Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Saturday, July 22, 2023These 3-ingredient Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are so delicious and addictive. A tasty addition to salads or soups or to enjoy as a crunchy snack. To avoid soggy zucchini crisps, you have to squeeze the excess moisture out of the vegetables before mixing with Parmesan and baking. It's gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Icelandic Rye Bread
Thursday, July 20, 2023Icelandic rye bread, or rúgbrauð, a staple of Icelandic cuisine, is traditionally baked underground, buried in a bubbling geothermal pit for 24 hours. Since I don't have a hot spring in my back yard or live in a geothermal area, baking the bread in a simpler and more convenient modern oven is an ideal alternative way to get to taste this iconic Icelandic Rye Bread, which you would think it's healthy. Well, not this one as it contains a whole cup of honey and molasses in it, but it's DELICIOUS with a light caramel note and dense texture. Since it’s leavened with baking powder and baking soda, it’s very easy to throw together. This delicious traditional rye bread can be served in a variety of ways, topped with smoked fish / lamb, skyr, cheese or even just butter or simply with your favourite toppings. Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for several days or up to 3 months in the freezer.
I adapted the recipe from King Arthur Baking, as 2-hr-baking time seems reasonable for me. Other recipes suggested baking at 100C/200F for 6 hours. Alternatively you can make this in a slow cooker, covered with aluminum foil, for 4 hours. I haven't tried it myself yet, so if you do please let me know how it turns out!
Cherry Streusel Cake with Chocolate
Tuesday, July 18, 2023Nothing is better than a sweet juicy cherry cake with crunchy, buttery crumbs on top. Whether you use fresh, frozen or canned cherries, this German coffee cake / Kirschstreuselkuchen is packed full of delicious cherry and chocolate flavours and great for afternoon tea, or as a snack. I used 100 grams of raw sugar for the cake, but if you prefer it sweeter, use up to 150 grams.
Air Fryer Keto Halloumi Fries
Sunday, July 16, 2023Enjoy these easy air fryer halloumi fries in only 15 minutes. Dunk into a creamy Greek yogurt dip with pomegranate molasses. Soft, delicious cheese is pepped up with a spiced pork rind coating to create a fabulous side dish worthy as an accompaniment to any summer meal. Serve alongside burgers, salads or steak.
Cake-Style Blackberry Cobbler
Friday, July 14, 2023A cobbler is a deep-dish fruit dessert typically consisting of a fruit base and a slightly sweet biscuit topping or pie dough topping. Traditionally the fruit stew is the base for the topping, but variations can include the biscuits on the bottom, and some even use batter in place of biscuit dough. The common belief is that the name came from the biscuit topping’s resemblance to cobblestones. The ideal cobbler topping should be light and fluffy underneath, to soak up all those juices, but firm and golden crispy on the top.
You can make a cobbler from any type of fruit. Use a single type, or experiment with different combinations of your favourites. Frozen fruit is also fine, but make sure it is properly thawed before you use it. Serve the cobbler warm, with a scoop or two of good vanilla ice cream.
Ottolenghi's Roasted Aubergine with Saffron Yoghurt
Wednesday, July 12, 2023This simple yet fantastic eggplant salad as a starter, with only minor changes, comes from one of my favourite chefs and cookbook authors, Yotam Ottolenghi.
Among all my favourite salad pairings, eggplant, pine nuts and pomegranate seeds has to be one of the tastiest. The creamy Greek yoghurt dressing uses a rejuvenating and elegant touch with the addition of saffron. With its contrasting flavours, vibrant bright colours, fresh herbs and toasted nuts, this salad is definitely bound to impress your guests and the family.
Halloumi, Watermelon & Mint Salad
Monday, July 10, 2023This halloumi and watermelon salad has all of the elements that a good summer salad requires. Warm, crispy, and salty grilled halloumi, sweet juicy watermelon, tangy lime juice, spicy chilli pepper, and refreshing mint make for a simple but perfect harmony of flavours. Enjoy this salad as an appetizer or even as a light lunch, Add some roasted chicken, steak, or chickpeas if you want to make it more filling. If halloumi isn't your thing, use crispy tofu instead.
King Trumpet Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Saturday, July 08, 2023These fake "scallops" are made from the meaty, chewy King Trumpet mushroom stems and have the similar texture and appearance to the real stuff. They are first seared in a hot pan until beautifully golden brown and then drenched in a deliciously tangy lemony garlic butter sauce with fresh marjoram. It's naturally gluten-free, keto and nutritious. You can serve them with pasta, over salads or on a bed of your favourite dip.
Dried Cherry Tomato Bread with Parmesan and Thyme
Thursday, July 06, 2023A quick, savoury spelt bread recipe without yeast and ready in an hour. It comes together quickly and is easy enough for a weekday, but special enough to take this tomato loaf along to a picnic or garden party. Serve with butter or cheese spread.
Buttermilk brings a pleasant tang to this quick bread while adding very little fat. Buttermilk brings a pleasant tang to cakes, breads, biscuits and other bakes while adding very little fat. Like yogurt and sour cream, this acidic ingredient also helps tenderize gluten, giving baked goods a softer texture and more body. The acids in buttermilk also helps tenderize gluten, giving baked goods a tenderer texture and more flavour.
Smoked Salmon Breakfast Flatbread
Tuesday, July 04, 2023Feed your family with this no-fuss and delicious breakfast / brunch recipe with thin, unleavened lavash (a popular flatbread in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey), creamy herby goat cheese and lots of rich, buttery smoked salmon, briny, salty baby capers, nutrients-loaded red radish sprouts and peppery arugula. Smoked salmon is a great ingredient, especially when you’re short on time but still want a healthy and fresh meal. But other omega-3 rich fish would be just as good. If desired, add in a couple of soft boiled eggs. You can also cut this into small bite-sized pieces and serve them as an appetizers.
100% Rye Muffins with Blackberries and White Chocolate
Sunday, July 02, 2023These 100% rye muffins are moist, hearty, super delicious and bursting with berry goodness with just a touch of sweetness from Lindt white chocolate and xylitol. They are quick and very easy to prepare. The most important rule to follow when you bake muffins is to NOT OVER MIX the batter (just mix until the ingredients are moist, no need to stir until lump free and smooth) and you will have some fluffy muffins for either breakfast, afternoon snack or any time you crave a sweet treat. Use fresh berries if you can, otherwise, don't thaw the berries. You can prepare the batter in advance and let it rest overnight, covered in the fridge, next morning you divide the batter among the muffin liners and bake for breakfast. It's convenient and chilling the muffin batter also helps to improve the flavour and make them more fluffy and moist.
Cherry Tomato Frittata with Purslane and Bacon
Friday, June 30, 2023Fold succulent purslane and juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes into fluffy eggs for a savory skillet dish. Aged Gruyere and Parmigiano-Reggiano add an earthy and nutty flavour to the frittata and melt beautifully. It's easy to whip up, packed with flavour and perfect for keeping the family satisfied. Serve this warm or at room temperature. Pack any leftovers straight into lunch boxes for the next day.