Wild Food Article for August – Grape Leaves

I write a monthly article entitled “Wild Food” for Avid Magazine, based here on Pender.  This month’s article is all about using, and preserving, fresh grape leaves.  (The link is to a pdf, and may take a few seconds to load.)

Pender has a “Mediterranean” climate, meaning that we get more sun, higher temperatures, and less rain than Vancouver and Victoria.  Grape vines grow well here — if you don’t have one in your own garden, you’re bound to know a friend or relative with one!

I was a bit late getting around to collecting the leaves from our vine this year, but it’s been a little cooler than usual, so I still found lots of palm-sized tender leaves near the end of the new growth on each stem — those are the ones you want. … Continue Reading

Video – Warm Dungeness Crab & Sea Asparagus Salad

My video debut!

It won’t win the James Beard Food Video of the Year (is there such a thing?), but we had fun making it.

You’ll see a short introduction to life here on Pender Island, some live-action food foraging, (and the salad is pretty good too…) … Continue Reading

Top Five Friday – 5 Great Reasons to Visit the Pender Farmer’s Market

If you’re on Pender Island this weekend, be sure to stop by the Farmers’ Market on Saturday:

1. I’ll be there serving Pender Pulled Lamb on Homemade Flatbreads with Veggies and Tzatziki– look for my table around the side of the community hall — beside the lounge.  … Continue Reading

Happy Anniversary Morning Bay Vineyard

I wandered over to Pender Island’s own Morning Bay Vineyard on Saturday to join in the celebrations — co-founders Barbara Reid and Keith Watt put on a party to celebrate the winery’s 5th Anniversary.

We were treated to some new wines and enjoyed some great food and music.  Congratulations to Keith, Barbara and staff — and thanks for putting on the party!

… Continue Reading

Golden Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, Tomato-Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Don’t have a lot on my plate today — as if you didn’t notice.