Barb Holland is a professional home economist and food writer who believes in shopping locally and in season.

Spread a little national pride

June 24, 2009

Canada grows more than 90 per cent of the world’s mustard seed — mostly in Saskatchewan, the real mustard capital of the world. Canada is also home to the largest and oldest mustard mill in the world.   

Strawberry fields forever

June 11, 2009

Homegrown strawberries are so worth the long wait.

Grazing on greens

June 04, 2009

A variety of greens are one of the first crops at the market: Lettuces, spinach, arugula and watercress.

You’ll go crazy over this crumble

May 28, 2009

It’s spring, and the appearance of local farmers’ markets signals the beginning of the best time to eat seasonally.

All hail the super crop

May 21, 2009

Quinoa may seem like a new grain, but in fact it was a staple of the ancient Incas.

The first spears of summer

May 13, 2009

The first long weekend of the ‘summer’ generally heralds a number of openings — the cottage, Farmers’ Markets, firing up the grill and the sightings of the first vegetable of season, asparagus.

Lemon sunshine for Mom

May 07, 2009

Not all desserts have to be rich. Inspire your family and treat mom this Mother’s Day with a light, luscious, healthy dessert

Just a handful of sweet heat

April 30, 2009

Nuts and seeds not only add flavour and texture to just about any dish, they are nutrient dense and provide an array of beneficial nutrients

The gems under the glass

April 23, 2009

After a seemingly endless winter, we look forward to warm weather and the first vegetables of the season, asparagus, early greens and rhubarb.

Canadiana in a pastry cup

April 16, 2009

As we celebrate Earth Day next week, our thoughts turn to the upcoming growing season as many are itching to get out and prepare our gardens for planting.

Easy, cheesy and lazy lasagna

April 01, 2009

Statistics tell us that when it comes to what’s really cooking in the kitchen, most of us have 10 to 15 recipes in our repertoire and rotate them ad nauseum. According to those same statisticians, the average time spent preparing and cooking dinner is 30 minutes or less.

Secret’s in the syrup

March 25, 2009

It’s finally spring and that heralds many things — shedding heavy clothing for one, and celebrating maple syrup season for another.

Muffins with lighter stuffin’

March 18, 2009

Healthy baking is possible. Here is one of my favourite muffin recipes, along with tips for increasing fibre, and reducing fat and calories — not to mention enjoying fresh home-baked flavour and freshness.  

Cabbages: Head of the class

March 12, 2009

Economical and versatile, this humble winter storage vegetable stretches a long way.

Think outside the shell

March 05, 2009

Ever-so-versatile eggs patiently sit in your refrigerator waiting for their chance to shine.

Get hungry for some fungi

February 26, 2009

Locally grown and readily available year-round, we often take this all-season vegetable for granted.

Love by any other name: Chocolate

February 12, 2009

Ah, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and to moi, that means a bit of indulgence and, of course, chocolate.

For boasting the best roast

February 05, 2009

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, maintains their bright colour and adds flavour you just don’t get when you boil or steam them.

Fill up a super bowl

January 29, 2009

If you’d rather be in front of the TV watching the big game than in the kitchen, here’s a hearty beef chili that makes good use of your slow cooker for a hassle-free supper.

Here’s to another New Year

January 22, 2009

As it falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, the specific date of Chinese New Year changes each year.

Not always more fish in the sea

January 15, 2009

Many of us are eating more fish and seafood for its health benefits, but are we making good choices for healthy oceans?

Lean and mean: Lentils and beans

January 08, 2009

The cake and cookies are finished and the decorations tucked away for another year.

Dishing up a taste of Africa

December 26, 2008

Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement.

Santa’s little kitchen helpers

December 10, 2008

I realize not everyone — OK very few — appreciate kitchen gadgets under the tree. But, for what it’s worth (it is a free newspaper), I thought I would pass along some of my favourite small but useful kitchen gadgets.

Welcome to the book buffet

December 04, 2008

Each fall a fresh crop of Canadian cookbooks are produced in time for the big gift-giving season.

A real potluck pleaser

November 27, 2008

It seems every open house or potluck party I’ve attended or hosted has a variation of meatballs in sauce.

Put this on your plate, mate

November 20, 2008

Like Canada, immigration has brought a world of cultures and cuisines to Australia. Celebrity chefs, cookbook authors and food writers have also been influential in creating a ‘Mod Oz’ cuisine.

On the tip of James Bond’s tongue

November 13, 2008

In the spirit of Bond mania leading up to the release of Quantum of Solace, let’s look at an arena in which this sophisticated and suave agent would feel right at home — the cocktail party.

Give leeks a chance

November 06, 2008

Often bypassed or relegated to the soup pot, leeks, the mild member of the onion family, resemble overgrown green onions.

My gourd! It’s squash season

October 30, 2008

With Halloween on our doorstep, gourds, pumpkins and squashes are at their peak of availability now and through the coming months.