My travels 2011

This is going to be fun! I love to travel and hopefully can blog some of my experiences for you. I have had requests to post pictures and keep a log of last years trip to England, Belgium and France. Here goes...

Here we start at Paddington Station, London UK. We spent 2 days in London taking in as much as possible. Starting with of course food! Who would have thought I would crave pizza, but when you see it you'll crave it too.
Oh yes, It was as delicious as it looks.  Fresh spinach and loads of cheese. I couldn't finish the entire pie and felt guilty... I hate wasting food, anyone who knows me can testify to that.

Dutch Babies

I used to make dutch babies years ago. It was an inexpensive way to make savory or dessert dishes. The batter is a simple milk, egg, and flour recipe. You bake it in the oven and it has a fluffy yet crispy texture to it. I love it! Takes no time and your guests will be delighted.
Preheat ove 450
Savory batter:
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup flour (I use white spelt flour) the result is a little less souffle-ee
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter
Sweet Batter:
same as above but add 1 tsp each maple syrup and vanilla
Heat large 10 -11 inch skillet in oven for 4 minutes, remove from oven and add 4 tbsp butter. Place back in oven for 3-4 minutes to brown butter. Carefully pour batter in heated skillet and bake for 18 minutes.
Remove from oven and slightly cool. You can dust with sugar and add fresh berries, or as pictured I topped with roasted asparagus and crispy pancetta.

What's for dinner? How many times have I heard that question over the years.

A menu for the working folk! Simple, easy prep and healthy. At the end of every week, I'll take the leftover veggies with proteins and make a simple soup, adding water and amino liquids for flavor. It takes no longer than driving to the fast food place nearest your home. Add to that a panini of your choice such as smoked gouda on a sourdough day old loaf of deliciousness! Brush both sides of the outter bread with olive oil and crushed garlic and you will have a feast! Of course the combination is limitless, so feel free and make a variety.  Fini!

Food addictions!

I go through seasons of recipe addictions. I'll either create a recipe, where I crave a certain ingredient, eat it continually or try a new product and want to create as many recipes as possible! That's where I get inspired! That is where my recipe of gluten free tortilla panini with pear and smoked gouda came from. Simply delicious! I am a believer of simplicity! If you were to ask me my style of cooking, I would have to say fresh, seasonal and simple! The majority of my recipes are 5 ingredients or less. In some cases with herbs and spice, I may go over the top, but generally less is best!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today as I'm getting ready for (the) big meal,  I'm thinking about how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband, children and grandbabies! Take time to thank the Lord for all that He has done for you today and every day! Philippians 4:6-8

Flourless Tortes for the holidays

cardamom

Cardamom is a highly aromatic spice that is most commonly used in Middle Eastern and some Scandinavian cuisines. Its unique flavor allows it to be combined with both sweet and savory dishes. Cardamom seed can be used in seafood, sauces, meats, poultry, vegetables, and even desserts, pastries, and other baked goods.

Cardamom seeds are encased within a single cardamom pod that are green in color when fresh. Cardamom spice has a complex flavor that can be described as slightly sweet, floral, and spicy with citric elements.  Grind cardamom seeds fresh as you make your recipes. The pre-ground has very little flavor in my opinion.


Spelt Cardamom Babka