How to Make Pasta Salad Without a Recipe

June 18, 2019 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Become a pasta salad pro in this crash course that includes a recipe for Greek Pasta Salad. This classic side dish is a cinch to make and is perfect for potlucks, picnics and barbecues.

WINGING A PASTA SALAD

Do you know what I think? No one should need a recipe for pasta salad! No one. A pasta salad–and salads in general–is just a mixture of raw or cooked vegetables tossed with noodles and a zingy salad dressing. Sometimes there’s protein, sometimes there’s not. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to knock pasta salad. I love pasta salad. It’s one of my favourite things to bring to a gathering because it’s so darn easy to make. When you know how to make pasta salad, you don’t need to think about what to pack for a picnic or bring to a potluck. There’s freedom in learning the formula. Let me show you.

how to make pasta salad greek pasta salad

GREEK PASTA SALAD RECIPE VIDEO

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How to Make a Layer Cake from Scratch

June 14, 2019 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Layer cakes are the favourite go-to for birthdays and special occasions. Learn how easy it is to make your own layer cake from scratch. All you need is a few ingredients and a couple of hours!

MAKING A LAYER CAKE FROM SCRATCH

Every June in Québec, people go crazy over les fraises du Québec. They’re these beautiful small strawberries that are full of flavour and seem to be everywhere you look. If you go into a bakery, they advertise that their strawberry tarts are made with Québec strawberries. Anyone who uses them basically shouts into a megaphone that their strawberries are local. It’s madness, but as the days get warmer and my own strawberry plants start developing, I find myself excited for the approaching season.

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Maple Walnut Fermented Steel Cut Oats

June 11, 2019 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

This maple walnut fermented steel cut oats recipe tastes delicious hot or cold. Try making it in large batches for easy breakfasts throughout the week!

THE BENEFITS OF HOMEMADE OATMEAL

Growing up, a big pot of cinnamon raisin oatmeal frequently made an appearance on the breakfast table. I was a lucky kid.

Oatmeal is nutritious, it’s filling, it’s easy to make, and best of all, it’s cheap. It’s one of those slow burning fuels that keeps you going all morning and doesn’t make you come crashing down before noon.

Of course, not all oatmeals are made equal. Those sugar laden packages of artificially flavoured instant oatmeal aren’t anyone’s friend. I’m looking at you, smiling quaker!

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Wild Violets: Foraging, Recipes, and 7 Beautiful Uses

June 7, 2019 by Sylvia Rose 4 Comments

Wild Violets: 7 Lovely and Practical Uses for These Backyard Beauties

It always feels like spring really arrives when the wild violets start blooming. They pop up quietly across the lawn, undeterred by chilly winds or clumsy boots. They don’t ask for much — just a patch of soil, a bit of sun, and no one to mow them down.

Some people see them as weeds, but I never have. To me, they’re little purple flags waving us into the new season, softening the world after winter’s long stay. And best of all, they’re not just beautiful — they’re useful, too!

If you have wild violets growing in your yard or along your favourite walking path, here are five lovely and practical ways to use them — simple things you can make or do that honour their charm and bring a bit of old-fashioned magic into your home.

What Are Wild Violets?

Wild violets (Viola odorata) are low-growing perennials that bloom in early spring. Often mistaken for weeds, these edible flowers are rich in vitamins A and C and have long been used in traditional herbal medicine. You’ll usually find them carpeting shady lawns or garden edges with their heart-shaped leaves and signature purple blooms.

Unlike the African violets we keep in pots indoors, these little wildlings are edible from the leaves to the flowers, They’re rich in vitamin C and offer gentle support for the lymphatic system and respiratory health. Violets have been traditionally used in salves, syrups, teas, and even as a natural dye.

Note: Always make sure to harvest wild violets from unsprayed areas, free from chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

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Pastry Cream for Beginners

June 4, 2019 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Pastry cream is a breeze to make, but most people shrug their shoulders and pick up a box of instant vanilla pudding instead. Not in this kitchen! Ditch the box and learn how to make your own pastry cream from scratch.

Not everyone goes around calling it pastry cream. The French call it crème pâtissière and the popular North American term is pudding, but in my circle, it’s called pastry cream, so that’s what I’m going with.

It’s a simple concoction of milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Some recipes call for butter to give it an added richness, but while butter makes everything better, it’s completely optional.

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How to Make Choux Pastry (and what to do with it)

May 31, 2019 by Sylvia Rose 2 Comments

Choux pastry (a.k.a. pâte à choux) is a wonderfully light dough that’s used to make gnocchi, cream puffs, and éclairs. Learn how to make it yourself and dazzle everyone at your next party!

CHOUX PASTRY: YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

Choux pastry is one of my greatest allies in the kitchen.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be turned into savoury appetizers or classic desserts that most folks just can’t get enough of.

Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to shy away from attempting to make their own because it looks intimidating.

What this means for you is that when you give this a go yourself, you will wow your family and friends, impressing them with your kitchen prowess.

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