Canada Archives - The Curated House

The Curated Collection | Stewart Jones

I love stumbling across Canadian artists who paint my home and native land like a character being captured on canvas. Stewart Jones is just such an artist. His dramatic perspectives of the streets of Toronto not only transport me into the middle of each scene {with the audible clang of streetcars going by}, but they depict something of the personality of this city that I love to call home.

Stewart‘s work really feels like stories on canvas to me. Less taken with major landmarks, Jones seems to focus on side streets and alleys that would otherwise go unnoticed, capturing in their essence something of the secret story of the city. I want to know who lives up that alley, who just took a walk down that street with their sweetheart, and what were they talking about? Who makes these streets come alive with the hum and electricity that makes Toronto so unique? It’s almost as though Jones’ paintings are figurative, the city as his subject, and he invites us to explore the depth and breadth of all she has to say to us.

If you live in the city, my guess is Stewart Jone‘s paintings will inspire you to look around each corner and down each quiet street in search of inspiration. Whatever city you call home today, I invite you to take on an adventurer’s spirit. Allow yourself to become awake and alive to the stories taking place all around you. Take note of the gleam of sunlight dancing on the street as you walk by. Listen for the hum and heartbeat of your city. And savour this day for all the life it holds. You just never know what inspiration might await you around the next corner.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|December 3rd, 2012|0 Comments

The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

Just looking at this beautiful photo, taken by my friend Gabriela Hansen, I can smell the warm, sweet and rich comfort of roasted turkey filling my home. What a glorious scent! I think the all-day event of cooking the bird is a part of the comfort of it. The ritual of regularly basting as the aroma becomes increasingly intoxicating only serves to build up our anticipation of gathering together around the table in thanks. It’s a part of why Thanksgiving is one of my family’s favourite times of the year.

I’ve been cooking my turkey the same way for years, and learned the secret to tender meat and caramelized skin from good old Martha Stewart herself. Here’s my take on Martha’s method.

We have a tradition of talking a brief walk in the woods during the last 30 minutes of the turkey’s roasting. It’s always wonderful to get out into the fresh air and sunshine, drinking in the beauty of nature and stretching our legs a bit before sitting down to our Thanksgiving feast. This year we had a particularly glorious day, and my heart was filled with gratitude at being surrounded by my amazing family and friends in such a beautiful place as Canada.

After the walk, it’s back to the house to reveal the gorgeous, caramelized bird with bundles of fresh herbs and lots of love.

The rich and hearty mix of flavours on our plates can only be rivalled by the richness of the love and friendship that surround our table. For me, that is what we celebrate each year at our Harvest Gathering. Filling our home with laughter and collaboration and food and friendship is truly the best way I can think of to remind ourselves of all that we have to celebrate.

I know I promised you a dessert recipe, and in fact I’ll share two with you! But you’ll have to wait until next week. Right now, I’m still intoxicated by the memory of this day and am swimming in gravy boats full of gratitude for the love I have in my life.

I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel for Gabriela Hansen, the incredibly talented photographer who captured our Thanksgiving celebration together. Thank you, Gaby, for sharing your heart and your view on the world with us all. So thankful to know you and to have the privilege of working with you.

Wishing you all a weekend filled with time with your loved ones, celebrating what really matters. Hold each other close and enjoy the adventure!

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|November 9th, 2012|1 Comment

Summer Salads: Chèvre Chaud with Fennel and Bing Cherries

Rememember my ode to Canada Day? I shared a super yummy recipe featuring bing cherries from our very own tree (along with a groan-worthy list of cheesy puns). Today the theme continues with a bit of cheese in the form of Chèvre Chaud, but with fewer puns! I promise!

Today’s recipe is for a gorgeous summer salad that we made recently as a part of my mission to make something lovely with our bountiful cherry harvest.

I just love the way flavours and textures can be layered in a salad to create a meal that is both healthy and deliciously satisfying. Salad for supper is one of my favourites, and this one did not disappoint!

Today’s confession #1: Fennel and I are really new friends. I would see it in the produce section from time to time, waiving it’s feathery fronds at me, but I would pass it by on my way to the figs and avocados without giving it a second look. Why have we not become friends before now, sweet Fennel? We will make up for lost time in the kitchen together. I promise.

Fennel is most commonly seen featured in Italian cooking and is famous for its digestive benefits. (Ever chewed on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after an Indian meal? Yum.) In its bulb form, fennel is very crunchy and sweet, with flavours that hint at licorice (far more subtle than with the seeds) as well as celery and even a slight citrus note.

Today’s confession #2: I am NOT new to goat cheese! In fact, we have a long-standing love affair. Chèvre, as it’s called in French, is a soft-ripened cheese made from young goat’s milk, and it is much easier on the tummy than cow’s milk cheese. It is very creamy but also has a surprising tang to it that I find wakes up the palette to the accompanying flavours on your plate. I love chèvre with fresh herbs and arugula, an aromatic green also known as “rockets” in England. You’ll also see this featured on the menu of your favourite Italian restaurant regularly!

Well, with that bit of background on our feature ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe!

Chèvre Chaud with Fennel and Bing Cherries

Ingredients:

4-6 tablespoons good Tuscan extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons Sable & Rosenfeld Tipsy Mustard

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

juice of one lemon

pinch of Maldon (or other good sea salt)

freshly cracked pepper to taste

3/4 cup finely chopped slivered almonds (about 3 ounces)

1 11-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese, cut crosswise into 9 rounds

6 cups (packed) arugula (one whole package of pre-washed from the grocery store)

1 cup halved pitted fresh Bing cherries

1/2 cup 2×1/4-inch strips fresh fennel bulb

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk first 4 ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Season dressing generously with salt and pepper.

Chope almonds until they have about the same consistency as chunky peanut butter without the butter (that’s a gourmet cooking term for SURE!). : ) Spread almonds on a plate and then press both sides of the rounds into the almonds until they are well coated. Bake goat cheese rounds until cheese is warm but not melted, about 10 minutes.

Combine greens, cherries, and fennel in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Divide salad among 6 plates. Place 2-3 cheese rounds on each plate, serve and enjoy!!