Monday, June 15, 2015

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

It’s been incredibly difficult to sit down and make the time to write a post.  I think I’m going to try and aim for one post a week for the summer time.  I know it’s been MONTHS (I’m terribly sorry everyone!) since I’ve posted but that doesn’t mean I don’t think about food all the time!  Some things never will change.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

The Everything Oatmeal Cookie

It’s been over a month since I’ve posted, and I can’t say I feel that bad-I’m sorry!  It’s been really busy around here lately, which is my usual excuse, but it’s true.  My sisters were up for Christmas and it was so lovely having them here and spending time with them.  I also had to work Christmas for the first time in years so I had mixed feelings about that, but the day went by okay. You make the best with what you have!

I’ve been trying to do new things while having fun and getting outdoors this winter, because I typically tend to hunker down and stay indoors until spring comes.  But I’ve managed to reignite my passion for cross-country skiing so that’s been so rewarding!  Long and late night skies have been my highlights!  Unfortunately, spring has decided to come early and it’s making it harder to ski, so I’m slightly saddened that the season will be done soon enough.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Scones

The past couple weeks have been filled with a whirlwind of activity.  Consequently, the blog has suffered big time as a result.  But, it’s been a great month filled with plenty of work, overtime + family time on Vancouver Island, and attending a conference with like-minded people.  The next week will be incredibly busy, and I need to keep it ‘hush-hush’ until after it’s done.  I can’t wait to share with you what it is!

Last weekend Marlina and I attended the FBC 2014 Conference. For those of you unfamiliar with it, it’s the Canadian Food Bloggers annual conference. There were over 140 attendees with incredible list of guest speakers.  I think my favorites of the weekend were Robin Esrock (The Great Canadian Bucket List), Matt Armendariz (Food Photographer) & Adam Pearson (Food Stylist) AND the elusive Thug Kitchen!  I’ve learned so much from the conference, and even though I currently don’t plan on monetizing my blog it has inspired me to find a focus and to try and make it better.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Vunderbars

 I’m sorry.

You’re welcome. 

Have you ever made something so tasty that you feel like you have to immediately apologize and say you’re welcome in the same sentence?  I did today.  It doesn’t happen very often, but then again, these bars don’t happen very often!

I can’t seem to contain my excitement for these-they are fantastic.   I really don’t think that there’s anything that I disliked about these bars-they are the perfect combination of peanuts & chocolate with a crunchy texture from the Rice Krispies and rolled oats.  Seriously-I know these take a little bit of work but they are totally worth it.   I had one last week at a local café, and well, I was sold.  They’ve been on my mind ever since and I was really excited to make them! 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Bakery Styled Banana Chocolate Muffins

 

I’ve been absent from the blog lately, but not without reason.  Sorry guys!  Things have been really busy in general, and it’s been hard to sit down and write.  I do have some exciting news that included a trip down to Vancouver with some of my family, so I will post about that next timeJ  I am still waiting for more pics, but can’t wait to share with you about it.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Chocolate Oreo Cake

It’s Gavin’s half birthday today (and his pa’s actual birthday-Happy Birthday!) and it’s only normal to celebrate!  Gavin’s dad loves chocolate so I felt this cake was definitely appropriate.  I’ve made this cake many years ago (before I started the blog) and scrapbooked the recipe.   

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Banana Split Cupcakes

Yay-it’s the weekend!  My weekends aren’t very typical, unfortunately.  They are on a rotating basis. Which kinda sucks if you ask me…I love spending weekends with Gavin.  We are currently rebuilding our deck, and the early stages are complete!  Making sure everything is level is quite finicky work, but we are excited about the end result.  And we are going to treat ourselves with a new bbq..can’t wait for it to be done!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I need to celebrate with cupcakes-Red Velvet cupcakes, to be specific!  They have such a romantic feeling to them-it’s all the red I think;).

I made this cupcakes earlier last month and have been waiting impatiently to share them with you.  I didn’t eat all of them (thank goodness!) and gave some of them to my mother-in-law, Ellen.  It was her birthday so we lit one up & sang her Happy Birthday!  She served the leftovers as a treat for her painting class & said they went over really well with everybody.  I am always so happy when I hear that! :D

Friday, January 3, 2014

Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a safe & wonderful New Years.  Ours was pretty good (we went to a house warming/new year’s party) and managed to stay up until midnight-pretty much a record for us.  I think one of my favorite moments of the night was when we released Chinese lanterns-it was a beautiful night. I wish I would have snapped a picture, but hey, it would've ruined the momentJ 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Rum Balls

I’m trying to add new things to my repertoire for Christmas baking, and these rum balls are perfect.  Who doesn’t love a good boozy Christmas treat with chocolate?  With the weather a bit chilly lately, it’s been hard leaving the house.  But these tend to warm you up inside if you have a couple.  Or more.  Just kidding! ;) 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting (Guest Post for The Fig Tree Blog)

Yesterday I was so excited to be posting on my friend Courtney’s blog-The Fig Tree.  I made Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting-some of my favorite cupcakes to date.  They definitely got me in the holiday spirit!! These rich, moist & chocolately cupcakes are wonderfully complemented by a soft, airy peppermint frosting.  Head over to her blog for the recipe! 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Chocolate Donuts with a Chocolate-Peppermint Glaze

It’s Monday…ugh.   The weekend went by way too fast!  On Saturday, we watched the 50^th Anniversary special of Dr. Who.  That show is amazing!!  I was totally blown away at how good it was.  I need to watch it again, and soon!  I think it was the highlight of my weekend.  Mind. Was. Blown. 

Saturday. Sept. 28th, 2013

Chocolate Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes

I’ve been loving the cool mornings and intermittent sunshine...leggings, sweaters, sippin’ on some hot tea & baking in a nice cool house are definitely perks to this season!  I LOVE it!! So I figured I should continue on with my pumpkin obsession..I'm so terrible!  A chocolate pumpkin recipe  has been on my list for the longest time now-I finally bumped it up.  I've made my share of pumpkin recipes this fall season so far (here, here & here!). So yummy!! I thought that this one is great-the cake is quite rich, moist & the pumpkin is subtle with the chocolate flavor.  They are definitely a match made in heaven!!! 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Marble Pumpkin Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting

I’ve been long overdue for a cupcake post.  Guys, I’m so sorry!  I used to make cupcakes all the time (and I mean all the time) but when I started this blog I was all ‘cupcaked’ out.  I find cupcakes totally deceiving.   I don’t feel guilty when I eat one, but then then think it’s okay to have another & another and well….that’s when the guilt kicks in.   Remember, moderation  is key with these babies!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

 Samoas Cookies

Have you ever seen a cookie recipe that you fall in love with before even trying?  That’s what happened with these cookies.  I had no idea they were actually an inspired version/re-creation of the famous Girl Guide cookies (although they look slightly different than photos I looked at but I imagine they taste the same).   They have a lot of my favorite ingredients-a buttery shortbread base with a chewy caramel coconut topping and a chocolate drizzle.  They are simply delightful, especially with a big glass of milk!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Chocolate-Toffee Chip Oatmeal Cookies

We are back in business!  I didn’t think I would need this much time to resettle post vacation, but, unfortunately I did.  It’s been an interesting adjustment to say the least to return to a ‘normal’ life after a month of traveling and relaxing.  I think I have almost adjusted…. which I find slightly depressing at the same time.  I spent so long just trying to relax.  Ugh!  However, on the brighter side of things-I am excited to share our trip with you.  We loved Costa Rica so much that we are already planning on going back next year!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nutella, Sea Salt & Browned Butter

Cookies.  I’m soooo obsessed with them.  I have a few good recipes posted on here but I can never get enough.  The thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies that I posted last year are simply the BEST.  I kind of felt that I would be cheating on my favorite recipe, so I’ve always resisted the urge to try another one.  Sounds very strange, I know.  I don’t like messing with perfection.   But I got over it quickly once I saw this recipe: I have fond memories of nutella-my sisters and I used to eat it by the spoonful when we were young.  Fun times indeed!  

Monday, February 11, 2013

Happy (Almost) Valentine’s Day!

I hope you that you all have a wonderful day with your loved one (and that you get spoiled rotten!!)   For me, I will be enjoying the sunny weather in Costa Rica. It can’t get that much better than that!

I have a few great chocolate recipes for Valentine’s Day…be sure to try them out! Cheers!  

1)   Black Forest Cake

2)    The Baked Brownie

3)     Better Than Sex Cupcakes

4)    Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

5)    Chocolate Macarons

6)    Whole Wheat Raspberry Chocolate Ricotta Scones

7)    The Double Chocolate Chip Cookie with Almond Flour

8)    Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes with Not-So Vegan Chocolate Buttercream

9)    Chocolate Chip Brioche Pretzels

10)  Raspberry Chocolate Pop Tart

 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Hot Chocolate for Two

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and I see tons of chocolate recipes out there.  I’ve noticed that I’m spending a lot of time drooling over them-goodness gracias.  I really should be making sure everything is packed and ready to go (YOU GUYS! I’M LEAVING IN LESS THAN A WEEK! Sooooo excited!).  Anyway…I’ll be sure to make sure you won’t be left hanging-I have a few great recipes to share you while I am away (I mean it!). 

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Cranberry Hazelnut Fudge

Fudge is one of the many treats that I save for the holiday season.  Reason one: I couldn’t eat fudge all year round. Which leads me to my second point, it’s too good and never lasts long (and this one doesn’t take too long to make)!  I’ve made this fudge several times over the past holiday seasons and it is always a big hit with others.  It would be perfect for on a holiday platter.  Or just by itself!