Warm Spinach Salad

I know I say this a lot but this is one of my all-time favourites. HIGHLY RECOMMEND you trying it.

Here's the recipe:

• Baby spinach
• A little bit of red onion, chopped
• Half an apple of your choice, thinly sliced and chopped
• Rasins/ dried cranberries
• Mixed seeds like pumpkin and sesame seeds
• Pecans, toasted
• Goat's cheese/Feta/Bre - your choice- crumbled
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Dash of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp olive oil

Preparation:

• Put baby spinach, dried fruit, mixed seeds into a medium sized bowl.
• On the stove with a pea sized amount of oil, put in the chopped red onion. Add small sprinkle of brown sugar so that the onions get a slight amount of caramelization going on. Medium-High heat then low to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Once done add to salad.
• Add the cheese.
• Toast some pecans, then add to salad.
• In a small bowl combine sliced and chopped apple, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, salt and pepper. Once combined, place in microwave and heat for about 1 minute. Once done add a splash of olive oil. Wisk together.
• Add to salad and serve immediately.

ENJOY!

HELLO AGAIN

SO I kind of haven't kept up with posting lately. I guess I want this blog to be recreation and not really a priority to post. BUT that doesn't mean I won't try to post as much as possible.
I would like to kick back into posting with something absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Homemade flaky biscuits with HOMEMADE BRUSHETTA. Brew-shhkket-tah (proper pronunciation).
This is literally the best Brushetta I've ever had. I know you'll agree once you try it. This one is another recipe that I made up. So I'm proud of my own personal version. It's very easy to make! If you don't want to make homemade biscuits then I recommend serving on toasted english muffins or on toasted french bread.

Here's the recipe:

Kristen's Homemade Brushetta

• About 2 or 3 roma tomatoes, diced

• 1/2 red onion, minced

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tsp parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp basil, finely chopped

• 1 tsp oregano, ground

• 1/2 small eggplant, finely chopped/diced

• 1/4 of a zucchini, finely chopped/diced

• Few crumbles of goat's cheese... Or feta- whatever you prefer

• finely shredded mozzerella or parmesan cheese- again whichever you prefer

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• A touch of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

Preparation:

• Put all ingredients except cheeses into a medium sized bowl. Toss. Cover, and let sit for about 15 minutes. You can also put it in the fridge and use whenever needed. 

• Toast bread of choice

• Assemble the brushetta on up of bread or biscuits. Add cheese on top. 

•Bake at 350 degrees for about 5-10 minutes.

Homemade Flaky Biscuits:

• 2 cups flour

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more to add on top later

• 3/4 cups milk

Preparation

• Wisk together flour, powder and salt. Cut the butter -very cold- into dry ingredients and cut in flour mixture until butter pieces are about the size of a pea. Add in milk and mix just until combined.

• Roll out the dough on a surfaces layered thin with powdered sugar. Roll out until about 1 inch thick.

• Cut out circles to form the biscuits. Place on a prepared baking sheet. Add a small cube of butter on top.

• Bake at 450 degrees for about 10-12 minutes.

ENJOY!

Carrot, Orange, Raisin Cupcakes

My beautiful cousin Victoria had a nice visit this week and we decided to make something fun so we decided on these DELICIOUS carrot cupcakes. I know it's not fall but carrot cupcakes are too good to pass up the rest of the year. These are absolutely amazing cupcakes with an equally amazing orange infused cream cheese icing.

Recipe:

Cupcakes:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup canola or corn oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp grated orange zest
• 1 cup grated carrots ( about 2 large carrots)
• 3/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Icing:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 6 ounce cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp grated orange zest
• 1 tsp juice from an orange

Preparation:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Line muffin pan with paper cupcake liners.
• Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into a medium bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth and thick (about 1 minute). Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. On low speed, mix in the oil, vanilla, and orange zest until blended.
• Mix in the carrots, raisins, and walnuts.
•Fill liners with about 1/4 cup batter. Bake for about 28 minutes. Cool cupcakes for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
• Make the frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth and blended thoroughly. Add in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, then beat on medium speed for 1 minute to lighten the frosting further.
• Using a spoon, mix in orange zest and juice into the frosting. Spoon about 1/4 cup of frosting on each cupcake. place walnut halves on top to decorate. Serve, or cover and refrigerate.

Homemade Irish Brown Soda Bread

I love making homemade bread. It brings a kind of nostalgia and comfort. This is a dense bread with a crispy crust and soft inside. SO easy to make. It works really well to serve with soups and stews . ( Be sure to serve with lots of butter too...mmm)




Recipe:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 1/4 cup buttermilk

Preparation:
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees celcius.
•Measure all dry ingredients into a large bowl. Combine well and make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar. Pour in the buttermilk. Stir just until dough forms.
•Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1 minute until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, press down on tops of halves and slightly form into a rectangle. Place the two loaves on an un-greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops of the loaves with a bit of flour and with a knife, mark the shape of a cross on the top of each loaf.
• Let the loaves rest for at least 10 minutes.
•Bake on the middle rack for about 40 minutes.

Friday Night Dinner

SPICED BUTTERNUT-APPLE SOUP

faaaantastic!

Recipe:

Spiced Butternut-Apple Soup

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 rib of celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded
• 1 tart green apple, peeled, cored, chopped
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, curry powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, cracked peppercorns

Preparation:
• In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Do NOT let the butter brown. Add in the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes.  (Be sure to turn heat down if the vegetables start to brown.) Add squash, apple, broth, and water. Bring to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes. Puree and return to a clean pot. Stir in the spices.

THE BEST Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!

RECIPE COMING SOON

Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

Salad:

• Lettuce

• Baby spinach leaves

• Avocado

• Cucumber

• Grape or cherry tomatoes

• Red, yellow, and green peppers

• 1/2 Can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed, shelled

• 1 Package of flavoured quinoa ( I used French-style flavoured quinoa)

Dressing:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 4 Tbsp rice vinegar

• 1/4 Tsp dry mustard

• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 Garlic clove, minced

• 1/8 Tsp salt

• Pinch of ground pepper

• Pinch of cayanne pepper

NOTE: If you wanted, I suggest grilling some honey glazed (or honey mustard) chicken to add. Also if you wanted to add some cheese to the salad, I would suggest grilling some haloumi cheese.

Avocado and Tomato Toasties

This one is my own creation. A little tribute to my favourite...AVOCADO!

Recipe:

• Ciabatta Loaf ( or favourite bread )
• 1 Tomato slices
• Avocado sliced- about half
• Mozzarella cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Cayenne pepper
• Fresh cracked pepper and/or peppercorns
• Sea salt
• Olive oil

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees celcius.

• Cut ciabatta loaf in slices, however way you please. In a bowl toss together a tablespoon of olive oil, the spices, the tomato, and the avocado until coated. Put the mixture over the slices of ciabatta. Slice some mozzarella cheese and place on top. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top, add some more pepper and flakes.

• Place the slices on a baking sheet.

• Bake for 10 minutes or until bread has crispy edges and the cheese is melted.

ENJOY!

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

 Our household loves trying new flavours, so I decided to try making something that I've never tried before... Thai Peanut Noodle Salad. It's definitely unique in flavour, and it's yummy.

* RECIPE COMING SOON *

African Curried Coconut Soup with Chickpeas

All I can say is... YUM.

I've adapted this from Epicurious... added a few personal touches.

Recipe:
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño chili, seeded and finely chopped * I didn't have one so I left this out (still tasted great) *
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes, canned and liquid drained
• 1 tbsp hot or mild curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 14 oz can of coconut milk
• 3/4 cups cooked white or brown rice * I used brown *
• 2 tbsp fresh ground or chopped cilantro


Preparation:
• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add in the onion, bell pepper, and chilii (if adding in), keep stirring until they're softened -about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add the broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, curry powder, salt and pepper; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally -about 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook stirring occasionally- about 5 minutes. Serve.
and most importantly... ENJOY!

Apple Streusel Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes and Homemade Applesauce

Are you drooling? It's okay I don't blame you.

*Recipe and Preparation coming soon*

The muffins are ready

Homemade Apple Sauce


Now serve the warm cupcakes with hot homemade apple sauce... YUM!

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Sweets time! Got to have some balance, right?!
Brownie-Centred Oat Squares
D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!

Recipe:

Oat Crumble:

• 2 1/2 Cups Oats

• 3/4 Cup Flour ( I used Whole Wheat Flour )

• 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

• 3/4 Cup Soft Butter, or Margarine

Brownie:

• 3 Oz. Bittersweet ( or Dark ) Chocolate, Chopped

• 1/2 Cup Butter

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar

• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

• 2 Eggs, Beaten

• 1/2 Cup Flour ( I used Whole Wheat Flour )

• 1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder

• 1/2 Tsp Salt

• 1/4 Cup White Chocolate Chip, 1/4 Cup Milk Chocolate Chip, 1/4 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Celcius

• Grease a square pan and add about 3/4 of the oat crumble to the bottom of the pan, press mixture down

• In a bowl melt bittersweet chocolate and butter. Once melted add in brown sugar and vanilla and stir thoroughly. Add in eggs mix thoroughly. Add in flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix until smooth.

• Stir in chocolate chips.

• Pour brownie batter on the Oat crumble mixture in the pan. Spread batter evenly.

• Add the rest of the oat crumble on top.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes

• Heat a heaping spoonful of Nutella in the microwave just until loosened. Using a fork sprinkle Nutella over the top of the squares.

• Let cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

ENJOY!

Vegetable Curry

OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS!


1. Do you want the best curry in the world?
2. Do you want the privilege of making it in the comfort of your own home?


Well great, here's your chance.


Vegetable Curry thanks to "The Vegetarian Student Cookbook" that I picked up from Chapters the other day.

Best purchase ever? I think so. My brother is Vegetarian so while I'm at home I convert to a Vegetarian lifestyle. I'm extremely excited about this recipe... DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND MAKE IT!


Double it and triple it cause you'll want it everyday.

Cooking in the pot. Your whole house will smell ridiculously good.

Ready to serve!

Best Vegetable Curry Recipe (with a few personal tweaks) :
• 3 Tbsp Safflower Oil
• 1 Onion, Sliced
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 Tbsp Ginger Paste ( Or Fresh Ginger... Peeled and Grated)
• 1 Tbsp Cilantro Paste ( Or Fresh Cilantro, Chopped)
• 1 Tbsp Hot Curry Paste or Powder
*Incase you were curious here is a list of the spices that were used in the Hot Curry Powder I used*
-All spices are powdered: Coriander, Turmeric, Fenugreek, Cumin, Salt, Dry Mustard, Rice Flour, Paprika, Fennel, Garlic, Onion, Cinnamon, Chilli, Clove, Ginger, Pepper, Bay, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Spice Extract
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1 Lb. Potatoes, Peeled and Cut into Cubes
• 14 Oz. Can of Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 1/4 Cups Vegetable Broth (Stock)
• 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 8 Oz. Mushrooms
• 8 Oz. Peas
(I didn't have peas available so I used 1/2 cup Spincach... I HIGHLY recommend adding Spincach. I used frozen spinach that had been defrosted)
• 1/3 Cup Ground Almonds
• Salt and Pepper to taste


Preparation:
• Cook Basmati Rice as package directs. (I used Brown Basmati Rice)
• Heat oil in a large saucepan, add in the onion, garlic, ginger, curry paste or powder, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes. Add in the potatoes, tomatoes, vegetable stock, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Bring ingredients to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
• Put almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
• Add in the mushrooms, peas, spinach, ground almonds, and cilantro to the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Serve with Rice and Naan Bread.


ENJOY!

Baked Oatmeal

I wanted to try to make a sweet mid-morning snack, so I pulled out a great Baked Oatmeal recipe. It turned out great, made my own revisions to it. It turned out amazing !


This is a great dish for breakfast, brunches, for snack or even dessert.


* There would be a photo here, but it was eaten before a picture could be taken *


Baked Oatmeal:


• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
• 1 (18-oz.) container regular oats
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup applesauce,or your favourite jams, marmalades etc.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1/4 cup melted butter

• Handful of dried fruit ( your favourites )

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut 

• 1/3 cup favourite nuts

Preparation:

•Toss 2 cups blueberries in 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, and spread evenly on bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

• Combine oats, next 9 ingredients, and remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon juice in a large bowl, stirring until well blended. Pour oat mixture evenly over blueberries.

3. Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 20 more minutes or until golden brown and set.

AND ALSO TRY THIS FLAVOUR

Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal: 

Place 1/2 cup chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until toasted, stirring once. Omit blueberries and lemon juice. Peel and chop 5 Granny Smith apples. Spread on bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted pecans over apples. Prepare oat mixture as directed, and pour evenly over apples and pecans. Bake as directed. 

Homemade Pizzas

Ok, so since I've been cooking for my family for about 2 months now, I decided to slack a little tonight.
This is really simple, Homemade Pizzas on Naan Bread.
These are perfect sized individual pizzas, so instead of trying to agree on what kind to get... Make your own with your favourite toppings.

For this Pizza that I made for my brother... I used Carmelized Onion Naan Bread, and made an updated version of a "Deluxe Pizza"since that was my brother's choice. Remember you can add whatever you want to these. Different sauces, veggies, meats, cheeses...Be creative!


For this updated version of a deluxe I used:
• Pizza sauce
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese
• Chopped red onion
• Green peppers
• Crushed red peppers
• Fire Roasted sweet peppers
• Mushrooms
• Olives
• Red pepper flakes and fresh cracked pepper


Bake at 375 deg until cheese is melted and sides are golden brown and crispy... about 15 minutes.


ENJOY!

Really simple, but I decided to post it

The Perfect Fruit Smoothie
It really is the perfect one.













Here's the recipe:
• Frozen Strawberries
• Frozen Blueberries
• Mango
• Cranberries
• Half of a banana
• Your choice of milk
• A splash of orange juice


Directions:
• Take a small handful of each fruit, and the half banana and put into a blender. Add in you choice of milk, and a splash of orange juice. Blend together. Keep adding milk and juice until reached desired consistency.


Serves: 2 or 3 people


ENJOY!

YES

BAKED EXPLORATIONS !!!
The book my brother's gave me for Christmas

YEAH... Get excited!

Vegetable Pomodoro Pasta

Okay... I was scared of using egglants... but this turned out to be SO fresh and SO good... AND It's very healthy!








Pomodoro Pasta


Here's the recipe:
•2 Tbsp Olive Oil
•1 Eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 zucchini
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced ( or finely chopped )
• 4 Tomatoes chopped into chunks
• Handful of green olives, chopped( optional )
• 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 3/4 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Pepper
• 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 can of crushed roasted red peppers
• Pasta of your choice ( For pasta in the photo, I used gluten-free brown rice pasta to be extra healthy)
• Basil


Preparation:
• Boil water, add salt, add pasta of choice
• While Pasta is cooking... Heat olive oil in a med- large skillet. Add eggplant and zucchini, cook until softened (about 5 mins). Add garlic, cook 1 min. Add tomatoes, olives, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, crushed red peppers, cook for 10 minutes. Add red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Serve this sauce over the pasta and most importantly... ENJOY!


The salad pictured was a mixed greens, spinach salad with red onion, cherry tomatoes and celery with an avocado, lime, cilantro balsamic dressing ( will post dressing later on ).

FIRST POST!

Alright. So I'm kind of nervous but quite excited to start this !

I figured for my first post I would start with something to either have a slice to go along with afternoon tea, wrap in parchment paper tied with string to give to a friend, or just eat the whole thing on your own in one sitting...

(which is probably what I would have done if I wasn't trying to be good).

"Berry Coffee Cake with Lemon Streusel Topping and White Chocolate garnish"

Simple to make, and it looks fancy.

Here's the recipe:

adapted/inspired by King Arthur

Lemon Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar

• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour

• Pinch of Salt

• 1/2 Cup Lemon zest

• 6 Tbsp Butter, Softened

• 1/8 Tsp Lemon Juice, Lemon oil, or  Lemon Extract

Cake:

• 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

• 1 Tsp Baking Powder

• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

• 1/2 Tsp Salt

• 8 Tbsp Butter, Softened

• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

• 2 Large Eggs

• 1 Cup Sour Cream, Room Temperature

• 1 Tsp Vanilla

• 2 Cups Fresh or Frozen(and thawed) Mixed Berries

Directions:

•Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. Line a 9" x 13"  baking pan, or two 8" x 2" round pans with parchment paper and lightly spray.

• For the Streusel : In a medium bowl whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Toss in the Lemon zest. Work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles granola ( some larger chunks and some smaller). Sprinkle in the lemon juice, lemon oil or lemon extract. Toss to combine. Set aside.

• For the Cake: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. Add in the eggs one at a time. ( Be sure the scrape down the sides of the bowl ). Beat in the sour cream and vanilla.

• In a separate bowl, mix together flour,  baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the wet ingredients from other bowl into the flour mixture. Mix with electric mixer only until combined. 

DO NOT OVER-MIX. 

• Gently fold in the berries until distributed throughout the batter. Pour into the prepared pan, spread evenly. Sprinkle the batter with the entire streusel mixture until covered completely.

• Bake up to 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. 

Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

ENJOY!