Monday 26 June 2017

Sweet Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream


A few weekends ago we were sitting in the backyard visiting with company.  Suddenly, I heard the faint music of an ice cream truck....almost indistinguishable, but it was there.    A few minutes later it got a bit louder, and yes, everyone agreed that they could hear it too....it was mere blocks away.  You see, I'm in my mid thirties.  When I hear an ice cream truck I may as well be mid three's.  Yes, single digit 3's.  Toddler age.   I grew up on a farm and there were no ice cream trucks.   Even when I moved to an urban setting I've always lived on streets where there aren't a ton of kids.  My current address has a lot of families, but apparently the ice cream man hasn't got the memo that his sales would increase exponentially if he just drove up my street.  Or just in front of my house.

My point is, I love ice cream.  Once again, the ice cream man didn't show up last weekend.  Not shocking.

In the meantime, I'll continue to buy ice cream novelties from the store, and continue creating my own ice cream inventions.   My most recent creation combines my love of sweet summer cherries and rich chocolaty goodness.  This flavor combo also happens to be my favorite DQ Blizzard treat (it's actually chocolate covered cherries in the case of the DQ blizzard).    It's not on the menu anymore, but a polite request for one is almost always granted :)

Here's the recipe for my latest ice-cream love...


Monday 19 June 2017

Grilled Peanut Lime Pork

Last week I pulled a bag out of my freezer of what I thought contained chicken breasts (I was going to make one of my new fave grilled items that I raved about a few weeks ago, the Bacon & Cheddar Chicken Sandwiches).   However, I clearly was not paying attention when I pulled out the bag because what I really grabbed was a small chunk of a pork loin I portioned out a few weeks ago.  I think my lack of labelling in my freezer is a bit of an issue....

Or is it?

I had a sudden bolt-of-lightning-brain-wave when I saw the three lonely little limes sitting on my counter.    I also had some cilantro growing like a rogue weed in my little patio herb garden.  What goes with lime and cilantro?  Peanuts!  Boom.  A delightful little marinade came together in my brain.  Then in a bowl.  Then to the fridge.  Then to the grill.  Yes, friends....this delicious concoction of grilled pork deliciousness is just that easy.

Peanut-lime pork


Monday 5 June 2017

It All Begins with Food - Cookbook Review


Those that know me, know that I'm all about balance.   Well, that's a bit misleading.  My actual scale is probably tipped a bit too much in favor of sugar.  And chocolate.  And pasta.  It's not that I don't eat whole, clean foods, but I definitely eat a little bit of everything in moderation.  I probably would eat a lot cleaner with a little bit of inspiration.  I have my tried and true recipes for my family, and when I create new things, it's usually on the dessert spectrum.  I love the idea of eating better, but I need guidance.

So, when I was sent a copy of Leah Garrad-Cole's first family cookbook, It All Begins with Food, I was definitely inspired.  Leah is the founder of the nationally-renowned brand, Love Child Organics. Please know that although Appetite by Random House generously provided me with a copy of this book, all views expressed here are my own.  I was under no obligation to review this cookbook, nor am I being compensated for doing so.

Let me start off by saying that this book will be my new go-to baby shower gift.  If you know me personally, and are pregnant, this book is coming your way.  There are a few of you who's surprise I just spoiled, and I'm sincerely sorry.  This book covers eating for all stages of family life - from first foods, toddler finger foods, full family dinners, sides, and healthy snacks and treats.  Not only does it cover a fantastic range of foods, but the book itself is gorgeous.  Every photo pops and is so clean and bright.  It almost makes me want to renovate my kitchen to be as light and airy looking as every beautifully shot photo in the book.