Goji Pear Spice Muffins {Gluten Free}

My first taste of goji berries came as a twenty-something foreign teacher in China.  It was one of the delicious components of the famous “eight treasures” tea, and the berries were touted as being very nutritious.  And indeed they are, with stratospheric levels of antioxidants plus a healthy dose of vitamin A.  I’ve incorporated these delightful red berries in recipes before, first in spiced apple cider and … Continue reading Goji Pear Spice Muffins {Gluten Free}

Muffin Tin Month {and a Challenge to Share}

How many things can you bake with a muffin tin?  This month I will be revealing some wonderful muffin tin recipes, both sweet and savoury, that are perfect for kicking off the fall baking season.  And since muffins are great for sharing, I invite you to join me in a unique baking challenge! The “Love Your Neighbour” Muffin Tin Challenge All month long I will … Continue reading Muffin Tin Month {and a Challenge to Share}

Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

As satisfying as a warm bowl of lentil soup is, I sometimes long for something different. Crisp apple and carrot cubes offer plenty of crunch in this dish that celebrates the harvest season. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds just the right tang to the goji berry-infused vinaigrette that ties the flavours of this autumn salad together. As a bonus, the honey, apple cider … Continue reading Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana and Sesame Seeds

Sesame Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana

Inspired by my favourite Chinese and Vietnamese desserts, these rice cakes feature sticky rice coated in sesame seeds with sweet banana tucked inside. Frosted birthday cakes in Asia were always a dicey proposition.  They almost never tasted quite right to me.  But anything sweet that involved sticky rice was usually excellent.   So I have come to the conclusion that it is best to seek out ethnic food that … Continue reading Sesame Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana

Blueberry Lime Fruit Gummies

Blueberry Lime Fruit Gummies

Tangy, sweet, and chewy, a touch of lime transports these healthy treats into the ultimate snack realm.  Elderberry and blueberries give added boosts of antioxidants and immune support.  But once these gems are ready to pick up, everyone will be too busy biting into the flavours to notice the hidden benefits. This recipe is linked to Allergy Free Wednesdays and here. Continue reading Blueberry Lime Fruit Gummies

10-Minute Tomato Bean Soup

10-Minute Tomato and White Bean Soup

Taste the flavours of Tuscan cooking with a minimum of fuss.  You can blend, heat, and serve this hearty Italian-style tomato soup in 10 minutes or less. From my mother I inherited a penchant for soups.  She is a soup artisan, crafting homemade soups like Pasta y Fagioli on a regular basis.  Her friends are often the ones who benefit from the big batches she cooks.  We tasted … Continue reading 10-Minute Tomato and White Bean Soup