Butterflyfood

individual shepherd's pie

2012-01-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

I do fear it's been quite a while and neglecting this little space is something I'd rather not do. So back for the new year my one resolution is to post more, much more, and there is rather a few things that I've been dying to try out. This shepherds pie recipe has been a long awaited one and completely well worth it. Delicious to be exact.

Head on over here for the recipe (I just added carrots and corn to the dish since I've been trying to get some more veg in).

Wishing you all a happy weekend!

its been a while...

2011-11-09T12:05:00.009-05:00

Yes, it been a while hasn't it? How have you all been doing? Ready for the season? Christmas is just around the corner and I'm pretty excited. I already can't wait to start watching Christmas movies, roasting chestnuts and trimming the tree. Who's with me?

These three treats aren't quite christmas but good nothing less. As excited as I am about it this year it's still a tad too early for me. One of my Aunts who adores Christmas put up her tree and I'm sure decorations too before halloween was even over! Intense.

tri-colour tomatoes and goat cheese on bread

1 loaf rustic bread (ie, cabatta or sour dough)

3-4 vine tomatoes in different colours, sliced

2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for frying, optional)

2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 clove garlic

goat cheese for spreading

salt and pepper to taste

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and sesame oil and mix. On a large plate lay sliced tomatoes and drizzle over dressing. Toast bread until slightly browned (optional: not the heathy-iest but super tasty, in a frying pan eat 1-2 tbsp olive oil and fry bread until slightly browned and crispy). Cut your garlic clove in half and rub it right onto the crispy bread (2-4 times should be well enough). Spread on goat cheese, top with tomatoes and sprinkle over thyme and salt and pepper.

almond cake with vanilla cherry compote

recipe adapted from Donna Hay

for the almond cake

90g butter, softened

1/2 cup caster sugar

2 eggs

1 cup ground almonds

1/4 all-purpose flour

2 tsp grated lemon rind

1/4 tsp baking powder

for the vanilla cherry compote

100g caster sugar

4 tbsp lemon juice

1 pint cherries, pitted

1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Preheat the oven to 320 F. Place the butter and sugar in a food processor and process until just combined. Add the eggs, ground almonds, flour, lemon rind and baking powder and process until just combined. Spoon the mixture into a fluted edged pie tin with a loose bottom. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked when tested with a wooden skewer. Let cool.

Combine sugar and lemon juice in a medium sauce pan and cook over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add cherries and vanilla and cook until mixture is slightly syrupy (3-5min). Let cool and top on cake.

The homemade honey butter cornbread I saw over on Kristen's blog Dine and Dish not too long ago and had to absolutely try since I have never made cornbread before. Check out Kristen's adapted version here and the original recipe from Real Simple.

summer/winter?

2011-10-06T19:52:00.014-04:00

With the colder weather on the way or at some points already here. Roasting up some hearty goodness is a must this cold season. Who's with me? But I realize now that I'm writing this we are in the mists of an indian summer. So this somehow doesn't seem quite fitting. Just last week the coldness was enough to think summer was officially over forever, but here we are with gorgeous sunny warm breezy days. Really though, who doesn't love a good roast winter or summer? And what better way to finish off a meal of such? Eton mess. First time making/trying and quite possibly may be my favorite new dessert.

roasted pear and pork

1 3 lb boneless pork loin

3 pears, halved

1 bulb garlic, broken apart, 1 clove finely chopped

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp pepper

a few sprigs each of thyme and rosemary

sesame oil or olive oil for drizzling

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Coat the cutting board with the salt, pepper and chopped garlic. Roll the pork along the board to coat. In a pan on medium high heat sear the pork until golden and you get a bit of a crust. Place in a baking dish with the halved pears and garlic ( I would have added onions here, but I didn't have any on hand). Rip apart the thyme and rosemary and sprinkle over. Drizzle with oil and cook for about 60-75 minutes. Cover in tin foil and let rest for 5-10 min.

eton mess

recipe adapted from Sophia Dahal

for the meringues

4 egg whites

1 cup caster sugar

pinch of salt

toasted almond slivers to serve

for the compote

1 1/2 cups strawberries quartered

3 tbsp caster sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 140 C or 275 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl of an electric mixer whisk the egg whites until they reach firm peaks. Add the sugar and salt and whisk until the mixture is thick (about 8 min). Spoon the mixture into rounds on the baking sheet, leaving a gap between each. Bake for 1 hour. Any extras and be saved in an air tight tin.

To make the strawberry compote add the sugar and strawberries and bring to a boil. Stir and let cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Set aside to cool.

Whip the cream until soft and fluffy, add the vanilla. Fold in the strawberry mixture so you get a sort of ripple effect happening. In 4 glasses or 1 bowl add the cream/fruit mixture then crumble in the meringues in a layering effect or fold all in together. Top with the toasted almonds and serve.

pecan and thyme peach cobbler

2011-08-29T08:10:00.000-04:00

First things first. Sorry for the long hiatus here on the blog. Summer's been busy and I haven't baked a whole lot, plus the heat this year was a little outrageous and seriously the furthest thing on my mind was turing on the oven. But now that cooler weather is approaching I'll be able to get myself back into the kitchen and share some goods and goodies with you all. I really have missed it.

Peaches are ripe right now and what better thing to do with them is bake them into something just a little bit special. So why not make a peach cobbler? I made this for three reasons. One, I had a lot of peaches. Second I was told I should make it and third well... I have never made it before. Those are pretty good reasons to give it a go right? I think so.

Verdict? It didn't look quite as I hoped but it did taste pretty darn good and that's all that matters right? Right.

Is there anything you cool people want to see on the blog for future posts? Let me know what you'd be looking forward to reading/seeing.

I'm a little short on time, so I'll will be posting the recipe for this in the next couple of days. Happy week everyone!

all about the pie

2011-07-05T10:05:00.006-04:00

Today over the web a virtual pie party is happening. For my contribution to pie day I went with the classic's.

Sadly I don't have any recipes to share for this one. They were kind of a mix of a few different recipes I found in a cookbook and online. I will leave you though with an recipe for apple pie I tried a while back from here.

Happy pie day!

outdoor eats part two

2011-06-18T16:56:00.004-04:00

Now with the weather getting hotter and sunny days are in abundance (love) and cooking anything complicated is out of the question. You want something healthy, quick and fresh. One of my go to things especially if you have people coming over and you're firing up the grill but you don't want to go the meat and potato salad route is to gather up some veg and grill some ciabattas. I love using jarred roasted bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes for things like this. Add a few other favorite things, top with cheese and your ready to go.

Another of my favorites is out of the ordinary salads. Forget the caesar or garden salad and op for something different, maybe with roasted butternut squash? Which tastes great cold too if you want this salad portable. Maybe too fall? You could always do watermelon.

Last we cannot forget about dessert. Hot days require something cold and light and oh so refreshing. Ice pops are perfection on days like this.

pina colada ice pops

100% pineapple juice

1 can coconut milk

juice of 1/2 a lime

3 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

3 tsp desiccated coconut

(coconut rum optional)

In a bowl mix the coconut milk with the honey, vanilla, lime juice and coconut. Set aside. In a popsicle mold or small paper cups fill the mold half of the way with the pineapple juice. Place in the freezer for 1-2hrs, place a popsicle stick in if using the paper cup mold just before it it fully frozen. Let that freeze. Add the coconut mixture and freeze for about 2-4hrs or over night. Makes 4-8 pops depending on size of the mold.

Grilled open-faced ciabatta's

(or add all your favorite things to a slice of thick bread and grill it)

First half (sweet and earthy): Red chili jam, dijon mustard, arugula, shallots, radish, roasted yellow bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Top with mozzarella or goats cheese and a drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil and salt and pepper to taste. Place on a grill or roast in the oven until cheese has melted and the veg is slightly soft.

Second half (smokey and salty): Basil pesto, arugula, roasted yellow bell pepper, sun dried tomatoes (in oil), cherry tomatoes and prosciutto. Top with white cheddar, mozzarella or goats cheese (your choice) and drizzle with olive oil and pinch of pepper.

Butternut squash and feta salad

1 medium size squash

50g greek feta

arugula and spinach leaf mix

roasted sunflower seeds

for the dressing

2-3 tbs olive oil

1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 clove garlic finely chopped

2-3 tbsp rice wine vinegar

Heat oven to 350 F. Cut up the squash in to medium size chunks, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and place on a pan in the oven. Cook for 15-20 min or until soft. Let cool. Meanwhile mix all the ingredients together for the dressing. In a bowl add the arugula and spinach mix, the cooled squash, and the sunflower seeds. Add as much dressing as you need and lightly toss. Top with feta and a pinch of pepper.

Have an amazing weekend and happy father's day to all the father's out there!

outdoor eats part one

2011-06-10T08:25:00.000-04:00

Outdoor eats. We love them. There's nothing better then gathering a bunch of friends, lots of food and sitting it all out under the big blue sky or even the starring night. This is my favorite time of year for this reason alone. The weather is nice, everyone is more relaxed and fresh produce is abundant. I can't complain.

For the recipes, check out the summer issue of N.E.E.T. magazine, where both of these recipes and I were featured along with a couple other fab bloggers.

Happy Weekend!

strawberry sugar

2011-05-18T19:09:00.008-04:00

Strawberry sugar? It might look a little like the pink powered drink mixes at the bulk store or maybe even a bit like kool-aid. Oh gosh did I ever love kool-aid as a kid, like eat it by the spoonfuls or dip your fingers in it kind of love. I would sit in this enormous chair they had in the corner with kool-aid tin in hand and watch cartoons. My mom never bought the stuff, so I would only ever have it at my Grandma's house. I swear they had an unlimited supply and I'm pretty sure my aunt still buys it to this day although I think she's given up on the red drink and has now moved on to blue.

So yes, it does look a bit like kool-aid but is near nothing of the sort. This is just two ingredients here. Freeze dried strawberries and cane sugar to pretty much do with what ever you think best. Ice cream? Muffins? Or even on cereal? I think yes!

I saw a raspberry version of this in something of Donna Hay's which I can no longer find but I know it pretty much consisted of putting the dried strawberries in a food processor which turns it to powder then is mixed into the sugar. Easy peasy.

happy mother's day

2011-05-07T16:42:00.009-04:00

So I made my mom some pretty special little chocolate puddings for mother's day. She's not the biggest chocolate fan, but every once in a while she's all for it and considering I made her a proper roast dinner to go along with it, where she just might have happened to be more excited about the carrot mash then the chocolate puddings.

Total opposite to me right there.

I just wanted to wish all the mother's out there the best of days and to my awesome Mom. Love you!

Here she is rocking a side pony tail back in the day. Love it.

rich dark chocolate pots

1/2 cup cream

200g chocolate 70% or higher (chopped)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 egg yolks

1/3 cup icing sugar

1/2 cup chocolate cookie crumbs

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the cream and let simmer. Add the vanilla, stir in the chopped chocolate until melted and smooth. Add the sugar and whisk in the egg yolks until glossy. Place in small cups or shot glasses and refrigerate to set for at least 2-4 hrs. Add cookie crumbs to top and serve.

makes 8-10

grilled plum little cakes

2011-04-23T20:09:00.009-04:00

Grilled plums are glorious. Enough said. No, I think I'll say a little more. Grilled plums coated in vanilla sugar then popped into a pan to caramelize is one amazing thing if not only for the juices it makes, but putting them into little cakes like this and topping it with key lime vanilla syrup is over the bar. The syrup alone is something if not spectacular.

I saw the little bags of key limes at the grocery and knew I just had to do something with them, so I set my self up with the grueling task of juicing the little limes. Not fun. But believe me it well worth it. This I'm sure would be pretty sweet drizzled on pancakes too.

So enough about limes and plums. Is everyone enjoying the long weekend? It's going by far too fast for me, which is the usual case isn't it? At least later today I'll be heading to my Grams for Easter dinner and probably eating far too much.

What is everyone else up to?

key lime syrup

1 cup key lime juice

1/2 cup superfine sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract with beans

or half a vanilla pod, seeds removed

grilled plum little cakes

2 plums, halved and stones removed

1/4 cup sugar for plums

95 g butter, room tempt

1/2 cup superfine sugar

2 eggs

1 cup of ground almond

1/4 cup plain flour

2 tsp grated lime rind

1/4 tsp baking powder

For the key lime syrup, place the sugar and juice in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until it thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon. Put to the side to cool.

Place the 1/4 cup of sugar on to a plate and place the plums cut-side down to coat in sugar. Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium heat and place the plums cut-side down to cook for 2-3 minutes until you get some good colour. Place on a plate to cool.

Heat up the oven to 320 F. Add the butter and 1/2 cup of sugar to an electric mixture with a paddle attachment and beat until combined. Add the eggs, ground almond, flour, lime rind and baking powder and mix until combined. Grease four 3 inch round tart tins or one 8 inch round spring form cake pan and spoon the mixture in. Lightly press the plums into the mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes. A bit longer if you're using the cake pan. Test with a skewer. Cool then drizzle with key lime syrup to serve.

lazy days

2011-04-11T12:42:00.004-04:00

This is one of those meals that even in your laziest moments turns out amazing. No dough rolling or unthawing, just a simple whole wheat pita topped with some healthy goodness.

I have to tell you, as of late, I have become obsessed with tomato pesto. It tastes good on everything... well almost. So forget sauce on pizza it's all about the pesto it really is. Finish it off with wasabi arugula (which I never knew existed before but tastes pretty darn good), roasted red peppers, olives, fresh tomatoes and goat cheese and it's sure to be a pleaser. I think I ate this just about three times last week. Yep that good.

It being so super easy, just top all your faves on to a pita and stick it on a pizza stone or pan and set into a oven at 350 d for about 10-15 min or until your cheese has melted and you're good to go.

salted goods and other goodies

2011-04-05T15:51:00.020-04:00

So I went on a little salt kick and made some salted pb and chocolate chip cookies from here and salted caramel popcorn. Oh my, both were pretty darn delicious, it's all about the salty sweet mix isn't it? It really is. It's probably one of my absolute fav's and I've made those cookies twice since. I just had to, they were getting eatin' up!

I guess I decided to get a little crafty too and label my cutlery jars which I just had to show you all. They are pretty self explanatory in their own right but who doesn't love a cute simple label? Totally easy too. Just some sticker letters stuck to the jar. I'm in love with it.

Oh and the prints below of the vintage knives and wooden spoons? Just a little something I've been working on. Like or dislike? I'm thinking about adding them to my shop.

salted caramel popcorn

recipe adapted from Jamie Magazine issue 13

70 ml peanut oil

60 g icing sugar

50 g popping corn

a big pinch of salt

heat the peanut oil and icing sugar in a heavy sauce pan over medium heat until the icing sugar turns a light golden caramel (the sugar will separate from the oil, so don't be alarmed), add the popping corn and mix well into the caramel. When the corn starts to jump pop the lid on the pan and leave for 3-4 minutes. Pour out into a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt.

oh my,

2011-03-25T08:34:00.003-04:00

One of my friends is one of those friends that you pretty much talk about nothing but food with. It's funny, it's like forget everything else, lets discuss all things food. I love it.

I'm pretty sure we were remarking on all the goodness that is cheese, where she told me that 'I must absolutely try this, you'll love it!' So I decided to attempt it one afternoon, I think her version involved brie where I went with camembert, but she was right. I loved it. Like a lot.

baked camembert

1 250g disk of camembert

1 unthawed sheet of puff pastry

2-3 tbsp red chili jam/jelly

half a handful of walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350d. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay the puff pasty sheet out and place the cheese in the middle. Spread the chili jam or jelly on the cheese, this can be quite thick, and top with the walnuts. Bring in each corners of the pastry (feel free to do a fancy fold, if you know any or cutting to get a little bit of a more elegant effect), just bring one corner over the other to cover the cheese, brush with an egg wash and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until it has browned.

I scooped up the gooey goodness with cucumbers, but feel free to use whatever... apple slices would be amazing.

Happy weekend all!

beet goodness

2011-03-20T11:36:00.007-04:00

Sorry for being a little mia lately, got a little busy there, but I have been working on lots to share that will be coming up very soon. So for now I leave you with some pretty amazing roast veg. Well it's really only one veg, beets. Yellow and candy cane beets. These have got to be my favorite if not only for the amazing colours, but for the fact that there is no pink fingers! Well maybe not completely, the candy cane variety isn't totally stain proof.

roasted beets

6 medium size beets, quartered

2-3 tbsp olive oil

2-3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Place everything in a baking dish and mix to coat (feel free to add some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme). Cover with tin foil and place in a 350 d oven for 25-30min or until slightly soft when poked with a fork. You can take the tin foil off about 5-10min before so it will allow for some browning.

garlic yogurt

1 cup of plain yogurt

1/2 a clove of garlic finely chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together, cover and let sit in the fridge while the beets are roasting since the longer it sits the better it tastes.

pancake day

2011-03-08T13:27:00.003-05:00

Today is pancake day my friends! Anybody else going to partake in a little pancake treat? If you are what's your favorite topping for these fluffy round delights? Are you gonna go classic with maple syrup? Or maybe lemon and honey? Or maybe even take it more savory then sweet?

I was totally looking forward to this today, that is until I woke up with a mega headache and lost the craving.... maybe tomorrow then.

If your looking for a pancake recipe try this.

right now...

2011-02-28T16:26:00.010-05:00

...is heaven.

Oh my, bacon wrapped asparagus has got to be the best weekend morning treat, add the soft boiled egg for dipping, and it sends this breakfast right over the top.

I have to tell you all that I'm a bit on a asparagus kick at the moment. I love the stuff. Grilled, roasted, boiled, all of it. I know it might not be the most elegant of kicks considering some of it's fall backs. You know the one's I'm talking about. Yes, asparagus might make your pee smell or the stringy bits will get caught in your teeth, but when you love something as I do these, you can set those slightly unpleasant things aside.

Oh and this down there, just some dill roasted potatoes... which I might need to make again pretty soon.

back to basics: crumble

2011-02-19T13:32:00.013-05:00

Why don't I ever write things down when they pop in my head? Especially when at night in bed you start thinking of something great and you got it all worked out, exactly what you're going to write. There's that small sigh of relief and you're happy because you know just what you're going to do, yet you're too lazy to reach for a pen and paper so you tell yourself you'll remember it in the morning... yeah that pretty much never happens.

Or maybe could be just starting to forget things? Anybody with me here? Anybody?

What does all this have to do with crumble? Nothing. I just had a hankering for a little bit of comfort food and crumble for me is just right along those lines.

Walnut, coconut and apple, blueberry crumble

serves 4

1 handful of walnuts, toasted an chopped

1/4 cup of coconut

1/2 cup of rolled oats

1/2 cup plain flour

4 tsp brown sugar

1/4 cup of butter

3 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced

1/2 cup of orange juice

1 cup of blueberries

2 tbsp of vanilla sugar

a good pinch of cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350 D or 180 C. Mix the walnuts, coconut, sugar, oats and flour. Melt the butter and stir into the mixture. If you don't want to melt the butter, you can work the room temp butter into the mixture until you get pea size crumbles.

2. In a pan on med-high heat pour in a little oil add the apples, give it a stir, then add half the orange juice and let it cook until it becomes sticky and the apples are slightly soft. Add the vanilla sugar and spices and mix to combine. 3.Divide the mixture into 4 small ramekins, divide the blueberries among them and pour the remaining orange juice into each ramekin then top with the crumble mixture. (making and freezing the crumble in advance is a good tip if your short on time and also helps in the crumbling process.)

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crunchy.

Hope your all enjoying the long weekend!

just in time for valentines...

2011-02-12T16:35:00.007-05:00

Weather you have a special someone or not there's no reason not to indulge a little on valentines and break out the homemade side of yourself with some baking and possibly a little art and crafts. Who wouldn't love a little handmade gift?

The cupcakes are a simple vanilla cupcake recipe with vanilla buttercream icing then dipped in a bowl of coconut, easy peasy. I made the little flags out of bamboo skewers and cardstock cut into little flags and the 'I love you' banner is a wee smaller version of this.

Hope your all having an amazing weekend and I'll be wishing you all the loveiest of valentines.

right now...

2011-02-01T14:48:00.008-05:00

Man, I don't do salad's very often -eeek really I should- but this sexy piece of greenery has got me good. I seriously could eat this everyday. This warm salad has all the right bits, texture, flavor's and healthy goodness.

recipe

(or more like what I threw together)

arugula and spinach leaf mix

1/2 cup cucumber sliced thinly

1 cup of edamame beans, frozen

2-3 rashers of bacon

1 handful of whole pecans crushed

fresh mozzarella ripped apart (optional)

dressing

2 tsp rice wine vinegar

2 tsp olive oil

a light drizzle of sesame oil

1 pinch of garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

(this makes more then enough)

Make the dressing and set aside. Microwave the edamame according to packets instructions. In a pan fry the bacon till crispy, drain on a paper towel then cut up into small pieces. Mix the rest of the ingredients into a bowl then add bacon, edamame and top with the dressing, toss and eat straight away.

donuts!

2011-01-28T12:21:00.005-05:00

I'm kind of embarrassed to say where I got this recipe from.... okay well you know how some mystery novels have recipes? Yeah. There.

Apparently when ones reading about donuts you start to crave it. I guess I could have just gone out to a shop and bought one to settle the craving for them right then and there but when I see a recipe for fast easy donuts? I'm all for it.

Easy Raised Donuts

from the book Sinister Sprinkles

2 pkg fast raising yeast

2 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 egg beaten

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

3-4 cups flour

In a bowl mix the yeast, sugar and water. Let sit for five minutes for the yeast to activate. Add the egg, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt and mix well. Slowly add in the flour until it's not sticky to the touch. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and cut out donut shapes and lay them on a baking sheet to raise for 30 minutes. Fry in canola oil at 360 F turing once so both sides cook evenly. Drain on a paper towel.

Since these donuts are the light and airy sort I added a strawberry glaze to mine which consisted of icing sugar, vanilla, warm water and strawberry flavor. Once the donuts cooled I dipped the tops in the the glaze and added my choice of topping. Sprinkles, coconut or even crushed up nuts would be great!

Have a great weekend everyone!

beat the cold

2011-01-18T16:17:00.008-05:00

I have to tell you I've made this time and time again. It's just one of those comforting dishes that's doulbly hearty and best eaten on a snowy cold day, (mostly like the days we've been having too much of!) a day where you just want to curl up with a bowl of something hot and let it melt the chill away.

No more snow... please?

chunky veg soup

recipe adapted from Donna Hay

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely

2 stalks of celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme

sea salt and fresh ground pepper

2 x cans of chopped tomatoes (14oz)

1 1/2 litres of water or stock

1 cup of pasta (your choice)

In a large sauce pan over medium heat add the oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme and salt and pepper and cook until just soft. Add the tomatoes and water and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the pasta and cook for another 8-10 min. Serves 4-6.

handmade cards

2011-01-16T19:22:00.005-05:00

Hey guys, just thought I'd give you a little glance of what I've been working on today. I finally had a Sunday off, which doesn't happen quite often, and I spent my time doing a little of this and that catching up on things. Then I got board and decided to make some cards for Valentines. I love how they turned out!

If your thinking of making some Valentines cards but have no one to give it out to? I was over at EverSoLovely and she has a fun Valentines Exchange going on over on her blog right now. So fun!

P.S. I do have a awesome rustic chunky veg soup lined up for the next post. Can't wait to share it was so good and pretty healthy which we all know is always a nice plus.

winter granita

2011-01-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

Why a frozen dessert in the middle of winter? Clementines. Yes, clementines. I know this is a dessert worthy of ripping out on a hot summer's day but these clementines had to go somewhere and I don't know about you, but I had tons this holiday. I was eating them left right and centre then I think I slowly got sick of them because I was no longer reaching for one. But hey, can't let them go to waste. So why not make something just a little special and frankly I have never made granita before and I figured I'd give it a go.

recipe

800g fruit pureed

or 800 ml of fruit juice

for the base syrup

300 ml of water

100 g sugar

Simmer over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, then allow to cool before adding the fruit juices. Feel free to add other flavors like lemon, lime or even vanilla or lavender, which ever you fancy.

Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and let set in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Take it out and scrape it around with a fork while it's still soft to move the crystals around. Then set it in the freezer until hard.

A new year...

2011-01-01T11:29:00.005-05:00

Wishing all you lovely people out there all the best in this new year!! And a big thanks to all my readers, you are what keeps me going!

So has anybody set resolutions for themselves? So far two resolutions I have this year are to push myself to keep doing the things I love, even when things get rough, and more simply is to post more up on the blog and pictures... take lots of pictures. Okay, maybe that's three, but these are three that I'm sure I can stick to!

Here's to an amazing 2011!

holiday's are here!

2010-12-24T16:45:00.005-05:00

I've managed to stay home today and miss all the crazy-ness that lurks out in the shops. I've been keeping pretty busy though wrapping presents, making last-minute presents, baking cakes, and finishing off the tree with some ginger bread stars all the while listening to this.

Wishing all my readers the merriest of holidays, the tastiest of feasts and of course sweet treats!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

winter warmth

2010-12-14T16:55:00.006-05:00

There always something so wonderful about winter that makes us all want to slow cook, bake and venture into all things homemade while I'm sure keeping the house just that little bit warmer through the streak of bitter cold. Right now for me since I'm not so fortunate to have a warm roaring fireplace, which at the moment would be blaring non-stop, it's all about keeping cozy under a blanket and well pretty much not moving.

I love the warmth of a winter cabin feeling. How cool would it be to stay in a cabin over the holidays? I know I wouldn't mind.

Oh, and if you still looking for a few little homemade gift ideas go here, here and here.

1. Winter Cabin, 2. Grandpa's shirt, 3. Untitled, 4. Patterns are everywhere, 5. Fireplace, 6. Untitled, 7. Pumpkin Pancakes, 8. red fox in snow

homemade peppermint patties

2010-12-06T19:06:00.005-05:00

Hey everyone! It's the time of year where family, snow covered lawns and chilly nights are abound, where we retreat to our warm houses for some much needed homemade treats and steaming spicy hot chocolate to keep the cold at bay.

So I bring a sweet easy-to-do treat that you can send off with guests, use as stocking stuffers or set out on a tray and see them disappear. I don't know about you but when ever I see peppermint patties they instantly remind me of Christmas. I think it has to do with the fact that each year when we head over to my Grandma's house for Christmas dinner she puts these in our stocking where I find them somewhere squashed between the apple and orange.

recipe

400g icing sugar, plus more for dusting

1 tbsp of lemon juice

1 egg white

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

200g of chocolate (best you can find)

In a bowl beat the egg white with the lemon juice until it starts to foam, add the peppermint, sift in the icing sugar and combine. Once the mixture gets tough, bring together with your hands and need it a little on a surface dusted with icing sugar. You can roll out the dough and cut little rounds with a cookie cutter or you can shape by hand by rolling into a little ball placing it on a lined and dusted tray and pressing down with a fork and leave them to dry out (about 2-5hrs).

In a double broiler melt the chopped up chocolate. Dunk and cover each patty in the chocolate and let set on a lined baking sheet to dry.

Side note: If your not a fan of peppermint this mixture can easily be changed by just adding another extract. Almond or vanilla bean perhaps? You can even add a little food colouring a make the mixture green or red for a festive switch.

recipe adapted from jamie magazine.

favorite eats... simple.

2010-11-23T17:17:00.008-05:00

Just a couple of my favorite things. The simple act of nibbling on bits like this makes me happy, especially when you really don't feel like cooking or even heating up anything. Plus I'm so in love with this olive bread. Sooo good! All of this comes from my local bakery too!

What's your favorite food you like to nibble in times of lazy-ness??

PS. I haven't forgotten about the chocolate mini tartes recipe. I'm working on it!

flickr favorites

2010-11-15T17:41:00.005-05:00

Who isn't constantly inspired by the amazing photographer's on flickr? I know I can't get enough so this week I bring you something not so foodie, but equally just as awesome. Here are a few of my newest flickr faves by other photographers I just couldn't help but share.

1. and there you were, 2. found within, 3. Untitled, 4. happy as a mouse, 5. Aberfeldy - Bredalbane bakery, 6. Running Dog, 7. Untitled, 8. cookies, 9. fun, 10. .

mini salted chocolate tartes

2010-11-07T12:57:00.005-05:00

Here's just a little something I've made recently and wanted to share and well I did promise. So I will get on posting the recipe very soon since I'm in the midst of baking up something else. Probably chocolate. Just saying.

I hope you all are having a great weekend!!

happy halloween!

2010-10-31T10:03:00.006-04:00

Sorry guys, no halloween baked goods to share although you can check out the creepy cupcakes I whipped out last year here.

In the mean while I thought I'd wish you all a happy halloween!! Anybody dressing up tonight?

french onion soup

2010-10-28T16:01:00.006-04:00

Hey guys, sorry I haven't posted much. So much for promising to post more. I'm gonna try harder. I really will! I already have another post lined up showcasing some very delicious salted chocolate honey mini tartes which are quite worthy.

Now, when you keep seeing something everywhere, it's more then likely you'll start to want it. Like this soup. I was seeing pictures of this thing for days, people were making it or either craving it at work and then Jamie Oliver was making it on one of his television programs. Jamie can be persuasive like that, making it look easy and well pretty damn delicious. So right there I told myself it was time to temp myself and crack out a pot of this stuff.

So I did just that.

Ten minutes later I had all the ingredients then spent another fifteen crying those stinging tears that only chopping onions can bring. Fun times.

Luckily an hour later I was finally sitting down with a hot cheesy bowl of french/english onion soup. I say french/english because it's a odd mix of a french onion soup recipe I looked up in one of my cookbooks and Jamie's english onion soup that I had just previously watched. I'll spare you my take only because frankly I made it up as I went along. But here's Mr. Oliver's recipe if you feel you might have a craving.

fall comfort

2010-10-08T12:37:00.013-04:00

It seems as soon as fall hits I start baking. It's like the colder weather permits you to want all things of comfort and warmth. Hot spicy teas and milky coffees are just the start and then we want a little something sweet and homemade cookies are usually a good bet.

chocolate hazelnut cookies

via, the great british picnic guide

75 g softened butter

125 g plain flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

50 g soft brown sugar

50 g caster sugar

1 tsp good quality vanilla extract

1 large egg

50 g chopped hazelnuts

100 g milk chocolate, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 350 d, cover 2 baking sheets in parchment.

Combine the butter and sugars in a bowl and beat until light and fluffly. Add baking soda, vanilla and egg and blend for a few seconds then add the flour.

Stir in the hazelnuts and chocolate. Place teaspoonfuls of the mixture on to the baking sheets, leaving enough room for them to spread. Bake cookies for 10-12 min or until golden.

makes aprox. 10.

There's also nothing better then a hot bowl of porridge on a cold morn especially when grilled fruit and toasted pumkin seeds are involved. Check out the recipe here.

choc-covered maple sponge toffee

2010-10-04T17:12:00.004-04:00

Is it me or have I become a chocoaholic lately?

choc-covered maple sponge toffee

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup maple syrup

120g butter

1 tbsp baking soda

400g dark chocolate, melted

Place the sugar, honey, maple syrup and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir with a metal spoon until the sugar is dissolved. Place a candy thermometer in the saucepan and simmer for 7-8 min or until mixture reaches 150c. Remove the thermometer and pan from the heat. Add the baking soda and mix until golden and foamy. Pour into a 20cm x 30cm lined baking tin. Set for 30min. Melt chocolate in a double broiler then spread over the toffee and let set for 1hour or until set. Remove from tin and break into pieces.

recipe adapted from Donna Hay

A couple of days ago four fab food bloggers and I were featured on the Style At Home site with five fab fall recipes. Head on over and check it out!

saucy

2010-09-19T11:57:00.005-04:00

Yes, this might just be another chocolate post and you might say I've had a craving... but that's usually the way chocolate goes. It creeps up on you like that and there's no turing back, no not ever... not usually.

These self-saucing chocolate puddings have got to be one of the easiest things I've ever made and who doesn't love a good easy dessert quite like this? I know I've been wanting to make these chocolate pots of goodness for-ever. I'm glad I did.

Want to make these? I know you do. Here's the recipe.

eat me

2010-09-11T17:34:00.002-04:00

brownie cake

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

150g dark chocolate (70% or higher)

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup of pecans (or any nut)

Preheat oven to 350 d. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Melt the chocolate and butter over a double boiler of barely simmering water. Remove from heat and let cool a little. Add the sugar to the chocolate mixture, stir in the vanilla then the eggs, one at a time. Fold the dry ingredients into the mixture, then gently fold in the pecans and coconut.

Put into a prepared 8in pan and bake for 30-40 min until slight firm.

CNE trip and the giveaway winner!

2010-09-10T13:49:00.009-04:00

Hello everyone! I know, I know.... this blogpost should have been done last week, but alas, work has been a bit crazy and I'm just having the time now. I did get to visit the CNE one of those days and here's some pic's from that day's trip. I must say the sand sculptures that we saw were just AMAZING, there's just so many awesomely talented people out there!! I would have loved to get more photo's but the weather that day was pretty unpleasant.

Oh, and don' t you all worry, I didn't forget about the giveaway winner!! Kim at Two Good Cookies, you won these three prints! Check out her pretty awesome food blog too!

Ps. I did forget about the brownie cake though so sad to say that will make it's debut next post with a few more bits of awesomeness.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

just a few...

2010-08-31T17:00:00.005-04:00

Just a few photo's that I've taken recently I wanted to share and coming up next post? A brownie cake I know you'll all love.... it was so good I almost didn't want to share!

print giveaway!!

2010-08-29T15:58:00.004-04:00

It's time for a giveaway! Considering I've only done this once before I thought it was about time for another one. So here's the deal... I will be giving away these three 4x6 prints from my shop to one lucky winner any where in the world.

Want to win this? I thought so. Leave a comment and tell me what you love best about summer. You have until Friday, September 3rd to enter.

Good luck and I hope your all having a great weekend!

2010-08-20T20:46:00.003-04:00

happy weekend everyone!

enjoy it!

butter biscuits with a twist

2010-08-15T17:31:00.009-04:00

Don't you just love food processor baking? I like it even better on my lazy days when I still want to bake but with not a lot of effort. You can just throw everything in, mix it up and it's pretty much good to go in the oven after a little forming.

To tell you the truth, when I first saw this I thought it was more like a scone and that's what I was sort of expecting until I saw them come out of the oven.... these were more like cookies and extremely good cookies at that!

recipe

via Jamie Oliver

Preheat oven to 190c/375f. In a food processor, blend 110g unsalted butter, 85g caster sugar, a splash of milk, 30g cornflour, 110g self-rising flour and 4 tbsp rolled oats. Shape mixture into 15 small balls and place on a baking tray, leaving enough space to spread. Bake for 12-15 mins, until golden. Cool on a wire rack. Melt 100g white chocolate over a double broiler and dip half of each biscuit, then place on a non-stick baking paper and sprinkle over pink peppercorns. Let cool.

Hope your all having a fabby weekend!

DIY coconut curls

2010-08-02T18:17:00.007-04:00

Let me start off with that I could not find dried shredded coconut that looked like this for the life of me and believe me I looked. I did find something quite similar under the name of... coconut chips? They didn't have the cool brown skin edge I've been looking for and well cost more then the price of about five coconuts. I figured then I just plain needed to make them myself.

So I did some goggle research and found this video on how to easily crack a coconut.

It helped.

Then came the time to shred or peel. I peeled. I was liking the way they looked already so I knew then that I needed to do some 'how do you dry coconut' research for these lovely's and found out there's not a whole lot of info on it. Weird? I thought so.

After a bit more looking I was saved.

Here's the drying method: Preheat oven to 200 c. Lay out coconut curls evenly on a sheet pan with parchment paper. Bake for 60-90 min. Keep checking cause you don't want them to go brown but if they do just a bit... no worries. You've now got toasted coconut and that tastes just as good if not better.

Let cool and place in a jar or air tight container.

No baked goods... again.

2010-07-23T16:20:00.009-04:00

Just bring you a few random photo's I've taken recently to satisfy the baking lull that's been going on on this blog lately. By golly I just haven't baked much in the last little bit. I miss it. I think an excuse of the never ending heat is to blame. I hope to post something super yummy very soon. So for now, I leave you with a few photo's and hope you are all having a super summer!

(Don't you just love my new chalk board wall?)

best bits of summer (in pictures)

2010-07-09T16:29:00.012-04:00

Ice cold drinks, sandy beach adventures, fresh market picks, glorious pink/orange sunsets, sitting in the grass getting lost in a book, picking wild flowers and cooling off with none other then an a much needed ice cream treat... there's nothing better.

have a fab weekend all!

red velvet cupcakes and Canada day!

2010-07-01T14:31:00.005-04:00

Could this red and white dessert be any sweeter for Canada day? I think not.

HAPPY DAY CANADA!!

outdoor treats and eats part two

2010-06-26T14:55:00.006-04:00

Ever have those days when you feel like your getting no where? Well I feel like I've been having them too frequently lately and I don't like it. So I think it might be time for a change, maybe even a vacation or a small road trip to liven the spirits ...or maybe I could just do with an ice cream. I do like ice cream.

Okay, so enough with the little rant, I bring you part two of the outdoor treats and eats series. So wether your going on a weekend road trip, a picnic in the park or even to your next door neighbors bbq the one thing you will surly bring is food. Here's two delicious dishes that are sure to please.

Summer bean salad

1 can white navy beans (drained and rinsed)

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil or half a cup of baby basil leaves, you can leave those whole.

30g feta cheese

1 garlic clove finely chopped

a good lug of olive oil

juice of half a lemon

salt and pepper to taste

Add all the ingredients to a medium size bowl and mix together. Let sit for about half an hour since the longer it sits the better it tastes.

Garlic rosemary roasted potatoes

1 1.5lb bag of mini potatoes

2 garlic cloves finely chopped

1 tsp of fresh chopped rosemary of 1 tbsp of dried rosemary

1 tsp of dried parsley

4 tbsp of olive oil + extra

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the potatoes in half and place in a pot of water and bring to a boil for about 8- 10 min just until they are soft (test with a fork). Get a sheet pan and cover in tin foil. Drain the potatoes and place back in the pot. Add the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, parsley and salt and pepper to the pot with the potatoes and place the lid on and give it a good shake to mix everything together. Pour out onto the baking sheet, try and face all the potatoes cut side up. Give a good lug of olive over the tops, here, feel free to add a bit more rosemary and salt and pepper to the tops of the potatoes. I usually cook these under the broiler on high until they turn brown and crispy,t his can happen fast so be careful of any burning action. Feel free to cook at 350 d for about 10-15min until they start going golden and brown.

outdoor treats and eats part one

2010-06-19T10:47:00.008-04:00

Striped frozen treats like this... well I can't help myself and if you've picked up the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living, then you've probably seen these. So if you're like me and love a refreshing icy treat that looks this good, then well... we're alike. I just knew that when I saw these little striped delights I had to make them soon... like tomorrow soon. They are kind of a lengthy process with the freezing of each layer and what not, but they are well worth it and the flavor combinations are almost limitless and I have to say, right now I think the pink lemonade part is my favorite. I loved it's sourness.

Ice pops

via Martha Stewart Living

I don't really need to give you a recipe for this since it's pretty much just juices, puree's, and yogurt and you can add what ever you like.

For the vanilla-yogurt mix

1 cup greek or regular plain yogurt.

2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract.

Mix together.

For the raspberry puree'

1 pint raspberries

1 tbs sugar

1 tbs white wine or liqueur (optional)

Add the raspberries, sugar and wine/liqueur to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour through a sieve to remove the seeds.

To make the stripes, pour a layer in each mould and let set at least 1 hour and repeat on the second layer and add your popsicle stick in each it should stay up-right. Repeat the layering and freeze overnight. I did mine off and on in one day and let freeze overnight. It might not take you this long, but my freezer seems to like to take forever for things to freeze throughly.

Happy weekend!

just rosy

2010-06-04T13:09:00.004-04:00

So I know I was supposed to have some sort of baked good showing up here, but that was just a big ol' baking flop, even in their ugly-ness they weren't all too tasty either. So I hope you'll forgive me and and enjoy this refreshing pink drink complete with the cutest little rosebud ice cubes.

Rose punch

recipe adapted from Valli Little of Delicious mag

50g box dried edible rosebuds

1 cup caster sugar*

1 tbs rosewater

A few drops of pink or rose food colouring

750ml dry white wine

750ml sparkling mineral water or sparkling lemon/limeade

Half-fill ice cube trays with water. Place a rosebud in each and freeze for 3 hours, then fill with more water and freeze until solid.

In a saucepan add 1 1/4 cups water with sugar (*cut the sugar in half if your using sparkling lemon/limeade, other wise it might get too sweet) and place on a low heat to dissolve sugar. Increase heat to medium and simmer for 5-6 min until you get a light syrup. Stir in rosewater and colouring and let cool.

So while this drink is quite summery and backyard soirée-ish. I thought I'd go along with this theme and have the next few posts centered around picnic's, bbq's or any outdoor gathering really. Treats and eats to take with you, that sort of thing. What do you think?

Happy weekend all!

fresh pickin's

2010-05-27T16:27:00.003-04:00

I cannot wait to start picking fresh berries this summer! I missed out last year and I was pretty sad about that, but there's no way this year that' s gonna happen. I'm too excited!

P.S. I baked. I will get on sharing that very soon!

fresh Veg

2010-05-21T15:34:00.007-04:00

Right now... I can't get enough of fresh market veg. The colours the flavors, they make me happy, especially in roasted form, and they are oh so healthy!

Anyone got a favorite vegetable you are enjoying this season? I'd love to hear. Right now mine is the yellow beet, tastes the same and no pink fingers!

Sorry I've been MIA lately, life's gotten so busy and I haven't even been able to visit the blogsphere as much either. I miss it. I hope to get back on track soon and show all of you the wonders I've been meaning to post.

Hope you all have a super great long weekend! Anyone going away? Camping maybe?

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T10:13:00.003-04:00

Wishing all the mother's out there a truly happy Mother's day! I baked my mom these mini carrot cupcakes with the most delicious pink lemon frosting which I know she will absolutely love, and for tonight we will be having a spa night and watching movies. Can't wait!

summer lovin'

2010-04-30T13:39:00.007-04:00

1. Day trip, 2. the fine art of slowing down, 3. Before we begin, 4. Station #1, 5. wildflowers, 6. seedlings, 7. Untitled, 8. Untitled

There is so much to love about summer! I decided to show you what things I love most about the upcoming summer though my flickr favs from other photographers. I know these images just scream all that is 'summer goodness'. Don't ya think?

From picnics to fresh fruit, from swimming to sandy beaches, from wild flowers to growing things and to fun and sometimes random adventures with friends, plus, it's warm out!

What do you all love most about summer?

Have a wonderful weekend!

lemony goodness

2010-04-27T15:36:00.008-04:00

One of my most favorite things in the world is lemon. So last night when I had the urge to bake something from a cook book I haven't used in some time... I came across a recipe for lemon and raspberry sandwiches, really only interested in the cake and well having lemons mostly always on hand I couldn't resist. This has to be one of best and probably least healthily lemon cakes I've ever made.

You know I couldn't resist trying the sandwich version either, but with no whip cream or raspberries I opted for blackberries and yogurt. Not a bad combination.

Sorry I haven't been updating my blog as much, I feel project 365 is taking over my life! Need to change that!

Lemon Loaf

recipe via Tessa Kiros in Apples for Jam

250g butter, softened

280g caster sugar

3 eggs

310g plain all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

185ml single pouring cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 F and butter and flour a 30 x 11 cm (12 x 14 inch) loaf tin (also works with 4 smaller ones). Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one by one. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then add lemon juice, zest, cream and vanilla. Beat until you have a smooth batter.

Spoon into the loaf tin and bake for 1 hour and 10 min, or until a skewer poked in the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely in the tin on a wire rack.

COOL TREAT, SWEET EATS

2010-04-13T18:39:00.012-04:00

With summer around the corner gearing up cool and refreshing treats is something we all crave on a hot day. I know the hot days aren't quite here yet, but who says we can't get started now? Who am I kidding. I'd eat ice cream all year round.

So in an attempt to go for a bit of a healthier version, I choose sorbet. It's one of the easiest things to make, even without an ice cream maker. I can't wait to starting tying out other flavors! The only question I'm asking my self now is 'what kind can I make next?'.

Chocolate Sorbet

recipe via Jamie Oliver Magazine

75g good-quality cocoa powder

300g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 bean pod (seeds scraped)

300g 70 %-cocoa chocolate, broken into pieces

Pour 750ml water into a small saucepan with cocoa, sugar and vanilla pod and seeds or bean paste. Bring to the boil while whisking; remove from heat. Add chocolate and a pinch of salt and leave for a minute, then stir until chocolate has melted and you have a glossy mixture. Cool, transfer to an ice-cream mixture and freeze, or pour into a shallow tray and freeze, stirring to break up crystals. Enjoy.

Spring ready.

2010-04-02T10:20:00.008-04:00

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. nice010, 4. safeandsound, 5. Picnic at the beach, 6. Samantha Robinson Studio Tour, 7. candles, 8. The backporch garden, 9. Doughnuts : ), 10. Lomoaholic

Beautiful days are ahead and I couldn't be more excited. Thought I'd share some of my favorite things about spring via my flickr fav's.

What are all you fine people planning this Easter weekend? Parties, family, food?

HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND!

hazelnutty

2010-03-26T18:08:00.013-04:00

A cookie made with Nutella? I was like hell ya. If you're like me and LOVE nutella then this might be the cookie for you. This cookie tends to lean in on a healthier scale, think more along the lines of granola, which we all know is one seriously pretty good thing... well maybe minus the butter but you can't disagree with oats, flaxseed, hazelnuts and the glory ingredient nutella now can we?

I've been bringing these to work the past couple of days for a somewhat healthy snack. There not very sweet but I love the nutty flavor and I find myself eating two at a time, of course.

recipe

1/2 cup melted butter

2/3 cup nutella or hazelnut spread

2 cups rolled oats

2/3 cups chopped roasted hazelnuts

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup whole ground flaxseed

1/2 cup flour

1 egg

Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a baking sheet.

Place butter and nutella in a sauce pan and heat gently until just melted, cool slightly and beat in the egg. Meanwhile place all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Pour the nutella, butter and egg mixture over the oats and stir to combine. With your hands shape the mixture into 16-18 equal size balls, then press them on to the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Have a great weekend all!

Oh

2010-03-21T12:17:00.002-04:00

Glazed, cinnamon sugared, or sprinkles. We love them all and we all know sometimes nothing is better then the simple goodness of a donut. I've been dying to make my own for some time now, so when I saw them on the Pioneer women's site, I couldn't help myself. I dived right in and they were pretty flipping awesome.

For the recipe and detailed instructions head here.

yellow, red and 365

2010-03-16T19:53:00.006-04:00

Project 365. A photo a day seems simple and sometimes it is. But then it can be hard... like I said, hard. There is day's where I curse at myself for not bringing my camera then there's the days where I wish my camera was dead.

Thought I'd rally up some of my 365's so far. If you wanna have a peek at the rest head over here.

P.S. I made homemade donuts!! I will share... maybe, if your good.

some of the best things are the simplest

2010-03-09T17:37:00.007-05:00

Who wouldn't love a good egg and toast morning?

I believe soft boiled's and soldiers will be my new Saturday ritual... and perhaps a day in the middle of the week too!

market days: the goods

2010-03-02T17:08:00.015-05:00

So you all might have thought I purchased those pretty awesome purple carrots... no I didn't. I actually bought some a while back from the same vendor and cooked this (scroll down). I did how ever manage to buy the candy cane beets, which are boiling up a storm as we speak... or as I write?

Whichever, I picked up a few other things too. Truthfully if it was earlier and I wasn't planning to go anywhere else I would have bought sooo much more. I didn't think it was a good idea to carry a big ol' piece of raw meat or cheese in my purse while I went on a attempt to find some new 'underthings'. I just couldn't imagine walking into the arie store knowing what my purse withheld, and on the other hand it I don't know... might go bad.

[Market tomatoes, pear shaped] I fell in love with these as soon as I saw them and knew immediately that I was gonna put these babies in pasta. This is a pretty basic pasta: tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and salt and pepper.

[Dried Cranberries] One of my favorite things is dried fruit. So when I decided to make some chocolate oatmeal cookies I had a thought. Why not put some cranberries in there too? I'm glad I did, cause these are my favorite new cookie.

[Fresh Herbs] At least I could carry these in my bag with little wilting. I've been eyeing up these chickpea patties for a couple of weeks. So when I finally had a chance to make them I couldn't resist adding fresh herbs.

recipe

2x 400 g cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 green onions

1 shallot

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup chopped basil

2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

2 tbsp self-raising flour

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

sea salt and black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 sesame seeds (I even added some sesame oil for more flavor)

Add everything but the sesame seeds to the food processor and process for 2-3 min until a thick paste forms. Add the sesame seeds and shape 1 tablespoon of the mixture into patties. Heat a frying pan with olive oil and cook the patties 2-3 minutes on each side. Feel free to add a little more of the herbs or garlic or anything you fancy cause these can tend to get bland, but done nice, they can taste pretty darn good.

recipe adapted from Donna Hay

market days

2010-02-21T10:27:00.004-05:00

Went to the market yesterday and picked up some truly great things. Will be sharing soon!

P.S. I'm totally digging those purple carrots.

lazy days

2010-02-15T15:23:00.019-05:00

Today is family day here in Canada, out of all ten provinces and three territories only two of them get this holiday in which you are supposed to spend time with family. I'm home alone and well, loving it. So far I slept in, made my self coffee, bacon, eggs and toast, lazed about in front of the TV then decided I needed to make graham crackers. I've been wanting to make these cookies for some time, but the lack of food a processor has somewhat stalled me. Now with a shiny new one... well you can guess just what I did.

honey graham crackers

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup of brown sugar

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp butter, cut up, chilled

1/3 cup honey

2 tbsp good quality vanilla extract

1/4 cup milk

topping

5 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, baking soda and salt to the bowl of the food processor. Pulse on and off until the mixture is the consistency of course meal.

Whisk together the milk, honey and vanilla in a small bowl, slowly add to the flour mixture, pulsing until the dough just come together. It will be quite soft and tacky. On to a lightly floured surface, work dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm, or overnight.

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Divide the dough in half, return one half back to the fridge for another round. On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut long 1 inch strips with a sharp knife or pastry wheel cut the strips into 2 inch cookies. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, prick each cookie with a fork the sprinkle the sugar cinnamon topping and bake for 10 min in a preheated oven set to 350 F.

The rest of the day will be spent getting back into a mystery novel that has stolen some of my time, listening to vintage horror radio on my ipod, cooking up something amazing for dinner and catching an old flick.

I know my friends in the U.S get presidents day off today. So what did you do? Perhaps a lazy day also?

sweets, treats and red things

2010-02-10T12:18:00.015-05:00

Just a quick little post, but one that's jam packed with goodness. I've been so so busy these past few days baking these (look below) yes all those cookies, that I haven't had time to post anything. So since Valentines is coming very soon I thought I'd post a little inspiration for some of your valentines baking needs.

1. cake truffles. 2. classic sugar cookies with royal icing. 3. Flickr fun (part of my 365). 4. Lolli pop brownies (use a round cutter and pop a stick on the end and vola) and chocolate pots de cream. 5. Conversation heart cookies and icing hearts.

P.S. I'm trying the 'bigger picture' thing.... hope it works!

oatmeal chocolate orange cookies

2010-01-26T16:46:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone, hope your all doing well? Works been a bit slow lately, but I'm not complaining cause I find it a bit boring. It has given me a chance to do a few things I've been meaning to catch up on... although I usually sit down just to do a quick e-mail check and it ends up turning into an hour.. sometimes more. It has come down to web surfing... I can't stop. There is just too many great blogs, sites, links from those sites and meaningless yet amusing other things to keep you hooked. Perhaps I should try limiting my computer usage time? Then I might be able to get more things done.

Enough of my rambling, lets get to these cookies! Flipping threw a old copy of Jamie Magazine, I fell upon these little jems, which he calls 'Any-way-you-like cookies'. All it really is a basic cookie dough recipe that you can add whatever flavors you fancy... like dark chocolate and orange perhaps?

basic cookie dough

115g unsalted butter, softened

100g unrefined organic cane sugar

1 large egg

100g plain flour, sifted

20g porridge oats

1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

dark chocolate & orange cookies

80g dark chocolate, chopped

zest of two oranges

vanilla coconut

60g shredded coconut

1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Place all the basic dough ingredients in a food processor and mix until smooth and creamy.

2. Add your chosen flavors to the mix and place in plastic wrap and roll into a 5cm-diameter sausage shape. Chill in the freezer for 20 min.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Cut into 1cm slices onto a baking tin lined with parchment. Leave a good space between each - they'll spread out quite a bit while baking. Bake for 8-10 min or until edges get golden. These will been a thin crispy cookie.

makes 10-12 cookies

giveaway winner!

2010-01-23T16:04:00.003-05:00

Congrats to Amanda from 'Is this thing on?' You won! It was a close one between you and Chef Chuck. The number I had picked was 64 and since no one guessed it right on, but you two did come quite close, I put everyone's name in a bucket... and well Amanda, you got picked again! Send me an e-mail with your details and I will ship them your way.

Sorry Chef Chuck.. I know you really wanted to win those earrings, lol.

PS. Thanks for everyone who entered! I had a good laugh hearing all your funny/interesting things!

100th post, cupcakes and a giveaway!

2010-01-13T13:09:00.011-05:00

First of all I wish I could make these photo's bigger! I've played around with it, but I just can't seem to get it to work. Any suggestions?

I went a little cupcake crazy this weekend. When you have a craving, you sometimes always must obey and vanilla cupcakes were calling my name. It has to be the sweet icing, crumbly cake... there's no resisting and who can pass up a cute little cupcake? Not me.

Since this is my 100th post, I couldn't do it with out doing a little something special for all you readers. So I present my very first giveaway! Let's get this started.... leave a comment and pick a number between 1 and 100 and tell me something funny about yourself to win this cute little three pack of vintage fabric button earrings from my shop.

Cupcake Recipe

Vanilla Icing

6 tbsp unsalted butter (rm tempt)

2 cups confectionary sugar (sifted)

2 tbsp milk

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract (or butter-vanilla emulsion. This stuff is thicker and white as to not colour the white icing and smells and tastes amazing!) looks like this.

Find the cake recipe here.

PS. I will post the winner in the next week. Good luck!

curd is the word

2010-01-07T16:53:00.006-05:00

Well hello everyone! I've been busy yet again, but I just had to share the rhubarb scones and clementine curd recipes I promised and I just have to say that this is the ultimate curd of all curds. It's got to be the sweet, tangy taste of clementines and we all mostly know them as the Christmasy citrus... I just wish I had found this recipe in time for Christmas morning!

Jamie's Clementine Curd

makes about 850g

6 clementines

2 lemons

350 g caster sugar

4 eggs, beaten

2 egg yolks, beaten

100 g unsalted butter

Grate the fruit zest and squeeze the juice into a saucepan with the sugar, eggs and yolks, and mix to combine. Add the butter and place over a very low heat*. Cook, constantly stirring, until the curd is thick and coats the back of the spoon. Pour into sterilized jars, seal and refrigerate. Use within two weeks.

*(I found it wasn't working to well with the 'very low heat', it could have just been my stove top, but I did increase the heat to medium.) ps. I've been eating this everyday! I'm officially hooked!

Rhubarb scones

250g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped

2 tbsp caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup caster sugar, extra

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup single cream

Preheat the oven to 180 c (355 F).

Place the rhubarb, sugar and vanilla in a small bowl, mix and set aside. Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Gradually pour in the milk and cream and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Empty bowl out onto a floured surface, add the rhubarb mixture and knead gently until a smooth dough forms. Place in a 8 in diameter lined cake tin and bake for 20-25 min. (can also be lightly rolled out and cut into squares with a cookie cutter.) Makes 10

Recipe adapted from Donna Hay.

drive by shooting

2010-01-02T16:35:00.010-05:00

No, not that kind of shooting! Can I tell you how much I would have loved to get out of the car today and take some photo's, especially when I was out and about around here! Well this is Canada and Canada is well... friggin cold! This day in-particular was extremely cold, that dry, windy bitter cold.

So I stayed in the car and these are the photo's that formed.

I can't wait to share my next post. I've been busy in the kitchen this morning making rhubarb scones and clementine curd. You guys have not lived until you've tasted this curd, it is just utterly amazing!

Did everyone have a great holiday?

P.S. I decided to take part in project 365. Have any of you heard about it? A picture a day for a whole year... this is going to be interesting. You can find me with my photo's for project 365 here.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T19:37:00.009-05:00

New Year's Day, 1951: Audrey Hepburn looks up at billboards in the middle of Times Square, New York. Image from here.

Wanted to wish you all a happy new year, cause you never know what new beginnings it may bring! And I like to send a big thank you to all my readers, you guys are my inspiration and cheer!

Now, does everyone have a new years resolution? I'd tell you mine, but I'd bore you with it being ever so typical, especially when consuming of chocolate has/had been involved.

salted brownie truffles and merry christmas

2009-12-24T12:37:00.012-05:00

Just a quite post to wish you all a festive day tomorrow and for you to take a peek at those salted brownie truffles I promised I'd post! You'll just have to wait for the recipe though, but I will tell you that these babies may look like a hard one... but oh no, they are quite easy peasy.

I still haven't quite finished all my baking. I've got one more cake to go. I think I'm gonna try Martha's peppermint yule log for my family's Christmas dinner tomorrow and I'm doing little cornish hens for tonight's!

Also I must tell you, I'm addicted to polyvore. I cannot stop making outfits! I couldn't help but share!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays all!

right now...

2009-12-20T19:37:00.013-05:00

It's very, very cold and were expecting a big dumping of snow tomorrow and well, I'm excited.

Did you all think I disappeared? I know, I've been gone for just a little bit, but I finally had time to fit in a post even though small it maybe, but I would like nothing more then to relax and watch christmas movies just now with a big cup of piping hot green tea.

I've had just the busiest week. It's been a non-stop baking marathon at my house. I've done nothing more then bake sugar cookies, brownies, truffles, lemon bars, coconut chocolate butterscotch bars, shortbread bars, marshmallows, lolli-pop brownies, nut chocolate chip cookies, choc peppermint bark. Phew! Then well.... yep you guessed it, more cookies! There could be more, but I feel I may have forgot, but you get the idea right?

Before Christmas falls, I will post a little delight I came up with this weekend. Salted brownie truffles anyone?

So are all of you prepared for the holidays? I feel my house might be lacking in the spirt, as for its a little more messy then merry at the moment.

gift givers no. 3

2009-12-11T15:03:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love these little drink mixes in cute little bottles? Whether your having a christmas get together where the guests get to pick there own mix (kinda fun don't ya think). Or just want to give a little something to a friend or co-worker, or maybe just a simple stocking stuffer, either goes.

I bought these in a package and I already had in my mind I would take them apart and give them away separately. So then I opened the package and realized no one would know what flavors there were. Ah oh, these little mixers had no labels. Of course then I made my own extremely simple ones with the mix on the back and a little drawing on the front to let my gift receivers know they were either getting a martini or a margarita mix.

Also, for some strange reason... I can't get the Mr. Gadget theme song out of my head!

Have a great weekend all! I'll be spending mine either by the stove baking a crazy amount of treats or under the covers watching old movies, trying to keep warm.

gift givers no. 2

2009-12-08T15:35:00.008-05:00

So I've been dying to make my own hot chocolate mix for a while now. I went out bought all the ingredients, found a basic recipe, even if I found the basics I knew I could tweak, make a cool package for it, and send it away as gifts.

But then I had to test it.... (Yes testing is crucial when trying out a new recipe, especially when giving it to someone else. Who wouldn't want to test out hot chocolate anyway? It's chocolate!) But this is where I was thinking that it did not live up to my expectations... so I added a few more things/more of this and that to achieve deliciousness.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

find the basic recipe here

then add more cocoa

1/4 tsp cayenne or chilli powder ( I added too much, which made this hot hot chocolate)

100 g of dark chocolate (shredded or cut up finely)

1 tbsp vanilla powder (if you can find any, I couldn't)

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and store in air tight jars, or bag em up pretty. Add three tbsp of mixture to one regular sized mug, then pour over boiling water. Stir well.

I fear this recipe isn't precise as I was just kind of making it up as I went along... so feel free to do the same cause it did make for an interesting cup of cocoa that ended up turing out pretty great!

Does anyone else know of a great hot chocolate recipe?

gingerbread snowflakes and ribbon

2009-12-06T11:16:00.007-05:00

Hi guys, just doing a quick post before I head into work. Yes, I know... work on a sunday... gross.

Anyhow every year our work raises funds to help a local family in need over the holidays. So last night I decided to do a batch of gingerbread snowflakes on ribbon to sell. Wether they will want to eat them or hang them on a tree or perhaps both... just not in that order, of course. I hope they will enjoy them!

Don't tell anyone but I've been slacking on my presents... I do have my gift jars, but then I have everything else! I did buy some lovely ribbon to decorate with, as you can see, and I can't wait to use it!

Have a happy Sunday!

2009-12-04T14:21:00.003-05:00

How cute is this print from this fantastic esty artisian?

I couldn't help but giggle.

simple gift givers

2009-12-01T11:49:00.020-05:00

Remember those jars I picked up a while back? Well I got a lot of great comments back on what to do with them, since I was stuck with ideas. Now, I did have that idea to make a little spa kit, well little the jar was. Let's just say the contents I picked up were a wee bit too big.

I do have some more jar gifts up my sleeve, since I couldn't settle on just one... and because now that I've started I can't seem to stop...but here a the few so far.

1. Chilli Salt

What foodie friend wouldn't want this?

350g of course sea salt

6 dried red chillies

reserve 50g of the salt, place the rest of the salt and chillies in a food processor and whiz for about 45 seconds. Add the remaining 50g of salt and place in a favorite jar or little gift pack.

2. Bath Fizzies

Via Martha Stewart. (Mine turned out little rustic... just don't add to much water like I did, they will react before there time, if you give these a go.)

3. Christmas Blend

(No, not the StarBucks kind.) Got a coffee drinker who likes the good ol' instant kind? Well, I just jazzed it up with some ground cinnamon and ginger for a spicy twist.

4. Christmas Caramels

These were oh so good and full of gingerbread flavor. Want to make them? Find the recipe here.

lovin this...

2009-11-28T16:42:00.003-05:00

Love this print... I think I might have to ask Santa for this!

I've been working on some pretty cool things I can't wait to show you all! Some of these things will indeed include my gift giving jars all done up with ribbon and tags and perhaps a baked good or two.

Happy Weekend!

christmas caramels

2009-11-20T16:33:00.012-05:00

Need a little gift to give this Christmas for a sweets loving friend? I know I'll be giving out these Christmas caramels this year. (I think these might even make it into those gift giving glass jars.) These aren't just any caramels either, they have the flavor of freshly baked gingerbread and nothing says Christmas like good ol' gingerbread.

christmas caramels

4 cups sugar

2 cups light corn syrup

3/4 butter cut up (unsalted)

1/2 molasses

4 cups heavy cream

1 tsp good vanilla extract (or beans if you have it)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp ground ginger

3/4 tsp grated nutmeg

3/4 tsp salt

cooking spray

1. Spray and line a 12x17 inch rimmed baking sheet, leaving a bit of overhang for the parchment paper.

2. In a large pot (largest one you got) over high heat and bring cream, sugar, butter, corn syrup, molasses to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 130 c (firm ball stage), about 20 min.

3. Remove from heat, add vanilla, salt and spices and stir. Working fast pour onto the prepared sheet, do not scrape the bottom. Let stand, uncovered for 24hr at room temp.

4. Remove from pan, holding on to the parchment, move to a cutting board and cut 1 inch strips with a large knife and cut the strip into 1 x 1 1/4 inch pieces. Wrap individually in waxed paper.

Makes over 12 dozen (yep, this is a big batch)

P.S. For any of you Twilighters out there I saw New Moon last night!! Amazing! I'm sure I'll be going again.. and then maybe once more.

P.P.S I'd also like to thank Bonnie for featuring me on her fab blog. You must go check out all her amazing posts!

a vintage collector and knit wonder

2009-11-17T10:38:00.007-05:00

While spending my free morning catching up on reading around the blogsphere, I stumbled across this fine and interesting blog. Having already come to liking the thrift shops in hope of a great find, but now I wish I could knit too! Maybe a New Year's resolution?

the smell of christmas

2009-11-14T15:33:00.010-05:00

I know for me the smell of Christmas always start's when I peel the first tangerine and bake that first batch of gingerbread men... once I smell those I know for sure the holiday's are coming.

Do you guys have a Christmas smell, one that brings back a whoosh of memories and holiday cheer?

I'm quite excited for the holiday's this year... I really can't wait to decorate the house. I am holding off, feeling it's still a tad early yet, but that hasn't stopped me from buying a few things here and there. Since the colder weather has approached I felt the need to buy myself a new pair of slippers and well I have been living in these ever since!

P.S. I'm still working on my jar gifts. I've had the craziest busy week at work and just haven't had the time, and I love all the gift idea's you've all given me... I may just have to use them all!

25 c jars

2009-11-07T11:26:00.007-05:00

Can you believe I found these puppies for 25 cents each! I love old jars especially the ones with the glass tops. There is countless things to do with them, like storing small wonders or using them in part of an organizing fit you just pushed yourself into or even storing dry goods. But I thought, since I had quite a few of these (of course I had to buy the whole box) and well with christmas coming, I was thinking of making some very cool christmas gifts. Apart from making some sort of jam or preserve which I don't think would work to well in these old jars any how...

So this is where I ask you guys, what would be a cool jarred Christmas gift? I was thinking something like even a small spa kit?

a little halloween treat...

2009-10-28T15:43:00.013-04:00

Halloween is upon us, very soon in fact, and I thought I'd get in the spirt of things with some simple and inspiring treats!

I have yet to carve a pumpkin this year, but I want to. I better get on it, halloween it creeping up soon and I've been wanting some warm toasted pumpkin seeds for sometime now and there's no better time. Perhaps some spicy garlic roasted seeds? I think that sounds just about right.

very vanilla cupcakes with vanilla bean whipped cream

very vanilla cupcakes recipe here

vanilla bean whipped cream

2 cups whipping cream

1tbs vanilla bean paste or beans from 1 pod

1/4 cup icing sugar

black gum balls for topping

-whip cream and vanilla paste in a mixer or if you have a power arm, feel free to mix it by hand, add icing sugar until stiff peeks.

I found these very cool halloween candy canes from Michaels craft store and this kinda creepy but fab milk glass vase from the thrift store, filled up with some black gum balls or other creepy candy turns it into something from Elvira's castle. Whether she had a castle or not, I'm not sure, but I could see it!

Are any of you very cool people doing something fun this halloween?

the last of the fresh herbs

2009-10-20T16:42:00.014-04:00

I'll tell you now I don't have much luck in gardening. I like to buy plants and attempt to plant them, some might even reach a well worn pot, but then I forget to water them or forget about them all together, like a poor chili plant I had in the backyard. I had high hopes for that one and even visions of fresh chili infused dishes. I might have gotten one edible flowering out of it. I'm bad like that. What floors me though is that I have two tropical plants in the house, one upstairs and one down. One of them I've had for five years or more and the other, maybe three. They show no signs of giving up, especially the older one and I even forget to water that one sometimes too.

So this is starting to sound more like a spring post, no? Well, my main reason is my little kitchen pot of herbs... yes, sadly they are dying but I'm going to use up all the fresh herbs by golly even if I have to make more dishes, but I know that won't be too hard.

Pushing the sweetness aside I've made a couple of savory dishes that are perhaps a little elegant and super easy.

salt and pepper crusted pork with fresh oregano

dry pork chops with paper towel, heat a skillet with a little oil, rub the chops with salt and pepper and pan fry until cooked and golden.

caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts

1 pkg ready made puff pastry

1 onion

75g goat cheese

fresh basil

balsamic vinegar to drizzle

Preheat oven to 425 d, heat a skillet with a little oil, cut onions thick and place in heated pan for 3-5min a side. Cut 10mm rounds out of the pastry, stick on a baking try, spread on the goat cheese to each one and top with an onion. Baking for 15-19min or until puffed and golden.

Onion tarts recipe adapted from Donna Hay magazine, issue 46.

Oh, and one more month till New Moon!! *jumps up and down*

wicked good

2009-10-14T13:09:00.016-04:00

Do you ever have a time when only a doughnut will do? The craving can get pretty desperate during that midday lull or late at night especially when all the shops are closed.

On contrary I woke up this morning wanting french toast and while passing an article yesterday in my copy of delicious was a recipe for doughnut french toast... well I just had to make that of course.

doughnut french toast

2 large free-range eggs

60ml milk

2 tsp good vanilla extract

4 slices of rustic chunky white bread

(cut thin)

25g butter, plus a splash of oil for frying

50g caster sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1. Beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla in a shallow bowl or plate with a lip. Soak the bread in the eggy mixture for 3-5 min on each side.

2. Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan and add the egg-soaked bread until golden and scorched in places. Put the sugar and cinnamon on a plate and dip the cooked bread until coated in sugar like a sugared doughnut.

This was quite the sugarlicious treat, a little to sweet for my liking especially in the morning, but this at night would be pretty darn good. Plus I liked the sugar crunch. But I won't lie and say I wouldn't mind waking up to this in morning with a piping hot cup of coffee if someone made it for me though.

I would also like to thank Uncle Beef for featuring some of my spice on his blog the other day. Cheers!

Plus you defiantly need to check out this cute little stop-motion video... starring none other then... a cupcake!

easy peasy

2009-10-06T15:32:00.008-04:00

One of the best ways to enjoy cinnamon is hot.. and perhaps with some creamy delicious chocolate ...lots, in a drink we all love.

cinnamon vanilla infused milk

1 1/2 - 2 cups milk

1 cinnamon stick (you can also use powder)

splash of real vanilla extract

chocolate bit

2 tsp cocoa powder per cup

2 tsp sugar per cup

bring milk to a simmer with the cinnamon stick (broken up) or just put in the cinnamon powder and vanilla until hot (sieve if you've used a stick). Then place in a milk frother or if you don't have one place in a Nalgene bottle or any other well-sealed bottle and give it a good shake (you WILL get frothy milk). Have your cocoa powder and sugar in the cups, add a little bit of milk to each cup to get the cocoa powder going, stir well (or put all together in the air tight bottle and give a few good shakes) then add the rest of the milk to top it up.

serves 2

recipe adapted from Jamie Oliver's 'the best hot chocolate'

where's the cinnamon?

2009-10-04T16:33:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, I'm still here!

Yes this is another non-cinnamon post but I'm still trying to shrug off the last little bit of cold I seem to have... this thing will not budge!! So what have I been doing then you ask? Drinking lots of hot healthy tea and reading... a lot. I've already gone threw two books this week and am surely almost finished the third. I've decided that since no new episodes of TrueBlood were airing any time soon I figured I'd read my way threw it. I fear I am now spiraling down into yet another vampire obsession.

I did have quite the busy weekend though, baking up some delicious little treats for a couple of cute twins for their first birthday. Here's just one of the little cakes I did for the sesame street theme involving a certain furry red favorite and this little blue monster who sure likes snacks which involve cookies, and lots of em!

here's to fall

2009-09-25T15:19:00.007-04:00

Don't you just love the colour's of fall?

I felt fall just sneek up on me in the past two days. We were having some hot ones then bam, sweater weather. I won't complain I do enjoy the fall and I"m such a cardi girl, you'd think I collect em.

Sorry for the short, non-cinnamon post, but I'm battling a bit of a cold (this is also another source when you know the cold weather is coming) so I haven't much felt like baking... well that's a bit of a lie, I did bake. Some co-workers got a taste of those cinnamon buns and well... I'm three batches down this week.

the buns

2009-09-21T10:30:00.008-04:00

Nigella's cinnamon buns to be in fact. I actually made these once before about 5 years ago and making them now, I wonder why it took me soon long to make another batch? These are figgin good! Believe it or not they are super easy to make!

I could see these as a cute little weekend treat or perhaps the starting of a christmas morning tradition? The house would surely smell amazing!

recipe

5 cups flour (add more if you still find dough too goey)

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp rapid-rise yeast or 3 1/4-ounce pkgs

1/2 cup butter

1 2/3 cups milk

2 eggs

filling

1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp soft, unsalted butter

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg, beaten, to glaze

Preheat oven to 450 d F.

Combine all the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Melt the butter and whisk it into the milk and eggs, then stir into the flour mixture. Mix to combine and knead the dough either by hand or using the dough hook of an electric mixer until smooth. Form into a ball, place in a oiled bowl,cover with plastic and let rise for 25 min.

Take a third of the dough and roll it out to fit the bottom of the pan (13x10 roasting pan lined with parchment). Roll out the rest of the dough, aiming to roughly get a 20 by 10 inches. Mix the filling ingredients and spread the rectangle with the butter-cinnamon mixture. Roll it up from the longest side till you have a giant sausage. Cut the roll into 20 even slices. Brush with egg then let them sit for about 15 min to rise.

Bake in the hot oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lovely and golden brown.

Makes 20.

recipe adapted from Nigella Lawson's Norwegian Cinnamon Buns via How to be a Domestic Goddess

tis the season

2009-09-18T17:36:00.004-04:00

It's apple picking time and this truly is one of my favorite past times. So I'm heading to the farm for some fresh juicy ripe ones!

Do you have a favorite apple? Mine is the ever so sweet, tangy and juicy macintosh.

Remember...cinnamon goodness is coming up next!

Happy Weekend!

cinnamonnamon...

2009-09-13T19:55:00.008-04:00

Cinnamon.

Cinnamon conjures up the good feelings of all things cozy and warm. It could be that pinch on a cup of hot cocoa or the mark on a freshly brewed cappuccino. It could be that fifth spice to a great pumpkin pie or the wafting smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns... mmm.. now those are good! Cinnamon is defiantly a fall/winter essential, it's not quite fall until you've smelled the sweet spicy powder of this wonderful bark. I know in my house it starts with cinnamon scented pine-cones and seems to go on from there.

Not quite gracing our house with cinnamon scented pine-cones yet... but I have decided to try my hand at some cinnamon baked goods.

Hmmm... still deciding.

In the mean time, check out last night's dinner: one pan roasted goodness. I got a little lazy. I think I have come to believe that sometimes lazy can be a good thing. Especially when it comes out looking like this!

Ps. Hope you all had a great weekend!! And for any fellow Truebies out there, wasn't last nights finale amazing!

bitten or to bite?

2009-09-05T16:58:00.016-04:00

Yes, this may be another vampire-esque post, but to bad, I'm doing it anyway. This is ode to all you Eric, Bill, Edward and co. fans who I'm sure would love to take a bite out of these... or perhaps them?

No, really take a bite, these little guys are edible!

It was my friends b-day (yes that same fanpire friend) not to long ago and well I thought she would get a kick out of these. She did. What twilight vampire loving person wouldn't? They even sparkled!

She or should I say we have even come to the conclusion that the new Gap perfume Close smells of Edward (pathetic I know, haha) even in its ghostly white shimmery bottle it screams sparkly vampires. Oddly Close don't you think?

Have a happy long weekend all!

ps. I used red food gel for the bite marks on the cupcakes. These would also be really cool for halloween too!

foggy T.O and beef

2009-09-02T13:36:00.006-04:00

September screams fall, doesn't it? It's like summer is officially over, even know our weather is all summer right now... finally! I think everyone now is looking forward to fall. It's all about the cozy sweaters, comfy wrapped blankets, hot cups of tea and all things spice (preferably pumpkin). Here I am writing about fall when what I have to show is some what of a summer dish. But I couldn't help but share my quick delicious dinner delight (was that a tripple D?). I just loved the colours!

mushroom and beef salad

1 bag of ready made salad mix

(I choose caesar, goes quite well with the beef)

sautéed buttered button mushrooms

grilled salt and pepper steak.

Here's a little of downtown Toronto and the Ex.

took these photo's a while back, but thought I'd share.

coconut oat bars and sandcastles

2009-08-30T20:37:00.011-04:00

Yet another attempt at bar baking guys. I guess this is more of a healthy granola snack more than anything considering it contains flax, coconut and oats. I was going to go the chocolate route and add some bits of dark cocoa goodness but I opted out. I decided that coconut and oats was all I needed. Who says I can't make another batch with chocolate? No one.

I made some changes but I got the recipe from here.

This weekend I ventured down to the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) and saw some pretty cool things I think I should share. Did you ever make sand castles when you were a kid? I bet they never looked anything like this:

These are some pretty awesome sand carvers!

daring bakers dobos torta

2009-08-27T16:55:00.018-04:00

Wow, another month gone by and another daring baker's challenge down. I'm down to the wire again considering I just finished this cake only hours ago but this Dobos torta did turn out to be one super sweet layered up piece of chocolatly goodness. Chocolate buttercream layered under six layers of sponge cake wrapped in hazelnuts and topped with caramel, mmm...

yeah... and I burnt my caramel a little... still good, still good!

The August 2009 Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Angela of A Spoonful of Sugar and Lorraine of Not Quite Nigella. They chose the spectacular Dobos Torte based on a recipe from Rick Rodgers' cookbook Kaffeehaus: Exquisite Desserts from the Classic Caffés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Find the recipe here.

right now...

2009-08-22T17:11:00.005-04:00

I've falling in love with orange and lemon San Pellegrino. So refreshing on these muggy hot days we've been having too much of. Plus I adore the simple bottles!

In my moment of baking contemplation (still deciding) I ended up taking shots of things I bake with... more will come, but I'd thought I'd share.

Perhaps bars again?

I also have been busy adding some new items to my shop this weekend. Here's just a little peak...

have a great weekend!

seriously oaty oatmeal chocolate peanut butter bars

2009-08-16T14:26:00.015-04:00

These are some seriously good bars. Did I say seriously? I did, and they are. I think I have a thing for bars at the moment. The last thing I baked was bars (they were also very very good) and my 'looking threw a cook book' choice seemed to be all about the bars too! I am liking the bars and these are chocolate and peanut butter... need I say more?

recipe

300 g milk chocolate

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup butter

1 3/4 cups light brown sugar

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts

1 egg, beaten

14oz/400 g canned sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter

optional 1 cup coconut

Preheat oven to 350 F / 180 C

Finely chop the chocolate. Sift in the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the butter and mix till it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the rolled oats, sugar and chopped nuts. (for some extra goodness, if you like coconut, add here, about 1 cup)

Put a quarter of the mix into a bowl and add the chopped chocolate, mix and set aside.

Stir the egg into the remaining mixture, then press into the bottom of a 12x8 inch pan. Bake just the bottom for 15min.

Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter and condensed milk together. Pour onto the baked bottom crust, spread evenly, then sprinkle the reserved chocolate mixture on top.

Return to the oven and bake for an addition 20min. Let cool.

Recipe adapted from The Big Book of Baking.

back from the market

2009-08-10T12:17:00.011-04:00

Going to the market, especially the kind that's a foodie's dream come true, is both torture, pleasure and sometimes in means of stress. Stress only because I decided to go on the upmost busiest day of the week. Saturday. This place on a saturday is more tightly packed then a tin of Italian sardines. Seriously. I found myself trying to squeeze into getting a look at anything took effort and patience. 'I just need that goat cheese....right...ugh..there!' All I could do was find an open hole, reach my hand in and hope for the best.

Torture, well I wanted many things. Walking around the city and the train ride home didn't really work very well with perishables.

It was also my mom's birthday on the weekend and more then anything she just wanted a simple banana loaf, no cake, just the loaf, and that's exactly what I made her.

In all the pleasure I got with eyeing up some serious good looking eats I managed to bring back these delights (above), with that I induced this random veg photograph session.

a blondie moment

2009-08-06T16:16:00.005-04:00

*Caution extreme goodness coming your way.* I made these one board evening after sorting threw my abundance of magazines (attempting to purge was necessary...they were getting quite high), and ripping out only the good stuff to save, I came across these butterscotch bars (also known as a blondie). Wanting to bake something different and wanting to bake something for my Grams, she deserves a treat every once in while, knowing she loves all things butterscotch... I knew she would like these. Apparently so did a few of my co-workers. A friend of one of them, who was lucky enough to get a taste, and I quote "would give up men if this came in a 9 by 13 pan"... so now I knew they were good!

recipe

1 cup unsalted butter

4 cups brown sugar (I'm thinking a lot of sugar? I used less and they turned out just fine)

4 eggs

4 tbps vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tsp salt

1 cup chopped walnuts (any other chopped nut will work too)

1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

I also added about 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional)

1.Preheat oven to 375 F.

2.Line an 11 x 17 inch sheet pan with parchment paper.

3.In a electric mixture, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one by one and then the vanilla.

4.Sift together dry ingredients and add to butter mixture until combined. Add nuts and coconut (butterscotch chips).

5.Spread batter out in pan evenly. Bake for 15 min, rotate pan 180d, then bake for another 15. Do not over bake!

6.Cool and cute into bars (I baked mine in a cake pan. Don't. It was more like a cake then a bar and was harder to cut)

what did I do with those peaches?

2009-08-01T15:21:00.012-04:00

Peach pie of course! My neighbor was given lots and lots of peaches and in so doing, they gave us lots and lots of peaches. What was I to do with all those peaches? No room in the fridge, they wouldn't get eaten by themselves fast enough, and the fruit flies were sure to come. (I am pretty peached out at this point.) So when my neighbor left us four-plus baskets he hinted at just maybe perhaps making a peach pie? Well I couldn't just say no. It was all I could do for giving us this little gift. Why not give them one back?

I got the recipe from here.

Heading to the beach now, not this beach, but seriously wish it was.

Happy weekend!

daring baker's choc covered marshmallow cookies

2009-07-30T17:20:00.005-04:00

So here it finally is! Sorry for my extremely tardy post for the challenge (I was having camera difficulties) but here they are in all their chocolate glory. I love that we took a store bought cookie and made it into the goodness of homemade. These defiantly taste better then in the box! I was never a fan of the choc covered mallow cookies growing up and they still aren't nearly my favorite but these were simply fun to make.

Find the recipe here.

The July Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Nicole at Sweet Tooth. She gave us the choice of Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies or Milan Cookies from pastry chef Gale Gand of the Food Network.