Concord Grape Pie

Concord Grape Pie, Kiku Corner

  Apple pie. Peach pie. Strawberry rhubarb pie. Yes, they’re delicious, but also quite common. I’m not the biggest fan of pie, or of fruity desserts in general, but this grape pie is special and delicious enough to make me a convert! Toronto is close to the Niagara region of Ontario where it’s warm enough […]

Summertime is…Peach Iced Tea!

Summertime Peach Iced Tea, Kiku Corner

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the compound we lived on had a massive, outdoor, Olympic-sized swimming pool. There weren’t many kids on our compound, so whenever we would go swimming, the pool would be quite empty…there might have been a few nurses tanning themselves. Since most of the year the weather was 45 C and sunny, […]

Dilly Lentil Salad

Dilly Lentil Salad, Kiku Corner

   Several summers ago, I spent a few weeks at our family friends’ farm north of Toronto. Their Polish grandparents came to visit and brought along a few giant bunches of fresh dill. For the next several days, every meal included dill, much to one grandson’s chagrin. Potatoes, eggs, fish – all covered with dill. […]

Simple Peach Syrup

Simple Peach Syrup, Kiku Corner

Ontario peaches are at their prime in August and September. The Niagara region of Ontario has plenty of fruit, and the peaches are so luscious, perfumed, and dripping with juice that I can easily eat six in a day. Sometimes, however, the basket of peaches turn out flavourful but mealy in texture: no juicy flesh. […]

Summery Garlic Salad Dressing

Summery Garlic Salad Dressing, Kiku Corner

I am not a big salad eater. I was never a fan of vegetables. I remember the first time I wasn’t forced to eat my vegetables: I was about 10 years old, and eating dinner at a friend’s house. Her parents served me a green bean dish, and I couldn’t offend her mother by not […]