More About JO_JO_BA
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Recipes I've Shared:
Two loaves of multigrain bread are made with no refined sugar and packed with sunflower and pumpkin seeds for good measure. You won't "hunger" after this!
This is hands-down my favourite vanilla frosting recipe - it is decadently butter-rich, not too sweet and is stable enough to stand out at a party for a few hours without melting. My picky sister gave it her seal of approval too!
This gluten free, vegan red Thai curry is packed with veggies and soy protein, all flavoured to the hilt with coconut milk, garlic, ginger and red curry paste.
These crisp-chewy churros are baked - not fried - and coated head to toe in cinnamon sugar. Even better? They're vegan and nut free!
Condensed Coconut Milk is thick, sweet and perfect for anything you might need a hit of sweetness for. Its gluten free and vegan too, with a delicate floral flavour.
These two toned biscotti are crispy, dunkable and a great combination of chocolate and vanilla-berry flavour.
Asian Pear and Cranberry Crisp is so easy thanks to a topping of pre-made granola. Its a comforting dessert or (mostly) healthy breakfast!
Only oats go into the "flour" of these chewy cookies adapted from Alton Brown. Perfectly sweet and buttery, they're a great after school or lunchbox treat!
These Scotch eggs are gluten free, nut free and super chocolatey! Who says Easter is over?
These brownies are the perfect marriage of cakey and fudgy, with just enough toothsome chew to hold your interest. The bars are perfect on their own or jazzed up with ganache, ice cream or fruit, and make great cake balls too.
Ground popcorn, hot sauce and just a touch of flour make for crispy, cracker like snacks.
These cheesy, flaky biscuits are made tangy with sourdough toss-off and rich with sharp cheddar.
This Winter Vegetable Stew is hearty and rich tasting thanks to carmelized onions and lean beef, and full of nutrition from local kholrabi and homegrown cabbage and carrots! A wild rice blend seals the deal.
Strawberry Caramel Sundae Sauce is unlike anything you've topped ice cream with before! Don't stop at dessert though - those breakfast waffles are calling!
This creamy fudge is kissed with Irish cream flavoured creamer for an alcohol free treat that is SO easy to make!
Pineapple juice makes this hard candy taste like honey, and with a tiny cube mold making lots is easy!
A local, organic and raw honey shines in these hard candies, which are perfect for sucking on or melting into a cup of tea.
Sweet and sour lemon drops anyone? A dash of citric acid gives a traditional hard candy a pucker.
This luscious, decadent cake is 100% whole grain, vegan and full of Chianti for good measure. Melted chocolate and a sprinkle of chips just ups the ante.
These red wine and dark chocolate cookies are a socially acceptable, gluten free and vegan way to indulge in a tipple at work!
While not visually impressive, these red wine brownies made with an easy home-made mix taste ethereal and will delight any chocolate - or red wine - lover!
This brownie mix makes rich, chewy brownies and by swapping the liquid you can make a variety of treats
If you're a lover of caramelized onions, homemade French Onion Dip is a fantastic way to indulge in their rich bittersweet taste
Chickpea Tikka Masala is made with homemade Masala sauce, spinach, mushrooms and carrots and finished with coconut milk for a rich, slightly spicy vegan lunch!
Tikka Masala Sauce from Not Your Mama's Canning Book by @foodiewithfam . I used pencil hot and thai chilies instead of the jalapeno and home roasted and pureed tomatoes.
Whether soft or hard baked, a great pretzel is deep golden with a generous kiss of salt!
Red Velvet Protein Bites are naturally coloured with heirloom #beets and packed with chocolate whey isolate for a powerful boost. Healthy truffles? Yes please!
Minestrone Soup is a fat free, high fibre recipe perfect for pressure canning the bounty of summer. Crack open a jar in February and relive July!
These mocha biscotti are laced with both brewed coffee and ground beans, and peppered with chocolate chips and cacao nibs.
Made with vegan cream cheese, vanilla sugar, and a #secret ingredient, these crisp sticks are a fantastic addition to a child's birthday party or the Harry Potter fan club table!
These gluten free and vegan shortbreads are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and safe for any party!
Scottish Fan Cookies are a slightly puffy, crisp spiced brown sugar biscuit decorated to resemble a fan. A sprinkle of raw sugar adds a bit of crunch!
If you like pina coladas, these biscotti are right up your alley! Made with coconut flour, pineapple juice and a shot of spiced rum, they're perfect with a fruity tea or on their own.
Norwegian Kakemenn are soft sugar cookies that aren't too sweet - perfect for decorating with icing!
A few vegan sweet potato biscotti go perfectly with afternoon tea. These are 75% whole grain and studded with pecans and dried cranberries.
Smooth, creamy cottage cheese is the base for these crisp-chewy, chocolatey ring cookies. A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds crunch.
Rainbow Biscotti Bites are kissed with hazelnut flavour, loaded with sprinkles and dunked in white chocolate for a festive finish.
(Almost) Ovenly's Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies are a vegan classic turned up to 11. Chips and chunks of chocolate bring the goods, while kosher salt in the dough and on top push the sweet-savoury limit.
Time for a break? These gluten free, vegan gingerbread biscotti are crunchy, spicy and perfect with a cuppa. The dough is a breeze to work with and is in no way gritty thanks to the use of tenderizing pineapple juice and my Artisanal GF Flour.
These are a great grown up version of the fig cookies and date squares from your childhood. You will end up with a bit of extra, baklava-inspired filling, but it is excellent served with cheese or on toast, and will disappear quickly from your refrigerator.
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta with @prosticks2go skewers, olives, leeks, artichokes, homegrown kale, homemade tomato sauce and homemade ricotta!
This sweet, spicy and tangy dip tastes deceivingly like ketchup - but surprise! There are zero tomato products involved.
These are the prettiest chocolate chip cookies I've ever seen, and they taste amazing thanks to a slight earthiness from shredded raw beets. Guess what - they're gluten free and vegan too!
Beetroot & Cranberry Conserve is tangy, sweet and slightly earthy, not to mention a brilliant colour! A nice Chianti makes it a little savoury, perfect for the holidays.
Baked Bao are stuffed with a hoisin-soaked turkey mixture and baked to golden perfection. Hot or cold, they're a treat for lunch or an after school snack!
Baked Bao are stuffed with a hoisin-soaked turkey mixture and baked to golden perfection. Hot or cold, they're a treat for lunch or an after school snack!
Suet sounds awful and archaic, but it makes super-flaky, melt in your mouth pastry perfect for any type of pie!
Brown and white sugars simmer with fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick for a perfect addition to fall and winter coffee.
Nut free, vegan, soy free and gluten free - this garlicky basil-lemon balm pesto has it all!
Nothin' better than a nice warm bowl of homemade, vegan Habitant soup! Comfort food plus... And it's both good for you and your wallet to boot!
This crusty, delightfully chewy whole grain loaf is loaded with Canadian flavour, and is so hearty that a slice of two are great for packing on a hike or long car ride.
Cheese and eggs combined with roasted potatoes, spinach and tomatoes make for a fantastic all-in-one meal. It's no beauty but my grade 7s and is ate it up!
I used pear sauce and carob in this revamp of an old family recipe, which happens to be completely vegan!
With less calories and fat, and more fibre than a storebought scone, these Healthier Banana Chocolate Chip Scones topped with almonds and raw sugar make a great teatime treat!
This sneaky swap for "real" dried pineapple is indiscernible from the real thing in baked goods, and lasts a long time in the pantry. Just when you thought you were all "zucchinied" out!
These ridiculously fudgy brownies are eggless thanks to silken tofu, and have a hint of "old fashioned doughnut" flavour from home-rendered tallow
You bet I am licking the spoon! Sweet, tangy with that last second flame... How can you resist?
The filling for Asian Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps is packed with whole-grain brown rice, water chestnuts, baby corn and bamboo shoots and is mixed with a sweet and salty hoisin-orange-teriyaki sauce.
These chewy, nut free and low-fat cookies are not shy in the flavour department, getting subtle fruity notes from unsweetened fruit butter and nuttiness from pumpkin seeds.
These insanely moist brownies are elevated with a few splashes of (alcohol free) Bailey's coffee creamer.
Both pumkin and zucchini add mosture to a simple spice cake, while flax and whole wheat add texture and a delicious nutty flavour.
These canned beauties are the precursor to some killer Harvard Beets - simply drain and thicken the brine with cornstarch, heat and serve. They're not super sweet, but of course that depends on the type of beets you're using.
These canned beauties are the precursor to some killer Harvard Beets - simply drain and thicken the brine with cornstarch, heat and serve. They're not super sweet, but of course that depends on the type of beets you're using.
Homemade Danish Butter Cookies are so easy and delicious! Get the pretty swirls with a piping bag and large star tip.
Minced mushrooms make for a healthy, hearty calzone filling with kale, black olives and ricotta, while a sprouted-wheat crust crisps up and perfectly browns on the pizza stone.
Beef and Sweet Potato Stew is slowly baked in a Dutch oven until unctuous and rich. A pinch of cinnamon elevates the mineral quality of the beef and the sweetness of the carrots and sweet potatoes while loads of onion and garlic add mellow savoury character.
These cookies are aptly titled - not only are they school safe (no peanuts or tree nuts) and full of brain-boosting flax and fruit, but we also make these every year in the classroom as part of our Thanksgiving lunch preparations.
Potfuls of baked gnocchi layered with "faux-sage" ragú and mozzarella cheese make for weeks worth of vegetarian comfort food dinners!
My version of Alice's banana muffins that are featured in the book What Alice Forgot, topped with Natures Path Dark Chocolate Macaroon Love Crunch.
Adapted from 125 Best Vegan Recipes, these are moist and perfectly sweet muffins peppered with chocolate-hazelnut crispy bites instead of chocolate chips.
After my local bulk food store stopped carrying their chocolate hazelnut crunch topping, I decided to make my own. It can't be simpler - or more addictive!
Banana Bread Buckwheat Granola is a delicious breakfast or snack filled with flavour, fibre and protein - all while being gluten free and vegan!
Why not have a healthy (er) Kinako Chocolate Chip Cookie for dessert tonight? These melt in your mouth cookies get a nutty flavour and hit of protein from kinako - toasted soy flour.
Adapted from Kyotofu
Caramel bits, chocolate chips and hemp seeds pack these whole-grain oatmeal cookies, creating treats so decadent you'll never realize they're made without butter, oil or eggs!
Strawberry-Lemon Marmalade is a bright burst of late Spring in a jar - and being made with Pomonas Pectin, it's a lower sugar, fruit-forward Toast Topper too
This spicy - sweet spread is made with homegrown habs and @dolecanadaofficial pineapple juice. It's low sugar too... And full of Island flavour!
Ruby-Rhubarb Marmalade is a treat for the lovers of the broiled fruit with sugar. The rhubarb keeps the mixture from being *too* sweet and adds a nice piquance to a spoonful.
Cherry-Vanilla Rhubarb Butter is sweet, luxuriously thick and a perfect marriage of tangy, fruity and floral flavours.
3 pounds of zucchini go into a BIG pot of this curry, along with marinated tofu, two types of potato and a Scotch Bonnet for heat.
Get out the milk, this is spicy!
While being relatively low fat, this gluten free loaf is insanely moist, with a texture similar to a partial whole wheat loaf and the perfect balance of cinnamon, ginger and allspice.
Gluten free honey garlic crackers are made with freshly ground black rice flour, potato flour and psyllium. Each bite is an explosion of garlic, honey and the earthiness of black rice.
A shot of cherry drink mix turns these white chocolate-studded cookies a vibrant pink.
Glittering and very lemony cookies are always a bright addition to the dessert table
Unassuming to the eye, this moist and tender spice loaf is packed with three - count them - THREE cups of shredded homegrown zucchini.
Adapted from http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-zucch
ini-bread-157748
It's an unusual combination: 70% cocoa chocolate, local honey and sour homegrown rhubarb, but I promise you the sweet-tart flavours willing have you licking the spoon!
yummysmellscaChocolate Hazelnut Beet Brownies are rich and decadent with a delicate worthiness and a wallop of nutty flavour. Perfect with a scoop of frozen yoghurt or a sprinkle of berries!
These Chocolate and Roasted Cherry Scones are gluten free, dairy free and full of Summer cherry flavour. Adapted from Brittany Angell's book Every Last Crumb
Between silky layers of milk chocolate is a protein and fiber filled peanut butter-maple cream. Decadent!
Two Protein Green Curry - a fantastic, spicy meal with chicken, tofu, loads of greens and homemade green curry paste. Rice or noodles is a must!
This 100% sourdough Pain Noir is stuffed with chocolate, pecans and dates and baked cloche style for an impossibly crispy crust. It is begging for a smear of jam!
Heavenly Jam is a unique mix of pineapple, strawberries and homegrown rhubarb. Sweet and tart, it's excellent on toast!
This dessert is a vanilla base (with custard powder) peppered with graham cracker crumbs, coconut and chocolate sprinkles. You'll never guess the secret ingredient!
A Garden Pasta Salad is a great way to get veggies and legumes into your diet, and even kids will gobble it up thanks to a lemon and Parmesan vinaigrette! Tasted and tested by my Grades 1-3 Home Economics class - kid approved!
A hybrid ice cream and frozen yogurt, made for my junior Home Economics class this week. How can you say no to cake batter and sprinkles?
Crunchy Olive and Rosemary Grissini are 100% dunkable treats packed with flavour from fresh rosemary, EVOO and sundried black olives. All this, and they're gluten free to boot!
Celebrating the Summer with gluten free and vegan Fudge Cookie Bites! Made with a strawberry-pear sauce (or applesauce) they are a great two-bite treat for adults and kids alike!
This Eastern European egg bread has a sourdough tang, and the potatoes lend it a moisture and body unlike “regular” challahs. It keeps fresh longer, but should any go stale, they make for excellent toasted sandwiches or bread puddings. It’s a great use for leftover potatoes and egg whites in the kitchen after the holidays too.
Summer heat brings out the juiciest peaches and the hottest peppers. The combination is fantastic - sweet and succulent with a present, but subtle heat in the background. This preserve makes a fantastic topper on a burger with old Cheddar, Swiss or even Gouda, and the original creator, Rebecca Lindamood, uses it to make a to-die-for sauce for chicken. I’d love to use it to top turkey meatloaf before baking as a glaze!
The standard strawberry rhubarb formula gets twisted with this version, which uses 100% fruit strawberry jam for convenience without loss of fresh fruit flavour. The filling gets added notes of vanilla, cinnamon and lemon balm for a true bakery wonder!
Spicy Chili Dipping Sauce for Potstickers. Just enough sweet and sour to accent the flames, and it even gets better with age.
Dakkous is an Arabian Style Tomato Sauce perfect for stirring into rice or couscous as well as serving with roasted meat.
Think of a spreadable Sweet Thai Chili sauce perfect for topping cream cheese bagels, baking into brie or stirring into a stir fry. It hurts so good!
This gluten free and vegan version of the traditional Portuguese "Rollitos de Vino Blanco" make great accompaniments to a glass of dessert wine after a rich dinner. The light anise flavour keeps things mild and helps digestion too!
Some odd but delicious and healthy ingredients with a long fermenting sourdough crumb make a history lesson you can REALLY chew on!
Jazz up your next meal with this fresh, oil-free harissa, made with a load of hot peppers, homegrown tomatoes and Ontario garlic.
Need to "catch up" to your tomatoes? Make a kid-friendly, totally dunkable ketchup! Monkeyface peppers have a fruity zing to them, like a mango kissed by a jalapeno. Substitute Hungarian wax or cubanelles if you can't get (or grow) monkeyface peppers
Spicy, tangy, sweet and divine! Adapted from https://minimalistbaker.com/jamaican-jerk-
grilled-eggplant-30-minutes
Fiery Thai chilies are buffered with sugar and concentrated apple cider and set with Clear Jel for a perfect dipping sauce anytime!
These gluten free and vegan Chewy Chocolate Chippers get an extra pop of texture from coarse sugar and kosher salt.
A slight re-jig of my Veganized Veggie Bake: http://www.yummysmells.ca/2008/09/wickedly
-wonderful-eggplant.html
A multigrain yeast dough is flavoured (and sweetened) with a dose of Seville Orange Fiordifrutta Organic Fruit Spread and filled with a luscious swirl of Nocciolata (an organic chocolate-hazelnut spread).
No bread should go wasted - this bread pudding is filled with the rich flavours of chocolate hazelnut spread and orange marmalade, heightened with the use of a blended-nut mylk and a sprinkle of chocolate chips
A flavour packed (and one pot!) chicken pasta salad made with Litehouse Avocado Dip and Barilla Gluten Free elbow pasta. Amazingly delicious - you'd never know it was gluten free!
The perfect balance of savoury, sweet, tangy and bitter, packed with umami and 100% from scratch. No roux, no prefab curry powder, and even gluten free to boot!
Adapted from http://thefirstmess.com/2014/06/12/kimberl
eys-vegan-banh-mi-with-portobellos-pic
kled-vegetable-slaw-recipe/
2.3
The Splendid Table's Cornbread, made with buttermilk infused with @adagioteas Vanilla Rooibos tea. Not super sweet but a great all purpose snack or side!
Tortilla Pie... Veggies, beans, ground chicken and whole grain tortillas stack up for a "burrito-cake" kids and adults love!
These deliciously crisp crackers are 100% gluten free and vegan, with the goodness of sweet potato too!
A topping of Nature's Path Organic Love Crunch® Dark Chocolate Macaroon cereal makes these secretly healthy, gluten free Jicamuffins decadent!
A slow roasted applesauce, along with homemade pumpkin and carrot purees, made up the base of these vegan spice muffins, which are crowned with cereal crunchies. The other secret? Cane sugar ginger ale!
These spiced sesame and date muffins have a secret ingredient... Turnip puree! Trust me - you'd never know, and they are to die for!
These delicious, crisp chocolate cookies filled with tart raspberry jam are a great pick me up midday, or as a treat after dinner.
This roasted chile salsa is packed with flavour that comes through the flames. Traditionally made with fish sauce, this vegetarian version uses “fish mint”, an herb with a remarkably fishy flavour. Served the traditional northern Thai way, it is usually eaten as a dipping sauce for with vegetables, pork cracklings, and sticky rice.
This simple, garlicky marinara is great for your favourite pasta, but my preferred way to eat it is over a bed of roasted cauliflower and grilled shrimp. By pressure canning the sauce you don't have to add acid, which throws off the flavour balance IMHO. Freeze and thaw your tomatoes for the ultimate concentration of flavour with less cook down time!
These spicy, soft and chewy cookies are crowned with raw sugar and are perfect for the lunchbox - you certainly can't tell there's anything healthy about them!
This hearty, tomato-based soup is elevated with the Italian flavours of roasted garlic, chickpeas and herbs, while a handful of chopped greens adds a pop of freshness.
Adapted from Bake Something Great, these fruit-filled bar cookies are an easier variation on the Fig Newton, and are whole grain and lower sugar to boot!
A springform pan is the perfect vessel for this giant, chewy, Snickers-filled chocolate cookie. A dusting of sugar on the top adds a little extra sweetness, since there's only 1/3 cup in the dough itself!
Piri piri sauce is a Portuguese twist on Tabasco, made with layers of flavour - chilies, garlic herbs and lemon all feature heavily. Often fish sauce is used as well; to keep things vegan I used fish mint, which provides the flavour without the animal products.
There's no shortage of lime flavour in these cakey bars! Tangy sour cream and the zest of four limes make a deliciously citrusy base, while custard powder adds just a hint of "key lime pie" element. A liberal drizzle of lime-infused glaze seals the deal!
Inspired by Home Baked by Yvette van Boven, this loaf is dense, hearty and packed with grainy goodness. It makes excellent toast and soaks up jam, but is moist enough to stand alone as well.
A teeny tiny batch of Blood Orange and Ginger Marmalade is great for Sunday brunch, and uses up the last two fruits in the bag!
With a 7 qt Kitchenaid on my counter, it rarely gets to show its true prowess. Well, a quadruple batch of hearty, 100% whole grain bread dough fit the bill perfectly! Pull out a ball at a time for perfect medium-sized loaves, or double up for a larger pan.
A pure white, lightning-fast icing perfect for piping as decoration on cakes and cupcakes. Feel free to add flavouring or colouring as needed!
This impressive twist on the gingerbread house features a sugar cookie base with gingerbread crumbs and sanding sugar for "dirt" and "grass", cake sparkles for "water" and both royal icing and melted chocolate for glue!
Dozens of these classic, bitter-sweet treats are as easy to make as meringue. Trust me, the wait is worth it - and the bittersweet (60-70%) chocolate coating makes these a grown up goodie!
Another yeastless bread, this time a sweet treat with Meyer lemon zest, topped with butter, roasted grapes and nasturtium-laced sugar!
Rosemary and Cabernet Salt top this yeast-free, lightning fast, whole wheat focaccia. A touch of sourdough starter adds a delicate tang as well.
These rich muffins get a hand up from chia seeds, aquafaba , heirloom beet puree and buttermillk. A touch of white chocolate chips on top are just for looks, and can be omitted if desired.
Braised Chicken Legs with Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions and Carrots. Hearty, wholesome and GREAT for perfuming the house! Adapted from The Food Lab
A Medieval style dessert! A touch of turmeric tints the pastry while a raspberry jam and honey glaze colours the pears with a decadent blush. Just wait until you discover the hidden heart of strawberry granola!
The quintessential comfort of French toast is embodied in it's casserole form - bread pudding. This recipe is the bare bones of the equation - from here, anything is possible!
Chicken and Black Bean Chili takes the "chill" out of a Winter night, providing just enough heat to toast you up without setting you on fire!
This tangy, lightly dressed salad of mixed lettuce (iceberg for crunch, romaine for classic flavour) and combined crab leg meat and surimi is the perfect meal for two. I don't like croutons or cheese, bu go for it if that's your thing.
Beer nut brittle is a fantastic microwave candy for holiday giving - and with a boost from vanilla stout, its definitely great for the party circuit!
These "faux-tune" cookies are easy, cheap and delicious... Not to mention 3x the size of your standard!
You can't go wrong with a sweet and tangy gluten free and vegan stir fry - packed with veggies, tofu and glass noodles!
This takes the term "beer nuts" to a whole new - and decadent - level! Choose your favourite stout beer, I used a "vanilla roast" one
A slightly spicy 4-cheese, roasted pepper and tomato sauce mixes with salsa, TVP granules and holiday-shaped pasta before being topped with panko and Daiya Pepperjack Shreds for extra kick! The sauce isnt #vegan but it could easily be made so with a vegan Parmesan added to plain tomato sauce instead of the 4 cheese blend I had in the pantry.
Beets add a fantastic colour, flavour and texture to this buckwheat kissed rye loaf. A sprinkle of honey roasted sunflower seeds adds sweet crunch.
Whether you prefer savoury, cheese and pepper topped puffs or elegant chantilly-filled swans, this basic choux paste makes just enough for a small group, and baked paste freezes like a dream!
Delicate, vanilla-scented tuiles are the perfect light ending to a rich meal, and when filled with a chocolate ganache or fudge filling, add a decadent option too.
A comforting bowl of tomato soup is oomphed up with roasted garlic, split peas, potato and a handful of Manchego cheese. Smoked spicy paprika and a hint of rosemary bring life to the party!
With a dark chocolate bulls-eye surrounded by orange, these cloud-like treats are a delicious light option for the holidays
These chewy, rich vegan cookies are sweetened only with homemade date paste and date syrup, and get an extra punch of protein from vegan protein powder as well as the protein-rich oats and hemp hearts. Yes please!
Swapping out some of the usual flour for nutty chestnut flour makes for an incredibly easy-to-use dough that results in a seriously delicious gingerbread. Look for it at Italian specialty shops, well-stocked gourmet shops, or order online at amazon.ca.
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Adapted from Christopher St. Onge via the LCBO Holiday 2016 magazine.
These gluten free, vegan herbed "butter" crackers are crisp, rich tasting and perfect as a light snack
Fresh and sundried tomatoes combine with a dash of balsamic, a hit of roasted garlic and a pop of fresh basil to make a perfect appetizer (in our case, endive cups) at a party.
With all the flavours of the southern classic, in a crunchy dunker! Adapted from http://www.adashofsanity.com/2014/02/red-v
elvet-biscotti/
Hard candy, made opaque with white food colouring and tinted with a bottle of gel dye, gives these baby apples a "painted" appearance. Just remember not to bite - unless you want broken teeth!
A touch of walnut oil, minced walnuts and chopped fine chocolate adds a "grownup" feel to these cookies. The secret to their chewy richness is actually in the combination of custard powder and - shhh - mayonnaise!
Adapted from a KAF recipe, this loaf is packed with almonds, cashews, diced pear and raisins soaked in Grand Marnier.
A brittle, glass-like hard candy packed withlicoricey anise flavour and topped with a sprinkle of aniseeds
Four varieties of the sweet, springy green vegetable are stir fried with tofu, green beans, cashews and gnocchi and bathed in a delicious hoisin-ginger-garlic sauce.
This recipe is SO quick and simple that you'll be making it all the time - light and bubbly honeycomb-esque toffee enrobing salty chickpeas makes a great snack anytime, and it's 100% school safe too!
Almonds, dark chocolate chips, cranberries and caramel bits meld together with spelt flour, kinako and aquafaba for an eggless, crunchy dunker!
This light on the palate, yet stick to your ribs, soup is dead simple to throw together, and extra cheap if you use leftover meat, broth and veggies from the holidays!
A hearty, nut-filled trail mix and a good glug of half-and-half cream definitely earn this low-sugar quickbread "dessert" status. Served with a strong cup of tea, you don't need frosting to indulge!
A bowl of this hearty, homemade borscht is the perfect accompaniment to a hunk of crusty bread! Filled with homegrown beets and herbs, red cabbage, schmaltz-caramelized onions and homemade gnocchi (in place of plain potato dumplings), it is filling enough for the coldest of winter days!
If there's one thing I like as much as mustard, it's sweet relish! This relish is full of the usual suspects - cucumbers, peppers and vinegar, but it gets an extra shot of veggies with zucchini. Adapted from The Canning Kitchen.
Stirring in chopped chocolate candy bars and crushed potato chips is just ONE of the killer secrets hiding in these chewy two bite cookies. You'll have to stay tuned for the rest!
Perfect for grilling, topping roasted veggies, or stirring into stir fry, this versatile sauce packs a flavour punch wrapped up in a sweet and savoury package.
Pizza night will never be the same after tasting your own homemade pizza sauce!
A not-too-sweet, smooth filling of dates and pure pumpkin is the perfect buffer for the oatmeal cookie-like crumble crust. The addition of kinako (soy flour) adds a hint of nuttiness and extra protein as well.
My mom adores cranberry-blueberry bran anything, so when she was in need of some bready sustenance I whipped up a batch of bagels in the theme! You will definitely need a strong standing mixer for these suckers, though - my 7 qt KA Professional was a godsend
A"maize"ing Sweet and Spicy Corn Bread ready to serve! Who wants a piece (or 3?) Sooooo good AND low fat too!
Don't, under any circumstances, lean close to the food processor bowl while making this - your eyes will thank you! After aging a week or so in it's vinegar brine, this is a delicious, zippy condiment perfect for your next roast beef or cheese sauce.
This moist, lightly sweet loaf cake only has 3 tbsp of butter but tastes like a full stick!
Rum soaked gumdrops, raisins and dried cranberries stud these moist loaf cakes with a delicate background of coconut flavour.
A sweet and spicy mixture of flavourings infuse Basmati rice and raisins for a delicious and exotic dinner side.
A squiggle of royal icing is the perfect topper for these whole grain biscotti with an authentic "old fashioned doughnut and a coffee" flavour.
Adapted from http://www.cookiemadness.net/2011/04/small
-batch-butterscotch-whole-wheat-biscotti/
Sweet heat! homegrown habanero peppers and apple juice make a killer pepper jelly with less sugar thanks to Pomona’s Pectin.
We love our hearty loaves here, and this molasses-sweetened, whole grain loaf is no exception! With a little tang of sourdough and a little crunch from buckwheat kernels, its a great way to start the morning!
I couldn't wait to see what my home-rendered tallow would be like in baking (other than biscuits, which were DIVINE). These cookies perfectly blend sweet chocolate and graham crackers with the semi-savoury peanut butter and tallow, making chewy, grabbable treats for after school snacking!
This was definitely a sleeper hit! Nutty kinako and whole wheat flours get an extra boost of protein (and structure) from vital wheat gluten and Greek yogurt. A big handful of plump raisins pair beautifully with the spices too.
Sun-ripened tomato, minced garlic, two types of basil (Globe, pictured, and Emerald Wine), lemon balm and thyme combine with balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt before stirring into sizzling sauteed gnocchi.
This fruity, protein enhanced granola has no added fat thanks to my Blueberry Beet Butter and is packed with both Golden Grahams and dried blueberries!
This sweet, spreadable fruit is laced with beets for an added element of interest - if you don't tell anyone they'll never guess it!
No vole in the world will stop me from making these ultimately squidgy, vegan brownies packed with homegrown beets, beet green powder and buckwheat flour!
The squidginess of a perfect brownie (beet or otherwise) lies in 1. not overbaking and 2. placing the pan directly in the freezer from the oven for 30 minutes, then removing it and bringing it to room temp. Now you know!
These sunny yellow cookies are made with lemon balm infused sugar, fresh lemon balm, a strawberry lemonade powder mix and lots of lemon zest!
The Spiralizer puts a new twist on traditional Japanese sunomono - a light and refreshing vegan cucumber salad perfect for Summer!
This coating / breading flour mix is not just great for chicken - try it on pork chops, potato wedges... even shrimp! It's filled with twelve herbs and spices, but tastes almost identical to the fried chicken joint!
A perfectly tangy mix-in-a-jar recipe that is simple to whip up en masse and makes for a perfect housewarming (or Father's Day) gift!
The goodness of fresh cilantro, garlic, lemon balm and lime finds a home with roasted peppers, tomatoes, Egyptian onion and a good hit of lime in this delectable condiment. Tortilla chips optional - carrot "planks" are equally awesome!
My Italian stepfamily doesn't cook much, and one of the things they always lament is good, fluffy gnocchi. This is way better than anything you'll find in the store! The secret is adding a mixture of potato starch and baking powder - one binds without making the works "doughy" and tough, while the other ensures they puff with the heat of boiling water or a sizzling pan. Makes a lot, but freezes like a dream!
Almost as good, and way easier, than the classic RL type, these spelt-flour scones are filled with shredded old Cheddar, fresh chives and a hint of spice.
Caramel lovers will rejoice when they bite into one of these tender, fluffy scones. Packed with caramel sauce, caramel extract and caramel sprinkles, there's no escaping the decadence!
Georgian flavours abound in this sweet, crunchy granola - from Peach Peel Butter and "Peach Cobbler" Dessert Topping to pecans, coconut and a hint of white chocolate. You'll almost forget its packed with fibre and even has some protein!
A touch of powdered sugar mixed into these whipped egg whites makes for a lovely marshmallowy interior while keeping a crisp shell.
Dad and I ADORE the sweet and salty combination of peanut butter and honey with the sticky caramelized notes of banana. This granola is everything the sandwich is, in portable, snackable form!
Fresh mangoes and raspberries are sweetly perfumed with honey ginger tea and lemon balm for a decadent, slightly chunky spread for your morning toast.
If you're as big a fan of Cinnabon as I am, but want a little more portability for your craving, these crunchy, spicy-sweet pretzels are the ticket!
Gluten free, these coconut and cornflour butter cookies are melt-in-your-mouth while maintaining the slightest bit of texture from the ground maize. They're a hit with kids (and kids at heart) alike!
This rich-tasting dessert topping has all the flavours of a down-home cobbler, without the crust! I personally like this over a shortcake biscuit or stirred into plain yogurt.
How do you jazz up not-quite-ripe peaches? Roast and turn them into a decadent, sticky jam laced with vanilla and cardamom!
Packed with veggies, lean protein and spice, this curry is perfect for eating on its own or spooning onto a bed of sticky rice. This freezes and reheats well.
A whole, prime-grade chicken is broken into parts and oven braised in a spicy-sweet sauce reminiscent of mole. Finished with roasted red peppers and home-grown beet greens and served with rice, it is a hearty, wholesome dinner that's excellent the next day too!
Raisiny sweetness from dried tomatoes and ancho peppers is a fabulous veneer for the sneaky flame from homegrown habanero and green chilies!
Homegrown chiles and herbs make up the bulk of this seriously spicy paste - including "fish mint" for a vegan fish sauce flavour, lemon balm to enhance the lemongrass and Egyptian onion for a shallot-scallion flavour!
If you're a fan of brownie edges, you'll love these thin, perfectly crisp-chewy pieces of chocolate Heaven!
These cookies are vegan thanks to soy cream cheese, earth balance and homemade egg replacer - not to mention accidentally vegan gummies!
Believe it or not, silken tofu, along with a few key seasonings and a touch of tapioca flour makes a delicious, rich-tasting vegan omelette! Packing the "batter" with deliciously garlicky, yet mild, garlic scapes and dusting with vegan Parmesan gives this a fancier flair
Maple-infused butter and home-dried wild blueberries add a Canadian flavour to this protein-enriched loaf. A handful of toasted pecans add extra decadence and a light crunch!
AKA Whole Wheat Banana Sourdough. An overnight rise and multiple stretch-and-folds allows this hearty, mashed banana and cashew-butter enriched dough to strengthen and shape nicely. It's not a large or beautiful loaf, but dang if it's not delicious!
Rich coconut milk laces a (more or less) traditional rice pudding that is scented with cardamom, cinnamon and saffron. Dates and raisins add sweet bursts that melt in your mouth.
These vegan bars are like squares of indulgent banana bread - you'd never suspect the oats and whole wheat!
A simple combination of raspberries, blueberries, reduced apple juice and chia seeds makes for an unusual, yet no less delicious, Toast Topper.
Easy to whip up thanks to a sugar with added pectin, this jam (made with local strawberries and backyard rhubarb) has the added pop of homegrown nasturtium blossoms and white pepper for interest!
This pie brings the glorious flavours of Summer country living home, without fiddling with cooking a pie filling or hulling a gazillion strawberries! I was given a jar of luscious strawberry preserves as a gift, and with a ton of rhubarb in the garden, it only took a quick minute to whip up a spelt-flour pie crust and lattice to hold the works!
Adapted from Vegan DIY and http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2008/06/2
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Pictures don't do this Pasta-touille justice. TONS of vegetables, lentils, pasta and a teeny bit of skinless chicken breast is laced with chevre and fresh mozzarella cheese before baking to glorious perfection. Come hungry!
These gluten free, egg free, nut free and yeast free date rolls have no refined sugar - the filling is all sweet and sticky fruit! If you love date squares, these are for you!
Filled with carrots, zucchini, broccoli, onion and sweet potato, these noodles are gluten free, vegan and packed with flavour thanks to Barilla Gluten Free spaghetti and San-J Orange Sauce! I love black soybean tofu, but use what you have :-)
Ground chufa nuts (tigernuts) add a sweet and earthy note to these gluten free, vegan cookies, while chopped ones add texture. The surprising bit? They're not nuts at all - so allergy sufferers can indulge too!
This hearty "cookie for one" is gluten free, refined sugar free and vegan, not to mention being made with whole grain brown rice and teff flours! Perfect for when you need or want a "safe" snack on the go.
A touch of Grand Marnier amps up the chocolate flavour in this thin sauce. Makes *excellent* cocktails (or chocolate milk!)
Tender and moist from cream cheese and my signature Scented Cinnamon Honey Butter, these get extra richness from buttery Kamut flour, butter extract and butterscotch schnapps! A dose of Aquafaba keeps things egg free too, and rolling them in crushed cinnamon cereal adds an unexpected layer of texture.
Summer-fresh corn and local plums fit perfectly into this moist, tender tea-time cake. It needs no adornment, but a scoop of ice cream ever hurt!
Moist, healthy and delicious bran muffins - makes a HUGE batch of batter perfect for customizing and baking for the office, or freezing for fresh-baked taste anytime!
A gluten free pale ale is the secret ingredient in this home-grown tomato sauce, filled with roasted garlic and a hint of lemon pepper for zip.
Gluten free and (almost) vegan, these crisp cookies are made with a rich-tasting blend of whole grain flours and ground flax for extra nuttiness. Sweetened with decadent honey and molasses, they're delicious on their own, in s'mores(!) and absolutely perfect for making crumbs!
With a base sweetened only with vegan caramel sauce, this coffee cake is reminiscent of an old fashioned doughnut in flavour while being 100% whole grain. Topped with a decadent streusel, it can be dessert, breakfast or a teatime treat.
A Moroccan - inspired coiled brioche dough made with a cinnamon, honey and orange-blossom water butter is filled with a swirl of honeyed cranberries and pecans.
A soft and tender cake filled with exotic spice and partially bound with aquafaba in place of eggs. Delicious with a cup of tea!
Aquafaba (liquid that comes with canned chickpeas and other beans) whips up perfectly into light and fluffy meringue - perfect for light-as air, fat free cookies. It is even easier than using egg whites, and no allergy issues to contend with either!
Packed with garlic, onions, carrots, sorghum grain and a killer masala of rich, heady spices, this beany soup is a hearty, healthy excuse to eat a bowl of hummus for dinner.
My mom's birthday cake this year was a double chocolate sour cream cheesecake with a pureed cherry swirl. Rather than a crumb crust base, I baked a chocolate and port-soaked cherry cookie, which provided a bit more sturdiness when serving. For presentation, I ringed the bottom with dark Belgian chocolate wafers and topped the whole lot off with chocolate covered cherries!
Harcha is a Moroccan flatbread made with semolina (and occasionally cornmeal as in my version), milk and oil. Mine is a dessert variation with vanilla and is served with an orange blossom water, cinnamon and honey butter on top.
Serve with Harcha (Moroccan crumpets), spread on toast or bake into bread dough for a great punch of flavour!
Pureed roasted carrot teams up with large flake oats, raisins, cinnamon and ginger to make bite sized, chewy drop cookies perfect for Peter Cottontail! Adapted from our MLCP "vintage" recipe.
A sweet, creamy, double-chocolate frosting made just a little bit healthier with pureed cannellini beans! The resulting mixture is thick and perfect for filling or frosting, but don't skip the chill time!
All the richness of French vanilla finds itself in this drop-dead simple, vegan frosting. The custard powder and nutmeg up the ante and help stabilize everything, but this is very much a "keep refrigerated" item!
Super-colourful, moist and tender cupcakes are vanilla to the max - all while staying vegan and higher in fibre! A whisper of nutmeg adds a touch of elegance and "old fashioned" flavour.
Gluten and dairy free Hot Cross Buns are packed with raisins, currants, craisins and candied fruit along with sweet, warming spices. Drizzled with honey right out of the oven, I can't even begin to explain how DELICIOUS these are!
Deliciously crunchy breadsticks are perfect for an appetizer or accompaniment to a Mediterranean dinner. Packed with the bright flavours of fresh rosemary and Kalamata olives, they can stand alone or pair beautifully with dips like baba ghanoush or hummus. Top them with fresh Parmesan for an extra gourmet twist!
Enjoy a tray of the gingeriest ginger cookies ever! These are packed with ground ginger and TWO hits of fresh (grated and chopped), then rolled in instant ginger-infused honey granules.
Arrowroot starch takes the place of traditional pectin in this adults-only jam! Adapted from Miyoko Schinner's book The Homemade Vegan Pantry, I added some dried currants to a currant juice for extra oomph and used a smooth, "Doppio Passo" wine for a semi-sweet elegance.
Homemade whole milk ricotta, almond milk and a Doppio Passo Primitivo wine combine into a perfect cocoa-laden batter, perfect for cradling a Hershey's Kiss centre. The moisture and tender crumb will make you forget they're over half whole wheat and egg free!
These jars of spicy, sweet apples crusted in a (butter free) brown sugar oat topping are proof that a good wine can make anything better!
Adapted from Vegetarian Comfort, this pot of veggies and tofu is perfectly spicy without blowing your head off, and creamy without being too rich or heavy.
Persimmons and pumpkin combine in this smooth spread to make a deceivingly clever ketchup clone - the perfect balance of sweet tangy and thick, gluten, egg, dairy, refined sugar and tomato free! Adapted heavily from http://www.foodanddrink.ca/lcbo-ear/Recipe
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Cooking up a healthy Toast Topper with fresh fruit, coconut water and chia seeds is super easy thanks to No-Sugar Needed Pectin and the gelling properties of chia - you won't miss the refined sugar either, thanks to the sweet fruit!
Garlic and Herb Breadsticks anyone? These treats are packed with garlic - both in the gluten free, vegan dough and in the infused oil brushed on risen sticks before baking. Vampires beware!
Chocolate comes in four forms here - cocoa, cacao nibs, chocolate candy peanuts and chocolate chips! Sour cream and chia seeds turn this gluten free, eggless loaf cake into almost baked fudge in consistency, while quinoa flour and candy-coated peanuts add a rich nuttiness.
Carrot-Zucchini-Apple Muffin for breakfast, anyone? Don't be fooled by all the nutritious ingredients like white whole wheat flour, fruits, vegetables and homemade yogurt - these are packed with decadent chocolate flavour and even a brownie like sugar "crust" on top!
These flavour-packed hand pies are economical and a great way to get more soy into your diet. The filling itself is 100% vegan and dosed with allspice, thyme, curry powder and cayenne, and is perfect over rice or in a tortilla if you don't want to fuss with the flaky tallow pastry (or want to keep things 100% meatless).
These gigantic, gluten free cookies are a meal in themselves - packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre and healthy fats, with only a little natural sweetener along with the granola. Grab one to eat after your sunrise bootcamp before work or school and stay full and energized till lunch!
Use this to help provide sweetness and moisture to lower sugar or fat baked treats! Great in granola bars too
Gluten free protein bars get a boost of nutrition from pumpkin and carrots and a decadent crunch from Nature's Path Gluten Free Fruit and Nut Granola
Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding topped with Nature’s Path Organic Fruit & Nut Granola? Yes please!
Why have granola BARS when you can make granola PUCKS? A full box of Nature's Path Chia Plus Coconut Chia Granola packs into these delicious, portable breakfasts, with lots of hone-roasted pumpkin and dried mango too!
A sweet, salty and crunchy combination of @naturespathorganic cereals, roasted chickpeas and soybeans, home-dried fruit and dark chocolate make this single-serving on-the-go snack a great addition to the day!
This slightly sweet, dark rye loaf is packed with hearty flax cereal flakes and an organic granola for a hint of crunch and extra flavour! Toasted with a smear of cream cheese or almond butter, it's a hearty, healthy way to start the day!
These spelt-flour muffins get tons of chocolatey goodness from cocoa, cookie bits and a chopped malt chocolate bar! A combination of coffee, milk and sweetened condensed milk add to the decadence!
Fire roasted tomatoes team up with fresh Egyptian onions, cilantro, garlic scapes and bell peppers in this easy dip, spiced with smoked salt and chipotle, guajillo and ancho chiles. A touch of cumin adds a balanced depth and cuts the fire a bit!
An unusual combination of shredded apples, cooked millet and brown rice is bound with egg whites and the merest touch of brown rice flour for these dense but decadent squares. A handful of rum-soaked raisins add just the right amount of "grown up" decadence!
Adapted from tiaskitchen.com/gluten-free-vegan-applesau
ce-cake/ this loaf cake is lower in sugar (thanks to stevia) and packed with spicy notes of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. Adding a handful of diced, dried apples brought textural contrast and plays well with the moist, tender crumb.
With caramel sauce, caramel sprinkles and rich, toasted nuts and a hint of banana flour, this banana loaf needs no oil or butter to taste decadent!
This hearty, wholesome loaf is packed with seeds and grains and baked hearth-style on a baking stone for a dense, dark crust. Enjoy a chunk with a bowl of soup or alongside a rustic pasta dish.
Leftover Challah bread soaks up a rich cocoa-infused custard before being topped off with chopped chocolate and baked to delicious, almost brownie-like perfection. The only thing that would make it better is a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Red wine chocolate fudge sauce anyone? Rich bittersweet and premium milk chocolates mix with reduced red wine, Cabernet salt and a dot of butter for a rich, velvety addition to your next "grown up" sundae!
Who knew my grandma had such a taste for alcohol? This is a super-high-test fruitcake, combining 6 different dried fruits and 4 types of alcohol in a super-saturated mixture, spicing it up a ton of ways and baking it low and slow for over two hours. It’s a good thing it was designed for mini-loaf pans, since even with my few alterations to grandma’s original recipe (reducing the eggs and modifying the fats) it is a RICH recipe!
My mom is a huge fan of key lime anything, and one year while in Florida we came across a lime jam that was to die for. This is my rendition - a lower-sugar, bright jam with all the flavours of Key Lime Pie, set with Pomona's Pectin and put up for months of enjoying!
This nut-free, chunky granola is packed with spices and nutty grains, whick soak up the flavours of the pumpkin puree and apple butter. Try some in your next parfait!
If you love the flavours of sticky toffee pudding, this is the granola for you! Packed with fibre, protein and natural sweetness, it's a great start for you morning
Lots of dark, rich rye flour and a flavourful lager make this crusty boule something to talk about! Try it smeared with cream cheese or layered with spicy meats for a hearty, rustic lunch.
Made some of the best-tasting (no) meat pies in town today with TVP (soaked in "unbeef" broth, tamari and red wine) mixed with the traditional herbs and spices, grated potatoes and onion. Made into "pot pies" instead of the usual large tart, they're the perfect hearty, healthy(ish) meal for one or two this holiday season.
These crisp cookie sticks are gluten, egg, nut, refined sugar, soy and corn free - and have a glug of Butterscotch Schnapps for good measure!
One of this year's holiday granola giftss, this gluten- soy- corn- free and vegan cereal is packed with date puree, almond butter, millet, buckwheat, quinoa flakes, amaranth and teff. Coconut and almonds add just the right amount of extra "yum" and crunch!
A dead-simple, garlicky fresh-herb compound butter smears whole grain baguette slabs before being grilled to ooey, gooey perfection. You can't ask for a more delicious Argentine-inspired appetizer!
Adapted from Joanne Fluke’s Lake Eden Cook Book, I used dried pineapple in these soft, biscuit-like cookies along with the crushed, Truvia for half the sugar, silken tofu for the eggs and both coconut and whole wheat flours for a rich nutty taste.
The sneak addition of butterscotch pudding mix in these spiced cut out cookies lends a decadent flavour and a tenderness that is unparalleled by any other gingerbread I've found!
These gluten free, vegan brownies get a ton of nutty flavour from black sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil, and a fudgy, "buttery" texture from pureed Tongues of Fire beans. With just a touch of coconut sugar, agave and stevia to sweeten, it's a refined-sugar-free treat too!
Inspired (and mostly governed) by the Poires Belle Hélène recipe in Camilla Wynne's book Preservation Society Home Preserves, lightly cooked Asian pears are swathed in rich, dark cocoa, Demerara sugar and a kiss of Grand Marnier. A spoonful of fruit and syrup topped with ice cream is a decadent, yet lighter, dessert any night of the week!
LOTS of vanilla bean flavour fills these tender slice-and-bake cookies, thanks to vanilla sugar, vanilla seeds, vanilla extract and of course the Vanilla Bean Nordica Smooth Cottage Cheese I had to review! They make divine sandwiches with homemade Gianduja Crème Filling, and you can slice off just as many as you need at a time!
A pinch of black pepper and toasted sesame seeds add just the right amount of savoury flavour to these rich, dark chocolate biscotti. Truvia's baking blend cuts down on the sugar while keeping the sweetness of the season!
Roasted, pureed pumpkin added a burst of golden colour (not to mention immune-boosting vitamins) to the hearty, oat flour and flaxseed batter, which (thanks to the use of flax milk) is also dairy free. For extra "pumpkin pie-ness" I tossed in a dash of homemade pumpkin pie spice. Want extra decadence? Top the stacks off with a compote made of late-harvest apples, maple syrup, cinnamon and ginger!
This hearty soup is packed with all sorts of goodness - Tongues of Fire beans, kale, garlic, corn, sweet potatoes, onions and home roasted tomatoes. Spiced up with a slew of different peppers and finished with a grain and legume "Aztec Blend", you won't be left hungry after a bowl!
Using a touch of white whole wheat flour and inulin powder along with the standard bread flour in these crusty loaves adds a little extra nutrition - perfect for the "white-bread" addicts out there!
Adapted from a somewhat flawed recipe in the 125 Best Chocolate Chip Recipes cookbook, these pack orange punch with zest and juice, as well as three chocolate "textures" - mini chips, jumbo chips and chopped
4 Habaneros, 1 Hatch chili, and a bunch of white and Egyptian onions combine with garlic scapes, garlic cloves and only a cup of shredded carrots and two mangoes to temper the flame! Good thing there's a shot of rum for good measure - you'll need it!
I whipped up this lightly cheesy, savoury, veggie laden pasta and chicken one-pot dish for a friend who could use a bit of a pick me up. She has a family of 6 at home, but this meal will more than satisfy any appetite (and the veggies are even somewhat hidden!).
A rich, butterscotchy apple filling swirls through this whole grain loaf, spiced delicately with nutmeg for an almost "apple fritter" like crumb. Breakfast will never be the same!
I was faced with a rather gratuitous amount of homemade buttercream left over from school, and rather than freeze it all I scooped a few cups of it into a bowl with cocoa, flour, an egg and all the dregs in my pantry to create these rich, moreish treats! Adapted from http://angrybakery.com/cookies/drop-cookie
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AKA the International Bread of Mystery - nigella seeds with Indian flavours, black sesame seeds originating in Africa, Mediterranean thyme and rosemary, South American potatoes and 100% Canadian wheat and rye team up with my backyard wild yeast in this multi-step, slow rising boule. The wait is more than worth it!
Adapted slightly from Brown Eggs and Jam Jars by Aimée Wimbush-Bourque, this sauce combines the sweetness of roasted, fresh peaches with Vidalia onions and exotic black garlic. A touch of smoked paprika adds true BBQ nuances too!
A combination of semi-exotic, yet familiar flavours really sing in this low sugar jam, highlighted by a hint of coconut and lime.
While this recipe is "quick" to get into the jars, don't let the name fool you - they're at their peak after a week in the fridge! Everyone who's had a taste has raved about them, though - I had to make 3 batches for one fan!
One of my co-workers has an intense love for the spicy pickled green beans you can buy at the grocery store. As a gift, I took some of my home-grown beans and hot peppers and whipped up a batch myself! Canned in a quart jar, it's a gorgeous and delicious addition to any gift basket.
There's nothing more Autumnal than this spicy-sweet yeast bread! The whole wheat dough is packed with homemade pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, while unsweetened apple butter weaves a luxurious ribbon through the centre. Toasted or straight up, it's a breakfast worth waking up for.
Thanks to my take on Cara Reed's GF Flour Blend, whipping up a batch of these moist, sweet and deceptively simple muffins is a breeze! Topping them with quinoa flakes and raw sugar adds a touch of pizazz, but is totally optional.
A great flour blend for quick breads and muffins, adapted slightly from Cara Reed
Adapted from 125 Best Vegan Recipes, this hearty and wholesome soup is filled with brown rice rotini, red lentils, nutritional yeast and home-roasted tomatoes from the Summer, while red wine vinegar and Cabernet-infused sea salt add another layer of elegance.
I made this riff on Chocolate Covered Katie's Cookie Dough Dip more grain-packed with oats, lower sugar with Truvia's new Brown Sugar Blend and nut free thanks to WowButter! It truly tastes like the best part of making cookies - licking the spoon!
This bread basically came about via me dumping the dregs of my grain bins into a multigrain, semi-enriched dough and letting it go crazy. I originally made one loaf with sweet, home-dried cranberries, cherries and blueberries, and left the other one au naturale, but wrote the recipe with the fruit amounts for two loaves
Adapted from Healthy Sweet Eats, these are super-healthy treats made with a base of banana, coconut and tigernut flour. Coated in stevia sweetened bittersweet chocolate they are little bites of Heaven you can indulge in without guilt!
Dark brown sugar and amber agave nectar give a rich depth to this spread, while a whisper of spice while a dash of both caramel and butter flavourings elevate it to the next level
Adapted from Global News, these oatmeal, almond and raspberry bars get an unexpected hit of nutrition (and extra nutty flavour) from pureed lentils - you'd never know they were there!
What do you do when you find a package of leftover roasted chicken from the holidays in your freezer? I mixed in some Asian BBQ Sauce from San J along with a few extra flavour enhancers (hello, red onions!), marinated it overnight and then cooked it low and slow in the oven until the meat was back to falling-apart tenderness. With just enough sauce remaining for sloppy sandwiches or perfect rice bowls, all you need is some sauteed broccoli to complete a healthy, flavour packed meal.
After discovering a bag of chopped steak and leftover Harvest Ragoût in the freezer, I knew I had the makings of a delicious, hearty soup on my hands! A little beef broth, red wine and Israeli couscous filled out the body while fresh-from-the-garden herbs livened up the flavours.
I spent two hours picking wild raspberries (and black raspberries) out in Prince Edward County and what I couldn't eat right away I wanted to savour - enter this lightly flavoured syrup and a quick waterbath process! These are delicious on ice cream, yogurt or pound cake.
I added a little bit of home-rendered, organically-sourced tallow and some tangy cream cheese to my standard tofu-based chocolate chip cookie recipe, packing in a ton of chocolate candy for good measure and using half oat flour for a velvety, chewy-soft texture. There is just the *tiniest* hint of savoury flavour that makes these truly stand out!
My Casa children at Summer Camp weren't left out of the fun associated with pizza making, helping to make the sauce with fresh herbs and sprinkling the mozzarella onto the sourdough and whole wheat crust I made at home. Can you ASK for a better lunch?
A slight adaptation From King Arthur Flour, this uses the "toss off" from your sourdough starter to add a delicious tang and artisan feel to the dough, helped by semolina and a rich, fruity olive oil. Whole wheat flour, garlic and oregano round out the ingredients for a flavour packed pizza night base!
I played into my Métis heritage and chose to make this Summery, not too sweet Blueberry Bannock Bread for the "Canada" portion of "food from around the world " week at Summer Camp.
When you top a honey-wheat crust with honeyed cream cheese, 100% fruit strawberry jam, strawberry "pepperoni ", mint "basil" and a dash of icing sugar "Parmesan", how can you resist a slice?
In my research for "food around the world" week at school, I discovered that the dish we know commonly as "bread pudding" originated in Belgium, not the UK as I thought! This version is dairy free, since some kids were allergic, but it's delicious just the same and freezes beautifully too!
This vegan cake was a MAJOR hit at work - and given the hefty amount of graham cracker streusel in and on the moist snack cake it's easy to see why! This batch got amped up even more with a layer of dried bananas in the middle - flavour to the max!
Tangy rhubarb highlights the sweetness of seasonal blueberries and local honey in this simple jam. The edible gold makes for a truly spectacular gift!
You'd never guess these protein and fibre packed, low fat, banana bread-like bars were anything but delicious - but thanks to toasted soy flour and vital wheat gluten you can have your snack and eat it too!
The joy of this chunky and lightly spicy soup came from being able to clean our (overburdened) fridge and freezer out of corn stock, leftover chicken, roasted tomatoes, acorn squash, carrots and peppers. A whole grain and legume blend added just enough graininess for a full meal deal that made perfect lunches at work.
Sweet, tangy and packed with garden goodness, this perfect topper for grilled meat, saffron rice or even samosas has hints of exotic pomegranate, amchur, nigella seeds and figs along with earthy beets and tart rhubarb.
Toasted soy flour adds a hit of protein to this wholegrain loaf. Crunchy granola and a 4-grain cereal blend add texture and even more flavour to the cream-tenderized crumb, while the twisted shape adds visual appeal.
These banana bars are packed with goodness (and good flavour) - oats, brown sugar and luxurious melted butter combine into an almost butter-tart taste perfect for embracing the raisins. Mashed bananas add extra sweetness and moisture too, making these eggless bars perfect for every age!
A little touch of sourdough and a handful of dried cranberries add a tang to the nutty mixture of grains in this loaf. I added a touch of sweetness with almond-flavoured stevia and maple sugar, as well as a darker colour with cocoa too. Mom LOVES it! Adapted from Secrets of a Jewish Baker
This recipe is really one of those "everybody in the pool" deals - a slew and a half of vegetables and a hefty dose of tofu cook in fragrant sesame oil before meeting a glaze of orange-teriyaki flavour. Toss in a handful of sesame seeds if you have them too!
An oil-based, partial spelt pastry envelops a combination of blueberries, goji berries and berry jam thickened with a touch of graham cracker crumbs. It's the best poptart around!
Eggless, lower sugar and made with whole spelt flour, these chewy bars adapted from Vegan Chocolate are a perfect coffee-break addition!
It's hard to go wrong when you capitalize on the flavour of peak-season peaches, and thanks to my local orchard selling IQF bags of them year round I can make this low-sugar, small batch of sunshine anytime I choose!
Orange and teriyaki flavours team up in this vegetable and tofu concoction. It makes lots of sauce, perfect for pouring over rice or noodles!
Adapted from the Dehydrator Bible, this recipe infuses thinly sliced tofu with a sweet, savoury and slightly spicy marinade before dehydrating it to chewy, easy to store strips. Store in the fridge or freezer for longest shelf life, since tofu contains fat it can still go rancid even when dried!
I had a KAF recipe for yeasted crackers, which yielded a result that was more "biscuit" than "cracker" but still delicious. It pairs perfectly with my Brilliant Bean Dip too!
This light, tender and perfectly toastable loaf is packed with a fruit and nut trail mix - and the secret ingredient, zucchini! Why not get your vegetables every chance you can?
A few "secret" ingredients are my keys to making this lightning-fast pasta sauce taste like it's simmered all day! This is smooth and meat-free, but add what you (and your family) adore!
With such few ingredients and a great opportunity to make a mess, fresh pasta is a perfect opportunity to get kids into the kitchen! My grade 1-3 class loved everything from mixing to kneading to rolling and cutting, and gobbled it up!
With only a spoonful of chia seeds, this jam is ready to go - since I was making this with grade 1-3 children, I had to add some sugar, but if you love the taste of sweet-tart raspberries you can leave it out without any problems!
What started as a fruit-juice and honey lollipop recipe quickly turned into "dropped" hard candies when I didn't have any sticks - but that just makes them easier to eat!
These make for a great (if unusual) breakfast - especially if you need to eat your greens! The chickpea flour adds a great nutty taste and extra protein and fibre to the mix
This fat free, spicy bean dip is absolutely delicious and fat free - not to mention a great addition to picnics, potlucks and Tuesday taco nights.
This vegan biscotti is not lacking in caramel flavour at all - a full 3/4 cup of vegan caramel sauce sweetens the Kamut flour dough, while flaxseeds add a touch of extra binding power. Topped with slivered almonds they're a great addition to a mug of dark roast coffee.
These vegan and wholegrain cookies are crispy on the outside, tender inside, with an exotic sweet tang from blood orange zest and juice. Dark chocolate chunks just enhance the pot that much more!
A chocolate and coconut graham crust holding a thick, chunky strawberry filling is hidden by a pillow of meringue, just kissed by enough flame to turn golden and marshmallowy. It's a perfect Spring-Summer celebration!
Whether you're a 5AM gym rat, shuttling the kids to dance-soccer-piano-karate or simply needing a sweet, nutritious protein and energy boost mid afternoon, these slightly crispy, slightly chewy chocolate chunk cookies fit the bill!
Filled with homemade pumpkin puree and shredded coconut, these slightly spiced, crunchy cookies are perfect for your next hot beverage break - regardless if you choose tea, coffee (try a pumpkin spice flavoured one!) or apple cider!
Who says Challah is only for the holidays? Adapted from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, this half whole-wheat dough is rich with eggs, honey and both olive and sesame oils, making it perfect to hold ribbons of fig-sesame jam. Braiding 8 strands together made a gorgeous knotted shape and ensured maximum fig distribution too!
If you've ever been like me and forgotten to pick up a Caesar salad kit or dressing before a party, this quick-fix dressing might save your (literal) bacon! Makes enough for two entree salads (about 1 lb of greens).
A simple, yet flavourful combination of orange juice, orange zest and dried cranberries couple with the texture of bulgur wheat in a soft whole grain loaf perfect for toast or afternoon snacks
A (relatively) low-sugar spread made with naturally sticky-sweet vanilla persimmons gets extra layers of vanilla flavour with pure vanilla extract, vanilla bean and vanilla infused sugar.
Modified from a Dorie Greenspan recipe, this dessert is nothing more than wafer-thin slices of Asian pears layered with coconut oil and a spiced sugar mixture, lightly pressed and slowly baked to meltingly tender perfection. A chilled square of this alongside caramel or vanilla ice cream is the perfect, frugal-fancy end to any day of the week!
Inspired by my Dutch Oven Sunchoke Sourdough from years ago, I added even more "sunflower" elements (Jerusalem artichokes / sunchokes are a relative of the sunflower!) with ground and whole seeds, sunflower oil and sunflower milk. A sunny pop of colour came through with diced dried apricots and the crusty bread was baked in the Dutch oven for an artisan feel!
If, like me, you always have sourdough toss-off on your hands, don't toss it down the drain! Whip up these tender, slightly tangy cookies and stuff them with whatever chocolate goodies you have around the house (with Valentine's and Easter on either side of us, there's lots to choose from!).
Chicken thighs, garbanzo beans and whole grain couscous are the stars in this exotic, saffron-laced pot of warming fare. Thick with vegetables, it's hearty without being a lead balloon in your stomach!
A slight adaptation from the Bob's Red Mill Everyday Gluten-Free Cookbook by Camilla V. Saulsbury, this light but flavourful soup is packed with roasted beets, garlic, onions and amaranth seeds. A whisper of blood orange juice highlights the sweetness of the roots and shawarma seasoning adds a touch of exoticism.
A co-worker had been waxing poetic about the "death" of Starbucks' old formula for lemon scones - most notably the lack of glaze on top in lieu of a crunchy sugar sprinkle. So, for the holidays, I baked up a batch of extra-lemony cream scones
Adapted slightly from Bob's Red Mill Everyday Gluten-Free, this split pea soup is simplicity at it's finest. A basically spiced puree of carrots, onions and split peas forms the perfect base for a ginger and cilantro pesto, which I swirled in instead of using as a topper because I was freezing portions for the week.
Adapted from the Best of Bridge Home Preserving book, this combines a chunky mash of ripe peaches and mangoes with brown sugar, cardamom, cinnamon and white pepper for an exotic spread.
I've been on the hunt for a creamy, spicy dip / spread like Desert Pepper Trading Company's Pinto Bean Dip. Swapping in cowpeas for pintos created a buttery, slightly nutty flavour that played perfectly with the spices, vinegar and garlic.
My "unveganized" version of Isa Chandra Moskowitz' East Coast Coffee Cake, using Amoré Almonds + Dairy beverage, camelina oil, a touch of chickpea flour in the topping and a cupful of leftover cooked quinoa in the cake batter. Perfectly sweet, moist and flavourful!
Adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie, this dark, dense chocolate fudge cake is almost like a brownie in consistency. You'd never suspect anything healthy was tucked inside either, but surprise! Whole wheat and vegetables both find a home in each and every slice.
A luxurious combination of cream, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa and Frangelico turns into a thick filling with the addition of guar gum, giving it the perfect texture for chocolate candy centres or stuffing doughnuts.
When you're craving a rich, salty-sweet treat with the decadent flavours of chocolate and peanut butter but you don't have a gang to share a whole cake or batch of cookies with, this recipe, scaled for two, is the perfect solution!
A buckwheat sablé-style crust is the perfect base for the sweet, spicy custard filling made with fresh pumpkin-apple butter. A thinly sliced apple and sprinkle of raw sugar on top adds a touch of elegance!
A perfect use for fresh garden carrots, these dense, just this side of squidgy carrot bars are packed with flavour, texture and indulgence, all while being vegan, gluten free and sugar free! Try them at your next family dinner, or bring a piece or two to work for lunch - you won’t be disappointed! Adapted from Jenna Zoe’s book Super Healthy Snacks and Treats
These were a complete "sleeper" hit at school with the staff - moist and tender, but rich in flavour from the combined persimmon, banana and pumpkin butter I made as the base, they pair well with strong coffee or your favourite herbal tea. Adapted from http://small-eats.com/2013/12/11/pumpkin-p
ersimmon-cookies/
This naturally gluten free, vegan and whole grain snack is a decadent treat to pack for road trips, gift at the holidays or snack on during your favourite team's game!
This is a decadent-tasting way to start your day - a rich custard soaks into dried-out, 100% whole grain bread and pan-fried before being topped with buttery, caramelized bananas. It's like New Orleans at home!
An updated, scaled back version of my original Soy Awesome Cookies (yummysmells.ca/2007/11/baking-cookies-sne
eky-sneeky.html), these vegan cookies are filled with flavour on all angles: from the pudding mix to the maca powder, barley flour and coconut oil. They are a hit with everyone (especially kids), and nobody will know there’s tofu in them either!
A modification of these cookies: yummysmells.ca/2014/06/ricotta-cookies-wit
h-peanut-nutella.html, these are tender cookies made with homemade ricotta, ground coffee bean brittle, stevia and spelt flour, then rolled thin and spread with a mixture of caramel sauce, almond butter and slivered almonds. Perfect with a cup o' joe!
Is there a more decadent way of marrying chocolate and orange than with a boozy liqueur? Maybe - it you do what I did and top the batch with liquor-filled chocolates!
With a little extra "oomph" from maca powder and chickpea flour, these moist and spicy bars are laced with Goldschläger, studded with raisins and taste like a better (and boozier) snickerdoodle!
A recipe adapted from Flavored Breads by Mark Miller, this crusty, yet tender bread is made with wild blueberries, whole wheat flour, yoghurt and both ricotta and cream cheeses! A subtle, but delicious, crunch from organic gingerbread granola just adds to the textural contrast of this loaf, making it a rich, hearty and healthy snack or breakfast.
These decadent, tender cookies get their richness from cottage cheese , whey powder and a protein-fortified milk, and have added nutrients from chickpea and oat flour. The decadence comes from a hefty helping of chocolate!
Glittering with coarse sugar, these naturally dyed, chewy cookies are a gorgeous addition to the party - especially when piped (or hand-forned) into hearts or swirls.
With lots of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin E, these two-bite granola bars are a great on-the-go snack that happens to be vegan, nut free and without and extra refined sugar!
This simple, hearty and vegetable-laden soup is a perfect frugal meal when the weather is downright frightful outside. It's even easy enough for the kids to get involved with measuring, (supervised) slicing and stirring!
Bittersweet couverture chocolate and a scoop of cacao nibs lace this pectin-free preserve. Its a hint of dessert on your morning toast!
A dense, hearty, sweet loaf filled with raisins and candied fruit and spiced with the warm flavours of the Caribbean, this is definitely the cake to make if you want to escape from the cold, blustery weather!
This hearty, healthy and crunchy breakfast is full of good stuff, from thick rolled oats (and a sprinkling of extra oat bran!) to blood-sugar controlling cinnamon, calcium-rich sesame and B-vitamin stacked sunflower seeds. Made on the stovetop, it's also lickety split to make, and lasts in an airtight container for a while in the fridge or freezer!
An unadulterated spoonful is almost like the chewing gum in Willy Wonka's factory - it starts as a blast of tangy cranberry and pomegranate flavour, which merges into the sweeter notes of the fruit accented with a stevia-sugar blend. Just as the last hint of sugar begins to fade away, the jalapeno pops it's fiery head in to say hello, leaving a lingering finish that isn't painful so much as addictive.
These didn't look much like the photo on Cooking Light's page (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cocoa-fud
ge-cookies-10000000226790/), but I didn't tell anyone and they were enjoyed nonetheless. Using flavourful Gold Label coconut oil in place of the butter and a coconut milk yoghurt added extra flavour while whole what pastry flour added a hint of texture and extra nutrition.
Recipe slightly adapted from Vegan Chocolate by Fran Costigan. Stevia sweetened dark chocolate, orange juice and zest and a spoonful of tahini meld into to-die-for spheres of candy rolled in sesame seeds for extra texture.
There's nothing about this soup that a true veggie lover like myself can fault - filled with garlic, homegrown heirloom carrots and beets and herbs, the puree is lightened ever so slightly with orange juice. It's a perfect Winter lunch with a hunk of crusty bread!
Lentil puree and spelt add a wonderful nuttiness to this (nut-free) vegan carrot cake, while a topping of spelt flakes adds texture and eliminates the need for frosting!
This cake is unassuming on the surface, but don't let that keep you from digging in! The rich spices and complex sweetness of Turkish Spice-Candied Pumpkin combine with slightly nutty Kamut flour and pumpkin seeds for a sensational flavour and texture perfect with an afternoon coffee.
NO oil or butter goes into these soft, rich-tasting chocolate chip cookies. The secret? Ripe, creamy avocado! The kids at school gobbled them up (and the teachers too!).
Using Pomona's Pectin allowed me to make a slightly healthier version of this dessert-flavoured fruit and vegetable spread. Smeared onto waffles or cinnamon bread, it's a decadent start to the day!
A good glug of red wine goes into both the batter and the glaze for these dense, rich chocolate bar cookies. Three hits of chocolate (bittersweet, milk and cocoa) bring even more decadence to the party, and glammed up with decors a plate of these is right at home on a party sweet table.
A dash of rum livens up these no-added-fat balls of decadence, made with little more than cocoa, bananas and a smidge of melted chocolate! Sprinkled with edible gold flakes, they are a showstopper for the holidays.
Candying cubes of local Winter squash makes for a divine ice cream or yoghurt topping, part of the filling for a Winter crumble or simply spooning from the jar! Exotic hints of spice bring out even more of the earthy, rich flavours too.
Slightly chewy and filled with heady molasses and anise flavours, this candy is a decadent treat for anyone who loves black licorice.
A rich, cocoa based dough is peppered with glitter-flecked mint white chocolate chips before rolling in a powdered and sanding sugar combination. Using ground tigernuts added a hint of (nut free) texture and a wonderfully complex flavour.
Another, slight adaptation of the classic Marshmallow Creme style of fudge, this is made with natural-style peanut butter, homemade marshmallow fluff, peanut flour and a touch of powdered sugar - all in the microwave!
Adapted from Chocolate Moosey, this sweet, creamy fudge is loaded with all things vanilla - from infused sugar to extract, seeds from a vanilla bean and of course the vanilla-flavoured white chocolate! Homemade marshmallow fluff makes this candy a breeze to make and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Home roasted pumpkin puree combines with rich cream, butter and spices for a luxurious, chewy caramel perfect for the holidays! I made mine vegan with coconut milk and Earth Balance, but my recipe offers the option for the dairy-philes out there!
Adapted from 101 Cookbooks, these spelt and rye flour cookies are tender from cream cheese in the dough and aren't too sweet - perfect to accompany a creamy mocha or spiked hot chocolate in the afternoon.
These huge, hearty cookies are packed full of goodness - from sunflower seed butter to oats, spelt and organic cereal. Sweetened partially with stevia
Adapted from lovefromtheoven.com, these eggless, bittersweet chocolate cookies get packed with nutrient dense Greek yoghurt, oats, dates and Qi'a™ Superfood cereal (and/or roasted lentils). To make things even better, two types of chocolate chips find their way into the dough too!
A gluten free, vegan and refined sugar-free treat that tastes like soft red velvet cake, but with the protein and nutrients f healthy, secret ingedients!
Adapted slightly from
www.cookingquinoa.net/quinoa-b
rownies to use black quinoa, silken tofu and coconut milk. It's a gluten free, vegan delight!
Adapted from a WW recipe, I cut the sugar even more with Truvia's baking blend then upped the "chew" factor with a touch of sweet rice flour. Two types of cocoa and chocolate chips sweeten the deal even more!
You'll be more than willing to "gobble" up holiday leftovers when you make this hearty, healthy and exotic pot of vegetables, spices and turkey! Just add a bed of yellow rice or couscous and dinner is served.
The sweet earthiness of homegrown heirloom Lutz beets is pepped up with homegrown radishes, two types of mustard seed and a good glug of red wine. It's a delicious condiment year round.
Grossly adapted from Jamie Oliver, this is a decadent sauce for all sorts of vegetables, proteins and grains!
Adapted from http://rurification.blogspot.ca/2013/02/ch
ocolate-orange-jam.html
Whole hazelnuts are steeped in the milk used to create this whole grain, crusty half-sourdough / half-yeast bread. A pop of bittersweet chocolate makes each slice a decadent treat!
A friend of mine has a son with celiac as well as allergies to soy, milk and tree nuts. I made a batch of this rollable, flaky pastry so he could have apple pie at the holidays too!
butter, sugar, molasses and spices, including two hits of ginger for extra pop. They bake up tender and fragrant, perfect for the cookie table!
Adapted from About.com, this lower-sugar jam uses Italian plums and blueberry-pomegranate juice spiked with Chinese five spice and gilded with edible gold.
A simple filling of over ripe bananas, toasted sesame seeds and muscovado sugar is just the right balance of richness for the wafer thin, crisp spring roll wraps. Baking instead of frying them keeps the whole recipe 99% fat free, and they're great for advance party planning too - make a huge batch and freeze whatever you don't need that moment!
Barely adapted from neohomesteading.com/brown-sugar-banana-jam
/, this super-small batch preserve is rich with butter and brown sugar and gets a glug of rum at the end for an adults-only treat!
Fresh, local corn gets roasted to bring out even more of it's natural sugars before teaming up with homegrown tomatoes and peppers in a tangy, sweet relish perfect for canning.
A little magic, soy milk and coconut oil come together to create a great, animal-free buttery stick ideal for baking or softening for morning toast.
An egg and nut free (but sinfully rich-tasting) vanilla cupcake recipe gets doctored up with Halloween nonpareils before baking up. A jaundice-yellow frosting with a coloured chocolate iris and gel icing blood get everything into the spirit!
Who doesn't love a hearty, chewy cookie packed with chocolate chips? These treats are filled with goodness (and few allergens) while still keeping the comfort food feel of the originals!
Sometimes a favourite recipe needs a revamp - and the good ol' bran muffin is no exception! This flavour-packed, hearty muffin has no added sugar thanks to Truvia® Baking Blend, and has a wonderful exotic aroma out of the oven.
The combination of Amoré Almonds + Dairy, buttermilk powder and flaxseed makes for a moist, tender and flavourful yeast bread perfect for toast or sandwiches.
Zucchini adds an "oatmeal" texture to these moist, vegan cookies. Spelt flour and two hits of carob (powder and chips) bring a wonderful earthiness to the batch too, making them perfect for the lunchbox or after-school snack plate.
Between pumpkin puree, applesauce and silken tofu, these bars laced with leftover Halloween (or anytime!) candy will stay moist for days and freeze perfectly!
We grow Italian flat beans (AKA Romano beans), which are delicious any which way regular green beans can be used. Pickling them with garlic and dill is a fabulous way to preserve the season!
My grandma's not overly fond of nutritious eating - especially vegetables - but she loves cheese. Taking a leaf out of many "kid food" author's books, I pureed a bunch of cauliflower and tofu into the three-cheese sauce before stirring in brown rice fusilli and baking individual portions with a topping of GF breadcrumbs. She's none the wiser, and claims that the meals are delicious!
While it really is a relatively simple puree of carrots, red lentils and zucchini in essence, by adding over half a head of fresh garlic, smoky chipotle pepper, ancho pepper, smoked paprika and achiote powder it delivers a sneaky heat perfect for thawing out after apple picking, trick-or-treating or a long outdoor recess.
I used corn in every possible application I could think of with this moist, tender snack - pureed corn for some of the (corn) oil, corn cob jelly as part of the sweetener in the batter and melted on top, and of course cornmeal! It's a perfect snack or accompaniment for a spicy chili.
Thanks to Pomona's Pectin, I was able to make this rich, flavourful jelly with less sugar using a mixture of stevia, agave and unrefined cane sugar. The secret is to really concentrate the corn stock first, which adds such a delicious golden colour!
Fresh, wholesome and packed with flavour, this salsa is easy to make year round and perfect for any get together.
The slight tang of full fat Balkan yoghurt cuts through the bittersweet brown sugar caramel in this melt-in-your-mouth whipped candy. Old fashioned flavour at home! Adapted from 300 Best Homemade Candy Recipes.
Although I accidentally quadrupled the peanut butter in my version of this rich, hearty vegan stew from The Leafy Greens Cookbook, I wouldn't go much less if I made it again - it was very thin beforehand and even with the extra PB was almost too spicy for mom to take! Given the habanero, I'm not surprised!
However, this was my "kale victory" over Mom - she can't say she hates it now!
Pomegranate-blueberry juice cloaks local, organic cherries, wild blueberries and crushed pineapple in this sweet and tangy jam. Making a batch is super quick and easy too, thanks to a pectin-infused "jam sugar".
If you're sick of zucchini by Summer's end, this chunky, crunchy granola is the perfect "make now, eat later" treat. Adapted from www.healthyfoodforliving.com/zucchini-brea
d-granola/, the pan gets extra crunch from walnuts, amaranth and brown rice cereal and a hint of decadence from chocolate chips.
Peeled local peaches are enrobed in a peach nectar and vanilla syrup thickened with a pectin containing sugar. Perfect for your next pancake breakfast or ice cream dessert!
With lots of natural sweetness from dates and raisins, these bars are nicely balanced with salted, roasted nuts and spelt flour. They will be a hit at the potluck, or at the office!
Inspired by Your Home-based Mom, I used the last of a block of cream cheese in with the butter, oats, flaxseed and 72% dark chocolate wafers for a decadent and healthy banana cookie!
My mom loves the Prince Edward County rye bread from Stonemill Bakery, but it's expensive and hard to find. I made her *my* version based off a German country loaf recipe - tangy with yoghurt and sourdough starter, hearty with Red Fife, dark rye, oats and sunflower seeds and crusty from a multi-temperature baking process. It's a loaf with definite staying power on our menu!
Roasted homegrown, heirloom beets are kissed with a vinegar, honey and red wine brine spiked with cinnamon, allspice, black peppercorns and turmeric. Canned, they're a gorgeous addition to the pantry that's equally delicious.
Cocoa and chocolate almond or rice milk add a double whammy of flavour to the whole-grain mix of flours and flaxseed in this quickbread. Zucchini adds an intense, rich moisture that lasts for days and makes a slice perfect with mid morning coffee.
Pretty much our whole garden and fridge stock goes into this hearty, wholesome minestrone-esque bowl: eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes and herbs came straight from the backyard, while organic (and local) kale, garlic, carrots, leeks, cauliflower and tofu flesh out the rest of the broth. A Parmesan rind adds richness, while whole grain pasta lends a homey, stick to your ribs touch. Comfort in a bowl!
A host of homegrown vegetables and herbs, from heirloom tomatoes, thyme and eggplant to run-of-the-mill bell peppers and zucchini pack this pasta sauce reminiscent of the classic French dish. A hint of a secret spice makes it addictively magical and a hit with adults and children alike!
While this is technically "baby food", don't discount its benefits in baking! It adds a rich moisture to any chocolate treat without the fat! Whether you use the cooking liquid as juice or as a cooking ingredient (try making oatmeal with it!), do not throw it out: much of the Iron and Vitamin C that prunes are known for are in the juice too.
Zero sugar goes into these rich, decadent morsels that have a taste reminiscent of caramel with a touch of sesame flavour. Even the chocolate is stevia-sweetened, making these a perfect sweet treat!
Adapted from Jenna Zoe’s book Super Healthy Snacks and Treats, these are sugar free, nut free, gluten free and vegan bites of heaven that won’t send you running to the gym!
Absolutely delicious and nutritious, this takes marinated, dried eggplant and puts it on a pedestal, perfect for pasta sauces and sandwiches.
A 100% sourdough loaf made tender and rich with a high portion of whole milk and an egg. While there's no oil in the hearty whole grain dough, a brushing of melted butter right out of the oven sends the decadence over the top!
You will never be able to guess that these rich, moist and decadent vegan brownies are almost fat free, whole grain and reduced in sugar! Frost with a dab of Sweet Potato Frosting for an extra treat!
Adapted from Emily Mainquist, Special Contributor at The Daily Meal, I used flaxseed as an egg replacer and to add extra nuttiness since I wasn't using walnuts. A hefty dose of both large and small chocolate pieces mean these squares get extra special billing in the lunchbox!
This easy to make, perfectly cannable (or freezable) holiday pie filling is the perfect thing to use up a glut of zucchini from the garden. Sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar, raisins, prunes and cranberries add wonderful texture and soak up the fragrant, flavourful liquids too.
Shockingly, there is NO added fat in this whole wheat, vegan, cinnamonny loaf. All the moisture and tenderness comes from homemade apple butter and fresh-picked zucchini.
These sweet, smoky and peppery strips are adapted from a handful of raw food recipes to work with the oven. Great for summer ZLT's!
Multigrain cereal, oats, flaxseed and protein powder team up with diced apple, Amoré Almonds + Dairy and a seed mixture for moist, hearty cookies perfect for a breakfast on the go. Adapted from http://www.dairygoodness.ca/recipes/yummy-
apple-breakfast-cookies
Celeriac, beets, eggplant, and a bunch of other homegrown (or local) veggies all go into the filling for roasted zucchini-based "marrow bones". Lentils and olives add extra texture and flavour, while a shaving of Parmigano Reggiano cheese is the perfect piquant finish!
Celeriac, beets, eggplant, and a bunch of other homegrown (or local) veggies all go into this filling for roasted zucchini-based "marrow bones". Lentils and olives add extra texture and flavour too!
Adapted from Gluten Free & Vegan Holidays by Jennifer Katzinger, this Fall/Winter chutney is sweet, savoury and packed with flavour from cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, mustard powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, Chinese 5 spice powder, red pepper flakes, Schezuan peppercorns, garlic and fresh ginger!
There's nothing meek about the chocolate flavour in this rich, brownie-like loaf! Ricotta cheese, apple butter and a hint of Nutella keep the crumb moist and so rich you'll forget there's almost a pound of zucchini inside too!
A sweet and tangy lemon sauce blankets fresh vegetables and tender noodles in this quick stir fry dinner. Way better than takeout, both in nutrition and taste!
There is no hiding the garlic flavour in this lusciously smooth soup - fresh zucchini from the garden (or your neighbour’s!) is a wonderfully seasonal base for a creamless, creamy pot of goodness that is packed with nutrients and taste, not fat! Adapted from http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-zucchini-1
-32520
This dense, brownie-like snacking cake is packed with a double hit of ginger - fresh minced adds a wallop of spicy heat, while crystallized ginger (with it’s syrup) lends a slower, gentler burn. Grossly adapted (especially veganized and de-glutened) from David Lebovitz's Fresh Ginger Cake
Cooked quinoa adds a lovely nuttiness and a hint of texture to these baked "TimBits", which get a toss in cinnamon sugar right out of the oven! Adapted from http://www.cookingquinoa.net/quinoa-cake-d
oughnuts
Unlike traditional tortillas (the Spanish form of frittatta), which rely on copious quantities of olive oil for frying potatoes and other ingredients, this version steams the spuds and lightly sautes the remaining (homegrown) veggies with a tiny bit of chorizo, then combines them with an egg substitute, paprika and goat cheese. Baked in a springform pan, it's a full meal in a slice - no crust required!
Adapted from www.lentils.ca/?q=recipes/chocolate-chip-l
entil-cookies-b..., these cookies are everything you love in a chocolate chipper, with a nutty hint from both coconut oil and pureed lentils, not to mention less sugar thanks to organic xylitol.
Who knew these simple, whole wheat muffins studded with chunky apples and honey-roasted sunflower seeds would be such a hit at the bakesale table?
Adapted from http://www.pbfingers.com/2011/06/14/peanut
-butter-granola/, this uses crunchy peanut butter, honey and a spoonful of homemade jam for a unique twist on breakfast!
Both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes find a home in this spice-laced condiment. A bit of sharpness from onions, garlic and ginger compliments the sweet dried fruit and honey, making it perfect for everything from burgers to pizza, rice, grilled vegetables or tofu!
Adapted from Joanne Fluke’s Lake Eden Cookbook, the batter for these gems is filled with jam for lots of colour and flavour. A roll in decorating sugar adds extra sparkle!
I'm a sucker for the sweet and salty combination, so pairing natural, crunchy peanut butter with homemade salted caramel, salted caramel sprinkles and chopped peanut butter cups was a divine treat!
Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker.
This veggie packed stirfry is punched up with Szechuan peppercorns, Chinese five spice, ginger and garlic and is finished with Szechuan and Mongolian sauces. Not only is it deliciously exotic, but it's gluten free and vegan too!
Eggs do double duty as leavening and binding in this bean-based, dairy free cake. Orange juice as well as a stevia baking blend add a touch of sweetness to counter the bitter cocoa.
Almond milk, homemade egg replacer, a mixture of agave, maple syrup and palm sugar, gluten free flours and walnuts make for a moist, sweet and nutty cake without using gluten, refined sugar, dairy or eggs! Adapted slightly from Amy Green's Simply Sugar and Gluten Free.
My stepdad loves pizza, but he's a diabetic and is always watching his carb load. This crust isn't "low carb" per se but it is higher in protein and fibre than your run of the mill storebought. It even freezes beautifully!
A homemade version of the soft, chewy Newfoundland cookie, packed with molasses, dates, raisins and pecans. A touch of barley flour adds an extra "rustic" feel. The name comes from the Eastern terms "lassy" (molasses) and "mogs" (soft, low rising cakes).
A barely sweetened, cinnamon-kissed syrup cocoons chunks of local, organic apples in this perfect topper for pancakes, waffles, crepes or ice cream. It's even good by the spoonful right out of the jar!
Adapted from Vegan Chocolate by Fran Costigan, this torte is full of orange, fruity olive oil, almond and chocolate notes that will satisfy any chocoholic - not to mention it's egg-free, dairy free and a source of whole grains! The chocolate-orange ganache on it's own is to die for too, especially if you're a Terry's fan :-)
A deceivingly tiny amount of flour goes into these cupcakes, making them ALL about the carrot! Adapted slightly from Simply Sugar and Gluten Free.
A small amount of lean beef gets big flavour in this stew, packed with onions, potatoes, garlic and spices. Peanut butter adds an unexpected twist, and beet greens add a wonderful fresh note too!
Melted caramels, Amoré Almonds + Dairy beverage and homemade oven-roasted apple butter are the stars in this sweet, spicy coffee cake. Sprinkled with crushed hard caramels, it's the perfect accompaniment to strong coffee or as an informal, weeknight dessert.
My mom loves mulligatawny - a thick curry soup with the unusual addition of apple. I used leftover turkey instead of chicken, and thickened the works with lentils and rice too. A finishing dash of cilantro and lemon juice lightens up the flavours.
A spoonful of yoghurt bumps up the creaminess of this rich avocado dip. Scallions, garlic chives and diced tomato add a little extra vibrancy, not to mention colour! I used this to help teach my Casa class about Cinco de Mayo and Mexican culture (i.e. the flag).
My mom and stepdad came home from a weekend away raving about the vegan curry served at the resort's pub. A quick perusal of the menu, plus their description of the contents, pointed me in the right direction and with an online recipe as my starting point I created this dish (which apparently tasted spot on, if not better!)
Adapted from http://www.feastingathome.com/2014/06/blac
k-garlic-tofu.html to use what I have on hand, and what I love, this flavour-packed recipe will make a tofu believer out of anyone!
Don't throw out the tops of your garden produce!! Radish greens, beet greens, spinach or romaine lettuce all work beautifully in this unusual application, lending it a fabulous green hue. Don't worry, though - all you taste is rich vanilla!
A bar for the true chocoholic, adapted from http://www.somethingswanky.com/fudgey-choc
olate-chunk-brownies/. Between melted semisweet chocolate, chocolate liqueur and cocoa powder in the batter and the cup and a half of chunks peppering it, these are dark, rich and fudgy!
Inspired by Donna Quan (the Toronto District School Board Director)'s Oatmeal Cookies, as seen in the Toronto Star, these are chewy, hearty cookies with less sugar and cholesterol than the originals, and more flavour too!
SCD-friendly muffins smell and taste almost like real Cinnabons - even a bit better! A little bit of “French Toast” flavour and texture comes through thanks to the high proportion of eggs in the batter, and the topping alone is reason to try these in your own kitchen! Adapted from Cooking for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet: Over 100 Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Recipes that are Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, and Grain-Free
Tender oat flour cookie dough made with ricotta cheese (and no egg!) makes a delicious wrapper for a pinwheel of Nutella, crunchy peanut butter and chopped peanuts. How can you go wrong?
Adapted from http://www.fannetasticfood.com/2012/02/09/
gluten-free-dark-chocolate-quinoa-bars/, these are sweet, tender, slightly chewy bars packed with protein and fibre thanks to cooked quinoa, Salba seeds and chickpea flour. A little chocolate doesn't hurt either!
Minced garlic cooks in a mixture of white wine and white wine vinegar before being strained, sweetened with honey and lemon-thyme sugar and gelled with no-sugar-needed pectin. It's perfect with a cheese and cracker plate or smearing on a toasted bagel.
An exotic marriage of tomatoes, garlic, peppers and pomegranate juice is elevated to "gourmet" territory with Moroccan spices and a dash of saffron. Try this over rice or pasta, stir in some chickpeas and spinach for a stew or top grilled meats.
Sweet, a little spicy and full of rich, well rounded flavour, leftover grilled sirloin and a frozen stir-fry mix are elevated to a restaurant-quality meal in minutes thanks to a combination of red wine and San-J cooking sauces.
Low fat peach yoghurt from school added a delicious, moist texture to these cinnamon-sugar cookies, made lighter by replacing half the sugar with Truvia and a touch of richness from oat flour.
This is my favourite use for the Radish Top Pesto - the sweet peppers temper the bite of the radish tops and add visual interest to the bowl.
There's no better way to stay frugal, but elegant in the kitchen than by making your own sauces and condiments. This recipe (adapted from Chocolate & Zucchini - http://chocolateandzucchini.com/recipes/di
ps-spreads/radish-leaf-pesto-recipe/) keeps the often-tossed radish greens out of the compost pile and adds a bright, peppery zing to pasta, potatoes or anything grilled.
I love the rich, sweet-savoury blend of vinegars, port and Worcestershire in this steak sauce... Wait, forget steak. This would rock on potatoes, or a piece of cardboard for that matter! Adapted slightly from http://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/stovetop-
cooking-method/brit-style-steak-sauce/
Adapted from Martha Stewart, this packs in hot and sweet peppers with a touch of wine, making a wonderfully savoury condiment for your next burger!
Chives, thyme, green onions and parsley add an herbaceous flair to crispy mashed potato waffles. The kids at school said they had a "French fry" taste, and they are a cheap and easy option for breakfast or dinner.
GF, vegan and full of spicy goodness, this cake is perfect on its own or gussied up with ice cream, yoghurt or caramel sauce.
Almond butter, Amoré Almonds + Dairy beverage and wholegrain dough envelops a filling of chopped stevia-sweetened bittersweet chocolate and moist, rich prunes. Everything my mom adores in sliceable form!
Adapted from Asian Tofu, this traditional soy-based recipe skips the frying in favour of a high-temperature bake. Basted and served with sweet and savoury sauce, it's a great addition to sushi night.
A comfort food classic in our family - leftover mac & cheese with tomato sauce, peas and leftover turkey - gets elevated with wholegrain farfalle, a simple rosé sauce and a quick bake under Panko breadcrumbs.
Almost 300g of assorted chocolate candy goes into these dense, fudgy bars of awesome. The best part is you can use anything and everything in your candy stash that you feel tastes good with chocolate!
Dense, tangy and full of rye flakes and flour, this loaf is perfect sliced thin with cheeses and charcuuterie or thick, toasted and smeared with jam. I use weights with sourdough to ensure consistency.
With molasses, carrots, dried fruit and oats, these spicy cookies are loaded with nutrition, and taste out of this world to boot! The "Big Four" are Vitamin A, manganese, iron and magnesium.
If you (or your kids) love PB&J sandwiches at lunch but nuts are a no-go at school or work, try this nut and peanut free, gluten free, soy free and vegan spread on for size! It has all the delicious roasted flavour of the original but with less fat and minimal allergens to worry about. You can even bake and cook with it!
If you're in the salsa game for the chunks and zip, this one is perfect for you! Can a batch over the summer from your garden's produce and you'll be able to dip to your heart's content all year long.
I went on a massive pantry-cleaning spree recently and came up with 4 cans of salsa - two spicy tomato-garlic ones I made last summer and two organic black bean ones I bought on a whim months back. With a few fresh ingredients, leftover chopped turkey and a good dose of salt-free taco seasoning, a rich and filling pot of goodness was ready for the bowl!
Adapted from Great Gluten Free Vegan Eats from Around the World, sweet, tangy and salty flavour is at everyone's fingertips
All the yummy fillings of a samosa, without the deep-fry! This is a perfect healthy dish that multiplies and reheats well and is even good cold the next day. Try crumbling in some tofu with the onion mixture for a one-dish supper!
Tangy and tender thanks to homemade yoghurt, these bright Meyer lemon cookies are rolled around nutty poppy seeds for a twist on the classic!
My mom was intrigued by one of the loaves she saw down at the market, so I told her that I'd attempt to make her a clone. This rustic boule uses fresh blueberries, hazelnuts, a spelt/whole wheat flour mix and 8 grain cereal for a hearty, lightly sweet sourdough perfect with breakfast.
Chock full of fibre, protein and complex carbs, these chewy bars will keep you going through your workouts and beyond.
Any thick puree of fruit (or fruit and vegetables!) works for this snacking cake - I love using my Honeyed Carrot Cake Butter, but apple, peach or pear work just as well.
So light and flaky, with the unmistakeable flavour of cultured butter and a bit of buttermilk, you'll forget that there's whole wheat flour in each bite!
Homemade marshmallow fluff, natural peanut butter, applesauce and xylitol transform into a chewy, sweet bar that is perfect as is, frozen into ice cream or dunked in dark chocolate for a party!
Have extra egg whites from baking? Whip them up into a bright white, sticky marshmallow cream that is perfect for baking and freezes well too! Adapted from Marshmallows: Homemade Gourmet Treats by Eileen Talanian
These monster cookies are packed with delicious flavour, but a little bit of whole grains too! You could even argue the 2 cups of bittersweet chocolate that went into them makes them an antioxidant superfood!
Adapted from http://www.heathersfrenchpress.com/2013/04
/carrot-cake-granola.html, this crunchy cereal mix incorporates shredded carrots, coconut, wheat germ, sunflower seeds and dried fruit for a dessert-worthy blend healthy enough for breakfast.
If you're a fan of Raincoast Crisps, you'll love this lightly sweetened whole wheat cracker packed with dried fruit, almonds and flaxseed. The unexpected inclusion of rosemary and thyme elevate this from a sweet to a savoury treat perfect for a cheese platter or spreading with pepper jelly.
Stevia sweetened chocolate studs a peanut and chickpea flour dough that was perfect to sandwich my chocolate date frosting, your favourite jam or more peanut butter!
Enjoy your bowl of cereal and fruit all in a hand-held, on-the-go cookie! Great for kids running out to early morning sports practice or students pulling an all nighter.
A honey-sweetened apple and carrot puree is cooked down to a luscious, caramel-like spread before being laced with ground walnuts. Whether on your morning bagel or piped onto cookies or into phyllo shells for dessert, it's a winner!
Caramel sauce, buttermilk and dried fruit make this hearty, healthy bran quickbread a real treat! Serve warm out of the oven or smeared with ricotta or jam the next morning for a real treat.
I found the original recipe on betterbatter.org/egg-yolk-substitute-vegan and modified it based on what I had on hand - namely a blend of chickpea and all-purpose flour (I was using it in shortbreads anyway which used regular flour so they didn't need to be GF). I was shocked at how wonderfully this worked, once I realized that an electric mixer (hand or stand) is not optional for proper consistency!
An egg-free batter made with chickpea flour and almond milk makes the perfect soaker for bread pudding (and French toast). I used my mom's (freezer-burned) Holiday Brioche, so of course it's not vegan, but using your favourite vegan fruit loaf it's 100% there!
I de-glutened Casey Barber's "goldfish" cracker recipe (using a blend of GF all purpose and buckwheat flour) and jacked up the spice with chipotle and onion powder. Rolled into a log and wrapped well, it can hang out in the freezer until you need it.
A mosaic of Indian spice perfumes this rich broth, filled with vegetables, brown Basmati rice and black Beluga lentils. Finishing the pot with fresh ginger and tamari keeps the flavours bright and punchy, perfect for a Winter warm-up.
A hint of cashew butter brings a rich body to this chocolatey drink spiked with a few drops of concentrated chocolate-hazelnut flavouring
The decadent combination of bitter cocoa, tart cherries and sweet figs is an amazing complement to crunchy gluten-free cereal. Try it on yoghurt, stewed fruit or ice cream, or mix into your favourite pancake batter for a real treat!
This vegan, super-shiny cocoa frosting sets up like soft fudge and has a delicate hint of coconut flavour. It's perfect for pouring on a pan of brownies, or dipping the tops of muffins and cupcakes.
Absolutely zero flour goes into these rich, fudgy vegan bites of awesome - the bulk is made up of purple sweet potato (ube), vegan protein powder, ground flax and Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa. A dash of agave and stevia sweeten the works up even more, before the pan gets drenched in a shiny cocoa frosting. You'd never know it was vegan, gluten free and nut free!
Sesame seed laced butter cookie dough is amped up even further by the use of orange juice in place of milk or water. Honey mixed with egg and milk glazes the tops before baking to sweet deliciousness.
We made these at school for the start of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, since the cookies are ring shaped and are based off an ancient Greek celebration cookie (according to my recipe card from Home Ec 16 years ago!)
Dark cocoa powder is a natural with the flavour of sweet cherries, and a reduced cola syrup adds a little touch of nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the classic restaurant drink!
Every time I think of the phrase "Kraft Dinner" I can only ever think of the Barenaked Ladies song "If I had $1,000,000", and it's fancy Dijon ketchups. That's what inspired me to make this homemade tomato condiment - taking things up a bit on the luxe scale with sundried tomatoes, mulato chiles, balsamic vinegar, tamari and red wine.
Kamut grains take on the role of the more common barley in this simple "after Christmas" soup. Homemade stock, lots of veggies and a dash each of red wine and tamari round out the works.
A bowl of comfort on a cold winter's day, this roasted tomato soup tastes like the best spaghetti sauce and goes down smooth. The secret? No cream - Greek yoghurt is pureed in for body and a welcome bit of tang. For best results, use full fat yoghurt - it's less likely to curdle.
Using leftover filling mixture from the Pan-Fried Vegetable Wontons, I whipped up a noodle bowl with no-cook brown rice vermicelli, extra green onions, a touch of agave nectar and a big glug of San-J's Schezuan Sauce. A touch of sesame seeds on top add a touch of flair!
Crispy wonton wrappers filled with mashed tofu, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, scallions and tamari. Perfect for our school's Chinese New Year celebration!
Homemade ricotta cheese and Xyla-sweetened Mountainberry jam star in these simple, pan fried dumplings of decadence. The adults at school liked them, no doubt the kids will too!
If you're like my mom, you adore the buttery, toasted pecans in the classic dessert, but not the cloying sweetness! My granola still keeps a hint of the golden syrup flavour, with the power of wheat germ, rolled oats and flaked quinoa for a delicious yoghurt topper!
Super spicy, transparent shards of hard candy perfect for toting anywhere - from school to the beach.
A yeast dough sweetened with xylitol envelopes bits of butter-sauteed apple before being baked to soft and gooey perfection. A simple cinnamon-laced glaze seals the deal!
A lower-sugar blend of dark brown sugar, maple syrup and Pyure stevia help make the apple juice and cinnamon combination sing. Pomona's pectin does the heavy lifting and the small batch cans beautifully for the pantry
My latest "mom jam", made with organic (and local!) peaches and raspberries, Redpath's QuickSet for Jam (a sugar with added pectin AKA jelling sugar), hints of cardamom and vanilla as well as a shot of Amaretto for good measure!
I have no idea how long this recipe's been around but so many people have made it I figured I'd give it a shot - with less added sugar than "normal" and Hot Tamales candy instead of cinnamon hearts, which I couldn't find!
Can you go wrong with the nutritious, delicious trifecta of homemade apple butter, whole grains and herbal tea? These crunchy (and low fat) cookies are perfect to tote in your lunchbag for your afternoon coffee break.
If you like Coffee Crisp bars and *love* coffee cake, this decadent combination is for you! You even get a little nutrition (and nutty flavour) in the mix thanks to whole wheat flour, psyllium husks and flaxseed.
Think peanut butter granola - but with chopped peanuts and coarsely ground popcorn in place of the oats! It's a great taste of the ballpark at home. I’m not telling you what to do, but IMHO this would make a delicious breakfast cereal (or ice cream topping!)
The rich flavour of tomatoes and garlic combined with the delicious nuances from lime basil and fresh oregano make this "Italian Salsa" a perfect party starter!
Leeks, garlic, and lemony yoghurt blanket strands of linguine, succulent shrimp and tender-crisp broccoli. It tastes decadent, but is healthier than you think!
Peanuts and popcorn... surprise! Sweet and salty kettle corn is ground down to a coarse meal before being mixed into a slightly rich, honey-sweetened whole wheat dough. A handful of chopped peanuts adds the classic nutty element... it's a sandwich loaf that's anything but!
Adapted from http://ibakeheshoots.com/easy-vegan-cookie
s/ and inspired by http://www.lorannoils.com/node/305, these vegan cookies are made with toasted hazelnut oil, ground hazelnuts and Frangelico for a truly decadent treat sure to please any Nutella fan!
Extra firm tofu is marinated in zippy Szechuan sauce from San-J before being sauteed with tons of veggies, brown Basmati rice and a finishing mixture of more Szechuan sauce, tamari, apple juice, ginger and garlic.
Tofu and nutritional yeast make up the body of the "ricotta cheese" in this baked rotini dish, while the blend gets extra oomph from black olives and lots of herbs! A topping of Daiya mozzarella seals the deal on this easy, delicious and freezer-friendly dish.
A quick soak in tamari, brown sugar, apple juice, pepper flakes, ginger and garlic turns bland tofu into a flavour packed protein - complete with a sauce that soaks perfectly into brown rice and broccoli!
This is a fast, frugal and versatile recipe that happens to be gluten free and vegan – kids love the small size (perfect for a quick lunch), and adults don’t have to feel guilty about grabbing one for a snack thanks to the protein and fibre in the chickpea flour. I like using salsa as my “pizza sauce” but use whatever you fancy – and if you like cheesy ‘za feel free to pile it on and broil it a few moments until melted.
Three types of peppers, rich sundried tomatoes and a good glug of lime juice liven up your standard tomato salsa. It's great with almost everything - try making scrambled eggs with it!
For a luxurious, tangy-sweet pudding, beat a few tablespoons of this into your favourite yoghurt. For the perfect decadent cake or doughnut filling, chill it at least an hour to thicken.
Almost every spice under the sun goes into this exotic condiment. Not only is it perfect for dunking your favourite fries and slathering on your burgers, but it makes a mean meatloaf topping and is even delicious mixed into leftover rice for a quick side. Adapted from The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila.
Your regular packet of cocoa will never be the same after you taste this rich, thick and exotic blend of bittersweet chocolate, almonds, spices and butterscotchy maca powder!
These are a delicious after-gym snack with a good hit of protein, and of course chocolate! Adapted from http://spabettie.com/2012/04/13/double-ric
h-chocolate-protein-cookie/
Flaky (half-spelt) dough is laced with powdered cheese and a dash of Parmesan, then brushed with melted butter and twisted into fingers. Baker's ammonia ensures perfect crisping and flaking in the heat of the oven!
A subtle, but present, hint of cinnamon and three hits of coffee make for a truly unique, rich banana cake! Try this drizzled with chocolate sauce or served alongside a scoop of coffee ice cream. Adapted from Food for Friends by Sally Pasley Vargas.
A simple, spicy spread similar to hummus, but made with creamy butter beans and a punch of flavour from homemade berbere seasoning (if you don't want extra spice kicking around, even though it is delicious on almost everything, I've included the amounts of each spice for 1 batch of dip)
Adapted from The 250 Best Cookie Recipes by Esther Brody. To add a bit of extra flavour (since meringues are notorious for tasting just sweet), I used a minty trifecta of dried peppermint, peppermint extract and mint chocolate chips - its a perfectly light addition to the cookie swap.
Just as fruity and spicy as your usual holiday fruitcake, but without the dense stodgy quality that makes it the joke of Christmases past. Eggnog and homemade mincemeat definitely up the ante!
Adapted from the Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook, this is full of spices, fruit, rich sweeteners and a good glug of rum, and gets a hearty (nut free) texture with some granular TVP.
My sister requested these baked donuts after a craving for the local donut shop struck. I made them with rich cocoa, low-fat homemade yoghurt and white whole wheat flour for a little nutrition and moisture kick before dipping the tops in bittersweet chocolate and sprinkling them with mini chocolate chips. They got the seal of approval... a rarity with her! Adapted from http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/dark-choco
late-cake-doughnuts/
A vibrant red, rich mocha latte fills your cup when you add water to a scoop of this mix! Give it a good whisk and top it (or not) with whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Mustard lovers will adore this grainy, spicy and tangy spread. Smeared onto a roasting ham, served with pretzels or mixed into a vinaigrette, it's an indispensable condiment.
Nutty-tasting, wholesome bulgur wheat gets jazzed up with herbs and spices, dried fruit, almonds and pumpkin seeds for a vegan pilaf fit for any king's (or queen's) table.
A lightly sweetened cocoa yeast dough bakes up into soft puffs, perfect for housing a filling of Chocolate Sweet Potato Frosting. A cap of stevia-sweetened dark chocolate and coconut oil makes them perfect to crust with sprinkles for a bake-sale worthy appearance
I you love the combination of chocolate and coffee, this granola is for you! Cereal, oats, almonds and chocolate covered raisins add texture and flavour, while three hits of coffee (including Coffee Bean Brittle) make sure you stay awake!
Adapted from Back to Her Roots, this creamy, thick and sweet chocolate fudge-like mixture is perfect for filling cookies, whoopie pies, or (my favourite) making your own filled chocolates for the holidays! It's sugar free and even gets a boost from maca powder for extra nutrition and flavour.
I love red velvet ANYTHING, and chewy, brownie like doughnuts? Count me in! These gluten free, lower-sugar treats are everything a good mochi cake should be, with a subtle but present red hue and a light powdered-sugar drizzle for good measure.
Adapted from Foods For The Soul, I used non-fat Greek yogurt, local berries, extra sugar-free (stevia sweetened) chocolate and LOT of extra cocoa for consistency. A little extra stevia helped sweeten the deal before the balls were coated in cocoa.
Rich dark brown sugar and creamy peanut butter star in this chocolate (and marshmallow) free fudge. Made with Amoré Almonds + Dairy beverage for extra nuttiness, a few chopped caramels also help add a layer of flavour and keep the fudge firm, but not rock hard, in the fridge
If you grew up in Canada in the 60s, you'll remember Lucky Elephant Popcorn. I took the whimsy of the pink candy coated crunchies and added extra flavour with a dash of cherry extract. I made a more "brittle" form of the treat by processing the popcorn to crumbs too, turning it into a hand-held snack.
Eggless, but rich with dairy and silken tofu, this cake also gets a little extra "pep" from butterscotch chips, oat bran and wheat germ.
Adapted from The Liddabit Sweets Candy Cookbook, these golden caramels have all the delicious flavour of an apple cheesecake (including the graham cracker crust!) Made with homemade ricotta and home-dried apples, I also used Baboo milk (from Natrel) and a touch of buttermilk powder for the creamy factor. Like all good candy, this recipe is made by weight.
Feel that Winter sniffly feeling coming on? A bowl of this hearty soup packed with shredded carrots, kale, coconut water and Thai chiles will wake you up and dissuade any cold from taking up residence!
If you have leftover roasted lamb from a holiday dinner (or even from Greek souvlaki take out!), this hearty, soul-warming pot of comfort is a great use for it. A can of IPA in the mix doesn't hurt either!
A gorgeous, hearty mix of split peas, lentils, brown rice, dried apples and spices pack this jar for a simple homemade gift or a pantry staple! Adapted from http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefind
er/curried-lentil-soup-december-recipes
This vegan loaf cake is studded with "crimson raisins",a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cardamom and a hint of orange jelly. Served for dessert or as an afternoon snack, it's a deliciously unique addition to the day.
Adapted from Preserving Made Easy by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard, this is the perfect blend of tart, sweet and floral fruit for any naked toast, crackers, pancakes or oatmeal!
A gorgeous golden yellow tints these silky strands of fresh fettuccine. Whether cloaked in rose sauce, spiced as a Cacio e Pepe dish or tossed in a carbonara, They’re a rich twist on the standard fare.
No shortage of flavour in this noodle! Whole wheat, garlic and any herb you like add a rich and wholesome nuance to your everyday side dish. Try it with a simple olive oil and herb sauce!
Simple, moist whole-wheat bread gets a sweet tang from homemade honey-ricotta and an extra crunch from both bulgur and sesame seeds. Adapted from http://www.notquitenigella.com/2013/07/14/
ricotta-and-herb-bread/#more-82185
You can't beat a hearty, sweet and spicy soup when it gets cold outside, and this puree of black beans, pumpkin, roasted tomatoes and onion is sure to warm your bones!
These are a perfect combination of flavours and textures - sweet marshmallows, bitter chocolate, salty peanut butter and the crunch of sourdough pretzels and rice cereal. If you *love* peanut butter, use peanut butter filled pretzels in this for added oomph! Adapted from Mad Hungry Cravings.
Decoratively scored squid is an unusual protein in this spicy bowl, made with lots of veggies, ginger, red and green curry paste (hence "Christmas") and pineapple juice in place of coconut milk! Finished with lime basil, chopped cashews and a sprinkle of shredded coconut, it's an unusual yet delectable Asian feast.
Yes, this is a "cheater" recipe - using a mix - but really, some days you just need a cookie! I jazzed up the basic base with a diced red pear, organic raisins and a handful of dark chocolate chips, so the end result is anything but a boring old "box-mix" cookie!
Bright orange flavour infused with vanilla make this spread a delicious way to start your morning! Eat this jelly on toast or stirred into yogurt (if you want to get the true creamsicle effect).
These vibrant balls of goodness are subtly sweet from the sweet potato, agave and a hint of stevia, creamy from coconut milk and enrobed in a stevia-sweetened dark chocolate for good measure. They're so good, you'll forget they're refined sugar free and a good source of fibre!
Modified from a Patricia Wells recipe in The Paris Cookbook called Gateau aux Pommes de la Reine des Pommes, this cake has tons of apple chunks barely bound together by a spelt and flax batter. After baking almost all the way through, a topping of coconut oil, raw sugar and beaten egg gets poured on for a gossamer-thin crisp element. I used camelina oil and Amoré Almonds + Dairy beverage for a delicious nutty element in the batter, and while the cake practically fell apart it was delicious!
Local organic apples, raisins and chopped almonds are suspended in a vanilla-spice laced syrup that is perfect for topping ice cream, pancakes or waffles!
Adapted from Canning For a New Generation by Liana Krissoff, I made ginger-infused Candied Watermelon Rind (see http://www.yummysmells.ca/2013/07/candied-
watermelon-rind-preserving.html) and used it in place of candied ginger. A bucket of spices add extra perfume and flavour!
Have leftover melon from a dinner party or brunch? This simple syrup is a fast and inexpensive way to keep the party going into the next event!
Recipe out of Liddabit Sweets. After a "curing" stint (the book says overnight but I didn't get to it until 3 days later) it's a lot easier to cut into chunks, roll and slice into pieces. Instead of pinching off bits of dough I rolled large chunks into snakes to slice.
Chewy, rich cookies packed with candy coated chocolate and rolled in sprinkles! It's a great treat for the bake sale table (or stashing in your cookie jar), and they stay moist thanks to a smidge of homemade ricotta.
Adapted (and scaled *way* up) from the recipe in Classic Snacks Made from Scratch, I used POM pomegranate juice, extra citric acid (I love super-sours) and did away with the cornstarch-powdered sugar part of the coating. It was too hot to keep these out without them melting, but hanging in the fridge on a loosely-covered platter they won't be waiting long before being devoured!
Kasundi is a rich, thick and decadently spiced tomato relish of sorts hailing from India. If you have tomatoes in their peak season (bonus for super-flavourful heirlooms) this is a great way to preserve them! Stir it into eggs and rice, spread onto sandwiches, or use as a killer sauce on steak or roasted meats.
The ever popular "clean out the fridge and use up the turkey" soup! This incarnation uses homemade turkey broth, adzuki beans, sweet potato, leeks, carrots, celery, green beans and peas, along with an entire head of roasted garlic and Omega-3 enriched pasta.
This gluten free, vegan loaf is moist and dense but not as heavy as many storebought breads. With tons of flavour from ground and chopped pecans, craisins, maple syrup and coconut milk, it's a hit at holiday (and anyday) tables.
With sweet carrots, bell peppers and roasted tomatoes, spicy chiles and hearty beans and chicken, this wholesome soup will keep you warm and cozy inside for hours without weighing you down.
Crust steaks or roasts, sprinkle on grilled or roasted vegetables, or add to sautéed mushrooms, risotto and pasta sauce. This is even great as a "gourmet" pretzel salt!
A ton of spice flavour goes into this molasses cookie batter, but with a tablespoon of ground ginger and each drop crowned with a candied piece, there is never a doubt as to what's on the plate!
Diced Asian pears stud this spelt flour based cake batter, made tender and moist with ricotta cheese and eggless with flaxseed. The perfect light ending to a rich Easter dinner!
Lime basil, ground sunflower seeds and sunflower oil combine with a hint of extra lime and simple salt and pepper for a vegan pesto that can swim with the fishes! If only regular basil is available, add the remaining zest from the lime.
Modified from www.godairyfree.org/recipes/dairy-free-sou
r-cream-bread to make NOT dairy-free (I had regular yoghurt to use), this loaf is 100% whole wheat and peppered with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and Omega rich hemp hearts!
Adapted from CHOW.com, this lower-sugar loaf is full of great stuff, even better flavour, and is SO simple to make!
With only cashew butter for oil and riddled with chopped nuts, this gluten free chocolate cake is beyond delicious! A good dose of zucchini (and some Zapple Butter for good measure) keep it moist and tender - perfect for a weeknight dessert!
Adapted from http://www.momontimeout.com/2013/08/chocol
ate-chip-zucchini-banana-bread/. I bumped up the protein, fibre and Omega fats while lowering the sugar for a treat that was a bit better for my (health-food ambivalent) Grandma.
This moist, sweet vegan loaf is all kinds of nutritious - from organic, homegrown zucchini to stevia, whole grains, dark chocolate, blueberry-pomegranate butter and hemp seeds! Whether for a power breakfast on the go or warmed slightly to cap off a dinner, it's a winner in every respect.
Adapted from http://mallowandco.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cho
colate-covered-banana-rice-krispy.html - these are a crispy, light taste of the best banana cream pie has to offer, including a creamy sweet marshmallow-pudding "glue", dried banana chips and a sumptuously sweet chocolate topping!
Another variation of the "Rich Tea Cake" in The Vegan Baker by Dunja Gulin, this one goes to the tropics with candied ginger, apricots, macadamia nuts, dates, cranberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds and raisins. No refined flour, eggs, dairy or refined sugar!
Earl Grey and a fruity herbal tea combine with a slew of nuts, seeds and fruit for this dense fruitcake-like loaf slightly modified from The Vegan Baker by Dunja Gulin. No refined flour, eggs, dairy or refined sugar!
What started as her one "sweet treat" on a diet turned into an obsession that everyone who tries it craves! With the combination of Greek yoghurt, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla stevia and a few spoonfuls of jam, it tastes just as good as it is for your body!
This no-fat-added, fibre-rich crunchy cereal is filled with my homemade "Zapple Butter" and home dried apples along with a nice hint of classic spice. It's like apple pie, without the guilt!
This is a great way to "sneak" veggies in on your family and friends (or yourself!) - the taste of the sweet, tangy apple overpowers the bland zucchini and the whole mixture melds into a thick, rich spread perfect for toast or baking.
AKA mock candied ginger, this vintage recipe simmers zucchini and ground ginger in sugar for hours until thick, syrupy and translucent, then infuses in the jar overnight. The taste is just like crystallized ginger from the gourmet shop!
Homemade fruit roll-ups are a delicious, easy portable snack for everyone's lunchbox! This is doubly easy if you have a dehydrator and an offset palette knife :-), but a low oven is a viable substitute!
I can’t tell you how long I’ve been dying to make these cinnamon buns from Brown Eyed Baker. Made puff-pastry style (laminated with cream cheese instead of butter), the dough is extra tender but sturdy enough to hold onto the rich, spicy sweet filling I made with granola (instead of nuts), raisins, honey and brown sugar laced with a hefty dose of spice! A light brushing of honey-butter glaze caps them off for the best Sunday morning breakfast ever!
This lower-sugar, spicy-sweet jelly gets extra zip from home-grown hot cherry and Thai chiles. I played up the "exotic" note with pomegranate juice in place of cranberry and added a shot of white wine vinegar too.
This vegan twist on the classic kid's treat is packed with Exotic Apple-Pear Butter, caramelly agave, home dried apples, rich coconut oil and crunchy sunflower seeds. You'll never go back! Adapted from a recipe found on Food52 by QuasiSiciliana
Modified slightly from my Double Lemon Roast Chicken to use this year's assortment of herbs and improve the flavour (and refine the roasting process a little). If it's even possible, this is *better* than the original!
Maple syrup, maple syrup and raisins make these eggless pumpkin bars a real treat! Chewy, tender and packed with flavour, they're great any time of the year!
Strawberries macerate overnight in sugar before being lightly cooked and laced with vanilla and sherry. I used my grandfather's homemade brew for the alcohol to give my grandma a little piece of his love this holiday.
Adapted from The Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving, Second Edition: Over 300 Recipes to Use Year-Round by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard.
Similar to http://www.yummysmells.ca/2012/06/toast-to
pper-2-blueberry-butter.html, I used lemon zest and pomegranate juice for a new twist on an old fave!
Whether you use this as a drizzle over vanilla ice cream or brush it over a roasting chicken, this sauce adapted from Put ‘Em Up! Fruit by Sherri Brooks Vinton will find a niche in your pantry. It makes a delicious addition to gift baskets too - make it in the early Summer when the fruit is ripe and local, can it and wait for the wide eyes on Christmas morning!
It's hard to beat the flavour of great Thai chili sauce - it's not simply a smash-over-the-head heat, it's got true umami (which I know is a Japanese term, but run with it). Adapted from the Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving.
Capped with a Limoncello-spiked glaze!
Moist from homemade ricotta, zingy from the zest of four Meyer lemons (and 1/4 cup of their juice!) and even on the border of nutritious with spelt and quinoa flour, these muffins are a great mid-morning snack that can be fancied up with a swirl of frosting for dessert!
Inspired by http://www.healthyfoodforliving.com/meyer-
lemon-ricotta-muffins/
Eggless and fruity, with homemade ricotta, spelt flour, applesauce and bananas as well as the berries! It's even low sugar thanks to the PureVia stevia blend I used - and was a HUGE hit at the salon! Adapted from http://www.playfulcooking.com/cakes-cupcak
es-muffins/raspberry-ricotta-chocolate
-cake/
Adapted from "Food for Friends" by Sally Pasley Vargas, this French-inspired recipe results in whole berries preserved in a caramel-like sugar syrup - certainly gem like in appearance, and with a taste just as precious! I only had enough berries for this recipe (a 1/4 batch or the original) but it turned out so well I'm saving the recipe for next year's crop!
Sweet and tangy, with a definite tropical twist! If you like the combination of strawberries and kiwi, this is for you.
Milk chocolate-studded gluten, egg and nut free cookies that are moist and rich... not to mention simple! Based on a recipe from glutenfreeeasily.com/chocolate-bombs-chewy
-gluten-free-grain-free-and-dairy-free/
Is there a better way to eat your veggies than in a vegan, rich brownie-like cookie? These babies were inspired by http://www.chowvida.com/2013/01/double-cho
colate-zucchini-cookies/ and were an absolute hit - you'd never guess they were low-sugar, lower-fat or whole grain!
Adapted from The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila. This combination of ingredients and method makes for incredibly fresh, thick yoghurt with a slight tang - perfect as a base for dips and dressings, dolloping on tacos and potatoes and eating plain! I’ve added some of our favourite flavour variations too, feel free to play!
Not so much a jam in the traditional sense of the word, this spread is a smooth, thick puree of ancho, guajillo and hot cherry peppers laced with a whole lot of garlic! It's fantastic on toast as well as thinned out and used as mashed potato gravy.
Naturally sweet Vidalia onions get even richer and sweeter when slowly caramelized with garlic, wine and balsamic vinegar while cognac adds a touch of elegance. Try it on your next burger, or spooned over grilled steak! Adapted from the Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving.
Chewy rings of egg-rich dough are sweetened with a sugar-stevia blend and studded with dried blueberries. It's better (and cheaper!) than the deli!
Radishes get the short end of the veggie stick - too hot for some, not versatile enough for others... well, these muffins disprove all that! Just like carrot muffins, these are filled with shredded radish which adds a nice spice note with the allspice and cinnamon. Sweet raisins buffer the heat too.
You don't need nuts when you have rice krispies and oatmeal for great texture! A few chocolate chips in the light cocoa dough add some fun.
I took the leftover No - Berry Strawberry Rhubarb Cake from our summer BBQ and beat it with a scoop of plain, non-fat yoghurt, rich cream cheese and milk to make a mock cookie dough. Topped with crushed cookies and baked into two-bite morsels, they made perfect sandwich cookies for my Chocolate Sweet Potato Frosting
Chopped summer fruit, honey, schnapps and the merest hint of sugar (only there to dissolve the pectin) are the only players in this jar of sunshine! Try it on toast, or in between sponge cake layers!
Smoked paprika, basil and fennel join up with shredded Cheddar and 12 grain flour for hearty, flavour-packed crackers. Try them with sweet pepper jelly or blueberry jam!
A mix of homemade fig and peach jams add luscious flavour and moisture to this cocoa-based tea cake. Mesquite flour and maca powder add even more richness, while cacao nibs add crunch and chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness!
Who knew that sweet potatoes, cocoa, agave and semisweet chocolate could make such a delectable frosting? I adapted the recipe from http://www.sandisallergyfreerecipes.net/ch
ocolate-sweet-potato-frosting-dairy-fr
ee-refined-sugar-free/ and used it on my gorgeous ricotta cake - nobody could tell it was almost fat free!
I adapted this recipe from http://tinascookings.blogspot.ca/2013/02/r
ed-velvet-cookies.html to make it vegan, and while I found it needed way more water than the original called for, the dough was a great base for bittersweet chocolate stars! Of course, if you can't find star-shaped dark chocolate (I think mine came from Sweden), chocolate discs or chunks (even broken up candy bars) work just as well.
Moist cake made with melted ice cream, yoghurt and tofu instead of eggs gets studded with ripe, chopped peaches and receives flavour, sweetness and lift from ginger ale! It's a no-fuss coffee cake that the kids at work loved!
Adapted (and scaled down) from The Vegan Baker by Dunja Gulin, these sweet, glazed cake squares are caffeine free, vegan and whole grain - with the rich, fruity taste of carob in every bite.
Strawberry flavoured "gel dessert"(AKA vegan Jell-O) adds a bright pink hue and a vibrant fruity sweetness that's tempered by fresh, sour rhubarb right out of my backyard. It's a great summer dessert either unadorned or jazzed up with frosting and ice cream!
This tangy-sweet, chunky mixture of dried figs and sultanas gets an interesting twist with black tea, and Szechuan peppercorns. Truvia helps cut the added sugar in half while keeping the flavour of a "real" jam, and Pomona's pectin lets it all set! Adapted from The Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving, Second Edition: Over 300 Recipes to Use Year-Round by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard.
Use http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-deta
il.asp?recipe=2546749&ff=1, a little extra ice cream and a scoop of frosting to make these decadent truffles! Cloaked in milk chocolate and sprinkled with more non-pareils they're a fun "loot bag" option for your next birthday!
Who knew melted ice cream could make such a delicious cake? This is lightly flavoured with coconut and is a hit at parties... it's fabulous for making cake balls too! Adapted/inspired by http://blueberriesandblessings.com/2013/07
/01/chocolate-chip-vanilla-ice-cream-b
read-chocolate-party/
For those of us who like our peanut butter cookies with a little more texture than the others. I used homemade "jammy bits" (baking pureed cranberry sauce to make a thick fruit leather) but you can also use whatever dried fruit you have on hand - just chop it if it's bigger than a raisin.
The slight smokiness and spice from ancho and chipotle chiles really accents the sweetness of in season peaches. The vanilla note takes it from regular ol' jam to gourmet gift-worthy fare, and it's fantastic on toast as well as grilled meat!
Tender gnocchi pillows are really just a side for this delectable mess of greens and mushrooms - onion, garlic and a handful of fresh herbs boost the flavour while the lemon juice adds zip. A tiny bit of olive oil helps you absorb all the nutrition!
Made with rich watermelon curd, cream cheese and just a touch of butter, these are moist and tender with hints of Summer flavour. Coconut, cacao nibs and chocolate chips add extra decadence too!
Craisins and melted chocolate add interest to these high-fibre, chewy no-bake bars made with rolled oats, All-Bran and wheat germ. Almost 100% fat free thanks to a marshmallow fluff and low-fat condensed milk binder, they're a better for you version of the popular cereal bar!
These cookies are the sleeper hit of the party - you’ll swear they won’t turn out until they start making your home smell divine! Adapted slightly from Cooking for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet: Over 100 Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Recipes that are Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, and Grain-Free, these are rich-tasting thanks to cashew butter, toasted coconut and a dark amber honey. They’re gluten free, egg free, dairy free and tender without falling apart - the texture is just like a perfectly done "real" oatmeal cookie!
Vegan, protein-enhanced chewy bars are rich with cocoa, lower in sugar with PureVia Baking Blend stevia, and higher in fibre with both whole wheat flour and Cheerios (for a nut-free, kid friendly crunch!). Adapted from http://whiskwriterepeat.blogspot.ca/2010/0
4/double-chocolate-banana-bread-square
s.html
This vegan loaf is incredibly moist, yet low in fat thanks to a hefty dose of Watermelon Curd in place of a bucket of oil. A little extra curd on top adds a sweet swirl of Summer sunshine!
Maple syrup, sumac, cardamom and lemon juice make a relatively bland combination of apples and pears sing! Cooked into a luscious spread and canned, you can enjoy it year round.
Lean ground turkey gets a nutrient (and colour) boost with a can of pureed kidney beans and a few extra veggies, while leftover whole-grain waffles and gluten flour help the egg to bind it all together! Italian spices keep the flavours familiar, and by baking them in advance you can have a flash in the pan (pot?) meal in minutes!
This year I'm all about the watermelon rind - we had a lot left over from school and I couldn't wait to play with it in as many ways as possible! This lower-sugar chutney has pears, American saffron (AKA Calendula), cloves, peppers, ginger and garlic along with the peeled rind - no shortage of flavour!
I didn't think it was possible to do it, but a combination of arrowroot and tapioca starches with lightly sweetened watermelon puree made for a perfectly spreadable, buttery curd perfect for baking or toast!
A delicious, vegan version of the popular Vietnamese sandwich! Fresh and fragrant, this is a blend of marinated tofu, Spicy Shredded Root Pickle, Sriracha Veganaise and veggies piled onto crusty baguettes.
This tangy, gingery pickle is wonderful on any sort of sandwich or wrap you care to make (try it on Banh Mi!) - but it also makes a delicious slaw on its own and is a hit tossed with a garden salad at a picnic.
Inspired by http://www.chocolatemoosey.com/2013/01/15/
lemon-snowball-cookies
I made these lemon, blueberry, oat and white chocolate chip muffins for the Father's Day breakfast at school, boosting the "power" of them with some vanilla protein powder and low fat yogurt and adding a bit of childlike whimsy with Cheerios! Adapted from http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/blueberry-
power-muffins-with-almond-streusel-100
00000671030/
A hefty dose of booze slowly infuses its way into a mixture of dried fruit for a perfect accompaniment to roast game meats or pork (reminiscent of Prunes in Armagnac) at dinnertime, as well as served over yoghurt or pound cake for dessert.
These chewy, gooey caramels are 100% dairy free, made with coconut milk instead! A pinch of ginger adds zip, and the whole candied sugar mix is poured onto a bed of shredded coconut for added texture and rich flavour.
Directions for Gluten Free Fudgy Brownie Mix (http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-det
ail.asp?recipe=2526675)
Homemade brownie mix means NO preservatives, fillers, artificial anything! You can control the ingredients and really enjoy!
Adapted from Fifi O'Neill's book The Romantic Prairie Cookbook, these chewy, caramelly vegan cookies are filled with carob chips and raspberry flavoured dried cranberries, as well as flaxseed and whole wheat flour. For a PB&J feel, the optional chopped peanuts make a fantastic addition.
My gift for the kids on the last day of school - a tender-crisp vanilla cookie base packed with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips and crushed potato chips too! It's a handheld party! Adapted slightly from http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_vi
ew/potato_chip_cookies/ to make it dairy free and a little more "wholesome" with spelt and unrefined cane sugar - like that balances out the potato chips, chocolate and sprinkles!
A spice-packed, nutrient dense stew of coconut milk, red curry paste, tofu and a slew of any and all veggies hanging out in the fridge! Served over brown Basmati and wild rice, it is a hearty (yet oddly refreshing) lunch or light dinner. Adapted from The Four Season Farm Gardener’s Cookbook.
Adapted slightly from Put 'em Up! by Sherri Brooks Vinton. I love that this plum sauce was actually made from plums and not buckets of sugar like commercial sauces (the one we usually buy is made of "sugar, pumpkin, white vinegar, modified corn starch, plum purée, salt, concentrated lemon juice, garlic (contains soybean oil), red jalapeño pepper, citric acid, acetic acid, caramel colour").
Think Rice Krispie treats, but with Cheerios! We had two "jumbo" boxes to use before the end of he school year, and since 425 grams of them go into the mix (plus a handful of candy-coated chocolate!) it's a flash in the pot quick-fix!
Sweet, a little tart and full of natural watermelon flavour and colour! Pomona's pectin allowed me to drastically cut the sugar from the original recipe and add some Pyure stevia blend for sweetness instead.
Who knew the often tossed rind of your favourite Summer fruit could make delectable candy to enjoy all year 'round? Exotic spice flavour from cardamom and Schezuan peppercorns make these a truly unique sweet treat - perfect to eat out of the jar or use in baking like candied ginger! Adapted from http://www.notquitenigella.com/2012/02/06/
slatko-watermelon-rind-jam/. NI includes all the syrup, although you won't eat it all.
The NI and instructions for my homemade Fudge Brownie Mix (http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-det
ail.asp?recipe=2515985&ff=10)
So simple, yet it's a perfect gift to make for those who have everything - including a sweet tooth!
Homegrown, dehydrated minced Thai chilies add exotic heat to otherwise flavourless oil. A couple whole dried peppers add a touch of class to the bottle!
You can't go wrong with tons of oats, walnuts, chocolate chips and dried bananas! Not much sugar in these either, so feel free to take a second one.
Recipe adapted from http://thetolerantvegan.com/2013/03/apple-
peanut-butter-cookies & http://jesicakes.blogspot.ca/2013/04/vegan
-apple-peanute-butter-cookies.html. This recipe makes VERY tender, soft cookies - they don't travel well but who cares - they won't make it past the kitchen door!
Gluten free oats, brown rice flour, cornmeal and flaxseed star in this sweet-tart cookie packed with chopped fresh (or frozen) cranberries! Virgin coconut oil adds a hint of extra flavour too - you'll never miss the dairy, eggs or gluten!
The large-scale conglomeration of my favourite pie dough, my mom's Apple Square topping and a new apple pie filling I whipped up with a blend of Pyure stevia baking blend, regular sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch.
Adapted from http://blueberriesandblessings.com/2012/10
/04/12-woct-week-two-dark-chocolate-bl
ack-bean-cookies-glutenfree/, these are GF, 100% stevia sweetened, and packed with dark chocolate, dried cherries and the goodness of legumes! The yellow peas I use are the same ones you find in French pea soup, and are mild and buttery without any "beany" flavour at all.
Adapted slightly from Farm Fresh Recipes from the Missing Goat Farm, these sweet, chewy oatmeal-based bars are filled with luscious caramel sauce, gogi berries, mashed banana and chocolate chips. Extra protein comes in with a vanilla soy isolate, while psyllium adds extra fibre and binding power. Just don't tell the kids they're healthy!
Something I whipped up to bring a new spin to the standard "chili" on the school menu. It may be a little too spicy for the youngest palates, but serve with a glass of milk and it's all good!
Caramel and bananas are a natural combination, and when you add in the earthy, nutty crunch of seeds and the tenderizing power of yoghurt and ricotta this cake is out of this world!
Lots of fruity yogurt, bananas and whole wheat flour in this lower-sugar loaf. It's super tender and tastes like dessert for breakfast!
Inspired by www.lafujimama.com/2012/09/blueberry-yogur
t-cookies, I used the peach yoghurt and raspberries we had at school and tossed in some wheat bran and chocolate chips too. I'm lucky the kids love fruit - and are adventurous eaters!
So called because one of the kids at school (Nathan, duh) was so enthralled by the first batch (made for the Mother's Day event on Friday) that he asked me if I would please make them soon. I'm a softie, what can I say?
Thanks to Mom for her recipe, it's never steered me wrong - and was the first cookie one of the teachers (who is almost 60) *ever* made!
Adapted from http://kitchengrrrls.blogspot.ca/2013/05/s
eitan-jerk-sloppy-joes.html. These are packed with flavour and are perfect for grilling on skewers or making jerk sandwiches!
A mouthful to say, and two to eat! These vegan, Kamut flour cookies are made with David's Tea Cocoa Canela and Genmaicha, cocoa powder and ground coffee bean praline, then topped with melted semisweet chocolate.
This is awesome on it's own as a snack, but try it as a topping on vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an "a la mode" experience too!
Made super sweet with both sugar and a stevia blend by PureVia, rich with coconut butter and eggs and moist with crushed pineapple! Adapted from yammiesnoshery.com/2013/02/hawaiian-sweet-
rolls-fluffiest-rolls.html
Baking powder without the allergenic gluten or corn starches, aluminum or other fillers.
Adapted from http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/energ-egg-s
ubstitute-egg-replacer-without-eggs/, this is a cheap, accessible and easy to make version of the Ener-G Egg Replacer Powder. Gluten, corn, soy and dairy free!
My "experimental" recipe for my experiments with PureVia's Granulated sweetener... it's a vegan version of the Crisco "Ultimate Sugar Cookie" that I made with Ener-G egg replacer and coconut milk and jazzed up with a pinch of nutmeg. Gotta say, I liked making this 100% sugar free dough a whole lot more than the sugar-filled one - it came together easier and baked flatter without spreading!
But how did they taste compared to the original? Stay tuned to yummysmells.blogspot.com to find out!
My "control" recipe for my experiments with PureVia's Granulated sweetener... it's a vegan version of the Crisco "Ultimate Sugar Cookie" that I made with Ener-G egg replacer and coconut milk and jazzed up with a pinch of nutmeg.
Simply glazed with powdered sugar and milk, these slightly sweet, fruity eggless donuts get a hint of colour from cocoa and nutrition from spelt flour. Baked instead of fried, you'd never suspect they were healthy!
Adapted from Judith Finlayson's The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook: 125 Delicious Recipes from Amaranth to Quinoa to Wild Rice. I made them nut free with honey-roasted sunflower seeds, eggless with ground flaxseed, and lower in fat with 0% Greek yogurt. Not too bad for any muffin, gluten free or not!
The liquid form of one of my favourite Greek desserts - hazelnut baklava! Almond milk gives it a richer flavour than plain milk - and you can certainly use sugar-free syrup if you like
Bittersweet chocolate, cocoa, espresso and a hint of brown sugar goes into these brownies from Petite Treats: Your Favorite Desserts-Bite Size!. They were a little on the dry side (so sad!) as written, but a few tweaks (and a brushing of Kahlua on the underside) solved that problem :-D
A very slightly modified version of my Vegan Lemon Sheet Cake, this is a two-layer beauty moist and tender from coconut milk and brightly flavoured from lemon juice, zest and extract. Sandwiched with jam and coconut it's the perfect base for any decoration!
Rich, thick and full of flavour from creamy coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut extract and naturally sweet carob powder. It whips up nice and smooth, and if you chill it, it pipes like a dream!
I made this originally to use up a half bag of very stale marshmallows (we're talking mini rocks here) that I had and to make a mouldable decorating medium for my grandmother's birthday cake. A few surprises along the way (i.e. marshmallows carmelizing in the microwave, not melting) worked themselves out with a few extra additions, and I even played up the flavour a bit with some English Toffee flavouring extract! Shaped and allowed to dry at room temperature overnight, you can have delicious, gorgeous flowers, bees or anything you want!
Roll small balls of this rich, gluten free, vegan ganache and dip them in chocolate or dust with cocoa for a delicious gift (or to eat all yourself!). Coconut milk makes for a silky mouthfeel, while a mashed, super-ripe banana adds flavour and natural sweetness!
Perfect for a mid afternoon pick me up, when you want something sweet and rich but without a huge caffeine jolt! Sugar free thanks to organic Pyure stevia, which has the benefits of inulin too!
Made with slivered almonds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds, this is definitely a banana bread for anyone who likes a bit of texture in their treats! Vegan caramel sauce takes place of the sugar and meshes perfectly with the over ripe bananas and the spicy peach butter!
Adapted slightly from Mad Hungry Cravings, this tangy pseudo-pound cake is tender and moist, with a delicate sweetness from honey and a nutty note from spelt flour. Simple enough for mid morning coffee and elegant enough to dress with frozen yogurt and berries for dessert!
If you're an Ovaltine fan, these are definitely the cookies for you - huge, chewy and full of malt flavour from malted barley flour, barley malt syrup and malted milk powder, with just enough chocolate chips to make it a real treat!
Called "Mrs Randalls Brownies" in the book Petite Treats: Your Favorite Desserts-Bite Size!, my version of these adds moisture-locking chia and liquid stevia to the rich cocoa and ground nut body. Powdered stevia and dark agave add extra sweetness. If you don't have ground chia, equal flaxseed meal can substitute.
Adapted from Prairie Home Breads: 150 Splendid Recipes from America's Breadbasket by Judith Fertig, this yeast bread originated in Switzerland (where it's called bierenbrot) and came to American plates via Wisconsin. Fresh, dried and juiced pears find a home in the cardamom- and ginger-laced dough - a treat for any Fall breakfast!
This hearty loaf is packed full of texture and flavour - with almost every seed under the sun, whole grains, Craisins and sourdough starter! It makes delicious toast and thanks to the chia seeds stays moist for days.
Boiled bagels with 100% whole grain sourdough, with whole flaxseeds, malted barley syrup and buttermilk for extra tang! Adapted from breadwithoutbutter.blogspot.ca/2009/09/sou
rdough-bagels.html
A whole leg of lamb (bone and all) goes into the pot with your standard veggies, lots of garlic, most of the spice cabinet, dried fruit and a whole bottle of wine! Two and a half hours later it's velvety soft and begging to be spooned over your favourite rice or grain.
I was in the mood for a taco the other day, but I didn't want the shell bit (never really liked hard tacos and the soft ones turn to mush). Instead, I just bunged everything into a bowl, drizzled it with plain soy yoghurt mixed with a bit of lime and called it a day!
Baked in a casserole for 2 hours, this melange of spicy trimmings from a leg of lamb (the meat that was too close to the bone for mom to bother with back at Easter), Thai chili, garlic, carrot and onions is meltingly tender and rich - but deceptively low in fat!
Chewy, gluten free, vegan bars with Xylitol+, coconut and homemade soynut butter. Rich and slightly sweet on their own, but elevated with orange juice caramel syrup!
You may know these tender, not too sweet cookies by their name Fig Newtons, but in reality the recipe is of Egyptian design. This version combines the traditional flavours of North Africa with the whole grain cookies of today.
My version of Mac n' Cheese for school. In the amount of time it takes to cook the pasta, I had a luxurious cheese sauce ready! Poured into the casseroles, sprinkled with more cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs, it was declared "Best Mac and Cheese Ever" by the kids (and I think the old cook was jealous!)
There is NO escaping the chocolate goodness in these suckers, and it's a good thing the recipe I adapted from http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/02/1
3/1-xxl-death-by-chocolate-cookie/ only makes two because they're the size of your face!
You know "Magic Bars" and Hello Dollies, but you've never seen this combination before! These have a chocolate cookie base, spread with raspberry jam, topped with sliced banana, butterscotch chips, coconut, and bittersweet couverture discs, then drowned in sweetened condensed milk mixed with peanut butter and capped with chopped roasted peanuts! Can we say Heaven??
Can you believe I hate avocado au naturale? This bittersweet, creamy frosting is the only way I’ll take a bite – and not only is it added-fat free, there’s no refined sugar either - just a dash of raw agave and a pinch of stevia! Slightly adapted from Giada De Laurentis’ Avocado Mousse
Adapted slightly from The Four Season Farm Gardener's Cookbook: From the Garden to the Table in 120 Recipes. Two layers of dense (but surprisingly light) hazelnut cake make a perfect sandwich for any of your favourite fillings – try my Luxuriously Healthy Chocolate Frosting... the combination is like Nutella on steroids!
Just barely adapted from Mr. Wilkinson's Vegetables, these tomato-based beans are filled with a medley of spices and "oven-simmered" until thick and rich. Perfect for dunking toast or just digging in with a spoon!
Makes about 8 tbsp. Almost the whole spice cabinet goes into this Ethiopian recipe, perfect for jazzing up anything on the menu (I love it on cauliflower and potatoes!).
Definitely NOT a diet dessert - but a winner for my mom's birthday party! With 24 oz of cream cheese, a cup of mascarpone and 10 oz of bittersweet couverture chocolate you can definitely count me in!
Or "starfish" if you want to relate to the famous Pepperidge Farm crackers these emulate. For extra zip, try extra old Cheddar and add a pinch of chipotle or jalapeno pepper powder!
Five ingredients (not counting the chocolate) and NO sugar! A xylitol / stevia blend enhances the natural sweetness of the organic coconut and virgin coconut oil.
I adapted this moist, low(ish) fat cake from The Newlywed Cookbook by Robin Miller, baking the topping (which I added pecans and almonds to) onto the top of the cake rather than sprinkling it on after baking. It's a wonderful morning snack!
No chocolate, but packed with the bright lime and graham cracker flavour from the classic treat! A touch of tangy cream cheese adds just the right about of taste and texture. Keep them in the freezer to prolong their life – not that they’ll hang around long!
Adapted from the upcoming Newlywed Cookbook to add all the veggies "beginning to die" in the house and use brown rice stick noodles. This is creamy, spicy and packed with nutrition! It's also good warm or cold, making it great for lunches.
The flavour of spaghetti squash reminds me of my favourite butternut, but like any mashed squash the texture puts me off. Making them into crispy savoury bites solves the problem, and adding ketchup (or maple syrup!) doesn't hurt either!
Adapted from Fresh and Healthy DASH Diet Cooking: 101 Delicious Recipes for Lowering Blood Pressure, Losing Weight and Feeling Great by Andrea Lynn. These creamy, cheesy shells are cloaked in Cheddar, mozzarella and low-sodium tomato sauce. I used goat dairy (easier to digest) and changed proportions of the basic elements to use what I had on hand.
Sliced zucchini, stevia and a hint of spice gets topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked for a delicious and healthy midafternoon snack.
Melted frozen yoghurt adds moisture and sweetness to these whiskey-laced, oat flour cocoa muffins. A vegan mini marshmallow caps it off for looks!
Mini cinnamon buns that are super-simple to make ahead and freeze for later! Who doesn't like a warm cinnamon bun? The kids sure didn't complain at work!
Adapted from www.pixel-whisk.com/2012/11/baby-cinnamon-
buns.html to make it whole grain and lower fat with pureed chickpeas for extra nutrition!
Thin, chewy and vegan FTW! These use my Cocoa Syrup as the full-bodied chocolate flavour, amped up by brown sugar, with crunch from Rice Krispies and moist from oil and silken tofu. Perfect to face all the allergies at school!
Cocoa Syrup: http://yummysmells.blogspot.ca/2013/03/coc
oa-syrup.html
Makes two 9x13” pans. Dense, sweet and studded with bittersweet chocolate chips, these vegan blondies have a rich nutty flavour without any added fat or nuts! Adapted from http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/1
8/chocolate-chip-blondies-and-theyre-g
ood-for-you/
With a boatload of mashed potatoes (either leftover or freshly made), oats and whole wheat flour, this is a stick-to-your-ribs, dense boule that's great for serving with stews, soups or your favourite St. Patty's Day dish!
Adapted slightly from All You Knead is Bread by Jane Mason. Using dark soy sauce instead of salt, it has a unique Asian flavour that meshes well with the nutty black rice. I used whole wheat bread flour and added stevia and coconut extract too for a kick! This is a fun "project" bread to make - it's not going to be an everyday loaf, since it's too low-rising for the toaster or to make proper sandwiches - but it's delicious and healthy to boot!
Homemade sundae or "hot chocolate" syrup perfect for almost anything, including brownies for school!
Between the honey, amber agave nectar, rosewater, cinnamon and walnuts, this creamy candy is a HEAVENLY concoction that really does evoke memories of the Mediterranean pastry!
My take on the classic for the kids at school! Creamy noodles and chicken are mixed with a mess of veggies and topped with crushed crackers for bona fide comfort food - and it both freezes and reheats wonderfully!
I wanted to make the toddlers at school something pink in honour of Valentine's Day, since the older kids were getting a taste of my Red Velvet Popcorn. Leftover sushi/sticky rice, a mix of stevia and sugar, whole milk and a few beaten eggs cooked together into a creamy mix that got a punch of colour, flavour and nutrition from frozen raspberries!
Baguettes from "All You Knead is Bread" by Jane Mason. A long process beginning with a pre-dough, a gazillion stretch and folds and a sticky shaping, but so worth it in the end! These have a whole-wheat and sourdough “predough” and a half whole wheat final dough spiked with a tiny bit of yeast-boosting ginger for a tangy, slightly nutty flavour! If doing this by hand vs. a stand mixer, I suggest investing in a bench scraper for the initial kneading.
Adapted from Connor’s Cooking and www.cravingsofalunatic.com/2012/11/red-vel
vet-popcorn.html. Rich cocoa, brown sugar and a hint of nutty sweetness from coconut enrobe crunchy popcorn and dry to a perfect Valentine's snack!
A simple stir fry of somen noodles, shredded cabbage and broccoli is dressed with a spicy, sweet garlic-teriyaki-scallion sauce.This also works well with a thinly shaved leek!
You can't go wrong with a good coffee cake - spiced just right, tender and sweet, with that to-die for crumb topping! This vegan, gluten free version (adapted from The Gluten Free Vegan) uses toasted quinoa and coconut in the topping and tastes like it came right out of the bakery!
Creamy, dreamy and rich, with a hint of tang from the buttermilk. Coat it in chocolate (dark or white) for an extra special treat - as a bonus it keeps longer!
This also works well with a thinly shaved leek, so play to your preference.
These mini cakes are dark, dense and rich - just sweet enough (with a complex sugar profile from xylitol, stevia, glycerin and brown sugar), and with a touch of fruity elegance from cherry jam. A nutty note from coconut oil, quinoa and adzuki beans seals the deal on these gluten free, vegan wonders. This is rich, so a tiny piece satisfies!
An elegant savoury garnish for blini or sushi. You will need a plastic syringe or squeeze bottle.
Sweet and tart cherries are livened up with a burst of pineapple groundcherries - not "real" cherries, but the name suits!
This low-sugar jam uses Pomona's Pectin and has a wonderfully complex flavour from the fruit, agave, wine and vanilla!
Adapted slightly from Vicki Chelf's recipe in Vicki's Vegan Kitchen. The original recipe had no salt or spice whatsoever, so I added a pinch of sea salt and a dash of nutmeg in with the dry mixture. I refuse to use the delicious maple syrup we have here for anything other than topping, so I used amber agave and added some sweet diced dates for variety!
You'd never guess these sweet, hearty spelt-flour muffins with crunchy granola on top have no sugar in the "cake" part (the topping is Crunchy Maple Sunrise® cereal from Nature's Path and has evaporated cane juice and maple syrup). The secret? Naturally sweet fruit and the goodness of almond stevia!
Moist, rich and not too sweet, these are packed with walnuts, chocolate chips and granola for interest. They're a nice mid morning snack for work (or school).
Inspired by the French Yogurt Cake in Dorie Greenspan's Baking: From My Home to Yours, I used whole wheat pastry flour, coconut flour, coconut extract, toasted sesame oil and white sesame seeds for an exotic, moist, tender loaf cake.
This is packed with an intense amount of spices, but none of them overpower the other. The tomatoes soak up the goodness and melt into a delicious, thick topper for toast, rice or your favourite protein (including eggs and grilled Halloumi!). Inspired by the blog "The Taste Space" - http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2012/09/19
/moroccan-tomato-chili-chutney-2/
AKA Hazelnut and Almond Praline. Adapted from Grace Massa Langlois' book "Grace's Sweet Life", using half brown, half white sugar, a pinch of sea salt, and corn syrup
for the glucose. The coated nuts, once hardened, can be ground to crumbs or a paste for baking or simply broken into shards for decoration.
Inspired by mymansbelly.com, these use a chewy, melted candy corn (mellowcreme) and coconut oil base and are packed with more coconut, hot cocoa mix and a touch of almond milk. Rolled in cocoa powder, they're an unusual yet delectable holiday treat!
With a can of beer and rich molasses, this crusty loaf is all kinds of moist! Rye, spelt and whole wheat flours add extra nutrition and great flavour, while honey-roasted sunflower seeds and raisins add interest and texture.
Crumbled "meatballs", macaroni and LOTS of veggies fill this thick and hearty soup. It's a nutritious "stick to your ribs" meal in a bowl that freezes well too. You can even top bowls with a slice of garlic toast and grated cheese, pop them under the broiler and have a real Italian feast!
Gluten free, these also have no leavening and rely on a "cook down" method for the pumpkin to concentrate it and eliminate the water. They're dense, not crumbly or sandy, and spicy!
The same base as my Asianesque ones, with the rich flavours of Italian cooking. These are perfect for making minestrone or Italian wedding soup.
These are the perfect size for soup or noodle bowls, or use them to fill wontons. They're filled with flavour and you'd never know they were meat free. Freeze on a baking sheet then keep in a zip-top bag in the freezer for a quick meal - just heat up your favourite broth, add noodles or rice and go!
Adapted from Cookin’ Canuck, these have less sugar, fat and cholesterol than the bakery or coffee shop versions, and are whole grain and spice packed to boot!
Chewy, sweet cookies with the goodness of whole grains, banana and oat flour and a homemade granola for crunch! Adapted from keepinitkind.com/salted-caramel-chocolate-
chip-cookies/
Makes about 3/4 cup. Veganized from www.brighteyedbaker.com/2012/07/24/diy-car
amel-sauce/
Have leftover mellowcreme candies from Christmas? Try these sticky sweet, fudgy blondies with candy corn as the secret ingredient! Adapted from cakefyi.com/2011/11/03/candy-corn-blondies
/
Chunky cut celeriac adds a new twist to oven fries. With less calories and carbs (and a lower GI) than potatoes, it won't hurt you blood sugar or your diet!
The maligned, knobbly vegetable known as celeriac or celery root is very mild in flavour, especially when cooked (like a slightly nutty potato). Paired with standard potatoes and sliced onions in a scalloped-style dish, it's so delectable you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before!
A combination of my Mom's famous "no-recipe" stroganoff (she's made it so often she never looks now) and Melanie's version for #SundaySupper: http://www.fastfood2freshfood.com/2012/08/
beef-stroganoff-for-sundaysupper.html
Same basic recipe as the Crisco Cookies, but with a GF flour blend that just so happens to have whole grains too!
Scoff if you will, but these shortening based sugar cookies keeps it's shape better and is a little sturdier, a huge plus when traveling to holiday parties!
Both a "basic" and a "redux" version of this healthy, hearty bread are on the table! Tender enough but still toothsome and great for toasting or sandwiches, this is a homey, feel good recipe you can keep in the freezer for breakfast anytime! Adapted from Adapted from Prairie Home Breads: 150 Splendid Recipes from America's Breadbasket by Judith Fertig.
Recipe out of Liddabit Sweets. This is fairly simple to make but gets over EVERYTHING. It is hard to work in all the nuts, and cut it when it's cooled (it is hard candy!) but it's worth it for a special Christmas gift - it keeps almost indefinitely too!
Hard-crack sugar syrup mixed with espresso coffee beans and poured out into a single layer on a silpat. The perfect Christmas gift for those coffee lovers on your list!
Bubble sugar is an easy decoration made from cooked sugar that adds a beautiful touch to cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. Play with the alcohol you use to change the subtle flavouring of the finished candy - I love using a mix of Grand Marnier and Kahlua for chocolate cake decorations, or a coconut rum when making it to garnish a lime pie. Adapted from Grace Massa Langlois' book "Grace's Sweet Life".
The original (fictional) drink was invented by Zaphod Beeblebrox, a major character in Douglas Adams' novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The effect of a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon, wrapped 'round a large gold brick. It has also been described in the novel as the alcoholic equivalent to a mugging; expensive and bad for the head.
This is a more practical, but no less potent, version that is all about the booze. You definitely need to pace yourself... and your liver!
This is my mom's version of Julia Child's Fillet Of Sole Bonne Femme, courtesy of Julia Child! Sole poached in wine with Swiss cheese, heavy cream, mushrooms and not much else! I definitely suggest an enameled cast iron Dutch oven for this, as it evenly distributes the heat.
Even though this casserole-dish stuffing is fantastic for days after the event, there are rarely any leftovers! It’s a brilliant blend of sweet, savoury, nutty and fresh flavours that’s a stunner on the holiday table.
My (and my mom's) version of the classic French Onion Soup. Using Julia's recipe as a base, this uses butter and bacon fat to saute, gets a splash of cognac and a cup of wine along with the rich, flavourful beef stock. My stepbrother (who requested it in the first place) ate two huge bowls!
Makes one 12” crust. This adds a touch of homemade, flavourful goodness to your next pizza night! Feel free to try out different flours, oils and herbs too!
Directions and NI for Gluten Free Superfood Pancake Mix - http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-deta
il.asp?recipe=2320751&ff=1.
Organic dried blueberries, maca powder, flaxseed and a great blend of GF flours make this pancake mix something you'll want to wake up to! NI is per cup of dry mix only (1 batch)
Adapted from Artisanal Gluten Free Cooking by Kelli and Peter Bronski to use some mini peanut butter cups along with chocolate chips. You’d never know they were gluten free – just soft, slightly cakey and delicious!
Oats and almonds both stud this eggless, very vanilla dough that bakes into perfectly crunchy sticks. Dunked into coffee or hot chocolate it's a great pick me up in the afternoon!
There's no shortage of Fall flavour in this crunchy, chunky nut-free treat! With lots of fresh pumpkin puree, maple syrup and spices you don't need buckets of sugar or oil to enjoy!
Something my mom used to whip up for dinner during the week, these are fancy and delicious enough for company too! Use the most slender carrots you can find, as they're the sweetest.
If you've ever taken a whiff of fenugreek seeds right out of the packet, you know they have a bitter-sweet, caramel or maple aroma that translates into their unique flavour. Boiled until soft, sweetened and strained, they become a rich, delicious syrup perfect for your weekend morning pancakes!
12-grain flour, dark rye flour and whole wheat flour team up in this dense, multiple (cold) rising bread baked in a Dutch oven. You really need to plan this one out ahead though - with three long, cold rises, this hearty loaf adapted from http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/roa
sted-apple-bread-recipe takes easily 3 days start to finish! It's so worth it though - with roasted apples, pumpkin seeds and dried figs, it's a showstopper on the breakfast table!
Ground walnuts, cinnamon and rosewater fill this semi-soft cookie batter. Enjoy as is or make decadent sandwiches with my Baklava Cream Fondant!
Crisp chopped and buttery ground pecans add a wealth of flavour and a hint of bitterness to the crunchy cookie fingers. Sweet toffee bits add the "caramel" note to the biscuits while dark, rich palm sugar deepens the overall flavour. You've never dunked this into your coffee!
Adapted from www.momstestkitchen.com/2012/12/hot-cocoa-
cookies.html, these babies have bittersweet chocolate chips, fudge sundae sauce, hot chocolate mix and chocolate extract in addition to flavourful coconut oil and mini marshmallows
Nut and egg free, 100% whole grain, but packed with rich flavour! An oat, whole wheat and pumpkin seed mixture makes the perfect base for a barely sweetened pumpkin layer. The whole thing gets topped off with yet more oaty crumble and baked to rich perfection!
A rich, flavourful puree of buttery leeks, onions, potatoes and parsnip adapted from Home Grown Harvest. Garnished with garden fresh chives and chive blossoms, this warming, hearty meal is perfect for the first brisk day of Fall.
Adapted from the indolent cook. These are simple, not too sweet, snow white gluten and egg-free cookies that are both slightly chewy and crisp on the outside.
Inspired by the Millet & Buckwheat Granola on Vanilla and Spice, I took it all the way to Asia with black rice, coconut, sesame seeds, Chinese 5 spice, fresh ginger, pineapple and almonds. It's a crunchy, munchy, sweet and spicy snack or breakfast everyone can enjoy!
These cupcakes (modified slightly from the classic "Black Magic" recipe) get a wallop of flavour from cocoa, buttermilk and a hint of coffee, not to mention a hidden kick!
So moist, not too sweet and definitely vanilla! This is a great buttermilk French vanilla recipe for sheet cakes and cupcakes.
A delicious option for birthdays, Thanksgiving or Easter! The hint of spice in the tangy frosting really elevates it from your "standard" carrot cake, and the shredded beet adds a hint of earthiness you don't expect.
Crunchy multi-spice cookies leavened slightly with Baker's Ammonia and using a traditional butter/lard fat base. Topped with crunchy sugar crystals these will be a hit at Christmas parties!
Old fashioned Scandanavian cookies that use baker's ammonia for the leavening. Baker's ammonia can be purchased at most grocery and baker's supply shops, and cause the cookies to reek to high Heaven in the oven. Once cooked, though, they are all vanilla and peppermint.