pickled cucumber
November 23, 2010 by Travis Hansen
In Denmark this is known as Agurke Salat. In a small pot bring to a boil: 1 cup of white wine vinegar 3 Table spoons of white sugar 1 Tablespoon of salt Pour over paper thin slices of cucumber and let sit for at least 1 hour. Drain of the liquid and enjoy with pickled [...]
raspberry vinaigrette
August 8, 2010 by Travis Hansen
3 Tablespoons of wildflower honey 1 pint of fresh raspberries 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (stems removed) 1/2 cup of raspberry vinegar 1 3/4 cup of olive oil Puree the honey, raspberries, thyme leaves and vinegar together then slowly incorporate the olive oil. This is a great dressing or local organic greens or fresh spinach.
dog day picnics
August 8, 2010 by Travis Hansen
The dog days of summer have arrived and thus initiated the universally recognized time to embrace al fresco dining on Vancouver Island. Everywhere you look you’ll see baskets of fresh fruit, garden vegetables, gleaming fish and packed cars heading off to a favorite picnic spot. For me, nothing defines summer more then a outdoor meal [...]
spot prawns, fusili, pesto & cherry tomatoes
June 11, 2010 by Travis Hansen
Bring large pot of water to boil. Peel 12 fresh spot prawns. Sliver 3 cloves of garlic. Cut 24 cherry tomatoes in half. Once the water is boiling add a healthy dose of salt and cook the fusilli until al dente (6-7 minutes). Drain the pasta into a colander and let sit to drain. In [...]
finger food & story time
June 9, 2010 by Travis Hansen
Years ago, before we had kids, when we still had disposable income, my wife and I would come home from work, scan the contents of the fridge and then head to the grocery store to buy ingredients for dinner. This was our daily routine until the arrival of our first child at which point we [...]
spot prawns on corn & pea succotash
April 8, 2010 by Travis Hansen
Succotash ¼ cup red onions 2 cloves garlic 1 cup red pepper 1 cup corn kernels 1 cup English peas ½ cup cherry tomatoes 2 Tablespoon basil pesto * Request a pesto recipe on ask a chef if you need it Method: Sauté diced red onions and garlic in just a little olive oil. Add [...]
my love hate leftovers
April 7, 2010 by Travis Hansen
Recently, while assembling dinner at home, I took a proud inventory of our bounty of fruits, vegetables and proteins leftover from last year’s harvest. For the last fifteen years I’ve consistently lectured my kitchen staff at The Butchart Gardens about the importance of preparing only what is needed for the current menu. Countless times I’ve [...]
