Pop and Thistle

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Smoked Salmon with Blueberry Compote

Everyone knows that “superfoods” are good for you. The combination of vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals, among other nutrients make them natural disease-fighters. But when it comes to great taste, not all superfoods are created equal. Fortunately for blueberries, they’re not only great for you, but also great tasting. And, thanks to the growers and …

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Cheeses of Mexico

Mention cheese and most people will think of France, maybe Italy, sometimes Germany or Greece. But rarely will the first image brought to mind be Mexico. Yet Mexico has a range of native cheeses that are delightful and even profoundly fine additions to the cheese world. In some cases they are similar to more familiar …

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Italian Frittata Recipe

Did you know broccoli is a great choice for a home garden? Best in summer and early fall, a full sun or partial shade spot in your vegetable patch will make a great home for this vegetable staple. Home-grown, or bought from a farmer’s market, broccoli goes perfectly with this tasty frittata, full of fresh …

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Asparagus-Bacon Frittata

Canadian asparagus is in season in the early summer – perfect for pairing with bacon and eggs in this frittata. Asparagus-Bacon Frittata Ingredients • 8 eggs • 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) salt • 1 mL (1/4 tsp) hot red chili flakes • 4 bacon slices, chopped • 6 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces Directions 1. Whisk eggs with salt …

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Zucchini and Onion Frittata

Protein-rich eggs and fresh, seasonal vegetables are the secret to this healthy frittata. Well-known in the Mediterranean diet, the frittata can be enriched with any seasonal vegetables and cheeses to create your own personal recipe. This one features fresh summer squash, a good source of vitamin C along with some fiber and potassium. Zucchini and …

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Bringing the Herb Garden Home for Health and Happiness

For thousands of years, people have grown plants for culinary and medicinal uses. These days, outside of certain communities, it is less common to have an herb garden, and many people don’t know the difference between lemon balm and lemongrass. But rest assured; this guide to the must-haves in any herb garden will help stave …

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Pet Profile: The Patient Saint Bernard

More than one traveler stranded in the snowy Swiss Alps owes the ponderous Saint Bernard his life. Monks in the Alps actually developed this massive dog to be used as a rescue dog. The Saint Bernard breed is quite an old one, going back as far as the 1700s. The American Kennel Club places the …

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4 Favorite Mexican Dessert Recipes

Mexican desserts aren’t the first thing that leap to mind when thinking of Mexican cuisine. But given some of the outrageously delicious possibilities, maybe it should be. Here’s a sample that should convince anyone. Crema Catalana Crema Catalana or Catalan Cream is the Catalan version of crème brulée.  An import from the Catalan area of …

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Classic Flan Recipe

Calling flan a caramel custard is to do it an injustice. No mere pudding, this traditional Mexican dessert is the crème de la crème of sweets. Of course, not surprisingly, there are a hundred and one variations on the basic recipe. But sometimes the original is so much more than one can expect, to alter …

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Meatless Options for the Grill: Grilled Sunnyside-up Egg-plant

Cheeseburgers, chicken thighs and hot dogs are common fare at summer barbeques, but what about guests who are looking to reduce their meat intake? In addition to traditional meat dishes, there are many ways to prepare meals on the grill that everyone can enjoy, including vegetarians. “Eating more meatless meals is one way to complement …

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