We are on a theme at the moment being ginger.  Here lays my weakness, gingerbread pancakes! Where do these brilliant people come from, who make marvellous creations such as this.  I envy such culinary creative characters, i aspire to be like you!  So yeah, check it out she not only made these heavenly stacks of slapjacks but infused lemon into the maple syrup! Genius.  Check out the full scoop here

They actually make this stuff?  Here stands a jar of ginger snap spread called Speculoos à Tartiner!  This sounds wonderful, as i am a totally ginger snap addict! I don't know where you would find this in Canada as I found it on the web on a french ladies blog... totally describing it fully and making me envy her jar.   She spreads it on fresh baquettes!  And to think i just got back from Paris and returned jarless, however I keep findng reasons to go back! Paris you have a chunk of my heart (and not just because of a ginger snap spread).

How great does that look!  Eggplant fries with a little drizzle of honey!

Eggplant Fries

from The Hungry Mouse

3/4 cup flour

2 tsps garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp fresh parsley, minced

1 tbsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper, fresh ground

oil for frying

3 baby eggplants or 2 medium eggplants

salt for seasoning

honey

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, dried oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed. In a heavy-bottom medium saucepan, heat at least two inches of oil to about 350F. Peel the eggplants and slice into 3/4-inch thick fingers. Toss the eggplant slices a few at a time in the seasoned flour until well coated. When the oil is ready, drop a few sticks of eggplant into the oil – they should begin sizzling immediately. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan or have the oil temperature drop too much. When they begin to brown (about a minute) flip them over and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute. Remove the eggplant fries from the oil and let drain on a cooling rack. Serve hot with a shake of salt and a drizzle of honey. A great snacking appetizer for 4 people.

This looks so cozy.  I want to invite a group of friends over for cheese and rye and some clementines! Open up some sardines and enjoy an afternoon!  Tea time!

Max and I the other day were totally in the mood for Budgies Burritos!  If you are a fan of such burritos you know what im talking about when you get the craving for budgies.  This is a vegetarian little nook close to Main and Broadway in Vancouver that hands down my the best tacos/burritos and soup.  Local cats book it on there bikes to grab a tasty roll up, and Max and I did just that.  I had the Johnny burrito with fresh salsa and black beans with guacamole and max had the tortilla soup!  I am writing because it was damn good soup!  I like the tortilla soup cause its one of the simplest soups to make and it just tastes fresh! Heres a go to recipes for such a soup!

I get giddy just thinking about this dish!  I looks so warm and tasty! I am one of those people who loves ravioli and I take my time to enjoy it fully and entirely!  I went to a dinner at August in New York about a year ago and i had a ravioli dish that swept me off my feet!  This dish looks like it could be just as dashing! I have never made ravioli but i think it could be a really fun thing to do!  I just need a pasta maker then im set!  

look at the beautiful photography and food here!

I am in love with everything to do with this champagne class!  Not to mention the stellar drink about to be poured!  Bartender I'll have whatever he's having! check out the cocktails at gourmet

“IRENE” CRYSTAL CHAMPAGNE SAUCER BY MARC JACOBS FOR WATERFORD

I need a good cocktail!   It always seems to be around this time of year when i get crazy busy!  Its time, for a cocktail! I came across this beverage when flipping through a holiday magazine, i have misplaced the ripped out 'cocktails' article but it went along the lines of homemade apple cider with rum and cinnamon! Sounds good enough for me! ... now what is the best way to make home made apple cider...?

I have become obsessed with squash and rosemary.  Nothing is more divine then fluffy squash, with a dab of butter, a dash of salt and sprig of rosemary its golden!  A marriage made in heaven!

(photo by katie quinn davies)

FOR THE LOVE OF JAMIE!

We have no more chanel 52!  If you live in Vancouver and know what this means pleae have pity on me.   52 is the food network chanel... also known as my relationship with Nigella Lawson, Ina Garten.. and Jamie Oliver!  Making due with the few fuzzy chanels of local news and Seinfeld reruns.. oh and godzilla brides I have turned off the tunes and teamed up with some girl friends and created an evening entitled FOR THE LOVE OF JAMIE.  The idea is to ruffle through the cookbooks of the chefs and make the dishes with the fabulous people who love and adore food as much as i do!  Wine, pasta and some Jamie what more could a girl ask for!  Stay tuned for details on our first feast!

Go figure it's nonstop rain in Vancouver!  But although its damp and gray and cold and wintery outside... I am totally craving these popsicles!  Yum!

Gluten-Free 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Serve 1

Ingredients

50g dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons Vitarium gluten free flour
4 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract


Method

1. Melted the butter and chocolate in a double boiler. Set aside to cool.
2. Add flour and sugar to a small mixing bowl, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and mix well. Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract, and mix again.
3. Pour the mixture into a large coffee mug. Put the mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

For my pen pal Mandy! Enjoy

Jessica you've done it again!  Jessica Seinfelds recipe for home made donuts its to die for!  She has just released another great cookbook with simple, tasty and unique twists on family classics.  What fun!

Sweet Potato Donuts w/ Roasted Apple Filling

(makes 2 dozen)

Sweet Potato Donuts:

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1 inch-sliced
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons butter for greasing the molds
• Roasted Apple Filling:

• 2 apples, preferably Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon butter
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Steam the sweet potato until soft and mash with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over 1/4 cup warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the mashed sweet potato to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and add the evaporated milk, buttermilk, and 1/3 cup water. Mix about 3 minutes. Add the sugar and mix until dissolved, about 5 minutes. Turn the mixer to low and add the foamy yeast, then add the flour 1/2 cup at a time. Mix for 1 more minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, make the filling: Toss the apples with the lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon. Set a large skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, then add the apples and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are browned and slightly softened, about 30 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside to cool.
5. Generously butter two 12-cups muffin tins, then sprinkle the molds lightly with sugar. Fill each mold with 3 tablespoons of the soft, wet dough, then press a piece of roasted apple into the center of each. Gently gather the dough together to cover the apple and pinch the top seam tightly. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350′F.
7. Uncover the donuts and bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

I'm missing New York like crazy and the fact that I keep finding awesome places to try out isn't helping in the matter.   I don't need anymore reasons to go back...I'm already full of so many!  However i thought i would post this really cute seafood join called Mary's Fish Camp since hopping back on the seafood boat I have been rediscovering some things like oysters that i simply love!  For the record ... I'm trying this seafood business out to see how my iron levels react... seeing how they got super low during the summer. In the mean time I will go with the flow and stick to my conscience eating only oceanwise seafood and in moderation!  

 Lucky for me BC salmon had a crazy time last spring and thus this year there was a mad amount in our local waters.  ... but back to new york there is this little place on the corner of 4th street and Charles St.  known for their lobster rolls!  Vancouver boasts alot of stellar seafood spots and so i should probs make a mention to the spot top on my person list, Rodneys Oaster house.  Damn good! This is a great place to have some cocktails and slurpe back some oysters on the halfshell with freshly grated horseradish! Or a lunch time favourite of my Dad's the Crab Cakes at their Gibsons location! So fun!

hee hee hee!

These look fantastic!  

Hot Chocolate ice-cream pops take me now. 

Its getting chilly out but these look super yummy.

I found them on the givers log.

on the half shell!

The other night I went to Monk McQueens in false creek Vancouver for some osters with my Mom!  We had a blast and ate some pretty amazing food!  I had the fish tacos with Halibut, Salmon and Scallops with corn salsa!  Yum! She had cedar plank salmon with cinnamon couscous!  Its was a really fantastic meal!

Canvas

I was in ABC carpets in Manhattan not to long ago (take me back please!) and feel in love with everything! No joke this store has beautiful... everything!  I was so impressed at this line of called Canvas they have a really great collection of household things... like this couch!

So... I'm officially insane about MadMen! I've made it to season 3 but... where is season 4?  Its impossible to find and i'm going mental over the fact!  To ease that fact I am throwing a dinner party next week and was trying to think of a theme... and what better then MadMen!  Serve it up like Betty and mix some drink suitable for a Mr.Don Draper!   I'm shuffling throw cookbooks in the mean time to think of a couple 50's  dishes that would suit such an occasion! Stay tuned

What a dashing little kitchen!  

I really like the whimsical playfulness it has with the mismatched stuff and awesome yellow counter top! kinda makes me want to get crazy with all the cups and bowls!  Throw in a tea towel and have a kitchen sock hop! haha  

HEMP MILK

Being vegetarian I often have a hard time getting in proper proteins and fatty acids, but I'd like to introduce you to my best friend the hemp seed.  Its amazing that 1 tablespoon of raw hempseeds a day provide the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life!  Wowza!  I have grow acustome to using it in my morning mix! I add 2 tablespoons into the magic bullet blender mix for 30 seconds then add water and bee pollen (for a lil sweetness) and blend!  I drink it as is or pour in over cereal or mix it into my oatmeal!  Yum!  What a great way to start the day!  A couple fun facts about this superfood:
- Whole hempseed also contains about 25% of a highly-digestible protein
- Hempseed is an adequate source of calcium and iron.
- Hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties
There are oodles of recipes from Cakes to Lasagna dishes that use this ingredient!  Try it out!

Chai with me!

Two days in a row i went to this place for chai!  Its getting a bit chilly outside and chai to me is the perfect solution!  I am picky with my chai, having traveled to India its hard to get the same authentic taste!  I remember sitting on a train going to Goa and having the best chai in the world!   Nothing will ever be the same, however, this place nailed it!  They have 3 kinds to choose from Black (spicy and less sweet), green, and soy (masala chai with soy milk and lots of sugar).  Yum! You have to go if its chilly and you just happen to be at the top of Main street!  (4413 Main St)

PEELS

Max and I are still in New York City and among many things on the list of  'must do before leaving new york' breakfast at Peel was a must!  We had walked by this joint one to many times so we had to finally settle the rumours of it being the best!... and it was!  Super cute atmosphere!  I had the pancakes (slight weakness) and max had the Spinach omelet! Superb!   The pancakes came with real maple goodness and were hands down the best pancakes i've ever had! Fluffy and had that wicked crunchy top and bonus they came with bananas flambee!  Fuck im in heaven! ... this city is just to good!  The all-day menu offers egg dishes like omlettes, a “build-a-biscuit” program, and blueberry-and-corn shortcake, plus soda-fountain drinks and Stumptown coffee (damn good coffee!)

TUMERIC

Tumeric is one of my must have items in my life! It is classified as a perennial root herb that has magical powers!  This earthy miracle root is very similar to ginger but has a much deeper richer color.  It has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine since 1900 BC.  Not only does it have many properties that help in treating a wide variety of ailments but it makes an awesome dye! 
"Research in the latter half of the 20th century has identified curcumin (the component that gives it that amazing orange color) as responsible for most of the biological activity of turmeric. In vitro and animal studies have suggested a wide range of potential therapeutic or preventive effects associated with curcumin. At present, these effects have not been confirmed in humans. However, as of 2008, numerous clinical trials in humans were underway, studying the effect of curcumin on various diseases including multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, colon cancer, psoriasis, and Alzheimer's disease. In vitro and animal studies have suggested that curcumin may have antitumor, antioxidant, antiarthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory properties." WOW!  
Its really an amazing thing to incorporate into your life!  I actually love to have a couple scoops of the powder in some hot water with some lemon.  

Sticking with the theme... apples

Yesterday after the landlord rang the house 7 times at the lovely hour of 8:00 AM(just when i was getting back on track with the sleep in mode) i was up! And with a basket of apples sitting in front of me i thought... why not, why not seize the morning by making apple sauce!  The apples from my market adventure are really paying off and making me feel creative with the pomme!  First things first however at this time of day no one is fully functioning with out some coffee in their system.  So i brewed a pot of JJbean coffee and began my preparations.  My go to blog for inspiration smitten kitchen  had a super easy recipe that i tweaked!  All you need is 1/2 pound Apples (peeled and quartered), cinnamon, 3 slices of lemon rind and 1/2 cup water.  I added ginger!  And let it all simmer on a low heat for about 30 minutes! Then in a food processor blend it all together (and remove the cinnamon stick and lemon rind and ginger).  Yum!  Its so tasty and with no sugar added its a sweet morning meal for an early riser like myself!  OMG then i got to thinking about things i could do with this apple sauce! And smitten kitchen to the rescue again... mini pies!  This is what i shall make today! haha stay tuned... whoever you maybe! ha

Apple of my eye! My adventure to the market turned out to be more then successful!  I came home with a WHOLE backpack filled with juicy apples and broccoli! Oh boy! What to make with all 'em apples?

Due to weather conditions being rather rainy soup was a perfect fits for this evenings feast! Soup du jour... Pumpkin, apple & fresh dill soup!  Served with hot rosemary buns! Yum! This was the easiest soup i have ever had... and not to toot my own horn but it was pretty damn good!  

what you'll need (besides hungry roomates) 

2 sm yellow onions, 3 garlic cloves, 2 sm local apples, olive oil/butter/or veggie butter, a veggie broth cube, 4-6 cups water, pumpkin puree, 1/2 pound nugget potatoes, little splash of redwine vinegar, salt, pepper, chill flakes (optional heat), and fresh dill and LOVE!  ... and maybe just a lil cinnamon action. You could also add some spinach and perhaps yams instead of potatoes... 

quick and easy: slice n dice onions, garlic and apples.  place in the pot with the butter and let it get all goldeny. Add the chili flakes+water+veggie cube & vinegar.  add potatoes. let it get all soupy looking then add the pumpkin puree and mix it good!  cut up the dill and blend it all together!  Blend baby Blend! 

Garish with some sour cream and chopped green onions! BAM! So tasty! Put on some devendra Berhart crack open that cheap wine and enjoy the harvest and hang out with the people near and dear!  

Bountiful basket of beauty!

Today Im going on a photographic adventure to Jean Talon market.  This market in Montreal is full of local merchants selling everything from pickles to pears!  With fall in grasp, crisp apples are a must!  Have a food adventure and tell me about it!  What's your local farmers market like?

banana scones

6 am and i cant sleep!  Tossing and turning i decide i cant fight it and so my day is beginning early.  So while my roomies slept i made scones!  (Yesterday I scored a deal on bananas that were over ripened... so for 50 cents i grabbed 10.  But what to do with this many bananas.... other then banana bread.)  So a quick flip through some recipies i came across a super easy Banana Scone, classic.  Perfect!  Simple, easy and a lovely thing to make for girls and boys of the house to enjoy when they wake from there slumber.  


dry: 1 cup flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 3 tsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt
wet: 2 tsp. butter (melted), 1 over ripe banana
I added some extras like raisins and walnuts and flaxmill, but be creative and add whatever... ginger, dates, vanilla, honey, cheese... what ever! 
Sift all the dry goods in a bowl.  Then mix together in another bowl the melted butter and bananans.
then marry the two!  Dont stir like crazy or else they will get hard. 
Roll and place on buttered baking sheet.  10-15 minutes at 425 degrees.
Wake up the roomies and serve with iced coffee!  i drizzled honey over mine!  YUM!

Dark & Stormy

Last night i had a wicked night having sips with my dear friend Claire at what is now my favourite Bistro by day... cocktail bar by night, THe Sparrow.  I've posted about this place before but it was only on the subject of the weekend brunch.  I love the atmosphere and not to mention the lovely charming staff.  Cocktails were a callin so i glanced over the brilliant cocktail menu and came to a conclusion that after a sticky hot day... a Dark & Stormy was sounding perfect! Yum!  This is my new drink! ... not that i really ever had a drink.  Dark Rum, Gingerbeer served over ice!  Refreshing and spicy!  I would strongly recommend inviting a friend to The Sparrow sitting at that bar and having a cocktail such as this!  

my turn!

This is by far the easiest bread recipe EVER!  It was my night to make dinner for the roomies so i opted to try out this beer bread and have a go at vegetarian cabbage rolls.   I was really pleased at how easy it all was and according to the feed back from the gals and boys of the house... it was 10 out of 10.  


Here is the beer bread recipe ... i used budweiser.  cheap n easy haha!  Something interesting about this bread is that you dont mix in the butter you simply pour it over the dough and let it crisp up the bread!  

For the second part of the meal i did a mean variation on the cabbage roll. Substituing the rice with Quinoa and adding in some walnuts + currants + leeks + tumeric + red pepper. These were super fun and looked like little presents!  

gingerbread loaf

During a mini rainstorm last week i got all inspired to be cozy... this means baking and watching breakfast at Tiffany's.  I was trying to think of something to bring to my mother and sister when i went to visit them in new york and first thing that popped into my head was gingerbread load.  I got to baking and making the fluffy load and voa la! Perfection!  It was exactly what i was expecting and had just the right amount of spices.  Luckily i made two loafs so my roomies wouldnt get jelous! haha

YUM!

I added golden raisins... and the chrystalize ginger was the key ingredient that really made the cake!

Grilled cheese sandwich taken to whole new hights!

Mozzarella, apricots and honey!

What a wonderful color to have as dishes!  My Nanny has these brilliant salad plates this exact color!  I love them so much! So lovely and fresh!

bargain buy!

So it was my night to cook dinner and i took full advantage of my new $2 garage sale find the Moosewood cookbook!  The house has a basket of veggies that comes once a month and this month we got a giant zuccinni so i thought how perfect would that be in lasagnia!  I did a couple cheap tricks such as cottage cheese instead of ricotta and parmesan cheese was swapped with nutritional yeast!  YUM!  It was a hit and there was still loads left over!  

Blackberry smash, yes Ma'am!

How delightful is this! Served after a long week over a handful of ice and a couple yummy blackberrys! I'll take one! Im so craving cocktails! check out the recipe!

lets go Bananas!

Perfect! I just made some Banana bread from a great recipie off of the Blog A Sweet Spoon Ful!  Perfect! I added some walnuts and big hunks of chocolate! It'll be perfect for breakfast with some earl grey tea and sunshine! WHat a great end to a long week!

How perfect is this kitchen nook!  Super practical and cleverly placed kitchen things!  (notice the pots and pans!), old radio on the upper shelf is to die for and the bread box!  This is just great!

yum yum yum!

Hey there sistah, I thought i'd give you a little low down on the glory of my new best friend, Nutritional yeast!  This amazing deactivated yeast is an awesome source of protein and vitamins, especially the B complex! Super yummy on Popcorn... kinda has a parmesan flavour! Anywho this stuff is super good for you and i highly suggest you bop to wholefoods and grab a bag!  Yum!  

no need to be in a slum when you can make a Slump!

I am gushing over the my new locations many ammenities what include a whole street filled of amazing produce stands with local organic produce.  I was eyeing the mound of peachs as i bopped home and day dreamed for a bit about what one could do with basket of brilliant peaches!  This wonderful blog  A Sweet Spoonful informed me of a Slump!  Easy, tasty and perfect for a midsummers night desert.  Its done in a large pan on low heat so no need to preheat the oven and heat up the house... its already hot enough with this heat in the east!  Yum!

Marion Cunningham’s Raised Waffles

I am head over heels in love with this blog, Orangette .   After reading about these waffles in Spoon Fed I saw a posting with the recipe, I just had to inform you of this!   These honesty sound like the perfect waffles and I intend to taste them for myself.... give or take swim suit season ha!

Granville Island

Located under a bridge lies my favorite place in the city, Granville Island.  Home to hundreds of local ventures of produce stands, fish mongers, chocolatiers, honey makers, spice experts and just the most amazing flower stand you'll lay eyes on! ... not to mention JJ Bean coffee shop YUM! I love spending an afternoon getting groceries and watching the local performers play guitar as pigeons and seagulls dance around aimlessly hoping someone will drop a couple french fries! Its a great place to just enough being in Vancouver rain or shine!

SUSHI!!  

So montreal doesn't have good sushi! Its just known for other things, no biggy but when in Vancouver....Sushi is a must!   I for pone love brown rice sushi and in a city where there are more sushi bars then coffee shops you're bound to find one in close proximity!   Mom and I had a fun night relaxing and being pampered at the Sheraton Wall centre hotel and thought best to eat sushi! So on an adventure to located the best brown rice sushi place i found it!  Okada Sushi !  Fresh wild fish and organic hearty miso soup! Yum!  I honestly dont know why one would eat white rice... when brown rice is just so much better! 

brunch with the babes!

Its been far tooo long!  This brunch was over due and I was in need of some bonding time with my lovely friends! So Sarah of course knew the place to go... The Nice Cafe!  This darling little cafe is just simply put, nice!  Basic breakfast/lunch and wonderful staff!  I wanted to get the bunny pancakes but they said the pancakes were out of commission for a couple days ... however waffles would be an appropriate substitution. SOld!  I think brunch should happen on a regular basis and be plentiful with good conversation and lots of scrambled eggs!