Photo Post - A Friday Essential

A Break With Tradition - Dutch Pancakes

Happy Pancakes Day!

Srsly, it really is Pancakes Day, this is not just something I made up because I'm jonesing for syrup (although the idea has appeal, doesn't it? Like Kahlua Cupcake day! Or Veggie Tempura day! This could be a thing...). Anyway, being the good Catholic girl I am, I didn't actually know it was Pancakes Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) until I was reading my Top Gear daily updates on Facebook (how sad is that?) and secondly I couldn't actually remember what Pancakes Day was all about, all I knew was I get to make pancakes, pretty self explanatory.

But, that's why there's Google!

Turns out (I'll give you the Coles Notes version) Pancakes Day is a kick off to Lent. Perfect. The countdown to Easter is starting, Mini Eggs, people!, Mini Eggs, (which reminds me, I should make my Mini Eggs cookies soon...) and I get to make these fabulous Dutch Pancakes for dinner.

I have just been informed that the Dutch don't actually celebrate Shrove Tuesday (I'm not sure where people come up with information like this, but anyways...).
Well, maybe this will change their minds!

Chocolate Utopia (AKA) - Flourless Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Celiac's and choco-holic's rejoice! They are amazing. No really, they are. Now, these absolutely not help in getting you ready for bikini season, but hell, they taste good and I personally think they might just be totally worth it. These are worlds easier (although, no less awesome) to make then the Flourless Ancho Chili Chocolate Cake I posted on here last year.

So this is supposed to make about 20 or so cookies, but (as per usual) I made my cookies too big, so I only got 16. But this doesn't effect cooking time at all, you can add another minute if you like, but they are supposed to have chewy centres, so again, it doesn't really matter. Just don't forget to take them out of the oven when the timer goes and you turn off the oven, don't forget a leave them in for say... another 10 minutes... not that I've done that...

Homemade Heaven - Buttermilk Biscuits

Christmas break was a starchy time at our house. I was working off of the 'practice makes perfect' philosophy, but, let's be honest, they taste good and I was marginally addicted to them. So, being that I have sworn them off until at least May or June, I'll post them on here, that way everyone else can enjoy them. These are awesome little biscuits, they're awesome fresh out of the oven (careful, you can eat a lot this way) with a bit of butter, they go great with any kind of dinner (plus, they are WAY more impressive then bought buns) or, my personal favourite, warm, as dessert, with butter and maple syrup. So good! Anyway, give these a try, you'll love them. 

Hello, Lovers - Homemade Risotto with Spicy Italian Sausage

Say the words 'I make risotto' to anyone, and you'll be sure to receive a chorus oh Oh's & Ah's. Every single time, without fail, people are always so impressed you can make this fabulously easy (abet, time consuming) dish. This is not something to attempt if your short on time, or running a strict schedule, as absorption will vary slightly and you can't rush art (or rice, for that matter).
There are many different varieties of risotto, some sweet, some savory. This one, however, is a favourite in our house. I use hot spicy Italian sausage instead of mild, I like the heat it adds to the dish, but feel free to experiment with different meat, veggies and spices. The choices really are endless.
Happy stirring!  

Sandwich God - Warm Apple & Fig Sandwich with Grilled Chicken

Okay.
So I did something awesome today.
I made (wait for it) the best sandwich ever.
That's right. I did it. 
I created Godliness on plate.
Try it, you owe it to yourself.

Something Un-Ocassional - Chicken Cordon Bleu

Personally, I love meals I can make ahead and stick in the oven as soon as I get home. I'm at my most creative and energetic at night, so it suits me perfectly. I also love dishes that make me look amazing. This is no exception. Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those 'fancy' dishes that is usually brought out at special occasions, or even just saved for restaurants. I'm really sure why. I try to incorporate it into our normal meal rotation (although, I will admit my definition of 'normal' is very different from most... rosemary-mint lamb chops or beer-battered cod anyone?).

Now, to be fair, I am making this today in belated celebration of my mom's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!) so this does fall under the special occasion category, all I mean is, it's too good not to make on a more regular basis. And, it's make-ahead friendly and totally easy. 

Beg. Borrow. Steal - Becky's Best Ever Bran Muffins

My boyfriend's mom makes the best bran muffins. I'm so addicted to them. I used to be all about the blueberry or chocolate chip variety, but not since I tasted these fabulous delights over 7 years ago. My favourite way to enjoy them is warm, fresh from the oven with melty peanut butter. They also freeze well, I find they should be kept in the fridge after a few days, the blueberries make it a little too moist to keep out on the counter - not that they ever last that long...

Take it Easy - Warm Avocado with Prawns

Bonjour from bed!
After an insanely busy two weeks I have finally found time to eat the avocado sitting in my fridge. Trust me, I was pretty excited.Now, I was going to make my fabulous guacamole, but that would require me making my fabulous nachos, and that seemed a bit to involved for me today. So instead, I threw this together for a quick snack. The warm avocado with the spicy shrimp is awesome, try adding quinoa to this, it would be great.

Something Stringy - Baked Spaghetti Squash

Say "squash" to my boyfriend. And when you do, watch his eyes. They widen, then they squint. "Squash" is not a trusted veggie in our house. Well, at least, it`s not trusted in half of our house. 

I, on the other hand, have fond memories of helping my mom make spaghetti squash, although, admittedly I cant actually remember eating it.

There are many many many ways to preparing this particular squash, this is one of my favourites though, a veg version of "white trash pasta", pretty simple with butter, salt & pepper, minced garlic and Parmesan cheese.