Food & Drink

Locavores?

She says: The New Oxford American Dictionary just announced that “locavore” is the word for the year 2007. You may be pleased to know it beat out such rivals as “bacn” (similar to spam in the computer geek world), cougar (brought back in popularity by reality TV), and “upcycling” (turni

The home fires

With Remembrance Day this weekend it seemed appropriate to write something about keeping the home fires burning. It occurred to me this translates into today’s world too, and not just for those with loved ones in a war zone. It is important to remember those who fought for our freedom and way of l

The little things

Have you ever noticed how situations in your life have a tendency to tip to one end of the scale or the other? Either things will seem to be going really well or there seems to be one thing after another that doesn’t quite go according to plan. I suppose one could argue that this is based on per

Some of my favourite things

Moving and other things that have happened of late have made me look back and smile at memories I have. Autumn always makes me even more reminiscent than usual (perhaps because I was born this time of year) but not in a melancholy way. I suppose some would say it is overly romantic, but I like to

An apple a day

She says: I had a funny conversation recently with a foodie friend and there were a number of well-known expressions and sentiments we used that were transmitted with the use of food terms. That reaffirmed yet again for me just how much food is a part of our every day lives - in ways we don’t eve

Always Thankful

She says: Martin wanted to share a recipe this week that he used while we were in Banff, and that got me thinking about all the places we have been and all the adventures we have had. Thanksgiving has often been a time when we are working, so we have sometimes not had the traditional turkey dinner

Food for the soul

There seemed to be a running theme being suggested to me by the universe so I thought I might comment on it for you, given events from the past week… I read a great article in one of my food magazines this week on “soul food” and Martin and I saw a wonderful film about true love and soul mates

Know your food

You might think this week that I am espousing the idea of introducing yourself to the vegetables in the supermarket (“How do you do, Mr. Potato Head, my name is Kristin”). Although the idea I want to convey is not as absurd as that, you might think it was from some of the news we hear… I read

Putting the “F” back in fruit!

She says: Okay, so maybe the title this week is a bit obtuse… not my idea but I am going to try and bring you around to the chef’s creative allusion, so bear with me. When the Okanagan was known more for its fruit orchards than its wineries, the technology may have been simpler but the philos

Hooked On Fish & Chips

She says: Abbott & Costello, movies and popcorn, spaghetti & meatballs, PB & J, cheese and crackers... there are many pairings in this world that just need to be together to make the experience memorable. Fish & chips certainly fall in that category, in my book. We wanted to grab something to eat o

Gad-zukes!

She says: As I sat on the deck tonight savouring what could be the last hot evening of the year, I reflected on the high points of the summer and realized that this year was a bit more spotty to say the least in the usual spectacular heat we get in the Okanagan. It was not very consistent this year

A Last Hurrah

She says: Can you believe it? Summer is winding down and soon the kids will be back at school and the routines will be back in force. Where did it all go, and why is it that time – especially summertime – passes quicker when you get older? We have been lucky enough to have Chloae with us this m

Summer Camping

She says: Well, we did the big camping trip to the Shuswap and had a glorious time, just as we had hoped. We spoiled ourselves a bit with some friends in Salmon Arm, but we did get the canoe on the water and pitched our tent, too. The trip brought back old memories of summer vacations when I was a

Dog Days Of Summer

She says: They call this time of year “the dog days of summer” because the dog star, Sirius, rises and sets with the sun. The ancient cultures thought this bright star (the brightest in the sky, actually) added heat to that of the sun and that was why this time of year was the hottest. I think

The Have’s and the Have-not’s

I was wondering what to write about this week and then two articles caught my eye in the New York Times today. It made me think and so I thought I would share with you some of my thoughts… The first article was on Zimbabwe and the latest draconian measures taken by President Mugabe. He and his go

The Land of Super Size!

He says: Last weekend we felt like a change of scenery so we drove down to Washington, USA. We had no real agenda aside from the fact that we wanted to attend a Sock Hop dance in Waconda, population a hand full. Just like most blue collar families, Kristin and I always try to assimilate the cultu

Rich Food, Poor Food

She says: The topic of money came up in various conversations this week, and of course as I am generally won""t to do, I connected it to food. I decided this week I wanted to talk about rich food versus poor food. Now I don""t want you thinking that I am a glutton, someone who is greedy or voraciou

Save our Fruits and Veggies!

She says: I know I am going to sound like a nostalgic old fart this week, but if you will indulge me a little, I think I can bring you around to a pertinent point that requires everyone’s attention, even that of the “young farts”…(HINT: If you discover what is wrong with the picture we incl

Ratatouille

She says: I was thinking about writing this week and after a couple of precious meals with my busy husband the thing that came to mind was how much more you enjoy food when you share it with someone you love. Even when you eat alone, a meal becomes special when there is something to associate it wi

National Jam Buster Day

She says: I was thinking about Canada Day coming up, and celebrating our culture, and it occurred to me that there are lots of food days for celebrating too. (Did you know that there is a “Tapioca Day”, “Bologna Day” and even “Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbour’s Porch Night”?) Wha