The warm spices of Morocco can take the most common of vegetables and elevate it to exotic new heights. As fitting as these spiced carrots might be for a special occasion like Easter dinner, they are still quick and simple enough for a weeknight side dish. The subtle sweetness of dried apricots compliments the spice blend exactly right–no honey or brown sugar needed. This side … Continue reading Moroccan Carrots with Apricots and Almonds
Ever since I spotted a colourful rainbow pizza by the Novice Gardener, I wanted to take that brilliant idea in a Tex-Mex direction. At first I thought I would make chalupas, but then I found out that chalupas are shaped differently than I thought. Tostadas are flat, whereas chalupas are traditionally shaped into bowl-like “boats” to hold the fillings. So to create rainbows it seems that, geometrically … Continue reading Rainbow Tostadas
I often come home from the store and realize I forgot the very item that prompted me to go in the first place. Corn tostadas were one of my most recent forgotten items. Since I refuse to make a trip for one or two items, so began my efforts to make corn tortillas at home. After I shared my recipe for Basic Flour Tortillas, I … Continue reading Fresh Cornmeal Tortillas {Gluten Free}
The bacon wins. Even non-fans of sweet potatoes will be bowled over by the savoury bacon flavour that permeates this simple dish. It’s an easy main dish, a very hearty side dish, or a weekend breakfast option that is destined to triumph over any skeptics you might have in the house. All you need are four simple ingredients. I happened to have bacon, sweet potatoes, … Continue reading Sweet Potato Skillet with Bacon and Greens
Made with simple pantry ingredients, these oat bars and their peachy goodness are entirely within reach all year round!Finding a juicy fresh peach is not an easy thing. Last summer we struck out and were disappointed with the peaches available; I have craved good peaches ever since. Thankfully, canned and frozen peaches make it possible to taste one of my favourite fruits any time of … Continue reading Spiced Peach Oat Bars
My two years in China were full of delicious new discoveries. Tang yuan was one of them. After a two-week holiday trip to Thailand, I had just returned to the small city where I was living and working in northeast China. I had missed the main celebration of Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival, as most Chinese call it), but was delighted when some Chinese colleagues invited me … Continue reading Tang Yuan: Chinese Black Sesame Dumplings
Swirls and Spice 