Harvesting Dinner

Celebrating The Everyday Feast

Subscribe to Harvesting Dinner via Email - get each fresh post in your inbox!

Join 172 other subscribers

Canal Ritz – Don’t bother…

A few Fridays ago, the King and I ended up at the Canal Ritz for dinner. We had just left an event and we were hungry. We pretty much stumbled on it by surprise, driving by on our way to Elgin Street (one of the cool foodie streets in Ottawa). It just appeared and so heck, why not? The special of the day is featured in the picture: 3 cheese ravioli with creamy basil pesto. Looks and sounds good right? Sometimes appearances are deceiving… It is not that it was «bad». It just wasn’t exactly restaurant caliber either: frozen, thick &… Read More

A Leap of Faith… A Diet Story Part 1

I started to write the experience of my battle with obesity as part of a healing exercise encouraged by a behavioral therapist who has been part and has played a huge role in my weight loss journey. I have decided to share this intimate journal… Maybe there are others out there that are going through similar struggles, that may have lost faith in their body or their own will power and who may relate to my personal trials and tribulations. This is a sensitive subject: the words written simply recant my inner thoughts, state of mind at different stages of the battle… Read More

Let them eat cake! My two favourite chocolate cakes

A treat is a treat is a treat! Since I have embarked on weight loss and weight management nearly 2 years ago, I have overhauled my entire pantry. I have removed highly processed and highly refined food products from daily life. I have also changed my grocery shopping habits to include the semi monthly delivery of a local farmer’s hamper and regular trip to small local shops. I have started gathering several “new” baked goods recipes that are not only deliciously sinful but still manage to pack a decent nutrition profile, for those days when some sweet baking is a must to fulfill the cravings. I have also… Read More

Quinoa Salad with Tamari-Sesame Dressing

If you have not yet embarked on the quinoa craze bandwagon, this recipe may actually push you over the edge! Quinoa, beyond its “super food” virtues, is, quite honestly, very tasty! My family and I enjoy quinoa very much although I doubt it will ever become a staple in our house. Why? Well, without wanting to start a debate about what is politically correct to eat and/or not to eat, I have become more and more sensitive to my food choices and sources. In regards to quinoa, as well as the plethora of tropical produce we consume on a regular basis,… Read More

Fig Boursin Crostinis

Back in my café ownership days, food talk and recipe sharing came naturally with many of my clients. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to engage with my clientele daily. My restaurant was neither glamorous nor a spot to enjoy a leisurely meal. It spanned over 120 square feet: a tiny working kitchen with a service counter. You came, you ordered and you left… What it lacked in attractiveness, it made up in meals full of cooking passion! Many discussions were had over that tiny counter about ingredients, recipes, other restaurants, up & coming chefs, world renowned chefs… Read More

Food Choices: It’s a Circus Out There!

In the past 2 years, I have read… OMG how much I have read! All about FOOD: about nutrition, marketing of food, harvesting of food, mono-cultures, GMOs, chemicals, additives, emulsifiers, CAFOs, farmed fish, pesticides, ethical eating, vegan diets, obesity, diabetes, name it! After countless documentaries viewed,  articles & books read and many, many blogs and website visited, I have come to these simple conclusions about food. Keep it simple! Fruits, veggies, meat (or not), nuts… Nature is bountiful and there is something for everyone, including grains. Be mindful: buy enough but not too much, waste is not a good thing. Buy closest to home… Read More

“Everything but the Kitchen Sink” Lentil Mulligatawny

I owe the discovery of my inner Indian to my beautiful, crazy, Brit friend and cooking soul mate Laura S-C. I met Laura when she applied for the inglorious job of right hand woman in my little tiny café I use to own years ago. This place was so small you could barely turn around without hitting yourself on a wall or a counter. We made everything from scratch, serving breakfast and lunch in a medical building. For the most part, it was just the two of us. I never laughed as hard in my life than when I was… Read More

When Spain Meets Italy in Canada – Tomato, Chorizo & Saffron Fettucine

I love easy toss pastas on weeknights! This particular Italian/Spanish fusion earned two thumbs up from the king and the prince in my household. I have two princes but only one was home for dinner last night. It is great to have a well stocked spice cupboard as spices easily transform flavour profiles all the while using basic ingredients. Chorizo, smoked paprika and saffron permeated Spanish fragrance in this otherwise very rustic italian inspired dish. Cherry tomatoes add a splash of fresh and vibrant summer kick, even as winter continues on here in the Great White North. Chorizo, Smoked Paprika… Read More