Over the weekend, I made this Holiday Spice Bread and gave it out to the neighbors. I got the recipe from Rouge Tomate, home to modern American healthy cuisine, where I did a stage (that’s restaurant speak for an apprenticeship). It got rave reviews! I think the secret ingredient is carrot juice, which I was able to buy in the produce section at my local grocery store (trust me, nothing fancy about this store). Carrots are packed with natural sugars, keeping the added sugar to a minimum. Whole wheat pastry flour, coconut oil, palm sugar, pineapple, golden raisins, cardamom, and cinnamon combine to make for a deliciously spiced homemade treat. This recipe works well for small bread pans, muffin cups, or single loafs. Cooking time will vary, of course, so watch it closely, and remove your treats from the oven (whatever their form!) once a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your neighbors will thank you.
Holiday Spice Bread November 27, 2011
Treat Me: Olive Oil Cake November 20, 2011
For the past several months, I’ve had construction workers, plumbers, dry-wallers, painters, tile guys and paving guys running around my house. In the early months, when it was hot, I kept drinks on ice for them in a cooler every day. After a while, I started “Donut Fridays” – stopping at the local donut shop for a dozen on my way home from Boot Camp so the guys could have a breakfast treat.
Now that I have a kitchen, I’ve started baking treats. Cookies, quick breads, banana cake. Last week I made this Olive Oil Cake – a scrumptious treat that I almost kept for myself. It’s delightful! This cake goes to show that simple does not mean simplistic. Simple pantry ingredients combine to make a wonderful, flavorful moist snack cake. It was gone in a day. I guess they liked it too! I’ll be sure to have this around for family over Thanksgiving…
Weekend Project: Beef Bolognese November 10, 2011
I am happy to report that I’ve got my yummy back. Last weekend, we moved into our new kitchen (!!). It’s incredible. We’ve been renovating for 6 months, were out of the house for 5 weeks, and still have a garage full of boxes. However, my first priority was to find a pot and to put something on the stove that was going to simmer all afternoon, fill the house with delicious smells, stick to our ribs, and welcome us home after a day of unpacking.
This Beef Bolognese did the trick. I got this recipe from my friend Jennifer (thanks, Jennifer!). It’s delicious. It takes time to simmer, like 4 hours, but it’s worth every minute. Consider it a project. The benefits are immense. It makes a lot of sauce. I use it for dinner with pasta one night; then I use it to make a lasagna. It also freezes well.
Thank you for your patience while I’ve been out of house and kitchen over the past few months. I’ve gathered many, many recipes for testing in the meantime and can’t wait to get started!
