The Chilli Cookoff
Chilli. It's about as crucial to the American identity as apple pie or baseball. While a bowlful of chilli can conjure up images of cowhands on an open range, what we're after is a simple one pot meal to stave of the Canadian cold. But with so many different recipes - some counter to 'tradition' - its hard to pick the right recipe. It's time for a good ol' chilli cookoff.
The Unapologetic Paella
The best paella I’ve ever had is my Uncle Gerard’s. Growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, it’s really the only paella I was exposed to. His special seafood paella was reserved exclusively for our annual New Year’s Eve family dinner; an event that I, sadly, consistently missed for almost a decade. Meanwhile, over the past 10 years, I’ve tried paella wherever I could find it, and found it mostly to be dry and overcooked with little exception. I didn’t miss family dinner this last New Year’s Eve and when I finally bit into my uncle’s paella after all these years, I was finally satiated. It inspired me to try making it for myself … again. I’ve made an attempt once; it’s a dish that is more so intimidating than it is difficult, in part because it requires the confidence to overcome the fact that no matter what you do, your paella is likely to offend a Spaniard.
The Hot Pot
It's the doldrum days of winter. Chilly, grey days have replaced the bright lights of holiday festivities, and the novelty of snow and cold weather fashion has worn out its welcome. For days like these, nothing beats the chill like the warmth of good company around a simple one-pot meal. Today, we're making a hot pot.
Winter Libations
Holiday parties are times for good friends, good food, and - yes - good drinks. There’s a dizzying amount of options a host looking to provision the bar. Do you play it safe with trusted beer and wine? There’s always winter traditions: mulled wine, well-spiked eggnog, and - if you’re an old British Isle descendant - sherry. This year, we broke out the cocktail shaker and tried our hand at some winterized renditions of classic cocktails.
Coffee Ex Machina
We’re coffee snobs at The 3 Spoons. In only the most dire circumstance will mere chain coffee do; and perish the thought of coffee at the press of a button. So, it shouldn’t surprise you, then, that we’ve gathered a few coffee gadgets over the years. A French press, pour-over, Aeropress, espresso maker, Turkish pot, and Vietnamese drip all vie for precious cupboard and countertop space.
The Perfect Fall Pies
Yes, fall is here. That also means it's harvest time for the last sweet ripe crops in Ontario. Food preparation starts to gravitate towards warmth and decadence; what better way to prepare for impending winter?
And what better way to celebrate fall-time sweets than with the pie? Or, in our case, three pies.