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!