Month: February 2011
Everyone should eat like me ;-)
It was with a bit of apprehension – I admit – that I went for my annual check up with my doctor this morning. Not that I had any particular reason for worrying about my health since I feel well, but as the years go by… you never know what problems may be lurking around […]
Taming horsemeat
Horses were already being appreciated for their meat during prehistoric times. People then started domesticating them about 5,500 years ago, exploiting the animal’s strength to help them in hard physical labour and it’s docility to act as a mode of transport. So the consumption of horsemeat declined and was limited to periods of famine.
Pear, the perfect entrée for dessert and more
Pears are almost as widely used as apples, because they blend in so wonderfully with salted as well as sweet dishes. This fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, dried and in candied form. It is used for making compotes, jams, jellies, sauces, juices, vinegar and even brandy. The pear lends consistency and a slightly sweet […]
Good Fats, Bad Fats
Fat per se is not bad. It’s the type and quantity of fat that matters. Indeed, to function properly, our body needs an adequate and regular intake of fatty acids. These are stored in our body fat and constitute an energy reserve to draw from during prolonged physical exercise. In addition, fat does make food […]
A Chow Mein to … clear out your fridge
Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on February 19, 2011. Omnipresent in Chinese and Asian restaurants, ‘chow mein’ originated from a peasant dish that the first Chinese immigrants brought with them to North America in the 19th century.
“Pancetta”, the Italian bacon
The word “pancetta” gets its name from the paunch of the pig (“pancia” in Italian), which is salted, spiced and dried for approximately three months, before being presented in a rolled form like a large sausage. Unlike bacon, it is almost never smoked.
Is your recipe worth $250,000?
Food Network Canada is hosting an open call session in Montreal this coming Saturday, Feb. 19 and in Toronto on Feb. 26. Finalists compete for $25,000 in each one of 7 categories and a grand prize of $250,000 as well as a chance for their recipe being developed into a new President’s Choice product.
Watch out for salt!
To prevent or control high blood pressure, it is important to keep sodium intake to a minimum. For all of you who subscribe to our service, this is easy to do, since our meal plans use fresh ingredients and food that is mostly unprocessed, and therefore low in salt. Also, the flavouring in our recipes […]
Preparing your own “hummus”
It’s very easy to prepare your own “hummus”. All you have to do is to blend some chickpeas and “tahini” (sesame seed paste) with some lemon juice, garlic and olive oil in a food processor.
A healthy heart for your Valentine
February is the month of the heart, during which there’s a lot of public awareness about cardiovascular diseases that are lying in wait for many of us. Here are the most important health tips that you should take to heart:
About McDonald’s chicken nuggets
It’s been years since my last visit to a McDonald’s restaurant: their food is far too salty and greasy for my taste. I was however quite intrigued by Dr SCHWARCZ’s enlightening article on the Montreal Gazette a few weeks ago. Whether or not you are a fan of McDo, you may enjoy Dr Joe’s dissertation […]
A new “soda tax”? Are you in favour?
Last Thursday, the Quebec-based Weight Coalition testified before the House of Commons health committee to advocate a new 1 % tax on soft drinks and energy drinks to help pay for the fight against obesity. The Weight Coalition is also calling for a ban on the sale of soft drinks and energy drinks in all […]