Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Eating Local: Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwiches

I try and get my food as local as possible.  I’m not perfect, and I do fail with this at times, but I’m starting to get into the habit of always having this on the back of my mind when I enter the grocery store. Small changes can make a big difference in the long run.

There’s nothing that makes me more giddy and excited when I can create a meal with fresh, local ingredients.  Northern BC has a short growing season so there’s a little bit of a challenge with that.  But, there’s even more of a challenge during the winter months.  I love supporting local restaurants, especially ones that use ingredients from local farmers.  My dad has been a huge donator of freshly grown veggies, eggs & chicken to this household.  We purchase our beef locally (& yearly) and enjoy the benefits year round.  Farming was important growing up and my parents continue to inspire me constantly.  I’m always learning from them!

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.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

After a very, very long work week, I was in desperate need of some baking therapy.  I had quite a bit of pumpkin left over from a baking experiment last week, so it had to be something pumpkin related.  I’m not complaining!  These were a total no brainer.  I don’t have too many days off to enjoy, so I figured I’d better have something that would cheer me up in the morning. J Something to indulge in anyways!

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.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Ham & Gruyère Cheese Croissants

Let’s be completely honest here-I am not a pastry queen.  While I would like to be, the process is SO intimidating that I haven’t been brave enough to make pastries.  I have one good pie dough recipe.  Other than that I am out of luck.  I thought this would change when I first started the blog but after 2 years…well it hasn't changed much.  I have this beautiful book-Flour, and she has the most amazing pastry recipes.  I thought that it might convince me to peek out of my shell-but no, it hasn't L   Maybe with my success with this, it might help me be more adventurous!  Man, if only I could work in a bakery for a couple of months to gain experience-that would be incredible! 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Chai Spiced Morning Glory Muffins

Morning Glory Muffins are my favorite way to start off the day.  Or night!  I was so obsessed with having these on hand when I worked night shifts.   They are so long & tiring it was great to have something to look forward to.  I haven’t worked one in a while, but I still like making (& eating) these muffins! 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Arugula, Goat Cheese & Mushroom Breakfast Pizza

I have a tendency to be drawn to slightly unhealthy recipes, and this would be a prime example. I’m such a sucker.  It’s a good thing I make an effort at keeping everything in moderation & drag myself out for a run.  I’ve made this pizza once before, so it was a no brainer to make it again after spending the night dancing & having a couple of drinks with some good friends.  You can only imagine what that might entail!!! 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Gravlax

I am kinda picky when it comes to fish.  Don’t get me wrong-I love my sushi & cold smoked salmon, but that’s pretty much it.  I don’t particularly like cooked fish-weird, I know.  This recipe is similar to one that I tried many years ago & loved.  So when one of our friends had given us some salmon, I knew I had no choice but to make it again! 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Lemon Crepes

I don’t like to take big risks when it comes to preparing breakfast…I like to make things I’m comfortable with, and generally something that doesn’t take too long.  It’s interesting how one bad childhood memory could affect your readiness to try something when you get older.  Take crepes for example.  I could never get them just right and always managed becoming frustrated and spoiling the whole batch.  So I figured, since I’m older, that I have more patience to try it again.  I LOVED how they turned out!  Definitely a dessert-type of breakfast and great for special occasions.  They are quite quick & easy to make, despite their impressive appearance.  Give them a try!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries & Bananas

I have officially jumped on the oatmeal bandwagon.  For someone who previously avoided oatmeal like it was the plague, I’ve found myself eating it almost daily and enjoying it thoroughly.  I find that it very filling-perfect for those long, long days at work.  When I cook it on the stove (in a hurry, I might add) I love adding some vanilla, toasted pecans, coconut and sprinkling it with dried cranberries.  So healthy and deliciousJ

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Whole-Wheat Raspberry Ricotta Scones

Scones are such a versatile treat.  I am always amazed at the variations that other’s come up with, and just how well they work being savory or sweet.  Yep, I’ve tried both kinds and still can’t determine what I like best.  I think it just depends on what you’re in the mood for/what the occasion is.  Because scones are so yummy regardless of what you put in it.  Strangely enough, they aren’t something Gavin enjoys, so I am left with them all (lucky me!).

Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013

Baked Blueberry & Banana Oatmeal

I have never been a morning person.  I’ve mentioned this before in previous posts, but I really am trying (I know I’ve said the same thing before!) to eat breakfast on a more consistent basis. I find it impossible to eat at 0530 before work, but on my days off (where I am awake later at a slightly more reasonable time), I really try to make an effort.  Since Gavin isn’t a huge breakfast fan, I normally have leftovers so I know I have to enjoy it.

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012

Chocolate Chip Brioche Pretzels

 I get so excited about new cookbooks.  Especially if it’s written by one of my favorite blogs….which it totally is.  I’ve been following Deb’s blog Smitten Kitchen for years now, and was so thrilled that she released her first book.  I recommended to Marlina that she should pick it up when she visited this past weekend, and so she surprised me with the book.  I love it when she visits!  We went shopping, had a ladies night with our friend Kerri, and started some Christmas Crafts… yes we are eager beavers.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Breakfast Quinoa (Guest Post for The Fig Tree Blog)

Yesterday I was honored with the privilege of posting on my friend's blog-Courtney of The Fig Tree.  In turn,  she posted on mine.  She presented a scrumptious looking Peaches & Cream Ice Cream with Salted Pecans.  Seriously, how did she know I would just love this? The blog name doesn't give it away...does it? *heheh* I have come to the conclusion I need to buy myself and ice cream maker ASAP and this will be the first recipe I will try!! Yum!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Cranberry Hazelnut Granola

Good Morning Folks!

Here's a happy breakfast treat for y'all-granola.  While I love it, I don't make it as often as I should (I am trying to change this), even though it is quite simple to make.  I love mixing it with yogurt, having it with milk, or just for plain snacking (and a lot of snacking at that!).  I tried for so long searching for the right recipe, but there are so many out there I found it overwhelming what to choose.  So I decided to bite the bullet and make my own, and we loved the results.  Of course, it took some work-I think I botched 2 batches and then steadily made improvements over the next few.  But it was soo worth it.  Gavin and I can't stop eating it...and I made more yesterday.  Good thing it only makes 5 cups....hehe.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Bacon Cheddar Scones

I am not a morning person.  My alarm wakes me up at 0530, I stay in bed till 0545 (sometimes later-oh crap!), get up, turn on my coffee maker, jump in the shower, get dressed and out the door I go to work, having to be there by 0630.  It takes me at least a half hour to fully wake up.  I usually don't get to eat breakfast until 1000, which is my coffee break.  When I don't have to work, I usually sleep in till 0800, then slowly wake up while watching the news.  I usually feel like eating around 10, if not later.  Not exactly a healthy habit, considering breakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day.  This is a habit I am trying to break, even if it just means grabbing some fruit on the go.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Meyer Lemon Muffins

I think I’m dedicating this week to lemons.  It seems appropriate as spring is almost here; the sun is shining more than usual, some of the snow has melted, I’ve started running again, and I’ve worn my Birkenstocks at least once!  Though some might say it was a little premature, I was still pleased.  The only thing I don’t enjoy about spring is how wet everything is.  Hopefully everything dries off soon and the weather warms up.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Cream Biscuits with Cheddar Cheese                                                       
d

I found it difficult in the past to find a good biscuit recipe.  I only have two simple requirements: one, that you can eat it for breakfast without it being too greasy, two a side accompaniment for a meal.  This biscuit accomplishes both of my requirements, and it’s incredibly simple to make.  I made this recipe once with heavy cream and once with buttermilk.  I didn’t notice too much of a difference, but Gavin preferred the buttermilk version.  All of these ingredients are likely in your household already.

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Lemon Blueberry Scones                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Greetings Everybody!

I feel alive again!  I’m so happy to kick this flu thing in the butt.  Seriously, I can’t remember when the last time I was sick…it’s been that long.  But I'm back to baking and couldn’t be happier:)  Today we went for a walk around our sunny beautiful town and it made a world of difference-amazing what some Vitamin D can do for the soul!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Homemade Granola Bars                                                                                                 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I love making things from scratch.  That being said; this post is dedicated to the homemade granola bar.  As a kid, I never really cared for them…at all.  They would end up as a last resort in the bottom of my backpack.  I had to be incredibly desperate to eat them.  When I did, I never enjoyed them because they were far too dry.  I think the only ones that I ever truly found satisfaction with were the chocolate coated ones, although now I acknowledge that it’s not the healthiest option available.  I was intrigued months ago when I bookmarked this recipe and hoped it would change my feelings about granola bars.  I think I’m turning, slowly.  Gavin was delighted with the way they turned out, but I highly recommend waiting 2-3 hrs prior to cutting the bars (he wanted to eat them 5 minutes after they came out of the oven!). They need to cool completely and stiffen otherwise they’re too soft and crumbly.