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 by Richelle Fortin
Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) aren’t just for show—they've been used in traditional herbal practices, though quietly and without much fanfare. Here are a few gentle health notes:
Calming Aromatherapy: The soft scent of lilac is known to uplift the mood and help ease stress. A whiff of lilac-infused lemonade is like aromatherapy in a glass.
Digestive Tonic: Historically, lilac infusions were used in folk medicine to stimulate appetite and soothe digestive discomfort.
In Quebec, late May and early June bring a fleeting, fragrant miracle: the bloom of lilacs. These old-fashioned flowers, often found lining driveways, backyards, and parks, burst open in clusters of lavender, pink, or white. Their sweet scent is unmistakable — nostalgic, calming, and powerful enough to evoke memories with a single breath.
And what better way to preserve this joy than by capturing it in a glass? Lilac lemonade is not only beautiful and refreshing, but it also brings that delicate floral aroma into the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a handful of blossoms, you can toast the season in the most delicious way.
If you've only had “Belgian waffles” at a brunch spot or from a box mix, you're in for a sweet surprise. These Liège waffles are the real deal—rich, chewy, and studded with caramelized pockets of Belgian pearl sugar. Unlike the light and fluffy Brussels-style waffles, Liège waffles are made from a buttery brioche-style dough that’s folded with crunchy sugar pearls that melt and crisp up in the waffle iron. The result? A golden, slightly sticky waffle with addictive texture and bold flavor.
There is something about gelato that is reminiscent of all that is good in life. Gelato still has dairy products, it is much like ice cream, but what the Italians did differently from us, is that they use more more flavour in their mixture to start with, there is a true concentration of whatever flavour you wish to use and that makes it lighter and more full flavoured in your mouth, a real party of the taste buds.
In 2018, my son Xavier and I embarked on a delightful baking adventure to create a Lightning McQueen cake for my grandson Sylbert's birthday. Xavier's meticulous attention to detail brought the iconic character to life, making it a memorable centerpiece for the celebration. This cake not only delighted Sylbert but also became a favorite among readers. Now, I'm excited to share an updated version of our tutorial, enriched with clearer instructions and tips to help you recreate this showstopper.
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.
Natural compounds found in plant-based foods.
They give fruits and vegetables their color, taste, and smell.
Act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in the body.
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.
As spring unfurls her tender green fingers, I find myself planning more than just a garden — I'm planting the beginnings of meals shared on frosty nights, the spark of summer’s heat captured in a fiery sauce, the earthy comfort of roasted roots long after the leaves have fallen.
This year, I’m growing with preservation in mind. Each seed I tuck into the soil carries the hope of jars lined up neatly in the pantry, of flavors deepened by time, of nourishment ready when the earth sleeps.
This cake is a tribute to my parents, whose wedding cake was—of course—a rum cake. My father often reminded me, “They just don’t make them like they used to.” And he was right. This decadent dessert brings back all the nostalgia, the richness, and the celebration that a real rum cake should. Sweet, buttery, and infused with just enough rum to feel special, it's the kind of dessert that turns any Sunday supper or festive gathering into an occasion.
Soft, citrus-infused, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, these buttery lemon brownies are the perfect sweet treat for Easter, spring brunches, or any sunny get-together.
Say hello to your new favorite spring dessert! These Buttery Lemon Brownies are everything you love about a classic fudgy brownie—minus the chocolate and full of vibrant citrus flavor. With their rich, buttery texture and bright lemon glaze, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
This Mediterranean Bread is the ultimate fusion of rustic homemade bread and bold, flavourful ingredients. Try it for your next gathering or as a special treat to elevate your everyday meals!
If you're looking for a bread that goes beyond the ordinary, this Mediterranean Bread is the perfect choice. Packed with vibrant flavors from roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and prosciutto, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of savory goodness. This bread is delicious on its own, making it a great option for picnics or casual gatherings, but it truly shines when dipped in high-quality olive oil with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or balsamic vinegar. Whether served alongside a meal or as a standalone treat, this rustic loaf will quickly become a favorite.
Looking for the perfect all-in-one salad that’s hearty enough for a full meal yet refreshing enough for warm-weather gatherings? This Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing is just what you need! Packed with bold flavors, fresh veggies, and protein-rich ingredients, this salad is a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, BBQs, and potlucks.
Over the years, I perfected my own method, tweaking it until it became just right. I still make it daily during the summer, and it has become a signature drink at my house. Friends and family know they can always count on a cold, refreshing glass when they visit on a warm spring or summer day. Some have even gone out of their way just to stop by for one!
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.
As a grandmother and passionate home cook, I love making biscotti for babies and toddlers—especially for teething little ones. These homemade biscotti are not just a soothing treat for sore gums; they are also packed with nutrition.
What I enjoy most about making these is knowing that I’m offering something wholesome—something parents feel good about giving to their little ones. My goal is always to use high-quality ingredients that provide both nourishment and satisfaction.
There’s something magical about fondue nights. Whether you're cozying up with your sweetheart, hosting a lively family dinner, or enjoying a fun night with friends, fondue brings people together like no other meal. Even kids love the excitement of dipping bite-sized goodies into a simmering pot of flavorful broth! Plus, making your own fondue broth is way more affordable than buying pre-made versions—without any mystery ingredients!
Marinating meat makes a huge difference when grilling or broiling! A good marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also allows you to use more affordable cuts without compromising on flavor.
I love using large Ziploc bags for marinating because it lets me massage the marinade into the meat while also reducing dishes. I also feel that removing the air from the bag helps the flavors penetrate the meat even better—who knows!
Looking for a delicious and unique way to enjoy savoury pancakes? These small but flavour-packed zucchini and corn pancakes bring together the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of spice. While they make a fantastic side dish, my niece Felicity would argue that they’re good enough to be the whole meal!
