March 30, 2024

Soba Noodles with asparagus and sesame dressing

Soba noodles with asparagus and sesame dressing.  Cook the noodles until al dente, follow package instruction and just cut it short if needed so taste them. Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking then drain Dressing: 1/4 cup soy sauce2 Tbs mirin or to taste1 Tbs rice vinegar1 tablespoon yuzu juice1 teaspoon sesame oilSesame seeds Combine dressing ingredients, taste and adjust. Toss noodles with the dressing. Add cooked asparagus cut on the diagonal.  Sprinkle... View Article

March 30, 2024

Dutch Baby Pancakes

Morning:), are you up? Early here on the west coast. Here is my contribution to Sunday brunch ideas this morning. Totally doable.  I love making these puffed pancake aka German (pfunnkuchen) or Dutch baby. It’s a large, puffy pancake that rises and forms a golden-brown, crispy edge around the sides while remaining tender and custard-like in the center.  I prefer to make them in smaller skillets for individual serving but they don’t always puff properly... View Article

March 30, 2024

Falafels

Baked Falafel Patties with homemade pita pockets.  Here is the method for the falafel. Traditional falafels are made with soaked but uncooked garbanzo beans. This is made with canned garbanzo. Easier.  1 can garbanzo, drained and rinsed1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves 1 tablespoon olive oil2 cups green peas, blanched. 1 cup parsley, chopped1/2 cup cilantro1/3 cup mint, chopped2 tablespoon chia seeds1 tablespoon flax seeds2 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon coriander1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda Salt CC... View Article

March 30, 2024

Pita Pockets

Homemade pita pockets. So much better than store bought.  1 package dried yeast (7 gr)1 teaspoon sugar2 1/3 cups flour1 teaspoon salt 1 cup water1-2 tablespoon olive oil Place flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a stand mixer with the dough hook. Begin mixing, adding the water and the oil. Once the dough comes together let the mixer knead it for 5 min.  Remove to the counter, gather it together and form a ball. Place... View Article

March 30, 2024

Afternoon tea sandwiches

A small afternoon tea for three.  Do you host an afternoon tea? I have always loved the concept and if there is any place in town that offers it my friend @morethanburnttoast and I never (almost) miss it.  Needless to say it is a British custom of having tea, scones, sandwiches and pastry around 3-4pm but it has taken hold in many cultures as a social gathering event. My most memorable afternoon tea was in Paris at... View Article

March 30, 2024

Scones

And to finish the afternoon tea “series” here is the recipe for the scones that I served with strawberry jam and mascarpone (could not find traditional clotted cream anywhere). Here is the recipe for the scones: 2 3/4 cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder 3 tablespoons sugar 1/2 cup butter, cubed and cold 3/4 cup half and half1 egg for glazing.  Place flour, baking powder, sugar and butter and process until crumbly.  While processing drizzle in the cream until... View Article

March 30, 2024

Challah Braid (bread)

If you make Challah bread before the weekend it will be great for French toast for breakfast, it toasts beautifully, leftovers are good for bread pudding and it makes great croutons. The recipe could not be simpler. Put everything in a stand mixer with the dough hook and let the machine knead the dough until satiny and smooth. Let it rise once, shape and let rise again before baking at 350F. This is not the... View Article

March 22, 2024

Dutch baby pancakes

Dutch baby pancakes.  Love making these on a weekend. Top them with berries, whipped cream or creme fraiche, fruit sauce and maple syrup.  To make: Preheat oven to 425F and place 2 6” cast iron skillets in the oven to heat (or you can make a large one in a large skillet. Cut in wedges to serve).  I use an immersion blender to mix the batter, or you can use a blender. Combine :2 large... View Article

March 22, 2024

Vegan fat free pancakes

Whole wheat and rolled oats fat free pancakes. I found this beautiful local flour by Wolfgang Grain and Flour labeled certified organic and made from Red Fife wheat. Red Fife is classified as a ‘Heritage’ grain in Canada and the original grain has not been altered in over 50 years (no hybrids). It was the first variety of wheat registered in Canada. This flour was fine and silky and I will try it in a... View Article

March 22, 2024

Chia, granola, fruit

Chia, granola and berries. This can be a breakfast, snack or even dessert.  I use 1/4 cup chia to one cup oat or almond milk (homemade). Sweeten with a tablespoon of maple or agave syrup or just vanilla. Combine in a bowl and let sit, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken. Pour into glasses, cover and refrigerate to set overnight. To serve spoon granola over and add berries.Serve chilled.

March 22, 2024

Bento Box

More Japanese influence in my kitchen. Bento box with onigiri rolled in furikake, miso deviled eggs, spinach balls, pickles.  To make the miso eggs hard boiled them, then mix the yolks with a little Japanese mayo and a little miso powder (I brought it back from Japan, not sure how or even if they use it). A little chopped chives , taste and add S&P.  The onigiri was what I make most often. Cook Japanese... View Article

March 22, 2024

Overnight muesli

Overnight oats or muesli. Is there a difference between the two? First time I had muesli was at the fabulous Lake Ohara Lodge in the beautiful Alberta Rocky Mountains. We used to go hiking there with the kids when they were young. When I think about it today I wonder how they managed hiking the steep Alpine trails but I know it left them with a love for the mountains and outdoors to this day.... View Article