pizza day

since we live a block from an Italian deli, 

 one of the quickest and most satisfying last minute meals is literally right around the corner.

I just need to head to tony's, pick up two balls of pre-made dough, roll 'em out, throw on sauce and cheese, into a 500 degree oven and, BINGO!

I mean, PIZZA!

sometimes, though, I am too darn lazy, 

so I leave the legwork to the bread machine.

spruce street pizza dough,

bread machine version.

place ingredients in machine like so:

1 1/4 C warm water

3 T olive oil

3 C all-purpose or 00 flour

(this batch is 2 C all-purpose, 1 C whole wheat)

1 t salt

1 T quick rise yeast

hit dough function.

in the meantime

grate some cheese,

pop open some sauce,

dig around in the fridge for random toppings,

preheat oven to 500

roll, top, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

mmmmmmm.

(of course this dough can also be made by hand,

just mix the instant yeast well with the flour before combining with the wet stuff,

and allow it a nice cosy rising time.)

presto, pesto

the final garden harvest saw us toting home a great deal of kale, and owing to the hardy nature of this veggie, I have procrastinated on 'putting it by'.  i had every intention of freezing, canning, drying, chipping and otherwise preparing vast amounts of kale for the winter.  instead, i have been giving it away, (a pleasure of the gardener) or eating it outright, cooked and in salads.  this morning, however, I tackled the last stalks of kale by whizzing together a pesto.   this reduced my huge pile of greens into five small vacpacs, destined for the freezer.

kale pesto:

Into the bowl of food processor, place lots of washed kale, 

torn from its ribs.

Whirr it down to fine confettii, then dump contents into a large bowl.

Repeat with more kale, but also add 2-3 cloves of garlic,
and about 1/2 cup natural almonds.

Whizz until there are no weird chunks remaining.
 Dump this into the mixing bowl.

Shred up one more batch of kale, this time adding the oil and flavourings

(I used cilantro olive oil and homemade pepper vinegar, but any acid/oil and flavour booster would work well, I think.  Some fresh basil and lemon would be nice,
or cilantro and lime, or maybe simply balsamic vinegar and olive oil.)
Whirr the kale, herb (if using),  about 1/3 C vinegar and a spoon of salt,
then add the oil while the processor is running.
( enough oil to make a good saucy mix.)

dump this into the bowl also.
mix well, take a few nibbles, adjust oil and seasonings.
 i like the bitterness of kale, but a hint of something sweet could be added at this time if desired.
~
cook up your favourite pasta, dollop on some pesto,
 top with fresh pepper and grated parmesan or peccorino to taste!

fire pit passion

the cottage is the perfect place to try out less conventional cooking methods:

 

 

 

the manly art of digging a fire pit.

there was much debate on how deep, how wide, how much fire, depth of coals...

but it doesn't seem to be an exact science in any case.

 

fire pretty.

 





 we eventually threw in the foil/newspaper/foil wrapped chickens,

laid down some lovely sweet fern for additional protection, and buried the lot.



six hours later, we dug for our supper.

 

proud cave man bringing home the chickens, trailer park boys' style.

the-non exact science outcome?

the poultry still had to finish on the bbq...but it was very fun endeavour.

 

next time, deeper pit, more coals, longer time cookin'.

'cause the WILL be a next time.

 



Garden file, #2

A small haul from my morning garden visit.

dog breath

 

 

a rainy day after many rainy days...

 

already we have made so many cookies,

muffins, and human treats...

time for doggie snacks.

(a great way to use up a few odd ingredients in the pantry also.)

 

(and no, we don't have a dog.)

 

Dog Biscuits:

mix up in bowl:

1 C oats

3 C whole wheat flour

1/2 cup ground nuts

(whatever is on hand...I used toasted pumpkin seeds, hull on)

1/4 C wheat or oat germ

1/4 C flax seeds

~

cut in:

1/3 C fat

(I used bacon drippings...yum!)

1 beaten egg

1/2 C milk

~

when that looks like the mix is in even chunks, stir in 1 C boiling water.

 then when cool enough,

knead until a nice elastic ball of dough.

(add flour as required.)

~

roll out about 1/2 inch thick,

cut out with your favourite ironic cookie shape,

pop onto a cookie sheet and

bake at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes.

to let them get nice and hard,

leave the snax in the oven after you turn it off.

pack in paper bags, and

deliver to dog households around your 'hood.

~

enjoy the love that love brings.

 



Garden community part one

it is allotment garden time again...

my plot last year was challenged by drought and weeds,

this year seems to be rain and flea beetles.

so far.

ok, let's face it. 

the wisdom of regularly driving 15 minutes one way, in order to dig around in the dirt, seems questionable most days. 

the tools, seeds and baby plants rattle around in an already chock-full vehicle,

and the hot sticky van interior is not the most inspiring start to a gardening adventure.

we also live in an area of town that has plenty of green space close by.  parks and small lawns, sports fields and large planter boxes dot our area with greenery.  we also have a small back garden with some herbs and hostas, and always plant a container or two of little tomatoes to savour.

downtown, even the cracks in the paving sprout life.

~

why, then, did I decide to tackle a 25x25 foot plot of clay and weeds so far away?

I can easily buy local organic veggies, either at a market, or through a CSA.

even the local big box grocers have a selection of Ontario produce this time of year.

~

well, I knocked the dirt off of a couple of this year's tiny flea beetle bitten radishes,

and found my answer.

~

it is simple. seeds are a bit of magic. 

 I never quite believe that those tiny little things contain a whole plant inside...every time I place a few in the ground, I fully expect them to fail.  and yet, without smoke or mirrors, a little green shoot pops up almost before my eyes.

so, those spicy little globes, pushing forth in spite of my inadequate ministrations,

the bugs and heavy soil,  encourage my feelings of hope and pride, and my belief in magic.

~

 if all other of my crops fall prey to hydration issues, weed competition or become bug snacks,

I have had my money's worth of magic already, as well as

a tasty little salad!

apricot red lentil soup.

tulip sprouts are popping up, so comfort food should be loosening its alluring grip,

but this april snowfall had me turning to the soup pages of my recipe books. 

this one I have already made 3 times...mmm.

 

apricot red lentil soup

 

(adapted from 'color me vegan' by colleen patrick-goudreau)

 

sauté in 1T oil:

1 medium onion, chopped

2 minced garlic cloves

 1/2 C chopped dried apricots

 

when soft, add:

1 1/2 C red lentils (rinsed and picked)

5 C stock of choice (i used chicken)

cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes.

 

then add:

3 chopped tomatoes

1 t ground cumin

1 t dried thyme

1/2 t dried rosemary

1/2 t salt to taste

freshly ground black pepper.

 

simmer until soft and smooth.

 

the original recipe added 1 can of rinsed chickpeas,

but I stopped short.

 

super yummy served over piping hot brown rice.

the apricots are a lovely sweet surprise.

punkin'

edgar is turning out to be a little whizz in the kitchen...as long as he gets to use a gadget.

although he feels that the ice cream scoop really should be used for ice cream,

he took to my muffin batter fillin' system quickly. 

i use the scoop beacuse it makes filling the tins quicker and tidier. him? 

same tool, opposite result.

'course he also likes to use the stem of a silicone whisk as a flag/microphone, so who am i to judge?



they got a bit overdone, but we managed to turn the frozen innards (thanks to my mother-in-law for converting them to pulp!) of our hallowe'en pumpins into tasty treats. 
we used our innovative tools, and the
hembruff pumpkin loaf recipe:
(this is enough batter for three small loaves, or 24 muffins...
prepare bakeware accordingly.)
now,
preheat oven to 350.
using the "muffin method" sift together into one bowl:
3 1/2 C flour
2 t baking soda
1 1/2 t salt
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
3 C sugar

in bowl number two mix:
1 C oil
4 eggs
2/3 C water
2 C pumpkin
1 C of nuts, or not.

pour bowl # two into bowl #1,
fold mixture together, do not over mix.
dole out into tins.

bake for 45ish minutes for loaves
20ish for muffins.
note above picture?  more than 20ish.

Bake sale Banana loaf

Bake sale time again, and my offerings this year are of the loaf variety.

I do love to slink around the web, searching for yummy ideas, but

my favourite go-to quick breads and muffin recipes are usually from 

Company's Coming Mostly Muffins edition.

Thought i would test drive the banana loaf on some ladies 

at the office before offering it at the bake table.

The result?  Rave reviews, and recipe requests.

So here it is, with thanks to jean pare for authoring such a great collection of 

easy to follow, foolproof and delicious recipes.

Basic banana loaf

Sift into bowl #1:

2C all purpose flour

(i'm sure some whole wheat would be great, too)

1t baking soda

1/2 t salt

(i also added 1/2 C rolled oats)

In bowl #2 cream:

1/2 C softened butter or margerine

1C granulated sugar

Then add 2 eggs.

Beat well, then add:

1 1/2 C mashed ripe banana

1T lemon juice

1t vanilla extract.

Empty contents of bowl #2 into bowl #1, 

fold together until just moistened.

Spread into a greased loaf pan, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 55-60 minutes.

(check with a toothpick to be certain!)

Let it rest in the loaf pan for 10 minutes or so before removing to a wire rack to cool.

Next on my list?

The Chocolate Chip Brownie Loaf!

concentrated effort

edgar has been eagerly demanding to try out any sharp kitchen tool,

so i finally broke down and enlisted his help with the zucchini salad tonight.

(i figure the vegetable peeler is likely the safest choice at this stage.)

at least he seems to be paying very careful attention!

Broccoli + lentil sprout salad

1 c chopped broccoli

2 c lentil sprouts

5 chopped sundried tomatoes

2 chopped scallions

10 chiffonade of basil leaves

10 chiffonade of lemon balm leaves

(or 1 t lemon zest)

1/2 c toasted sunflower seeds

Toss with:

3 T balsamic vinegar

3 T olive oil

A grind of each

Salt

Pepper

Window garden

The rich and hearty lentil, transformed into a fresh salady veg.

The flavour is green and a little peppery, the color is bright and clean.

I used the small brown lentils, but the larger ones are tasty too!

Soak 1/2c of lentils overnight in a large jar, the mouth of which is  covered by a few layers of cheesecloth and secured with a broccoli elastic.

Drain and rinse, then leave on a quiet windowsill.

Rinse and drain those cuties daily until they are as grown as you might like them.

(this could be as soon as two days!)

They will hold in the fridge in a covered container,

 all ready to perk-up to a green salad or coleslaw, top a sandwich or enliven a stir-fry.

Of course many beans respond well to this treatment...

I may run short of sill space.

whole-wheat-bran-oat-banana-chocolate-chip muffin

so, there was sale on all-bran cereal.  i bought the all-bran cereal.

no-one here (myself included) eats the all-bran cereal.

ergo, muffins!

thought i would try a less bran-y version by subbing in some oats;

the verdict?  they are all gone.

WWBOBcc muffins

makes 24

preheat oven to 400 degrees.

in bowl 1, soak:

2 C all bran cereal

1 C quick oats

in

2 C milk type liquid

(i used unsweetened chocolate almond milk)

after 2-3 minutes add:

 2 eggs

1 well mashed banana

1/3 C oil

in bowl 2, combine 1C sugar

2T baking powder

2 2/3 C whole wheat flour

1/2 t salt

1 t cinnamon

a handful of chocolate chips.

~

pour contents of bowl 1 into bowl 2,

fold/stir until combined.

scoop into prepared muffin tins and bake

20-22 minutes.

welcome to breakfast!

egg-centric

 we were in toronto for easter, where aunt pat thoughtfully provided some egg-decorating

kits and inspiration for the gang.

watching the colour-pellets dissolve was half the fun!

next, the challenge of converting a perfect ovoid form of creamy white

into a work of art.

edgar's designs leaned toward elegant simplicity,

while esther's sported extra flair

(and often hair!)

the cracked rejects served as daddy's high protein pre-hockey breakfast

of (almost!) champions.



marmalade

mum's visit added another project to my list last week, but i'm glad it did!

it is seville orange season, and she brought along enough

oranges and sugar to make 12 jars of bittersweet marmalade.

we shredded and boiled, and it finally jelled...
the house smelled so lovely, too.

she has takers for her share,

but i did get to keep a few jars to brighten up my pantry!

(we used david libovitz' recipe.)

special vietnam crispy rolls

we go to one particular local vietnamese soup shop for the #21, but also a delicious roll we haven't found anywhere else. i saw this recipe, thought it looked pretty close, and gave it a whirl! 

they did turn out beautifully, and were so tasty. 

the leftover rolls were delicious reheated in the toaster oven.
~

it took me a few to figure out the rolling technique;

the first few were not really rollish...or beautiful!

i'm sending this one out to jill,

who nimbly rolls acres of happy hour treats for the extended clan,

has a love of spectacular and simple food,

and can find taro root nearby!

Crispy Roll with Salad Wrap

from culinary vietnam by daniel hoyer
~

in a large bowl whisk together:

1 egg

2 T fish sauce

1 T sugar

1/4 t salt

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 t ground pepper

stir in:

11/2 ounces bean thread noodle

(usually 1 bundle)

which has been soaked in hot water for 20 minutes,

drained, and cut into 1 inch pieces,

5-6 shiitake mushrooms

(soaked in hot water 'til plump, and minced),

1/4 C minced scallions

1/2 C minced white onion

1/2 C grated taro root

4 oz cooked shrimp, chopped

4 oz cooked crabmeat

1/2 pound cooked crumbled ground pork

1/4  C shredded carrots

~

prepare the rice paper wrappers by:

mixing the 2 litres warm water with 3 T sugar

in a large flattish bottomed bowl.

lay a smooth towel on the counter, dip a rice paper wrap into the

water for a few seconds, drain well, and lay on the the towel.

repeat with another rice paper, so you can roll two in succession.

(don't stack 'em...they will stick!)

~

place about 2 T of filling in the bottom 1/3 of the wrap,

and shape it into a rough cylinder.

fold the bottom of the paper up first, then one side, then the other, and finally

roll it away from you, making sure not to trap any air inside the roll.

place, seam side down, on an oiled tray.

repeat until filling is used.

(roughly 24 rolls)

~

pour enough oil into a skillet to the depth of 2 inches, and heat to 350-365 degrees.

fry the rolls a few at a time, tuning occasionally until golden brown on all sides,

(about 4-6 minutes)

drain on papertowels, cut if they are large, and serve immediately

with lettuce, herbs, sliced cucumber, beansprouts

and shredded carrots.

~

dip in:

dipping sauce

mix together:

3/4 C warm water

1/2 C fish sauce

1/4 C rice vinegar or lime juice

2-3 thinly sliced serrano chiles

1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced

,.



vegan jam thumbprints

had to try this recipe out...

and so happy i did!

it is chock full of almonds

(so not school lunchbox friendly, but packed with protien)

and oats...the recipe says they can happily be made wheat-free by subbing

oat flour for the wheat flour.

the mix itself is quick and simple to prepare, 

while the rolling, poking and filling is well worth the final product!

the resulting treat is (not too) wholesome and nutty tasting,

and has a lovely tender texture.

i used marg's wild raspberry jam...mmmmm

from the tassajara cookbook by carla oliviera

thumbprints

preheat oven to 350 degrees

mix up in a large bowl:

1 C unbleached flour

2 C ground almonds

4 C ground oats

(whizz rolled oats in the cuisinart until a rough flour)

1/2 t salt

1 C maple syrup

1 C vegetable oil of choice

let dough rest for 15 minutes before using.

then,

roll dough into 3 cm balls, and place closely on baking sheet.

gently poke each ball, and then fill the dents with

drops of:

jam, (you need about 1/4 C) thinned with a little water.

~

bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

please don't overbake

(although i imagine they will still taste great!)

humus?

the girl loves helping out, but doesn't seem to be a big fan of garlic...

sunshine slaw

my favourite winter vegetable may just be the simple carrot.  

sure, it is a veg'n'dip staple, but carrots also add sweetness to a simmering stew,

crunch to a stir-fry, hidden goodness to a muffin, and noses to snowmen.

(not to mention googly eyes for children in the kitchen!)

i don't often use them in salads, though...

perhaps put off by the memory of

vinegary shredded-carrot/bloated-raisin salad once served by via-rail

in the complementary snack pack...

well call me crazy, but my carrot salad days may have returned.

i challenge anyone to shred a firm carrot, pile it into a stark white bowl, and not think of sunshine.

~

in fact, into that bowl:

 shred four carrots,

mince one scallion

toast 3 T sesame seeds

and toss the whole mix with a dressing of:

1T tamari

1 T roasted sesame oil

1 T rice vinegar

1 t miso paste

1 t finely grated gingerroot

dig in, or chill to mingle flavours.

tonight, a side for brown rice and salmon,

but it would sing in a sandwich,

or serve as a fresh topping for baby spinach, or other tasty greens.....

i think i'll make eight carrots worth next time.

guimauves ches nous

in order to pre-christmas procrastinate yet more effectively,

i decided to take on an entirely new candymaking experiment...marshmallows!

it turned out to be well worth the fiddly pan preparation,

gelatine melting, egg-white whipping

and sugar syrup boiling.

~

the recipe i used

called for coating the squishy confections in chocolate.

(Canadian Living december 2011, pg.206)



according to edgar, that step was merely gilding the lily.

his perspective?

he gently cradled his in two hands, and exclaimed,

"SQUARES? i always wanted marshmallows in SQUARES!