I can’t remember the first falafel I ever ate. It must be one of those foods that made it’s way onto my culinary radar during my first years at university, like sushi, phad thai, and dal. Originating in Egypt and proliferating throughout the Middle East, falafel is now popular around the world over as an affordable and delicious street food. With a crispy, fried exterior that gives way to a fluffy, spiced interior, falafel is the perfect combination of flavour and texture. Made in a traditional way, falafel is also totally gluten free and vegan – pretty much universally dietary friendly! I struggled for years to make homemade falafels. It wasn’t until this past summer that I discovered the secret (to be revealed shortly) to making homemade Authentic Chickpea Falafel….
Scarpaccia – Easy Italian Zucchini Tart
Originating in Tuscany, Scarpaccia is an easy Italian Zucchini Tart that isn’t really a tart at all. Requiring no pastry crust, thin slices of zucchini are bound together with a crepe-like batter and baked in a hot oven. From your oven the sheet pan emerges with tender layers of zucchini, beautifully crisped edges, and flavours of parmesan and garlic throughout. As an added bonus, Scarpaccia uses tons of zucchini and those arm-sized zucchinis are perfect for this….
Strawberry Rhubarb Galette + Rustic Cornmeal Crust
There’s something about the flavourful fusion of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, that invokes summertime for me. Knowing that cooler weather and shorter days are just a few weeks away, it’s time to maximize the bounty of seasonal fruits and berries while they’re still here. A rustic galette is the perfect, fuss-free way to wrap up all that summery goodness in one neat little package. Heating up your oven is worth it just to have the vibrant, fruity flavours wafting throughout your home. Take time to relax and celebrate the last weeks of summer with a Strawberry Rhubarb Galette with Cornmeal Crust….
