Pomegranate and Green Pesto Bites

Bright bites of sweet-and-salty goodness will beckon hungry party-goers to pick these up from your holiday platter–and then return for more.  The green pesto spread features spinach, walnuts, and pecans, but skips the typical fresh basil or cilantro since they are not in season.  Happily, I discovered that adding a few artichoke hearts to the mix rounds out the pesto’s taste perfectly.  And the sparkling … Continue reading Pomegranate and Green Pesto Bites

Steamed Milk with Cinnamon and Dates

As a college student, local coffee houses (that were not national chains) drew me in as an evening hangout spot.  It wasn’t about the coffee; my friends and I came for the ambiance.  To justify occupying a table, I would order a cup of hot chocolate or steamed milk. However, unlike those artificially tinted cups of warm, frothy sweetness, this homemade version of steamed milk … Continue reading Steamed Milk with Cinnamon and Dates

Baked Chicken (or Turkey) Taquitos with Cranberry Salsa

Once I tasted Jane’s Cranberry Salsa, the possibilities for using it began to multiply.  Chicken salad with cranberry salsa?  Yes, please.  But what I am sharing today is a fresh take on taquitos, which I invented as a way to further enjoy some remaining cranberry salsa.  Instead of cheese, creamy mayonnaise ties together the chicken and salsa, creating a delightful, unique filling.  The guacamole is … Continue reading Baked Chicken (or Turkey) Taquitos with Cranberry Salsa

Apple Goji Berry Spiced Cider

Now at the most northerly latitude that I have ever lived, the Canadian penchant for steaming cups of coffee makes a lot of sense.  But I’ll never join in drinking the bitter stuff, as heavenly as the aroma is.  As an alternative, hot tea has its appeal, yet sometimes I find myself wanting more flavour.  And for flavour, spiced cider is the way to go. … Continue reading Apple Goji Berry Spiced Cider

Jane’s Cranberry Salsa

Today we are graced with a recipe for cranberry salsa, just in time for parties and holiday celebrations.  With Grey Cup parties and American Thanksgiving happening in November, and Christmas next month, sweet and tangy homemade salsa is a winning appetizer option.  Cranberry salsa would also make a perfect host or hostess gift for any upcoming get together. This recipe comes from a dear friend from … Continue reading Jane’s Cranberry Salsa

Swedish Hard Tack Crackers

Not quite a cookie, and almost a cracker, hard tack is a traditional flat bread of the Scandanavian kitchen.  My grandmother served hers with butter and orange marmalade, which I always enjoyed.  These semi-crisp crackers also taste delicious with any good jam (including raspberry rhubarb I can attest), chutney, or cranberry salsa. I enjoy rolling the dough out with my children, since they can cut out … Continue reading Swedish Hard Tack Crackers