Author: Samantha
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Chai with Rooibos
The first time I tasted chai was in an Indian restaurant in Ottawa when I was in university. I had never tasted anything quite like the sweet and spicy concoction; it’s comforting and warming, and I think mildly addictive. While I do enjoy the convenience of chai tea bags, the flavour of homemade chai is…
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Apricots with Yogurt and Honey Orange Flower Syrup
About a year ago, I purchased Diana Henry’s cookbook, “A Change of Appetite”. I’ve been wanting to make her Yogurt with Honeyed Saffron Syrup, Almonds, and Apricot Compote ever since I first saw it in the book, but somehow I only just got around to it now. I’m really sorry that I didn’t make it…
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Hummus
The existence of hummus is yet another example of the seemingly endless usefulness (and deliciousness) of chickpeas. I feel the same way about hummus as I do about falafel; they are both so rich, satisfying and flavourful, it’s hard to believe they are also so nutritious.
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Whole Grain Sourdough Einkorn Bread
My sourdough bread experiment has come to fruition tonight with my first-ever einkorn sourdough loaf! The whole process of creating the sourdough starter was quite fascinating, and also pretty fun. At first I thought my starter was going funky because it bubbled up like crazy the first two days, and smelled a bit like old…
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Elk Cove Vineyards
This afternoon, Shane attended a business meeting at the Elk Cove Vineyards through the company he works for (the vineyard is one of the company’s clients). The vineyard is located about one hour away from Portland in picturesque rolling countryside.
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Falafel with Arugula
My introduction to falafel was during my time in Ottawa many years ago. I worked in a clothing store for a while, and one day one of the girls I worked with suggested we stop at a Lebanese falafel food truck for lunch. I had no idea what a treat I was in for; I…
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Wildflowers in the City
There aren’t many places where dogs can run free off-leash here in the city, but Emmy and I discovered a small space between a nearby park and the railway tracks that’s somewhat out of view. It’s on a steep incline, and full of weeds, so I don’t think anyone minds that we are running free…
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Gluten-Free Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire Pudding has always been one of my favourite foods…but not exactly the healthiest when made with all purpose wheat flour. Since I’ve been trying to eat less of that sort of thing, I’ve been trying to think of what I can have instead of sandwiches for lunches and bread with supper. I was trying…
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Fresh Strawberry Tarts with Pastry Cream
Today after lunch, we were craving a sweet snack to go with our tea, so I thought I’d try using a simple pastry cream with the French pastry tart shells, topped with the last of the summer strawberries. The result was a light, delicious treat; it’s hard to beat the combination of pastry cream and…