Chickpea Nuggets

There comes a time when I want something other than the angular squeakiness of sliced or cubed tofu, and less earthy than good old bean stew. Enter these chickpea nuggets, my new favourite whole food dinner that doesn’t scream, “I’m comprised of healthy pulses!” They are pulses, but they’re also crispy, crunchy, tender-inside dippable bundles…

I’m back.

Greetings. It’s been a minute.  Or, you know, four years. Ah, 2016.  A world in which there were no Beyond Meat burgers and mainstream eateries had zero interest in contorting themselves to snag a corner of the plant-based pie.  And by pie, I mean wallet. Personally, in the past few years, I’ve published a novel,…

Red Bean Rundown

When my skin is hungry for sunshine and my ears are craving that island lilt and sing and my bones long for home, only certain things satisfy.  Some of those things can be purchased at inflated cost…(yes, $2.99/lb guavas, I’m looking at you).  Others are a little more accessible.  This Red Bean Rundown fits into…

Homeward Found

Found: ticket home. Found: old back yard. Found: teenage bed, teenage desk.  Grammy’s mirror (scoured Vancouver for one of this general style.  Directed to thrift shops.  Came back empty handed). Found: food.  Sweet potato, cassava.  Paw paw (it is NOT papaya, not in my hand, not in my mouth).  Okra fresh from the farm down…

Easy Green Lentil Curry

Green lentils hit the spot.  They cook quickly, are inexpensive, they don’t need to be presoaked, and they are rich in iron, protein, and fibre. As you can see, despite their name, and the slight pale green hue they have when raw, they cook up to a reassuring dinnertime brown. This recipe is quick, simple, and…

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

I love potatoes.  I love crispy.  I love simple. This recipe is cheater’s route roasted potatoes,a a sorta healthy-ish version of french fries.  If you’re like me, baked versions of usually fried foods is cause for skepticism.  Don’t doubt.  Give them a try. The concept is simple: boil potatoes, oil potatoes, roast potatoes.  As usual,…

Pear Crumble with Cardamom and Ginger

You need this crumble. It’s crunchy.  It’s mildly sweet.  It’s lightly spiced, it’s perfect for fall.  It’s quick, and guess what?  It works well for breakfast, too!  Don’t give me that look.  Oats are a breakfast food.  It’s justifiable. Pompous foodie warning: this recipe uses whole cardamom pods.  I can never forget that episode of Chopped…

Almond French Toast Sticks

Here’s my dirty food blogger secret:  every six or seven days, I get grumpy. Not with blogging.  Not with eating.  Not even with cooking.  With planning.  What to make?  Do I have the necessary ingredients on hand?  How long will it take?  Will all diners be present at the time when I plan to serve it? …

Turnips: the unsung garden hero

I love summer. All winter, I scowl at the paltry selection of flaccid grocery store root vegetables, exhausted by their long journeys from China or Mexico and collapsed on the shelf in a jumbled heap.  In summer, when fresh veggies are in season and our garden is at its best, I bask in the pleasure…

Tofu Scramble with Kala Namak & Fresh Basil Leaves

After learning my iron and B12 levels are on the low side, I’ve had to make sure that, while hardheaded, I am not a lazy vegan.  Or overly busy vegan.  Or poorly organized vegan.  In short, I’m watching my nutrient intakes to make sure they’re high enough to keep me healthy.  Which, honestly, is a…

Herbed Summer Patties

Today is Bahamian Independence Day! Living abroad, I miss the hustle and whir of the weeks before Independence Day.  Storefronts transformed by reams of fabric, aquamarine, gold, and black.  Heads adorned with patriotic weaves.  Foodstore cashiers attempting to ring up groceries with fingernails rivalling any bird of prey’s majestic talons, each tip bearing the image…