Buffalo Chicken Salad
One of my all-time favourite things to eat is Buffalo Chicken Salad. I find it so satisfying, and of course invokes the memory of ‘wing night at the local pub’ from days gone by. Make your favourite salad and throw in some blue cheese (if you’re into it). I’ve linked my salad dressing recipe below. Super easy and delicious.
Gooey Chocolate Brownies with Ice Cream, chocolate sauce and pecans
Chocolate Pecan Brownies – great on their own too
I think one of the first recipes anyone makes when they’re young is brownies. There are a million different recipes and variations. This one I refer to as ‘the best’ because it’s dense, chewy and rich– with intense chocolate flavour. The technique is a little more complex than a basic brownie, but not difficult and the result is worth it. Eaten alone these are extremely delicious, but assembled on a large plate with some ice cream and a chocolate drizzle kicks it up a level and can easily be served as an elegant dessert. The recipe calls for “UNSWEETENED” chocolate – usually in a blue box – so don’t mistake it for bittersweet or semi-sweet. Try it out – this recipe is a keeper. Continue reading
Heathy Nutty Balls
I’m a confirmed cookie addict and since cookies make me fat, I was thrilled when my friend, Marleen, made these nutty balls at a luncheon at her house. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with the recipe ratios and making various flavours of nutty balls. They are a delicious yet healthy snack (and gluten free), and even if you eat three of them a day, you won’t gain weight! I know this from experience. Also, I love how I can eat this and not feel guilty–it’s got lots of omega-3’s and fibre. So, play around with different types of nuts, flavourings and coatings. Try adding dried fruit and or cocoa. I don’t stray from the maple syrup as a sweetener– I just think it’s so much healthier for you than sugar. So. If you want or love a sweet treat after dinner or at midnight, make a batch of these and keep them in the freezer– they are best served very cold. Cheers. 🙂 Continue reading
Salami and Cheese in Puff Pastry
This is an easy and delicious snack you can make in no time with a few ingredients. What can be better than that? We ate ours with soup, but I can see this as a party snack or as a midnight munchie. Thaw out your puff pastry in the fridge overnight (which you purchase in the freezer section). The sky’s the limit when it comes to the filling – but using spicy salami with a mild cheese and some dijon was well received when I made it. The puff pastry really puffs up, so it’s very visually appealing as well. Give this a try, it’s great. Continue reading
Traditional Shortbread
I am preparing a few care packages to mail and shortbread is an obvious choice for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s delicious and evokes wonderful Christmas memories of home…..and secondly, it keeps for a long time and travels well if packaged properly. This recipe is super easy and so good — the use of brown sugar gives it a caramel-like flavour that is so great with a cup of tea. As with all baking, some technique is required to attain great results. Use room temperature butter and beat it on high with the sugar, scraping the sides often. Sift your flours before adding. Your dough should be crumbly. Make this! Everyone should know how and this recipe is a keeper. Continue reading
cook with andrea 