Happy Sunday and welcome back to R&R 🫶
Vancouver is always fun in the spring, like last week I was freezing in my giant superpuff and today I'm sweating in shorts. But I’m happy because the sun has arrived and I think 🤞 we might get away with skipping past Juneuary grossness and right on into summer.
It is my favorite time of year and my patio is officially open for business - for me, and I will be out there soaking in all the vitamin D I can. Reggie also LOOOOOVES the patio, it’s hilarious, I’ve never seen her move faster than when she thinks we’re heading out there.
And as for summer foodstuff, who doesn't love picnics, bbq’s, and farmer’s markets with the most VIBRANT produce? So stay tuned as I will be PUMPING out the summer recipes until further notice. 🫡
Life Updates
Last week my incredible MOH took me wedding dress shopping 👰. Kyle and I are eloping in Italy next May, we haven’t planned much yet so this is step 1. I’m not a dress girl so was iffy about it all but I had SO MUCH FUN. Is it bad luck to share wedding dress photos? 🤷♀️ Well, this isn't "the one" but if I'm trying on a fancy dress I might as well show it off right? Kyle look away 😉 Also if you have tips for Italy, do share - especially food-related tips.
Kyle and I got invited to preview "The Watchers" movie and I have to say, I much prefer movies at home. You can wear your PJ’s, unlimited snacks, no side commentary or seat kicking to ruin the vibe 🙃. I don't think it was the best movie regardless but I do love Dakota Fanning. It wasn't scary or as mentally jarring as I'd hoped, and as someone who gets bored easily, I was wiggling in my seat a LOT. 🤷♀️
Last but not least, I recently got to meet an instagram friend in real life (@kim.thefoodie - go check her out)! I love what I do but solo work can sometimes get lonely. Chatting through the ups and downs of work with your co-workers is one of the things I miss most about corporate. So it was great to connect with someone who is going through a similar journey. We met IRL because I slipped into her DM’s. And I have to say, I’m glad I have no shame in this, because I’ve met some incredible friends this way. We went for an epic brunch and of course, chatted all things food, and there’s just something special about connecting with people who love what you love.
ICYMI: Recipes from the week
We had some fun with Costco pesto, paid homage to SUR and shake ‘n bake, and I learned the chicken ick is prevalent with many of you too.
Sur copycat goat cheese balls
Curry cornflake-crusted pork with honey mustard slaw
Pesto meatballs with creamy mascarpone orzo
Crispy buffalo tofu with blue cheese dip
Frequently requested links from the week
Hexclad: Transparently, I was gifted these pans, but I have to say I am obsessed. Even Kyle said they felt luxurious while washing 😂, his contribution to testing kitchen tools. They’re a bit pricey but they are a lifelong purchase and the perfect in-between with the benefits of a nonstick and a cast iron but with a lot less fuss. I know a lot of you ask about pans and I’d say these are my top pick at the moment.
Baby sheet trays: my favorite purchase for a dredging station or single-serve things you want to bake. How cute are they!?
Air fryer: lots of questions on my buffalo tofu video for this. Hot tip - air fryer is the BEST for reheating pizza.
New juicer: obsessed with this. Kyle broke our last one, but I’m glad because this one rocks. It captures the juice when you squeeze so you don’t need to do it over a bowl and can squeeze anywhere you like. So much easier especially if you don’t have much upper body strength like me lol.
That’s all for this week. I hope you enjoyed. As always, if there’s anything more you’d love to see here, please drop me a note!
💌 Happy Cooking 💌
With love from Reggie and her stick of the week ❤️