Spring... is that you?
(a look at life, lately)
April 15th 2025
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Could it be… spring is finally arriving, nearly a month after its “official” start? We had a cold, snowy, messy winter and a wet and cold spring here in Toronto so far so I am hopeful that the blue skies we’ve seen over the weekend and climbing temps are here to stay…
After my fabulous “spring re-set” whereby I stayed home for the two weeks of spring break and got myself organised, I’ve been back at work for 3 weeks and #aprilmayjune (as a friend calls the last frantic months of the school year) is in full swing. I’m trying to manage all that Term 3 brings along with training for a half-marathon (on May 4th - which will mark 2 years minus 1 day tumour-free!) and ferociously guarding my “me time” (for reading, sleeping and generally being in a quiet place).
Grounding myself these days looks like exercise (running but also walking, stretching/ mobility and strength), reading and meal planning/ cooking. Things that bring me joy and calm my mind are so important for my recovery which, nearly 2 years after brain surgery, I am still actively working on. My brain doesn’t work the same way it used to and my stress reactions are different than before. Calm, quiet time is so important for me because *everything* takes more effort (cognitive stuff) and part of my day now HAS to include some down time where it’s quiet. Harder to make happen than you think but I’m committed.
So, for this month’s missive, I thought I’d share a little bit of what’s helping ground me these days - what I’m cooking and reading (along with the usual links you might like)!
what I’m cooking
I’m a huge fan of Samuel Goldsmith (I use his The Tinned Tomatoes Cookbook at least once a week) and was thrilled when he released The Frozen Peas Cookbook recently).
I’ve already made a number of recipes from this - namely the Quick Rustic Chicken and Bean Stew (my dad also made this - see below for his version!) which was a hearty meal that didn’t take ages to prepare…
and the Egg Fried Rice (which I could honestly eat every day!)
I’m loving this book and have bookmarked a few more recipes to make this week (I ALWAYS have frozen peas in my freezer and love them so this book is a great way to work them into your meals!)
Buy The Frozen Peas Cookbook here.
I’ve also been working my way through a cabbage and a bunch of bell peppers that came in my Odd Bunch produce delivery a couple of weeks ago…
What is Odd Bunch?
We work with farms, greenhouses, and distributors to rescue this surplus and “odd” produce—fruits & vegetables that are just as fresh and high quality, but don’t meet arbitrary cosmetic standards
Read more here.
(Want to check our Odd Bunch for yourself? Get 20% off your first order with this (affiliate) link).
Anyway… I made a big batch of Spicy Stir Fried Cabbage (unlocked link) that was perfect with Stir-Fried Tofu and Peppers (unlocked link)
Such a great combo and made enough for many meals!
in the kitchen with dad
Dad continues to cook and bake up a storm and we recently Zoomed and made Dorie Greenspan’s Brown Sugar Oat Squares together. He did well!
He’s also a huge fan of my Apple Snacking Cake from French Food for Everyone: le goûter (after-school snacks) and makes it at least twice a month, sharing it with friends who are also fans!
And here’s his version of Samuel Goldsmith’s Quick Rustic Chicken and Bean Stew (he actually made this before I did and his review made me add it to my meal plan!).
I’m so proud of dad and his willingness to experiment in the kitchen - he’s come a long way in the last 15 months :)
recipes you might have missed
It seems appropriate to welcome spring with sunny Lemon Poppyseed Financiers!
A heartier dish for those spring evenings with a chill (or those autumn evenings if you’re in the southern hemisphere) - Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds!
Perhaps you’re looking for a smaller-batch Easter dessert? How about these Carrot Cake Cupcakes?
links you might like
eat
Australian owner of Toronto café chain fighting Ottawa to save $8k worth of Vegemite via CBC News. The most ridiculous ruling by the Canadian food Inspection Agency (that makes absolutely no sense, especially when I can buy Vegemite at other local stores and online).
Think it’s a two-bit story? Think again.
(Australian Prime Minister) Anthony Albanese responds to Vegemite ban at a Canadian cafe via ABC News. This is a bit of a fluff piece but when the PM of your country knows about the story, I’d say it’s hit the big time…
Ok, onto something a little bit less niche…
17 Food Items You Should Buy When They’re On Sale via The New York Times. Because we’re all about saving money when grocery shopping, right? What do YOU stock up on when it’s on sale?
live
Want to learn a little bit about my running journey and how it’s become a huge part of my life? Listen via the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast!
travel
Is it worth lugging heavy camera equipment into the mountains? via Eat Sleep Wild. As someone who lugged a big DSLR camera around for years and who doesn’t anymore (though I do use a mirrorless Fuji camera for my book photography, this made me re-think that, especially for travel. What about you - do you *just* use your phone for photos now?
write
Thinking of writing a book? Jessie at La Vie en Watercolor shares 7 tips how to generate a buzz. And you think the hard work ends when you hand the manuscript in… Not so!
what I’m reading
An EXCELLENT historical fiction from Kate Quinn.
A childhood favourite inspired by my new favourite Instagram account, City of Marion Libraries post about “books that shaped us”. I’m trying to read a handful of childhood favourites this year along with my regular reads!
A page-turner of a thriller that I devoured in a couple of sittings!
buy my books
Don’t have my books yet? Click on the blue button to read all about them and get them for yourself!
French food made easy … for everyone!
rent our holiday home in southwest France!
“We spent two weeks in Nérac at this fully-equipped, centrally-located home. It is within walking distance of everything, including the canal, stone bridges, museums, parks, historic churches and of course restaurants and local shopping. (and if you are there on a Saturday, a huge outdoor market is a 5-minute walk away). We enjoyed all the features of this home and especially the patio. We sampled all the food and wine the French are known for. We also joined the locals in playing pétanque at the square just up the street. Would highly recommend!
~ guest review, October 2022
Our charming house in Nérac, halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse, is in the heart of Gascony. 2025 bookings are starting to fill up!
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for a French (Food Idiom) Friday soon!
Mardi
xo
Always love your updates Mardi. Quiet time is the best time - next time a have the chance for a cozy day in reading, I’ll be thinking about you! I’d like to say that I’ll do the same when I’m running - but we know how that’s been going!
I don’t know how I missed this post 🤔 but thank you; as always a pleasure. Love the photo of you running determinedly, head down, beer in hand! And (bacon and) egg-fried rice: this family regularly makes the recipe you taught us in online cooking class! Thank you again!