May Two-Four Weekend – A Truly Canadian Holiday

May Two-Four Weekend – A Truly Canadian Holiday

The first long weekend of the Canadian spring/summer season, when - at last - the warm temperatures seem to be here to stay. Many stores use it to mark the beginning of their summer sales: gardening centres are bursting with seedlings, flowers and other plants; hardware stores offer their new lines of gardening, camping, and BBQ equipment; side-walk and garage sales are popping everywhere ... click on image for more

One Cake, Two Stories

One Cake, Two Stories

My Mother’s Day was very nice, this past May 13th. I could not make up my mind between two flavours I wanted for my cake, so my daughter cut it in half vertically, and divided a large batch of buttercream icing, to create a “half-and-half” cake ... click on image for more

Cherry Blossoms in Southern Ontario

Cherry Blossoms in Southern Ontario

The Japanese cherry tree Sakura is widely appreciated as an ornamental, and some cultivated varieties outside Asia do not grow fruit at all. My cherry tree is a Stella, a great variety for the small backyard: it does not grow too fast, it is self-fertile (only one tree needed for pollination), and the beautiful blooms give way to sweet dark fruit... click on image for more

Mother’s Day Japanese Tea

Mother’s Day Japanese Tea

Our family is not much into going to crowded restaurants, so we usually stay home for Mother's Day, and I get to pick a special meal prepared by them, or we order take out. This year, I am thinking of a Mother’s Day tea, and since I just learned that May is Asian Heritage month in Canada, I am thinking of including a Japanese touch to honour my background ... click on image for more

Cilantro and Asparagus Soup

Cilantro and Asparagus Soup

Fresh garden asparagus are a great way to enhance the bright green colour of cilantro, and tame its strong flavour. The soup has a thick consistency without the addition of cream, and it can be made vegan by choosing veggie broth. It is garnished with tortilla chips, so it is gluten free. Dairy and gluten free, vegan, pretty, and gourmet; what else could be possibly asked from a soup? ... click on image for more