Effortless Overnight Rye Loaf
Monday, November 27, 2023It's not typical to bake a good rye bread without using sourdough starter, and it can be quite challenging as the gluten in rye does not develop into strong and stretchy dough the way wheat gluten does, so the dough is more fragile, sticker, and the crumb is usually tighter and denser due to its low gluten content. And it also takes ages to rise, sometimes it could take up to 3-4 days before the bread is done. But it's undoubtly more delicious, flavourful and nutritious. This is why I am so excited to share this effortless overnight 100% rye bread recipe with you. We will use exclusively two grams of fresh yeast and an overnight rest of the dough to make the bread even more digestible and aromatic. Due to the long fermentation, sugar molecules that are difficult to digest and cause bloating and discomfort are broken down. Besides that, fiber and starch swell better, which also ensures better digestibility. If desired, you can also add 1 tablespoon of caraway or anise seeds to help with the digestion and for an even earthier flavour.
Unlike wheat breads which are best eaten shortly after cooling or right out of the oven, both the texture and flavour of rye bread improves after a rest of 12-24 hours. Once the bread has cooled completely, place it in a paper bag or wrap it loosely in foil and slice it the next day. If you can't wait, then allow it to rest at least 3 hours before slicing.
Marinated Steak with Labneh and Pul Biber Butter
Saturday, November 25, 2023It's quick, easy, and bursting with bold, tantalizing Turkish Doner Kebab flavours. The creamy labneh pairs perfectly with the well-spiced meat and pul biber butter help infuse the dish with that 'yum and rich' effect without much effort. Pul biber, also known as Aleppo Pepper, or Turkish Red Pepper Flakes, is a variety of crushed chilli flakes used in Turkish and Cypriot cuisine that has a fruity tang, smoky flavour and a moderate heat level.
Hazelnut, Rosemary and Maple Syrup Cake
Thursday, November 23, 2023A decadent and unique blend of healthy hazelnuts, rich maple syrup and fragrant rosemary, this earthy flavoured and buttery cake is a real treat for a special gathering at coffee time. Serve the cake with crème fraîche or ice cream if desired. I have used organic Canadian maple syrup for this recipe, as it has rich and deep dark maple flavour that makes it ideal for baking. The nuttiness of the hazelnuts really complements the maple syrup and rosemary flavours in this butter cake as well has giving the cake a lovely crunch.
Ginger Crunch
Tuesday, November 21, 2023Ginger crunch or ginger slice is a classic New Zealand bar that's basically just a delicious shortbread base topped with a smooth ginger icing. They are best enjoyed with a nice hot cup of tea or coffee. The sea salt atop is completely optional. However, I would have topped the icing with some sliced crystallised ginger if I had them.
Butter Chicken
Sunday, November 19, 2023Packed with flavour and simple ingredients, this easy, creamy and delicious butter chicken is a weeknight winner and will be a hit with the whole family. Serve with flatbreads or rice. Butter chicken is very much like chicken curry, only it tends to be creamier and richer than chicken curry, with heavier spices. If you're a curry lover, this is a must-try dish for you.
Cacao Nib Buckwheat Sables with Espresso Sugar
Friday, November 17, 2023Sable cookies are named for the French word sablé, meaning "sandy." These slice-and-bake cookies are light, buttery and have a delicate, sandy texture. They bake up quickly and are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The coffee sanding sugar adds the extra crunch and flavour.
Cacao nibs, a healthier alternative to chocolate chips and renowned for their high levels of anti-oxidants, are made by crushing whole, organic cacao beans and their texture is comparable to chopped nuts or seeds with a subtle crunch. So, they do not melt when exposed to heat and they don't taste like chocolate.
Keto Deep Dish Sauerkraut Quiche
Wednesday, November 15, 2023Homemade from scratch, this budget-friendly sauerkraut quiche makes a wonderful winter dish with bacon and boiled eggs. Delicious served as an evening meal with a warming soup, or as a light lunch with some vegetables or salads. This quiche is quick to prepare and can be served hot or cold. If you don't feel like making the pork rind pastry for this quiche, just use a regular shortbread crust or use ready-made shortcrust pastry.
Roasted Garlic Soup with Crispy Jamón
Monday, November 13, 2023Four entire heads of garlic, roasted to sweetness, mixed with onion, thyme, coconut milk and incorporated into this creamy soup to help boost the immune system, served with crispy Jamón ham. It's dairy free, gluten-free and keto-friendly. Perfect as a starter, or add some sourdough bread and salad for a tasty and healthy lunch or dinner.
king Trumpet Carpaccio with Basil and Parmesan
Saturday, November 11, 2023King trumpet mushrooms, aka king oyster mushrooms, have become hugely popular for their mild, delicate flavour and nutty, meaty texture. They are not only just delicious, also full of health-supporting antioxidants. The whole mushroom is edible and can be eaten either raw or cooked. Cooking enhances the savory umami flavours. The large stems and caps hold their shape when roasted or grilled, making them a great side dish or light meal. When cutting the mushrooms, try to get slices that include both the cap and stem to best showcase the mushroom’s shape.
Maple Pecan Tart
Thursday, November 09, 2023Wow your family and friends with this golden pecan tart with a blind-baked pastry case for a crisper finish for a dinner party dessert, teatime treat or holidays' celebration. Using coconut sugar and maple syrup to sweeten the filling enhances the caramel flavour and works beautifully with the texture of the nuts and buttery crust. It's perfect served with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.
Upside Down Filo Leek Tart
Tuesday, November 07, 2023This easy tart combines delicate filo pastry, sweet roasted leeks and salty crumbled feta. You can make the recipe your own by switching up filo pastry for puff pastry and butter for olive oil. Sprinkle some bacon bits over if desired. You only need a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes to prepare it, so it's great when you are running short on time, but in need of a quick and delicious lunch.
Pan Seared Salmon Steaks with Leek Vinaigrette
Sunday, November 05, 2023Pamper your family and friends with these crispy pan seared salmon steaks drizzled with a simple homemade leek vinaigrette.
A salmon steak is cut into cross sections from whole fish and includes the bone, whereas a fillet is cut lengthwise from tail to collar and boneless. It is usually bone in while a fillet is boneless. Since a whole steak is cooked on the flesh sides only, so the skin will not become crispy. You can replace with salmon fillets for the recipe.