back to breakfast

one of my favourite breakfast treats which i have been dying to share is your basic oatmeal pancake. i know your thinking, this one is going to be full of batter and sugar, delicious, but far from nutritious...but think again. the oatmeal pancake is the perfect solution to a filling and fulfilling healthy breakfast, it will kick any of your sweet cravings by providing a delectable substitute.

you will need:
one packet of oatmeal
egg whites
cinnamon 

optional:
berries, greek yogurt, lemon zest and almonds
banana and peanut butter
any other combo you can think of!

bring a medium greased frying pan to medium heat, and sprinkle the packet of oatmeal evenly around the pan. shake your egg whites and slowly and evenly pour them around the oatmeal, tilting the pan to ensure that all the oats are evenly coated. leave the pan on the heat until a solid base starts to form, when you see this sprinkle some sweet cinnamon! with the pan still on the stove-top, put your oven onto broil high, and place the pan in the oven with the door slightly ajar. once the top of the pancake has cooked (no more clear egg whites) remove the pan from the oven and carefully run a spatula around the edges for a perfect removal! once the pancake is on your plate, you can flavour it up however you like. my favourites are peanut butter and banana, or as shown below, heated berries with greek yogurt, almonds and lemon zest! delicious!

microwave apple pie!

this one is real simple. grab an apple, cut it up in to small cubes, and place in a bowl. sprinkle cinnamon, honey and maple syrup and after a stir, stick it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (until the apples have softened). while in the microwave, crunch up some granola cereal with some nuts and chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of the apple mixture. the warmth of the apple will melt the chocolate and contrast the crispy cereal! delish! if you have an vanilla ice cream lying around, it always makes the perfect side kick!

the internet is magic

clearly i have a deep interest in the culinary world. when i have the pleasure of filling some spare time, i love to indulge in new recipes and master new creations. with this in mind, bread has always been on the top of my mastery list. to master a skill, you first must practice, then learn and build on experience. well i have made challah and sticky buns, but never focaccia which was what i promised to produce for dinner. this is where the magic of the internet comes in, with some simple searches i gathered a general knowledge on the art of focaccia making, deciding on the perfect recipe to accompany the soup i was preparing. to my surprise, mastering focaccia - not so hard. with the right ingredients at hand, enough time and of course my internet crash course my herb and cheese bread went down a sure treat!

it is always fun to explore the boundaries of your interest online. it may inspire you to actually take on a challenge that you've put on the back burner. find your internet crash course, and get cooking.

using my own imagination

so today i was inspired with all of my food knowledge to see if it was possible for me to make my own recipe for cookies. i like to believe that i am capable of making up delicious recipes when cooking - but baking is a very different feat. when it comes to baking, measurements must be exact, it is more of a science than an explosion of creativity. without any professional training and true understanding of measurement ratios, i decided to use my familiarity with baking cookies to support my recipe...here we go!

1 stick of butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons of honey
     mix them together in a bowl until you have a pale paste

2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
    whip eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, add vanilla and stir!

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup rolled instant oats
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup of white chocolate chips
1/4 dried cranberries
    mix in all the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until the batter comes together, then stir in     the chocolate and cranberries


heat your oven to 350 and pop the cookies in (place the batter in rounds on a baking sheet). let them bake for 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown!
my cookies did not come out as nice round circles, but instead i realized i created my own cookie cake! yum yum! i'll keep working on it, but no matter how they look they were still mighty delicious!

november = quick fixes

apparently november has a new orientation, as well as the eleventh month of the year, tottering between fall and winter, this thirty day month is also known as a month full of quick fix meals. third year is moving fast and furiously and with that i have piles of continuos work. as a result of this phenomenon, i still eat well and healthy, but i have to get creative with what's left in my kitchen.
today i found:
mushrooms
spinach
bean sprouts
onions
frozen chicken breast
naan bread
shredded cheese
tomatoes
wow what to make with this....vegetable stir fry and cheesy garlic bread. now, i know i say that i only found eight ingredients, and it takes a bit more flavouring to make stir fry and garlic bread...this is where your kitchen etiquette and training should come in. fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy and meats come and go, but grains (pasta, quinoa, rice, cereal, bread), seasoning (salt, pepper, basil, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic etc.) condiments (olive oil, balsamic, soya, teriyaki, honey, maple syrup, ketchup, mustard - you get the picture) should always be in your cupboard - you can not expect to make anything without the basics necessities of a kitchen. now that basic lessons to cooking is over, back to the action.
making the stir fry: pour oil in a pan on medium - high heat, sauté onion and garlic, add mushrooms, then spinach and bean sprouts. season with salt and pepper, chili powder and flavour with a little soya, a splash of teriyaki and a touch of honey. once all of the vegetables are soft, toss in your cooked chicken and ensure it absorbs the liquid and heats all the way through. pour it into a bowl and enjoy!
making the cheesy garlic bread: preheat the oven to 350, in a separate bowl mix some olive oil with crushed garlic, salt and pepper, coat the naan bread with the garlic oil. rinse and chop your tomatoes and place them on the naan and then sprinkle with cheese. put it in the oven for about 5-7 minutes and it will soon become the perfect side to any meal!

quick fix desserts

i would somewhat self-proclaim myself the queen of quick fixes. whether it is a delicious breakfast, a slow brunch or a delicious dinner - i like to work with what i have lying around. it challenges me to use my imagination to make something really good. with a phone that isn't too smart, i do not have the ability to quickly scan recipes, closes restaurants or prepare a grocery list...to be honest i lack the understanding and knowledge of what a Galaxy, iPhone or Android can actually do. therefore i kick it old school with my own search engine.
i was done my work for the night and decided i wanted a sweet treat to eat while i enjoyed one of my shows.
i found:
1 banana 
chocolate chips
peanut butter
cereal
all great ingredients...mismatching to some, but tasty crumble to me!
i mixed some crunched up Kashi Toasted Cinnamon cereal with some Cracklin' Oat Bran cereal (the best cereal known to man, unfortunately it is unavailable in Canada - side note: what's with that?!?!), and a little maple syrup and pressed it into a small pyrex container. set my oven to 350, spread peanut butter over the cereal then sliced bananas, then a drizzle more of maple syrup, tossed on some chocolate chips and into the oven. i let it heat and form for about 10 - 15 minutes, taking it out when the cereal had formed a base and the bananas were caramelized. it was divine, the perfect compliment to my couch time!

sharing some online inspiration

HAPPY "belated" HALLOWEEN! as my present to you post this wonderfully sweet and scary holiday is a plethora of food pictures and knowledge! i know i talk a lot about finding great recipes and inspiration online, so it is only fair to share my favourite archives of food genius so ya'll can indulge too! i hope these inspire your creativity and desire for good tastes!
without further adieu here are the blogs that inspire my ideal of good food:

1) foodgawker

2) food porn daily

3) feast your eyes

4) baked from a box

5) food network (i know it's not a blog...but i love it so much!)

now stop drooling and start cooking!

the benefits to healthy eating: taste!

quinoa. a grain that still seems a little foreign to some food skeptics, but trust me when i say, this power food is nothing short of delicious. the good thing about it - with all the added health benefits and the fact that it is loaded with protein - it absorbs flavour really well, meaning it goes well with about anything, hot or cold, lunch or dinner.

i made a simple quinoa salad for dinner, exploding with flavour, nutrients and delciousness. here is how it went down...

i started by making a balsamic dressing (olive oil, honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, s&p, garlic and basil), then i drizzled the dressing over chopped onion, mushrooms and broccoli and stuck them in the oven to roast for 20 minutes at 350.

i had some cooked chicken breast, so i chopped it into pieces and placed it in a bowl with some fresh cucumber, spinach and cherry tomatoes.

then i cooked my quinoa (1/2 quinoa, 1 cup water, dash of maple syrup and chili powder for flavour - let the water bowl, keep the lid on and turn down the heat, about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed - stir occasionally) 

once all the ingredients were prepared, i poured the veggies and quinoa into the prepared bowl and drizzled some more dressing on it. with a good mix my delicious healthy dinner was ready!

what's dinner between friends?

the weekend approaches, and with time for me to actually work my magic in the kitchen, it was time for me to share some home-cooked hearty food with my fellow hard-working friends!

tonight's menu:
pistachio chicken with avocado sauce
arugula, butternut squash salad, with goat cheese and candied pecans in a balsamic honey vinaigrette
sweet potato gratin
oreo ice cream

this delicious meal sounds like a lot of work but it just consists of a couple of diligent steps, and a meal that is a real crowd pleaser!

lets start with the chicken:
make sure you have a clean surface and are working with a sharp and clean knife, trim and fat and less-appetizing bits off of your chicken breast and place them (how many every you are planning on making) in your pan. cut a lemon in half and cover the breasts in lemon juice. sprinkle salt, pepper and fresh or granulated garlic on top of the lemon juice. next in a separate bowl, shell your pistachios and place them in a ziplock bag. once you have properly sealed it and taken all the air out, grab a rolling pin and smash the bits of the nuts - so they're broken into small pieces. mound the pistachio pieces on top of the chicken and place in the oven for 25 minutes at 375.

next the salad:
chop your butternut squash and toss it in olive oil, salt and pepper and some garlic. stick those in the oven and let them roast until they are golden and crispy (about 30 - 40 minutes)
in a large bowl, place arugula and goat cheese. then move onto your pecans! dump them into a pot and on medium heat, mix them with a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of maple syrup, salt and pepper, cinnamon and chili powder. leave them on the stove top until the mixture is bowling and stir, stir, stir! once the pecans are coated spread them out onto parchment paper and put them in the fridge to harden.
once your squash and nuts have hardened throw them into your salad bowl!
for the dressing i mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt and pepper and basil!

and of course the sweet potato gratin:
scrub and peel your sweet potato, and cut it into rounds. in a sauce pan, over medium heat, combine half a cup of milk, salt and pepper, garlic and fresh rosemary - stir until the milk thickens a little, don't burn it! in a deep dish, place a layer of sweet potato rounds down and pour a little of the milk mixture ontop, then sprinkle a healthy portion of parmesan and cheddar cheese. repeat this process in layers until you have used up all your potato! pop this dish in the oven for about 30 - 40 minutes.

oh and the oreo ice cream is all chapmans....

sundaes for breakfast?

confusing i know, but it is true! sundaes are now a staple breakfast food for me. there is no better way to wake up, than knowing this morning will start with a delightfully colourful, healthy dessert spin-off. this one is really simple, really delicious and always aesthetically pleasing!

you need: 1 banana, a handful of blueberries, 0% plain (or vanilla for extra flavour) greek yogurt, lemon zest, cinnamon, and your choice or almonds and walnuts, or peanut butter

start by cutting your banana right down the middle, so you have two long halves, and place them side by side, seeds up

if you have decided on peanut butter - excellent choice! - spread a teaspoon on each side of the banana

then dollop three spoonfuls down the center of the banana halves

put your blueberries in a microwavable bowl and cook them for 45 seconds. once they have cooled a little, pour them over your yogurt

zest some lemon on top and sprinkle as much cinnamon as you like - if you chose nuts, throw your almonds and walnuts on top!

a beautiful breakfast sundae, waiting to waken your taste-buds and get your day going right!

my poor blackberry camera

it is obvious that no amount of photo-editing on iPhoto will make my pictures as delectably irresistible as instagram. it is a sad truth, but one i must face. unfortunately i was behind with the blackberry curve, putting me at further disadvantage when it comes to getting my hands on an iPhone or Android. don't get me wrong, i do love my blackberry - it provides me with all the essentials of communication, and i can still take a picture to upload onto my blog, but there is a little part of me that wants to have the capability of instant photo sharing.....

the possibilities the iPhone creates when you are overcome with the simple urge to share a picture of something or capture a moment are immense. this is definitely something i am lacking. with all of my passion for sharing my culinary creations, thoughts and opinions, the snap shops of my blackberry are nothing compared to the way i see it with my own eyes. i have accepted that in order to capture all of the pleasures of food i must resort to a real camera, or upgrade to a better smart phone.

any thoughts?

time to redefine the mug!

dessert, dessert, dessert. when there are no prior engagements and the night is yours to relax, by the time 9 comes around it's time for something sweet! for me, there is always a dilemma in choosing a satisfying treat that is sizable for just one. no need to fear, because there is a solution and a great one at that. i have self-named this dessert a mug-metered portion for one! this nutella chocolate mug cake is a definite winner for the night-time cravings.  

if you simply type mug cake into google, there are millions of recipes that provide pure happiness in the size of a mug! it is quite unbelievable how many different options present themselves. the internet is full of cookie mug cake, smores mug cake, carrot mug cake, chocolate mug cake, banana mug cake, the list is endless! after much deliberation and the desperate need to get rid of the remaining nutella in our house, my sister and i confidently decided on the nutella chocolate mug cake. with some flour, oil, an egg, coco powder, sugar, baking soda and of course nutella, all mixed together in our large mugs, we popped them in the microwave and waited for 2 minutes as magic happened!

with 30 seconds remaining we snuck in a marshmallow on top - our own creative genius at work, and presto a gooey, chocolate hazelnut delight towered over our mugs! all this inspiration from a simple blog photo, led us to explore the possibilities open to us on the internet to bring us the perfect individual sweet treat! the mug is a whole different concept to me now! i urge you to go out and find your favourite mug cake online, discover the true meaning of the mug.

what does technology have to do with food?

all of a sudden the food scene has exploded! left, right and center there are new recipes to find, new creative minds to pick and more tastes to explore! one may ask, how did this boom gain so much ground? Twitter. Instagram. Facebook. Blogs. The internet is crawling with social media outputs that put out what we like to eat! Who knew so many people liked food, right? So much of food culture is now shared online, via websites and communication through the internet. This is a trend am I glad to be a part of. Not only do I love to cook and bake, but I love to share that with others! What will be interesting in this journey, is to interact with the different technological sources to put my food brain out there. I am currently using my blackberry to take pictures...embarrassing I know, but a girl can only work with what she's got! (we will have to see how that goes...). Even though it's not an immediate association, food and technology are definitely intertwining. A growing connecting that is bringing more people together around the table for a meal - no matter where that table is!

forget the microwave with baked oatmeal

Breakfast should be a delicious wake-up call, a scent that makes you want to jump right out of bed to start your day. Yes, the occasional brunch is something we all dream of as we stare at our cereal bowls, but there is a way to attain that tasty meal every week day...just ditch the microwave and turn on the oven! Baked oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious option to sweeten up every weekday morning!

Place a handful of berries (personally I love blueberries!) in a small heat proof bowl, then in a separate bowl empty a package of oatmeal, a handful of walnuts and mix with two teaspoons of egg whites, a splash of maple syrup, cinnamon, a touch of milk and lemon zest. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the berries and place a layer of sliced bananas on top! Your oven should be heated to 375, pop in your bowl for around 15 minutes!

After your baked goodness has cooled for a couple of minutes, for a little extra flavour, add a dolup of greek yogurt, some fresh berries and banana and sprinkle a little cinnamon, lemon zest and even some granola on top!

You've never had oatmeal like this! Caramelized bananas, berry compote, and oats that taste like a freshly baked muffin! This is a definite breakfast for champions, one that will have everyone rushing to the breakfast table!

nothing's better than homemade mac n' cheese...

Even if you are lactose and tolerant, no one can deny the complete pleasure of devouring a bowl of warm, extra cheesy mac n' cheese. I'm not talking the thin noodle, powdered cheese box variety, I mean the real homemade goodness! Personally there is just nothing better on a Sunday evening than cozying up inside with some good friends and eating something tasty. What better way to bring back the school year with this divine dish, my own mac n' extra cheese.

If you're gonna make it from scratch, you must commit...meaning, good quality cheese, the right pasta, and patience!

Step one: gather your fresh ingredients

milk

butter

white flower

salt, pepper, garlic powder and mustard powder

1 box of pasta - I used Rotini, but the classic Macaroni is always delicious

medium sized bowl of grated aged cheddar cheese 

Step two: get cooking

It's always easiest to put the pasta on before you start on the sauce, follow the box instructions and don't forget it! (put on a timer just incase!)

Next you start with a rue, which is as simple as combining butter and flower. Take about a quarter cup of butter and melt it on medium heat in a pot, slowly add a little bit of white flower at a time - MAKING SURE that it all dissolves into the butter, you're looking for a thick paste.

Then we add the milk, a splash at a time, stirring constantly to make sure no lumps form. Keep adding portions of milk until you have a thick liquid.

Now for the flavour! Crack a little pepper and stir in a pinch of salt. Then throw in a dash of garlic powder, and only a hint of mustard powder and stir! Then add the cheese! You want to separate it into thirds and make sure it melts before you add more. The important thing is to keep tasting to make sure you make it cheesey enough! Trust your inner culinary genius and you will get it right every time!

For the crust...

if you want to create a delicious baked crust on top, mix your pasta and your sauce together and spread it into a dish and set the oven to 375. In a separate bowl mix some regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper, basil, leftover cheese (i like to throw in a little parmesan), and a touch of oil and spread it on top of your mac n' cheese. Throw it in the over for 15 minutes, or until the top is a little golden and crispy and serve warm!

This dish is sure to get you a fan club, a facebook group, and general groupies, and is probably better than mum's! Enjoy!