It’s not quite winter, but apples abound, and dried sweetened cranberries are reminiscent of fall and Thanksgiving. Cranberries are very tart if not sweetened. We love Patience Fruit & Co Organic Dried Cranberries, sweetened with apple juice.

This salad was adapted from The New York Times article about Chef Mark Icon and his pizza restaurant, Lucali. Reminiscent of the leftover salad enjoyed with family on Sunday. Iceberg lettuce is sprinkled with marinated tomatoes, celery, red onions and canned olives. A pizza house…

This is definitely a summer side dish when tomatoes are at their peak. Pan searing the gnocchi produces the same pillowy soft inside with a crisp shell; that stands up to the balsamic dressing.

Greek Salad is a family favourite and served throughout the summer and fall when the vegetables are at their peak.

Canadian Pear Season typically is anytime in August to October/November, and they complement so many types of cheeses. But….pears are grown nearly year round in other parts of the world. Regardless, pears are a common ingredient in our salads and charcuteries.

This comfort food salad is made just before serving it. If you prefer creamier, add less vinegar, and if you tend to like dressings more tart, taste while adding the vinegar.

There are several kinds of Mozzarella, from fresh to smoked, and Bocconcini to Mozzarella di Bufala.  Fresh and di Bufala are sold in containers or bags with water or whey.    Fresh Mozzarella Mozzarella balls are sold about the size of oranges while Bocconcini is about the size…

Elevate this Vinaigrette with a high-quality Sherry Vinegar such as Capirete. A 20 -year-old Sherry Vinegar from Spain; DOP certified. It’s an exceptional vinegar aged in oak casks that once held Sherry Wine. With an intense mahogany colour and aroma, supermarkets brands don’t come close…

Mike was recently at The Capital Grille in Orlando. It’s an upscale Steak House with some of the best appetizers, including lightly sautéed Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella sticks. I was recently at our local Italian Market, and they were featuring Prosciutto di Norcia. A ham cured…

It’s tomato season and we had a bumper crop this year! Use any ripe tomatoes you can find, mix and match. Grill some crusty baguette to mop up the lemony dressing.