The Sly Cook

I arrived home after a long week of work travel last night to be greeted by Annabella with some delicious Michaelmas bread.

Yesterday her school celebrated a reimagined ceremony for Michaelmas. As part of their process of self development they reimagined what the festival means for us, here in Nova Scotia. The timing of Michaelmas and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation carry significance for us, and they reimagined our festival in this light.

This year, in the festival they set up a series of gentle “trials” for students. These activities provided them with opportunities to explore their bravery, leadership, grace, inner strength, trust and deeds of goodness.

I took a trip back home this summer for three and a half weeks in an attempt to reconnect with what I thought was lost. We arrived in London early July from Halifax Nova Scotia. The first thing that struck me was the lack of air conditioning in public spaces in comparison to Canada. We sat waiting for our train at Euston Station absolutely sweltering. I met a nice chap and his son from Liverpool and we chatted about life post Brexit. I mentioned that we left the UK for Canada six years ago and his words to me were “It’s the same but a bit shitter”. Which I guess pretty much sums it all up and what with the pandemic added into the mix, it’s been a rough period for Old Blighty. A serendipitous encounter with Eddie Redmayne livened up our train journey when Annabella accidentally rolled her suitcase into the back of his legs and had to apologise. She said “Mum don’t look, but it’s the man from Les Misérables”. Of course I looked and to my amazement it actually was! He appeared to be traveling on the same train as us with his family heading north. No one else seemed to notice him and I felt happy that he and his family were left alone to go about their journey without the being pestered due to the burden of his stardom.

We spent our first week with family in and around Staffordshire. We stayed a few days at a sweet mill cottage in the peaks with my sister. It was nice to connect with my family, in particular my sister and nieces. We had a jolly good old time filling out boots with scrumptious goodies from Marks and Spencer’s at the cottage, we drank lovely wine and chatted for hours. We took a trip out one day to Moorland Pottery in Burslem. They produce designs that celebrate, reflect and enrich Great British culture and its diversity. I absolutely love their Stokie Ware collection and already have a couple of pieces at home.

Next stop was Bedfordshire for a few days to see my father and brother in law. I love spending time with Colin’s Dad he is a gentle and intellectual soul whom I could listen to for hours. It was lovely to reconnect and I didn’t want to leave. I feel that as family gets older, each time you leave them knowing that you are heading back to a different country it breaks your heart a little bit wondering about how many more times you will see them again. The mood was a little low as we left for Devon that morning.

We arrived in Buckfastleigh a picturesque market town located in the South Hams district of Devon. The town has a rich history, dating back to the Saxon era, and there are many fascinating landmarks and attractions to explore such as the South Devon Railway, a heritage steam railway that runs between the town and the nearby town of Totnes. The railway is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Buckfastleigh and to experience the nostalgia of steam travel. Along the way, you can take in the stunning views of the River Dart and the rolling hills of the South Hams.

We spent a few days pottering around the steam railway and took a ride on the train to Totnes, we also visited the otter and butterfly sanctuary there which was a sweet family owned business. Annabella got her first haircut in Buckfastleigh. I had been her stylist since she was a little girl and this was her first trip to a professional hairdresser. It was a bit of an emotional moment for me and a part of her journey as a teen to pursue her own identity without Mum doing everything for her. The haircut was a success.

On the Wednesday evening back at the little cottage we were staying at we were watching a bit of TV on the bed when we heard a humming noise from the corner of the bedroom. To our horror there was a swarm of flying ants coming up from underneath the floorboards and covering the walls and the window. We called the owners and they gave us instructions and said they would come around the next day. I managed to get rid of most of the ants but Annabella insisted on sleeping downstairs this evening as she said the thought of them was making her itch. Never a dull moment!

Onwards to St Ives next. We had the pleasure of staying in a sweet fisherman’s loft right by the harbour with beautiful views of the beach and ocean. I loved watching the boats bobbing about from the kitchen window and chatting with the seagulls who appeared at the window each morning when I was making coffee.

Once a sleepy fishing community, St Ives came to life in the late 1880’s and has thrived ever since, helped by its unique micro-climate and quality of light. Art aside, there’s plenty on offer here to guarantee an interesting and invigorating visit. We took great delight in visiting Tate St Ives and got to see the Casablanca Art School Exhibition. Tate St Ives is the first museum in the UK to explore the intense period of artistic rebirth that followed Morocco’s independence, forged by the experimental teaching methods of the Casablanca Art School in the 1960s and 1970s.

Of course when you are in Cornwall you must do as the Cornish do. That being eat at least one Cornish pasty. My very favourite was the shortcrust traditional from St Ives Bakery. So densely filled with traditional ingredients and absolutely delicious.

On departure from St Ives we caught the early morning train to London, changing in St Erth. If you ever have the pleasure of traveling to this beautiful part of the world. The train journey from St Erth to St Ives really is a must. It is such a scenic coastal journey and only costs a few quid.

On arrival to London we hoped on the tube to our hotel which was a traditional pub in Waterloo called The Wellington Hotel. The hotel actually featured on Most Haunted and was said to be haunted by the ghost of a proud old soldier. The building has had a colourful history serving as an infirmary in the past and also a live music venue for bands such as the Rolling Stones and The Who. The accommodation had many winding stairs and no lift but the authentic London feel of the place accommodates for the inconvenience of lugging your suitcases up many flights of stairs. Breakfast was also included and the menu is extensive.

The next morning we filled up with a full English and ventured off on foot to see a glorious exhibition and I actually got a bit tearful. Andy Warhol: The Textiles. Dating from his early career as a commercial designer and illustrator in the 1950s and early 1960s, Warhol’s textiles are now considered an important part of his body of work. These designs added considerably to his ability as an artist, which was then almost entirely devoted to realising the demands and deadlines of professional clients, leaving limited room for fantasy and vision.

After refuelling with afternoon tea we set off on the tube to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see another exhibition to support our fashion fanatic daughter Annabella’s personal project at school this coming year. Diva! It was absolutely magnificent! The headset and music throughout took it to another level. Celebrating the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of ‘diva’ and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.

After a busy day we concluded with a cocktail and a smoothie at Harvey Nics and dinner at Harrods pasta bar. We arrived back to the hotel full as bed ticks with tea, jam, biscuits and souvenirs from Harrods food hall. It was a wonderful day in one of my favourite cities.

The next morning we ventured off to see Yayoi Kusama’s sold out Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition at the Tate Modern. I was glad we got tickets months ago or I would have been sad to miss this one. Infinity Mirrored Room – Filled with the Brilliance of Life is one of Kusama’s largest installations to date and was made for her 2012 retrospective at Tate Modern. It is shown alongside Chandelier of Grief, a room which creates the illusion of a boundless universe of rotating crystal chandeliers.

We spent our last day in London with my sister and my eldest niece. We had fun visiting the National Portrait Gallery, enjoyed a picnic in Green Park and took the girls to see the new Barbie movie. I even borrowed some herbs from the moat at the Tower of London to bring back home to Nova Scotia with me. I made cracking roast potatoes with these the following weekend on my return.

Sadly what should have been one last day out on the Sunday turned out to be a washout due to us feeling unwell. A few days on our return this turned out to be COVID, and we were worse for wear for a good few weeks over August.

On reflection of this trip now back home here in Nova Scotia. I feel that I can finally appreciate the life that we have built for ourselves in Canada but also at the same time a part of me still mourns the life that we left behind in England and all of its vibrancy. Both countries have much to offer but I feel at this point in our life Canada has nurtured and cared for us as a family. Life feels wholesome here. Don’t get me wrong the past six years have been incredibly challenging but this has helped us to grow both as a family and on individual levels. No one knows what the future holds but for the foreseeable future Canada is home and I look forward to becoming a Canadian citizen next year.

Hurricane Lee made landfall here in Nova Scotia on Saturday 16th September and we were without power from around 4AM on the Saturday morning. Finally it was restored late Monday afternoon and I was so excited to bathe! We got off relatively unscathed asides a bit of damage to our fence, loosing a couple of trees and most of the contents of our fridge.

We spent much of our time outdoors as we were only able to get intermittent cell signal at the bottom of the garden for updates and I am very thankful that we had camp stove, BBQ, compostable plates and dishes! Many folks were without power for a full week in surrounding neighbourhoods. Hopefully that’s it for this year in terms of extreme weather. Never a dull moment eh!

Plans for our winter camp out back are underway. Since moving to Canada six years ago I have realised the importance of getting outside over the winter months, and also how easy it is to find an excuse to stay inside.

I’m excited to start construction on a stone firepit for our outdoor cooking area this weekend – I can already smell the delicious aromas from a dutch oven full of chilli over the fire, and decadently rich hot chocolate brewing.

Pâté – Acadian Meat Pie

Upon our relocation to Prince Edward Island in 2017 I recall perusing the local newspaper’s announcement of the appointment of a new Lieutenant Governor on the island. Little did I fathom the profound impact this lady would exert on my life in the ensuing years, evolving from my boss to a cherished friend and a captivating culinary mentor, as destiny would have it. 

With deep reverence, I express my everlasting gratitude to Her Honour, the Honourable Antoinette Perry, for her unwavering willingness to impart ancestral recipes from her revered Acadian heritage and for the invaluable opportunity to serve under her tutelage at the Government House. 

In celebration of Acadian Heritage Day I am sharing below Her Honours treasured family recipe for Pâté – Acadian Meat Pie.

Traditionally this dish is served at Christmas accompanied by a dollop of cranberry sauce or molasses but at the Acadian Heritage Congress in 2019 I made mini hand pie versions for our Government House celebrations (above).

Pâté – Acadian Meat Pie

Ingredients:

• 8 lb stewing hen 
• 6 lb pork shoulder
• 2 lb beef
• 2 lb turkey drumsticks
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 tbsp whole pickling spice
• Water (don’t quite cover meat).

Directions:

1. Cut meat into pieces (bone in.)
2. In large stockpot, cook large pieces of meat.
3. Crush pickling spice with hammer (in a cloth bag), sprinkle over meat.
4. Simmer for one and a half to two hours.
5. Debone meat and cut up into chunks, strain broth. Refrigerate overnight.

Day 2:

1. Skim fat off broth. Refrigerate.
2. Heat about 2 to 3 cups of broth. Pour over diced meat to moisten.
3. Chop 6 medium onions. Mince in food processor or blender with 1 cup of broth. Add to meat mixture.
4. Add 1 tbsp crushed summer savoury, 2 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix well. Make sure the meat mixture is wet enough.

Crust ingredients:

• 12 cups flour.
• 1/2 cup baking powder.
• 6 tsp salt.
• 3 cups lard (use fat from meat as well as lard).
• 4 eggs 
• 2 cups broth
• 2 cups milk

Makes six or seven double-crusted pies (9-inch tempered glass pie plates) or 7- to 10-inch deep tin foil plates.

Directions:

When filling pies, fill about ⅔ with meat mix and add some broth.

Cook at 400 F for 30-40 minutes. Shift from top to bottom rack and vice versa after 15 minutes.

There’s something lovely about a recipe that instantly takes you back to a particular time and place. 

I was first introduced to Nova Scotia Hodge Podge back in 2018, when I was working on the Culinary Bootcamps at The Culinary Institute of Canada. Chef Erin made it for our staff meal one day, and I remember thinking how something so simple could be so comforting and delicious.

Hodge Podge is a traditional Maritime dish that really celebrates what’s fresh and in season. There are lots of variations, which I think is part of its charm. This is the version I make, with corn as an optional addition. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup green beans, ends trimmed

• 1 cup yellow beans, ends trimmed

• 1 cup fresh peas, shelled

• 10 baby or rainbow carrots, halved

• ½ cup fresh corn, shaved from the cob (optional)

• 8 small potatoes, halved

• 1 cup chicken stock

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup whole milk

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Add the beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, corn if using, and chicken stock to a medium-sized pot. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce to a low simmer and cook until the vegetables and potatoes are tender. Add the milk and cream, then continue to simmer gently until everything is heated through and the broth is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Serves 4–5.

Simple, seasonal and comforting. To me, this is exactly the sort of food that represents the Maritimes: humble ingredients, fresh vegetables and a dish meant to be shared. 

I am often asked for my Christmas Fruitcake recipe, for many years this has been scribbled down on a piece of paper and preciously tucked away for the festive season. I finally got around to typing it up so here it is. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Makes 2 x standard 9 x 5 inch loaf cakes

Fruit

125g dried cranberries

250g raisins

100g currants

125g dried apricots (quartered)

125g mixed peel

250g chopped dates

175g candied red cherries

75g crystalised ginger

150ml brandy

100ml Assam tea

Batter

225g butter, at room temperature

425g dark brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking powder

4 large eggs, at room temperature

375g plain (all purpose) flour

85g golden syrup, or dark corn syrup

Zest of one orange

100ml cranberry juice

225g chopped almonds

To Feed

Brandy

Method

Night before …

Mix the fruit with the brandy of your choice & tea in a plastic or ceramic bowl – cover and let rest overnight.

Big day …

Preheat your oven to 300f (150c)

For the batter place the butter and sugar in a large bowl, beat together until well combined.

Add in the salt, spices, orange zest and baking powder.

Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Gradually add in the flour a little at a time.

Add in the syrup.

Now gradually add the cranberry juice.

Finally add in all of the soaked fruit and any residual brandy and tea leftover from soaking.

Spoon the batter into two well greased and lined 9 x 5 inch loaf tins.

Bake the cakes on the middle shelf of the oven for 2 hours 15 minutes. The cakes are done when a wooden/metal skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

When the cakes come out of the oven they can remain in their tins for storage. Alternatively carefully remove cake from the pan after about 30 minutes, loosening its edges first.

Brush the warm cake with brandy.

When the cakes are completely cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap & in an air tight container. Store them in a dark cupboard at room temperature (continue to feed brandy and rewrap weekly/biweekly depending on how boozy you like it until Christmas) will keep for around 6 months if fed brandy regularly and kept well wrapped.

Going the whole festive hog? …

When ready to serve brush the cakes with warm apricot jam and ice with a layer of marzipan (I love Maritime Marzipan from Fritz Chocolates) followed by a layer of fondant icing.

1. Fantastic Food

Here on Prince Edward Island as well as world renowned shellfish caught daily by local fisherman and delivered to every kind of eatery, local artisan producers, dairy bars, coffee shops and farmers markets; foodies are spoilt for choice when it comes to first class restaurants, too. We are Canada’s Food Island after all!

Cavendish boasts some of the finest restaurants on the island. Take in the sunset at the Blue Mussel Cafe in North Rustico, enjoy a quaint supper at The Pearl with the finest of local ingredients or try out one of the many award winning culinary experiences at the TheTable Culinary Studio in New London.

2. Romance 

Whether you are looking for romantic vacation ideas for an anniversary weekend, an unforgettable honeymoon or a romantic break for just the two of you – Cavendish is the place for you. Cavendish can feel like a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and is the perfect destination for a romantic place to stay. 

The area boasts many beautiful hotels, inns or holiday cottages. Enjoy peaceful evening sunset strolls along the soft sandy shores, take in a picturesque farm tour at Island Honey Wine sampling their different varieties of mead along the way and why not indulge an intimate supper for two prepared by Chef Emily Wells at The Mill in New Glasgow with pretty views over the Hunter River – just a few examples of the many ways to unwind here. This area is also home to some of the finest oysters on Prince Edward Island, oysters are considered a delicacy and are said to hold aphrodisiac qualities! 

3. Stylish Lodgings 

Whether it’s a bucket and spade holiday for the whole family, a romantic staycation for just the two of you, or you’re packing your pooch for a dog-friendly adventure – Cavendish ticks every box. Romance seeking couples would enjoy a stay at the Barachois Inn nestled in a historic Acadian settlement with luxurious suites, Victorian tubs and balconies. Kindred Spirits Country Inn and Cottages is the perfect place for that family vacation located next-door to Green Gables and close to all of the major family attractions and golf. Fancy a waterfront stay? The Inn at The Pier offers a waterfront view of New London Bay in Stanley Bridge, overlooking the sand dunes of the PEI National Park. Many of the properties in this area also offer great deals with their signature packages including family fun, unlimited golf, Anne, adventure, stay and savour and romance packages included.

4. Amazing Trails 

Enjoy the many amazing trails in and around the Cavendish area, these provide a great way to stay active on your vacation. Wether you are hiking, walking or biking it is easy to maintain social distancing measures and they are a fantastic way to take in the great outdoors. You can find the location of all of these amazing trails here (link)https://cavendishbeachpei.com/trail-maps/

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5. Beautiful Beaches

From sweeping stretches of sandy shores, to dramatic red cliffed coves with wild waves crashing, the Cavendish area boasts sandbars, dunes, spectacular sunsets and lighthouses; there’s every kind of beach going here. Cavendish and Brackley beaches both have miles of stunningly beautiful coastline, helpfully marked out with public paths so you can make the most of the views. Why not enjoy a beach picnic with wood fired pizza from Glasgow Glen Farm and how can you resist a slice of that raspberry cream cheese pie at the PEI Preserve company; it is a great way to maintain social distancing and fun for all of the family. 

6. Outdoor Adventure

But being surrounded by coastline means that there’s an opportunity to swim, sail, paddle board, kayak, kite board or hitch a ride on a boat trip, wherever you’re based. There is always something undiscovered around every red dirt corner, secluded creek and footprint free beach.

7. Family Fun

Cavendish is definitely P.E.I’s capital of family fun! Home to Sandspit a classic amusement park, Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Wax World of the Stars, River of Adventure Mini Golf and Ripley’s Believe It or Not – this area is loaded with family fun for an incredible vacation that will create memories that will last a lifetime. So pick up your bucket and spades and head on over to Cavendish beach this summer!

8. Relaxation 

On a sunny day, you’ll feel as though you’ve just arrived in paradise, as you glance out over blue sea and even bluer skies. So pop on some walking shoes and explore the coastal walks, sandy beaches, lupin laden footpaths and fishing villages. Take in the fresh sea air and relax whilst comfortably social distancing in the charming nautical surroundings. 

Everywhere you turn in Cavendish, there is a postcard-perfect fishing village that will make you dream of upping sticks from the city to the seaside. Some of the best include: North Rustico, which offers a scenic boardwalk, kayaking and cool restaurants; the quaint harbour of Stanley Bridge offers local artisan shops, eateries and deep sea fishing excursions, and you have to try Richard’s famous Fish and Chips at the wharf at Cove Head Harbour.

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9. Golf

Cavendish is home four premium golf courses all within a ten minute drive, what’s not to love! Green Gables Golf Club was designed in 1939 by world-renowned architect Stanley Thompson with restorations in 2007 by Thomas McBroom. Andersons Creek Golf Club offers mixed woodlands, generous greens, rolling hills and undulating fairways to make for a fun and challenging round no matter your handicap.

10. History and Heritage

Think of a precocious redhead, ice-cream, raspberry cordial and a beautiful green and white homestead thrown in for good measure. Visiting Cavendish is an Anne themed haven, offering a vacation experience like no other. Follow in the footsteps of L.M Montgomery by visiting the Historic Site of Green Gables, send a postcard home from Cavendish Post Office, you will discover the fascinating connection between this illustrious Canadian writer L.M Montgomery and the post. Visit Avonlea Village and pick up a bottle of Anne’s favourite raspberry cordial. 

A fantastic way to discover all things Anne is by taking the Lucy Maud Montgomery Literary Tour, a self guided scavenger hunt. There are countless ways to enjoy the tour, all dependent upon your personal time availability and your personal interests. You can find out more and download a map here (link here) https://lmmontgomeryliterarytour.com/plan-your-tour/

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When we moved to Canada back in 2017 one of the things that I missed the most was European style chocolate. Fast forward four years and I am now spoilt for choice with many talented Island chocolatiers. This Easter is a celebration of our local island artisans with beautiful handmade chocolate bunnies from Jane and Sue Chocolate It was nice to pop out to their shop in Stanley Bridge and pick up these beauties.

Also more amazing handmade Island chocolate from Fritz Chocolates I am a huge fan of their chocolate and marzipan – you can now pick up a bar of their delicious chocolate when you visit The Den as well as many other island locations. Happy Easter

I am counting down the days to lobster setting day in seven weeks – my absolute favourite time of the year here on Prince Edward Island. Growing up in and around Staffordshire in England lobster was always seen as a luxury item only served on the menu in posh restaurants or on holidays to the Mediterranean. I am happy to say that lobster has now become a weekly staple in our household during the summer months and is a symbol of those warm, salty sea breeze summer days to come.

Prince Edward Island lobster is low in fat and carbohydrates and is high in protein. It has less saturated fat, calories and cholesterol than lean favourites such as pork, extra lean beef, and chicken. At less than 100 calories per serving (with 89% of those calories from protein and only 5% from fat), lobster is a great choice for any diet.

Lobster contains just one tenth of the saturated fats of turkey, with cholesterol only slightly higher than salmon, it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduces the risk of heart attack and is one of the best proteins for people seeking to lower their fat or carbohydrate intake. Lobster is also high in vitamin B12, an excellent source of copper and selenium and a good source of phosphorus.

My favourite way to enjoy lobster is simply boiled in salty water (it should be as salty as the sea) and served with a bowl of warm clarified butter. This is pure lobster perfection. For more details of where to buy Prince Edward Island lobster visit lobsterpei.ca.