After a long and, at times, stressful week (or 2) there’s nothing better than a Saturday night movie at home. And what goes better with a movie than popcorn? Nutritious, economical, delicious, homemade popcorn. Sweet, savoury or spicy and ready in minutes. We’re going with caramel flavour for this post (I was out-voted).
Alternatively, try a combination of parmesan, garlic powder, a pinch of sea salt, melted butter and a little truffle oil. You’ll never buy ready-made popcorn again. I even sneak it into the cinema. Also, you may want to invest in a hot air popper. They are relatively inexpensive and make the perfect fat free snack.

For me, nothing says Sunday morning quite like buttermilk biscuits. Light, fluffy pillows of buttery goodness, scratch made and pipin’ hot from the oven. Biscuits are extremely easy to make and are perfect as a meal by themselves. Traditionally served with syrup, molasses, gravy or jam, today it’s Nutella for my girls and a thin…

Enjoying an old black & white film on a cool, overcast Saturday afternoon is very much welcomed following a long week. And right on cue, my wife, daughter & dog leap to their feet as I motion toward the kitchen for a bit of something. A quick survey of the cupboards & refrigerator shelves: buttermilk,…

Everyone loves a bit of guacamole, served on a crostini, with nachos or fresh cut vegetables. I’ve added a funky Japanese twist by replacing avocado with edamame and using a hint of wasabi. Knock it up in minutes as part of your game time menu or pair with your favourite beer. Edamole Dip Frozen edamame…

I constantly give thought over to what I’m most thankful for, which may suggest I have massive amounts of time on my hands. To say the least I am quite grateful for many things in my life, most notably time spent round the supper table with family & friends. This time-honoured tradition seems a bit…

As a crumb snatcher coming up during the early 70s, chicken pot pie, cheese and onion pasties and (my personal favourite) codfish patties were weekly staples round my yard. These quick snacks, warming in the oven, created a comforting aroma that met you at the door after school. Cheap, delicious and loaded with fat and…

Summertime in the city! And everywhere else for that matter. Absolutely nothing beats getting out in the fresh air, whether a back garden, rooftop, stoop or in a kiddie pool with a water hose over your head. Wherever you decide to take in the lovely weather be sure to bring along a bit of sustenance….

Lance Nitahara rang up a while back with word the producers of Chopped contacted him about returning to compete on a redemption episode. Interestingly he declined, sighting concerns our depth of interaction and subsequent challenge could not be duplicated. Along with the possibility of failing. To put it plainly, that’s complete bollocks. I believe he…

So many of you have responded in helping with relief efforts to Japan. Every bit helps but Japan still needs us. For every Chef Madison T-shirt, mug or baseball cap purchased I’m donating $1 to the American Red Cross in support of all those affected by the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant explosions. Do…

A while back several of you asked about my Danish Christmas potatoes prepared on Chopped Champions. Tis the season (and a nod to my wife), I’ve decided to post the recipe as they’re the perfect side dish for your holiday celebration, not to mention easy to knock up. I hope you’ll give them a go…