Author: Charmian Christie

Butterscotch Cream Pie

Butterscotch Cream Pie

Some things taste better than they look. This beige-on-beige pie is far more decadent than its monochrome colour scheme suggests. But this is what Andrew wanted, so this is what he got. Judging from the dearth of butterscotch cream pie recipes, this must be an 

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Homemade Ranch Dressing

I haven’t bought bottled salad dressing in years. Not only is homemade vinaigrette quick and easy to make, it tastes so much better than the store bought versions, I no longer even bother to walk down the dressing aisle. Ask me about the latest trends 

Flax Facts

Flax Facts

Normally I’d do a Reader Question today, but I was intrigued by the responses to yesterday’s post on Oatmeal Flax Squares. When Andrew read my post he confessed he didn’t actually like the taste of flax in the squares. What?! Now he tells me! Seems 

Oatmeal Flax Squares

Oatmeal Flax Squares

I’ve been experimenting with flax seeds lately. I know they’re full of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and cancer-fighting lignans, but truth be told, I’m attracted to their crunch and nutty taste. So when Linda Braun’s Everything Flax (Whitecap, 2009) hit the shelves, I just had 

Scotch Marmalade or Homemade Spiced Whisky

Scotch Marmalade or Homemade Spiced Whisky

Andrew has been wanting to try “Scotch Marmalade” ever since he saw a piece about home-brew infusions in Report on Business back in September. He clipped the article, bought a bottle of inexpensive Whyte & Mackay, handed both to me and asked, “What’s star anise 

Reusable Coffee Sleeves

Reusable Coffee Sleeves

I am a creature of habit. Community Roots, a local artist collective chock full of eco-friendly fair, is dangerously conveniently located right next to the butcher shop. When grocery shopping, I usually pop into the collective to see what’s new, and more often than I 

Vegetarian Gravy

Vegetarian Gravy

I’m all for positive thinking, but Miles Davis never tasted last night’s attempt at caramelized onion gravy. Andrew tried to make me feel better. “Easy for him to say. Make a mistake in jazz and no one can tell.” But food? Sorry, Kerry, I have 

Battlestar Galactica — The Last Frakkin’ Meal

Battlestar Galactica — The Last Frakkin’ Meal

That’s me in the middle. If you saw the Star Trek Meets Monty Python video I posted at Hallowe’en, you won’t be surprised to learn I’m a bit of a sci-fi geek. Should I ever be forced to choose between The Space Channel and the 

Cleaning Copper Bottom Pots

Cleaning Copper Bottom Pots

We left Kingston with more than an auto repair bill. My mother-in-law gave me a couple of her well-loved copper bottom pots and an enameled cast-iron skillet. Both work beautifully despite years of use. I know how to take care of the skillet, but being