Sunday Dinner to day is 2 Harissa Chickens

Kate was going to come over for Sunday Dinner, instead we are taking Sunday Dinner ti Kate and Aaron oh and the wee man Asher . To start we are having Lentil soup a quick and very budget friendly soup. 1 1/2 ltrs Veg stock, 1 onion, 1 1/2 cups red lentils, garlic, salt and pepper .. then when cooked about 40 mins. Then I blended the lentils , it is amazing ,, I made a Guyere red onion and rosemary flat bread to go with the soup

I made this Jamie Oliver Harrisa Chicken a couple of weeks ago, it was a hit . This time I’m making 2 chickens. With the chicken carcas I boil it and make chicken soup, i will make a big soup pot and freeze some for after my surgery! Once chickens are cooked i will post more pics.. The smell of the chickens cooking if amazing !! This dish is a simple dish to prepare .. i am going to try this with chicken thighs , a great dish for entertaining .. Happy Sunday y’all

Poultry mans Pie

I always try to think out of the box when cooking , today I have 1 lb ground chicken, what can I make Ta Daaaaa got it! I browned the ground chicken in a pot I placed light olive oil, 1 onion diced, 1 large Leek sliced and diced, 2 carrots dices 1/2 cup of frozen peas and cooked until soft , I then added the ground chicken a little chicken stock 2 tbl spns light sour cream, leave in pot to simmer ,, In another pot I diced 2 parsnips, 1/2 a small turnip diced, 2 large carrots sliced, and 5 medium potatoes diced , cook until soft then mash with a little butter salt and fresh ground black pepper . place Chicken mis in an oven proof dish layer the potato veg mash over the ground chicken , melt some butter and brush over the mash mix place in 165 f oven and bake for 30 to 45 mins until golden and crisp on top.. Once cooked I will add another pic

Ancient grains , they are Healthy and Nutritious

I cook with rice of various kinds also , millet Pearl barley Quinoa, Buckwheat, are ones I have cooked with and really enjoy heres a lis of a few

  • Amaranth
  • Barley
  • Buckwheat
  • Kamut
  • Millet
  • Quinoa
  • Spelt
  • Teff 

Ancient grains are grains that have been planted and harvested for thousands of years.  Some ancient grains are not grains, but actually grasses or seeds.

Although millet is most often associated as the main ingredient in bird seed, it is not just “for the birds.” Creamy like mashed potatoes or fluffy like rice, millet is a delicious grain that can accompany many types of food. As with most grains, millet is available in markets throughout the year. today I am going to make the Nordic Bowl a recipe I found on line a few days ago I am going to use Millet .. all . Millet is also gluten free and has amazing benefits to your health 

Peppers with a Millet turmeric filling

Ancient Grain Banana Bread I came across this recipe so i will try this as I love Banana bread

This ancient grain banana bread is one of those recipes that doesn’t compromise on flavor in spite of it having ancient grains. And, you cannot tell it is gluten free!

Ingredients
• ¾ cup quinoa flour
• ½ cup oat flour
• ¼ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup millet flour
• ¼ cup sorghum flour
• ¼ cup amaranth flour
• 2 tablespoons flax meal
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup raw sugar
• 2 cups mashed overripe bananas
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 1 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Since I didn’t have quinoa and oat flours on hand, took ½ cup quinoa and 1/3 cup oats and made flour.
3. In a large bowl, combine all flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raw sugar. Stir in mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten.
4. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips into batter and pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

There are few simple secrets to making the perfect loaf of ancient grain banana bread.
1. You have to mash the bananas by a hand tool. Do not use any machines. A fork or a potato masher like I’m using will do the trick.
2. The amount of mashed bananas should be just a little less than the combined flour.
3. The combined flour plus flax meal plus tapioca starch should be 2 ½ cups. If you don’t have any one of the flours then use more of the other till you get 2 ½ cups.
4. Do not add any other liquid like milk etc. Just add oil that’s it. I cant wait to try this recipe ,

Planning a head , freezer meals All plant based .. My way

Planning a head Meals

Yesterday and today I have cooked meals for Hubby and my son when I’m in Hospital , I know David can cook but he works long shifts, If I can make it easier for him i will So I made a Bean Stew with white kidney beans and black beans , I put up a family sized portion and 2 lunch sized for David . I then made a double batch of red pepper Alfredo oh my it is delish!! I have also made Cheese, potato and Onion Pasty’s . Then a Bean Chilli that is rich and thick you don’t even miss the meat .. Now I have to think about supper tonight !!

Pergogies by request from David last night, these are amazing and in a mushroom sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 300g / 10 oz mushrooms , sliced
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 2 tsp minced garlic ,
  • 1/4 cup (65 ml) white wine or Anise
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (250 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan ,finely grated
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 – 1/2 tsp dried)

Mushroom soup a quick and tasty Soup and healthy

I love to make soups and this one is truly amazing . I put 3 different Mushrooms in to this I got Dried Porcini mushrooms, Cremini Mushrooms, and button mushrooms the Porchini mushrooms I soaked in a cup of boiling water for 5 mins , I some times use Oyster and Portobello mushrooms.. I started my base 1 onion diced, 1 stalk of celery dices slice mushrooms place 2 tbl spns light olive oil in open with garlic add onions and celery sweat for about 5 mins then add sliced mushrooms and the Porcini mushroom along with the water the Porcini was soaking in , cook for about 10 mins until mushrooms are soft , then I add 3 cups of veg stock, then I get my hand blender and blend all together then once done add salt and fresh ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup light sour cream Its your choice you can add reg sour cream . This is quite a hearty soup i serve with a little truffle oil on top and a fresh crust baguette and a side salad

Mushrooms are edible fungus that can provide several important nutrients. The many kinds of mushroom have varying compositions and nutritional profiles.

From puffballs to truffles, mushrooms can range from everyday fare to a costly delicacy. People can buy them fresh, canned, or dried. Health Benefits

Mushrooms contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can have various health benefits.

For example, antioxidants are chemicals that help the body eliminate free radicals.

Free radicals are toxic byproducts of metabolism and other bodily processes. They can accumulate in the body, and if too many collect, oxidative stress can result. This can harm the body’s cells and may lead to various health conditions.

Among the antioxidant agents in mushrooms are:

This is a 30 possible 40 min soup and one of Davids fave soups .. I am taking some over for Kate and Aaron..

Stuffed peppers,

Left over rice hmmm I think I will do stuffed pepper, quick and delish You can add what ever you like to the rice, I added 1 can of light tuna, garlic, onion diced, celery diced a hot pepper diced ( Don’t rub your eyes after you have handled hot pepper.. Salt fresh ground black pepper a sprinkle of Soy Sauce, and a little smoked paprika, once rice is done place in the peppers , I sometimes ad feta cheese, i didn’t this time .. I caked in a 350 oven for about 25 mins , i served with a home made soup, yup today a Red Bell pepper soup amazing , tasty and so healthy , thank you Sobeys for the great produce !! This is a flavourful meal.. Cooking most of our food from scratch becomes a habbit,

  • I also made 2 Cottage pies with ground chicken haricot beans and black beans, onions , celery , 2 large tomatoes added veg stock , once cooked placed in oven proof dish, in another pot I diced 1/2 a medium turnip and 3 large carrots sliced and 8 medium potatoes, cooked until soft and them mashed with butter and a little sour cream , placed on top of the meat and bean mix .. with the stock left over I made a very tasty gravy!! I served this with a fresh herb baguette oh my the flavours . I cooked in a 360 oven for about 40 mins until crispy and golden .. Eating #Plantbased and making most of our food from scratch is amazing.. I am heading ti to this surgery feeling well and very positive , by eating this way has postponed this surgery .. Love y’all have a great Sat Night

Bell Peppers

This morning I took George out for his morning walk , and brrr it was cold , I came home and looked in my fridge I have lots of

Bell Peppers, hmm I think I will make a Red Pepper Soup, I also added a little Jalapeño in to the mix My soups eat I just add ingredients , i don’t really have a recipe!! Doing this blog has made me write my recipes down ! well for the most part

  • 3 large red peppers diced,
  • 1 every stalk diced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1/2 Jalapeño pepper seeds removed
  • 1 tbl spn diced Garlic
  • Fresh ground black pepper and salt a sprinkle of wakings Bell Pepper spice
  • 4 cups veg stock
  • 1/4 cup plain Sought or Light Sour Cream
  • tbl spn light olive oil
  • In a soup pot place all diced veggies . sauté until cooked 7 mins add veg stock bring to boil then I get my hand blender of you can use a food processor . blend . I like to leave a few chunks, add soup cream salt and pepper simmer for 10 mins. Ready to eat a 30 min soup, I will have with some crust home made bread and a salad.. #plantbased Thank you Western Family ( Save on Foods) For the Fresh amazing Produce and friendly staff

Health benefits of Bel Peppers !! Some info I came across on line ,

Bell peppers are often one of the key pillars to creating a colourful and aesthetically pleasing dish. The vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens found in bell peppers add a spark of life to dishes that utilize them. But bell peppers are also dense with healthy nutrients the body needs to function properly and fight off chronic diseases and afflictions. When individuals consider what fruits and vegetables to include in their diet, bell peppers should be high on the list. Why? Get to know the details about the delicious and amazing health benefits associated with the nutrient capacity of bell peppers now. Another reason to eat Bell Peppers

Fast food Yeah ! Curry in Made in 45 mins

I took out 2 chicken breast cut in to small pieces, cooked in olive oil to another pot 1 dived onion, left over peppers from the Harrisa Chicken with a little of the stock , 2 potatoes diced, 2 celery stalks diced, add chicken to the pot I add gram Masala and Cumin , 1 cup chicken stock garlic, coconut milk to taste I added 2 tbl spn, and salt and fresh ground black pepper bring to boil, simmer for 25 mins there you have a very fast curry! Today I will make naan bread , this meal will serve 6 to 8 people , I will serve over rice and also chick peas or lima beans.. Gotta love eating healthy and #Plant based , all meals are budget friendly!! In the pics are a few different Curries I have made , a delish Lamb curry, a chicken curry and a veg Curry.

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot

Tonight in the UK it is Guy Fawkes night , I always got Fireworks from mu Big Bro, oh how I miss him RIP Bro love you.. Curry tonight will be a great comfort food..

A little info on this day

Guy Fawkes Night

“Fifth of November” redirects here. For the date, see November 5.

Festivities in Windsor Castle by Paul Sandby, c. 1776

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in the United Kingdom. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605 O.S., when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact that King James I had survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London; and months later, the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot’s failure.

Within a few decades Gunpowder Treason Day, as it was known, became the predominant English state commemoration, but as it carried strong Protestant religious overtones it also became a focus for anti-Catholic sentiment. Puritansdelivered sermons regarding the perceived dangers of popery, while during increasingly raucous celebrations common folk burnt effigies of popular hate-figures, such as the pope. Towards the end of the 18th century reports appear of children begging for money with effigies of Guy Fawkes and 5 November gradually became known as Guy Fawkes Day. Towns such as Lewes and Guildford were in the 19th century scenes of increasingly violent class-based confrontations, fostering traditions those towns celebrate still, albeit peaceably. In the 1850s changing attitudes resulted in the toning down of much of the day’s anti-Catholic rhetoric, and the Observance of 5th November Act was repealed in 1859. Eventually the violence was dealt with, and by the 20th century Guy Fawkes Day had become an enjoyable social commemoration, although lacking much of its original focus. The present-day Guy Fawkes Night is usually celebrated at large organised events, centred on a bonfire and extravagant firework displays.

Settlers exported Guy Fawkes Night to overseas colonies, including some in North America, where it was known as Pope Day. Those festivities died out with the onset of the American Revolution. Claims that Guy Fawkes Night was a Protestant replacement for older customs like Samhain are disputed, although another old celebration, Halloween, has lately increased in popularity in England, and according to some writers, may threaten the continued observance of 5 November.

Left over Chicken

So today is left overs , with the chicken left I think I will make a curry with the stock , also with lots of veg, for soup or gravies .. I really don’t think my curries are the same twice in a row, Today is my Birthday and I will be delivering my #Hugs4Cops blankets to 4 RCMP and 1 to a Local Lady Firefighter that one maybe tomorrow! I also have After School class to teach .. I don’t understand why some people are so mean and cruel to others and their pets.. I try to live my life as a long time friend Bob Mills once said treat others as you would like to be treat , this is how I try to live..

So Left Overs the chicken was so good there was 1 Chicken breast left , So I diced a leek, 1/2 onion diced a carrot and 1 cup left over rice and some of the stock from coking the chicken, I made an amazing chicken and Leek Soup . can have with some of the Bread I made yesterday a hearty lunch and budget friendly and good for you #Plant based #CookfromScratch

I delivered my blankets to day , I must go to Walmart for more wool, I have to say just me crocheting these blankets is getting tough, i have a sore arm , I will have to get it checked out .. BTW I tasted the soup it is amazing .. Once again a budget friendly lunch, health and not fast food.. LOL it was fast food it took me 30 mins ..

Harrisa Chicken Wow it was amazing the layers of flavours Def do this again

  • Making Jamie Olivers Harissa Chicken today , it looks amazing lets see how this goes .. I didn’t write down the recipe but here it is
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 orange or yellow
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 lg red onion
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • Dried mont i used fresh
  • red wine vinegar Harrisa chilli paste I didn’t have Harrisa Paste so I used Tamarina sauce and some smoky paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 chicken
  • I cut down the back bone with scissors

This is our Sunday dinner before David goes out to work,,, Thank you Jamie Oliver for this amazing dish , I will take pics once cooked

Recipe for the Harrisa Sauce I will do this next time , it was on line and not my recipe, no doubt i will tweak it. Recipes are a suggestion oh how to cook i love to put a twist in it , do it my way !! I love Jamie Olivers style of cooking The Chicken I got in Real Canadian Super Store, grated Cheddar in Walmart and produce in Save On Food ( Western Family ) Rice was also Walmart

  • 10 dried New Mexico chiles (or other large dried chile with mild-to-medium spiciness)
  • 7 dried chiles de arbol (increase for more heat, decrease for less heat)
  • 1 Tbsp (heaping) cumin seeds (or sub slightly less ground // if using ground, skip the toasting step)
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds (or sub slightly less ground // if using ground, skip the toasting step)
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds (not essential, but added to most traditional harissa)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste (or sub finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (if avoiding oil, sub water or omit)

Instructions

  1. Add dried chilies to a mixing bowl or measuring cup and cover with hot water. (We used a mix of mild New Mexico chiles and hot peppers (chiles de arbol). Adjust the ratio to preferred spice level.) Once submerged, cover and steam for 15-20 minutes to rehydrate. Set aside.
  2. In the meantime, add cumin and coriander seeds to a small skillet and toast over medium heat for a few minutes, or until fragrant and they start to pop. Then transfer to a mortar and pestle (if you don’t own one, just add to a food processor to mix later), and crush into a fine powder.
  3. Next add caraway seeds, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt, and mix. Then add lemon juice and vinegar and mix again until you’ve achieved a paste. Transfer paste to food processor and add the tomato paste. Set aside.
  4. Once chiles are rehydrated, drain and remove the stems and seeds (I recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands), then add to food processor. At this point, all ingredients (besides olive oil) should be in the food processor.
  5. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed until a smooth paste is achieved. Then stream in 1/4 cup olive oil while blending to create a saucier consistency (see photo). (Add more oil (or water) as needed until desired consistency is achieved.)
  6. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon or vinegar for acidity, paprika for smokiness, tomato paste for depth of flavor, or salt to taste. If it’s not spicy enough at this point, you can either add more chiles de arbol (rehydrated and seeds removed) or cayenne pepper to taste.
  7. Scoop paste into a jar to store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. If storing in the freezer, we recommend scooping into an ice cube tray, freezing, and storing in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Add cubes directly to warm foods (like stews or cooked sauces). If adding to cold foods (like dressings or dips), let thaw before adding.

Now the taste test Chicken is in the oven, my house smells amazing .. Ilovetocook for family and friends , it is a great way to show family and friends you love them Have a Great Week, oh yeah my Birthday tomorrow Nov 4th

Cheese Potato and Onion Pie

Shift work Ugh I have to think a couple of days ahead .. These , potato and onion pie with a Salad today I think! It is great hot or cold, I made the pie yesterday after huge left , so here ya go , this is a fave by all! Its great for lunches and picnics. Basically boil your potatoes and onions the add what ever cheeses you like I like an aged cheddar and asiago also a dollop of Keens hot mustard it brings out the taste of cheese , bake 375 for about 30 mins or until golden brown I usually use and egg wash to seal and put on the top of the pie I Love to serve this with a nice crisp salad! With Some Kimchi or Olive Oil and balsamic #Plant based it amazing, cooking from scratch, yup some days I think oh boy i should just buy this, bur after the dish is made I think wow this is amazing, plus eco friendly not a lot of garbage , I have a pie there using Swiss Chard as a veg oh my love this vegetable.. George has to get in on the pic.. Miss B relaxing

Quick healthy noodle dish

This is a quick delish meal takes id say 20 mins to make ! You may have your fave noodles you like to use, i really like these as I can add my own flavour to it This day I used a low salt Veg broth , I used 3 blocks of noodles and 2 cups of stock , in a skillet I chopped an onion, peppers, garlic, frozen peas and a jalapeno when I have I also use bean sprouts and tomato, I sautéed until noodles were cooked added veg and the in the skillet i role 3 eggs in to ot an stirred once cooked I sliced in to egg strips and added to the noodle mix, i also added some soya sauce , a great quick yummy lunch!! We started doing this way back in the 80’s when we lived in kitimat BC, but David liked the Mushroom Flavoured noodles His Miracle food Ramen noodles Great on a freshly baked bun Yummy

.. I guess its a family tradition now

#Hugs4Cops. Blankets a big warm hug from me

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-police-fort-mcmurray-blankets-handmade-gifts-1.4381482

Tomato Basil Soup 20 min soup With a Red pickled onion and Cheese grilled Yummy

This is one of our Fave Soups to make Budget friendly to.. I make hime made red onion refrigerator pickles I leave them for a bout 1 month before I use them They are great on burgers, cheese sandwiches, what ever you like them on..

My Tomato Basil Soup

  • 2 large cans of tomatoes diced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 stalks of celery diced
  • 1 small carrot diced
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 cup veg stock
  • 2 tbl spn sour cream fresh basil to taste mine is from Katie & Aarons Garden
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Horse radish to taste
  • Sauté onions, celery, and carrot in a soup pot until soft ad 1 cup veg stock and tomatoes , bring to boil add sour cream. Horse radish basil s n p.. I then get my hand blender and blend soup !! ready to serve with my fave a grilled cheese and onion sandwich on home made bread This soup i under $5 to make and will feed 8 people .. It is amazing try it.. As for the sandwich I but a 10 KG flour at Walmart for $8 99 tomato this as a meal Id say way under $20 .. I made a double batch so I am taking Aaron and Katie some .. Thank you Walmart

Jamie Olivers Mac and Cheese

Couple of days ago i watched Jamie Oliver make His big peoples Mac and Cheese so here is my try at this I would love to cook with him

This is Delish the onions add a sweetness to this I used half and half next time I will use skimmed milk as It was a little to rich for me , Def try I always adjust to my taste

Spaghetti Squash a substitute for pasta

With spaghetti squash, most people seem to fall into one of two categories:

There are those who LOVE spaghetti squash as a lower-calorie replacement for spaghetti. And there are those who shun it, believing that if you’re going to eat pasta, you should enjoy the real thing.

But I feel that looking at spaghetti squash as a pasta “substitute” it will never be a pasta.. I am going to try this today with my pasta sauce ! I did try it but prefer pasta with my pasta sauce but I could eat it by its self!! Last-night was a little celebration I guess, our son has moved back home for a few months so I made sourer a special one , I made Home Made Croutons , for the Cesar Salad, the Garlic Bread was Home made , parsley out of my garden Welcome Home Ian

Stuffed zucchini with black beans and Quinoa

Ingredients

  • 4 zucchinis
  • 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked per manufacturers instructions
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • S and P
  • 2 tsp chopped garlic
  • (1) 15-ounce can whole black beans, drained and rinsed
  • (1) 10-ounce jar enchilada sauceSauce)
  • 2 cups cheese
  • Sour cream and avocado for serving
  • 1 hot pepper

This recipe I came across on line adapted it I love eating plant based TY Save on Foods for the Amazing Produce and friendly Staff

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees with the tray in the middle rack. Preheat a medium size skillet over medium high heat.
  2. Cut the zucchini’s in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a melon baller or spoon. On a microwave safe plate or baking dish, microwave the scooped out zucchinis for 4 minutes over high heat, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Chop the zucchini seeds and flesh you scooped out, and cook it in the pan with the onion and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until all the water has evaporated from the zucchini, and the onion is translucent. About 6 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook 30 more seconds, then transfer the cooked zucchini and onion to a medium size bowl.
  4. In the same medium size mixing bowl, combine the cooked zucchini and onion, cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, 1 cup shredded cheese, and about half the can of enchilada sauce. Stir to combine. You want the quinoa mixture to be evenly coated in the enchilada sauce, but not dripping or overly saturated.
  5. Transfer the microwaved zucchinis to an oven safe baking dish. Mine fit in a 9×13 baking dish, but you may need 2 depending on the size of your zucchinis. Season the microwaved zucchinis with a pinch of salt and pepper, then evenly distribute the quinoa mixture inside. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the mixture is heated through. Serve warm with avocado slices and sour cream.

Teriyaki Chicken

When I make Teriyaki Chicken I think of my Dad, when they came to Canada for the Birth of my youngest now a mummy herself!! He loved it so much, he made himself ill By over eating.. In his words ” By god Lass thats bloody good” .. Lol When we first Emigrated to Canada we lived with Aunt Joan and Uncle Jim in Coquitlam Bc and Aunt Joan used to make this, I have since adapted it .. Look at Bailey she had 2 chicken legs this is great on the BBQ or in the oven amazing with my warm potato salad but tonight I am cooking a veg fried rice , I even got more Swiss Chard from my garden !! The smell of this cooking is amazing I look forward to supper

  • Soya sauce
  • ketchup
  • garlic
  • a little lea and perrins sauce Worcestershire Sauce
  • brown sugar
  • Marinate over night

Fougasse, Frangipane My Favourite things Baking with Colin and Bailey

I have to say Miss Bailey knows what she likes, I made a Frangipane or Bakewell Tart, boy did she love it, it is great when the youngness appreciate good food.. The Fougasse is a flat bread this one has Gruyere Cheese, red onions and Rosemary oh boy I could eat this for a meal it is delish , I made a Seafood Chowder and they went great together

  • Red onion, gruyère & rosemary fougasse A BBC Good Food recipe
  1. Tip the flour into a mixing bowl. For easy-blend dried yeast, stir this into the flour. For fresh yeast, crumble it and rub into the flour as you would with butter when making pastry. Add the salt and sugar.
  2. Boil the kettle and measure 100ml into a jug. Top up with cold water to the 300ml mark. Test the temperature with your finger – it should feel perfectly hand-hot. Add the oil.
  3. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid all at once. Mix quickly using your hands or a wooden fork to make a soft and slightly sticky dough. Wipe the dough around the bowl to pick up any loose flour.
  4. Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip out the dough. Knead by stretching it away from you, then folding it in half towards you and pushing it away with the heel of your hand. Give it a quarter turn and repeat, developing a rhythm.
  5. When the dough is smooth, put it back into the mixing bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to rest for 1 hr (no need to find a warm place). The dough is ready when it springs back when you press it with your finger.
  6. Thinly slice the onion and gently cook in the oil until softened, about 5 mins. Cut the gruyère into small cubes. Chop half the rosemary.
  7. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and lightly knead in the onion and chopped rosemary.
  8. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough in half. Roll or press out one piece of dough to a rectangular shape about 20cm x 25cm, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with non-stick paper. Make a large diagonal cut across the centre of the dough almost to the ends. Make three smaller diagonal cuts either side of the large cut to make a leaf shape.
  9. Repeat with the other piece of dough. Stick gruyère cubes and rosemary sprigs into the dough at intervals, then sprinkle with a little flour and sea salt. Heat oven to 375 F Leave the loaves to prove for 20 mins then bake for 13-15 mins until golden. Serve warm with soups and starters.
  • For the Bakewell Tart it was from the Bread British Bake Off

Frangipane tart

A really good-looking fruit-topped almond tart to make when succulent peaches and berries are in season, or at any time of the year using tinned or frozen fruit.

Serves 8-10

Kit you’ll need: 1 baking sheet; a 28cm fluted round, deep, loose-based flan tin

FOR THE PASTRY

225g plain flour

100g unsalted butter, chilled and diced

50g caster sugar

1 medium egg

1 tablespoon icy cold water

FOR THE ALMOND FILLING

175g unsalted butter, softened

175g caster sugar

4 medium eggs, at room temperature, beaten to mix

175g ground almonds

1 teaspoon almond extract generous ½ jar home-made raspberry jam OR best-quality shop-bought jam

TO DECORATE

3 ripe peaches OR

1 x 420g tin sliced peaches

200g raspberries

4 tablespoons apricot jam

1. Make the rich sweet shortcrust pastry either by hand or in a food processor. By hand, sift the flour into a bowl, add the diced butter and rub in* until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar. Beat the egg with the water until combined, then stir into the crumbs with a round-bladed knife to make a slightly soft but not sticky dough. To use a food processor, put the flour and butter into the bowl and blitz until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Add the sugar and ‘pulse’ to combine. Mix the egg with the water and, with the machine running, add through the feed tube. Stop the machine as soon as a ball of dough forms. Wrap the dough and chill for 20 minutes until firm but not hard.

2. Heat the oven to 190°C/375°F/gas 5, and put the baking sheet in to heat up. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured worktop and use to line the flan tin*. Prick the base of the pastry case well with a fork, then chill for 10 minutes.

3. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans, then set the tin on the heated baking sheet and bake blind* for about 15 minutes until the pastry is set and the edges are lightly coloured. Remove the paper and beans and return the empty pastry case to the oven to bake for a further 10–12 minutes until the base is cooked through (no damp patches) and turning a light golden colour. Set aside to cool (leave the oven on).

4. Now make the almond filling. Put the soft butter and sugar into the food processor (no need to wash the bowl) and blitz until the mixture is creamy and smooth. With the machine running, pour in the eggs through the feed tube. Once combined, stop the machine and scrape down the side of the bowl. Add the ground almonds and almond extract and blitz just until combined. You can also make the filling by hand: cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy using a wooden spoon or hand-held electric whisk, then gradually beat in the eggs. Fold* in the almonds and almond extract.

5. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the base of the pastry case. Spoon the almond mixture on top and spread evenly. Bake in the heated oven for 30–40 minutes until the filling is golden and feels springy when gently pressed in the centre. Remove the tart from the oven and leave to cool.

6. Once the tart is cold, start on the decoration. If you are using fresh peaches they need to be peeled. To do this, make a small nick in the skin near the stem end, then lower the peaches into a pan of boiling water and leave for 10 seconds. Drain, then peel off the loosened skins with the help of a small sharp knife. Halve the peaches and remove the stones, then cut into thick slices. If using tinned peaches, drain thoroughly.

7. Arrange the peach slices and raspberries in neat circles on top of the tart. Warm the apricot jam in a small pan over low heat, then press through a fine sieve to remove any lumps of fruit. If necessary, reheat the sieved jam so it is nice and runny, then gently brush it over the fruit to glaze. Leave to set before serving.

I watched from Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood bake this oh boy it is amazing

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas !!

It is a crisp fall day here in Fort McMurray !!! I decided today to make a Beef Curry, with rice and home made Spring Rolls! and Naan Bread !! I also started my Christmas Cake, right now I have the fruit soaking in Sherry .. I am doing a double batch and making smaller ones they make great Christmas Pressies with bottle of port and some really fabulous cheese.. The Christmas cake I am making this year is a Jamie Oliver recipe !! I would love to cook with Jamie..

My mon always started her cake 6 weeks or so before Christmas.. I will never forget the Christmas we brought them out to Canada for the Birth of Katie my !! I had made the cake, iced and decorated it.. I had it in the middle of the table, I was so proud to be showing my mom this!! We left for the airpot that was just out side of Terrace BC, it was snowing then started and Ice storm Brrr .. We collected mom and dad from the airport.. We came in the house I went over to the table to show Mom the cake OHHHHH MY we had had a leak on the roof it soaked my cake .. I cried I was very upset and 7.5 months, We took of the Royal Icing icing and made some more !

Today has been a busy day I baked bread, made Christmas Pickles for gifts, also my Christmas Cakes I did a double recipe but made 5 smaller cakes also for gifts, I always take on over to Kate and Aarons house for Christmas Dinner as they host the family Christmas .. It is a wonderful day filled with family , good food and lots of laughs, this year will be Asher’s first Christmas making this extra special .. Christmas is by far my fave season, my mom loved Christmas!!! I remember one Christmas I was about 9 or 10 yrs old my Mom coming in to my room with my Santa sack and she had a red Santa hat on and a beard , all I could hear was her giggles !! Oh my what I wold do to hear those giggles again .. I have always kept family traditions.. If we don’t continue these they will be lost for ever.. My Christmas cakes are in the oven and they smell amazing .. Will post pics when they are ready

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