Zucchini Tomato Casseole
Wednesday, August 09, 2023I often make this colourful summer squash casseole during summer months when they are in peak season or when I am looking for something healthy, flavourful and delicious for the family.
This classic summer meal couldn't be easier to prepare. Start by slicing the zucchini and tomatoes (about 1/4-inch thick) and place them in a baking dish. Prepare a Parmesan cheese and pork rind topping (use regular breadcrumbs if you ain't on keto) to scatter over the vegetables. Bake the casserole in oven until the crumb topping is golden and crispy. Enjoy!
Apricot Gazpacho
Monday, August 07, 2023Raw, healthy, low calorie and gluten free! This easy vegetarian soup recipe is perfect for a refreshing summer lunch and a great way to use up ripe apricots (or peaches, cherries, watermelon, and strawberries). Use less water if you prefer a thicker soup. Serve with some crispy spiced peas for the crunch or just a couple of slices of apricots. Feta would be another good choice to use as a topping.
Whipped Feta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Saturday, August 05, 2023It makes an impressive, delicious appetizer, side or snack that couldn’t be easier to make. The combination of warm, sweet, juicy tomatoes and creamy, salty, tangy whipped feta dip is just sensational. I used some locally grown tri-coloured cherry tomatoes from our farmer market (it's even better if you grew them), but conventional red cherry tomatoes will work just fine.
Za’atar Salmon with Spinach and Tahini
Thursday, August 03, 2023Salmon fillets with a packed-with-flavour za'atar plus extra sumac crust are perfectly paired with creamy, nutty tahini sauce in this quick and easy dish from the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen : Shelf Love. It is an easy recipe to make, perfect for a weeknight supper. Toss in your favourite greens and ready in 15 minutes!
Za’atar, a versatile and popular Middle Eastern mix of dried herbs and spices is a glorious combination of earthy, nutty, zesty, and tangy flavours, and it goes on salads, meat / fish, vegetables, labneh / yoghurt, bread, hummus...just about anything. You can easily find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online or make your own.
Blackberry and Lemon Tartlets
Tuesday, August 01, 2023A sweet and tangy fruit tart made with tangy lemony frangipane, a delicious tart filling made with ground almonds or other nuts and seeds. The addition of blackberries and lemon gives delicious fruity flavour which complements the sweet rich frangipane and buttery tart crust wonderfully. It is perfect for sharing with friends or family after dinner or as an anytime treat.
Crispy Goat Cheese and Arugula Salad
Sunday, July 30, 2023Decadent pork rind-crusted goat cheese on a bed of arugula (any baby green will work though) and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light honey vinaigrette, scattered with candied pecans.
Slicing the fresh goat cheese can get a little messy, if it crumbles, just press the rounds back into the correct shape before coating with beaten egg and pork rind. The goat cheese cooked in airfryer will come out perfectly crunchy on the outside and warm, creamy on the inside.
Easy M&M Banana Bread
Friday, July 28, 2023This is such a delicious and easy recipe that is great for any occasion. It's moist, flavourful, perfectly dense, filled with leftover white chocolate eggs, dried fruit and topped with lots of M&Ms. One of the keys to getting a natural, strong banana flavour and a tender texture is to use over ripe bananas. I used erythritol, a sugar alcohol which has a very similar taste to sugar, to sweeten the bread, feel free to use regular white sugar instead. Store any leftover banana bread slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Chanterelles
Wednesday, July 26, 2023With this simple recipe, the creamy chanterelles become particularly fine. The fragrant mushrooms in cream sauce taste mild yet very flavourful at the same time. The creamy chanterelle is very versatile and goes well with many dishes (pasta, dumplings, chicken or steak).
I usually use a brush and wet towel to clean the chanterelles. But if you pick them up in the woods, you might want to rinse them thoroughly under water, then use a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with towels. You can also wash the chanterelles, leave them in the fridge overnight to dry out and cook them the next day.
Raw Avocado Tart with Lime and Matcha
Monday, July 24, 2023Dairy-free, gluten-free, and so delicious-you simply have to try this avocado tart. With a base made with nuts, soft dates, Dutch-processed cocoa, coconut flakes, and coconut oil, and a filling with ripe creamy avocado, lime, maple syrup and coconut oil, it makes the perfect refreshing summer treat! If your dates are hard, place them in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes to soften before draining them and adding them to the food processor. I garnished the tart with matcha powder, freeze-dried raspberries and coconut chips, but it's completely optional. You can also just scatter some mini white chocolate chips and lime zest over.
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.