There are so many different ingredients that can be put into a waffle maker and be transformed into fluffy waffles with lightly crisped edges. This version uses mashed yams as the main ingredient (potatoes would work too) and they are held together with eggs and flavoured with onions, chili powder and fresh thyme. Bacon is an optional addition- when chopped into tiny pieces it folds in well to the yam mixture and offers a rich, smoky, meaty touch in every bite. Continue Reading →
Espresso Brownie Bites
Something even better than coffee or chocolate is both of them together. Neither are touted as health foods but in the right package they can be pretty nutrient dense. A non-traditional brownie like this based off of dates and nuts is full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. I do not believe in intense restrictions or avoiding beloved foods but I think that choosing ingredients as close to their natural state as possible combines the best of both worlds- health and pleasure. Something like this allows for a chocolate fix but does not have ingredients that are really draining for the body like refined (white) flour and sugar. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Rose Tangerine Smoothie
One of the most tangible ways to show love is through food. While extravagant ingredients and meals are wonderful and special, sometimes whipping up something quick, healthy and nourishing can go a long way in improving how you or a loved one feels. Continue Reading →
Blood Orange Chicken with Honey Rose Glaze and Almonds
Most of the restaurants I have been to this past week have been spreading some festive Valentine’s cheer with delicious cocktails featuring rose water. Since they were so enjoyable it got me thinking about how I could use it in savoury dishes. Chicken is an easy and healthy conduit that takes on most flavours well and since rose water is mainly used in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine I went Moroccan and added in some other typical ingredients for a simple dish with some exotic flair. Continue Reading →
Meyer Lemon Chicken
Baked chicken is a versatile meal that can be made year round in small or large batches. Adding in some bright citrusy flavours with meyer lemons, sumac and lemongrass along with some pungency from an onion and fragrant earthiness from thyme creates a fresh, light main dish with little effort. Simply layer the ingredients and let them do their magic while the chicken bakes. Continue Reading →
Japanese Sweet Potato Fries
Japanese sweet potatoes are the newest addition to my list of vegetables that actually taste really good. I always assumed that their pale coloured flesh was indicative of less flavour than vibrantly orange yams but if anything they are a bit sweeter. They are also a bit drier, which is a nice attribute for baking or roasting and they taste very, very similar to roasted chestnuts. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Banana Snake
This fruity snake is basically a restructured fruit and yogurt bowl. It takes a few extra minutes to make but that time is well worth it when it comes to getting picky eaters to willfully eat some fruit. A different way of plating food (and adding some chocolate googly eyes) can make even the most basic ingredients a little extra special. There are a lot of popular diets that focus on taking foods or whole food groups away but one of the best changes we can make to our nutritional habits is adding in more fresh produce whenever and however possible. Continue Reading →Digestive Tea
Long before we had modern medicine we discovered how different plants could alleviate certain ailments. Many of these folk remedies’ power to cure may simply be a placebo effect- studies have shown that when people take something they think will cure them, it surprisingly can, even if it is just a simple substance without any curative properties. However, there are some items in nature that have been proven to have positive effects that come from their vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. The spices used in this tea- cumin, coriander and fennel- are spices we have used for thousands of years to strengthen digestion Continue Reading →
Teriyaki Salmon
Teriyaki is a Japanese glaze made from boiling down soy sauce, mirin (rice wine) and a sweetener like sugar or honey into a thick sauce. It bestows a distinct sweet and salty taste and pairs well with pretty much all fish, meat, tofu and vegetables, though it can be particularly complimentary to the rich, buttery flesh of salmon. There are many good pre-made versions available but since it takes only five ingredients and ten minutes to make, a fresh, homemade version is hard to beat. Continue Reading →
Maple Pecan Banana Smoothie
Bananas are a very popular smoothie ingredient because they add density and create a nice texture. If they are frozen prior to being used they become even sweeter and create a thick, creamy smoothie. Nutritionally they are a well known source of potassium, an electrolyte that balances sodium and has been shown to help lower blood pressure. They also have notable amounts of vitamin C for strong immunity and wound recovery as well as vitamin B6 for maintaining hormone balance and forming red blood cells and transmitters in the nervous system. Continue Reading →