Diana's Archive

Bridal shower season is in full swing. I had the pleasure of attending a whimsical shoe-themed bridal shower on a lovely Friday evening, and it was the Girls’ Night Out I’ve been craving for a while. The food was spectacular, the company in high spirits, and the drinks a’flowin’. 

Since I was a bridesmaid I offered my assistance in the best way I know how: providing the feature...

Salmon is always a solid choice for a gourmet dinner that only tastes like you slaved over the stove all day long.  The eastern-inspired flavours lend an exotic quality to this classic and surprisingly simple dish!


Salmon
2 pieces of Salmon (steaks or fillets like I used)
Salt & Pepper
 
Glaze
2 tbsp of Honey
1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
 
Veggies
handful of each:
Carrot
Red Pepper
Baby Bok Choy

When you have the “Do You Know the Muffin Man” song in your head on a never-ending loop, I find the best way to banish it is by baking up a storm.  (See?  Totally justified.)

My mom has been making these cinnamon-y treats for years.  It's a delicious night time snack and makes for a quick breakfast, too!


3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3...

Between many friends and holiday tunes, I stirred up a bit of controversy when I asked what the perfect holiday hors d’oeuvre was. In order to keep the peace, I offered to cook whatever the popular vote decided upon – and after much deliberation, shrimp scampi was the consensus. I used The Barefoot Contessa’s version and changed it up just a bit according to which fresh things I could find...

For Arts & Crafts lovers, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!  With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s only fitting to start with one of the most basic decorations: a beautiful custom made wreath. Pre-made versions are available everywhere but this no-fuss, simple and inexpensive DIY craft will wow your holiday visitors as soon as it catches their eye – and you’ll truly...

Paying respect to the infamous post-Thanksgiving (Canada) glut, I made my friends a fruity parfait for dessert and skipped the cake and cookies. They were so pleased with the light sweet flavours, turkey and pie were but a distant memory.


(makes 1)

1 pint strawberries (half mashed, half cut up)
1/2 pint blueberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup pecans halves, crushed
1 Tbsp sugar

As of recently, my weekend nights consist of planning whimsical bridal showers and fancy wedding receptions. Not because I’m getting tied down, err, married, but because 2 of my best friends are tying the knot next year! One of the tasks I’ve been assigned to is trying new drink recipes that best reflect the couples.

2 parts Red Passion Alize
1 part Absolute Vodka
splash of Lime Juice
Peach...

Dolce Salato Antipasto

Sometimes a full course meal doesn’t set the tone for a rustic, romantic evening. This sharable platter mixes both sweet and salty tastes (“dolce” is sweet in Italian and “salato” is salty), and its sample-sized portions are open for a variety of tasty choices.


Brie cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Prosciutto
Spicy cacciatore sausage
Olive and rosemary focaccia bread

Despite any controversy on the proper way to pronounce it, bruschetta is a universal hit. Even your tomato-hating friends will agree: this recipe is bursting with flavour.
 
Grilled Naan Bread with Bruschetta


2 slabs Naan bread
3 vine ripe tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 lime (juice of)
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
splash olive oil...