Christstollen Traybake
Sunday, December 03, 2023Loaded with dried cranberries, apricots and chunks of marzipan, this well spiced holiday traybake is quick and easy to make, perfect for sharing and gifting. Those stollen bites have all the wonderful festive flavours of German Christstollen without going to the effort of making the real thing. A festive and delightful treat that is sure to please and impress. I used less sugar than the original recipe calls for and used more orange juice, so the batter won't be too dry. You can also replace some sugar with applesauce.
Sauerkraut Chocolate Loaf Cake
Friday, December 01, 2023Sauerkraut as the secret ingredient for ultra-juicy chocolate cake? Sounds kind of strange, but it really works. Don't worry, you won't taste the sauerkraut. Generally I prefer cakes with vegetables in them. Whether it's a carrot cake or zucchini cake, cake with beet, etc. Vegetables turn cakes into a special and very moist treat. If you like your cake a little healthier and nuttier, you can also replace the white spelt flour with wholegrain spelt flour. Leave the chocolate cake to stand in the fridge for at least a day, preferably two days, before eating. It tastes wonderful with whipped cream.
Golden Egg Curry
Wednesday, November 29, 2023This simple and comforting egg curry recipe, adapted from taste, made with curry leaves, ginger, mustard seeds, turmeric and coconut milk would make an excellent breakfast with Indian flatbreads or rice or can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you want to make this spicy, add 1/2-1 teaspoon of chilli powder.
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.