tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84689893815836240732024-03-08T13:01:53.973-05:00Amelie EatsAmeliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-18809042812028760402009-11-20T12:10:00.000-05:002009-11-20T12:10:00.211-05:00Roasted Tomato SoupTomato soup is a cold-weather classic. I've bumped it up a notch using roasted plum tomatoes, basil and chili flakes. The result is a spicy soup with complex flavour. This soup is so thick it could easily double as pasta sauce - I can totally picture this paired with Italian sausage for a smashing lasagna! Try it, it's comfort in a bowl!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwXiH-mIY_I/AAAAAAAABN0/S6-h_LoVQdA/s1600/roasted+tomato+sauce.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwXiH-mIY_I/AAAAAAAABN0/S6-h_LoVQdA/s400/roasted+tomato+sauce.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405975554418041842" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Roasted Tomato Soup</span><br />Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa<br /><br />2 lbs plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise<br />salt and pepper to taste<br />1/4 teaspoon chili flakes<br />3 tablespoons olive oil<br />2 cups onions, chopped<br />6 cloves garlic, minced<br />28 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)<br />2 tablespoons dried basil<br />4 cups chicken stock<br /><br />Preheat oven to 450oF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tomato halves face up. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes; drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Roast in oven for approximately 45 minutes.<br /><br />Once tomatoes are roasted, heat remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for about 10 minutes, until golden-brown. Add canned tomatoes, dried basil, chicken stock and roasted tomatoes and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutes. <br /><br />Cool in fridge overnight or bring to room temparature. Working in small batches purée soup using blender of food processor.<br /><br />*Warning: Do not blend hot liquids! Built up steam can blow the lid right of the blender making a nasty mess, not to mention the burns that would result!<br /><br />Yield: 8 cupsAmeliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-88127008691200398262009-11-19T12:17:00.000-05:002009-11-19T12:17:00.123-05:00Grandma's MacaroniThis is my grandma's recipe for macaroni; it's certainly nothing fancy but it's my favorite. Of course, despite using the same ingredients, mine doesn't taste as good as hers... Where can I buy bottled grandma love? I suspect that's her secret...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwNMIV5FjDI/AAAAAAAABM8/cYco8ftk3Fk/s1600/macaroni+aux+tomates.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwNMIV5FjDI/AAAAAAAABM8/cYco8ftk3Fk/s400/macaroni+aux+tomates.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405247683973975090" /></a><br /><br />2 cups macaroni<br />1 can condensed tomato soup<br />1/2 cup onion, small dice<br />1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, small dice<br />salt and pepper<br />1/4 cup breadcrumbs<br />2 tablespoons butter, melted<br />1 tablespoon Italian seasonings<br /><br />Cook macaroni according to package directions. Combine macaroni, tomato soup, onion, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour in greased 13x9 baking dish. Heat oven to 375oF.<br /><br />In separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, butter and Italian seasonings. Sprinkle on top of macaroni.<br /><br />Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until heated through and topping is slightly browned.<br /><br />Yield: 8 portionsAmeliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-35256214704384658392009-11-18T12:59:00.007-05:002009-11-18T13:12:16.410-05:00Stars of the Week (November 12 - 18)<a href="http://erincooks.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-thumbprints/">Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints</a> by <a href="http://erincooks.com">Erin Cooks</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4qWTx0xI/AAAAAAAABNs/nmlH0MCiGoc/s1600/thumbprints.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4qWTx0xI/AAAAAAAABNs/nmlH0MCiGoc/s400/thumbprints.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405507752945636114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/11/16/chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-crisp-squares/">Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Crisp Squares</a> by <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com">Brown-Eyed Baker</a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4eDybSTI/AAAAAAAABNU/A_9s-VOnjks/s1600/peanut+butter+crisp.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4eDybSTI/AAAAAAAABNU/A_9s-VOnjks/s400/peanut+butter+crisp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405507541815478578" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/11/r-2.html">Spring Onion and Chili Pasta</a> by <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com">Sweet Paul</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4nQeZ0-I/AAAAAAAABNk/ooWnLWUDPu8/s1600/spring+onion+and+chili+pasta.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4nQeZ0-I/AAAAAAAABNk/ooWnLWUDPu8/s400/spring+onion+and+chili+pasta.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405507699839980514" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/pumpkin-whip-a-no-sugar-added-light-ending/">Pumpkin Whip</a> by <a href="http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com">Eating Well, Living Thin</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4jVpf3SI/AAAAAAAABNc/ln2dNnWVW_w/s1600/pumpkin+whip.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4jVpf3SI/AAAAAAAABNc/ln2dNnWVW_w/s400/pumpkin+whip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405507632509213986" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/05/chocolate-caramel-espresso-chews.html">Chocolate Caramel Espresso Chews</a> by <a href="http://desertculinary.blogspot.com">Culinary in the Desert</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4Y4XpVXI/AAAAAAAABNM/iqpb360OfXQ/s1600/brownies+with+rolos.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwQ4Y4XpVXI/AAAAAAAABNM/iqpb360OfXQ/s400/brownies+with+rolos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405507452851017074" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-53744820268310068962009-11-17T15:04:00.008-05:002009-11-17T21:00:11.618-05:00Nooschi's Grandma's Steamed Chicken and Shiitake Mushrooms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwNVEBJNoFI/AAAAAAAABNE/3kiOS3bzOa8/s1600/nooschi%27s+chicken.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwNVEBJNoFI/AAAAAAAABNE/3kiOS3bzOa8/s400/nooschi%27s+chicken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405257505289642066" /></a><br /><br />I know I've mentioned this recipe before but it truly deserves a post all it's own and I finally got around to taking a picture so there you have it! This recipe is yummy, healthy and a welcomed alternative to the dismal Chinese restaurants in my neighbourhood. Served with wonton soup or potstickers, rice and stir-fried veggies - you've got a meal that's 10 000 times better than take-out (and way healthier too). A few instructions: a) Make sure to cut the ginger in teeny-tiny matchsticks as fresh ginger has a very strong taste and you wouldn't want a big bite (I wouldn't anyway). b) Dried shiitake mushrooms impart a particular flavour. Though I'm sure this recipe would be good with plain mushrooms, the dried shiitake make the dish.<br /><br />Please be sure to check <a href="http://www.nooschi.com/2009/08/grandmas-steamed-chicken-and-shiitake.html">Nooschi's original recipe here</a>. Nooschi is a food blogger extraordinaire! Also from O-town, she often showcases local restaurants but also restaurants abroad (she often travels to Australia, New Zealand and the United States) as well as interviews and delectable recipes. Not to mention her beautiful photography!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nooschi's Grandma's Steamed Chicken and Shiitake Mushrooms</span><br />by <a href="http://www.nooschi.com/">Nooschi</a><br /><br />3 chicken thighs<br />8-10 dried shiitake mushrooms<br />3 1/2 teaspoons of corn starch<br />4 teaspoons of oyster sauce<br />1 teaspoons of soy sauce<br />3-4 tablespoons ginger, cut into matchsticks<br />2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil<br />1 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon of sesame oil<br /><br />Prep ingredients: I buy pre-sliced shiitake mushrooms and follow box instructions to rehydrate - soak in boiling water for 20 minutes. Wring water out of mushrooms (but keep the juices to make soup). Remove the excess fat from the chicken thighs, and cut in small pieces.<br /><br />In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, corn starch, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well. Add in olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and continue mixing until the oil is evenly distributed. Finally, add in the shiitake mushrooms and ginger, and mix gently. As per Nooschi, adding the mushrooms and ginger at the end will ensure that the two will not absorb too much oil.<br /><br />Place the chicken mixture in a dish that is about 9 inches in diameter and 1 inch high (I use a foil pie plate). Place the plate in a Chinese steaming basket, and steam for 20 minutes. Right before serving, add 1/8 teaspoon of sesame oil to the chicken, mix well and serve.<br /><br />Yield: 2 portionsAmeliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-38827229426844315532009-11-16T07:30:00.001-05:002009-11-16T10:36:39.052-05:00Blueberry-Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwFusbr28OI/AAAAAAAABM0/Qdp-Tyi6LI4/s1600/blueberry+lemon+ricotta+pancakes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SwFusbr28OI/AAAAAAAABM0/Qdp-Tyi6LI4/s400/blueberry+lemon+ricotta+pancakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404722737446318306" /></a><br /><br />As with most Sundays, I made pancakes for breakfast yesterday. These blueberry-lemon-ricotta pancakes had been on my "to do" list for a while so I was happy to finally give them a try. They were extremely light and sweet, almost like angel food cake. In my opinion, syrup would have distracted from the blueberries so I enjoyed mine with butter only - perfection!<br /><br />I must admit I was cursing these pancakes as they were cooking and vowed this was the first and last time I would make this recipe but looking back, I think I was simply too impatient (I was starving!) and I flipped them before the batter was properly set so they fell apart. Once I had a bit of food in my belly, I was able to stop messing with them and let them cook longer and wouldn't you know, no more broken pancakes! Also, I recommend smaller pancakes (about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake) as anything more is difficult to manage since the batter is so light.<br /><br /><strong>Blueberry-Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes</strong><br />Adapted from Judy's recipe at <a href="http://domesticgoddessadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/blueberry-lemon-ricotta-pancakes.html">Judy in Her Natural Habitat: The Kitchen</a> and <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/lemon-ricotta-pancakes.html?cm_src=oldlink">Williams-Sonoma</a>.<br /><br />1 cup ricotta cheese (I used light ricotta cheese)<br />1 cup milk <br />3 eggs, separated <br />1/4 cup sugar <br />Juice of 1 lemon <br />1 1/2 cups cake flour <br />1 tablespoon baking powder <br />1/4 teaspoon salt <br />1 cup blueberries (I used frozen blueberries)<br /><br />Whisk together the ricotta, milk, egg yolks, sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Sift together the flour, baking powder and 1/8 tsp. of the salt over the ricotta mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. <br /><br />Using a whisk (or, if you're feeling lazy like me, a stand-mixer) beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the remaining 1/8 tsp. salt and continue beating until soft peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold one-third of the egg whites into the ricotta mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whites and the blueberries.<br /><br />Wipe a bit of oil on griddle and heat to medium/high. Ladle 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top and the pancakes are golden underneath, approximately 4 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for about 3 minutes more. Top with butter and enjoy!<br /><br />Yield: 24 pancakes.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-56788814443780052422009-11-13T20:00:00.001-05:002009-11-13T20:00:00.165-05:00Random Act of KindnessA while back, Psychgrad at <a href="http://eatfordinner.blogspot.com/2009/08/random-acts-of-kindness.html">Equal Opportunity Kitchen</a> blogged about random acts of kindness. She had been on the receiving end of such a lovely gesture from Julia at <a href="http://www.growcookeat.com/2009/06/random-apps-of-kindness-and-giveaway.html">Grow. Cook. Eat.</a> and she was passing on the favor. The only requirement was to post a comment and be willing to pay it forward.<br /><br />Psychgrad randomly chose 3 lucky recipients for a random act of kindness of her choosing and you guessed it, my name was picked! I received a lovely basket of goodies: Williams-Sonoma Spicy Chipotle Rub, artisanal mustard, artisanal jam, Saskatoon berry tea, Back to Nature Sea Salt Roasted Almonds, gum, apples and a lovely lavendar soap.<br /><br />One of several goodies I received from Psychgrad at <a href="http://eatfordinner.blogspot.com/2009/08/random-acts-of-kindness.html">Equal Opportunity Kitchen</a>...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svw3uOarTAI/AAAAAAAABMk/sGM7-027Riw/s1600-h/spicy+chipotle+rub.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svw3uOarTAI/AAAAAAAABMk/sGM7-027Riw/s400/spicy+chipotle+rub.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403254920221248514" /></a><br /><br />Now it's my turn to keep giving! The rules are simple: <br /><br />1. Leave a comment on this post no later than 8:00 pm Eastern Time Friday, November 20th. I'll pick 3 comments randomly, on whose authors I'll bestow an act of kindness. I’ll announce the winners shortly after.<br /><br />2. Having some experience with shipping overseas, I'm going to have to limit my kindness to bloggers from North America. Sorry! :(<br /><br />3. My kindness can be anything of my choosing. It might be handmade and it might be purchased, but it will be selected just for you. I make no guarantees that you’ll love it (or not find it odd or quirky), but I guarantee that it will be heartfelt on my part.<br /><br />4. All you have to do, dear readers, is have a blog and be willing to pass on the kindness by creating a similar post. If you don’t blog, play the game the old-fashioned way: find a neighbour, stranger or friend in need and fill it.<br /><br />Good luck!Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-60691193514527564592009-11-12T16:30:00.002-05:002009-11-12T20:32:40.729-05:00Pumpkin PancakesI've been a tad pumpkin obsessed these days. I can't help it, fall = pumpkins! My latest pumpkin recipe has been delicious pumpkin pancakes as showcased on <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/pumpkin-spice-pancakes-and-other-such-pumpkin-treats/#more-1755">Joy the Baker's Blog</a>. Joy knows her stuff - if you haven't already, you need to check out her blog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svy3IsmgJwI/AAAAAAAABMs/DwJYMHnReAo/s1600-h/pumpkin+pancakes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svy3IsmgJwI/AAAAAAAABMs/DwJYMHnReAo/s400/pumpkin+pancakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403395012977239810" /></a><br /><br />The only snafu I encountered as I made these was that my pancakes didn't seem to cook all the way through, no matter how long I left them on the griddle. Seriously, I left them on for a really long time so they had to be cooked but the middle still seemed doughy. I chalked it up to the pumpkin purée. Whatever, they were delicious and moist.<br /><br /><strong>Pumpkin Pancakes</strong><br />Inspired by Joy the Baker and Martha Stewart<br /><br />3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />2 tablespoons brown sugar<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />3/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon nutmeg<br />pinch of ground ginger<br />pinch of ground cloves<br />1 cup milk<br />1/2 cup pumpkin purée<br />1 egg<br />2 tablespoons canola oil<br /><br />Whisk together flours, salt, spices, sugar and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, pumpkin and oil. <br /><br />Pour the wet ingredients in the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. <br /><br />Let the batter sit for 10 minutes while you heat the griddle. Once griddle is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the griddle. When pancake starts to bubble slightly, carefully flip over.<br /><br />Once browned and cooked through butter pancakes and serve with your preferred topping. Brown sugar/cinnamon combo is yummy as are maple syrup or applesauce.<br /><br />Yield: 6-8 pancakesAmeliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-30464048211132721592009-11-11T22:30:00.001-05:002009-11-12T09:14:44.725-05:00Stars of the Week (November 5 - 11)<a href="http://www.hungrycravings.com/2009/11/butternut-squash-gnocchi.html">Butternut Squash Gnocchi</a> by <a href="http://www.hungrycravings.com">Hungry Cravings</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvszNZFv85I/AAAAAAAABMU/UlFkncSviYo/s1600-h/butternut+squash+gnocchi.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvszNZFv85I/AAAAAAAABMU/UlFkncSviYo/s400/butternut+squash+gnocchi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402968483127358354" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit/the-art-of-the-bento-box/">The Art of the Bento Box</a> by <a href="http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit">Stick a Fork in It - Orange County Food Blog</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvszGk1fT8I/AAAAAAAABMM/hvkJveLZ2xo/s1600-h/bento.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvszGk1fT8I/AAAAAAAABMM/hvkJveLZ2xo/s400/bento.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402968366021300162" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/11/crispy-coconut-chicken-fingers.html">Coconut Chicken Fingers</a> by <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com">Our Best Bites</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svsy7i3OKSI/AAAAAAAABME/Ipex473AZ1E/s1600-h/coconut+chicken+fingers.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svsy7i3OKSI/AAAAAAAABME/Ipex473AZ1E/s400/coconut+chicken+fingers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402968176513132834" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://foodlibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/11/brown-sugar-and-chocolate-chip-bundt.html">Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake with Maple-Espresso Glaze</a> by <a href="http://foodlibrarian.blogspot.com">The Food Librarian</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvsyRPRy0zI/AAAAAAAABL8/tq6-kHqKxkQ/s1600-h/brown+sugar+and+chocolate+chip+bundt.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvsyRPRy0zI/AAAAAAAABL8/tq6-kHqKxkQ/s400/brown+sugar+and+chocolate+chip+bundt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402967449701372722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://countrylivingcitystyle.com/magpie/dainties/lemon-bars/">Lemon Bars</a> by <a href="http://countrylivingcitystyle.com">Country Living, City Style</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svswhq_63NI/AAAAAAAABLs/8N13LDsd4zc/s1600-h/lemon+bars.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Svswhq_63NI/AAAAAAAABLs/8N13LDsd4zc/s400/lemon+bars.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402965532997246162" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-85863377706340826772009-11-10T20:58:00.008-05:002009-11-12T10:01:52.099-05:00The Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Spice MuffinsAs you all know by now, I'm a big fan of The Pioneer Woman. I've been following her blog for about two years now and I can't get enough of her witty writing and yummy recipes.<br /><br />I recently purchased her cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Cooks-Recipes-Accidental/dp/0061658197">The Pioneer Woman Cooks</a>. As part of my 101 in 1001 list, I will attempt to cook all the recipes in her cookbook. Yes, I am aware that represents a lot of butter. But I figure one or two recipes a week won't kill me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvofOAfTlLI/AAAAAAAABLk/_bbnmpO0lts/s1600-h/ThePioneerWomanCooksCB.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvofOAfTlLI/AAAAAAAABLk/_bbnmpO0lts/s400/ThePioneerWomanCooksCB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402665028494267570" /></a><br /><br />I kicked it off tonight with a steak and Pioneer Woman's Whiskey Cream Sauce. No pictures but you'll have to take my word for it that it was tasty! In an attempt to make it "healthier", I used fat-free sour cream instead of light cream and it was still delicious. Still not an every day treat but perfect for a special occasion.<br /><br />But back to the muffins. This is another Pioneer Woman recipe I recently made though not one featured in her cookbook, this one is straight from the web. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/">Here actually.</a><br /><br />I made them sans frosting to make them more healthy and more breakfast-like (as opposed to dessert-like). These little gems were comforting, filling and yummy! I like their somewhat dense texture - hate when muffins crumble everywhere! Will definitely make again and at 3 points each, a reasonable indulgence.<br /><br />Before baking. See... the tops are sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg... You know that's gonna be good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4094498766_7523f5d56f.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4094498766_7523f5d56f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Fresh out of the oven!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/4094498922_f0be437408.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/4094498922_f0be437408.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Hope you give these a try!<br /><br /><strong>Pumpkin Spice Muffins</strong><br />Adapted from The Pioneer Woman<br /><br />1 cup flour<br />1/2 cups sugar<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon ground ginger<br />1/2 teaspoon nutmeg<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />4 tablespoons butter, cut in pieces<br />1 cup (heaping) pumpkin purée<br />1/2 cup evaporated milk<br />1 egg<br />1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br /><br />Topping<br /><br />2 tablespoons sugar<br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon nutmeg<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prep muffin tins with liners. Sift dry ingredients. Cut in butter until fully incorporated and mixture is crumbly. In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients. Pour wet mixture into dry mixture. Fold gently until just combined. Pour into lined muffin tins. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar-nutmeg topping over the top of each unbaked muffin. Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-2421351004293883322009-11-04T12:20:00.010-05:002009-11-04T12:52:57.941-05:00Stars of the Week (October 29 - November 4)I know, I know, I should just change the title of this blog to Stars of the Week, haven't done much else lately. Please pardon me! I've been feeling under the weather for the past couple of weeks but now I'm feeling better and I've been working on new recipes. Coming soon!!!<br /><br />Before I start my weekly recap, I just want to mention that my wonderful hubby, Steve, woke me up with a delicious breakfast this morning - coffee, bacon and <a href="http://ellysaysopa.com/2009/10/08/cinnamon-roll-pancakes/">Cinnamon Roll Pancakes</a> by Elly Says Opa! (featured two weeks ago on Stars of the Week). He didn't make the filling (which I'm sure is the best part) because he knows I'm on Weight Watchers and weekday pancakes and bacon were already pushing the envelope! But no regrets, these pancakes were well worth the points! They are stiff competition to our current favourites, Buttermilk Chai-Spiced Pancakes and Yogurt Pancakes, thanks to their comforting cinnamon taste and their velvety texture. YUM!<br /><br />Now on with the show: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailyunadventuresincooking.com/2009/11/brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-walnuts-and.html">Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Walnuts and Balsamic Vinegar</a> by <a href="http://www.dailyunadventuresincooking.com">Daily Unadventures in Cooking</a><br /><br />Yes, I'm featuring brussel sprouts. They sound delish. And besides, veggies are good for you. So there. (Don't mind me, I'm feeling petulant.)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG8-rc5KOI/AAAAAAAABKk/fStphQyN-_o/s1600-h/brussel+sprouts+with+bacon.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG8-rc5KOI/AAAAAAAABKk/fStphQyN-_o/s400/brussel+sprouts+with+bacon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400305213195757794" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://sassafrascafe.blogspot.com/2009/11/caramel-walnut-brownies.html">Caramel Walnut Brownies</a> by <a href="http://sassafrascafe.blogspot.com">Sassafras Cafe</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG9ufWXB7I/AAAAAAAABK0/gvDfdMXfLT4/s1600-h/caramel+walnut+brownies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG9ufWXB7I/AAAAAAAABK0/gvDfdMXfLT4/s400/caramel+walnut+brownies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400306034580850610" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thelunacafe.com/roasted-fall-vegetable-salad-with-warm-goat-cheese-honey-mustard-vinaigrette/">Roasted Fall Vegetable Salad with Warm Goat Cheese & Honey Mustard Vinaigrette</a> by <a href="http://thelunacafe.com">Luna Cafe</a><br /><br />I'm not a big fan of goat cheese (okay, let's be honest, I hate it) but if I did like it, this recipe would be a winner. I love the idea of roasted vegetables in a salad and I will try that concept shortly. Perfect for fall!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG9952RtbI/AAAAAAAABLE/GVQJNBBAjKQ/s1600-h/roasted+veggie+salad.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG9952RtbI/AAAAAAAABLE/GVQJNBBAjKQ/s400/roasted+veggie+salad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400306299392079282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://timeinthekitchen.com/2008/08/lobster-mac-and-cheese/">Lobster Mac and Cheese</a> by <a href="http://timeinthekitchen.com">Time in the Kitchen</a><br /><br />Lobster + Mac and Cheese = JOY and angels singing<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG93bpXF0I/AAAAAAAABK8/t9ERE5y0N30/s1600-h/lobster+mac+and+cheese.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG93bpXF0I/AAAAAAAABK8/t9ERE5y0N30/s400/lobster+mac+and+cheese.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400306188205627202" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://beachvintage.blogspot.com/2009/10/project-day-crayon-cookies.html">Crayon Cookies</a> by <a href="http://beachvintage.blogspot.com">Beach Vintage</a><br /><br />Warning! Do not eat these cookies!!! Seriously, how cool are these?! I wish I knew a kid I could make these for!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG9omx0qAI/AAAAAAAABKs/9yB6n7ee0ng/s1600-h/crayon+cookies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SvG9omx0qAI/AAAAAAAABKs/9yB6n7ee0ng/s400/crayon+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400305933495871490" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-21795487438041009322009-10-28T18:45:00.007-04:002009-10-28T19:43:36.164-04:00Stars of the Week (October 22 - 29)<a href="http://www.crumblycookie.net/2009/10/26/sun-dried-tomato-jam/">Sun Dried Tomato Jam</a> by <a href="http://www.crumblycookie.net">The Way the Cookie Crumbles</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujSFTdGVsI/AAAAAAAABJ8/alAHfrV-J4w/s1600-h/sun+dried+tomato+jam.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujSFTdGVsI/AAAAAAAABJ8/alAHfrV-J4w/s400/sun+dried+tomato+jam.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397795141967042242" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.phamfatale.com/id_764/title_Pumpkin-Oatmeal-Smoothie/">Pumpkin Oatmeal Smoothie</a> by <a href="http://www.phamfatale.com">Pham Fatale</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujS-icnlYI/AAAAAAAABKE/P0eZ-8gt_gg/s1600-h/pumpkin+oatmeal+smoothie.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujS-icnlYI/AAAAAAAABKE/P0eZ-8gt_gg/s400/pumpkin+oatmeal+smoothie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397796125244102018" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://enroute.aircanada.com/en/articles/canada-best-new-restaurants-2009">Canada's 10 Best New Restaurants</a> by <a href="http://enroute.aircanada.com">enRoute Air Canada</a><br />Congratulations to Ottawa's <a href="http://www.atelierrestaurant.ca/">Atelier</a> and <a href="http://murraystreet.ca/">Murray Street Restaurant</a>!!! I have yet to try either but with some luck that will be remedied shortly!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujUNLMKh6I/AAAAAAAABKM/pHbKXJyUDjE/s1600-h/Atelier+and+Murray+Street.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujUNLMKh6I/AAAAAAAABKM/pHbKXJyUDjE/s400/Atelier+and+Murray+Street.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397797476210739106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thegoodmoodfoodblog.com/2009/10/pumpkin-and-crispy-pancetta-risotto.html">Pumpkin and Crispy Pancetta Risotto</a> by <a href="http://www.thegoodmoodfoodblog.com">The Good Mood Food Blog</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujU1Qc1LSI/AAAAAAAABKU/FNnOPIvFLtk/s1600-h/pumpkin+pancetta+risotto.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujU1Qc1LSI/AAAAAAAABKU/FNnOPIvFLtk/s400/pumpkin+pancetta+risotto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397798164817587490" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2009/10/22/peanut-butter-smores-turnovers-2/">Peanut Butter S'Mores Turnovers</a> by <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com">Recipe Girl</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujVj6NxNuI/AAAAAAAABKc/ADMg0Gph7PY/s1600-h/peanut+butter+smores+turnovers.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SujVj6NxNuI/AAAAAAAABKc/ADMg0Gph7PY/s400/peanut+butter+smores+turnovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397798966302684898" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-43032976738957638942009-10-21T19:17:00.010-04:002009-10-28T18:45:41.109-04:00Stars of the Week (October 15 - 21)Stars of the Week will follow in a moment but first let me tell you about the super-tasty-melt-in-your-mouth pork tenderloin I made tonight. I used <a href="http://chaosinthekitchen.com/2009/08/grilled-pork-tenderloin-honey-lime-chipotle-marinade/">this recipe</a> from <a href="http://chaosinthekitchen.com">Chaos and the Kitchen</a> and it was fantastic! It had been featured in a previous Stars of the Week and had been in my to do list for a while; this one is definitely a keeper!<br /><br />Now on with regularly scheduled programming. Obviously craving sweets this week...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.purplefoodie.com/2009/10/cheesecake-swirled-brownies.html">Outrageous Cheesecake Swirled Brownies</a> by <a href="http://www.purplefoodie.com">The Purple Foodie</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-bQe6zGGI/AAAAAAAABJc/8LKlqvuj1cg/s1600-h/cheesecake+swirled+brownies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-bQe6zGGI/AAAAAAAABJc/8LKlqvuj1cg/s400/cheesecake+swirled+brownies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395201586093037666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/caramel-toffee-fruit-dip-halloween.html">Caramel Toffee Fruit Dip</a> by <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com">Our Best Bites</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-bHj8Dl3I/AAAAAAAABJU/2EDp2-fHEh0/s1600-h/caramel+toffee+fruit+dip.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-bHj8Dl3I/AAAAAAAABJU/2EDp2-fHEh0/s400/caramel+toffee+fruit+dip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395201432821667698" /></a><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/chocolate-truffles-with-sea-salt/"><br />Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt</a> by <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com">The Pioneer Woman</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-b7yutFiI/AAAAAAAABJk/2H0TMDfSiBU/s1600-h/chocolate+truffles+with+sea+salt.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-b7yutFiI/AAAAAAAABJk/2H0TMDfSiBU/s400/chocolate+truffles+with+sea+salt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395202330145396258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://annies-eats.com/2009/10/16/guinness-baileys-cupcakes/">Guinness and Bailey's Irish Cream Cupcakes</a> by <a href="http://annies-eats.com">Annie's Eats</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-dCnQaqQI/AAAAAAAABJs/OFk10hjQ8HA/s1600-h/irish+car+bomb+cupcakes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-dCnQaqQI/AAAAAAAABJs/OFk10hjQ8HA/s400/irish+car+bomb+cupcakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395203546836281602" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.eclecticcook.com/nanaimo-bars-the-real-deal/"><br />Nanaimo Bars: The Real Deal</a> by <a href="http://www.eclecticcook.com">The Eclectic Cook</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-dlg32AMI/AAAAAAAABJ0/otrOKtWR-Rs/s1600-h/nanaimo+bars.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/St-dlg32AMI/AAAAAAAABJ0/otrOKtWR-Rs/s400/nanaimo+bars.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395204146418024642" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-36799033796428520612009-10-14T07:30:00.008-04:002009-10-15T13:09:53.955-04:00Stars of the Week (October 1 - 14)Gotta make up for lost time - tons of great posts over the last two weeks!<br /><br />I'd take any of these for breakfast...<br /><br /><a href="http://mymansbelly.com/2009/10/08/orange-cinnamon-rolls-for-breakfast/">Orange Cinnamon Rolls</a> by <a href="http://mymansbelly.com">My Man's Belly</a><br />Oh man, I'm drooling already!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUxMAuXIAI/AAAAAAAABDE/aqMLXjHMB4k/s1600-h/orange+cinnamon+rolls.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUxMAuXIAI/AAAAAAAABDE/aqMLXjHMB4k/s400/orange+cinnamon+rolls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392270211268681730" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://messycook.blogspot.com/2009/10/morning-warm-up-gingerbread-pancakes-w.html">Gingerbread Pancakes</a> by <a href="http://messycook.blogspot.com">Good Food, Good Wine and a Bad Girl</a><br />Perfect for the holidays!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUtAnNM_NI/AAAAAAAABC0/5RETesvv88g/s1600-h/gingerbread+pancakes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUtAnNM_NI/AAAAAAAABC0/5RETesvv88g/s400/gingerbread+pancakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392265617393646802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://ellysaysopa.com/2009/10/08/cinnamon-roll-pancakes/">Cinnamon Roll Pancakes</a> by <a href="http://ellysaysopa.com">Elly Says Opa!</a><br />... I'm speechless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUs60_vGzI/AAAAAAAABCs/1-l7aT6fmuA/s1600-h/cinnamon+roll+pancakes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUs60_vGzI/AAAAAAAABCs/1-l7aT6fmuA/s400/cinnamon+roll+pancakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392265518016043826" /></a><br /><br />Appies...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.veggiebelly.com/2009/09/easy-mozzarella-fondue.html">Easy 5-Minute Mozzarella Fondue</a> by <a href="http://www.veggiebelly.com/">Veggie Belly</a><br />Melted cheese!!! Seriously, this is my idea of heaven. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUyBjK2vZI/AAAAAAAABDc/XSl-4LnwH74/s1600-h/108392.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUyBjK2vZI/AAAAAAAABDc/XSl-4LnwH74/s400/108392.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392271131048066450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.simplecomfortfood.com/2009/10/08/mini-blooming-onions/">Mini Blooming Onions</a> by <a href="http://www.simplecomfortfood.com">The Comfort is Always Here</a><br />So what if a Blooming Onion is about 57 Weight Watchers points? I say once a year is okay! Lol!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUsVD38ttI/AAAAAAAABCc/UL1oUknZT5Y/s1600-h/blooming+onions.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUsVD38ttI/AAAAAAAABCc/UL1oUknZT5Y/s400/blooming+onions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392264869174884050" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/easy-halloween-party-food.html">Mummy Dogs</a> by <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com">Our Best Bites</a><br />Fun! I'm totally doing that for Halloween!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUtO3X00aI/AAAAAAAABC8/Y0IdKHf3h8c/s1600-h/mummy+hot+dogs.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUtO3X00aI/AAAAAAAABC8/Y0IdKHf3h8c/s400/mummy+hot+dogs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392265862251336098" /></a><br /><br />Main Courses<br /><br /><a href="http://dulcisinfurno.blogspot.com/2009/10/pasta-alle-nocciole.html">Pasta with Hazelnuts</a> by <a href="http://dulcisinfurno.blogspot.com">Dulcis in Furno</a><br />Sophisticated and rich!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUxQjAYIwI/AAAAAAAABDM/kXKG4-CIsns/s1600-h/pasta+with+hazelnuts.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUxQjAYIwI/AAAAAAAABDM/kXKG4-CIsns/s400/pasta+with+hazelnuts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392270289190527746" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blogchef.net/chicken-alfredo-pizza-recipe/">Chicken Alfredo Pizza</a> by <a href="http://blogchef.net">Blog Chef</a><br />Mmmmmm... I'm on board with this!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUslwYwQJI/AAAAAAAABCk/jtPTOINpoAM/s1600-h/chicken+alfredo+pizza.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUslwYwQJI/AAAAAAAABCk/jtPTOINpoAM/s400/chicken+alfredo+pizza.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392265156001546386" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://ourkitchen.fisherpaykel.com/2009/10/creamy-bacon-carbonara/">Creamy Bacon Carbonara</a> by <a href="http://ourkitchen.fisherpaykel.com">Our Kitchen</a><br />Rich, luscious, bacon and pasta in a creamy sauce... YUM!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUsPzeFCpI/AAAAAAAABCU/diFryIQvaY8/s1600-h/bacon+carbonara.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUsPzeFCpI/AAAAAAAABCU/diFryIQvaY8/s400/bacon+carbonara.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392264778872064658" /></a><br /><br />...and the Crowning Glory!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/08/26/snickers-bar-pie/">Snicker's Bar Pie</a> by <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com">Recipe Girl</a><br />Yes, please! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUxgrzcPBI/AAAAAAAABDU/0C7BZgwn_FM/s1600-h/snickers+bar+pie.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/StUxgrzcPBI/AAAAAAAABDU/0C7BZgwn_FM/s400/snickers+bar+pie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392270566430096402" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-75293930463618078582009-10-13T12:43:00.003-04:002009-10-15T10:02:53.168-04:00Cranberry / Orange Zest / White Chocolate Chip CookiesApologies for the extended leave - Thanksgiving preparations have kept me busy. And with all that hoopla, I forgot to take pictures of the feast! :( The brined turkey was delightful; I will definitely go this route in the future! Now back on topic with a new recipe (and important arsenal as the holidays get underway - this recipe is perfect for a cookie swap)!<br /><br />Not to brag or anything but the recipe listed below is the base recipe for the BEST chocolate chip cookies. They are soft, slightly chewy - truly perfect! I love to customize this recipe - this time I used dried cranberries, orange zest and white chocolate chips, you can go plain jane and use regular chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and macademia nuts are sinful, mini M&Ms are fun, butterscotch chips and walnuts are perfect for fall. Which combination would you try?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsjoZNhH9KI/AAAAAAAABBM/aUGw7qHYTmQ/s1600-h/IMG_5425.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsjoZNhH9KI/AAAAAAAABBM/aUGw7qHYTmQ/s400/IMG_5425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388812473971766434" /></a><br /><br />2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1 c. butter<br />1/2 c. granulated sugar<br />1 c. tightly packed brown sugar<br />1 tsp. salt<br />2 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />2 large eggs<br />2 c. chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside. Beat butter and sugars until pale and fluffly. Add salt, vanilla and eggs; mix until well blended. Mix in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.<br /><br />Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2" apart. Bake cookies rotating sheets halfway through until edges turn golden but centers are still soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely.<br /><br />Makes about 3 dozen cookies.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-28185691719794896322009-10-05T07:30:00.002-04:002009-10-15T10:07:39.001-04:00Orange-Scented Quinoa with Chicken, Cranberries and ParsleyInspired by a recipe I found in an old issue of Clean Eating Magazine (great magazine by the way; check them out <a href="http://www.cleaneatingmag.com">here</a>). I had most of the ingredients on hand (I omitted pecans to keep it lower in points and I added orange zest) and I thought it would be perfect for my lunches at work because it's so filling and it can be eaten hot or cold. One batch gave me 3 large servings. Will make again!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Ssjn5O77OaI/AAAAAAAABBE/4lHZlhc8Ats/s1600-h/IMG_5423.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Ssjn5O77OaI/AAAAAAAABBE/4lHZlhc8Ats/s400/IMG_5423.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388811924596799906" /></a><br /><br />1 3/4 cups chicken broth<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/4 cup orange juice<br />1 cup quinoa<br />1/4 cup dried cranberries<br />1 cup parsley, chopped<br />1 chicken breast, diced<br />zest of 1 orange (optional)<br /><br />In a saucepan, bring broth and salt to a boil. Add orange juice and quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and cook until quinoa has absorbed all the liquid, about 10 minutes. Fluff quinoa with fork before adding other ingredients.<br /><br />While quinoa cooks, soak cranberries in 1 cup hot water until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove cranberries from water and squeeze away excess liquid. Discard soaking water.<br /><br />Combine quinoa, cranberries, parsley, chicken and orange zest.<br /><br />Makes 3 - 4 servings.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-37510545875891058702009-10-01T08:28:00.017-04:002009-11-15T16:11:18.780-05:00Stars of the Week (September 24 - 30)Hi folks! I'm a day late. Sorry... :(<br /><br /><div>And before I start, I'd just like to mention that I made <a href="http://nooschi.com/">Nooschi</a>'s <a href="http://www.nooschi.com/2009/08/grandmas-steamed-chicken-and-shiitake.html">Grandma's Steamed Chicken and Shiitaki Mushrooms</a> (featured in SotW of August 13 - 29) for dinner yesterday and it was sooo good!!! Authentic Chinese food, as good (if not better) than any Chinese I could have ordered in. My hubby raved about how good it was; I'll definitely make again soon. Thanks Nooshi! :)</div><br />Okay, so Stars of the Week for September 24 - 30.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.lifesambrosia.com/2009/09/curried-chicken-tenders-recipe.html">Curried Chicken Tenders </a>by <a href="http://www.lifesambrosia.com/">Life's Ambrosia</a><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sth01auEAwI/AAAAAAAABD8/rZ3OYyqi_w4/s1600-h/curried+chicken+tenders.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393189014830580482" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sth01auEAwI/AAAAAAAABD8/rZ3OYyqi_w4/s400/curried+chicken+tenders.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://gengandchip.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/chicken-marsala/">Chicken Marsala </a>by <a href="http://gengandchip.wordpress.com/">Demystifying Geng and Chip</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsSldVSTnWI/AAAAAAAABAE/SKOQdG1CEs8/s1600-h/chicken+marsala.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387612977590672738" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsSldVSTnWI/AAAAAAAABAE/SKOQdG1CEs8/s400/chicken+marsala.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/simple-sesame-noodles/">Simple Sesame Noodles</a> by <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman </a>***I made this recipe last weekend and it was quite tasty, the flavours of the rice vinegar, and sesame oil really shining through. I added some grated ginger, a teensy bit of melted peanut butter and some chopped peanuts and I thought it finished it nicely.</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsSmQNXz_AI/AAAAAAAABAc/W0UEnMR_v8o/s1600-h/sesame+noodles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387613851639610370" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsSmQNXz_AI/AAAAAAAABAc/W0UEnMR_v8o/s400/sesame+noodles.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://thedailybed.blogspot.com/2009/09/heavenly-headboards.html">Heavenly Headboards</a> by <a href="http://thedailybed.blogspot.com/">The Daily Bed</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsSmYjG-79I/AAAAAAAABAk/lPrOlibNDu8/s1600-h/headboardtin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387613994913558482" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 370px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SsSmYjG-79I/AAAAAAAABAk/lPrOlibNDu8/s400/headboardtin.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://paninihappy.com/condiment-week-roasted-garlic-onion-jam/">Roasted Garlic and Onion Jam </a>by <a href="http://paninihappy.com/">Panini Happy</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sth1BVcVnAI/AAAAAAAABEE/ljTA6G06KJM/s1600-h/roasted+garlic+onion+jam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393189219572489218" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sth1BVcVnAI/AAAAAAAABEE/ljTA6G06KJM/s400/roasted+garlic+onion+jam.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-37384598353155966202009-09-30T10:37:00.002-04:002009-10-15T13:08:08.100-04:00Strawberry Yogurt PancakesThese pancakes were inspired by the <a href="http://maplencornbread.blogspot.com/2009/06/celebration-pancakes.html">Birthday Pancakes</a> from <a href="http://maplencornbread.blogspot.com/">Maple N' Cornbread</a> featured a few weeks back on <a href="http://amelieeats.blogspot.com/2009/08/top-5-stars-of-week-august-13-19.html">Stars of the Week</a>. I omitted the sprinkles, doubled the yogurt but the rest of the recipe is the same. The yogurt gave a slight tart taste and the texture was extremely smooth - YUM! My hubby declared them to be his second favourites (after the Chai Spiced Buttermilk Pancakes), which says a lot considering I've experimented with over half a dozen pancake recipes in the last couple of months.<br /><br />Definitely give these a try!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sr4p9SVdB5I/AAAAAAAAA_8/geccO4j_YHQ/s1600-h/IMG_5374.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385788337252272018" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 289px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sr4p9SVdB5I/AAAAAAAAA_8/geccO4j_YHQ/s400/IMG_5374.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1 cup flour<br />2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp sea salt<br />2 tbsp sugar<br /><br />1 cup of milk<br />1 large egg<br />2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted<br />1/2 cup vanilla yogurt<br />1 tsp quality vanilla extract<br /><br />In a large bowl sift together the dry ingredients. In a seperate bowl beat the egg and butter. Stir in the yogurt, vanilla and milk until well blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until smooth. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes while you preheat your griddle to medium heat.<br /><br />Pour batter in desired amounts onto griddle. When the pancake begins to form bubbles in the center and golden on the bottom, flip. Repeat with remaining batter.<br /><br />Serve with strawberry yogurt, strawberry jam or maple syrup.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-2857539626562094242009-09-25T09:24:00.003-04:002009-10-15T10:00:50.045-04:00Authentic HummusI love Middle Eastern cuisine, especially hummus. It's healthy, filling and versatile - you can eat it with raw veggies, with crackers, pita bread, in a sandwich, with grilled meat. It can be flavoured with a myriad of spices or with roasted red peppers or roasted garlic... The possibilities are practically endless!<br /><br />This homemade hummus is tasty and authentic, just as good as you'd get at any Lebanese restaurant.<br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrrC4TwAjyI/AAAAAAAAA-8/G9uXGofLTcM/s1600-h/IMG_5344.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrrC4TwAjyI/AAAAAAAAA-8/G9uXGofLTcM/s320/IMG_5344.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2 cups canned chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained with liquid reserved<br />1/3 cup tahini<br />1/4 cup lemon juice<br />1 tablespoon olive oil<br />2 cloves garlic, halved<br />1 teaspoon cumin<br />Salt to taste<br /><br />Garnish:<br />Olive oil to taste<br />1 pinch paprika<br />1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley<br /><br />Place the chick peas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend adding reserved liquid from canned chick peas until hummus reaches desired consistency. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.<br /><br />Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and parsley.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-61724704205915124922009-09-23T20:21:00.007-04:002009-10-15T09:34:16.080-04:00Stars of the Week (September 17 - 23)<a href="http://sugarandspice-celeste.blogspot.com/2009/09/crazy-good-crab-cakes.html">Crazy-Good Crab Cakes </a>by <a href="http://sugarandspice-celeste.blogspot.com/">Sugar & Spice by Celeste</a><br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrqpxFjrW7I/AAAAAAAAA-U/dZ4qXeF0QJg/s1600-h/Crab-Cakes.png" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrqpxFjrW7I/AAAAAAAAA-U/dZ4qXeF0QJg/s320/Crab-Cakes.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://framed-mylifeonepictureatatime.blogspot.com/2009/08/smores-cookies.html">Smores Cookies </a>by <a href="http://framed-mylifeonepictureatatime.blogspot.com/">Framed</a><br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Srqw89CQB7I/AAAAAAAAA-c/mtBzPRa6GTg/s1600-h/smores.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Srqw89CQB7I/AAAAAAAAA-c/mtBzPRa6GTg/s320/smores.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://lieslsconfectiondissection.blogspot.com/2009/09/easy-lemon-cookies.html">Easy Lemon Cookies </a>by <a href="http://lieslsconfectiondissection.blogspot.com/">Liesl's Confection Dissection</a><br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrqxtnQgDKI/AAAAAAAAA-k/eclymFYAdss/s1600-h/lemon+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrqxtnQgDKI/AAAAAAAAA-k/eclymFYAdss/s320/lemon+cookies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2009/09/18/chocolate-salted-caramel-mini-cupcakes/">Chocolate Salted-Caramel Mini Cupcakes</a> by <a href="http://www.bakeorbreak.com/">Bake of Break</a><br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrqyZT4DM9I/AAAAAAAAA-s/T1fEBUsEt5g/s1600-h/chocolate+salt++cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrqyZT4DM9I/AAAAAAAAA-s/T1fEBUsEt5g/s320/chocolate+salt++cupcakes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://kitchensimplicity.com/puzzle-apples/">Hot to Cut Puzzle Apples</a> by <a href="http://kitchensimplicity.com/">Kitchen Simplicity</a><br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Srq7bjiP1sI/AAAAAAAAA-0/2Bis8O6_TIA/s1600-h/puzzle+apples.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Srq7bjiP1sI/AAAAAAAAA-0/2Bis8O6_TIA/s320/puzzle+apples.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-91121868833990064892009-09-20T22:04:00.005-04:002009-10-15T10:02:53.168-04:00Chocolate Cake with Mocha Buttercream FrostingToday was my brother-in-law's 18th birthday. (Happy Birthday Joseph!) Of course such an occasion calls for a cake... I chose to bake a chocolate cake with mocha buttercream frosting.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrbflUeQJGI/AAAAAAAAA90/-e5znFWzd5g/s1600-h/chocolate+birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrbflUeQJGI/AAAAAAAAA90/-e5znFWzd5g/s320/chocolate+birthday+cake.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I used The Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe (which was pretty darn good though next time I would add just a touch of instant coffee to the batter, to make the chocolate flavor pop just a tad more) and my tried, tested and true buttercream icing recipe (spiked with cocoa powder and instant coffee). And of course, I had to decorate with sprinkles and sparklers. It's just not a birthday cake without them!<br /><br /><b>Chocolate Cake</b><br /><br />2 cups flour<br />2 cups sugar<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />2 sticks butter<br />4 heaping tablespoons cocoa<br />1 cup boiling water<br />1/2 cup buttermilk.<br />2 beaten eggs<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br /><br />In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Set aside.<br /><br />In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the cocoa powder. Add 1 cup boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool. Set aside.<br /><br />In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla. Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into greased and floured cake pans and bake at 350-degrees. (For 8" rounds, I baked for approximately 30 minutes.)<br /><br /><b>Mocha Buttercream Icing</b><br /><br />2 cups butter<br />2 cups icing (confectionner's) sugar<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />2 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder<br />1 teaspoon instant coffee dissolved in a touch of boiling water<br /><br />Using stand mixer, cream butter and icing sugar. Mix in vanilla, cocoa powder and dissolved instant coffee.<br /><br />Assemble and frost cake. Decorate with sprinkles and sparklers. Serve with vanilla ice cream and an off-key rendition of Happy Birthday.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-5927046925640434912009-09-17T07:45:00.002-04:002009-10-15T10:07:22.993-04:00Perfect Caesar SaladI'll let you in on a little secret... this Caesar salad is THE perfect Caesar salad. Simple, garlicky, lemony, creamy. I looove garlic so I quadruple the required amount. Sinful with a thick steak or with spaghetti and garlic bread.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrGY2le47pI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/BjuBec49wGY/s1600-h/IMG_5255.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrGY2le47pI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/BjuBec49wGY/s400/IMG_5255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382251093226483346" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dressing</span><br /><br />1 garlic clove<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce<br />2 tbsp. lemon juice<br />1/8 tsp. pepper<br />1 cup salad oil<br /><br />Put first 5 ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth, slowly adding oil. Chill about 2 hours.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Salad</span><br /><br />1 large head romaine lettuce<br />2 cups croutons<br />8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled<br />1/2 cup parmesan cheese<br /><br />Tear lettuce in bite size pieces in salad bowl. Add croutons. Add dressing to taste (you may not need all the dressing, this recipe yields a lot). Toss to coat. Sprinkle with bacon and cheese.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-67326649258292454082009-09-16T07:45:00.005-04:002009-10-15T13:05:25.579-04:00Stars of the Week (September 10 - 16)<a href="http://mandymortimer.wordpress.com/recipes/pastitsio/">Greek Pastitsio</a> by <a href="http://mandymortimer.wordpress.com/">What the Fruitcake?!</a> <br />Reminds me of my trip to Greece... *sigh* Memories! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAbqR7vt7I/AAAAAAAAA78/D5OJRp_9q5A/s1600-h/Pastitsio01.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAbqR7vt7I/AAAAAAAAA78/D5OJRp_9q5A/s400/Pastitsio01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381831967890192306" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://ourchocolateshavings.blogspot.com/2009/09/white-chocolate-mousse-with-pomegranate.html"><br />White Chocolate Mousse with Pomegranate Seeds and Gingersnap Cookies</a> by <a href="http://ourchocolateshavings.blogspot.com/">Chocolate Shavings</a><br />I used this mousse recipe as inspiration for the filling of a cake I baked last weekend; very tasty!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAZIG4e6SI/AAAAAAAAA7c/yoXn5Kxni1Q/s1600-h/white+chocolate+mousse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAZIG4e6SI/AAAAAAAAA7c/yoXn5Kxni1Q/s400/white+chocolate+mousse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381829181784910114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fureyandthefeast.com/?p=1251"><br />Bacon Caramels</a> by <a href="http://www.fureyandthefeast.com">Furey and the Feast</a><br />Sounds disgustingly delicious... lol!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAWrMlOpgI/AAAAAAAAA6s/j6Rduuojh-Q/s1600-h/bacon+caramels.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAWrMlOpgI/AAAAAAAAA6s/j6Rduuojh-Q/s400/bacon+caramels.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381826486075303426" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bluejeangourmet.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/feelin-kinda-sunday-a-football-inspired-series/"><br />Fried Plantains and Guacamole</a> by <a href="http://bluejeangourmet.wordpress.com/">Blue Jean Gourmet</a><br />This one goes out to my sister, a fried plantain aficionado.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAZXHTEwmI/AAAAAAAAA7k/PLyNob3vitY/s1600-h/plaintains+and+guac.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAZXHTEwmI/AAAAAAAAA7k/PLyNob3vitY/s400/plaintains+and+guac.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381829439594480226" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2009/09/garden-veggie-cream-cheese.html">Garden Veggie Cream Cheese</a> by <a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/">What's Cookin, Chicago?</a><br />My grandma makes a similar recipe and it is taaasty!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAXJ8G3XEI/AAAAAAAAA60/X-S1w685ZrE/s1600-h/garden+veggie+cream+cheese.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/SrAXJ8G3XEI/AAAAAAAAA60/X-S1w685ZrE/s400/garden+veggie+cream+cheese.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381827014228925506" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-67893080140260015962009-09-15T10:45:00.003-04:002009-10-15T10:08:10.227-04:00Nokham ThaiAfter a hectic weekend, hubby and I were exhausted and looking forward to a quiet Sunday evening. We didn’t feel like cooking but didn’t feel like pizza or Chinese. We wanted something fresh, tasty but not fussy; Thai would be perfect. All our regular spots were closed but I remembered Nokham Thai, a small restaurant in a strip mall not too far from home, that came highly recommended by my good friend Nancy and several other sources (Ottawa Foodies, Ottawa Xpress, Anne DesBrisay, etc).<br /><br />We decided to dine in and made a reservation as I had read the restaurant is often full. Turns out I didn’t need to worry for that Sunday night; the restaurant wasn’t even half full (though there was a steady stream of clients picking up take-out). Décor is much like any other Thai restaurant (though my hubby noticed the flowers on the tables were fresh) and it looked clean. Service was quick, attentive and polite.<br /><br />To start, I ordered the Tom Kha Goong (hot and sour shrimp soup with coconut milk and lemongrass, fresh mushrooms, baby corn and thai ginger) and my husband ordered the Poa Pia Gai (spring rolls with chicken and vegetables). My soup was a.m.a.z.i.n.g.!!! The best Tom Kha I’ve ever had – spicy, tangy, fresh! Yum! I think there was a drizzle of chili oil on top… delicious! I could eat that soup every day twice a day! My hubby received 4 large spring rolls, piping hot and absolutely delicious. The appetizers were perfect!<br /><br />For the main course, we decided to share Pa Nang (red curry chicken with coconut milk and spicy peanut sauce), Kao Neaw (steamed sticky rice), and chicken Pad Thai (traditional fried rice noodles with chicken, eggs, peanuts and bean sprouts). The Pa Nang was good, comforting and perfectly spicy. It didn’t floor me like the Tom Kha but it was good. Steamed sticky rice is, well, steamed sticky rice. It was good too. The Pad Thai I had high expectations because I had heard and read it was excellent but I was disappointed; the sauce was way too sweet! (Dare I say, like ketchup?) I wouldn’t order that again, I much prefer the one I make at home or the one at Bon Thai in Vanier. Portions were on par with other Thai restaurants. Our apps filled us up so we brought home half the mains to enjoy as leftovers.<br /><br />If I remember correctly, the total came to $46 (plus 20% tip) – I felt that was reasonable, especially considering I was totally stuffed when we walked out. I will definitely go again and Nokham Thai is sure to be our source for Thai take-out. I very much look forward to trying more of their dishes (and having more of that fabulous soup). Sadly, I didn’t take any pictures – I didn’t have my camera – but when I do order take-out I will update my post with pictures of the various dishes. Give them a try if you have the chance! Well worth it!<br /><br />Nokham Thai<br />747 Richmond Road<br />Ottawa, ON K2A 0G6<br />613-724-6135<br />Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11 - 2<br />Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 5 - 10Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-14390930449876609792009-09-11T14:47:00.003-04:002009-10-15T10:06:03.963-04:00Comforting Lemon Chicken SoupIf you're looking for a comforting chicken soup recipe, look no further! In this recipe, the popular chicken and rice combo is complemented with lemon zest and juice. Pefect when you're feeling under the weather, on a cold day or just because! Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqqa101ebwI/AAAAAAAAA6k/gQd--u4xaR4/s1600-h/IMG_5192.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqqa101ebwI/AAAAAAAAA6k/gQd--u4xaR4/s400/IMG_5192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380282954354159362" /></a><br /><br />1 tbsp olive oil<br />2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped <br />1 large celery stalk, coarsely chopped<br />1/2 cup onion, chopped <br />1 garlic clove, pressed (or finely minced) <br />2 cups cooked chicken, chopped <br />1 teaspoon lemon zest <br />1/4 cup fresh lemon juice <br />1 (10 3/4 ounce) can fat free low-sodium cream of chicken soup <br />6 cups chicken broth<br />1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper <br />2/3 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked <br />2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped <br /><br />Heat oil in large stock pot. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic, cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, soup, broth and black pepper; bring to a boil. <br /><br />Stir in rice and reduce heat. Cover and simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender. <br /><br />Remove from heat and stir in parsley just before serving.Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468989381583624073.post-34948825899468641812009-09-09T00:55:00.002-04:002009-10-15T09:35:00.285-04:00Stars of the Week (September 3 to 9)<a href="http://realmomkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/09/crispy-skinned-chicken-lorange-and.html">Crispy Skinned Chicken à l'orange</a> by <a href="http://realmomkitchen.blogspot.com/">Real Mom Kitchen</a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9lIkofvI/AAAAAAAAA5E/qnqgkcnF3A4/s1600-h/orange+chicken+2+450.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9lIkofvI/AAAAAAAAA5E/qnqgkcnF3A4/s400/orange+chicken+2+450.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379476725571288818" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.jessicaclaire.net/index.cfm/postID/451/The-Most-Fabulous-Wedding-Invitations-I-Could-Imagine">If I Could Dream Up a Wedding Invitation</a> by <a href="http://www.jessicaclaire.net/">Jessica Claire - Photographer</a> (Huge kudos to Jessica for these! I could not imagine having the patience required to make these! They are truly beautiful and unique though!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9dcWoc4I/AAAAAAAAA48/U4geY-4_Liw/s1600-h/wedding+invites.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9dcWoc4I/AAAAAAAAA48/U4geY-4_Liw/s400/wedding+invites.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379476593442321282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://janetishungry.blogspot.com/2009/09/camping-chocolate-orange-cakes.html">Camping Chocolate Orange Cakes</a> by <a href="http://janetishungry.blogspot.com/">Janet is Hungry</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9NX2WYOI/AAAAAAAAA4s/WxNxL0jP-v0/s1600-h/Campfire+orange+cakes.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9NX2WYOI/AAAAAAAAA4s/WxNxL0jP-v0/s400/Campfire+orange+cakes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379476317355270370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://agoodappetite.blogspot.com/2009/09/espresso-barbecue-sauce.html">Espresso BBQ Sauce for Ribs</a> by <a href="http://agoodappetite.blogspot.com/">A Good Appetite</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9UJsn7sI/AAAAAAAAA40/yZp82ereuSA/s1600-h/espresso+ribs.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9UJsn7sI/AAAAAAAAA40/yZp82ereuSA/s400/espresso+ribs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379476433815465666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/quesadillas-de-camarones/">Quesadillas de Camarones</a> by <a href="http://www.thepioneerwoman.com">The Pioneer Woman</a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9uThncNI/AAAAAAAAA5M/8uZjlPDv60Y/s1600-h/shrimp+quesadillas.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x3hmrW4ZyEQ/Sqe9uThncNI/AAAAAAAAA5M/8uZjlPDv60Y/s400/shrimp+quesadillas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379476883130249426" /></a>Ameliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818689250519620659noreply@blogger.com1