I know it looks like we’re mostly a pork household around here given this and this and this but I promise we really do eat our greens (and our reds, oranges, yellows and purples too).

Everyday I take a salad to work for lunch. If you’re anything like my co-workers, you’re rolling your eyes at me: “oh how virtuous of Marilene, eating a salad for lunch; she never gets takeout, she never eats junk”.  I can assure you my daily bring-my-own-salad- for-lunch ritual has much humbler (and less noble) origins……

Read More »

I have no idea how today is December 22nd.  The month has flown by at lightning speed and now I find myself working double overtime so that I can bake all the things and buy all the gifts.

But then I take a big deep belly breath and remind myself to take a pause because I don’t like going into the Christmas season burned out and stressed. That’s not very Christmas-y at all. …

Read More »

These cookies are everything. I mean they actually represent everything that is good about a cookie: chewy, crispy, not too sweet, a little tart surprise and a delicious texture. If you don’t like these cookies then there’s something wrong with you because they have something for everyone. Chocolate, twice. Coffee, twice. Cherries. Coconut. …

Read More »

The second instalment in the Christmas cookie extravaganza are these oh-so-cute domes of Chai spice goodness. I’ve been making these cookies for years and I have adapted them to be gluten free, once again using cassava flour.

My favourite thing about these cookies is that they’re small and dainty which makes them the perfect little snack for a holiday tea or coffee break. The spices really shine here and they are truly reminiscent of masala chai. I like the pumpkin seeds as well which add a hint of green and make them more festive. …

Read More »

Happy December dear friends! For the rest of this fine festive month, we will be showcasing Christmas cookie recipes. They will all be gluten free and absolutely delicious.

I am totally one of those people who loves Christmas–I get all sappy when I hear Christmas carols, I love the way the decorated tree sparkles and twinkles and I love the excuse Christmas gives me to be with family and friends while sipping on hot chocolate. …

Read More »

It’s no secret that paleo eating involves a pretty hefty amount of meat. Due to the nutrient density of animal products, meat is the main protein source in the paleo diet and is featured in almost every meal.

But over the last few months, I was feeling like I was eating a lot of meat and not getting in as much of the rainbow-tastic, vitamin rich vegetable family. …

Read More »

Winter has descended. Yesterday it felt like -10 degrees outside. The radio was spewing all manner of weather swear words “wind chill”, “frost”, “flurries”. I walked out in my down filled coat, a hat, mittens and a scarf. It was a difficult day for me. It’s not that I don’t like the cold…it’s that I hate it.

But a deep disdain for something can certainly breed brilliance. …

Read More »

Caldo verde, literally meaning “green broth” is a timeless Portuguese recipe. Caldo verde represents the essence of Portuguese cuisine: simple, rustic, satisfying. Using only five ingredients, most of which are always on hand, it is a humble soup that packs a lot of flavour. I grew up eating caldo verde on a regular ol’ weekday after school because it’s that easy to whip together but it’s so delicious that it has a place at weddings and other celebrations too.

Caldo verde makes me proud to be Portuguese and I get so glad when I hear that my non Portuguese friends or coworkers have  tried making it at home themselves. This usually goes something like this:…

Read More »

We’re currently in the midst of traveling around Colombia. While we’re soaking up the sun as much as we can and enjoying tropical fruits every step of the way, we know what awaits us when we return home. When we left Canada, frost had descended upon us. It was perfect stew weather. Before I left I made this pork stew and threw it in the freezer so we had something to warm us up to the fact that 6 months of winter was definately coming whether we like it or not….

Read More »