tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65128644693462163202024-02-20T04:37:04.599-05:00this little piggythislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-9882651984478647312012-06-19T18:50:00.001-04:002012-11-04T17:34:30.493-05:00Mr. O's eggs<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/7404091096/" title="Shakshuka by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img alt="Shakshuka" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7404091096_e68c27344f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, friends, it has been <i>way</i> too long since I've been around here. There's been work, <a href="http://instagr.am/p/MDucwXMcOz/">Po life</a>, a great big adventure of a trip, an engagement (!), and summer has just barely started...<br />
<br />
Leave it to my consuming affection for eggs to bring me back, of course.<br />
<br />
I've also been trying to eat more veggies these days. Something to do with say, goofing around in Italy for a few weeks eating nothing but delicious cheese and mountains of pasta, often both at once (I'm looking at <i>you</i>, <a href="http://instagr.am/p/LYx4hQscLE/">Cacio e Pepe</a>.) After all that extravagant richness, it's a bit of a relief to have a simple, healthy meal that won't put me to sleep right away. And the fact that this dish looks beautiful, <i>and</i> impressive, <i>and</i> is really, really spoon-licking delicious? All a bonus, I say.<br />
<br />
I call these "Ottolenghi" eggs, after Yotam Ottolenghi and his amazing cookbook Plenty. I like to like Mr. O for his inspired Middle Eastern/British/North African combinations, as well as for his more recent focus on vegetable-centric cooking. (He's not a vegetarian, and clearly, neither am I. But, boy, does this guy know his way around eggplants, and lentils, and broccoli. Trust me, you will want to eat your veggies after reading Plenty.)<br />
<br />
Mr. O's dish is called Shakshuka. It's a North African recipe, an all-in-one gently spiced red pepper and tomato stew, finished with gently poached eggs cooked right in the sauce. Serve topped with tons of freshly chopped coriander and warm crusty bread (or fresh corn tortillas in my case, if you're feeling fancy). <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi's Plenty<br />
<br />
Shakshuka<br />
<br />
Pinch whole cumin seeds<br />
Olive oil<br />
1 onion, sliced<br />
1 red pepper, sliced or diced into small pieces<br />
1 tsp brown sugar (I used amber agave syrup)<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
2-3 thyme sprigs<br />
1 large ripe tomato, roughly chopped<br />
(pinch saffron threads, optional - I used a pinch of turmeric here)<br />
pinch of cayenne<br />
water<br />
salt and pepper <br />
4 eggs<br />
<br />
Chopped fresh parsley and/or coriander and/or green onions <br />
<br />
The first step is to make the slurpy, thick, saucy goodness. (This part can be done ahead of time, if you like.)<br />
<br />
In a medium pan over high heat, dry toast the whole cumin seeds until they smell fragrant, about a minute. Add the oil and onions; sauté until soft and starting to colour. Add the pepper, sugar (or agave) and the herbs. Cook over high heat for another 5-7 minutes. Get some real roasty colour going on, it'll give your final sauce some personality. Add the tomato (watch the splatter!) and the saffron/tumeric and cayenne. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook out for another 10 minutes. While you stir now and again, add a bit of water so that your mix has a nice chunky thick pasta sauce consistency. Season sauce with salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
When you're ready to serve:<br />
Ideally this works in two small cast iron pans. If you don't have some (D seems to collect them at our house, we're strange that way) a single medium sized, heavy bottomed, deep-ish frying pan will certainly do.<br />
<br />
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Divide the pepper mix into two pans. Place them over medium heat to warm up the sauce. Make two wells in each pan; carefully break an egg into each well. Cover the pans with lids, and cook gently over medium-low heat until eggs are as cooked as you like them. It should take around 10 minutes (I like my yolks barely set).<br />
<br />
Season the eggs with salt and pepper, and top generously with chopped fresh greenery.<br />
<br />
Makes two hungry-sized portions. </blockquote>
<br />
<br />thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-32395248318638975252010-11-27T19:20:00.004-05:002010-11-27T19:44:17.504-05:00lobster fest<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A happy memory, this.<br /><br />There are a few weeks every year when fresh B.C. spot prawns are at their best. Seeing them dance around the tank, we also felt the urge to pick up a few lobsters, a Dungeness crab and some cold, cold beer. A few phone calls to some hungry friends and a giant pot of boiling water later, and the feast was on.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5212410954/" title="everyone in the pool by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 335px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5212410954_90fcfddd77_z.jpg" alt="everyone in the pool" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Everyone in the pool! We kept it all super simple, since everything was so fresh and (until very recently) lively.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5212407702/" title="lobster by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 746px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5212407702_9cb3c8539c_z.jpg" alt="lobster" /></a><br />The pile starts...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5211809887/" title="sauce and things by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 499px; height: 746px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5211809887_4647800f99_z.jpg" alt="sauce and things" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We threw together some quick sauces too - soy chili, lemon butter, a green onion-coriander-ginger concoction, lemon slices and of course, tabasco.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5212412670/" title="one done, one to go by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 747px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5212412670_7451669be7_z.jpg" alt="one done, one to go" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5212417060/" title="crunch by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 745px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5212417060_20cf11991c_z.jpg" alt="crunch" /></a><br /><br />D gets to work cracking those shells...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5211815797/" title="b.c. spot prawns by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 337px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5211815797_1076d0634c_z.jpg" alt="b.c. spot prawns" /></a><br /><br />And we're ready to dig in. (Bibs optional!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5212419350/" title="digging in by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5212419350_56596627fb_z.jpg" alt="digging in" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5212421706/" title="finger food by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5212421706_fbe506ef0d_z.jpg" alt="finger food" /></a><br /><br />There's nothing quite like a good eat on! That, and a group nap afterwards.<br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-39741961709123761982010-11-25T01:22:00.004-05:002010-11-25T11:33:51.205-05:00today, i...<div style="text-align: left;">...laughed out loud this morning when I saw my sock-shoes from the night before.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205606235/" title="IMG_8540 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 665px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5205606235_61b635a0fa_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8540" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5206204860/" title="IMG_8541 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 665px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5206204860_ee3ca69a4d_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8541" /></a><br /><br />Doodled for a bit, headed to work.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5206205306/" title="IMG_8543 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 348px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5206205306_50d1f6b807_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8543" /></a><br /><br />Had a buttery good meal. (I like it when D makes eggs.)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205607521/" title="IMG_8545 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 376px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5205607521_4552c5eb7d_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8545" /></a><br /><br />Stopped for a bit to admire how shockingly bright the peas were.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205607947/" title="IMG_8546 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 666px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5205607947_13d00af6a9_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8546" /></a><br /><br />Saw pasta being rolled...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205608385/" title="IMG_8550 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 376px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5205608385_df4633bc68_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8550" /></a><br /><br />...and made into these fat pillows.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205607947/" title="IMG_8546 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 502px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5205608727_5d7f7b1474_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8552" /></a><br /><br />Snacked on a bit of radish,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205609621/" title="IMG_8559 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 376px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5205609621_d1e5015d13_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8559" /></a><br /><br />and wondered what kind of salad was on the mozzarella tubs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5206207326/" title="IMG_8555 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 499px; height: 665px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5206207326_5400db4f24_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8555" /></a><br /><br />Plated some pumpkin pies.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5205610135/" title="IMG_8563 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 499px; height: 665px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5205610135_8111d740bd_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8563" /></a><br /><br />Home again. We had grilled cheese sandwiches, and D attacked some Nazi zombies on Call of Duty...<br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-14321985370051960832010-11-23T17:55:00.004-05:002010-11-23T21:30:24.235-05:00things to do on a rainy day #2<div style="text-align: left;"><br />Some afternoons just call out for making soup.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202820664/" title="IMG_8507 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 634px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5202820664_bbaa691c21.jpg" alt="IMG_8507" /></a><br /><br />Today in particular, with its gusty winds and plain grey sky, demanded cabbage.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202224297/" title="IMG_8488 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 361px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5202224297_26ddd78e17.jpg" alt="IMG_8488" /></a><br /><br />(Simmered with a good amount of fatty pork, from <a href="http://nymag.com/restaurants/recipes/inseason/52162/">this recipe</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202821276/" title="IMG_8508 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 638px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5202821276_a469438cd4.jpg" alt="IMG_8508" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of, how sweet are these fellas? A birthday gift from my aunt.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202822122/" title="IMG_8509 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 361px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5202822122_83ef91a3a9.jpg" alt="IMG_8509" /></a><br /><br />The pot simmers away. Take the pooch out for a walk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202823436/" title="IMG_8519 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 362px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5202823436_157eb1b6cd.jpg" alt="IMG_8519" /></a><br /><br />Letters and numbers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202228775/" title="IMG_8520 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 364px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5202228775_fc65ed4ef2.jpg" alt="IMG_8520" /></a><br /><br />Surprise! A package awaits.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202230067/" title="IMG_8521 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 635px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5202230067_5227d9fb2a.jpg" alt="IMG_8521" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202826302/" title="IMG_8525 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 636px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5202826302_495eb1da8a.jpg" alt="IMG_8525" /></a><br /><br />Thank you, P. You sure do know how to spoil me!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202822874/" title="IMG_8514 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 361px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5202822874_249948e4b0.jpg" alt="IMG_8514" /></a><br /><br />A few minutes more, and ready to tuck in.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5202827004/" title="IMG_8534 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 480px; height: 633px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5202827004_084517d461.jpg" alt="IMG_8534" /></a><br /><br />(It's not the prettiest thing, but it sure was delicious.)<br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-35736218329831682942010-10-16T13:33:00.003-04:002010-10-16T13:41:22.704-04:00"the usual"<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5087031086/" title="IMG_8464 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5087031086_a4eb44a48a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8464" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5086436619/" title="IMG_8466 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5086436619/" title="IMG_8466 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 640px; height: 847px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5086436619_65d180c075_b.jpg" alt="IMG_8466" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5086437279/" title="IMG_8467 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5086437279_f95d841cb2_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8467" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5086437801/" title="IMG_8468 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5086437801_edd6b10547_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8468" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />It's nice to have your regular spots...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-61335541541394597202010-10-14T11:14:00.006-04:002010-10-15T17:00:32.127-04:00remembering what's good<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Sometimes, it's not about the new or the flashy. Recently, it took us a (lucky) series of events to remind us just how good the simple is.<br /><br />We've long frequented the popular Mother's Dumpling, following it after its move from its first smaller home. Even though I want to love the new location, so badly I do, <span style="font-style: italic;">but</span> sadly the growing pains are clear...bigger isn't always better. (Hopefully things will be smoothed out soon. Even so, I will always have a soft spot for their Juicy Pork Buns. Damn, they are tasty.)<br /><br />It was late, we were unusually indecisive, and we were getting <span style="font-style: italic;">hungry</span>. Mother's was closing so we kept walking down Spadina. We were almost at Dundas before stopping to turn around:<br /><br />"Hey, the Dumpling House is open. We haven't been there in ages."<br /><br />"Um, yeah, that's cause it's old and yucky."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5081424972/" title="dumplinghouseint by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5081424972_aaeddf76b5_z.jpg" alt="dumplinghouseint" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">reading the menu</span><br /></div><br />Ok, so I might have said that. I was pretty cranky at this point, and it's sort of true. Even though I'd often check out the cool looking prep area by the front window, I had obviously written off the functional, spare, slightly run-down nature of the space, preferring it to its flashier neighbour up the street. Oh, shame on me!<br /><br />Because you know what? The dumplings at this house are seriously <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>amazing</span>.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5080830555/" title="dumplinghousesoup by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/5080830555_93fba732d4_z.jpg" alt="dumplinghousesoup" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />a little hot and sour soup to start<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The dough is slippery-but-with-a-little-chew, and the fillings taste simply of what they should be. The boiled pork and salted cabbage dumplings are completely addictive.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5080832075/" title="dumplinghouseboiled by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/5080832075_3b8d278f9d_z.jpg" alt="dumplinghouseboiled" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">boiled pork and salted cabbage dumplings</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5081425800/" title="dumplinghousefried2 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/5081425800_60206a0b41_z.jpg" alt="dumplinghousefried2" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Fried pork and chive dumplings. Love that crispy lace.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I could also eat these every day. Love that the skin is a touch thinner on them, so that they're a bit more delicate and nicer to eat with that crispy fried bottom layer.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5081426790/" title="dumplinghousefried by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/5081426790_fd119b7251_z.jpg" alt="dumplinghousefried" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Another awesome thing...the fried dumplings are left open on the ends to let the steam out.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Simple. Great. Tasty goodness. We'll definitely be back again soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-90935111341094169702010-10-04T11:53:00.004-04:002010-10-04T14:05:44.037-04:00plenty<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Have you ever had that feeling of instant connection to a cookbook? There's that eye blinking series of moments where you flip through the first few pages (and if you're liking what you see, perhaps you slightly push out your lower lip while nodding at the pictures), and yes indeed you proceed to zoom in to actually start reading the recipes...<br /><br />And if you're lucky, once in a while you'll truly enjoy the author's banter - personally I like a mix of casual storytelling, with a bit of hows and whys thrown in (but not too educational, if you know what I mean). Most important of all, however, is that somehow this new personality that you've just met, guided along with mouthwatering pictures - friendly and real, rather than too obviously "touched"- makes you want to <span style="font-style: italic;">cook</span>. And <span style="font-style: italic;">eat</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5050386037/" title="IMG_4025_2 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 466px; height: 636px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5050386037_bb62651b1f_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4025_2" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This, dear friends, is something I would like to share with you. Because the lovely M, from my favourite store in the world (<a href="http://www.goodegg.ca/">good egg</a>. love it!) was kind enough to share it with me, knowing that I'd get a kick out of it. And some great new dishes too...<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5051012710/" title="IMG_4030 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 466px; height: 695px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5051012710_a7dfb60d9c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4030" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">This was one of the first pictures that drew me in. Isn't it just amazing? Ravioli with Lemon, Chilli and Goat's Cheese.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/">Ottolenghi</a> (named after its founder, Yotam) is an incredibly popular restaurant/take away shop with several locations around London. I've seen the gorgeous displays of prepared salads and baked goods - unfortunately not in real life, yet! - and can say that the generous spirit and simplicity in which everything is prepared is so welcoming, and very much up my alley. (Would Toronto be open to having an Ottolenghi-style spot? With self serve platters and communal tables? I wonder...)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Plenty is Yotam's second book, and has the quiet distinction of happening to also be vegetarian. As I am most definitely not a vegetarian (and neither is the author, who often suggest fish or meat dishes to complement some of the side recipes), it's inspiring and refreshing to be reminded of just how fantastic cooking with (um, <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> meat?) obviously good-for-you ingredients can be.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5051005610/" title="IMG_4026_2 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 630px; height: 426px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5051005610_aa2b6da38c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4026_2" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">The chilli in this recipe is a Turkish spice mix called </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">kirmizi biber</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">. Wouldn't this be great for brunch? With a great big pile of buttered toast....</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There's something about the English sensibility to putting flavours together that I find so intriguing. Infuse that with the spices and flavours of Yotam's Israeli background, and you'll find yourself thinking about eggplants, saffron, cumin and tahini in a whole new way...<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5051007654/" title="IMG_4028_2 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 630px; height: 422px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5051007654_42cb21a1e7_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4028_2" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's another few that I can't wait to try out. I do love a good lentil salad. You'll also see some nice black mission figs in the market these days, and I like the idea of using pomegranate molasses in the dressing to draw out their sweetness...<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5050391693/" title="IMG_4029 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 631px; height: 424px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5050391693_bc696a6852_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4029" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Yes, it's definitely time to do a spot of shopping and then some cooking. (I think that's a good sign that you and your new favourite cookbook are going to be great friends!) Hope you have a chance to check it out. Until next time!<br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-6992578877715175072010-09-30T11:44:00.003-04:002010-09-30T11:47:53.514-04:00mother's sandwich shop<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5039402586/" title="IMG_4089 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5039402586_2837ceb439_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4089" height="640" width="624" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm happy that this sign is still up, even though the shop itself is long gone. I feel like I would have really liked the sandwiches there.<br /></div><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-53353911854997192172010-09-29T10:00:00.001-04:002010-09-29T10:22:32.068-04:00greedy little lunch<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5034131993/" title="IMG_4016 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 635px; height: 426px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5034131993_c6dba8e334_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4016" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5034754414/" title="IMG_4017 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 635px; height: 426px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5034754414_487e458dbf_z.jpg" alt="IMG_4017" /></a><br /><br />rillet, crackers, pickles.<br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-59224040615261439192010-09-28T17:00:00.002-04:002010-09-28T17:04:50.935-04:00things to do on a rainy day<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5034456046/" title="happy yellow necklace by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5034456046_097c625c6c_z.jpg" alt="happy yellow necklace" height="640" width="517" /></a><br /></div>making happy yellow necklaces to brighten up the gloomy outside....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5033840227/" title="happy yellow necklace by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 517px; height: 346px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5033840227_22e4474fd5_z.jpg" alt="happy yellow necklace" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5033837585/" title="glass, wood, pyrite by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 517px; height: 769px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5033837585_4393a07583_z.jpg" alt="glass, wood, pyrite" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-75283962538222820162010-09-28T00:57:00.005-04:002010-09-28T19:04:26.992-04:00comfort food #6<div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />Speaking of cheeseburgers...<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5031735491/" title="po leg by and this little piggy, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5031767917/" title="shake shack by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 635px; height: 416px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5031767917_3e74218a2c_z.jpg" alt="shake shack" /></a><br /><br />I'm enough of a nerd to spend my time googling the words "shake" and "shack" (having never been, so sad, oh so sad) to get this little bugger to be just so.<br /><br />Deee. Lish. Ooousss. And addictive as hell!<br /><br />Firstly, a small, handheld size is best. No commitment, just instantaneous love. Nice, freshly ground beef (I seasoned mine with just a few shakes of worchestershire and s & p).<br /><br />You gotta make conservative little pucks of meat, which you then proceed to sear over incredibly high heat. And as you do, it's all about the forceful <span style="font-style: italic;">SQUISH</span>-ing down of your patty with the flipper. It's all about the crust, believe me! And maybe a squirt of fake yellow mustard right on top as its cooking. (It's like Animal Style+ Shackburger = extra goodness).<br /><br />A soft bun - lightly toasted - is key. All the better to soak up the thousand island, er, secret sauce. (That's mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of mustard. Yes, I watch the Triple D religiously as well.) As the patty finishes up cooking, lay on a slice of melty processed cheese and cover to let it finish steam/melt. Please, please, don't feel the need to be fancy and slap on "real" cheese...I promise that once you believe in the power of good ol' American cheese (Kraft Singles around these parts), you will be a convert for life.<br /><br />A few pickles, iceberg, a slice of tomato (s&p of course), and you're good to go.<br /><br />We had ours with a cold root beer. Highly recommended!thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-54872448860513354642010-09-27T14:16:00.006-04:002010-09-27T14:35:26.453-04:00lean and mean<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">And oh so clean.<br /><br />At least, that's how I felt after knocking back this awesome plate D put together. Yes, I am one very lucky gal. It's almost worth overdoing it on greasy cheeseburgers - for, ahem, example - to crave something fresh and crisp for a change. Veggies and fruit, who knew?<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5030645132/" title="IMG_8232 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 635px; height: 479px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5030645132_f99a921336_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8232" /></a><br />cucumbers, orange, grapefruit, avocado, shallots in lime juice...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5030029633/" title="IMG_8233 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 635px; height: 477px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5030029633_b819066a5b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8233" /></a><br />white bass marinating in lemon and lime juice, yeah!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5030031247/" title="IMG_8240 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5030031247/" title="IMG_8240 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5030031247_f0f19cfca8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8240" height="635" width="635" /></a><br /><br />Dinner is served! Coriander, basil, radish and a touch of olive oil to top it all off.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-84278047749410593652010-09-25T00:05:00.004-04:002010-09-25T10:45:39.674-04:00guilty pleasures #4<div style="text-align: left;"><br />Oh man, I'm not sure if I should even be sharing this, it's so undercover...but then again, I guess that's why they call them guilty pleasures!<br /></div><br />Every now and then D and I will embark on a single minded <span style="font-style: italic;">mission</span> to get our eat on, even if that means going on covert trips to the store to grab those little things we've been craving all week. (Obviously for me, that usually ends up being any and all snacks made with fat and salt. I'm pretty predictable that way.)<br /><br />This little number is from awhile back, but just looking at this - don't judge us yet, you know you've got your own hit list! - makes me realize we're due for another round soon:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5021687640/" title="IMG_8002 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5021687640_92b1c9e463_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8002" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here we have what I'd call our own "secret charcuterie" board, although I guess I should use extra air quotes around the charcuterie bit, seeing as there's only one bit o'meat - and a questionable one at that - to be found. But you get the picture.<br /><br />Beginning from the top left (and as you find so often, following in a clockwise manner):<br /><ul><li>A nice little wedge of creamy, garlic-y Boursin. Cold and straight from its cute foil pack, yessir.</li><li>Spoonfuls of oil packed giardiniera. D is very, shall we say, particular about getting to eat all of the cauliflower bits. Salty pickled crunchy goodness. A perfect mouthful with...</li><li>Slices of Cracker Barrel. Medium orange shade, of course! (They happen to also melt quite nicely over our cracker selection.)</li><li>Ryvita (mine, from when I'm feeling clean and eating them with things like almond butter and raw honey), Triscuits - the originals, full salt most definitely, and Bretons to round it all out.</li><li>On to the veggies and dip section. A fancy dancy quenelle of artichoke dip, also known as mayo with extras, to go with our cukes.</li><li>Oh Brandt. How we love your chubby tubes of liverwurst, especially the Gold Tube with Chopped Herbs. So much secret love going on with this one!</li><li>Fish She Is Very Small. That's what's written on the tin of Millionaires Sardines, where you'll also see a smartly dressed little fishie, tux and all, sporting a monocle and top hat. My very favourite squished on crackers. Umm...</li><li>It's very unusual to find extra slices of smoked salmon around our place. Mostly because I will usually eat it all upon first sighting. I must be part bear or something. Also some philly cream cheese to go with.</li><li>More salt and crunch options in the form of green olives and radishes. Sometimes I'll snack on the radish with salt (surprise) and butter (!) too...</li></ul>Working up an appetite now. But shhh, don't tell anyone, k? Until next time!<br /><br /><br /></div></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-6325250111009169612010-09-24T19:59:00.005-04:002010-09-25T01:00:01.965-04:00strange but true<div style="text-align: left;"><br />Some goofy and random encounters from the last bit:<br /></div><br />(Or rather, the odd things you get to see when you prep for a food show about birthday parties for kids...)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5021081755/" title="IMG_8247 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5021081755_7b135c59f8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8247" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">EPIC RAINBOW CAKE!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If roses are red, and violets are blue, then making a spectacular Yellow and Blue Dye No. 5 extravaganza of a beast is like the ultimate bouquet of love to show your special little someone how much you care. That and the many cups of icing sugar - and butter, so much butter - used in the frosting! I wish I had the final cake to show you...it was frosted in a fluffy white meringue (clouds!) and topped with a giant yellow "chocolate" sun. With giant rays. Yeah!<br /><br />Ok, ok. So kids love hot dogs, right? And creepy crawly things like worms and snakes? What about...<br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5021082287/" title="IMG_8245 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5021082287_1546d1a346_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8245" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">HOT DOG SNAKES!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These dudes get three exclamation marks because they're fun x 3. The host of the show had such a giggle fit making them that for the rest of the season our friends here would appear on all the monitors anytime there was a break. Aww, I love their silly little tongues!<br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/5021689926/" title="IMG_8242 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5021689926_a590fb4781_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8242" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hot Dog Snakes! In the oven!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">(In case you were wondering, we ended up serving them on a great big tray covered in astroturf.)<br /><br />Happy Birthday Kiddo!<br /><br /><br /></div></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-82527910022949893802010-09-15T09:01:00.004-04:002010-09-24T18:47:50.899-04:00mazel tov!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">...to my dearest and loveliest friends, M and N. What a beautiful, extraordinary day!<br /><br /><br />A few things you will want to know about our couple, and about this most special of days:<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990652391/" title="wedding feet by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 600px; height: 237px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4990652391_86257af851_z.jpg" alt="wedding feet" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">1) They come from the nicest, kindest, most hilarious families you could imagine. (M has told me of her bubbie's epic fridge stashes of restaurant butter pats and mini jam packages, and how the secret recipe for her famous shortbread cookies has been passed down to her: "Vel, it's very simple. You take two cups of sugar...and thirty six packets of butter...")<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4991404274/" title="IMG_3820 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 644px; height: 489px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4991404274_c89676263b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_3820" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">2) M herself is one of the most amazing women I've ever met. I have yet to meet anyone who loves anything and everything to do with food and cooking more that her! Well, her new hubby perhaps. I should mention that they spend their weekends tapping maple trees and making syrup, and that N, as a hobby, grew prize winning garlic at his family farm.<br /><br />3) Also, hanging out with them is pretty awesome.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4991268982/" title="ruth's cheese by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4991268982_9c7ee7a985_z.jpg" alt="ruth's cheese" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />ridiculously delicious cheeses from Ruth Klahsen<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />4) They know how to eat. And laugh. And have everyone join them!<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4991264262/" title="bresola by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4991264262_92beaf728a_z.jpg" alt="bresola" height="640" width="427" /></a><br />bresaola from Fabio Bondi of Local Kitchen<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4991276932/" title="bread and charcuterie by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4991276932_d1b8432364_z.jpg" alt="bread and charcuterie" height="640" width="427" /></a><br />more charcuterie and spectacular bread from St. John's<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990673475/" title="pickles by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4990673475_a7347cbdb1_z.jpg" alt="pickles" height="640" width="427" /></a><br />homemade pickles<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990675227/" title="table settings by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4990675227_b29c8a2b51_z.jpg" alt="table settings" height="640" width="427" /></a><br />table settings...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990669421/" title="apricot, plum by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4990669421_253968e2c8_z.jpg" alt="apricot, plum" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />...named after favourite foods, of course!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4991285562/" title="butter mise by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4991285562_414dddaec4_z.jpg" alt="butter mise" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />The pasta station. Check out that butter mise!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990681815/" title="pasta station by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4990681815_8506720baf_z.jpg" alt="pasta station" height="640" width="427" /></a><br />The pasta was hand rolled in the wee hours the morning of. Then stuffed with fresh ricotta, parm and some farm fresh egg yolks...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990684565/" title="fresh ricotta, cherry tomato by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4990684565_00601e2f36_z.jpg" alt="fresh ricotta, cherry tomato" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />...can you feel the love?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4990677715/" title="the feast by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4990677715_35af6b1b89_z.jpg" alt="the feast" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />Let the feasting begin!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Thanks again for having us join in the celebrations. Love you guys!!!<br /><br /><br /></div></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-82727118617082019152010-09-14T16:14:00.003-04:002010-09-14T18:44:23.744-04:00an oldie...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4991172452/" title="601 King Street West by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4991172452_491680e962_o.jpg" alt="601 King Street West" height="417" width="604" /></a><br /><br />...and definitely a goodie.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I think this was taken in 2001. Back alley, off of Portland. The sketchy building they're in front of has long been torn down to make way for the ever growing forest of condos there today.<br /><br />From the tales I've been told, this was back in the day where the fish "room" was practically outside, and the cooks changed on the line (no space anywhere else). In five years there will be additions of a private dining room, some skylights, and more than three times as many boys (and a few girls) working away in the two side-by-side restaurants...<br /><br />It's nice to stumble upon these pictures. Hope everyone is doing well!<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-79135384682485071962010-09-12T16:55:00.002-04:002010-09-12T17:00:06.768-04:00back to it<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, it's been waaaay too long. I've got so many things to catch up on - and I'm excited to start sharing again!<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4983614295/" title="IMG_2227 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4983614295_71d181d547_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2227" /></a><br /><br />So here we go...<br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-2304779077329614042010-01-17T17:36:00.003-05:002010-01-17T17:46:13.295-05:00seat 8<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4282477715/" title="IMG_0882 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4282477715_4db4c7669d.jpg" alt="IMG_0882" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4282462121/" title="IMG_0852 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4282462121_610ecd810f.jpg" alt="IMG_0852" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4282464401/" title="IMG_0854 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4282464401_2ffe674e48.jpg" alt="IMG_0854" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4283211040/" title="IMG_0855 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 271px; height: 396px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4283211040_6b1a362daa.jpg" alt="IMG_0855" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4282468459/" title="IMG_0862 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 271px; height: 396px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4282468459_5240dda047.jpg" alt="IMG_0862" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4282470881/" title="IMG_0865 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4282470881_a6e4f895cf.jpg" alt="IMG_0865" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4282473069/" title="IMG_0868 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4282473069_07e4f2824b.jpg" alt="IMG_0868" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4283219856/" title="IMG_0873 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img style="width: 493px; height: 734px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4283219856_dea6d82c4a.jpg" alt="IMG_0873" /></a><br /><br />crispy sweetbreads with brown butter & lemon enoki and oyster mushrooms, marsala jus<br />(valentine radish and chervil)<br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-13505284110575472042010-01-15T01:28:00.003-05:002010-01-15T01:28:00.549-05:00comfort food #5<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4268295968/" title="IMG_1477 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4268295968_341d418804.jpg" alt="IMG_1477" height="500" width="354" /></a><br /><br />Dal fry, palak paneer, tikka masala and plain rice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A perfect night in! Kettle is on. Off to watch some Ricky Gervais stand up whilst curled up on the couch. Now where's my snuggie?<br /></div><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-35006200166522232272010-01-14T01:11:00.003-05:002010-01-14T01:11:00.218-05:00sometimes all you need<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4267629803/" title="IMG_0376-pola by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4267629803_60980d7954.jpg" alt="IMG_0376-pola" height="500" width="411" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">the morning after the night before...is a big ol' plate of greasy breakfast.<br /><br />Bring on the bottomless coffee, yeah!<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-65396523606392003952010-01-12T01:03:00.002-05:002010-01-12T01:07:15.115-05:00happy holidays<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Oh, yes, it's been awhile... A fresh start, a new year - here we go!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/4267633025/" title="IMG_0417 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4267633025_e3190ff486.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="IMG_0417" /></a><br /><br />Little gifts for cooks.<br /><br />Fresh sharpie? Check. Tape? Check. A shiny new peeler? Check!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-2640973098751365802009-08-11T08:54:00.006-04:002009-08-11T09:01:11.846-04:00guilty pleasures #3<div style="text-align: left;"><br />Yessir, that's right...dinner for two on a Monday night!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3810705363/" title="IMG_7108 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3810705363_0360e0a887.jpg" alt="IMG_7108" height="70%" width="70%" /></a><br /><br />A small cheese from Pizza Gigi, just <span style="font-style: italic;">covered</span> in a mountain of shaved summer truffle.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3811522152/" title="IMG_7110 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3811522152_1a203d8507.jpg" alt="IMG_7110" height="70%" width="70%" /></a><br /><br />Oooch, so good it hurt.<br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-17087290930318685222009-07-13T08:58:00.006-04:002009-07-13T09:03:10.734-04:00in the kitchen: gnocchi<div style="text-align: left;"><br />A few fun shots from some gnocchi action going on...<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3604447105/" title="IMG_6238 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3604447105_74f150f0ea.jpg" alt="IMG_6238" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3605263486/" title="IMG_6239 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3605263486_1d3184d99f.jpg" alt="IMG_6239" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3605264384/" title="IMG_6240 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3605264384_f3a8dd948a.jpg" alt="IMG_6240" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3605265374/" title="IMG_6241 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3605265374_9a5b208d09.jpg" alt="IMG_6241" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3605266116/" title="IMG_6242 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3605266116_9f47b4fb00.jpg" alt="IMG_6242" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-42535069291350577322009-07-12T21:07:00.014-04:002009-07-13T09:03:48.124-04:00a day in pictures<div style="text-align: left;"><br />From the outdoor art festival at Nathan Phillips Square, to strolling down Queen Street and a little dinner at Terroni....<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714127683/" title="IMG_6980 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/3714127683_a06577429e.jpg" alt="IMG_6980" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714116305/" title="IMG_6967 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714116305/" title="IMG_6967 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3714116305_90483cc959.jpg" alt="IMG_6967" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714928296/" title="IMG_6968 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3714928296_3349e86703.jpg" alt="IMG_6968" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714118727/" title="IMG_6969 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3714118727_3c9e1f2467.jpg" alt="IMG_6969" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714930776/" title="IMG_6970 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3714930776_a36c478f98.jpg" alt="IMG_6970" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714932282/" title="IMG_6971 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3714932282_82ae968271.jpg" alt="IMG_6971" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714933336/" title="IMG_6972 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3714933336_a2ca42832b.jpg" alt="IMG_6972" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714934490/" title="IMG_6974 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3714934490_25340f8076.jpg" alt="IMG_6974" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714935686/" title="IMG_6975 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3714935686_9cf27fe1e4.jpg" alt="IMG_6975" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714936942/" title="IMG_6976 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3714936942_2772c42e3d.jpg" alt="IMG_6976" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714126719/" title="IMG_6977 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3714126719_6dc1e443c3.jpg" alt="IMG_6977" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714939622/" title="IMG_6981 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3714939622_d66ae62e84.jpg" alt="IMG_6981" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714940672/" title="IMG_6983 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3714940672_46ae21942b.jpg" alt="IMG_6983" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714130037/" title="IMG_6985 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3714130037_f9e2e76b19.jpg" alt="IMG_6985" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714130533/" title="IMG_6986 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3714130533_e2463f647a.jpg" alt="IMG_6986" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714942444/" title="IMG_6987 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3714942444_441a495d42.jpg" alt="IMG_6987" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714131783/" title="IMG_6989 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3714131783_5137f9812b.jpg" alt="IMG_6989" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714943896/" title="IMG_6991 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3714943896_8600cf4165.jpg" alt="IMG_6991" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714944776/" title="IMG_6992 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3714944776_e9fb847049.jpg" alt="IMG_6992" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714945716/" title="IMG_6993 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3714945716_0b0277ebb2.jpg" alt="IMG_6993" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714946744/" title="IMG_6996 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3714946744_e27cc51edb.jpg" alt="IMG_6996" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714947606/" title="IMG_6998 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3714947606_38bd8ae9ed.jpg" alt="IMG_6998" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3714137059/" title="IMG_7000 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3714137059_6be90845bb.jpg" alt="IMG_7000" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512864469346216320.post-8034716571181973462009-07-11T21:26:00.008-04:002009-07-11T22:03:00.574-04:00favourite things<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />One of my all-time faves, the sexy little chanterelle mushroom...uummm.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3711684648/" title="IMG_6951 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3711684648_615232c428.jpg" alt="IMG_6951" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3710874221/" title="IMG_6955 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/3710874221_793a500c72.jpg" alt="IMG_6955" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I'm lucky enough to get a few of these babies at home, I don't usually do too much to them. A light shred and we're ready to go...<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3710874927/" title="IMG_6957 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3710874927_be25d622e1.jpg" alt="IMG_6957" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A quick fry in a (generous!) dab of butter, some sliced garlic, salt and pepper, and hey - found a bunch of thyme in the fridge, so threw a twiglet in - wow, I just wish you could smell the deliciousness in the air!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3711686416/" title="IMG_6958 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3711686416_cd0e565025.jpg" alt="IMG_6958" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm making these for a late breakfast today, so I'm thinking these lovely buttery goodies will be just perfect with some soft scrambled eggs. With a great snowfall of parmesan shavings on top....<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24217361@N06/3711687004/" title="IMG_6964 by and this little piggy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3711687004_05d19ae7d9.jpg" alt="IMG_6964" height="80%" width="80%" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Honestly, I wish I could start more of my days off like this!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>thislittlepiggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335704660802125948noreply@blogger.com0