Honestly, I thought I might be too conferenced out to enjoy SiWC. I'd already attended three writing conferences this year and was ready for a break. The organizers, though, were so lovely and inviting. Plus, Canada! The forecast was rain, so I didn't get to leave the hotel much. I did take a quick walk to the local park, marveling at the fall foliage along the way (see my Instagram account for more photos), and even discovered a black squirrel (check out my IG reel)! At the … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Sugar Pie
Sugar Pie: super sweet single-crust dessert When I visited Canada, I tried a traditional Canadian dessert: sugar pie. I’d never heard of it before. I love the coloring of the deep brown in this dessert. It reminds me of fall and leaves fluttering off trees. The sugar pie lives up to its name. I hear it can be made from brown sugar or maple syrup. (You can try one version of the recipe here.) Warning: This dessert is super sweet! The sugar overload on my taste buds prevented me from … [Read more...]
Vancouver Trip
"You long to see the Great Pyramids of Egypt." Sometimes it's nice to have a change of scenery. I took a short trip a few weeks back to Vancouver. Though I've been before for a whirlwind book talk, I didn't get the chance to soak in the city back then. This time around, I balanced spurts of writing (and reading) with exploration of the local area. Vancouver, to me, seems like a great mix of the natural and the urban. Here are a few highlights from my trip. From the nature side... I … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday First: Poutine
I tried my first bowl of... Poutine: French fries and gravy After my brother raved about poutine from his travels to Canada, I had to try it. Poutine is thought to have originated in Quebec in the 1950s. If you want to make a version at home, try out this recipe. When I first heard about this dish, I was skeptical. Gravy and fries? But, lo and behold, it's truly a tasty combo. There's something really savory and comforting about this dish. I think it's the blend of cheesiness along with … [Read more...]