Did anyone else grow up eating “Ants on a Log”? Here’s a colourful spin on that theme. Keep the celery, spike the peanut butter with lime and honey, and trade out raisins for carrot rounds. Sprinkle on some dark seeds, and voila! Ladybugs (or ladybirds) appear, alighting just in time for the arrival of spring! Recipe for Ladybugs on a Stick Ingredients: celery sticks peanut … Continue reading Ladybugs on a (Celery) Stick
When sweet cherries, creamy coconut billows, and sparkling soda come together, you can’t help but have a good time. It’s not hard to imagine yourself stepping up to an old-time soda fountain as you sip a nostalgic glass of Cherry Coconut Cream Soda. The blend of cherries and coconut cream, with a bit of frozen banana and almond extract, can stand on its own as … Continue reading Cherry Coconut Cream Sodas
With the lunar new year approaching soon, why not try making some traditional Asian sticky rice? My favourite versions of sticky rice are Thai sticky rice with mango and Vietnamese sticky rice, which is often bought for breakfast; it is also served at special occasions as a side dish, usually with poultry. Banana leaves are the traditional way to wrap sticky rice, but squares of … Continue reading Steamed Sticky Rice Cups
Pretty floral guacamole blossoms are great starters for gatherings during the holiday season. With only three ingredients, they are simple to make. And the poinsettia flowers can serve as more than a decoration–they can be a conversation starter as well. Why do we use poinsettias as Christmas decorations? Have you heard of the legend of the poinsettia? Did the legend precede the tradition, or vice … Continue reading Poinsettia Guacamole Blossoms
Simple and elegant, pasta with pesto and red peppers makes an impressive weeknight meal that is blessedly quick. Or serve it to guests and give yourself time to spare for fun and conversation. The green pesto can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. If you are like me and crave colour during these bleak midwinter months, the spritely red and green colours … Continue reading Red Pepper and Green Pesto Pasta
Smoothies and I have an off-and-on relationship. It makes no sense, really, because I continue baking all year long. Meanwhile, my blender, which can deliver healthy results much more rapidly than an oven, gets neglected in the corner of my counter top. Smoothies are something I hope to make a more regular part of my days in the months ahead. Inspiration for a simple smoothie … Continue reading Soothing Spiced Smoothie with Turmeric
Swirls and Spice 