Returning home and Tomato Farro Salad

by Aimee

I‘ve returned from a week of travel on Canada’s West Coast and have found myself surprisingly short on words. Could I be talked out? It’s entirely possible.

First there were two short days on my brother’s homestead nestled under the towering peaks of Hudson Bay Mountain. Over meals such as grilled wild salmon and apple cider braised grouse, we shared our hearts with each other far into the night, making up for lost time.

From there I took two flights and two ferries to meet up with my retired parents who are setting up on Cortez in the Discovery Islands. We roamed beaches in the first light of day and pried open oysters harvested from under our feet at the water’s edge. We talked of the past, present and future; we laughed and even argued a bit. Family does that.

I ended the week at the Food Bloggers of Canada conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. Conversation never ends at those events. It trickles from the elevators, down the long hallways and spills into rooms filled with writers from across the country.

Over cocktails and cupcakes, we connected with each other, renewing former friendships and igniting new. On the last day, I spoke from the stage, urging my fellow bloggers to seek inspiration in one another instead of imitation. To choose community over competition.

By the time I buckled my seatbelt for the red eye flight back to Montreal, my throat was hoarse. I could barely croak out a request for tea to the flight attendant.  Since I’ve been home, I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to focus my thoughts.

I witnessed such beauty in the landscape of Northern British Columbia, I am doubtful I can put it to words just yet. Similarly, I left the conference speechless; I am still filing everything away – the pep talks, the encouragement and the inspiration.

A blanket of leaves fell on the homestead while I was gone, camouflaging all but a few cherry tomatoes that continued to ripen despite the cooler temperatures. I harvested them all for a salad, a recipe I’ve been meaning to share with you since it went up over on Jamie Oliver’s blog.

Now that we are well into fall, healthy grains have taken the place of my leafy summer greens in daily salads. I’ve gotten into the habit of keeping a bit of cooked quinoa or farro on hand in the refrigerator so my lunches can come together with minimal effort.

Farro is a versatile ancient grain with a nutty flavour that pairs well with delicate tomatoes and mild herbs. Its delightfully chewy texture holds up well to bold vinaigrettes and the grains don’t get soggy overnight in the refrigerator.

Find the recipe for Autumn Tomato Farro Salad on JamieOliver.com.

I hope to write more about my trip soon, when my words return and flow cohesively. Let me just say that your warm response to my cookbook cover reveal has also factored into my speechlessness. Thank you for your kind comments and emails.

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