EpiCurious Generations

I have been wanting to post this recipe for a long time. I made some baked beans a little while ago at the cottage and the house smelled so amazing that everyone who came in commented on it.

Ladling the chili directly on the pain perdu made it a little soggy This was much better as the bread retained its crisp exterior - brush the edge with oil and sprinkle with chopped herbs The cooler weather is just around the corner here in Montreal and I have to admit that this is my favourite time of the year.  I'm not talking about the freezing, snowy -20°C temperatures we sometimes get in the middle of winter but  the wonderful - thick sweaters and sleeping with the windows open kind of weather.  It usually lasts all of September and October and it is when I really begin to want to start cooking comfort food.  For me, there is nothing as enjoyable as spending some time hiking in the woods to admire the vibrant colours of the leaves changing on a cool day and coming home to a warm house that smells wonderful.  Add to that a roaring fire, some great music, and I am at my happiest.

I have been wanting to experiment with Naan bread for a long time.   I really do love the taste and chewy texture and it has become my bread of choice now for everything from sandwiches, pizzas, sausage buns, etc.  When Sarah expressed frustration not too long ago that she could not find vegan Naan (all the store bought ones seem to contain egg), I decided to go ahead and give it a try.  As it turns out, it is very easy.  It has become such a hit that I have made it 4 times in the last two weeks.

This is one of those quick and easy (really delicious) weekday meals that everyone gets excited about when they hear we are having it.  It is basically a flatbread layered with melted cheese, thinly sliced beef seasoned with Montreal steak spice , caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes and a spicy chipotle mayonnaise dressing (that I use for everything).   

Sprinkle with a little cayenne or espelette pepper for the adults ;) We play a game in our family called ''My favourite''.  A category is given and you have to state your favourite item within the category.  For example: favourite desert, favourite junk food, favourite TV show, etc.  We make it up as we go.  This often helps pass the time when we are waiting in a long line up or to board a plane.  It is  fun, insightful and the answers change  as our tastes develop and refine  throughout the years.

Shortbread crust, almond cream with summer peaches, blueberries and pomegranate! I have very fond memories of summer vacation travel with my family.  We were campers and it was a wonderful way to discover North America.  We travelled throughout the United States and Canada and we came across some wonderful places.  A lot of time was spent on the road and although it seemed long at times, my parents made sure we stopped regularly to discover small towns and local treasures.  One of the highlights of travelling at this time of year was coming upon a farmer who had set up a road side stand to sell his fresh fruits and vegetables.  The fresh peaches were always a hit and did not last long.  Whenever I see baskets of peaches at the market, it brings back these wonderful memories.