Melanie Hunter

This appetizer is high on the ‘wow’ factor. Easy to make? Definitely. Pleasing to the eye, nose and tongue? Absolutely. Capable of impressing husbands, dinner guests and toddlers? Yep. I highly recommend you put this one on your to-do list.

It was a cold winter day so the timing seemed right to make the aptly named “Perfect Roast Chicken." Or, as our 18-year old sister-in-law/student/housemate called it, “Crazy Good Chicken." I wish I had started roasting chickens a long time ago. I only started doing it on my maternity leave with our son (i.e. less than two years ago!) and was surprised to find what a stress-free meal it is to make.

If you’ve ever been to Argentina then you likely know it is famous for having the tastiest steaks in the world. I blame Argentina for my frequent red meat cravings. I also blame Argentina for my frequent disappointment when I order a steak from a restaurant in my homeland and it has neither the flavour nor the girth of a steak prepared in Argentina.

Dear Best-Ever Brownies Recipe: it's not you, it's me. Your directions were clear. The tasks you outlined were simple and well-articulated. You are not to blame for my inattention to the cooking time nor for your ensuing overly dry texture by the end of the evening. Perhaps we should take a short break from each other- just temporarily- until I can truly give you the attention you deserve. Regretfully yours, Melanie.