Sweet Disposition: Raspberry, Mint and Pistachio Crumb Tart

I remember when the sadness fell over me. I can almost pinpoint the moment when the emotional dagger pierced my skin. I had been the happy-go-lucky kid with a smile that was always painted on my face until that time. And then it ended. Suddenly, and without warning.

I grew up with my mom but as is the case with most split-parent households, I spent time with my dad. Although the majority of my time was spent in the brick house I grew up in, I would visit my dad on weekends and once in a while in between. One day that changed. I moved in with my dad full-time somewhere around age 13. It was different, but it would be fine. I thought.
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Strawberry & Mint Granita

These last two days have been wonderful. One thing cascading down after the other, like a life-sized game of dominoes. The weather, finally exhausted after months of cold wind and bursts of storms, has settled in, relaxed and shown herself in the form of warm days filled with bright sunshine.

The temperature has risen methodically and substantially in recent days and the windows in our homes and cars, long ago closed and practically stuck after prolonged periods in that position, have been opened up for all that fresh air to push over us.

Also, after a week that felt like an eternity, my wife is finally back home. I waited patiently and eagerly at the airport for her through delays, but nothing was going to deflate my mood. When she finally came through the sliding doors it was like seeing the sun over the morning landscape. It was a sight for sore eyes and it was refreshing as the vision washed over me.
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Orange & Mint Salad

Healthy. Refreshing. Flavourful. Did I mention healthy already? This is one of those salads that's incredibly easy and quick to make. Anybody can do this if they have five minutes. It's perfect as a starter on a warm spring day or can be served to cleanse the palate between courses. Either way, this salad is so simple to put together that I can see it making an appearance during the summer months when we want a quick snack. 

I've never been a massive fan of salads, much to my wife's chagrin. When it's colder out I choose soups to salads every day of the week. But when the thermostat starts to creep up, salads have a fighting chance. The options are endless, as can be seen with this variation, and they're usually refreshing and quick. Two terms of endearment in my kitchen. And, the flavours jump right off the plate.

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