Anna's Place

Valentines Menu

2012-02-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

I do like to go out for dinner, but I also liketo stay in for special dinners and try arecipe I wouldn't usually try. This year the menu is going to sound funny, but I have been wanting to try this recipe and have been waiting because it takes a LOT of cheese making it expensive and hard on the waist line. I find a lot of recipes from American chefs are expensive because in the states cheese, meat and alcohol are much cheeper than Canada. For example this recipe takes a total of one and half lb of cheese, making it about $15 alone on cheese.
Anyways I am making Spicy Macaroni and Cheese by Chef Sunny Anderson, which I saw her make on " The Thing I ever Made-Comfort Food".
The recipe also take whip cream and half and half, I am sure there are a lot of substitutions you could make, but as it is Valentines day I am sticking to the list. The total cost for the recipe is probably about $20-25 which isn't bad as it will feed 3 of us plus leftovers (maybe?) so still cheeper than eating out.

For Desert we are having Pineapple Upside Down Cake, which is something I love, but have never made. I got the:)

Funny to make Macaroni for Valentines day, but its what both my boys love and I think it will be tasty. I should post a review and photo tomorrow.

Ginger Tip

2012-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite tools in my kitchen is my microplaner. It is good for garlic, cheese, nutmeg, and lemon, to name a few. Recently I was watching Chef at Home, with Chef Michael Smith and he offered a tip which I tried and LOVE and that is to freeze fresh ginger root and then grate it for use. This is brilliant, so I wanted to share. Perfect for tea, sauces and of course gingerbread. No stringy bits or chunks, no need to peel it or anything, just freeze and grate. One thing I would note is if you are adding it to baking, I would add it to the wet ingredients rather than the dry.

Back in the game

2012-01-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

Alright after a 5 month hiatus, I am feeling like I am with it enough to get a few more posts out. I have a list of ideas and a folder full photos. My priority is a job interview tomorrow, and then I can crank out some long awaited content (at least by one reader).

For that one reader here is a photo update on the pea pod project .

More crochet

2011-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am really into fast projects, I never (finish) make things like afghahns because they take too long and I get board, (I started one for my first son and have about 18 inches done and everytime I pick it up I have to relearn the pattern and lose interest). Hats and bibs are nice because I can crank them out in one or two evenings of watching TV.
At one point I had to take a break from crochetting because eveyone I knew had been given a toque or scarf (or both). It's probably time to start up again. I have started making bibs though which are fun and then I just save them for baby gifts. I have made some failed bootie attempts as well, but getting two things to look the same... just too much fidgetting. My sister bought me a book for socks and slippers so I may try more of those this winter, she also got me some patterns for making patterned blocks, which would make cute bibs, and also could be put on t-shirts or shopping/tote bags.
Anyways, just my thoughts on stuff I crochet and a couple of recent bibs.

Nesting

2011-08-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would put a few photos up of the projects I have finished while being at home. I bought a pattern to make the peapod bunting bag, and it was way too small to put any baby in, I bought the right yarn and had the right hook size and there is no way a baby could fit into it. So this one I made up and it's basically like an adult sized toque that I crochetted to 18 inches and added a hood. Hopefully this one fits our new baby. I then made a little cap for our first sone, I am hoping to get a couple of good pictures with my two little peas, and will post them later.

Lists

2011-08-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

So one thing I am working on today is lists, I love making lists; I even making lists of things I have done, just so I can cross them off . I once bought this really cool book for my sister call listography, where it gives you topics of lists to write, which lead me to discover their website, which is also kind of fun, you can create endless lists and look at other people's lists.
Here is a list of lists I am working on today

Things to buys for our baby when I know its a boy or a girl (so after it is born)-this helps me resist the urge to buy things now and up with more ambiguously coloured/patterned unisex items
Things to buy before I go to the hospital (newborn diapers etc.)
Baby names Andrew and I both like (still don't have a boy's name settled)
A new list of songs I like for running to (when I am finally able to exerise again), can you tell I am dying to get my prebaby body back?
Books/authors I saw in Indigo that I want to check the library for
General things to do

Uninspired

2011-08-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how I have had no motivation to add to this, I am hoping it is my pregancy combined with working full time and being a full time mother on top of the day job. Anyhow at almost 36 weeks I am no longer working my day job as per Dr.'s orders and should have some time to record some thoughts and ideas.
That being said I feel like I am still catching my breath and sorting myself out.

After being off work for less than a week (my son is still going to his Grandparents during the week also as per Dr.s orders) I have actually started and finished reading a book......I don't think I have actually done this in 2 years!!! I am a really fast reader and I can honestly not get through 3 pages of a book by the time I get two seconds to myself.
Anyways my mother leant me a copy of The Help by Kathryn Stockett and I loved it, I love all books about the South, I don't know why maybe it's the way people talk, maybe because of all the warm weather and Lemonade they drink. I loved the Secret Life of Bees, the Divine Secrets of the Yayas and of course Fried Green Tomatos. Anyways the book is fiction, but I still can't believe that only about 20 years before I was born people lived that way.

I have no deep thoughts or desire to reflect on the question in the back, I am just happy a read through a whole book, that didn't have pictures.

There may be a few more posts like this where I am getting my groove back on how to think out loud, I definatley owe some thoughts to Clever Mama's right now, so I will have to collect my thoughts there as well ( of course while putting my feet up). I am thinking about "tips on living in a 800 squarefoot appartment with a family of 4".

Blogging at Clever Mamas

2011-04-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am somewhat embarassed at the state of this blog now that I have traffic directed over here from Clever Mama's where I was recently invited to be a contibuting blogger.
I have barely posted since Christmas. I did take a lot of picture over the Christmas holidays in order to blog(will likely now save them for next Christmas); but having got pregnant I have barely had the energy to get anything done.

Now at 19 weeks I am hoping to feel a little more with it to get some new content out.

Meal Planning

2011-03-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of years I have been pretty bad about meal planning, but latley after chats about staying on budget and watching trips to the grocery store, Andrew and I have agreed to try the once a week shop to cut down on the frequent triops with hungry impulse buys.

This weeks meal plan with hyperlinks when possible goes like this

Sunday-Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Fennel, mashed potatoes and green salad
Monday -Thai Chicken Soup (with leftover chicken from Sunday)
Tuesday-Perogies and farmer sausage
Wednesday Goulash, rice and green salad
Thursday Baked Potato Soup, and green chef's salad
Friday- Capatavi pasta with Alfredo sauce, chicken and bacon (Andrew's favorite-no recipe as the sauce comes out f a jar, its pretty much a heat and serve dinner).

I don't usually predecide which days will be which meals, usually I pick 5 recipes based on ingredients I currently have so that I don't need to pick up as many ingredients when I shop; I also shop the fliers and usually manage to save 30% off my bill each week with sale items or coupons. In this case I had to cook the chicken first as it was fresh so that decided meal order a bit. In general we're not big on leftovers in our house, but I do try to have some leftovers for the next days lunch.
I like to have at least one new recipe and a few quick dinner ideas for the nights when I don't have much time (Perogies or pasta).

Pizza Chili

2011-02-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe fro the "Make it Fast, Cook it Slow" cookbook by Stephanie O'dea, so if you like it check out her other recipes in her books or website, A Year of Slowcooking.

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (browned)
1 jar (500 ml) Pizza/Pasta sauce
1 can(14 oz) Diced or crushed tomatoes
1 can kidney beans (I drained and rinsed them)
Pepperoni-I used two links from the deli, but you could use more. I cut them length wise into 1/4 s and then chopped them into tiny pieces, mostly for the flavor. I used regular because of Lochlan, but you could use spicy if you like.
1 Bell Pepper (any colour), chopped
2 t Italian seasoning (or your own blend of Basil and Oregano
1 C water (optional)

Shredded Mozzarella for serving.

Combine first 7-8 ingredients (I used crushed tomatoes so I did not add the water, I think it would also depend how thick your pizza sauce is, so it’s your call). Cook in your slow cooker on low for 5-8 hours.

Serve in bowls and mix 1/4 of shredded cheese into each bowl.
So easy yet so tasty, plus lots of room for improvising.
Enjoy!

Note: Another Pizza recipe that is a big hit in our house (and any house we take it to ) is the Pizza dip recipe from Eat Shrink and Be Merry, which is another staple cookbook in my kitchen.

A new Christmas tradition Rock Buns

2010-12-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I purchased The Gentle Art of Domesticity *by Jane Brocket (at the recommendation of my friend Jill on a post I cannot now find on her blog) as a gift for Mary, my husband's mother and a good friend of mine (I dislike the term Mother-in-law). Mary and I love this book , because it is all about crafting and creature comforts.

One of these such things is Rock Buns, which have now become a seasonal treat in our house that are much enjoyed warm out of the oven with a glass of scotch.

They are sort of like scones or a giant cookie made with candied fruit and peel, and lots of spices. They are nothing like fruit cake, but are very rich and sweet (made with brown sugar), our whole family loves them.

All that being said I am not going to post the recipe, because I feel they are a unique recipe (maybe only in Canada) and needs to go along with the story in her book of the place they have in their (the authors) family.

My own mother visited Mary and discovered the book as well and so I sent her a copy last Christmas.
Recently I purchase Jane's newest book Turkish Delight And Treasure Hunts for Mary's birthday, which features recipes from children's books. I have not read it yet, but Mary says it is quite cute. I did take a peak and the first recipe was Pickled Limes from Little Woman, which I have always been curious about and am dying to try.

*Note: If you do purchase this book, beware that when converting the recipes from English to American measurements there were some errors made and you should print a copy of the corrections .

Oreo Cookie Fudge

2010-11-25T11:42:00.000-08:00

This is an amazingly tasty recipe from my friend Carrie who makes it every Chritmas and gives to her (lucky) friends, she has moved to Ontario so this year I will have to make it myself.....and possibly share. Carrie made it in the microwave (you could to), but I choose to make it on the stove. I am just waiting to buy a really square pan as my 8x8 has really rounded edges that make weird bars.

Anyways, an easy recipe, great for sharing and even better for eating.

8 squares of semi-sweet or unsweetened chocolate or the equivalent in chocolate chips

1 can of sweetened condensed milk (evaporated)
2 tbsp vanilla extract

10 Oreo cookies cut into chunks

parchment paper

Put condensed milk and chocolate in sauce pan and heat for until choclate is melted. Stir. Add vanilla. Stir. add cookie pieces. Stir

Pour into a parchment lined 8x8 or 9x9 square pan. Cool in fridge. Cut into squares.

Recipe Exchange

2010-11-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

Recently I participated in a recipe exchange (which never work for me), and I actually got a recipe (for the first time out of about 5). It looks super easy tasty, and I am very excited to try it. I thought I would share.

Crockpot Swiss Chicken Casserole

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
4 slices swiss cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups stuffing mix
1/2 cup butter, melted

lightly grease crockpot with cooking spray. place chicken breasts in crockpot. top each breast with cheese. spoon soup over cheese and sprinkle with stuffing mix. drizzle melted butter over stuffing mix. cook on low 6-7 hours.

Super easy and quite yummy. Serve with a salad and/or steamed broccoli. Makes great leftovers.

Shrimp Mango Curry

2010-11-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

1 Tbsp hard margarine or butter

1 Ripe medium mango, chopped

1/2 cup Onion, chopped

3/4 cup Celery, chopped

1 Garlic clove (or 1/4 tsp powder)

3 Tbsp All-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp Curry paste

1 tsp Chili paste

1 1/3 cups Coconut milk

1/2 cup Dark Raisins

2 cups Prepared Chicken broth

1 1/2 lbs. Raw large shrimp (tails intact), peeled and deveined

1/4 tsp Salt

1 Tbsp brown sugar, packed

Melt margarine in wok or frying pan on medium-high. Add mango, onion, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until onion is golden.

Add flour, curry paste and chili paste. Stir. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often.

Gradually add coconut milk, raisins and broth, stirring constantly, until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Add shrimp, salt and brown sugar. Stir. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring continually, until shrimp turns pink and is curled. Do not overcook. Makes about 7 cups. Serve with rice.

Apple Crisp

2010-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

I can never find a good Crisp recipe when I want one, so I now have my own formula for a really good Streusel topping; I like it with big crunchy pieces. This is quick and only uses one bowl, so there is not a lot of clean up. It is also a tasty breakfast the next day.
Filling

3-4 apples (I use Gala-if using other kind of apple they may require more flour as Galas do not have a lot of juice)
¼ C Flour
1T White Sugar
2 t cinnamon

Topping

1/3 C Flour
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
¼ C Butter
½ c Cup Oats

To do
Peel, core and slice apple and mix in a bowl with remaining filling ingredients.

Arrange apples in greased pie dish or other smallish casserole dish (8x8), pour any remaining flour over top of apples.
In same bowl cut butter into flour and sugar until crumbly and mix in oats. Pour over apples and pat down.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serves 2-3

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

2010-11-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

This was my version of the pumpkin pasta recipe on the Jaime Oliver site.

This has a very mild flavor. You could make it without the wine, but I would substitute apple, orange juice or stock for more flavors. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon; I just prefer to have a very savory taste myself.

½ small Pumpkin cooked (about 1 & 1/2 C)
1/3 cup Dry white wine
1 whole roasted garlic *
Salt
Fresh Basil (4-5 leaves)
2-3 T milk/cream
2 T butter

Blend the first 5 ingredients in the blender add milk as needed to get desired consistency, pour into sauce pan heat and add butter. Cook until heated through (do not boil).

Mix with favorite cooked pasta and veggies.

NOTE: As this sauce is just heated through and not boiled, it is not reccomended that you serve this to children as the alcohol will not have cooked off.

*(to roast garlic, cut top off, pour olive oil over/in, wrap in foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes).

All Things Pumpkin

2010-11-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about fall, is all the pumpkinny flavorued things that are available, pumpkin spiced lattés, pumpkin scones, pumkin ravioli…to name a few of my favorite.

I thought I would list of few of my pumpkin endeavors and one that I plan to try when I carve up my pumpkin that has sat on our dining room table for all of October as our decorative centre piece.

Pumpkin WafflesThese I tried last year or the year before and they were a keeper. They are absolutely delish with butter and maple syrup. This year I made and froze some for Lochlan and then I can just pop them in the toaster for a quick yummy snack or lunch.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins with Streusel Topping
These I made a few mini ones, and a few loaf shaped ones and I have to say they were so rich, I should have stuck with a smaller size, the mini loaves were waaaay too intense. Also the Streusel topping was a bit much, they would be just as tasty without it I think.

Pumpkin Pasta from Jamie Oliver's website
I may make some adaptations to this, but will post later on how it goes.

Beef Stew with Variations

2010-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is a new favorite in our house and I have tried it a few different ways.

1 lb stewing beef
Olive Oil
Salt & pepper
flour
1 can beer (Pale Ale)
1 packet onion soup mix
2 cups mixed veggies of your creative choice (see ideas below)
Fresh rosemary
1/8 t ground cloves (Do not over do this)
2 cups Tortellini
Water

More Traditional Version

Brown beef in olive oil in a skillet, season with salt and pepper add 2-3 T of flour and scrape (all) into crock pot
Pour beer over top, add veggies (potatoes, carrots and celery) and enough water to cover all. Stir in onion soup and herbs; cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours
30 minutes prior to eating boil tortellini in water until cooked, drain and add to stew

Fresh Market Veggie Version

Brown beef in olive oil in a skillet, season with salt and pepper and add into crock pot
Pour beer over top, add veggies (sliced red carrots, golden beets). Stir in onion soup and herbs(no cloves); cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours
30 minutes prior to eating boil tortellini in water until cooked, drain and add to stew

Stir fry greens (beet tops or spinach), red peppers and green onions until wilted and add in

Saucy Squash Created

2010-10-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sister was over watching Lochlan for me and she put some Squash in the oven, and then left.
Usually I have to have a plan when I cook Squash because Andrew doesn't eat it. Anyways, we were having pasta for dinner so I thought I would try making a sauce and if Andrew didn't like it, I would give him something out of a jar. The final product was really yummy, and even Andrew the squash hater liked it (and didn't realize it was Squash). The next night I made it again but made it a bit thicker and used it as a layer in Shepherds pie, which was also a hit.

Ingredients:
1 half roasted Butternut Squash
Milk
1 clove garlic
1 T butter
1/4 C-1/3 C Parmesan Cheese

Puree Squash in blender and add milk until sauce is desired consistancy and add garlic. Pour into saucepan and heat over stove ;add butter and cheese, stir until hot (not boiled).

Toss with favorite pasta, or pour over steamed veggies; I may try using this sauce as a layer in a veggie lasagne.

Guest Post At Clever Mama's

2010-10-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Check out my guest post over at Clever Mamas, I was so honored they asked me to contribute a post to their site.

Cloth diaper contest

2010-10-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

Cotton Babies is having a contest and I would really like to win, because in the beginnging I wanted to go the clothe diaper route. I researched a bunch of brands and decided to go with Bum Genius as most people I talked to were happy with them. I went ahead and ordered 12 of them and was so excited to get started when Andrew found the email order and put his foot down. He said that I can do cloth diapers when we have a home bigger than our 1 bedroom apartment (he is very concerned about the odor). We had quite a fight over this and anyways I have let it go, but I would still like to try the diapers out, plus these new ones are sooo cute.

To enter the contest I have to answer the following question:

How do you encourage a creative, artistic spirit in your baby, toddler or young child?

My first thought was "I don't know, and what if I am doing things that discourage it?", I have been so busy just trying to manage the basics of parenting I don't know if I have even thought about his artisitc spirit. So let me reflect on what I now to that probably falls into this category, and then maybe I can list some improvements.

I take him to the library once a week to get books out-I mostly go with very little agenda and I let him wander around and explore while just following him
Each night I read these books to him. When Andrew asked why, at 15 months, he needed books from the library in addition to all the ones we have at home (I had a book shower when he was born, so we do have a good collection), I stated that the "variety" was not for the listener of the stories
Whenever I buy toys (which is rare) I choose musical instruments; he has a drum, a xylophone, and various types of shakers
I sing to him often, usually as a distraction when I am trying to get him to hold still or let me put him in his car seat. He often hums and we make new funny noises together-I encourage him to dance to music
We also listen to music in the car and I have taken him to story time at the library since he was about 3 months old

Now that I am listing these things I am actually not doing too badly. Andrew and I are both quite creative so I am sure that we will encourage him to explore outlets such as building, sewing and art.

Online-aholic

2010-10-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

So I decided either I was really stupid to buy my glasses online, or really stupid not to buy them online, as they are so much cheaper.
I ordered this pair last week and they arrived today and I LOVE them. Now I usually wear contacts, so the risk in me not liking them and being stuck with them would not have been the end of the world (They do have this 30 day no hassle return policy as well). I mostly needed to have them as a back up to my contacts. I already knew what shape looks ok on me, and I knew I wanted a green pair.

Initially I had chosen a pair of Coach (Aurora) glasses, but they were sold out by the time I got my prescription from good old Clark the Optometrist (who, by-the-way, made me promise not to buy my glasses online- but I did buy my contacts from him, so I think we are even). I picked these out thinking so what if they don't work out....they are Gucci!

Anyways They look great and I only paid $177 with lenses, taxes etc........wait for it. Today I went home for lunch and had an e-flyer from Clearlycontacts.ca 30% off today only, so I called them up and let them know I bought my glasses last week and that I wanted today's deal applied to them...Voila! $50 off. So all in $127 for a pair of Gucci glasses that look like a million bucks.

I am a happy (stylin) camper/sexy librarian.

Gingerbread Cupcakes With Lemon Butter Cream

2010-10-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

I made these gingerbread cupcakes courtesy of Martha Stewart and then used a Lemon Butter Cream Recipe of my own devices.

Lemon Butter Cream

6T (6 oz) Butter
3 Cups Icing Sugar
Lemon Zest from 1 lemon
Juice from one Lemon

Whip butter until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes) with electric mixer, add sugar 1 cup at a time. Icing will be quite stiff, add zest and juice and beat another 3 minutes. Pipe onto cupcakes.

My mother in law has the Squeeze-It Kit from Tupperware, and it ices cupcakes really well and doesn't (in my opinion) waste a lot of icing. I thin the next time I go to a Tupperware party I will order one.

Amazing Lemon Pudding Cake

2010-09-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

I made this Lemon Pudding Cake last week from one of my favorite recipe blogs (Mennonite Girls Can Cook)and it was really yummy. I would say it is a good company desert because it looks pretty and it was not too tricky. It was not a really cakey pudding cake, it was like a cross between angel food and meringue; I am definitely keeping it in my repertoire.

Sushi Veggie Rolls

2010-05-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

I make this for a quick lunch, usually just for myself as Andrew doesn’t like it . you could easily change the amounts to make a larger batch, or larger sized rolls.

• Sushi mat (usually can get them at the dollar store, they look like a bunch of bamboo skewers tied together)
• 1/2 C Rice (Calrose, or other short grain rice, I have used Arborio in a pinch), cooked
• 1 t Sugar
• 1T Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 2 sheets Sushi Nori (dried seaweed)
• 1/2 Avocado, sliced
• 2 Asparagus (I steam them over the rice)
• ½ Yam baked and mashed, or sliced long ways
• (Other veggies can be used, cucumber, peppers, whatever you like)
• Wasabi
• Soy sauce
The lady who first showed me how to do this used mayonnaise in the rice, and on the rice, I cut it out as I don’t miss the taste and it’s just extra calories. This is by no means a traditional tutorial, just how someone showed me and how I do it.

1. while the rice is warm in the pot I add the sugar and rice vinegar and stir is with a spatula

2. Lay the dried seaweed with the dull side down/shiny side up with the lines in the seaweed lining up with the lines on the Sushi mat

3. spread half the rice mixture onto the seaweed with a butter knife (again I do this when it is warm as I find it is easier to), spread it right to the edges, but about just over half way up the seaweed.

4. If using mashed yam spread from the bottom of the rice upwards, but not all the way to the top

5. Layer veggies from the bottom of the yam and rice line

6. Rolling up the roll can take some practice, it’s basically like rolling up a cinnamon roll, while using your fingers to tuck the veggies in as you go

7. Use the mat to compress the roll and compact in all the veggies, the diameter of your roll may not look that round, but that is ok. Note: If you have too much seaweed edge, just keep rolling it, the dampness of the rice will stick it to the rest of the roll

8. Let the rolls sit for a few minutes before slicing with the sharpest non-serrated knife you have

Note: You can make these the day before and cling wrap the roll and slice them before eating (good for a potluck), however when using the mashed yam I found it made them a bit soggy (I also spread it the full length of the rice the first time, which didn't work out when rolling them)

Serve with Wasabi and soy sauce

Free Sample

2010-05-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am on a blogging roll (gotta love those 2 hour baby naps!). I love getting samples, coupons and ultimatley free stuff, so for anyone who is interested, right now you can get a FREE SAMPLE at kashi.ca.

Why not right ?

(Two hour baby nap just ended by crazy barking dog....all good things)

Best Oatmeal Cookies

2010-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

My mother in law, Mary, made these and I liked them for Lochlan because they are a nice round shape and are not super crumbley (come on, it is oatmeal so donèt quote me on that). I make them with raisins for Lochlan and choclate chip for his dad.

Butter ½ C

Brown Sugar 3/8 C
White Sugar 3/8 C
Egg 1
Soda ½ t
Flour 1 & 1/8 C
Oatmeal 1 C
Raisins or chocolate chips or ? 1 C
Cream butter well. Add sugars gradually. Add egg, cream well, add soda, flour and oatmeal, mix well.
Stir in raisins etc. Roll in to 1 T balls and flatten onto greased or non stick pan. Bake for 8-9 minutes at 375.
Cool on rack.

Baby Legs

2010-05-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to buy Lochlan some leggings for a while because there is often this gap between his socks and his pant legs when he sits in his stroller or his backpack. The catch is they always come in girly patterns and colours.

As I mentioned in my earlier post Inspired By Finn also carries baby leggings, which I had a mild interest in, but didnèt really care enough to buy online. However on my face book they advertised a BOGO sale and prices as low as $1.75, so being a deal monger I had to check it out.

They have great options for little boys, including the oh so popular skull pattern (who thought that would be a cute trend anyways?). I bought 4 pairs (1 gray, 2 plaid and 1 green with pandas all are quite boyish, but would be ok with the right clothes for a girl) and with shipping they came to $5 each. I did think maybe this is a dumb time to buy them as it is almost summer, but Lochlan has a lot of rompers, and I thought they would be a cute ways to let him wear them on chillier days as well.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces

2010-05-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw a baby wearing one of these I thought " oh how cute, his mum is into beading and made him a necklace" the next week at the library I saw his little friend had one too and thought, "oh I guess she made one for her friend's baby too", by baby number three I thought something was up in Denmark. Eventually I caught on that they were wearing Baltic Amber teething necklaces.
So I finally decided to get my hippie on and ordered Lochlan an Amber teething necklace, which in short is supposed to release a natural analgesic when warmed by your baby's skin and help with the pain of teething.
I ordered it from Inspried by Finn a website that sells the necklaces and baby leggings (of all things). I researched online and they had the best price with shipping to Canada (I think it came to about $21). They come in a few different styles and I ordered the "disc bean style" as I don't love the chip style, however when it came I decided it was WAY too girly for Lochlan, so I will save it for a gift to a friend having a girl (this is the one in the photos).

I still want to try this for Lochlan though, so I tried to order one that looked a little more masculine and also try a Canadian company, so I ordered from Amber Babies. The price was not a lot more, about $5 I think. This time I ordered a muti coloured chip necklace in hopes that it at least looks a little more boyish even if I don't like it as much.
I talked to a lady named Georgia, who is the owner of my favourite store Agnes Jean and she (will be carrying them in store soon) said to be careful buying cheap ones online as she thinks some people are selling glass or plain Amber necklaces instead of the Baltic Amber ones (the kind that are supposed to work). I think Georgia got hers from Amber babies. Nova Naturals also carries them online originally I was going to try making my own by buying the beads and every time I found "Amber" beads I would turn the package over and it would say glass or plastic (I guess because Amber is a "colour").

I don't really know how you can tell if it is the right stuff but three online suppliers are ones that I had people reccomend to me that they themselves had used. Next up will have to be if I think they actually work......

Passwords

2010-04-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

I have TOO many. I can't get into half of my accounts on the internet because I can never remember what passwords I am using for what. It drives me crazy. Typically I have passwords for things that don't matter that much, just ones that are easy to remember and I don't really care if they get hacked into. Then I have harder ones that I use for more important stuff, but then I forget them and have to change them so I have about 6 imortant ones, and I have to go through trying them all to figure out which one it is. This really sucks if you have to also remember what your stinkin "Login name is" especially when you have had to use something odd because your usual on was taken. Trying to figure out if you have your login wrong, or your password wrong. Then there is the three strike an your out, where they lock you out for 24 hours if you get it wrong 3 times in a row.

I just don't see this getting easier the more and more things that are online.

Note I couldn't get my blogger password combo right and it took me a good two weeks to sort it out and create a new password.........good grief!

Give Away Time

2010-04-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

At Clever Mamas , my friends Jill and Kristen. If they happen to read this themselves, I would love to see their thoughts and experiences on sleep training :)

Tupperware

2010-01-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

On Monday I went to my first Tupperware party and feel that, after spending $100 on plastic storage containers, that I have truly joined the ranks of Motherhood.

To be quite honest over half my purchases were purely for nostalgic reasons. When I was a child we had Tupperware (I think it had just been invented *), and I was somehow drawn the pieces I remembered having as a child.

First off was the Midgets (I cannot believe they get away with using such an un-PC name), which I remembered eating raisins and little things out of; I figure they will be good for taking peanut butter or salad dressing in for lunch. Lochlan can't really drink out of a cup yet, but I knew his childhood would not be complete without the TW Cups and sippy lids. Then my mother in law Mary pointed out the Snack Cups, which again with the Midgets I remember eating little snacks out of. They made over $50 right there in memories. I REALLY wanted to buy the Blue and Red Shape Sorter for Lochlan because I remember playing with one, but I resisted the urge, maybe for his birthday
I did also end up geting some other storage stuff for my unruly rice/grain and pasta cupboard, but only because it was on it's once a year 40% off sale.

My mother in law also bought me some Fridge Smart containers for my birthday (it MUST be a sign I am turning 30, when I actually ask for TW as a gift....WOW!). I have heard rave reviews on these from my friend Carrie on how mushrooms will last for-EVER.
Until now the only real TW I had was from my Gerrany, who sent me all sorts of random items (from her home) when I got married, including these coloured bowls in 3 sizes with lids. I only have one left (well two, but my Mum has one) and I will take a picture because it is obviously vintage TW, but right now my camera is in the car.

I got an orange peeler as a prize, which I also remember my Mum coming home from a TW Party and getting one as a prize as well. (Hers was orange, mine is purple) The games were pretty fun, all in all it was pretty cool as far as home selling parties go; I would have one, maybe next January when it is all on sale again.

*Note I had to look this up after writing it and was corrected by Wikipedia " Tupperware was developed in 1946 by Earl Silas Tupper (1907-1983) in the USA. He developed plastic containers used in households to contain food and keep it airtight. The formerly patented "burping seal" is a famous aspect of Tupperware, which distinguished it from competitors."

Owl Blankie

2010-01-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

So this is the blankie I made two of, One for my nephew Josiah, and one for my friend Breana's baby girl Riley. They both ended up looking mostley the same but I tried them two different ways, the second was deffinatley easier. The first one I hole punched all the way around half a metre of fleece fabric and then single chained all the way around and then shell stiched the border (in picture). The second blanket I blanket stiched around (easier than hole punching), added a single chain border then did a pattern of C3 and DC in every other stich, which made for a smaller scalloped border (was also easier). I put the same Owl on both of them which I just used felt and embroidery thread to make.

I tried to use funky colours that were not a throw back from the 90's or the kinds of colours old ladies use at craft sales (pastels blech). The absolutley turned out the way I intended so I hope the recipients liked them. I might make another one for Lochlan, but he has so many blankets and I still have not finished the one I started for him when I was pregnant. Perhaps I will do a full size with a scene of owls in a tree or something so it can go on his bed as he gets bigger.

Amazed

2010-01-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

I am very amazed by all my friends who are parents and have time to blog...especially Kristen who has like 4 blogs AND works. I simpley can barely squeeze in time to do normal everyday living, let alone time to myself that I don't use to bathe or drink a (decaff) Cofee.

Lochlan has begunto sleep a bit more regularily which is helping, but then I have husband time to catch up on (he misses me to).

I was able to crochet a bit last week which I really enjoyed an will probablly do some more of. I would like to make a post on the hats I have been making (little touques for Lochlan with brims) and also on the super cute blankets I made for my nephew and a friend (which i did manage to take pictures of before I gave them away).

This baby business is time consuming.......

Chocolate Sauce

2009-10-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe for Chocolate Sauce and it is pretty good considering it has no butter or cream. We used it on icecream last night and today I used it with hot milk to make HoCho and it worked really well, just thought I would share.

Variations on Lemon Loaf

2009-09-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

So I was making Mrs Stratfords Lemon loaf a few days ago and wanted to mix things up a little and couldn't decide between adding blueberries or chocolate chips. In the end I went with blueberries, with amazing results. I also mixed things up a little by baking it in a round bundt pan instead on a loaf pan again, it was a nice change.
Today I needed to bake something and thought I would go for chocolate chips but it turned out we had no lemons, so I used a Honey Tangerine...SO GOOD! Again I went with the round pan which l;ooks pretty and makes nice little pieces. My coworker Sabine somteimes made a Nutella cake that was something similar so I think next time I will leave out the citrus and try swirling the Nutella in the batter.

Blogging my thoughts

2009-09-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

These posts have been all in one go, but I find that when postings are really long, I get board reading them...also pictures help (have to get on that).

a lot of my interesting thoughts have been in the wee hours of the morning while I am feeding Lochlan. Usually when I have these kinds of thoughts I lose them by morning if I don't write them down, however in having a baby latched to me makes this tricky. when I had my thoguhts about getting to know God through mutual friends, I knew I had to remember it, so I repeated the thought processes that lead me to that conclusion until I fell asleep, and it worked, I totally got it I think. Now when I have time I will include these thoughts on my blog for anyone else who is interested, and for my own reference.

The "How"

2009-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

So it's all very tidy in print, but how do you pursue a relationship with God? This is the question I pondered at 4am while feeding my son. The sunday school answers are pray and read your bible right? This requires doing again, and don't get me wrong they are right answers, but they are not so simple. for one I thought, when I pray it is a bit like a monologue, a one sided selfish conversation all about me; how do I intmately get to know God this way? What kind of questions should I ask God , about himself? Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I know that reading the old testament is supposed to be good for learning about God's character, and the new testament is about Christ's charater and the Holy Spirit.

But still I want to know, how do I get to know God, how do O walk with him?

Then a brillient thought came to me, this doesn't have to be just me and God alone. Maybe if by spending time with other people who know him and walk with him, I can get to know him better, like a group date :)

This may sound really elementary, I have gone to church my whole life, but I feel like these are ideas that God is opening my eyes to.

My friend Shelly has seen Jesus literally with her eyes (part of her initial testimony), and I know she prays regularily. She told me last week this man who she met once called her and spilled out his problems with her on the phone, and she was able to pray with him right over the phone. I would have been a) super weirded out and annoyed that a stranger was taking up my time with his problems (hmmm reminds me of that selfish monologue bit), and b) not confident to pray over the phone with him.

I thought Shelly knows God ,can walk with and talk to him.,she is someone I need to be around, I need to learn how to know God through our mutual friends.

Profound Purpose

2009-09-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

With the fall comes new routines and start ups of meetings again, with this I have started up with two bible studies which actaully both start on the same day. I like going to these because they force me to read my bible and think of such things besides just on Sunday. Recently for one of the groups we were asked to write a "Mission " statement for our life I though , simple, "To pursue God's purpsoe and desire for my life". With this satement I don't have to have everything figured out, I just have to be pursueing the answers. The problem with the statement is it requires me to "Do" something not simpley "be" something, it implies that I must have a task a reason for being which then asks the question "what". I have always thought along the lines that our purpose is to win more over to Christ, which we are instructed to do in the great commission, but to what? To have new converts called to the same mission? It seemed a bit like a pointless cycle. In one of our studies John Bevere was talking about being "used" how no one wants to be used by their friends. God doesn't want to use us, he doesn't need to and that is not the point. The purpose of being saved is so God can bring us to himself. God wants to know us intimateley and walk with us. This was partly concluded from Enoch who walked with God for 300 years (Genisis 5) and was taken from earth to be with God because he pleased God (Heb 11:5).

God created us to hang out with, the purpose of Adam in the Garden was companionship with God, they walked together.

All in all this lead me to realize I needed to change my Mission statement, it needs to read "To pursue an relation ship with God"

book bloggers appreciation week

2009-09-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

I know books have little to do with recipes aside from cook books, but it is likely that I will take this blog over as my personal interests blog (my personal instersts include sewing, crocheting, crafts, cooking, reading, and probably a dozen other things).

The book bloggers appreciation week is hosting the following meme - if you wish to join in check it out here

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack? - not usually, sometimes I will have tea, but I usually forget to drink it

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea ofwriting in books horrify you? - I don't usually write in books, although I might highlight or underline things if I am studying or writing a paper.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open? - flat open or I remember the page number

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Fiction or based on a true story

Hard copy or audiobooks? hard copy

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point? - with a baby I put it down as soon as I find myself re-reading the same paragraoh and not able to comprehend what it says

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? no

What are you currently reading? The Courtesan's Daughter by Claudia Dion, it has way too much dialogue, I feel like I am reading a play (like The Importance of being Ernest or something)

What is the last book you bought? I just ordered Good Harbour by Anita Diamont who wrote The Red Tent

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or canyou read more than one at a time? If I am reading more than one it is because I am not that interested in one of them, or there is one that requires more digestion time

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? I like reading in bed, almost anytime of day

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? I don't think I am a series fan

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
The time Traveller's wife

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?) sadly by size and sort of by fiction and non fiction

Book Contest

2009-09-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

So it has been firever since I have posted, I thought once I had a baby I would have all this time to blog, but no (as I sit here typing with one hand). But I do want win Kristen's Contest, not that I have as much time to read as I thought I would either, but I LOVE historical fiction and both those books look fantastic, so here's to winning, an to hoping I find more time to blog and read.

Preemio Blogger Award

2009-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Kristen for my first blogger award (Preemio Blogger Award). I feel honored that I inspired her with my recipe blog, which has never quite worked out how I would have liked, in that I am pretty much the only one who posts on it. With this I am supposed to tell you 7 things that you may not already know about me. So here it goes:

1. I was homeschooled until Grade 9 and never actually considered a "fulltime" student the entire time I went to highschool, even though I graduated with honours and full credits

2. I can, but don't speak German

3. I dislike eating watermelon and corn on the cob...they are messy and usually served at the same meal

4. I don't consider myself active, sporty, or outdoorsy, but I am pretty sure most people do

5. I know a boring amount of Tudor Royal History
6. I ran a half Marathon in about 2 hours and 20 minutes after dropping 30 lb with online Weight Watchers (Which I hope to do all over again for next year after having a baby this summer)
7. I probably like cooking because I have the most enthusiatic husband when it comes to food.

Now, the 'Pay it Forward' part. I was actually inspired by Frickens Cookin' recipe Blog, so I will pass it on to them, they do not know me or even know that I exist or read their blog regularly. For the record I found your blog through Annie Pfriem, who I guided with at Beyond Malibu.

Marjory Mackay's Rhubarb Cake

2009-05-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

Andrew says this is the best use for Rhubarb he has ever tasted. It is really good and I would actually be tempted to double the rhubarb quantity. This makes a huge 9x13 pan. I served it with Whipping cream whipped with brown sugar (my new favorite way to have whipping cream -2 T of brown sugar per 1 C unwhipped cream).

Rhubarb Cake
1/2 Cup butter
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 Cups flour
1 t soda
1/2 t salt or not
1 Cup buttermilk (I used leftover creamo and milk with some lemon juice)
2 Cups chopped rhubarb tossed with 1 T flour

Topping
1/4 Cup soft butter
1 Cup brown sugar
1 T flour
2 t cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture to butter/sugar alternately with buttermilk. Add rhubarb. Mix well, Spread into 9x13 pan. Sprinkle topping over batter. Bake at 350 for 45 min

Best Easy Baking Powder Biscuits

2009-02-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

These are Andrew's favorite ! I usually add spices (Dill, Cracked Pepper,or Chili Powder), or cheese (1/2 C shredded), or cubed ham or sausage and have them with soup as a meal.

2 C all-purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/2 C butter, cubed
1 C milk

Mix first three ingredients , cut in butter until crumbley and add milk to form goupy batter, drop onto greased tray and Bake.

375°F (190°C) oven for about 30 minutes or until golden.

Makes 6 biscuits.

Taco Seasoning

2009-02-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

I don't think tacos or nachos are the same without seasoning, but I hate to pay for it. Andrew's Mum made us a whole bunch of mixes for Christmas and this one was included and is so good.

· ¾ C Dried minced onion
· ¼ C Salt
· ¼ C Chili Powder
· 1 T Dried Oregano
· 2 T Cornstarch
· 2 T Crushed dried peppers
· 2 T Dried minced Garlic
· 2 T ground Cumin

Mix all in Jar.

To make taco filling: Brown 1 lb ground beef in skillet of med heat. Drain excess grease. Add ½ C water and 2 T Taco Seasoning mix. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Makes filling for 8-10 tacos.

Tiger Butter Memories

2008-12-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

This is a recipe that has been around however I didn't peg it down until visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Vernon. Brent and I had a beautiful evening with his brother Steve and Steve's wife Deb. We ate Christmas goodies chatted, laughed, and soaked in their outdoor hot-tub under the stars with snowflakes frosting our hair and our eyelashes. Before we went home that night Deb wrote out two Christmas goody recipes for me, this being one of them.

This summer Debbie passed away of cancer, as I made this recipe this week I've been thinking of her. Food is a wonderful memory-instigator and I think using and sharing recipes is a beautiful way of remembering those we love (near and far). When you use this recipe I invite you to think of those who have shared something sweet with you...

"1 lb (2 C.) white chocolate
3/4 C. peanut butter
2 oz dark chocolate

Mix white choc. w/ p.b. melt in double broiler or microwave. Cover cookie sheet w/ wax paper. Pour melted mixture onto cookie sheet. Melt dark choc. Pour & swirl thru."

Note: I usually add my own revisions to a recipe but this is the exact wording from the index card Debbie copied for me.

Fudgie Brownies

2008-11-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

3/4 C Butter
1/2 C Cocoa
3 Eggs
1 1/2 C Sugar
1 t vailla
3/4 C Flour

Frosting

3 T Butter
3 T Milk
3 T Cocoa
1 t Vanilla
3 C Powdered Sugar

Method:
Melt butter and add cocoa powder, cool to just warm and beat in eggs and sugar until thick. Add remaining ingredients and pour into greased (9x13) pan, spread evenly.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, do not overbake.

Frosting:
heat butter, milk and cocoa until combined, remove from stove and add vanilla and sugar, beat with a wisk and pour over brownies while still warm (you can add sprinkles or toffee chips if you like).

KEY:- cut when completeley cooled.

Note: I think if you put these in tartlet tins, they would end up like two bite brownies.

Sugar Cookies

2008-11-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

These are Andrew's favorite

Ingredients:
3 1/4 C Flour
1 1/2 C Sugar
2 1/2 t Baking Powder
1 1/3 C Butter
2 Eggs
2 T Milk
1 t Vanilla

Method:
Combine flour, sugar, b.p. in a large bowl and cut in butter until fine and crumbly with a pastry cutter or mixer.
in a smaller bowl combine wet ingredients and mix well, add to dry until thoughroughly mixed.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill dough for 2-3 hours.

Roll out 1/8"-1/4", but only 1/3 of the dough at a time, keep rest in fridge. Cut into shapes. Bake on a lightly greased sheet at 400 for 7-8 minutes.

Variation: Butterscotch Pecan,
Substitute 2 C brown sugar for 1 1/2 C white Sugar. Add 1 C finel chopped pecans.

Note: Doubles well.
To get even coloured cookies, I bake a whole sheet of one shape at a time (all hearts, or all stars)

Betty Stratford's Lemon Loaf

2008-11-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

When I got married my Mum's friends through me a shower where they all gave me one of their favorite recipes, this one was much coveted when they found out Mrs. Stratford gave it to me, I guess it was a secret....but I am not one for not sharing good recipes, so enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 C butter
1 C White Sugar
Grated lemon rind
1 1/2 C sifted flour
1t baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 C milk

Glaze

Juice from one lemon
1/2 C White Sugar

Method:

Set oven at 350, grease and flour a loaf pan (9x5x3)

Cream butter with sugar, beat in eggs one at a time and then add milk.

Sift and fold into the mixture flour and baking powder, add lemon rind.

Pour evenly into loaf pad and bake for 45 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Place loaf onto cooling rack (over a plate) and spoon glaze evenly over the top. Mrs. Stratford said she poked holes in the top with a fork first to let the glaze in, but I have never been able to do this without breaking the crust.

Slice when completely cool.

Sweet Potato Lasagna

2008-11-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

I havn't tried this yet, but it's on my to-do list, if anyone tries it before me please let me know how it goes.

Ingredients

3 lbs (1.5 kg) sweet potatoes
2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
8 lasagna noodles

sauce:

3 Tbsp (50 mL) vegetable oil or butter
1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
4 cups (1 L) 1% milk, hot
1 tsp (5 mL) salt or to taste
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
generous pinch nutmeg
pinch cayenne
2 cups (500 mL) grated mild cheese (e.g. Lappi or mozzarella)
1/4 cup (50 mL) grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Get Cooking!

1. Peel sweet potatoes, cut into 1/4-in. (5-mm) slices, toss with olive oil and salt and place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) salt. Cook noodles 3 to 5 minutes, until just tender. Rinse in cold water and arrange in a single layer on wet tea towels.

3. Melt butter in a large saucepan, whisking in flour. Cook gently, without browning, about 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in hot milk and bring to a boil, stirring until mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne to taste.

4. To assemble, spoon about 1/2 cup (125 mL) sauce over the bottom of an oiled 9- x 9-in. (2L) baking dish. Line with a layer of noodles, then a layer of roasted sweet potatoes. Spread with 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) sauce and half the grated mild cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano.

5. Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and browned on top. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Lemony Chicken Linguine

2008-10-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Delicious dairy and tomato free pasta dish (my son is allergic to both).

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive or canola oil
3 cloves garlic, sliced thickly
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
4 chicken thighs on the bone
2 Tbsp soy sauce
Juice of 1 lemon or 2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 yellow pepper, sliced
cooked linguine for 4 people

Heat oil on medium high heat in frying pan. Add garlic, rosemary, basil and salt and saute for a few minutes until garlic is lightly browned. Add chicken, turn down to med. heat and cover, flipping occasionally until chicken is cooked. Add a tiny bit of water, if needed, to stop chicken from sticking. Let simmer for 10 min.

Add peppers and let simmer for 10 more min.

Remove chicken. Add sauce ingredients and stir until blended. Pull chicken off bone and add back into the pan. Stir until covered in sauce, then simmer for another 2 or 3 min. Add cooked pasta. Stir everything together and serve with salad.

Rich Autumn Soup

2008-10-02T23:27:00.001-07:00

For those of you commonly scared away by unusual ingredients (such as peanut butter in soup) give this a try- the flavors meld together beautifully offering a very warm "comforting" meal! And remember, as a soup- it is very forgiving recipe and quite open to ingredient substitutions- exclude and substitute as your cupboards allow.

Ingredients:

1 onion
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (mixed, red & green)
1 can tomato soup + 4 cans water
1-2 cups mashed yam (baked and mashed is especially flavourful)
1 shredded carrot
1 large diced potato
2 tbs shredded fresh ginger
4 cloves roast garlic (or 2 cloves fresh)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
Dash of worstishire sauce
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup fresh parsley

Directions:

Fry onions in oil for five minutes on med-high, add the peppers and fry until soft.
Add the tomato soup and water.
Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes (until potatoes are soft).

Hint:
If you have time to give this soup a little extra time to meditate an hour or so after you've cooked it the flavors start singing in proper harmony- however, even fresh off the clothing rack this is still one comfy sweater!

Risotto (serves 2)

2008-09-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

1 T butter or olive oil (butter tastes better)
2-3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
½ medium sized onions
1 stalk celery diced
¼ -1/2 c white wine (optional, do not use red)
8 oz rice (short grain)
2 c stock (I use chicken, but you could use veggie)
½ c grated fresh parmesan cheese
Add-ins such as fresh basil, sautéed mushrooms, chorizo, cooked asparagus, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, olives, etc.

Melt butter over med-low heat add garlic, celery, and onion and cook for 2 minutes.
Meanwhile on separate burner heat stock in a pot until simmering and keep ready.

Add rice to onion mix and cook for 1 more minute, then add wine, stir until evaporated, and then start adding hot stock to rice a ladleful at a time, stirring until evaporated- continue doing this until the rice is the desired texture. When rice is cooked, keep stirring while adding the add-ins and finally the grated cheese, which will make it creamy.

I like to top with toasted almonds and more cheese and serve with garlic toast.

This is my new favorite! Pictures to follow.

Classy Rosemary Mushroom Chickpea Soup

2008-09-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

This soup stands tall and elegant dressed in the the vibrant flavor of rosemary with the support of deep mushroom flavors.
Ingredients:

2 cups strong-flavored mushrooms e.g. oyster mushrooms
1 small onion
several tablespoons olive oil
1 litre water
1 cube or 1 tablespoon vegetable stock (or to taste)
2 medium-sized yukon potatoes, chopped to size of your taste (I prefer them medium-small)
1 carrot, chopped small
several sprigs fresh rosemary (1-2 tablespoons dried)
1 can chickpeas
Optional: Sherry- to taste

Method:

Fry onions and mushrooms on med-high heat in olive oil for about five minutes, until they wilt.
Add water and turn heat up to high
When water is boiling add soup stock, potatoes, carrot, chickpeas and rosemary
Turn heat down to medium and simmer soup until carrots and potatoes are soft
Remove Rosemary sprigs (some needles may fall off sprig in soup, that's ok)
Add salt, pepper and sherry (if desired) to taste

Serve alone or with fresh rustic bread such as sourdough.

Brilliant Bulgur Salad

2007-05-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 C bulgur
1 C orange juice
1 C water
½ C chopped celery
½ C pealed chopped cucumber
2 T chopped fresh mint leaves
½ C chopped green onions (or, which was what the recipe called for, but I changed , 1/4 cup red onions and 1/4 C parsley)
½ C craisins
¼ C chopped pecans (almonds or walnuts)
1 T olive oil
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 t lemon zest
salt
pepper

Super Easy Directions:
Boil water and oj, add bulgur, cook on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes. Place remaining ingredients and cooked bulgur into large bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
This salad looks beautiful- would be great at a potluck or for guests.

Note: I added feta cheese the next day for lunch and that was very yummy- you could also add grilled chicken and have it as a whole meal, or in a wrap... lot's of options

Adapted from Eat Shrink and Be Merry

Beth’s Fave!

2007-05-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

(Best of Bridge’s Classy Chicken)

Ingredients:
3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1/4 t pepper
1 T oil
1 minced clove of garlic
3 C chopped broccoli
1 - 10 oz. (284 ml) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 C light mayonnaise
1 T. curry powder
lemon juice from half a lemon
1/2 - 1 C grated cheddar cheese
Cooked Rice
Instructions:Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with pepper. Saute quickly with garlic in oil over medium heat just until opaque. Cook broccoli until crunchy (boil or steam until just green). Drain and arrange in bottom of casserole. Place chicken on top. Mix together soup, mayonnaise, cheese, curry and lemon juice and pour over chicken. Bake uncovered, at 350F for 30-35 minutes. Serve over rice.
Serves 4

Broccoli Stir-fry

2007-05-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

(Adapted from Eat Shrink and be Merry)

Ingredients
Oil for cooking (I use sesame)
3C uncooked whole-wheat penne pasta (1/2 lb)
2 chicken breasts (boneless skinless), cut into cubes
2-3 C chopped broccoli
1 lg bell pepper (any colour), sliced into thin strips
1 C frozen peas

Sauce
½ C orange juice
1/3 C hoisin sauce (could use ketchup or barbeque sauce)
2T soy sauce
11/2 T corn starch
1T sesame Oil
1t ginger
2 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ t crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 C chopped green onion

Cook pasta according to directions, set aside.
Wisk all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.

In large pan, or wok, spray with oil and cook chicken until no longer pink.
Add broccoli, and pepper, cook about 5 minutes, add peas and green onions and cook for 1 minute longer. Add sauce and cook until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in pasta, serve immediately.

Sponge Cake.

2007-05-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

Grease and flour 10” Spring Form pan.

Ingredients
4 eggs
1/4t Cream of tarter
1 C White Sugar
1 C Flour
¾ t Baking powder
1/4t salt
¼ C water
1t Vanilla
1t Lemon juice

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 Degrees
Separate eggs into two large bowls.
Whip Egg whites until stiff and add cream of tarter and ½C sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Whip Egg yolks until light colored and fluffy, and add ½ C sugar
Mix flour, salt and baking powder in new bowl.
Add water, vanilla and lemon juice to egg yolk mixture.
Add flour mixture to egg yolk mixture, ¼ C at a time.
Fold in egg whites.

Pour into pan and bake 25 minutes,
Toothpick should come out clean when cake is done.

Let cake cool just until settled, then invert onto a cooling rack.

Filling
2 C Heavy cream, whipped.
1 C Fruit (berries, peaches or mango)
1T Lemon juice
¼ C White sugar

Puree fruit with sugar and lemon juice until smooth
Whip cream and fold in ¾ of puree.

Assemble
Slice cooled cake in half crossways.
Smooth over half fruit flavored cram onto cake bottom and place top half of cake on top, smooth over remaining cream and drizzle with remaining puree.

Strawberry Toffee Shortcake

2007-04-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
21/4C Flour
1C Light Brown Sugar
2t Baking Soda
1/2t Salt
1 1/4C Butter
1 Lg Egg
2 Cups Whipping Cream (Whip 1 C of it)
1 lb Fresh Strawberries

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°. Grease cookie pan. Mix flour with 1/4 cup brown sugar, the baking powder and salt. Using an pastry cutter, cut ¾ C butter into flour until crumbly

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1/2 cup unwhipped heavy cream. Add the liquid to the dry and mix until just combined. Pat the dough out until about 1 inch thick on the prepared baking sheet and cut into 6 equal pieces. Place the pieces 1 inch apart and bake until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack.

In a small saucepan, combine the remaining ½ C butter with the remaining 1/2 C unwhipped heavy cream and the remaining 3/4C brown sugar and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the toffee sauce until thickened, about 5 minutes. Cool until just warm.

Meanwhile slice strawberries and whip cream.

To serve, splice each shortcake in half and layer the bottom halves with the, Strawberries, toffee sauce and whipped cream. Cover with the shortcake tops and drizzle more toffee sauce .

Note: Make sure the toffeesauce and the short cake arn't too hot or the whip cream melts it all falls apart.

PB KISSES

2007-03-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Package Hershey Kisses (Plain or Caramel)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together first 5 ingredients; then add remaining flour and mix until you form a sticky dough. Chill for 1 hour. Roll into small balls and place onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until just golden brown. Place unwrapped Hershey kiss in center of each cookie, while they are still hot.
Makes approximately 48 cookies.

Note: I used the Caramel Kisses for these ones, which is very yummy, but the plain chocolate ones are nice to, because they stay a soft melty chocolate even after they cool.

Aloha Bars

2007-03-05T19:07:00.001-08:00

Ingredients
Crust
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
1 cup chopped macadamia toasted nuts(Pecans or Almond work to)
Caramel and Chocolate
¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1½ cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
2. To prepare the crust, combine flour and sugar in the bowl, cut in butter and process until mixture is fine and crumbly.
Transfer crumbs to prepared pan and press firmly to make a compact layer. Scatter nuts evenly over crust and press them in firmly.
3. To prepare the caramel layer, melt butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar and stir well until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until entire surface of caramel is bubbly. Immediately pour hot caramel over nuts and spread evenly.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until caramel is bubbly.
4. Remove pan from oven. Wait 1 minute; sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over caramel. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes for chocolate to melt. Spread chocolate evenly with spatula.
Cool completely, then place in the freezer to set. Cut into bars with a sharp knife. Makes 36 bars.
Source