Ivory Coast - Citrus Seared Scallops

I like scallops, but they have never been one of those food that I ever make at home. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's because they seem so fancy and foreign. I'm not sure. But Since I like them I should try making them, right?

You can use a variety of spices on seared scallops, from lightly salted with fresh ground black pepper to squeezed lime and a dash of chili powder (balsamic dressing is also awesome). I, however, saw an opportunity to further expand my spice drawer, and I picked up West-African Citrus Spice from Silk Road. The beauty of scallops, or really any seafood, is the diversity it has. I added these to a bed of  mixed greens. Experiment with different spices and sauces. You never know what you'll come across!

Cheaper Than Flying - Beer Battered Cod

There is something about fish and chips that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I take a bite and suddenly I'm on a quiet street in north-east England with my dad, picking off tiny bits of grease soaked, day old newspaper from piping hot fresh from the fryer pieces of fish. But, seeing as that scene is a 9 hour flight away (not to mention thousands of dollars) I have settled for the local version. And being creative and slightly adventurous, I wanted to give it a go myself.

This is a good dinner meal, served with homemade fries and salad. It's cheaper then flying to England. (I'm working on trying it with Gluten Free flour - updates to come.)

Check fillets for bones before battering, running your finger against the grain of the flesh usually works to find them. I keep a pair of tweezers in the kitchen for pulling out fishbones, but fingers work just as well.

Summer Salad Series - Mango, Prawn & Avocado

It's finally summer! Time to bring out the salads!
This one is great as a meal or as a side.

Bed Head - Breakfast Pancakes

Good morning!

It has become a ritual in our house, every Saturday morning we pull ourselves out of bed, stumble downstairs and whip out bacon, eggs and fluffy pancakes. These are fantastic, fluffy, filling and the sour milk adds something that I haven't tasted in any other pancake recipe.

Photo Post - Happy Friday Flowers

A Side of Class - Zinfandel Asparagus

I'm going to have to repeat myself. (sorry). I love asparagus. It's a so versatile, you can try to do everything with it, only, please don't steam the hell out of it, that would make me sad.

This particular success is the end result of a culinary experiment. It's fantastic.  This would be awesome with roast chicken and rice. I ate it standing at the counter reading back issues of Vogue, but it really does deserve a special place at the table. Srsly. Try this, it's awesome.

ABC - Apple Crisp

Ever just need a quick healthy-ish dessert? This fits that bill. Although admittedly I eat this for breakfast too... This is rather easy, and comes together in less then 45 mins. It's really only good served hot, but it reheats well in the oven or a quick zap in the microwave. You can peel the apples if you prefer, I'm usually too lazy to do this.

It's great as is, but please do experiment with different fruits. A particular favourite of mine is sliced peaches (no fuzz) with raspberries. Yum!

Party Favours - Chocolate Waffle Cups

Girls coming over? Need something quick and fabulous?
Make these! 
The raspberries can be switched out for strawberries, blackberries, even peach slices. Really, whatever you have on hand. Even kiwi would work.

Girls Night In - Sangria

Makes TONS - but, that's hardly a problem!

1 bottle cheap red wine
2 liter bottle Ginger ale or Sprite
1 can limeade concentrate
1 can orange concentrate
3 cans water
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced

Make sure you have a bowl big enough, but it wont last long!

Tis the Season - Baked Eggs with Tomatoes & Spinach

Something tragic has happened. I have officially run out of clothes.

Some people reading this will think that an impossible thing, but honestly, I have! I have at least four weddings in the next six months to go to and I can't be pictured in the same dress. I have come to learn this kind of thing is unavoidable when you're around my age, everyone seems to be getting hitched. I suppose you could look at it as a way of supporting the economy (which I am - so I intend to support it very very well!)

In any case, I need something quick (but still awesome) to chow down before dashing off in pursuit of the perfect dress. I have found many dresses (shoes, bags, jeans, tops and jackets - but that's getting away from the point) in my search. I have never been one to turn down a shopping quest, so off I go again today, but not without a serving of Baked Eggs with Tomatoes and Spinach. Yum!

Photo Post - Casual Monte Cristo

Chop Chop - Rosemary Mint Lamb

I have come to realize I have a very different definition of comfort food then the average person.

Don't get me wrong, there are days when all I can think of is my fabulous Mac&Cheese, but usually, when the weather is less when wonderful, I really just want something wondrous.

Something like steamed mussels in white wine, Italian sausage risotto, Slightly Spicy Salmon, or lamb chops with rosemary and mint.

Red City - Slighty Spicy Salmon

I love salmon that tastes like salmon.

Sounds stupid doesn't it? But just think about that for a minute. So many times you end up just tasting the glaze or marinade, not the actual meal.

That's why I love this simple salmon dish. Not only is it fast and incredible easy, but it brings out and enhances the natural flavour of the fish. Which, when you think about it, is the point anyway.

When it Rains, Make Cake - Flourless Ancho Chili Chocolate Cake

A rainy day in May. 
I have the house to myself, spending the night with a glass of wine, a girly movie and chocolate cake. 
This is a great cake, I grabbed it off Silk Road's website months ago. I love making it to share with my mom, not only because it's gluten free - it's a great cake all round. 

One Stop Shop - Lemon Pepper Pork

I was playing around in the kitchen one day and I came across a fabulous concoction. It has been a great "go-to" ever since, plus, it's cheap and easy - what more could you want?

Slow & Comfy - Double Noodle Chicken Soup

Got a hour or two? Or perhaps just need something lazy to do on Sunday? Try this, I promise, you will love it.

When the world turns ugly, it's comforting to know that you can always turn to certain food to pick up your spirits; fresh-from -the-oven chocolate chip cookies, warm strawberry/rhubarb crisp, banana bread with melted butter, and my mom's wonderful chicken noodle soup.

Marry Me - Mac & Cheese

While I must state that is not the intent of the dish - it may end up being the result of it.
I've been making this feel-good dinner for years, and I never get tired of it. It's a staple in my family, I hope your family enjoys it as well.

Photo Post - Garden Fresh English Mint

How to Appear Domestically Talented - Tandoori Chicken

I love dinner recipes that sound, smell and taste like I've slaved away all night in the kitchen, when really, I've thrown it together in seconds, tossed it in the oven and watched reruns of Sex and the City while painting my nails instead. Seriously, nothing makes me feel more domestically talented.

Which is likely why I'm so obsessed with making Tandoori Chicken.

This meal couldn't be any easier or better. And it's all thanks to Silk Road Spice Company. A Calgary, AB based business dedicated to supplying fresh and fabulous spices and spice blends (they ship too!!). I pulled this off their website, I make at least twice a month!

Va-Va-Voom - Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla or chocolate? It's a question that usually doesn't really need more than an instant to consider. Chocolate all the way! Until, of course, I found these...

A Fresh Take - Honey Marinated Pork Tenderloin

I have been subscribed to various cooking magazines and forums for years and yet, I always forget to make what I find.

A side of ease, please! - Balsamic Asparagus

I love asparagus! Unfortunately, my boyfriend doesn't share my enthusiasm for it. However, he does enjoy it like this. Remember to trim the spears well, not one like finding tough ends.

Photo Post - Pop Art Tea