My mind is always creating and developing ideas for the next recipe. Different things inspire me: a thought or emotion upon seeing something beautiful; the scent of something fresh; a memory of something I made for my family many years ago on the farm. By far, however, the most significant inspiration for me most often is the desire to evoke pleasure on the palettes of those I love. However, some members of my family are seemingly on a perpetual diet, so I need to be creati

Where would we be without eggs? They are the foundation of baking and cooking. Without eggs, there would no soufflés, no cakes and cookies, nor even simple eggs on toast. I was fortunate to grow up on a farm in Saskatchewan, where we raised our own laying hens, so I tasted eggs that were bursting with flavor. When you cracked the egg into a frying pan the appearance of the yolks was bright yellow, and surrounded by gelatinous whites. Supermarket eggs are labeled and packaged

"We dined on Red Pepper stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce, which is in my cookbook “Soulful Helpings”, found in chapter 5 the Heart of the Matter." My idea of socializing and having relationships during my days as a practicing alcoholic was spending as much time with my best friend as was humanly possible. That friend was unconditionally always there for me, never judged me and almost killed me before our relationship ended. Alcoholism makes one paranoid and fearfu

Creole Shrimp Jambalaya 4 tbsp. butter 1 medium white onion chopped ½ cup celery chopped 1 medium green pepper seeded and chopped 3 gloves garlic crushed 2 cups cubed cooked ham 2 tbsp. tomato paste 2 dried bay leaves 1 tbsp. fresh thyme chopped finely ¼ tsp. cayenne ¼ tsp. chili powder ⅛ tsp. all spice ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. black pepper 1½ cups long grain white rice 1 540 ml can chunky stewed tomatoes 2 ½ cups chicken broth 1½ pounds fresh large shrimp peeled 1 tsp. paprika ½ c

Kick it up a notch! If the world seems cold to you, fire up the stove and cook up some warmth. I grew up on a small farm and we had limited funds so going to the local Co-op grocery store to purchase packaged foods or an array of expensive spices was not an option. I remember salt and pepper were my main source of seasoning. We grew an extensive garden so I would use such herbs as dill, mustard seeds, chives and parsley when fresh in the warmer seasons and then dry them t

Smoked Salmon Cheese Quiche with Dill 1- 9-inch refrigerated pie crust, thawed 6 oz. wild sockeye Co-op Gold smoked salmon shredded 4 oz. cream cheese 2 cloves garlic crushed 3 tbsp. grated white onion 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 3 large size Co-op Gold d’or eggs 1½ cups half and half cream 3 tbsp. fresh dill finely chopped Zest of ½ lemon Preheat oven 350°F. Press the thawed piecrust into a 9-inch pie dish. Place the shredded smoked salmon evenly in the bottom of the piecrus

Savory Meat Pie 1 recipe for rich plain pastry for 9 inch pie or prepared frozen shell for 9 inch pie, thawed 2 tbsp. butter 1 small onion minced 2 medium carrots finely chopped 2 stalks celery finely chopped 2 cloves garlic crushed 1½ pounds Co-op perfect ground beef extra lean 1½ pounds Co-op perfect ground pork 2 tbsp. fresh thyme chopped 2 tbsp. fresh sage chopped 4 tbsp. fresh parsley chopped ½ tsp. marjoram 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 3 tbsp. flour 1 cup Co-op Gold

Cherry Pie One recipe for a double piecrust 2 -14 oz. cans of Co-op pitted Bing Cherries in heavy syrup drained with ⅓ cup of the syrup reserved and set aside ¾ cup white sugar 3 tbsp. quick cooking tapioca ⅛ tsp. salt 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice ¼ tsp. almond extract ½ tsp. vanilla extract 2 tbsp. butter Prepare the pie pastry in advance and divide into two equal sized disks. Preheat oven to 425°F Roll out 1 pastry disk on a well-floured surface to a 12-inch round. Transfer t

Pie is a must this holiday season. I double dare you to be stressed out with a piece of delectable pie in front of you waiting to be devoured. I am certain Pi would have enjoyed a slice of pie while ship wrecked in the Pacific ocean for 227 days with a Bengal tiger as his only companion. Today nouvelle cuisine has taken pie to a new level of fusions and complex ingredients, but it is my belief that the humble pies are still our favorites. Everything is better in a crust.

Enjoy a little comfort food, as it is cold and snowy outside. Try my recipe for beef stew with fluffy dumplings to warm your heart and soul today. I have been feeling a little lost and blue for the past week. Our daughter has left the nest again after living at home for the summer. I had grown fond of her company when she was not working to earn some cash for her next year of education. I realize it is time for her to leave home and test her wings out, but as a mother it is