Articles by Linda Gabris
Nothing Says Spring Like Fresh, Wild Greens
When I was a kid growing up in rural Muskoka we strived to be as self-sufficient as possible, not only because my grandparents enjoyed growing and gathering their own foods, but also out of necessity. In those days, trips to the grocery (and drug... Read more »
Onion Edibles – Onion-Herb Focaccia
This can fill the bill as a supper feature when served with a crispy green salad or a bowl of soup or leftover stew.
Onion Edibles – Stuffed Baked Onions
Here’s a savoury vegetable dish that always earns big raves at my table. (Serves 4.)
Onion Edibles – Aleta’s Onion-Cheese Soup
I have tweaked grandma’s old recipe a little, using olive oil in place of pure butter. (Makes about 6 servings.)
Onion Edibles – Steeped Onion Salad
This is good for helping the body digest heavy or fatty foods.
Onion Edibles – Plain and Simple Onion Sandwich
At grandma’s house, these were often served as a quick lunch either on fresh or toasted homemade bread. Grandma used homemade butter as her spread.
Onion Remedies – Onion Insect Repellent
If you wish to steer clear of insect repellents that contain chemicals such as DEET, why not give this ancient remedy a try? It works, and is easier on sensitive skin than commercial preparations. It’s safe for kids, too.
Onion Remedies – Onion Poultice
This onion poultice breaks up congestion and stimulates the body to fight off viruses. It can also be applied to relieve pain caused by rheumatism, arthritis, aching muscles, and sore joints. For earache, place hot poultice over the ear. To draw pus... Read more »
Onion Remedies – Onion Cough Syrup
Like they say, “tastes awful, but it works!” Really, though, my tastebuds are tickled by this strange concoction that quickly soothes a raspy throat and breaks up phlegm.
Onion Remedies – Onion Skin Tea for Poor Circulation
Grandma vouched that this tonic would get your “blood moving.” She has also noted it brings fast relief if you’re suffering from a bout of gout.
Onion Remedies – Medicinal Onion Tea
In my view, this tea is one of the best cold cures there is. It relieves headache and stuffiness, and as grandma has written, helps one “sweat out the cold.”
Lin’s Basic Miso Soup
This recipe makes about 8 cups, but is easily cut in half or doubled. Be creative with your choice of vegetables. I like to make a different batch every time.
Roasted Garlic Soup
The following recipe comes to us courtesy of Foodland Ontario and features the locally grown harvest.
(Serves 6). This smooth soup gets lots of flavour from Ontario’s onion family. It makes a great make-ahead first course for a dinner party. Use... Read more »
Gourmet Garlic Herb Vinegar
This vinegar instills wonderful flavour when used for marinating meat and fish and adds delightful spark to salad dressings. Only good quality wine vinegar should be used so as not to overpower the garlic and herbs. This vinegar will keep for... Read more »
Garlicky Good ‘Presto’ Pasta
So easy. So quick. This simple, satisfying meal is sure to become a family favourite. I often serve this super fast pasta as a side-dish at company dinners earning big raves for little work.
Spicy Pickled Garlic
If I had to pick my pick of pickles, then pickled garlic is the pickle I’d pick! They are so crispy and refreshing and good that sometimes I pair up a couple cloves with a slice of bread and wedge of blue cheese and call it gourmet lunch. I’ve... Read more »
Garlic Herbed Butter
A little bit of garlic herb butter goes a very long way for instilling wonderful flavour onto broiled dishes and fresh steamed vegetables. Even a dab on bread can trick a conscientious diner into thinking they’re richly indulging!
Roasted Garlic and Herbs
This delectable appetizer earns big raves at all my gatherings. Definitely one of the most “in” ways I know to serve garlic. And once roasted, the odour that some folks fret over does not linger.
EXOTIC GINGER
When I was a kid my favourite cookies were grandma's homemade gingersnaps which grandpa and I couldn't resist dunking in our afternoon tea. Other than the delightfully crisp cookies or an occasional batch of non-alcoholic homemade ginger beer and... Read more »
Old-Fashioned Potato and Fiddlehead Soup
Green ‘Wheels’ and Cheese
Tender little ‘wheels’ in creamy cheese sauce are a hit with little kids and big ones, too! This was my Grandfather’s favourite fiddlehead dish.
Violin Heads (tete-de-violon) with Pecans and Peppers
Fiddleheads with Sesame Seeds
A quick and easy vegetable dish that’s good warm or cold.
Oriental Fiddleheads and Prawns
Here’s a healthy, delicious dinner that is truly a gourmet feast. Good news is, it’s fast and super easy. Make it your meal after a fun day in the woodlands picking.
Ontario Raspberry Cloud
Here’s a heavenly summer dessert that’s light as cloud and picture perfect to boot. The meringue-base is similar to that of Australia’s noted creation, Pavlova, named after the great Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who performed the dying... Read more »
Raspberried Carrots
This is a colourful and tasty way to serve carrots, especially delicious when made with tiny baby carrots pulled fresh out of the garden. It is also a great way to bring old root cellar carrots back to life in wintertime as frozen berries can be... Read more »
Raspberry Omelette
Here’s a sweet omelet that’ll put big smiles on the faces of all your raspberry picking partners! Makes an elegant breakfast or delicious dessert.
Raspberry Vinaigrette
ANCIENT GRAIN TEAS
I grew up in a world that revolved around tea! At Grandmother’s house, traditional black tea steeped from loose leaves was served at mealtimes with plenty of fresh cream for toning it down and honey for sweetening it up. When I was a kid, I... Read more »
Sesame-Flecked Bran Crackers
These healthy crackers can stand on their own or be decked out with spread or paté for a great bite. They are also great crumbled in soups or broken and used in place of croutons on salad.
Savoury Veggie Stars
Here’s a crispy vegetable cracker that’ll be the star of any party. They are wonderful with cheese, paté or for nibbling all by themselves.
No-Bake Oat Balls
These tasty balls are sometimes called “oat candy.” They are good for the waistline, easy to make and pretty on the plate. They are fun to roll into balls so if you’ve got some little hands in your baking party, let them do the forming.
Homemade Curry Powder
Roasted Chicknuts
Wasabi Peanuts
If holidays just aren’t holidays without peanuts, try this recipe to satisfy your nutty cravings.
Wasabi Peas
I was introduced to wasabi peas years ago and no matter how often I snack on them, I never tire of that wonderful burst of flavour when you pop one into your mouth! In my circle of friends we often joke that one never gets bored at a party when... Read more »
Shiitake Mushrooms — Prized by Herbalists and Chefs
There’s a familiar old saying about mushrooms making meals marvellous, but when it comes to the delectable shiitake, here’s a pick that goes way beyond the call of duty. Aside from being top choice for the pan, the healthful benefits of eating... Read more »
Glorious Grape Ring
Here’s a tantalizing dessert or appetizer that’s fit for formal.
Purple and black grapes get their lustrous color from a healthy compound known as flavonoids which gives all “blue” fruits including blueberries their colouring. In recent... Read more »
Pineapple Ice
Pineapples, like oranges, are rich in vitamin C making them a noted antioxidant and immune system booster. They belong to the bromeliad family and contain high amounts of an enzyme known as bromelain that is a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping the... Read more »
Mango Sherbet
The first time I sunk my teeth into a juicy, tangy mango I fell in love with the taste. But even better is the fact they’re loaded with vitamins and are a rich natural source of beta-carotene, an effective antioxidant that helps ward off body... Read more »
Fresh Fruit with Yogurt-Ginger Sauce
A traditional Indian dessert — light, bright and delightfully refreshing. Arrange bite-sized pieces of fruit on platter: pears, apples, bananas, oranges, berries.
To make sauce, mix together the following ingredients and refrigerate for at least... Read more »
Chapati
Samosas
Traditionally made with clarified butter (known as ghee in India) and fried, this version is made with oil and baked for better health. Samosas, good hot or cold, are perfect for the lunch kit and freeze well. (Makes 32)
Indian Chicken and Vegetables
This is a wonderful curried dish that’s as versatile as the vegetables of the season.
Curried Carrot Soup
Good for whatever ails you. Serve with chapatis for quick, easy and nourishing supper or as first course of a curry meal.
Jasper’s Homemade Curry Powder
According to my friend Jasper, every household in India has its own blend of curry powder — the cook’s trademark. Thus the following measurements can be adapted to suit taste:
A Traditional East Indian Spicy Dhal
Here is a traditional East Indian recipe for a spicy Dhal. In its country of origin, a dhal such as this would be served with rice as a main course but it is also good with a simmered grain such as barley or alongside mashed potatoes to help bear... Read more »
Hearty, Versatile Lentil Soup
Make this hearty soup from any lentil or split pea and it’ll be equally delicious. Serve with a thick slab of rye bread and you’ve got a supper that’s warm and filling. But the best thing about this soup is that it can be as versatile as the... Read more »
Lin’s Lentil Loaf
Here’s my favourite recipe for what my family fondly calls “mom’s meatless meat loaf.” It is delightful supper loaf that goes very nicely with steamed carrots and a poached egg, or a side salad and steamed broccoli.
Spicy Lentil Dip
This mouthwatering dip can be served with crackers or pita or any bread suitable for dipping, or as a vegetable dunk for carrot, celery or other sticks and stalks.
Salmon Stuffed Pitas
Refreshingly light, bright Salmon Stuffed Pitas dish up an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, essential nutrients for a heart-smart diet.
Spaghetti-Barley Salad
Fun, messy food like spaghetti-barley salad is a favourite with the younger set and especially well suited for eating outdoors where table manners are as relaxed as kicking off shoes and keeping on hats. Twirl and slurp up the delectable noodles as... Read more »
Cold Soba Noodles with Instant Dipping Sauce
Soba Noodles
Anyone who has eaten buckwheat honey will be familiar with the earthy flavour and tempting aroma of the buckwheat plant which is also reflected in the flours.
Buckwheat flour can be purchased in various forms – from very light flour known as... Read more »
Traditional Japanese Broth
Fermented Flavour Base
FLOWER SYRUP
Flower syrups are delicious on pancakes or mixed with water or soda and served over ice as refreshing summer coolers.
FLOWER INFUSED BRANDY
An Old Word drink that was said to cure whatever ails you. A nice aperitif.
ROSE PETAL CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
CLOVER BLOSSOM HONEY
An old recipe from the pages of grandmother’s scribblers, noted as being a good cure for sore throat if taken in a cup of clover flower tea. And if sipped before bedtime it will help induce sleep.
MIXED EDIBLE FLOWERS AND WILD GREEN SALAD
This is as much of a treat for the eyes as it is for the mouth and totally versatile – using whatever pick is in season. Serve it with wild strawberry vinaigrette as above, or make the dressing using wild or tame raspberries instead of... Read more »
WILD STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE
ONTARIO BORSCHT
The following recipe comes to us courtesy of Foodland Ontario.
This classic whole-meal soup is a real celebration of Ontario’s vegetable harvest. For a vegan version, you can use oil instead of butter and skip the sour cream garnish. Speed up the... Read more »
Grandma’s Super Easy Pickled Beets
Beet Hashbrowns
Here’s something a little different. I loved these when I was a kid and still prefer them over traditional hashed-browned potatoes. Be sure to cook them until they are super crispy.
Authentic Ukrainian Borscht
Here’s a chunky Old World version of the soup that is easy to make and full of vegetables. Many Ukrainian cooks add lean cubed meat or sausages to the pot.
Grandma’s Beet Soup (Borscht)
(Serves 6)
This delightful soup can be served cold in the summertime to help cool down the body or hot in the wintertime to take away the chills. It is especially delicious when served with a dollop of low fat sour cream or unflavoured yogurt and a... Read more »
Roasted Beets With Rosemary and Garlic
Beets With Maple Syrup and Almonds
Triple Red Beet Salad
(Serves 6)
Easy Rhubarb Wine
(Makes 4 to 6 bottles)
Rhubarb-Currant Muffins
These moist, fragrant muffins have a hint of orange. They save well and the recipe can be doubled for freezing. Great for lunch boxes. Makes about 2 dozen small or 1 dozen large muffins depending on size of tins
Edith’s Rhubarb Chutney
This zappy recipe is deeply-rooted in East Indian cuisine. It makes a delicious accompaniment to any curried dish. Recipe can be halved if you find this makes too big of a batch to suit your needs.
Rosy Rhubarb Relish
This is an excellent relish to spoon over poached fish, poultry or meat. Or serve it in place of traditional pickle relish or salsa.
Barley, Chickpea and Kidney Bean Salad
Serve this tasty salad on a bed of fresh pea shoots or other available greenery and top with pine nuts for a treat that’s hard to beat.
(Serves 4 to 6)
Grandma’s Wheat Berry, Spinach and Apple Salad
(Serves 4 to 6)
Tabbouleh (Traditional Bulgur Salad)
(Serves 4 to 6)
Old World Cures for Winter Ailments
Grandma had a cure for almost every common ailment when I was a kid growing up in the rural woods of Muskoka. Folks would come from miles around to seek her advice for treating their health complaints. As a girl, I took as much pride in grandma’s... Read more »
Deep Green Cuisine: Spinach
When I was kid, grandma was forever praising the goodness of greens! Of course, in grandma’s book, “greens” or “potherbs” as she fondly grouped them, referred to anything harvested from the garden or gathered from the wild that could be eaten raw... Read more »
Grilled Chicken Satays with Nectarines and Red Onion
This recipe, which combines grilled chicken and fruit, comes to us from Foodland Ontario.
These serve up gorgeously with steamed rice and extra coriander leaves. Divide into appetizer-sized portions by slicing the grilled satays lengthwise between... Read more »
Grilled Pear and Blue Cheese Appetizer
Here is a fast and easy gourmet appetizer that everyone loves, a great way to kick-off a backyard barbecue. If you are not a lover of blue cheese, use feta, softened cream cheese or other cheese of choice in place of blue cheese. Serve with crusty... Read more »
Grilled Strawberry Kebabs
These are so easy and so good. Yes, they do call for sugar but not a whole heck of a lot!
Old World Cure for Winter Ailments
Grandma had a cure for almost every common ailment when I was a kid growing up in the rural woods of Muskoka. Folks would come from miles around to seek her advice for treating their health complaints. As a girl, I took as much pride in grandma’s... Read more »
Pumpkin Mock Pie
This is a recipe for those who love the traditional taste of pumpkin pie, but can do without the extra dose of calories! It is simple to make and fills the house on a cold winter day with the sweet aroma of spicy pumpkin pie.
Spaghetti Squash with Homemade Pesto Sauce
Here is one of my favourite squash suppers. If you love traditional pasta, especially spaghetti, you will love this healthy alternative. Cooked spaghetti squash is good with any type of sauce you might enjoy on spaghetti noodles: meat, cheese, cream... Read more »
Stuffed Sweet Dumpling Squash
This is a pretty way to serve individual stuffed squash for a special occasion meal such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. I use traditional homemade poultry stuffing from the recipe below. You can use store-bought stuffing mix or any stuffing of... Read more »
Homemade Tortillas
You can make these beforehand and then reheat them in the oven a few minutes before serving. I use equal amounts of whole wheat and white flour.
Aztec Squash Soup
This has got to be one of the most interesting recipes for squash soup that I have tried, and is one of my family’s favourites. To serve, fill the tureen with the soup and surround it with a platter of tortillas (tortilla recipe in extended... Read more »
Crock Pot Rice Pudding
This tastes just like the old-fashioned rice pudding Grandma used to bake. It is as good hot as it is cold. Grandma served hers with nutmeg milk (simply stir ground nutmeg into milk and pour over top of the warm pudding).
Curried Lentil and Vegetable Stew
You’ll catch a whiff of this delicious spicy dish as soon as you enter the kitchen! Serve with whole wheat bread or rolls and cucumber salad dressed with yogurt dressing, and supper’s on…
Stuffed Cabbage Leaves
No matter what I wrap up inside a cabbage leaf, my family loves it! Here is a tasty mixture that leans heavily on chewy brown rice for wonderful texture and rich, earthy flavour. You can add pine or other nuts and/or raisins to the filling as I... Read more »
Crock Pot Wheat Berries
This is a delicious breakfast to rise to on a cold winter morning and you’ll be lured out of bed by the sweet, fruity aroma that fills the air. Kids love it and you will, too. You can load up the pot before going to bed and all you have to do in... Read more »
Orange Salad
To view the entire “Summer Dining Mediterranean-Style” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/summer-dining-mediterranean-style/
This makes a nice summer salad or appetizer for a hot weather meal. (Serves 4)
Poached Fish with Sesame Seed Sauce
To view the entire “Summer Dining Mediterranean-Style” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/summer-dining-mediterranean-style/
This is a very tasty way to serve fish filets or steaks – try it with cod or other white fish... Read more »
Mediterranean Bean and Spinach Soup
To view the entire “Summer Dining Mediterranean-Style” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/summer-dining-mediterranean-style/
This thick, hearty soup is a meal in itself. All you need to round off the meal is a crusty loaf of... Read more »
Spicy Chickpea and Vegetable Couscous
To view the entire “Summer Dining Mediterranean-Style” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/summer-dining-mediterranean-style/
Here is a delicious and hearty meal that is sure to become a family favourite. Have fun using... Read more »
Roasted Pepper Antipasto
To view the entire “Summer Dining Mediterranean-Style” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/summer-dining-mediterranean-style/
Here’s a popular Mediterranean appetizer that disappears in a flash. Serve with crusty bread for a... Read more »
Japanese Prawn Tea Soup
To view the entire “Tantalizing Tea Cuisine” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/tantalizing-tea-cuisine-herbal-infusions-add-a-splash-of-excitement-to/
In Japan, a similar soup to this one is known as Chazuke or Ochzuke, and... Read more »
Cheesy Tea-Dressed Greens
To view the entire “Tantalizing Tea Cuisine” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/tantalizing-tea-cuisine-herbal-infusions-add-a-splash-of-excitement-to/
This is a delicious way to serve greens – whether you use wild picks... Read more »
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bram Brack
To view the entire “Tantalizing Tea Cuisine” feature, visit http://vitalitymagazine.com/food-features/tantalizing-tea-cuisine-herbal-infusions-add-a-splash-of-excitement-to/
Bram Brack is a delicious Irish sweet loaf that is economical to make and,... Read more »
