The Year in Books: September

The Year in Books: September, The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson, Kiku Corner

The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson, 2014. I was showing a friend the amazing cookbook shop Good Egg Good Eggin Kensington Market one day, and I saw this cookbook. The design was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Despite my massive collection of cookbooks (starting almost 25 years ago), Gleeson manages to create something completely new. Beautiful […]

Canadian Design: Teatime and Flowers with Marvindale

Buttercups II, Marvindale, Kiku Corner

Apple Blossoms   As I’ve mentioned before, I adore Cori Lee Marvin‘s watercolour paintings. The following pieces feature teacups, mason jars and sugar bowls, all done in a light, whimsical style. Her original paintings, limited edition prints, and art cards are available on the Marvindale website. 

Dilly Lentil Salad

Dilly Lentil Salad, Kiku Corner

   Several summers ago, I spent a few weeks at our family friends’ farm north of Toronto. Their Polish grandparents came to visit and brought along a few giant bunches of fresh dill. For the next several days, every meal included dill, much to one grandson’s chagrin. Potatoes, eggs, fish – all covered with dill. […]

Simple Peach Syrup

Simple Peach Syrup, Kiku Corner

Ontario peaches are at their prime in August and September. The Niagara region of Ontario has plenty of fruit, and the peaches are so luscious, perfumed, and dripping with juice that I can easily eat six in a day. Sometimes, however, the basket of peaches turn out flavourful but mealy in texture: no juicy flesh. […]

Summery Garlic Salad Dressing

Summery Garlic Salad Dressing, Kiku Corner

I am not a big salad eater. I was never a fan of vegetables. I remember the first time I wasn’t forced to eat my vegetables: I was about 10 years old, and eating dinner at a friend’s house. Her parents served me a green bean dish, and I couldn’t offend her mother by not […]