(NC)—Not everyone heads south for the winter. From song birds like chickadees to birds of prey like eagles, from water birds like loons to game birds like partridges, scores of bird varieties stay home in Canada during winter months. And while it’s unlikely you’ll attract an eagle to your backyard bird feeder — just as well — you can bring colour to your backyard and important nutrition to birds by feeding them when other food sources are scarce. With limited…Read the Rest

(NC)—A moist and flavourful stuffing makes an impressive but simple meat dish. Top with an apple or calvados drizzle if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers as it slices beautifully the next day.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:

2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil, divided
8 oz (250 g) fresh mushrooms, finely chopped (equals about 3 cups finely chopped)
¼ cup (50 mL) each, finely diced red pepper and onion
1 tsp (5 mL) each, dried savory and sage leaves
½ tsp (2 mL) each…Read the Rest

Synonymous with barbecues and crab boils, corn on the cob is the ultimate summer vegetable. Grown on Vancouver Island, as well as in the Okanagan and Fraser valleys, the cobs of cream and golden kernels come into harvest in August and September. Delicious on their own or with butter, salt and pepper, corn on the cob is taken to the next level when anointed with unexpected flavours. Mint and feta butter lend a refreshing Mediterranean twist, with the salty feta…Read the Rest

(NC)—You can never be too careful with outdoor meals at this time of year. Lots of sunshine and heat can easily turn picnics and barbecues into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as salmonella—and nothing spoils summer fun faster than a dose of food poisoning.
“Our testing for gastro-intestinal related illness does increase somewhat during the barbecue season,” says Dr. Doug Tkachuk at LifeLabs, a leading diagnostic test centre. “So we can’t over emphasize how…Read the Rest

(NC)—It’s official. The guys’ favourite cooking season is in full swing.
With the familiar scent of backyard barbecue in the air, our neighbours nearby are likely grilling the same old fare: hamburgers, sausages, steak and chicken. But this summer, Rickard’s – the guys’ favourite beer—is challenging all of us to create some summer grill surprises by rethinking the backyard menu.
‘Za on the Cue’
Pizza is a popular delivery choice, but it is also excellent on the…Read the Rest

(NC)—If there’s one dessert that says “summertime,” it’s key lime pie – sweet yet tart and completely refreshing, it’s a perfect way to top off a barbecue or to complement a glass of iced tea on a hot day. For this recipe look for key limes at the grocery store, which are smaller than regular limes. You can substitute with regular limes if key limes are not available. More summer pie recipes are available online…Read the Rest

The weather was gorgeous and the view was breathtaking as guests arrived at the showpiece home of Mike Miller from Abstract Developments in Gonzales Bay this past month for the much-anticipated launch of Homes and Living Magazine. Guests had the opportunity to tour the entire home which is also the cover feature home for the inaugural issue of the magazine.
The magazine itself is a beautiful glossy magazine that has expanded to Victoria from the Nanaimo…Read the Rest

(NC)—Summertime is prime time for hosting barbecues, backyard pool parties, long weekend cottage escapes and countless other events designed to gather family and friends and enjoy the warm weather. Not only can entertaining at home be one of the most affordable ways to celebrate the season, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to get hands-on to add a memorable personal touch to the festivities.
According to Shelli Gardner, CEO and co-founder of Stampin’ Up!, a crafting and décor company, the key…Read the Rest

(NC)—You’ve just downed your third piña colada of the day after arriving in the Caribbean for your long awaited vacation. You’re now ready to hit the beach for a swim and catch some rays when you suddenly feel queasy and light-headed – and it’s not from the piña colada.
From food poisoning, to colds, to motion sickness, and hangovers, getting sick on vacation is one of life’s worst ironies. You can avoid this situation by embarking on your trip with one…Read the Rest

(NC)—Fresh oranges and ground ginger pair to make a bold and nutrient-packed accompaniment to salmon fillets. Serve this antioxidant-rich relish with any kind of fish, or with shrimp or scallops.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate:   30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Citrus Salmon:
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet thyme leaves, divided
4 salmon fillets (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
Orange Relish:
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 seedless oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2…Read the Rest