Leila Pejman

   When Pinterest came out, I was fascinated by the beautiful recipes. However, while their dishes are pretty to look at, there is no way I could replicate them without food styling. That’s why I’ve almost abandoned Pinterest and have started using apps again: following one cooking influencer is much simpler than doing a random Google/Pinterest search. Here are two free apps to turn you into a culinary pro.

 Summer cocktails are so much more enjoying outside on a patio. I’ve discovered two free apps to help you make the perfect beverage. 

As a child, I was confused when someone of Persian descent claimed to be a vegetarian. It just didn’t make sense to me. Growing up, we survived on BBQed kebobs, from grilled bite-sized steak (barg), to ground meat (kobedeh), to saffron-marinated chicken (joojeh). What else would Persian people eat? So when Best Buy approached me to write a piece on Vegan Persian dishes, I immediately said it was impossible. After all, the cuisine is pretty meat focused. But my Mama Pej knocked some sense into me by asking, “This entire time, you never noticed the vegetarian options at our parties?” I had to admit they existed. But could these dishes be veganized? They sure can. Here are some Persian vegan recipes.  

 You can prepare delicious side salads to go with any vegan BBQ. Or you can serve a hearty salad as a meal, by loading it up with lots of different proteins (just not meat, chicken, or fish) and other ingredients such as quinoa and rice.

 I like to host parties, but I’m realizing that I have to add vegan options to the appetizers I serve. Since summer calls for BBQ, here are some vegan recipes that will earn star status on the grill.  

 I’m excited because BBQ season is almost here. I live in the East and we’ve finally been receiving warm weather. Barbequing is on my mind. I’m dreaming about it. But I don’t want to give you another article about putting hot dogs or burger patties on the grill. Nope. Those can be store bought. These recipes will turn you into an epic BBQ chef. Becoming an epic chef requires being fearless and open to crafting food in an unconventional way. Are you ready?    

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Even though we should celebrate our mom’s all the time, May 8 marks the day when they deserve a special gift. Whether you are honouring your mom, grandma, auntie, wife or someone else, here are seven great gift ideas for the active woman in your life.  

For us Canadians living in the East, the idea of summer seems doubtful. I say this only because it snowed in mid-April (ahem). However, I have faith that summer will arrive eventually and for that reason, let’s get the patio pimping to perfection. If you start planning now, once the heat shows up, you’ll be lounging outside with your favourite cocktail while your friends are scrambling for patio furniture.

Spring is just around the corner and next thing you know, summer will have arrived. When most people think of summer, they picture beaches, patios, and bathing suits, but I love me a good BBQ party. Food just tastes better on a grill. So it’s no surprise that I’m trying to make the experience portable. A portable BBQ will become your new best friend—and help you make lots of others.

I’m a big fan of herbs, especially basil. I grew up in a Persian household and herbs were always served with dinner. Wrapping feta cheese and fresh mint, dill, parsley or basil in warm Persian bread is especially delicious. I could live off that meal and never get tired of it. But I could never figure out how to get my herbs to last for a long time. I turned to Pinterest for a solution, and discovered the Prepara Herb Savor. I then noticed that Best Buy carried it, and asked them to send me a sample of this kitchen gadget to review.