The Happy Cooker

Food Philosophy

W elcome to my website dedicated to fine food and healthy eating. We are so lucky to live in Victoria on Vancouver Island. British Columbia.   With easy access to locally found produce, meat, fish & cheeses we are truly blessed with quality choices. I will be incorporating our seasonal bounty in spring and summer menus.

Food grown locally without pesticides and farm raised meat sure makes a difference at the table.

I have adopted the strategies of the "100 Mile Diet" and strive to provide only food cultivated within 100 miles of Victoria for the bulk of my menus.

As for my recipes and ingredients I am a proponent of the Mediterranean diet, considered one of the healthiest in the world. By "diet" I refer to a list of menu characteristics associated with the countries and cultures that border the Mediterranean sea.  I make most things including sauces and glazes from scratch (even some pastas) and prefer fresh herbs for seasoning as well. 

Weight control is easier with low fat choices. All my recipes can easily substitute low fat ingredients to cut back on needless calories. Complex carbs and whole wheat selections are also available for most menu items.

In general, I rarely use butter in my cooking, substituting high quality Olive Oil instead.  Most items are roasted, steamed or seared then finished in the oven for best results. 

Little frying and no deep frying (except for some party appetizers) are part of the preparation process.  When ordering just let me know you want the low cal version of any of the recipes.