Treats

Citrus and Herb Popsicles

July 1, 2015

OrangePopsicles-2

As I look out at the cobalt blue sky and our burnt yellowed lawn I find it hard to believe it’s still early summer. We have had a crazy hot month here in Seattle, and it already feels like the middle of August. It’s been a constant battle to water all out veggies but I am not complaining. It’s been balmy and so wonderful to be able to dine al fresco in the sunshine every day. As cherries are in season right now, I have made a few batches of my Cherry Frozen Yogurt Popsicles, but recently I have been craving something citrusy and refreshing. Continue Reading…

Cocktail

Mint, Lime and Raspberry Sparklers

June 20, 2015

MintSparklers-5

If I had to pick a favorite herb, it would have to be mint. Mint is really versatile and a great addition to savory and sweet dishes. I use mint all the time – I add it to yogurt to have with curries, I make fresh mint ice-cream with it and I also use it to garnish nearly every cake I make.  This week, as the weather has been heating up, I used it to make simple mint syrup. Continue Reading…

Breakfast

White Nectarine and Strawberry Muffins

June 10, 2015

Stawberrymuffins

Summer has arrived with a bang this year in Seattle, and we are already enjoying bounty from the garden (lettuce, spinach and strawberries). There is a small problem with the strawberries though … the problem being they are very small. They are literally the size of a fingernail. I shouldn’t complain though, as they incredibly sweet and tasty. Every time I step out into the garden I find myself eating them straight from the plant. They are disappearing fast as a result, so this weekend  I gathered a few and made these delicious strawberry and nectarine muffins. Continue Reading…

Ingredient

Home-made Nutella

June 1, 2015

Nutella

Chocolate hazelnut nut spread (otherwise known as Nutella®) is one of the most popular spreads there is. There is something about that combination of creamy chocolate and nuts that makes you just want to eat it straight out of the jar. I’m a big Nutella fan, and I wanted to try and make my own home-made version to see if it tasted any better. The good news is that it is surprisingly easy to make. All it takes is some good quality chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut oil, cocoa, and a little powdered sugar. Continue Reading…

Cake

Chocolate Mocha Buckwheat Cake

May 20, 2015

BuckwheatCake-2

Our new kitchen is almost ready, and I am so excited to start cooking again. In the three weeks we were without a kitchen, it was actually the simple things I missed most – fresh coffee, the smell of home-made bread, and being able to make an omelet! Now, that I am back though I have a huge list of new and crazy recipes I want to try. Meanwhile this week’s recipe is an oldie taken from my gluten free eBook. It’s a deliciously moist flourless chocolate cake, which is probably my favorite chocolate cake in the world (and I’m including chocolate cakes with flour in this list). Continue Reading…

Condiments

Chive & Walnut Dressing

May 9, 2015

ChiveDressing-3

Life is currently a little chaotic. We are getting our kitchen remodeled, and without a kitchen to play in, I am feeling very lost. Plus, living on takeout food is expensive, boring, and downright unhealthy. I am counting the days until I get to cook and prepare my own food again. We also just got a new puppy, which is adding slightly to the chaos. That said, he is really adorable and alleviates any chaotic stress too. So, this week’s recipe is a super simple dressing. It’s one that can be made in seconds, and can transform a boring green salad into something delicious. Continue Reading…