with a fairly simplistic setting this year. I started with an ivory tablecloth topped with a piece of orange drapery sheer. As you have probably noticed with my tablesettings, I tend to go for plain table coverings which make other elements of the tablesetting stand out.
I also try, where possible, to use props that I already have like, for example, the tall wooden candlesticks. The warmth of the wood seemed to work well with the autumn props. Scattering a few brown pine cones pulled the color scheme together.
The focal point of the table is the small white pumpkin perched on a glass cake stand and surrounded by colored leaves. With a black marker, I simply wrote, round and round the pumpkin, all the things I am thankful for.
I used my standard gold charger plates topped with my everyday white stoneware dinnerware. A quick fold of the napkin placed in the soup bowl makes a colorful nest for the little white ornamental pumpkins which tie in with the white pumpkin centerpiece.
I love to decorate my fireplace mantles. A few white pumpkins, a garland of some colored leaves, a floral centerpiece, and a jar of mini orange pumpkins for a splash of color, and the look is complete.
This was a fairly easy, quick, and economical tablesetting to achieve. It’s suitable, obviously, for a more informal Thanksgiving dinner. My good China has a border of pink florals so really doesn’t blend well with the colors of autumn. That’s why white dinnerware is always a good choice as it goes with anything and food always looks so eye-popping when served on it!
Happy Thanksgiving to our American family and friends to the South!
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Ulysses Press has offered me the opportunity to conduct a review of Dorothy Kern’s cookbook, Dessert Mash-Ups. Kern is the blogger behind “Crazy for Crust” food blog and Dessert Mash-Ups is her first cookbook.
I found this a delightful cookbook, all about desserts (what’s not to love about that speciality!). But, it’s more than that. It’s actually a teaching book that is sure to be a good reference tool for bakers, particularly those less experienced in the realm of baking. For example, there is a great section at the front of the book that provides a list of common pans any kitchen should have along with a list of useful gadgets and appliances. Additionally, the author also gives useful ingredient tips and suggestions along with storage and freezing tips. While candy making can be daunting for some, Kern takes away the trepidation by providing handy tips on candy dipping that both the novice and a more experienced candy maker would find useful. Including this type of information in the cookbook would be motivating I believe for those, perhaps less confident in candy making, to try the candy recipes in Kern’s book.
The book features over 50 recipes that are well laid out. Each recipe is introduced by a short paragraph that either comments about the recipe’s ingredients or gives the author’s personal story about, or connection to, the recipe. Step-by-step clear directions call for the ingredients in the order in which they appear on the ingredients list found on the right-hand side of each page and each recipe provides the yield along with the preparation and baking times. Where there is more than one component to a recipe (e.g., a cake, streusel, and icing), each set of ingredients is listed separately along with individual sets of directions which makes preparation easier. The directions are easy to understand, even for those less experienced with baking.
One of the things I most appreciated about the book is that, while it sometimes combines different ingredients in a recipe or “mashes” them up into something entirely different than you might think of (ever hear of lemon meringue pie fudge!), the recipes do not call for unusual ingredients that would be difficult to find.
The other bonus with this book is that each recipe is accompanied by a full-page color photograph of the finished product so you know the goal you are aiming for when making a recipe. The photographs are stunning and of high quality, making each recipe enticing to make. Of note, all food photographs in the book are the work of the author, herself.
I found the structure, content, and layout of this book well thought out with the reader in mind. The book is well organized and categorized into eight chapters: Breakfast but Better; Candy Concoctions; Cookies, Brownies, and Bars Together at Last; Pie Surprise; Cake & Cupcake Creations; New Takes on Cheesecake; Double Dips; and Holiday Mash-ups. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a page that lists all the recipes in that category along with their page numbers. There is also a useful alphabetized index at the back of the book.
Test-driving recipes
So, while a book might be lovely to look at and to leaf through, the real test comes when you make some recipes out of the book. I selected two: Payday Candy Corn Rice Krispies Treats (pp 134-135), and Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars (pp. 58-59). Both recipes turned out well for me with no issues and both were tasty and are ones I would repeat.
Payday Candy Corn Rice Krispies Treats
The twist on these perennial favorites is the addition of just a small amount of peanut butter, some peanuts, and the candy corn. I made them for Halloween treats and they were a hit. I also tested freezing them and found they freeze well, too. I would make them again, with or without the candy corn.
Payday Candy Corn Rice Krispies Treats from “Dessert Mash-Ups Cookbook by Dorothy Kern
Ulysses Press has given me permission to share the recipe and the book’s photograph for Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars along with my review of this cookbook. I made these bars and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars
Yield 36 bars Prep Time 20 minutes Bake Time 18 minutes Chill Time At least 4 hours
I’ll never forget eating rocky road ice cream when I was young. It was one of my mom’s favorite flavors, so it was always in the freezer. I’d pick out the almonds and marshmallows to save for last, because they were the best part. My love of the ice cream inspired these bars: a rich chocolate cookie bar topped with a rocky road candy that tastes like fudge. I hope it brings back memories of all your rocky road days like it does for me!
1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 1⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 (11.5-ounce) bag semisweet or milk chocolate chips 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds 1 1⁄2 cups mini marshmallows
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray or line with foil and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the vanilla and egg, and mix until smooth. Mix in the cocoa and baking soda, then add the salt and flour, and beat until well blended. Press into the prepared pan. (The batter will be sticky; it helps to spray your hands with cooking spray to keep it from sticking to you.)
3. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the top just loses its sheen.
4. As soon as the bars come out of the oven (or a few minutes before), melt the chocolate chips in a large microwave- safe bowl on high for 1 1⁄2 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate melts and is smooth. Let it sit for about 2 minutes, then stir in the chopped nuts and mini marshmallows. Stir to coat completely.
5. Pour the marshmallow mixture on top of the hot cookie bars and spread carefully. Let set at room temperature before slicing. You can refrigerate the bars to speed hardening, but be sure to allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing to avoid cracking in the chocolate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature; bars are best within 4 days.
Concluding Thoughts
The book contains a good variety of dessert recipes that would be suitable for families, potluck get-togethers, special occasions, and gift giving.
This book is a manageable size, has good flow, and is easy to read. In my view, this book would be most suitable for individuals who love to bake, have a sweet tooth, and/or those who don’t count calories!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Dessert Mash-Ups from Ulysees Press for the purposes of conducting a review of the cookbook. I received no compensation for this review and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
Move over pumpkin! Your cousin, squash, makes better pies!
Growing up, it was more common in our household to have squash rather than pumpkin pie. My ancestors always claimed squash makes a better, more tasty pie and I have to agree. Squash gives a richer pie with a depth of flavour that I don’t find characteristic of pumpkin.
Squash Pies
There are several different kinds of squash that can be used for pie making but my preference is the tall vase-or bell-shaped butternut squash. Butternut squash is considered a variety of winter squash. Though harvested in autumn, butternut squash is generally available in supermarkets through the winter months because of the squash’s long “keeping” quality. I’m guessing it is their availability through the winter months that has earned them the term “winter” squash since they certainly wouldn’t be harvested in the winter in our cold and frosty northeastern climate! With its mildly nutty flavour, butternut squash has a natural sweetness to it. The pulp of the butternut squash is bright orange in color and, while it loses that color when made in to a pie, it turns to a lovely caramel color.
Squash Pie
My grandmother always cooked her squash in a pot with some water on the stovetop. However, squash already has a high moisture content and adding more water to the mix can make it difficult to get the cooked squash sufficiently drained that you don’t end up with a soupy texture pie. My preference is to, instead, roast the squash as it reduces the moisture level and I find it also gives the squash an even deeper, richer flavour.
For my squash pie recipe (found at the end of this posting), 2 cups of puréed squash is needed. I used a butternut squash weighing 3 pounds which yielded 4 cups of purée, enough for 2 – 10″ pies. So, if all you want is one pie, try to find a squash that weighs 1½ to 1¾ pounds.
Butternut Squash
To roast the squash, I simply began by cutting the squash in half, starting at the top narrow end, slicing all the way through to the bottom.
With a spoon, remove the seeds.
With a soft brush, apply a thin layer of olive oil to both the flesh and skin sides of the squash.
Place squash, flesh side down, on a greased, foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated 425°F oven for about a half hour. Remove the squash from the oven and, with a large lifter, carefully flip the pieces over, applying another light brushing of olive oil to the flesh side. Return the squash to the oven for about another half hour or so, until the flesh of the squash is very soft. Remove from oven.
As soon as the squash has just cooled enough to handle, scoop the flesh from the skin of the squash and put it in the bowl of a food processor.
Process until the squash is puréed smooth.
Then, transfer the purée to a cheesecloth-lined colander fitted over a large bowl or pot and leave it to drip for about an hour or so. The goal is to remove as much remaining liquid as possible. I find it helps to stir the mixture two to three times and to press down the mixture with the back of a large spoon to extract the liquid.
To make one pie, transfer 2 cups of the purée to a medium-sized bowl.
Add the slightly-beaten eggs.
Next, add the sugars, salt, spices, and evaporated milk.
Mix the ingredients well – I use a hand mixer.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Although not necessary, I sometimes (but not always) pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes to set it. If you do this, be sure to use pie weights to ensure the crust does not bubble up, creating air pockets underneath.
I find it useful to place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet for easy transport into the oven. The filling is very liquid at this point and it is very easy to spill it or slosh it up over the sides of the crust edges. In fact, sometimes, I only partially fill the pie, then set it on the oven rack and finish filling it there.
It helps to start baking the pie at 375°F for the first 15 minutes to give it a quick set then lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 1¼ hours longer or until a knife, or a toothpick, inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean.
The pie should be thoroughly cooled and allowed to set before cutting.
Squash Pie
For tips and hints on making pie pastry and a recipe for pastry, clickhere.
Squash Pie
1½ – 1¾ lb butternut squash Pastry for deep 10-inch single crust pie
For the pie filling: 2 cups squash purée 2 extra large eggs, slightly beaten ⅔ cup brown sugar, lightly packed ⅓ cup white sugar ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ginger ¼ tsp cloves ¼ tsp mace ⅛ tsp nutmeg 1⅔ cup evaporated milk
To roast the squash:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Line large rimmed baking sheet with tin foil. Spray with cooking oil.
Cut the squash in half from top to bottom. Remove and discard seeds. Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of squash. Place squash, flesh side down, on baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes then remove from oven and carefully flip the squash halves over. Apply a light brushing of olive oil on the flesh side of the squash. Return squash to oven and continue roasting for another 20-30 minutes or until squash is very soft.
To prepare the squash purée:
Line a large colander with cheesecloth. Set aside.
Remove squash from oven. As soon as the squash has just cooled enough to handle, scoop the flesh from the squash and place it in the bowl of a food processor. Purée the squash until it is very smooth.
Transfer the purée to the cheesecloth-lined colander. Let sit for about an hour to allow any excess water to drain from the purée. From time to time, stir the purée and, with a large spoon, press out the moisture from the purée.
To make the pie filling:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Transfer purée to a medium-sized bowl and add the eggs, sugars, salt, spices, and milk. With a mixer (either a hand or stand mixer), mix ingredients thoroughly. Pour mixture into prepared pie shell. Place on rimmed baking sheet.
Bake pie in lower third of oven at 375°F for 15 minutes then lower temperature to 350°F and continue baking pie for about 1¼ hours longer or until knife or toothpick inserted in center of pie comes out clean.
Let pie cool completely before cutting.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Yield:8-10 servings
Squash Pie
If you have made this recipe and enjoyed it and/or wish to share it with your friends and family, please do so on social media but be sure to share the direct link to this posting from my website.
Similar in taste to Pumpkin Pie, this Squash Pie is made with butternut squash and has a lovely deep flavour with spices similar to those used in pumpkin pie.
Course Dessert
Keyword pie, squash pie
Servings8
My Island Bistro KitchenBarbara - My Island Bistro Kitchen
Ingredients
1½ - 2lbbutternut squash
Pastry for deep 10-inch single crust pie
For the pie filling:
2cupssquash purée
2extra-large eggs, slightly beaten
⅔cupbrown sugar, lightly packed
⅓cupwhite sugar
¼tspsalt
1tspcinnamon
½tspginger
¼tspcloves
¼tspmace
⅛tspnutmeg
1⅔cupevaporated milk
Instructions
To roast the squash:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Line large rimmed baking sheet with tin foil. Spray with cooking oil.
Cut the squash in half vertically. Remove and discard seeds. Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of squash. Place squash, flesh side down on baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes then remove from oven and carefully flip the squash halves over. Return squash to oven and continue roasting for another 20-30 minutes or until squash is very soft.
To prepare the squash purée:
Line a large colander with damp cheesecloth.
Remove squash from oven. As soon as the squash has cooled enough to handle, scoop the flesh from the squash and place it in the bowl of a food processor. Purée the squash until it is very smooth.
Transfer the purée to the cheesecloth-lined colander. Let sit for about an hour to allow any excess water to drain from the purée. From time to time, stir the purée and, with a large spoon, press out the moisture from the purée.
To make the pie filling:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Transfer purée to a medium-sized bowl and add the eggs, sugars, salt, spices, and milk. With a mixer (either a hand or stand mixer), mix ingredients thoroughly. Pour mixture into prepared pie shell. Place on rimmed baking sheet.
Bake pie in lower third of oven at 375°F for 15 minutes then lower temperature to 350°F and continue baking pie for about 1¼ hours longer or until knife inserted in center of pie comes out clean.
Let pie cool completely before cutting.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Lots of new things to share in today’s afternoon tea posting!
I have been looking for a long time for a tea cart, or tea trolley. I was specifically looking for a Roxton maple cart but none was showing up. However, I was able to find one in a darker wood that is in need of a little TLC at some point but is still usable in the meantime. So, our afternoon tea today was served via the new-to-me tea cart.
The second new acquistion is the little circular tablecloth. I bought it at the local Anne of Green Gables store on the corner of Queen and Richmond Street in downtown Charlottetown, PEI. They have a great selection of these types of small tablecloths, squares, and runners, and at reasonable prices. I particularly like the sunflower design for late summer and autumn use. It also looks great on the centre of my light maple dining room table.
The third new treasure (I told you there were lots!) is the new-to-me Ellgreave teapot. While I tend to lean toward pretty pinks, yellows, and mauves in teapot colors, the shape and the gold trim of this one particularly took my eye. The colors are also suitable for autumn teas.
I chose a couple of teacups and saucers from my small autumn collection. Both blend well with the teapot colors.
I like the rich tones in the rose in the above teacup (Cololough, Eng.) along with its gold trim to match that on the teapot. I like the fall motif on the cup (Royal Vale, Eng.) below.
The fourth new discovery comes from Tony’s Bistro and Pâtisserie in Moncton, New Brunswick. I was recently overseas “to the mainland”, as many of us Islanders say, and on the recommendation of a colleague, went to Tony’s Bistro for lunch. It was difficult to pass by the two display cases filled with delectable sweet treats. While I normally prepare all the food for my afternoon teas, I thought it would be fun to have someone else’s sweets for a change. And, I was not disappointed! Eager to have a look at my choices? (Note: All food items on today’s tea table, with the exception of the chocolate truffles, came from Tony’s.)
First the Raspberry Macarons. These are so light and airy with just the right touch of chewiness. Divine perfection.
Raspberry Macaron
These crisp little raspberry-filled shortbreads had just the right amount of crunch.
Shortbread
And, last but not least, this delectable cake that no chocolate lover could resist!
So, if you are lucky enough to have a great French pâtisserie in your area, tea time can be very easy as you don’t have to bake! All you have to do is make a stop at your favorite pâtisserie and then add the location, dishes, fine company, and a good pot of tea. It’s also a good opportunity to try specialty items that you might not normally bake yourself.
Today’s tea selection is a classic, full-bodied black tea from King Cole, another New Brunswick company. My afternoon tea has a distinct New Brunswick influence today!
King Cole Tea in a Pretty China Cup
Now that the tea elements have been duly admired and photographed, it’s time to sit down for tea!
I hope you have enjoyed taking a peek at my afternoon tea. If you find yourself in Moncton, I recommend checking out Tony’s Bistro and Pâtisserie at 137 McLaughlin Drive.
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One of my all-time favorites is the traditional old-fashioned Apple Crisp dessert — the sweet apple flavour filling topped with a crisp, crunchy streusel. And, oh, the heavenly scent in the house when the apple crisp is baking! Continue reading Old-fashioned Apple Crisp→
On this Halloween weekend, I am sharing my seasonal tablescape that has a distinctly pumpkin theme. I have chosen to use some good quality artificial decorations mixed in with some traditional ones that nature has provided.
Halloween Tablescape
In keeping with the mood of the season, I have kept the lighting low and moody to give a golden glow to the dining room.
I have a little collection of fall and Halloween decorations and, wherever possible, I try to work with I have as opposed to going out and buying more. I have had the terracotta pumpkin below for years. It’s so much easier to get a Jack-o-Lantern this way than the mess of carving a real one!!!
A glitzy pumpkin gets gussied up with a witch’s hat from the local dollar store. The headband/hat was a previous costume accessory.
I found the little 3-tier server below at a local thrift store and it forms a nice tower for three mini pumpkins. It will also serve other purposes throughout the year.
When I am creating a tablescape like this, I try to vary the heights of the components as it adds interest and appeal to the eye.
The color theme for the tablescape is orange, gold, ivory, and black. A piece of sheer orange curtain fabric over an ivory tablecloth makes an economical table covering without overtly screaming Halloween or competing with the focal point of the tablescape. A piece of black net fabric forms the base for the centerpiece display. The gold charger plates frame the white tableware, a good backdrop for the black napkins which are simply rolled and tied with glittery orange ribbon and accessorized with some colorful leaves.
Little orange votives tucked in through the tablescape add some extra drama to the scene. A number of years ago, I was able to get some good quality garlands of orange and black berries so they have been casually threaded in through the components of the centerpiece. The garlands are wired, making them easy to mold into areas needing some filler.
My fireplace mantle is decorated to compliment the table.
Framed behind garlands of orange berries and colored leaves, a white pumpkin dons a fancy witch’s hat.
The white pumpkin below is simply wrapped and tied in black organza, giving it a dramatic look by the simple folds in the fabric.
And, the orange pumpkin below is dressed in black spider web lace!
And, here is what the tablescape looked like in daylight…
Not nearly so dramatic but still colorful, nonetheless.
I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse into my Halloween festivities.
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Do you have an abundance of green tomatoes you’re wondering what to do with? Today, I am sharing my recipe for Green Tomato Chow (printable recipe follows at end of posting), a tasty condiment that makes good use of green tomatoes.
Green Tomato Chow is a great condiment to serve with cold meats, baked beans, stews, casseroles, chicken and meat pies, hot chicken/beef/turkey dinners and, of course, if you are a Maritimer, with fish cakes. Continue reading Green Tomato Chow→
There are three wineries in Prince Edward Island and the oldest of them is Rossignol Winery. To find out more about Rossignol wines and products, I visited the winery and vineyards in Little Sands where I met owner and vintner, John Rossignol.
John Rossignol, owner, Rossignol Winery, Little Sands, PEI
In the early 1990s, John was looking for a new career and one which he could pursue while living in a rural environment. He had developed an interest in wine making and in a special place called Prince Edward Island (PEI) where there were no established wineries. Hence, he saw a potential niche market. However, his dream was not without some challenges, chief amongst them being that there were no existing laws in PEI governing and regulating commercial wine making. Working with the provincial government for over two years, John pursued his dream and, in 1995, the Liquor Control Act and Regulations were enacted which allowed for commercial wine production in PEI.
Grapevines at Rossingol Winery
In the meantime, while the process to develop and enact legislation was underway, John was optimistic so he planted grapevines to get a vineyard established so he’d have grapes available should the Province give permission for commercial wine making. The winery was built in 1994 and the first wine produced in 1995, upon enactment of the enabling legislation.
Rossignol Winery, Little Sands, PEI
Currently, there are about ten acres of grapevines grown onsite at the winery. The remainder of the grapes needed for production are sourced from other Island vineyards.
John grows four varieties of grapes. Two of the most common are Marechal Foch, a French hybrid grape that is successfully proven to grow well in the Maritime climates and l’acadie blanc that was developed in Nova Scotia.
John Rossignol checks the status of the grapes on the grapevines in his vineyard at the winery in Little Sands, PEI
The grapes below were photographed in mid-August. They will be ready for harvesting in October.
The winery also has an onsite apple orchard to produce apples for its iced apple cider, “Liberty Blossom”.
Apple Orchard at Rossignol Winery, Little Sands, PEI
The wonderful sand sculptures at the winery are the artistic work of sand sculpter, Abe Waterman.
Sand Sculpture by Abe Waterman – at the Rossignol Winery, Little Sands, PEI
The detail in these works of art at the edge of the vineyard at the winery is incredible.
Since its beginnings, the winery has made a number of fruit wines (e.g., strawberry, wild blueberry, rhubarb). In the winery’s early years, John says this was a necessity as there weren’t enough grapes available to make the traditional wines as we think of them. Supportive of local products, John sources raw products such as Island strawberries, raspberries, and black currants from local farmers.
Fruit Wines Produced by Rossignol Winery, Little Sands, PEI
The fruit wines are especially popular in summer and are generally consumed as an aperitif. John likes the Strawberry Wine paired with cheese and says the blueberry wine can also be a table wine. This medium-sweet red wine is especially good paired with spicy, curried food. In total, the winery now produces 16 varieties of products under the Rossignol label.
When asked what the winery’s most popular wines are, John says the Little Sands White and the High Bank Red top the list. The winery also produces some specialty liqueurs, including their iced apple cider, maple liqueur, and cassis which they bottle in special Italian bottles. The cassis is a relatively new product for the winery which began the process four years ago to get this product ready for market. The cassis has been on the market for two years now and is particularly popular with chefs.
The winery also makes a wild rose liqueur from the hips of locally grown roses. These products are suitable as after-dinner drinks.
John indicates he experiences no great challenge to running a winery in rural PEI. He says PEI has good growing conditions for quality fruit which, in turn, means good quality wine.
“PEI has good growing conditions for quality fruit which, in turn, means good quality wine.” – John Rossignol
I asked John what his greatest satisfaction is from producing wine. He says, when he started in the business, it was always intended to be a lifestyle business which it remains today. He tells me he enjoys getting to work from his nearby home without going through city rush hour traffic. He also derives satisfaction from looking for new markets that keep the business interesting and different. But, perhaps most of all, John says he enjoys a business that actually allows him to be involved in all stages of the production of the finished product. That means he farms the grapes, makes the wine, and bottles, markets, and sells it so he gets to see the entire process of production from start to finish.
After our chat about the Rossignol products, John toured me through the winery.
The wine is sterilized by filtration and passes through three large tanks.
Tanks Containing Wine in Progress
Some products, such as the maple liqueur, are aged in traditional oak barrels.
Traditional Oak Barrels for Aging Wine
The barrels in the photo below contain red wine which has been aging for two years.
Oak Barrels of Red Wine Aging for Two Years
During my visit, the winery staff was busy bottling wine.
Bottling WineCorking and Labeling the Bottles
Freshly Bottled WineBoxes of Wine Ready for Shipment
Rossignol wines are presented in uniquely-labelled bottles. Labels feature the work of local painters, including John’s wife Dagny, as well as some of John’s own artwork.
Wine Bottle Label Designed by Dagny Rossignol
Wine Bottle Label Designed by John Rossignol
One of the earliest artists involved with producing artwork for Rossignol bottles is Nancy Perkins who happened to drop by the winery during my visit.
Nancy Perkins, One of the Designers of Wine Bottle Labels at Rossignol Winery
Rossignol wines and liqueurs are available at the winery located at 11147 Shore Road, in Little Sands, PEI, as well as at Island liquor stores. The winery has at times shipped their products to Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Alberta Liquor Commissions. Recently, the winery has sent four shipments of wines to China which has shown a special interest in PEI wines.
The winery regularly sends samples of their wines to wine competitions and, as you can see from the photo below, they have garnered many medals attesting to the fine quality of wine being produced at Rossignol Winery.
Rossignol was recently awarded the gold medal for the best fruit wine in Canada at the All Canadian Wine Championships in Ontario. That’s great recognition and validation for a winery that was the pioneer in wine making in PEI and is still going strong, producing on average about 40,000 bottles of wine annually.
For more information on Rossignol Winery, visit their website at http://www.rossignolwinery.com/Rossignol-Winery.html
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As I write this post, it’s apple season in Prince Edward Island and orchards are filled with trees bearing wonderful apples of so many varieties. There’s nothing like heading to a u-pick orchard to pick your own apples. I typically pick several pecks each fall — in fact, sometimes it’s easy to get carried away and pick too many! However, they do get processed into pies, crisps, sauces, and jellies like this Crabapple Jelly. Continue reading Crabapple Jelly→
If you are a regular patron of the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market and happen to be a tea drinker, chances are you are familiar with Katherine Burnett and the Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley brand of teas and tea bar at the market.
Katherine Burnett, owner of Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley Tea Bar at the Charlottetown Farmers Market
I recently sat down with Katherine for brunch at the farmers’market to learn more about her tea business.
Katherine Burnett, Owner, Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley
Katherine grew up on PEI but lived off Island for many years before returning in 2006. In 2001, while living in Charlotte, NC, Katherine began hosting tea parties as a ministry for the elderly. She named her afternoon tea party business “Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley” as a tribute to the memory of a friend, Irene Baker, who enjoyed the finer things in life, like afternoon tea. Interest in the tea parties grew to the point where Katherine was soon hosting afternoon teas for corporations, churches, and even the opera.
As her tea party business grew so, too, did her interest and knowledge in all things tea-related. She pursued online courses in tea blending and attended specialty tea conferences and is now at level 3 (of 4) of the process to be designated a tea sommelier. Katherine is also a member of the Tea Association of Canada.
In the fall of 2007, with just 16 varieties of tea and 2 tea-making machines, Katherine set up a tea bar at the popular Charlottetown Farmers’ Market. The teas come from the major tea-producing countries of India, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Taiwan. The imported teas follow strict guidelines, are low in pesticides, and most come from members of the Ethical Tea Partnerships.
Katherine blends some of the teas herself and now sells some 60 varieties of loose tea.
She tells me her most popular blend, which incidentally is her personal favourite, is a black tea she calls the Lady’s Slipper Blend, aptly named after PEI’s official provincial flower. Her pumpkin spice blend enjoys popularity as well with her patrons who favour it for lattes. At the Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley bar at the market, look for specialty tea blends like Abegweit Lullaby to aid sleep and Pink Lady Grey which is an eye-appealing blend featuring Earl Grey tea and pink rose petals. Who knew where a small, modest personal collection of 13 china cups and saucers would lead Katherine!
Since there are several options to brewing tea (e.g., tea bags, loose leaf with infuser or loose tea directly in the tea pot), I asked Katherine for her preference. She says she prefers to brew loose leaf tea in an infuser in the tea pot. Katherine also recommends that the water for the tea first be filtered and then brought to a boil. If brewing green tea, let the water sit until it drops to the proper temperature (85°) before adding and brewing the tea leaves.
I asked Katherine if she sees any trends emerging in tea drinking. She says she is noticing a renewed popularity in tea drinking with specialty tea shops opening and with the wide variety of tea-brewing equipment and stylish infuser mugs readily available. As well, she notices an increased interest in green teas with information and research on its health benefits becoming more widely known. Additionally, there seems to be a new market for teas – those of high school and college age. In fact, this year Katherine prepared special tea packages to be included in the UPEI student welcome kits. With the university being located just across the street from the farmers’ market, it’s likely some of the students will visit the Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley bar on Saturday mornings. Katherine also sees more tea being used in ways other than as a beverage. For example, Chai and Matcha are now often used in baked goods such as muffins and energy bars. In fact, Katherine sells yummy homemade tea energy bars at her booth. Tea lattes are also becoming very popular — ⅔ cup of a strong tea topped up with ⅓ cup of foamed milk. Iced teas remain popular in the hot summer months when many find the drink hydrating and refreshing. Fruit blends of green teas, such as Katherine’s Island Strawberry blend, have become very popular iced teas.
Tea, like coffee, is an enduring popular drink. It’s a beverage that is moving with the times. With its various varieties and blends along with new ways of drinking tea and using it in baking, it’s proof of tradition blending successfully with modern trends.
In addition to being available at the farmers’ market, Lady Baker’s teas are available across PEI at specialty shops and are also found served in many of the Island’s finest restaurants and at select bed and breakfasts. The teas may also be ordered online via the Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley website at http://www.ladybakersteatrolley.com/
Now, it’s time for tea!
I decided to try the Lady’s Slipper tea blend for a late summer afternoon tea. This is a lovely, mellow tea blend with hints of vanilla. I have some pieces of Lady’s Slipper china so it seemed only fitting to feature them with this blend of tea.
The quintessential tea time sandwiches of egg salad and cucumber were served on my Lady Slipper plate.
I used two different styles of Lady’s Slipper china cups and saucers.
The great thing about afternoon tea is that several different pieces of china can be blended and used with success. Not everything has to match perfectly on the table. It just needs to blend.
These dainty little pink glasses blend well with the china and are the perfect size for an afternoon tea table.
The little pottery Lady’s Slipper vase in the photo below was a gift from an elementary school teacher. We had gone on an end of year school outing to a local theme park which had a small gift shop in a flying saucer (readers on PEI will likely guess which theme park I’m referring to). The teacher told us each to pick out something we wanted and it was her gift to us. Even as a small child, I liked pretty things and opted for a vase instead of a toy! I won’t tell you how many years ago that was but let’s just say it wasn’t yesterday! The lovely flowers in the vase are from Island Meadow Farms in York, PEI.
Fresh blueberry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert!
I always say the sign of a true homemade pie is when some of the filling bubbles out 🙂 (Well, that’s my story anyway and I’m sticking to it!)
The blueberries for the pie came from Murray’s U-pick in North Tryon. They grow wonderful high bush blueberries.
I hope you have enjoyed meeting the lady behind Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley and dropping by for a spot of her Lady’s Slipper tea blend.
Please Note: Due to low lighting conditions at this event venue, it was very difficult to capture quality photos for this posting.
Several of the “signature” events of PEI’s Fall Flavours Festival focus on certain foods. The recent “Beef and Blues” event in Summerside was all about Island beef.
Food Network’s Corbin Tomaszeski was the celebrity guest chef who hosted the evening. You may recognize him from Food Network’s shows “Dinner Party Wars“, “Restaurant Makeover” and “Restaurant Takeover“. On this night, however, Chef Corbin was found “working the crowd” in the lobby of Credit Union Place before the event venue was open.
Chef Corbin Tomaszeski
The ice surface of Credit Union Place was transformed into a blues-themed venue for the sold-out event.
The evening began with Joe MacMillan providing blues music to set the tone for the evening.
Joe MacMillan
“Beef and Blues” was structured differently from other signature events of the Fall Flavours Festival that I have attended which, typically, have chefs from the Culinary Institute of Canada or a particular restaurant preparing the food. In the case of “Beef and Blues”, 12 Island restaurants each had stations at which they featured a dish prepared with Island Beef. Island restaurants participating were: Island Stone Pub, Gentleman Jim’s, Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, Rodd Mill River Resort, The Landing, The Catch, Anson’s Restaurant & Bar, Brother’s 2, Five Eleven West, The Big Orange Lunchbox, the Lobster House Restaurant & Oyster Bar, and Pendergast’s PEI Food. In addition, three restaurants or local food producers provided desserts: Sweet Things, Samuel’s Coffee House, and Five Eleven West.
Here’s a small sampling of some of the featured dishes.
The Brother’s 2 Restaurant in Summerside featured the hushpuppy and meatball skewer.
“Hushpuppy & Meatball Skewer” from the Brother’s 2 Restaurant in Summerside
This buttermilk chicken fried steak with tomato and corn salsa came from Anson’s Restaurant & Bar in Summerside.
“Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak with Tomato & Corn Salsa” from Anson’s Restaurant & Bar
Guests were free to circulate, in any order they wished, amongst the stations to sample their offerings. At each placesetting at the tables, was a “Passport to Taste”.
“Passport to Taste”
Guests carried their “passport” as they visited the stations and checked off each sample they tried. At the end of the evening, guests could drop their “passports” into a ballot box for a draw for a three-course dinner prepared by PEI’s Chef Illona Daniel.
The Big Orange Lunchbox from Charlottetown featured dry roast beef ribs with waffle chips and marshmallow dip (yes, marshmallow dip!)
“Dry Roast Beef Ribs with Waffle Chips and Marshmallow Dip from the Big Orange Lunchbox
Events such as these put consumers in direct touch with local chefs whom they would probably not see at a restaurant.
No event would be complete without something for the sweet tooth! Christine Gallant from Sweet Treats in Summerside offered these delectable peach cobbler tartlets.
Peach Cobbler Tartlets from Sweet Treats
The table from Samuel’s Coffee House in Summerside was also a busy spot as the whoppie pies proved to be a popular item.
Whoppie Pies from Samuel’s Coffee House
This event offered the opportunity for local chefs to be extra creative with Island beef and gave patrons a good sampling of the many delicious ways in which Island beef can be prepared.
This being national organic week in Canada, I thought it was timely to pay a visit to a farmer who grows vegetables the natural way without chemicals. So, our visit today takes us to Just A Little Farm on the Green Road, near Bonshaw, PEI, where we meet farmer Jessica Vos.
Jessica Vos of Just A Little Farm, Green Road, PEI
When asked why she chose life as a farmer, Jessica explains that she grew up on a farm, worked in community gardens while in university, owned a landscaping business in Western Canada, is genuinely interested in food, and is happiest when outside working in the soil. Jessica has a degree in Human Ecology with a minor in nutrition and she is currently studying holistic nutrition.
View of part of the gardens at Just A Little Farm
It’s amazing how many varieties of vegetables and herbs Jessica grows. It would be a shorter list if you ask her what she doesn’t grow than what she does! In particular, Jessica grows a lot of lettuce and, by a lot, I mean a small field!
The Lettuce Field at Just A Little Farm
All the lettuce plants are started in Jessica’s small greenhouse and then transplanted.
New Lettuce Plants
Throughout the growing season, she has an ongoing planting cycle of seedling plants one week and transplanting the next.
Lettuce Plants Ready for Transplanting Outside
Jessica grows 5-6 varieties that have proven successful in PEI’s climate and she has fresh lettuce available until November. How I wish we had access to this on PEI all winter!!!
Because she does not use any chemicals, I asked Jessica how she controls for weeds. She says she uses the old-fashioned method of weeding by hand and hoe. The other method she has found success with is planting the vegetables close to each other to suffocate the weeds.
There are challenges to any kind of farming, especially in the control of pests that also find the produce tasty. In particular, the cucumber beetle, cabbage moth, and slugs pose problems. Jessica has had success using netting to cover vegetables most often attacked by the pests.
Netting to control for pests
This year, she is also using crushed up crab shell meal as a way to control for slugs.
Crushed Crab Shells
Placed in proximity to the plants slugs like to attack (such as basil, for example), the rough shells are a deterrent for slugs which don’t find them very comfortable to crawl over.
Crushed Crab Shells to Control Slugs
Despite the challenges which Jessica jovially refers to as “part of the fun”, there are also sources of satisfaction she finds in her farming. As she says, when her produce grows well and her customers are happy, Jessica is happy knowing she has produced and supplied them with chemical-free, healthy and nutritious produce.
Look at these gorgeous, healthy basil plants! I can attest they made some mighty fine basil pesto!
Love the dragon tongue beans on the right in the photo below!
A dragon tongue bean, anyone?
Jessica with her dragon tongue beans
All of Jessica’s produce is hand-washed before leaving the farm. Her new cooler storage unit is to the right in the photo below.
Jessica’s Washing Station and Cooler Unit
Throughout the growing season, you can find Jessica’s produce in nearby local stores like Gasses General Store in New Haven and Harvey’s in Crapaud.
Every Saturday morning in July and August, Jessica can be found direct-marketing her produce at the small farmers’ market in the seaside village of Victoria-by-the-Sea. She also supplies several local restaurants with fresh produce as well.
Jessica Vos at the Victoria-by-the-Sea Farmers’ MarketAt the Victoria-by-the-Sea Farmers’ Market
Like many organic farmers, Jessica also sells her produce through Community Shared Agriculture Boxes (CSA Boxes). This is where individuals (known as CSA members and sometimes referred to as shareholders) buy shares in her farm – i.e., at the beginning of the season, they sign a contract with Jessica and pay a certain sum of money upfront. In return, Jessica commits to do the best job she can to provide them with high-quality vegetables. Then, once harvest season begins, CSA members get a regular share of the vegetables from the farm as they are available. Currently, Jessica has about 15 CSA members who either receive a share of veggies weekly or bi-weekly. Jessica first tested the CSA method in the fall of 2013 and found a demand for it so this year, once a week, she fills her share boxes with whatever produce and herbs are currently available and heads to Victoria-by-the-Sea where her CSA members meet her to pick up their supply of fresh farm produce.
To contact Jessica and find out more about her chemical-free produce, visit Just A Little Farm’swebsite at http://www.justalittlefarm.com/
Earlier, I shared a recipe for Basil Pesto using fresh basil from Just A Little Farm. Today, I am featuring my recipe using pattypan squash from Jessica’s farm. This is a tasty side dish that combines pork sausage, mushrooms, basil pesto, and cheese with the pattypan squash.
Pattypan Squash and Sausage Casserole
Pattypan Squash and Sausage Casserole
Ingredients:
1 large sausage (e.g., Italian Sweet, Chorizo, Sun-dried Tomato) 2 tsp olive oil ½ cup chopped mushrooms
Apx. ¾ lb of small pattypan squash 2 tsp olive oil 2 – 3 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought) 2 – 3 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese ¾ cup fine bread crumbs 1½ tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1½ – 2 tbsp melted butter
Method:
Heat oil in frying pan. Remove sausage from casing and discard casing. Crumble sausage into frying pan and scramble fry over medium low heat for about 5 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Slice pattypans about ⅛” thick . Toss in a bowl with apx. 2 tsp olive oil.
In greased 8½“ x 6½“ pan, lay a layer of pattypan slices, overlapping slightly to cover bottom of pan.
Loosely dob about 2 tbsp basil pesto over the squash.
Spread the sausage and mushroom mixture over the squash.
Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. Add another layer of squash, again, overlapping the slices to cover casserole.
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir with a fork to mix. Sprinkle over squash.
Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, until squash is fork-tender when tested.
Yield: 4 servings
Pattypan Squash and Sausage CasserolePattypan Squash and Sausage Casserole
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The third weekend in September signals the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival. Seafood lovers from all over the world converge on Charlottetown for a weekend full of everything related to seafood, lots of great PEI food and entertainment. Now in its 19th year, this Festival continues to grow in popularity each year.
This Festival was the idea of local restaurateur, Liam Dolan, who saw it as a way to extend the PEI tourism season into the late summer.
Liam Dolan
The weekend kicked off on Thursday evening with a grand feast and frolic dinner hosted by celebrity chef, Michael Smith. This dinner was held in a gigantic tent on the Charlottetown Event Grounds and this annual event always sells out early. Some 500 people attended this year’s dinner which was beach themed.
Chef Michael Smith, host of the Feast and Frolic Dinner at the PEI International Shellfish Festival, Charlottetown, PEI
The four-hour evening began with a meet and greet with Chef Smith — lots of autographs and photo opps.
Meet and Greet Chef Michael Smith
The competition for the best oyster grower on the Island was also underway during the reception hour where there were lots of opportunities to watch oyster shucking and taste all the different PEI oysters.
Oyster Shucking at the PEI International Shellfish Festival
These disappeared fast!
Some of the oyster competitors for the Oyster Grower of the Year Award.
Competitors in the Oyster Grower of the Year Competition
The oysters were formally being judged by a panel but guests also had the opportunity to vote for the peoples’ choice. This year, both honours went to Colville Bay Oysters of Souris, PEI.
Oyster Grower Award & Peoples’ Choice Award – Colville Bay Oysters
Lots of hors d’oeuvres were served by waiters who continuously circulated amongst the crowd with trays of tasty appetizers.
These Island Blue Mussel Spring Rolls were divine!
Island Blue Mussel Spring Rolls
Now, when you walk into a large tent and see beautifully set tables with a black and white theme, you’d probably think you’re going to a formal sit down dinner with a plated meal. Well you are, well…sort of…..but you may be doing the plating and serving! You see, this event is an interactive dinner and every guest participates in some event at some point during the evening.
A Maitre’D was selected from each table and was presented with a package of information, including roles to be assigned to table guests. Yes, each table had a bartender, a member of the paparazzi, beefiest cook, best cook, fastest cook, a beachcomber, and a rock star. Guests really embraced the concept and soon every one was fully engaged in the fun.
First, Chef Michael took the bartenders from each table aside to explain how to make Caesars.
Each bartender collected a kit of supplies and returned to their tables to make the Caesars tableside and then serve them to their tablemates.
Our table’s bartender mixing some CaesarsServing up the Caesars
Biscuits were on the table to accompany the chowder course but….no butter! That’s because, the fastest cook at each table had to actually make the butter. Lots and lots of shaking of a Mason jar full of milk and, voilà, freshly-made butter for the biscuits! Yup, you really did need to work for your dinner at this event!
Next came three versions of chowder – one cold and two hot, served in glass jars and presented in these cool wooden trays.
Mussel Chowders
Chef Michael then took all the “beachcombers” off to an onsite man-made beach to go combing for hidden beer caps. Once they found beer caps, they were each presented with a bucket of beer to bring back to their tables.
Then, we sent our table’s “Beefiest Cook” off with Chef Michael and back our cook came with a tray of slow roast striploin which he carved tableside and served to each guest at the table.
Carving and Serving the Slow Roast Striploin
Wait staff delivered large bowls of PEI lobster to each table along with bowls of garden-fresh vegetables and brown butter mashed PEI potatoes.
PEI Lobster!
Our “Best Cook” assignee joined Chef Michael at the back of the tent to learn how to plate food. He returned to the table with the makings for a summer berry shortcake – cowberry ice cream, fruit compotes, and biscuits.
Making Summer Berry Shortcake
Then our “Best Cook” wowed us with his plating skills!
Meanwhile, our “Rock Star” assignee was responsible for coaching us on our singing skills so we could sing the theme song, “A Day on a PEI Beach” at the end of the evening. Yours truly was the “Paparazzi” for our table.
While each table actually provided their own entertainment with all their assigned tasks, lively musical entertainment throughout the evening was provided by Mark Haines and Brad Fremlin.
Brad Fremlin (l) and Mark Haines (r) provided musical entertainment throughout the eveningChef Michael Smith with musicians Mark Haines and Brad Fremlin
This was a very unique way to serve dinner and it sure got people involved and interacting with others at their table. It kept the evening lively and moving along. Executing this kind of adventure for some 500 guests at a location where the only kitchen is a mobile one and where literally everything had to be brought in — food, equipment, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, etc. — is no small task. The sheer planning for this event would have been a monumental undertaking. Kudos go to Chef Michael Smith and the large team of chefs, waiters, hospitality and support staff from the Culinary Institute of Canada, and others for a phenomenal event.
Parade of large culinary team from the Culinary Institute of Canada who prepared the meal
If you ever have the opportunity to go to this annual dinner, I highly recommend it — but, fair warning, it will be full of hijinks and hilarity and come prepared to be an active participant, not just a spectator!
Event Tent at Rodd Crowbush Resort for “Lamb Luau”
If you’re in PEI in the month of September and see huge white tents with mobile kitchens nearby along with chefs bustling about, chances are there’s a Fall Flavours Festival event happening.
On Sunday, September 14, 2014, I traveled to the Rodd Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort in Morell, PEI. That’s where the sold-out Fall Flavors signature event, “Lamb Luau” hosted by celebrity chef, Chuck Hughes, was being held. This event was a partnership of Island East Tourism Group and the Rodd Crowbush Resort.
The main entrance to the hotel was decorated for fall.
Guests were greeted inside the hotel’s reception area and each presented with a lei and a Strait Shine® signature drink. Rum Mai Tai Punch with Myriad View Shine, anyone? (yes, the legal kind!).
Myriad View Rum Mai Tai Punch with Myriad View Shine
Guests then circulated throughout the Resort’s lobby, visiting four canape stations.
Serving Seafood Ceviche alongside the Mai Tai Punch
Ever tried a pickled mussel?
Pickled Mussels
Kerri Wynne MacLeod (pictured below), who co-hosted the event along with Patrick Ledwell, signalled when it was time for guests to make their way to the large tent on the Resort’s grounds where the main event was taking place.
Kerri Wynne MacLeod from Ocean 100, one of the co-hosts of “Lamb Luau”
Guests were seated at round tables in the centre of the tent with food stations set up around the outside edges of the tent.
The evening’s program:
Program for “Lamb Luau”
Food stations were themed. There was a seafood station, carving station, hot station, salad and vegetable station, potato station, and dessert station and each station was color-coded (yes, the colors of leis that guests selected mattered!). For the first “go” at the buffet, guests were directed to go to the station that had a colored ribbon that matched the color of their lei so that not everyone converged on the same station at the same time and so that everyone could quickly be served food without long delay of waiting as tables were individually called to start. After the first “go-round”, guests were free to choose the food stations at their leisure in any order they so chose.
While Island lamb was a highlight of the event, there were many other Island foods featured as well. Lots of seafood including mussels, oysters, lobster, and scallops; BBQ pulled pork; duck; Island corn on the cob; various salads; roasted PEI potatoes, to name but a few. Take a look at the menu:
“Lamb Luau” Menu
A good PEI food event will feature Island spuds, of course!
Potato Station
What would a PEI food event be without some oyster shucking!
Take a look at this yummy lobster and mussel bruschetta.
Mussel and Lobster Bruschetta
This being a signature event of the PEI Fall Flavours Festival, a Food Network celebrity chef was in attendance. Chef Chuck Hughes circulated throughout the evening, posing for photographs and signing copies of his cookbooks which were also on sale during the event.
Celebrity Chef Chuck Hughes at the “Lamb Luau” PEI Fall Flavours 2014 Event
(When you see Chef Hughes, be sure to ask him about all his food-themed tatoos, some of which he got on PEI during his visit for the Lamb Luau event.)
Musical entertainment was provided by Dylan Menzie and Band followed by a presentation of the Down East Dancers and a limbo demonstration.
Some desserts to finish off the evening — Whiskey ice cream proved popular as did the chocolate mousse and pumpkin crème brulée.
Desserts
Fall Flavours events, such as this one, are a great way to become acquainted with the many fine foods grown or produced on PEI. It’s also a chance to try foods you may not have tried before or maybe some familiar foods but prepared in a new or different way.
Rodd Crowbush Resort provided a stunning location for this event overlooking the famous Links at Crowbush Cove.
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Chef Michael Smith’s Family Meals Cookbook, published 2014
Title:Family Meals Author: Chef Michael Smith Price: $32.00 (CDN$) Pages: >250 Available: Bookstores across Canada and online
Penguin Canada has offered me the opportunity to conduct a review of Chef Michael Smith’s latest cookbook, Family Meals. Michael Smith is a celebrity chef and Food Network Canada star who makes his home in Prince Edward Island on Canada’s East Coast. Known for his love and promotion of fresh, local ingredients, this is Smith’s 7th published cookbook.
The book is clearly influenced by Smith’s cooking for his own family in his home kitchen as the book contains many photos of his family in the kitchen and around the dining table. The focus of his book is to get the entire family cooking and eating together.
The book features 100 recipes that range from smoothies to sandwiches, snacks like kale chips, salads, soups, side dishes, and maritime mussel chowder, to old world chicken cacciatore and flaming banana splits. The book is well organized and categorized with chapters on breakfast and brunch; lunchbox and snacks; simple salads; soups, stews & casseroles; slow cookers & pressure cookers; family meals in minutes; meatless Mondays; vegetables & whole grains, and sweets and treats. One chapter is dedicated to slow cooker meals to encourage families to plan ahead and prepare meals in advance of arriving home hungry at mealtime with no idea what to put on the table quickly. And, yes, you’ll even find some lentil recipes, too, from the lentil hunter. Smith has also included tips in the book on, for example, ways for families to cook together, plan meals, organize the kitchen, and prepare lunchbox contents.
While the book has a broad range of recipes, some do call for ingredients that may be less familiar or accessible for some – e.g., wasabi peas, edamame, nori seaweed, miso paste. Several of Smith’s recipes veer toward the spicy category as he makes liberal use of lots of spices and garlic for flavouring many dishes. There are several innovative recipes in the book to encourage families to try new foods, or familiar foods in new ways, to add variety to their meals. However, that would be contingent upon how adventuresome family members are to try new or different foods. That said, the book does contain some more well-known, traditional family-style recipes like beef stew, spaghetti and meatballs, and baked beans. Smith also includes recipes that cross various cuisines – for example, there are Asian, Italian, Kenyan, and Greek-inspired recipes which would help to introduce children to foods and dishes from other countries and cultures.
The recipes are well laid out with instructions using the ingredients in the order in which they are listed. I found the instructions complete and easy to follow; however, in my opinion, some familiarity with cooking would be beneficial when making recipes from the book as novice cooks could find some challenging.
What I like most about this book is the full page color photo that accompanies each recipe. As we all know, we eat first with our eyes. If I see a color photo of an appetizing dish, I am more likely to be motivated to make it. This book scores high marks for the beautifully-executed photography. The photos are simplistic, clean, and are not overdone with props and excessive styling. The focus is on the food as it should be. Quality photos give the cook a point of reference of what he or she is aiming for and what his or her version of a recipe should look like.
The book itself is beautiful, printed on high quality paper giving it a distinctively professional look and feel. Weighing in at some 3 pounds, though, this is not a cookbook you would balance in one hand while stirring a pot with the other! However, it is a lovely collector’s book for anyone with a cookbook collection and is in keeping with the size and style of Smith’s earlier published cookbooks.
Test-driving recipes
It’s one thing to leaf through a cookbook filled with photos of appetizing-looking dishes but the real test comes when you make some recipes out of the book. I selected three: Nutty Seedy Granola (p. 4), Granola Muffins (p. 51), and A Pan of Pork Chops with Marmalade Mustard Pan Sauce (p. 167).
Nutty Seedy Granola
Nutty Seedy Granola from Chef Michael Smith’s “Family Meals” Cookbook
Beyond a doubt, this is the best granola I have ever had! It was easy to make and I chose to include many of the different suggested ingredients Smith gave for the content and I think that’s what made it so darn tasty. My version (photo above) turned out very similar to the one in the book’s photograph.
Granola Muffins
Granola Muffins from Chef Michael Smith’s “Family Meals” Cookbook
Granola Muffins from Chef Michael Smith’s “Family Meals” Cookbook….made in my square muffin tinsGranola Muffins from Chef Michael Smith’s “Family Meals” Cookbook
Because I had made the granola, I chose to then make the granola muffin recipe. These muffins are, in a word, yummy! With some granola in the muffins themselves and then some on top of the muffins, these are a real treat. They also freeze well. I made half the recipe the first time, liked them so much that I turned around and made the full batch. This recipe will now become part of my go-to muffin recipe collection. My muffins (see 3 photos above) very closely resembled the ones pictured in the cookbook.
A Pan of Pork Chops with Marmalade Mustard Pan Sauce
“A Pan of Pork Chops with Marmalade Mustard Pan Sauce from Chef Michael Smith’s “Family Meals” Cookbook
I found this recipe easy to make and it uses common ingredients I already had in the kitchen. This is a very tasty way to present pork chops and I would definitely make the recipe again. My version (in above photo) of the sauce turned out a little darker than the photo in the book, probably because I used my own peach marmalade which was deep in color to begin with.
Concluding Thoughts This book portrays the laid-back personality of Chef Michael Smith and his casual approach to cooking – look for phrases like “a splash or two of …”, “handfuls of fresh herbs”, “toss/stir the works together”, “a bottle of big beefy red wine” throughout the book. It shows his chatty, conversational style that those who follow Smith know is his style of cooking whether on television or in front of a live audience at events such as the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival which he hosts each year.
In my view, this book would be most suitable for individuals who have some familiarity with cooking, home chefs who are adventuresome in meal preparation, families willing to try some, perhaps, less common or less traditional ingredients and, of course, for fans of Chef Michael Smith.
Disclosure:
I received a copy of the Family Meals cookbook for review from Penguin Canada. I received no compensation for this review and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. The opinions are my own.
Grindley’s Creampetal “Apple Blossom” China Pattern
Both my mother and grandmother had the Grindley Creampetal “Apple Blossom” gold-gilded pattern of china. It was a fairly common pattern, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.
With its cream colored background and small pink and blue flowers with green leaves, it looked very stylish on the table for special occasions. When this china came out, I knew it was for something very special!
Today, this would be considered to be vintage tableware. I still like to use this dinnerware on occasion.
I think vintage tableware such as this calls for a romantic centerpiece. To find just the right flowers, I visited Island Meadow Farms in York, just minutes outside of Charlottetown. I am totally amazed at the array of beautiful flowers grown at Island Meadow Farms.
Owner and floral designer, Barb Jewell, prepares dozens of stunning and romantic wedding bouquets over the summer and fall seasons. It’s not hard to understand why she is the choice of many Island brides for their wedding bouquets and floral arrangements. In addition, Island Meadow Farms also sells bouquets of cut flowers and makes floral arrangements for all occasions.
I was looking for a romantic-style centerpiece that would compliment the dishes. In particular, I wanted old-fashioned flowers like the ones that would have been grown in flower gardens many years ago. So, with one of my plates in hand for color-matching, I traveled to York and met with Barb Jewell to pick out the flowers and I was not disappointed in her recommendations.
Home I came with a couple of buckets of fresh flowers.
And, then the floral arranging began.
And, here is my finished product….
There are a number of flowers in this arrangement that include Estoma Lisianthia, Forget-me-Nots, Canterbury Bells, Campanula, Scabiosa, Sweet Peas, Yarrow, Cress, Boston Fern, and Scented Geranium.
With an arrangement this bountiful and beautiful, there is little need for anything else to adorn the center of the table. I used a couple of little crystal votives on either side of the arrangement and that was it. Doesn’t it look summery and romantic!
As you can see from the photo below, I started with a soft ivory tablecloth and matching napkins. Tableware is presented in the order in which the meal will be served starting with the soup course.
This was followed by the salad course.
And, the plate for the entrée.
When using vintage dinnerware, I recommend keeping the glasswear of similar or complimentary style (as opposed to using contemporary water and wine glasses). This means the glasses can have lots of cuts and design in them.
I used a very basic, simple fold for the napkin so it would not compete with, or detract from, both the dinnerware and the floral centerpiece.
And, the table is set, ready for dinner guests.
For more information on Island Meadow Farms, visit their website at http://www.islandmeadowfarms.ca/.
I thoroughly enjoy September on Prince Edward Island for many reasons but, topping the list, has to be the array of culinary events that form the Fall Flavours Festival, a month-long celebration of all things food on the Island. If you are a regular follower of my blog, you will recall postings from 2012 and 2013 about previous Fall Flavours events I attended and one in August 2014 about the Fall Flavours Festival in general. The 2014 Fall Flavours Festival kicked off on September 6, 2014, with an event to celebrate the creation of Canada. This signature event was held on the grounds of the Culinary Institute of Canada, in Charlottetown, PEI.
But, before I tell you about the evening, just a short lesson on Canadian history to help explain the significance of the grand Feast of the Fathers event.
This year (2014) marks the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference that set off a chain of events that eventually led to the forming of Canada. Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick delegates were meeting in Charlottetown in early September, 1864, to discuss the possibility of a Maritime Union. When political leaders from what, today, are the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, heard of the meeting, they asked to attend. One of the delegates was Sir John A. Macdonald who would later go on to become Canada’s first prime minister. The delegates journeyed down the St. Lawrence to Charlottetown and discussions began about a much larger union than that of the three Maritime Provinces.
The delegates arriving at the foot of Great George Street and making their way up to Province House weren’t, however, the only show in town. A circus had rolled into Charlottetown and, as a result, there were few on hand at the dock to greet the now-famous Fathers of Confederation who would be instrumental in forming a nation.
The delegates met for several days and amidst formal meetings, elegant balls, and banquets, approval for Confederation was achieved with plans made for further conferences to be held in Quebec and London. Eventually, on July 1, 1867, the Dominion of Canada was formed with the proclamation of the British North America Act.
Now, you might wonder what this brief Canadian history lesson has to do with a food blog. Well, this summer, there have been a tremendous number of events on PEI to commemorate and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of the Fathers of Confederation who worked to form the nation. The Feast of the Fathers culinary event set out to recreate an evening and menu much like the Fathers of Confederation might have experienced during their stay on PEI in 1864. And, this event did not disappoint. It was beautifully and artfully executed in every way.
Guests to the Feast of the Fathers dinner were met by the Fathers and Mothers of Confederation who, in period costume, stroll the streets of Charlottetown in the summer months.
The evening began at 6:00pm with a champagne and oyster bar reception. Plans were for the reception to take place outside on the grounds of the Culinary Institute which overlooks the water. However, winds were a little too strong so the event was moved inside to the lower level of the Culinary Institute.
Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and then they made their way to one of two oyster bars.
Shucking Oysters
Talented musicians provided beautiful music during the reception.
Circus performers from Atlantic Cirque entertained guests.
This gal could really navigate on stilts!
Waiters circulated with trays of tasty hors d’oeuvres – a bacon-wrapped scallop, anyone?
Hors d’oeuvres at reception
Is your mouth watering yet?
But, wait, there’s more – lobster salad in mini pitas. Now, these were divine morsels!
Lobster Salad in Mini Pitas
Spring rolls, anyone?
Several people arrived in clothing representative of 1864 fashion.
Dinner was to be served in a huge tent on the Culinary Institute grounds.
I made my way into the tent before guests arrived so I could photograph the beautifully set tables.
The color theme was white and gold. Well-set tables always take my eye.
Lovely late summer table centerpieces adorned each table.
Each place setting had the evening’s program and menu tucked inside the napkin fold.
Take a look at the evening’s program and menu…..
The PEI Symphony was setting up and tuning the strings.
The Prince Edward Island Symphony
The evening was co-hosted by local comedian Patrick Ledwell and celebrity chef, Lynn Crawford.
Patrick Ledwell, Co-host of Feast of the FathersChef Lynn Crawford
These two proved to be a great combo.
A pre-dinner performance by the Atlantic Cirque thrilled guests.
Performers from Atlantic Cirque
The event was also attended by PEI’s Lieutenant-Governor, The Honourable H. Frank Lewis, and Mrs. Dorothy Lewis.
The Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, and Mrs. Dorothy Lewis
The Lieutenant Governor, with Sir John A. MacDonald (on the far left of photo below) looking on, made the Official Toast and then the scrumptuous meal commenced.
Official Toast by The Honourable H. Frank Lewis
Each course was accompanied by an element of entertainment reminiscent of events around the 1864 Conference. At the beginning of each course, Chef Lynn described the meal to whet everyone’s appetite.
The PEI Symphony provided the musical accompaniment throughout the evening.
First Course: Vanilla Infused Lobster with Citrus Crème Fraiche, Herbed Salad, “Tinys” Shaved Truffle Gouda
This was so tastefully and artfully presented (and it tasted every bit as good as it looked!). The Beaconsfield Assembly Scottish dance group danced the 5th and 3rd figures of the Caledonian Quadrilles.
5th and 3rd Figures of the Caledonian Quadrilles danced by the Beaconsfield Assembly
2nd Course
Cedar Planked Maple Cured Salmon, Rock Crab Rissole, Mustard Pickle, and Roasted Oyster. Absolutely divine.
Second Course: Cedar Planked Maple Cured Salmon, Rock Crab Rissole, Mustard Pickle, and Roasted Oyster
The Beaconsfield Assembly danced the Monymusk and The Triumph during this course of the meal.
The Beaconsfield Assembly, joined by the Fathers and Mothers of Confederation, danced the Viennese Waltz and invited guests to join in.
Dessert
Apple Spice Cake, Caramel Whiskey Sauce, “COWS” Maple Walnut Ice Cream. What’s not to love about this yummy combo?
Dessert: Apple Spice Cake, Caramel Whiskey Sauce, “COWS” Maple Walnut Ice Cream
To top the evening off, a late evening concert was provided by the Barra MacNeils while Chef Lynn signed her cookbooks which were available for sale throughout the evening.
The Barra MacNeils
This was a full and entertaining evening – a sold out event. The best way I can describe the experience is first class all the way, from the food to the service to the entertainment. This event personified the “WOW” factor in every way. It was a perfect way to celebrate the creation of our nation. Hats off to the organizers, chefs, wait staff, and entertainers who wowed me yet again at a fine PEI Fall Flavours event.
If you have never been to a PEI Fall Flavours signature event, I highly recommend them. They are well-done and feature Island foods in many different ways.
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I love late August because there is an abundance of fresh garden produce available. Vegetable and dip platters make a great snack for any occasion. Vegetables are so colorful that they make any platter look outstanding plus raw vegetables are healthy food. Today, I am sharing my recipe for a Summer Garden Vegetable Dip. Continue reading Summer Garden Vegetable Dip→
Fresh basil is plentiful in many gardens and at farmers’ markets right now. It’s a good time to make a batch or two of Basil Pesto. Continue reading Basil Pesto→
(Mostly) PEI and Maritime Food – Good Food for a Good Life!
