Christmas 2023

Christmas Eve: We decided to head to one of our favourite pubs for our festive meal and fish & chips with cider hit the spot. As we tucked in we sang along to Christmas songs, laughed and chatted before making our way home. 

Christmas Day: Christmas morning was bright and early for us and those infamous lemonade scones and mandarine oranges were served as we toasted Yuletide and Christmas with a round of Bucks Fizz.

 

Christmas Day dinner was a mid-day affair as we had company and gave us not only an opportunity to mix and mingle but an early start meant reasonable time to digest and relax with a walk. Dinner was full of the usual festive culinary delights with all the trimmings, turkey, seasoned garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet glazed carrots, brussels sprouts, with lashing of gravy and cranberry sauce. Glasses of wine flowed as we toasted the seasonal best. 

Boxing Day: We were invited out for the better part of the morning and early afternoon so it was a more paired down late lunchette that saw us grazing on into the dinner hour. There were plenty of nibbles paired with pea hummus dip, mini quiches and cauliflower bites, an abundance of crackers with a selection of cheeses and meats, dried apricots, tangerines and dates, sweet candied apple cinnamon walnuts, sweet and spicy gherkins and onions, a selection of my baking and a tiramisu swiss roll for dessert. 

  

... and of course we had our annual order from Fortnum & Mason. With savoury sables, crackers and biscuits, jams and jellies, tea, hot sauce, honey, condiments, horseradish, fizzy sparkling non alcoholic tea, plenty to share through the coming year. 

The gifted Marks and Spencers order was lovely and full of some of our favourites and and new delights. Crackers, jam, soups, biscuits, Christmas pudding, chocolates, savoury nibbles and a fruit and nut butter, which is absolutely wonderful on toast, definitely the highlight of the gift package.  

Yule ~ Winter Solstice ~ Christmas and Fig and Raisin Tea Loaf

 

Yule - Winter Solstice, typically falls between December 21st and December 22nd, in the Northern Hemisphere and occurs in the Southern Hemisphere between June 21st - 22nd and the Celtic celebrations may vary from year to year depending on when the Sun reaches the southern most point in its yearly cycle. Yule celebrations are believed to be connected to the original celebrations of Yule with the Wild Hunt (the Norse god, Odin) and the pagan Anglo-Saxon Modraniht/Modranicht (Mother's Night) and the Roman celebration of Saturnalia. Yule also marks the longest night of the year.

Winter Solstice is a time for gathering in darkness and honouring and celebrating the return of light and the rebirth of the Sun. It also marks the beginning of Winter with the shortest day and the longest night of the year and because of that the days grow longer. Darkness begins to diminish as the returning light brings hope and promise. As the days become longer think perseverance, transformation and renewal as the increase of daylight will lift your spirit with hope of what lies ahead, Spring.   

Christmas, December 25th to December 27th, is linked with Winter Solstice and most customs, lore, symbols and rituals are similar. 

Other festivals or celebrations that occur in and around this time include: Yuletide (Various/Germanic/Northern European, Dec 21st-Jan 1st), Wren Day/Wren's Day (Irish), Alban Arthan (Celtic/Druidic), Finn's Day, Festival of Sol, Great Day of Cauldron, Festival of Growth, Wassailing, Mari Lwyd (Welsh), Koliada/Koleda (Slavic), Lohri (Punjabi), Julebord or Julebukking (Scandinavian), Yalda Night/Chelle Night (Iranian), Hanukkah (Jewish, Dec 10th -18th), Kwanzaa (African-American Dec 26th-Jan 1st), Las Pasadas (Spanish, Dec 16-24), Soyal (Zuni and Hopi, Dec 20-22) and Saturnalia (Ancient Roman, Dec 17-23). Traditions or customs such as Mummer's play, First-foot, Wishing Tree, Yule Goat, Polaznik, and Jaslickari are also observed and connected to Yule, Winter Solstice, Christmas and or New Years. 

To honour Yule and Winter Solstice celebrations and or Christmas I made a Fig and Raisin Tea Loaf. Lovely with lashing of butter or rum butter, if you prefer and a spirited beverage to toast all things merry and bright. 

Fig and Raisin Tea Loaf

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makes one 2 lb. loaf

1 2/3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon British mixed spice

1/2 cup dried figs, chopped

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

2/3 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup light olive oil

2/3 cup milk, plus extra if needed

Preheat oven to 325ºF (170ºC). Grease and lightly flour a 2 lb loaf tin. Line the bottom with baking parchment.

In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, British mixed spice and whisk together. Then add the chopped figs, chopped walnuts and golden raisins. Stir to combine. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour the oil and milk and stir until just moist. If you notice that the batter is a bit dry just a tablespoon or two more of milk, blending one at a time until the batter becomes a good dropping consistency.

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, raisins and a light dusting of vanilla sugar. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in a preheated oven or until firm to the touch and a knife or skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully remove from the tin and allow to cool completely on the wire rack. Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving. 

Pine Honey Cookies

 

Although these are a joy to make, they do hold bittersweet memories, as they were one of my mum's favourite cookies and throughout the years steadily becoming one of my favourite festive cookies too. The surprisingly delicate flavour of pine honey adds a touch of yule earthiness to these soft sweet biscuits.   

Pine Honey Cookies

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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, soft room temperature

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup pine honey

2 eggs, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

walnut pieces for decorating

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

Add the flour and baking soda to a medium bowl and whisk together.

In a large bowl cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pine honey, eggs and vanilla extract and blend well.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter sugar mixture, stirring until well combined and a soft dough has formed. Do not worry the dough will be soft and a bit sticky. Using floured hands roll the dough into balls the size of a large walnut. Place on the prepared baking sheet and using the bottom of a smooth glass dipped in flour, gently press down each dough ball. You may cover and chill the dough for an hour, if you find the dough too soft to handle however I have never had to do this. Place a walnut piece on top of each. 

Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden, no imprint remains when toughed and the bottoms are evenly browned. Remove from the baking sheet and allow to cool on wire racks. Repeat until all the dough has been used up. 

Florentine Slice

 

Florentine slice is rich, gooey and remarkably chocolatey, brimming with a crisp layer of sticky sweet fruit. An absolute breeze to make and perfect for sharing and giving throughout the festive season... which you may reconsider after your first bite. Moreish in every morsel, you'll definitely want to make... and share again and again.   

Florentine Slice

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12 oz. good quality semisweet chocolate

2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, golden raisins, currants, citrus peel)

2/3 cup candied cherries or dried cherries

Generous 1 cup of large flaked shredded coconut

1/2 cup superfine sugar

1/2 cup ( 1 stick) butter, melted

2 eggs, beaten

Line an 8 x 11 inch pan with foil and line the bottom with a piece of baking parchment. Melt the chocolate and spread evenly in the base of the pan. Leave to cool in the refrigerator until set. See notes on how to melt chocolate. 

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). In a large bowl mix together the dried fruit, candied cherries, coconut, sugar, butter and beaten eggs and spread evenly over the chocolate.

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and leave to cool in the pan. When cool, place the pan in the refrigerator until really cold. Cut into oblong slices and turn out of the pan.  

NOTES: FOR MELTING CHOCOLATE  

Double boiler method: fill a medium saucepan with 4 cm of water. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pan so that it fits snuggly but doesn't touch the water. Lower the heat to a very gentle simmer. Break up the chocolate into pieces and add to the bowl, then leave to melt for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly. 

Microwave method: place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds on 50% power level. Stop to stir, then return the bowl to the microwave and continue heating on 50% power, stopping to stir every 20 seconds, timing is estimated approximately at 1 minute for an ounce of chocolate and 3 minutes for 8 ounces. When the chocolate is almost melted, stop microwaving. There may be some bits of partially melted chocolate, that's okay and that is when you know it's done. Any longer and it may burn. The heat will melt the remaining bits.  

Chicken Paprika

 

The vibrancy of this sauce is marvellous and as simple as this is, it's succulent and nourishes the hungriest of souls. This dish comes together quite quickly in one pan and is an excellent recipe when you want a satisfying meal in no time. I've served this with roasted potatoes, pictured above, and mashed potatoes, with a side of green beans, not pictured due to my eagerness in wanting to take a photo. However, you may also serve this with rice, pasta or späetzle.  

Chicken Paprika

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serves 6 

4 tablespoon butter

3 tablespoons paprika

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 chicken breasts, cubed

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper 

2 cups low sodium chicken broth

3 teaspoons water 

2 teaspoons cornstarch

4 tablespoons sour cream

Heat a sauté pan to medium-high heat, then add the butter to melt. Add the paprika to the pan and stir for 1 minute. Next, add the onion to the pan and cook on medium-low for 10 minutes, or until the onion is tender.

Add the chicken to the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring this mixture to a quick boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Combine the water and cornstarch in a cup and mix to make a smooth slurry, then immediately whisk it into the sauce. Continue to cook the sauce for 2 to 4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken, then stir in the sour cream and remove it from the heat. 

Mincemeat Galette

Festive mincemeat in a delicate flaky free form dessert that has all the seasonal taste of its traditional counterpart. With the addition of a shortbread crumble topping brings two holiday traditions, mincemeat and shortbread together, in one festive treat. Yuletide scrumptiousness in every blissful slice. 

  

Mincemeat Galette

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Pie Crust:

1 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup light olive oil

3 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon white vinegar

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and blend together with a fork until the mixture resembles an oatmeal texture. Sprinkle in the cold water and vinegar and mix together to form a soft dough. You may have to add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if you find the dough some what dry, you want a soft but not sticky dough. Gather the dough and press into a ball. Roll out between sheets of wax paper. Invert the rolled dough onto a parchment lined baking tray and gently remove the wax paper.   

Notes: you may use a ready made pie crust, if you wish, just follow package instructions. 

Shortbread Crumble:

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1 1/2 cups flour 

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) butter, melted

2 teaspoons almond extract

In a large bowl combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, sugar, butter and almond extract. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or alternately blend with wooden spoon or fork, until the mixture is crumbly. 

Notes: you may add grated orange or lemon rind to the crumble mixture for added flavour. 

Mincemeat Filling: Either make your favourite mincemeat filling or use a ready made mincemeat filling, which is what I do, to save time. This year, I used Marks & Spencers Brandy & Clementine Mincemeat although Robertson's Mincemeat is my go to mincemeat filling. Both are vegetarian and suitable for vegans.   

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a baking tray with parchment paper if using wax paper to roll the pie pastry out. 

Make the Pie Crust (see above recipe): Roll the pastry between pieces of wax paper or you can roll between pieces of parchment paper. If using parchment paper gently glide the rolled pie pastry with the parchment paper underneath onto a baking tray and trim the edges of the parchment paper to fit the baking tray.  

Spread 510 grams (2 1/2 cups) of mincemeat filling over the rolled out pastry, leaving about a 1 - inch gap around the edges. Carefully fold the sides inward to form an edge. Overlapping is fine.

Make an egg wash: mix 1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, brush the folded edges with the egg wash. 

Make the Shortbread Crumble (see above recipe): Sprinkle the Shortbread Crumble generously over top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the crumble is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and while warm, sprinkle with vanilla caster sugar. Allow to cool on the baking tray. Lightly dust with icing sugar before serving. If you do not add grated orange or lemon rind to the crumble mixture you may grate some over top before serving or place pieces of candied orange peel on top will also do nicely too.  

Fleischmann's® Canada Corn Starch Shortbread

 

An easy four ingredient recipe to literally whip up with basic pantry essentials. This shortbread is an absolute cult favourite amongst home bakers. A melt in your mouth biscuit that may be also known as Benson's Shortbread, Grandma's Shortbread, Canadian Shortbread or Whipped Shortbread. Fleischmann's® Canada Corn Starch Shortbread is how I remember it; as our pantry growing up always had a box of this brand of corn starch and this recipe was always on the back. What I add to the recipe usually changes depending on the seasons because I make shortbread throughout the year. Pictured above, I added chopped dried cranberries and mini dark chocolate chips to the flour mixture before adding the butter and found using clean hands to help form a dough easiest. 

Fleischmann's® Canada Corn Starch Shortbread

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1/2 cup (125 ml) Corn Starch

1/2 cup (125 ml) icing sugar

1 cup (250 ml) unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 cup (175 ml) butter, softened

Add ins:

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Sift together corn starch, icing sugar and flour. Using a wooden spoon, blend in the butter until a soft and smooth dough forms. Shape into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls. If dough is too soft to handle, cover and chill for 30 - 60 minutes. Place 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) apart on an ungreased cookie sheet; flatten with a lightly floured fork. Alternatively, roll dough to 1/4 inch (6 mm); cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Decorate with candied cherries, coloured sprinkles or nuts, if desired. Bake in a 300ºF (150ºC) oven for 15 - 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 24 cookies. 

Crescents: Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) ground almonds or hazelnuts to flour mixture. Shape into logs about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick and 3 inches (7 cm) long. Twist into crescent shapes. When baked and cool, dip ends in melted chocolate. 

Notes: Avoid over mixing and overworking the dough. Score the surface for even baking without bubbles or cracks. Sifting the flour before mixing helps remove lumps. Add fruit, nuts and chocolate, if using to the flour mixture. 

Gingerbread Cookies

 

Seriously spiced with a deep molasses flavour these gingerbread cookies are crunchy, giving them more of a ginger snap texture and quality. Some were lightly dusted with sparkling sugar for a more minimal and understated decorating approach, however whether you decorate these cookies traditionally or not they are a delightful. 

Gingerbread Cookies

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2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup dark molasses

1/4 cup water

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice. 

In a large bowl cream together the softened butter and sugar. Blend in the water and molasses and then add the flour mixture and blend well. Once a dough has been formed, cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. 

Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC).

Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters of your choice and place shapes on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with decorating sugar, if you wish.  

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove immediately from baking sheet and cool on wire racks. Trim with icing and candy decorations, if you wish. 

Notes: ovens vary so baking time may vary. You may line the baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. 

Classic Shortbread

Traditional buttery shortbread are superb with a cup of afternoon tea and for me, they offer more... much more, solace as these were my mum and grandmothers staple biscuit they baked, gifted or sent in holiday care packages. I diligently carry on that tradition throughout the year and often times these have become the biscuits I share most with family and friends as they are the ones that frequently get asked for. This recipe is simple, no need for a food processor, it is all done by hand and it's important the butter be room temperature for a decent rich dense buttery shortbread.  

Classic Shortbread

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1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature soft

1 teaspoon (5 g) Kosher salt

2/3 cup (134 g) granulated white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, optional

2 cups (256 g) unbleached all purpose flour

1 - 2 tablespoons fine white sugar for sprinkling

Heat oven to 325ºF (170ºC). Line the bottom of a 8 - inch or a 9 - inch square baking tin with baking parchment. 

In a large bowl stir the room temperature butter with a wooden spoon until soft and creamy, the texture should resemble mayonnaise. Add the salt and stir to combine. Add the sugar and vanilla and stir again until combined, then add the flour and stir until just combined, the dough will be coarse and a bit lumpy

Press the dough into the prepared baking tin, smooth the top using the bottom of a drinking glass and gently prick the top with the tines of a fork. Using a sharp knife carefully pre-mark or score slices, not cutting all the way through, this makes it easier to cut when warm.  

Bake until golden brown, approximately 40 to 50 minutes for an 8 - inch pan or 30 to 40 minutes for a 9 - inch pan. Checking around 30 minutes.  

Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool and carefully cut into bars or squares, using the pre- cut marks as a guide. Sprinkle with 1 or 2 tablespoons of sugar, I used a lavender vanilla sugar.  

Rosemary Lemon Loaf

 

Rosemary Lemon Loaf is appropriate for Remembrance Day/Armistice Day or when we reflect upon loved ones who are no longer with us. Rosemary is for remembrance, may we never forget and the lemon, not to deter from sombreness but to gently ease a spirited and uplifting remembrance for our memories and the loving memories of those to which they live on in. Even in mourning there is a balance between good and bad days and this loaf modestly reflects that. When remembering and honouring the dead, serve slices with sprigs of rosemary and it is customary to have two plates, one for the living and one for the dead. 

Rosemary Lemon Loaf

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2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 cup olive oil

1 cup milk

thin slices of fresh lemon, seeds removed

1 tablespoon sugar

1 fresh sprig of rosemary

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Grease and lightly flour a 2 lb loaf tin and line with baking parchment paper. 

In a bowl whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder. 

In another large bowl mix together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary and olive oil until combined. Add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) and milk  and stir just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepare baking tin. 

Place the slices of lemon on top of the batter. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the lemons. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into centre comes out clean. 

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove from tin and allow loaf to cool on a wire rack completely. Once completely cool sift the icing sugar over the loaf and place the fresh rosemary sprig on top.   

Notes: Oven vary therefore baking times may vary.

Food Photo of the Day ~ Baked Cheese Tortellini

 

Baked tortellini is always on heavy rotation in our house during the darker half of the year. I am not surprised, who can resist tortellini nestled in a thick and rich herbed tomato sauce and topped with loads of stringy melted cheese. It's a culinary comfort that is so fulfilling and a pleasure to make. 

Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Add tomato sauce, homemade or readymade, to the cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat. Place sauced tortellini in a oven proof baking dish, mine was 9x 13 inches. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and bake in a preheated 350ºF (180ºC) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Until cheese is melt and the sauce is bubbling. Turn the oven off and switch to broil and broil on high for a few minutes until the cheese is nicely golden brown and slightly crisp. Serve sprinkled with parsley.       

Samhain ~ Hallowe'en 2023

 

Summoning the Pumpkin King with a more traditional carving that has vampirish inspirations. Although a fairly large pumpkin, there weren't many seeds for roasting. Adoring this pumpkin to hang around the house for a few days after, before we give thanks and give it back to the land in our garden.  

The pumpkin seeds were tossed with olive oil with a touch of salt and pepper and Marash Chiles, to give a sweet and spicy flavour. A devilishly moreish treat! 

Samhain ~ Hallowe'en ~ All Hallows Eve ~ Pumpkin Date Loaf

 

Samhain - Halloween - All Hallows Eve - October 31 to November 1, in the Northern Hemisphere - is a Celtic festival marking the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter and is considered to be the darker half of the year. The skies are turning grey, the leaves have fallen from the trees and the garden is bare. It is a time where we honour the dead, protect the living and petition the spirits for wisdom and prediction. 

Death is a reoccurring theme during this time as boundaries dissolve and the veils between worlds during equinoxes and solstices are at their thinnest. That is why it is believed that the spirits, faeries, ancestors and darker entities could more easily roam our lands as the portal between our world and theirs is considered to be at its thinnest; therefore we want to honour and hold offerings to our ancestors, the dead, the departed and the otherworldly for this reason. 

Samhain is a magical time. As the dark half of the year begins, death is followed by rebirth, the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year, it's a time of rest and reflection as we go inward to honour the darkness as we descend into winter and the darker half of the year. Remember... light is born from darkness and darkness has potential and growth... through death we find rebirth.

Other festivals celebrated during or around this time are: Day of the Dead (Mexico), Day of those who have Died/Undas/Araw ng mea Yomao (Philippines), Dia de Finados (Brazil), All Saints' Day (Christian), All Souls' Day (Roman Catholic & Christian), Hallowmas (Christian), Martinmas/Armistice Day (Scottish/British/UK), Remembrance Day (Canada/World, November), The Huron Feast of the Dead (Wyandot Nation - Canadian, Ontario, Canada) and another Celtic tradition, Feast of the Dead/Féile Na Marbh, (Irish) and Diwali (Hindu, mid-October/mid-November, movable).  

A rich and dense spiced loaf that transcends and honours Samhain and the autumnal season.  

Pumpkin Date Loaf

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1 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup white sugar

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup olive oil

2 eggs

1 can of pumpkin purée

1 cup roughly chopped dates

extra chopped dates, for decorating

pumpkin seeds, for decorating

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC)

Grease and lightly flour a 2lb. loaf tin. Line the bottom with baking parchment.

In a large bowl mix together the oil, eggs and pumpkin purée. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice and chopped dates. Beat well.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place the extra chopped dates and pumpkin seeds on top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Do not over bake and check about 5 minutes before done. 

Allow to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before removing from the tin to cool completely.   

French Bread Pizza

I remember having frozen French bread pizza many years ago and although quite novel and under the radar at the time, after making this recipe it doesn't seem to be that way. This was an instant hit in our house and one that definitely will be repeated. Unlike the former lacklustre store bought French bread pizza, this is a glorified garlic toast brimming with the familiar and classic flavours, slathered with garlic and cheesy goodness, it's an absolute joy to create such deliciousness with minimal effort. You can change or add whatever toppings you wish. I used a leftover meat pasta I made to replace the pizza sauce and the recipe can easily be doubled as you can see. So not only a breeze to make but also easy to devour and share. 

French Bread Pizza

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1 loaves French Bread 

4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups pizza sauce

2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 

slices of fresh mushrooms, peppers, onions, pineapple

slices of pepperoni, chicken, ham or salami, optional

fresh basil leaves 

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a large baking tray with baking parchment paper. 

Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise. Mix the melted butter, minced garlic and dried thyme together and brush all over the cut side of the bread. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven to lightly toast. 

Remove from oven and spread the pizza sauce on top and sprinkle lightly with mozzarella cheese. Top with whatever slices of vegetables and meat, if using, you wish and fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese has melted.  

Leftovers #63 ~ Beef & Vegetable Pie

 

Leftover beef stew easily became this very palatable beef and vegetable pie. Place remaining leftover stew into a baking dish. Make your favourite pastry recipe or use a ready made puff pastry, roll the pastry out to the size of dish. Place the pastry on top. Cut slits in the pastry to allow venting, then brush melted butter over top. Pop in the oven until the stew is bubbling and the pastry is baked to a lovely golden brown. 

Simple Beef Stew

 

I have made an oven beef stew to which I stand by and that is my go to recipe even with its three hour cooking time however this stovetop recipe just may curb that. A satisfying, simple and abundantly delicious meal that is hearty and rustic. And if you are feeling a bit adventurous, you may substitute the potatoes for sweet potatoes and pop in a few plump cherry tomatoes for added richness. 

Simple Beef Stew

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Serves 6 - 8

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 medium yellow onions, diced

5 large carrots, peeled and cut into rustic chunks

1 pound small Yukon gold potatoes 

5 - 8 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

4 pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1 - inch pieces

1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour, divided

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cups beef broth

2 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 - 2 teaspoon dried thyme

Heat a large Dutch oven or stock pot with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots to the pot and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the potatoes and garlic and continue to cook all of the vegetables for 10 minutes more, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Next add the last bit of the oil and let it heat up a bit. While the pan heats up, season the beef with the remaining salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the flour and shake off any excess. Place the meat into the hot pan and sear it quickly for about 1 to 2 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining flour over the meat and veggies and mix well while cooking for an additional 1 minute.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the pot and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any bits from the bottom. Add the water, bay leaves and dried thyme and bring the stew up to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are, when pierced with a fork, tender. Taste the stew for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Ladle portions in smaller bowls and serve warm with a buttery Scotch Bap bun or thick slices of crusty bread.

 

Chewy Chocolate Chip, Cranberry & Walnut Cookies

Chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outside these sweet and delectable cookies are absolutely moreish. Marvellous with a glass of milk or mug of hot chocolate.

Chewy Chocolate Chip, Cranberry & Walnut Cookies

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makes 3 to 4 dozen

2 3/4 cups (675 ml) unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder

1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda

1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt

2/3 cup (150ml) melted unsalted butter 

2 cups (500 ml) lightly packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons (30 ml) hot water

1 package (250 g) milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a baking tray with baking parchment paper. 

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs and hot water until smooth. Add the flour mixture to and beat well. Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.

Drop by tablespoon onto the ungreased or lined baking tray. 

Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.  

Apple, Cranberry & Blueberry Crisp

 

The more fruit the merrier and this dessert is packed with loads of crisp tangy sweet fruit and of course you may use whatever fruit you wish, depending on the season, however this combination autumnally does it for me. An undemanding dessert that is universally divine every time.

Apple, Cranberry & Blueberry Crisp

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8 large apples, cored and roughly diced

2 cups frozen cranberries, slightly thawed

1 cup frozen blueberries, slightly thawed

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Crumble Topping:

1 1/4 cup large flaked oats

1 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled butter, cut into pieces

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Butter a 9 x 13 inch rectangle baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, cranberries, blueberries, sugar, flour and cinnamon and stir until well coated. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

To make the crisp crumble topping, in another bowl mix the oats, flour and brown sugar together; cut the chilled butter into the oat mixture and blend until crumbly, I found it easier to use my clean hands to blend everything together. Spread the oat crumble mixture evenly over the top of the fruit. 

Bake in the preheated oven until fruit is bubbling and thick and the topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes and serve; and you can serve this on its own or with a dollop of whip cream or a scoop of ice cream. 

Tomato & Roasted Vegetable Soup

 

I have made this soup before however not with roasted vegetables and what an aromatic delight it was to do so. Not only was this flavoursome with fresh roasted herbs but I used up and roasted some vegetables that were otherwise lacklustre in their appearance. For being a soup with simple ingredients and minimal effort this is quite substantial and one that will be on repeat in our house.  

Tomato & Roasted Vegetable Soup

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2 large white onions, peeled and chopped

2 red peppers, cored and chopped

1 orange pepper, cored and chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

3 -4 cloves garlic, peeled

1 pint grape tomatoes

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

2 - 3 sprigs of fresh thyme

2 oz /2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 x 796 ml salt free diced tomatoes or 2 pounds fresh tomatoes skinned and chopped

1 pint / 600ml low sodium chicken or vegetable stock

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Prep the vegetables. Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Set aside.

Place the onions, peppers, carrots, garlic and grape tomatoes in a large bowl. Toss with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper and and sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Toss to coat. Place the oiled vegetables and herbs on the prepared baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The vegetables and herbs should be well roasted and fragrant, not burnt. Remove from oven.

Using a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium high heat. Once the butter has melted add the roasted vegetables and the herby bits from the sprigs, discard the sprigs. Stir the roasted vegetables and herbs in the butter for about 3 to 5 minutes. 

Sprinkle in the flour, gently stir to coat the vegetables, simmering for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil, then turn down to medium low and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the tomatoes are tender, remove from heat and using a handheld blender on high, blend until smooth. When using a handheld blend please ensure that the stockpot you use can withstand a few nicks here and there, if not carefully transfer the soup to a heat proof bowl to blend, transferring the soup back to the pot after blending. You may also use a standing blender, although this will require you to transfer the soup from pot to blender to container back to pot, blending in batches. 

Gently warm the soup, add salt and pepper, according to taste.

Serve hot with herbed crackers, crusty bread or buttery croissants.

Mabon ~ Autumn Equinox ~ Apple Walnut Squares

 

Mabon ~ Autumn Equinox, September 23rd to September 29th in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrates Autumn... the Autumn Equinox and the second harvest. It is also known as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, Meán Fómhair, An Clabhsúr and Alban Elfed (in Neo-Druid traditions). At this time the moon is at its closest and is known as the Harvest Moon. Not only marking the midway point of harvest season it also marks the midway point between Summer and Winter.   

Summer has turned to Autumn. Night and day are of equal length, and as the sun begins to wane, the nights grow longer and the days shorter and cooler. The leaves begin to turn and fall from the trees and the flowers are fading. Think rest, reflection and giving thanks as we gather and celebrate abundance and transition. 

Other Autumn celebrations and festivals at this time are: Stonehenge Sunrise (UK), Dożynki (Slavic, August 15th/28th, September 23rd in Poland), The Snake of Sunlight (Maya & Mexico), Higan (Japan), Moon Festival (China & Vietnam), Michaelmas (Global, Christian), Chuseok (Korea) and Navaratri (Hindu, September 26th to October 5th, Goddess Durga), Rosh Hashanah (Judaism, Usually September, sometimes October), Yom Kippur, Judaism, late September, Sukkot, Judaism late September usually October, International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Global) September 19th, World Peace Day September 21st (Global) and Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu). 

A light sponge cake studded with apples and walnuts all on a shortbread crust, a most luscious way to honour and celebrate Mabon. 

Happy Mabon and Autumn Equinox to everyone!

   

Apple Walnut Squares

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1 1/2 cups (325ml) unbleached all purpose flour

1/4 cup (50ml) icing sugar

1/2 cup (125ml) butter

2 eggs

3/4 cup (175ml) brown sugar

1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

2 cups (500ml) diced peeled apples

1/4 cup (50ml) chopped walnuts

1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).

Sift 1 cup (250ml) flour and icing sugar into a small bowl. Melt butter and blend into flour mixture. Press mixture into an 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. 

Beat the eggs and brown sugar together in a large bowl until thick. Stir in the vanilla, apples and walnuts.

Sift the remaining flour and baking powder in a small bowl. Stir into the egg mixture. Spread over baked pastry. Bake in the the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until browned. Cut into squares when cool. Dust with icing sugar before serving.