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Marcella DiLonardo

Marcella DiLonardo is a recipe developer, food stylist & photographer from Toronto, Canada. She is the author of the cookbook "Bake The Seasons" & creator of the lifestyle blog "Hey Modest Marce".

Spicy Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu & Bok Choy

Spicy Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu & Bok Choy

By Marcella DiLonardo

Skip the take out & make your favourite noodle dish at home! This vegetarian recipe features Soba Noodles, which are a thin Japanese noodle…

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RecipesMay 24, 2025

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Rolls

By Marcella DiLonardo

The hidden star of every Thanksgiving dinner? The dinner rolls of course! They can be enjoyed slathered in butter or eaten alongside the endless…

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From the Oven, RecipesOctober 8, 2024

Basil Lemon Tart

By Marcella DiLonardo

This classic Lemon Tart (also known as Tarte au Citron) infuses fresh basil into the lemon curd for a subtle hint of herby sweetness….

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Desserts, RecipesMay 8, 2024

Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffins

By Marcella DiLonardo

With the Family Day weekend just around the corner, a family-friendly baking recipe is order! These Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffins come together quickly…

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DessertsFebruary 12, 2024

Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine (Burgundy) 

By Marcella DiLonardo

There is something so special (not to mention delicious) about a perfectly braised beef short rib that is fall-off-the-bone tender. Quite possibly one of…

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From the Oven, Recipes, The ClassicsDecember 11, 2023

Maple Cheesecake

By Marcella DiLonardo

Celebrate the start of autumn with a maple syrup infused cheesecake. A simple baked cheesecake using only a handful of ingredients to kick off…

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Desserts, RecipesOctober 5, 2023

Classic Tiramisù

By Marcella DiLonardo

One of my favourite make ahead no-bake desserts to serve during the summer months is a Classic Tiramisu. It is the perfect end to…

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Desserts, RecipesJune 19, 2023

Lemon & Herb Waffles with Smoked Salmon

By Marcella DiLonardo

When we think of waffles for breakfast or brunch, we often think of the sweet dessert-like waffles. But what about savoury waffles for my…

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RecipesApril 5, 2023

Molten Chocolate Cake

By Marcella DiLonardo

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, everyone needs a decadent chocolate recipe to indulge in & this Molten Lava Cake is a chocolate…

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Desserts, RecipesFebruary 7, 2023

Duck à l’Orange

By Marcella DiLonardo

The holiday season is in full swing & on my menu this year is a popular French duck dish: Duck à l’Orange! A roasted &…

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Recipes, The ClassicsDecember 16, 2022

French Chestnut Soup

By Marcella DiLonardo

As the autumn weather arrives & the leaves begin to change colour, I always crave a warm bowl of homemade soup. This traditional French…

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Recipes, The ClassicsOctober 3, 2022

Rosemary & Apple Tarte Tatin

By Marcella DiLonardo

The classic Tarte Tatin originated in the Centre-Val de Loire of France & is named after the Tatin sisters who created this dessert. At…

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Desserts, RecipesSeptember 1, 2022

Tarte à La Tomate

By Marcella DiLonardo

This vibrant & colourful tomato tart is so versatile for summer! It can be served straight from the oven as a seasonal & elegant…

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From the Oven, RecipesJune 30, 2022

Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

By Marcella DiLonardo

Well, I can’t think of a more fitting cake to celebrate May & all the beautiful the flowers in bloom! This cake features layers…

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Desserts, RecipesMay 3, 2022
Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust

Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust

By Marcella DiLonardo

A traditional main to serve for Easter is roasted lamb & this recipe is the perfect dish to make for any size celebration. An…

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RecipesApril 14, 2022

Oeufs Mimosa with Smoked Salmon

By Marcella DiLonardo

Oeufs Mimosa also known as Devilled Eggs are a wonderful appetizer to celebrate the arrival of spring! This version is topped with smoked salmon…

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RecipesMarch 23, 2022

Brioche Bread Pudding with Maple Caramel Sauce

By Marcella DiLonardo

Growing up, bread pudding was one of my favourite desserts. As it wasn’t something my mom often made, seeing it on a dessert menu…

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Desserts, RecipesFebruary 11, 2022

Croque-Monsieur Breakfast Bake

By Marcella DiLonardo

Nothing says comfort more than a recipe loaded with gooey cheese & crispy French bread. This winter season I made my simple baked casserole…

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Recipes, The ClassicsJanuary 24, 2022

French Chocolate Mendiants

By Marcella DiLonardo

Happy holiday season! I am sharing a beautiful, yet (super) simple traditional French Christmas confection. There are almost no rules when it comes to…

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Desserts, RecipesDecember 13, 2021

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

By Marcella DiLonardo

You didn’t think I’d go through the fall season without sharing at least one pumpkin spice recipe did you? After all, pumpkin spice season…

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Desserts, RecipesOctober 8, 2021

Autumn Sweet Potato & Apple Salad

By Marcella DiLonardo

If you aren’t a salad person, this fall harvest salad will be sure to change your mind! It isn’t your average salad. It features…

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RecipesSeptember 17, 2021

Peach & Blueberry Crisp

By Marcella DiLonardo

Is it really summer without a fresh fruit crisp? Some recipes are just worth turning on the oven for and this is definitely one…

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Desserts, RecipesJuly 26, 2021

French-Style Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream

By Marcella DiLonardo

With the hot summer weather in full swing, I can’t think of a better way to cool down after a long day in the…

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Desserts, RecipesJune 21, 2021

Spinach and Mushroom Soufflé

By Marcella DiLonardo

A classic French dish to celebrate the arrival of warmer days! This recipe incorporates fresh spring spinach & hearty mushrooms. Although a souffle has…

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From the Oven, Recipes, The ClassicsApril 29, 2021

Carrot Cake Roll

By Marcella DiLonardo

A Carrot Cake for Easter celebrations is a must in my family! But with gatherings being much smaller this year, my classic three layer…

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Desserts, RecipesMarch 30, 2021

Classic Tourtière

By Marcella DiLonardo

As the cold winter season continues to linger & temperatures reach well into the negatives, a Tourtière is just the comforting recipe we all…

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From the Oven, RecipesFebruary 24, 2021

Bison Bourguignon

By Marcella DiLonardo

With the cold & snowy January weather upon us, there is nothing more comforting than a hearty winter stew. This recipe is a simplified…

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Main Course, Recipes, Wine IdeasJanuary 14, 2021

Chocolate Fudge Cake With Smoked Sea Salt

By Marcella DiLonardo

Happy holidays! Who is ready to dive head first into this decadent chocolate fudge cake? It features a dark chocolate ganache frosting & a…

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Desserts, RecipesDecember 17, 2020

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream

By Marcella DiLonardo

Because it isn’t October without a little pumpkin spice (or in my case a lot of pumpkin spice), this recipe celebrates my favourite seasonal…

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Desserts, RecipesOctober 27, 2020

Autumn Squash, Pear + Ginger Potage

By Marcella DiLonardo

Autumn is here! I wait all year for the start of my favourite season. Just the sight of squash & pumpkins at the market…

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RecipesOctober 1, 2020

Heirloom Tomato + Gorgonzola Galettes de Sarrasin (Buckwheat Crepes)

By Marcella DiLonardo

A Galette de Sarrasin, also known as a Buckwheat Crepe is a savoury style pancake. Unlike a traditional sweet crepe, the batter is made…

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Recipes, The ClassicsAugust 21, 2020

Roasted Berry & White Chocolate Mousse

By Marcella DiLonardo

July marks the start of Ontario’s summer berry season! Arguably the best part of summer living in the Niagara Region, surrounded by endless pick-your-own-fruit…

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Desserts, RecipesJuly 21, 2020

Roasted Ratatouille with Pearl Couscous

By Marcella DiLonardo

Hello summer! The season to enjoy endless dinners & drinks on the patio. Something about eating outdoors just makes things taste that much better….

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From the Oven, RecipesJune 11, 2020

French Strawberry Rhubarb Cake

By Marcella DiLonardo

Hello May! We are entering (arguably) one of the most beautiful seasons of the year in Ontario: Cherry Blossom & Magnolia season. Although everything…

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Desserts, Recipes, The ClassicsMay 8, 2020

Spring Asparagus and Brie Tart

By Marcella DiLonardo

After a long (long) winter, spring is finally here! I can hear the birds chirping away as the garden begins to bloom. One of…

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From the Oven, RecipesMarch 20, 2020

Blood Orange and Cardamom Mini Fluted Cakes

By Marcella DiLonardo

Happy Valentine’s, friends! I am so excited to share these pretty in pink mini fluted cakes with you. This year, I am shaking things…

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Desserts, RecipesFebruary 11, 2020

Root Vegetable Hachis Parmentier

By Marcella DiLonardo

On a cold winter night, it doesn’t get more comforting than this Hachis Parmentier featuring a beef & root vegetable stew as the base….

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Recipes, The ClassicsJanuary 14, 2020

Eggnog Pots De Crème

By Marcella DiLonardo

Happy December! Tis the season for all things festive & when the holidays roll around, there is nothing I crave more than a tall…

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Desserts, RecipesDecember 9, 2019

Pumpkin + Squash Gratin

By Marcella DiLonardo

As a fall enthusiast, let the cozy crisp days of fall begin! The start of October is my favourite time of year. It is…

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From the Oven, Recipes, The ClassicsOctober 3, 2019

Peach + Hazelnut Frangipane Tart

By Marcella DiLonardo

I know many of us are sad that summer is quickly coming to an end, but there is something to look forward to towards…

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Desserts, Recipes, The ClassicsAugust 29, 2019

Warm Haricots Verts & Fingerling Potato Salad

By Marcella DiLonardo

Summer is officially here & I couldn’t be more excited! The season of spontaneous road trips, endless fresh local produce & the best outdoor…

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RecipesJuly 17, 2019

Strawberry Almond Clafoutis

By Marcella DiLonardo

Strawberry season is here! It is time to get out the fruit baskets & go strawberry picking at your local farms. I think strawberry…

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Desserts, RecipesMay 9, 2019

Roasted Blueberry Crepes

By Marcella DiLonardo

I think it is safe to say we are all ready for warmer spring days. As the winter slowly comes to an end, I…

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Desserts, Recipes, The ClassicsApril 24, 2019

Stovetop Coq Au Vin

By Marcella DiLonardo

When the snow is falling outside, there is nothing better then cozying up in the kitchen & cooking a comforting meal. Coq Au Vin…

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Main Course, Recipes, The ClassicsJanuary 21, 2019

Gingerbread Bûche de Noël

By Marcella DiLonardo

This season, I am sharing a modern twist on a French classic! The traditional Bûche de Noël is a Christmas dessert served in France, made…

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Desserts, Recipes, The ClassicsDecember 17, 2018

Apple, Cranberry & Sausage Stuffing

By Marcella DiLonardo

Because you can’t have turkey without stuffing, today I am sharing the recipe for an upscaled version of a classic. Canadian Thanksgiving is just…

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From the Oven, Recipes, The ClassicsOctober 6, 2018

Poached Pears with Cinnamon & Cardamom

By Marcella DiLonardo

I am so excited for autumn! Cue: apples, pears, pumpkins, crisp leaves & ALL the cozy spices. When we think of spiced fall desserts,…

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Desserts, RecipesSeptember 7, 2018

Summer Heirloom Tomato and Pistou Penne

By Marcella DiLonardo

When it comes to summer cooking, I find myself inspired to cook more simple dishes. Dishes that are inspired by what is vibrant in…

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Main Course, The ClassicsJuly 16, 2018

Rhubarb Pistachio Pavlova

By Marcella DiLonardo

Though I am an avid lover of the Fall and Winter seasons, there is one thing I look forward to every Spring: the arrival…

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Desserts, RecipesJune 14, 2018

Spring Galette

By Marcella DiLonardo

Who is ready for the spring time? This winter has been (what seems like) never ending & I cannot wait for the farmers markets…

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Recipes, The ClassicsMarch 29, 2018
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About our Blog

We hope this blog will inspire you to try new recipes at home and bring you new perspectives on our beautiful countries, France and Canada.

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