Welcome to the best part of my life. I will share here my passion for family, food and feeding them, it is truly feeding a crowd!
Running this ad-free, pop-up-free kitchen comes with costs, but sharing my passion for food and recipes with you is always worth it. If my creations have ever rescued your dinner party, wowed your in-laws, or filled your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, meals, and treats, consider tossing a little dough my way. Every contribution helps keep "Feeding a Crowd" alive, thriving, and delicious!
Enjoy!
How to deseed your pomegranate.
Fruit Fly Trap in 40 Seconds.
“Life is short, laugh more, worry less. R.F.”
All in Comfort Food
When the first stalks of rhubarb meet sweet, juicy strawberries, it’s time to make the ultimate spring and early summer dessert: Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler. This classic recipe pairs tart fruit with fluffy buttermilk biscuits, all baked to golden perfection. The fruit bubbles up, the topping turns crisp and golden, and the scent? Irresistible. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Some recipes stand the test of time—and this one is a true classic in my kitchen. I first discovered it as a teen, printed right on a jar of Hellmann’s mayo. Since then, it’s become my family’s all-time favorite chocolate cake. Over the years, my handwritten copy of the recipe has collected its fair share of smudges and cocoa fingerprints—a sure sign of how often I return to it.
What makes it special? Mayonnaise. It sounds strange at first, but don’t let that stop you. Mayo is made of eggs and oil, both of which are essential in cake baking. Instead of adding them separately, this recipe blends them into one secret ingredient that gives the cake an unbelievably moist and tender crumb. It’s easy to make, hard to mess up, and always a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is one of those hidden gems that might seem simple at first glance, but trust me, it packs a punch in terms of flavor and versatility. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to let it marinate all day, this dish will never disappoint! It’s my go-to for transforming less expensive cuts of meat and poultry into something that tastes gourmet.
When you're craving something comforting but don't want to spend all evening in the kitchen, this creamy orzo risotto with pancetta, peas and spinach hits all the right notes. It's the kind of dish that feels indulgent, yet comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Instead of arborio rice, this quick risotto uses orzo pasta, which cooks faster and still delivers a luscious, silky texture. The pancetta brings a salty depth, while fresh peas and baby spinach add a welcome pop of spring colour and freshness. A touch of butter and shaved Parmesan finish it off with just the right amount of richness.
This 5-ingredient sheet pan sausage and sweet potato roast is my kind of cooking — simple, cozy, and full of flavour. Perfectly portioned for one or two people, it’s a no-fuss dinner that comes together in under an hour with minimal prep and cleanup.
I used locally made sausages from a nearby butcher (support local!) paired with sweet potatoes, grey shallots, grainy mustard, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a sweet and tangy finish. Roasted all together on a parchment-lined sheet pan, it’s both rustic and refined, and easily scalable — whether you're cooking for 2 or 8.
There’s something truly special about cooking for loved ones, especially when they’ve traveled from afar. My niece, visiting from California, grew up just a few hundred feet from my home, and having her back always brings joy and nostalgia. She has always loved my mushroom and chicken pasta, so I wanted to make it for her—but with a twist. Instead of the usual cream, I opted for ricotta to create a rich yet lighter sauce. The result? A luscious, flavor-packed pasta dish perfect for feeding a crowd.
Today, I’m excited to share with you my beloved Cream of Carrot Soup—a recipe that has stood the test of time! This soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years, making its way to dinner tables for cozy family meals, large gatherings of 200, and elegant first-course presentations. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with deep flavors that make it a true comfort dish.
What’s even better? It’s versatile! Whether you enjoy it as a warming appetizer or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwichfor a heartier meal, this soup never disappoints. And for those following a plant-based diet, this recipe is easily adaptable—just swap the butter for olive oil, use vegetable stock, and replace the cream with coconut cream.
In Quebec, a fricassée is a rustic, comforting dish that evolved from French culinary traditions. Historically, "fricassée" originates from France and refers to a dish where meat (often poultry or veal) is sautéed and then stewed in a white or light sauce. However, in Quebec cuisine, the term took on a more practical and resourceful meaning.
Born during the Great Depression, Pouding Chômeur (or Poor Man’s Pudding) is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly indulgent. This humble yet irresistible dessert features a tender, eggless cake that soaks up a rich, buttery maple syrup sauce as it bakes—resulting in a gooey, caramel-like masterpiece.
Nothing says Sugaring-Off Season quite like a hearty, golden omelet straight from the sugar shack! This traditional Sugar Shack Omelet is a staple in Québec’s maple syrup season, served alongside thick-cut bacon, baked beans, and of course, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Known for its rich, custard-like texture with crisp edges, this omelet starts on the stove-top and then oven-baked for an authentic omelet that is simple yet deeply satisfying.
Whether you're enjoying a sugar shack meal at home or hosting a brunch, this easy, 7-ingredient recipe delivers a rustic, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Québécois classics.
"Quebec Sugar Pie has as many versions as cooks, but tradition demands that the filling be somewhat thin in consistency and, because of its richness, that the depth of the filling be much less than for pies in general." - Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook
This quote perfectly encapsulates how I've experienced sugar pie my entire life. These pies are a staple at every family gathering during the winter, especially during the holidays and Sugaring-Off season (maple syrup making season). For the longest time, I let my aunts handle the sugar pie making, but now it's our turn to carry on these beloved family traditions.
Sugar shack ham is a Quebec classic, especially during maple syrup season. Inspired by the legendary Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook, this dish combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the richness of traditional flavors for a comforting meal.
Why you will love this recipe:
Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Maple Magic: The combination of maple syrup and ham creates a truly unique and delicious flavor profile.
Perfect for any occasion: This dish is versatile and suitable for a variety of occasions, from family gatherings to special dinners.
Nostalgic Appeal: This recipe evokes the warm and cozy atmosphere of a traditional Quebec sugar shack.
Discover a comforting and hearty Split Pea Soup recipe inspired by the Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook. Perfect for a crowd, this traditional Canadian dish combines lentils, a ham bone, and pantry staples for a soul-warming meal.
Looking for a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish? This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables is a recipe I’ve been making for years, and it never fails to impress! Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with smoky paprika and paired with bright lemons, sweet peppers, and savory garlic to create a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time, let the flavors meld during a slow cook, or whip it up quickly for a weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that feels special but requires minimal effort. Perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a keeper!
This homemade tortellini recipe with braised beef, ricotta, and caramelized onions is the perfect comforting dish for family gatherings or weekend cooking projects. Includes tips for easy shortcuts.
Soft, pillowy, and irresistibly chewy, naan is the perfect companion to curries, dips, and grilled meats. Originating from Central and South Asia, with influences from the Middle East, naan has become a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. Interestingly, the word "naan" itself means bread, so calling it "naan bread" is a bit redundant — much like saying "chai tea" or "table mesa."
Bring warmth and bold flavors to your table with this easy and comforting Red Lentil Curry. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients and aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger, this curry is not only bursting with flavor but also offers incredible health benefits. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, makes this dish as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of beef stew simmering away on a cold day. This Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Beef Stew is everything you want in a winter comfort meal—deeply flavorful, tender chunks of beef, and layers of sweet, caramelized onions with earthy mushrooms.
If you're looking for a brownie that's indulgent yet wholesome, this spelt flour brownie recipe will become your new favorite. Spelt, an ancient grain known for its rich, nutty flavor and nutritional benefits, takes these brownies to the next level—dense, moist, and deeply chocolatey. The combination of silky ganache and fresh summer strawberries adds a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy tones of the spelt.
A rich and hearty clam chowder packed with tender clams, creamy potatoes, and the perfect blend of savory seasonings. This dish is comfort food at its best—ideal for cozy fall and winter days.
