The first thing you need to know about this dish is it tastes like pizza. For real. I’m not that person who doesn’t really eat pizza so I don’t remember what it actually tastes like. I eat pizza, I remember pizza and this tastes like pizza.
I can’t say what it specifically is about this that gives it the pizza vibe besides just the combo of fresh and dry spices and the tomatoes and artichokes (some of my fave toppings), but you’ll just have to trust me and try it out yourself. (more…)
Every year we have done a new black-eyed pea recipe for good luck in the New Year. We didn’t invent the concept, but the idea of some good luck to kick off the New Year resonates with us, as it does with others around the world (and as the recipe creator, it’s fun to work with parameters sometimes).
I love how random it is that black-eyed peas are considered lucky. Not lentils or black beans, or mandarin oranges, leftover stuffing or tequila shots, but quirky, distinct, smooth but easy to forget about, black-eyed peas.
Not the sexiest name, I know, but trust me, it’s exactly what your holiday table is missing.
Have you ever spent holiday dinners eating Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce? I have to admit, this sounds pretty good to me right now, but it is nice to have a thoughtful (non-turkey-shaped tofu disaster) addition to this for those who are on a health-conscious, plant-based path.
Even those who eat everything around the holidays will like this recipe (I mean, probably not my Dad, but like, most people who like food). It has all of the flavours of a traditional stuffing, has a good hearty texture and could even be served in place of stuffing without any song and dance.
My husband bought a scented candle a couple of weeks ago called ‘wood smoke’ (so manly). I think he was trying to compliment his favourite tv show, the channel that just has the burning fire log with the guy’s plaid arm stoking it once in a while. Anyway, (luckily?) it doesn’t smell like burning anything, but mysteriously, more like how you want Christmas to smell, which is just so awesome.
As much as I love the lights and decorations and the Peanuts Christmas soundtrack, by far my favourite thing about the holiday season are the smells. Everything from the fresh cut trees outside the grocery store, freshly peeled mandarin oranges, your neighbours up the hall getting a jump on their gingerbread baking, the way the air smells when its thinking about snowing, simmering mulling spices and warm roasty dinners all make this season so nostalgic and infectious. It’s hard not to jump on board with both feet, at least in the beginning.
