September 2, 2010

Spiced Maple Shortbread and A Slovenian Castle

With the arrival of September I’m delighting in all things autumnish. Yes, I’m still basking in gloriously hot sunshine during the day, but I confess I’m enjoying the cooler nights where I get to wear sweaters and tucked quilts around me while I read or watch movies.

I’m excited today because The Travel Belles are featuring an article I wrote on Bled Castle in Slovenia.:-)I’d love it if you’d pop over and take a look and leave a comment to let us know what you think.:-)Click here to visit this gorgeous castle.

This morning I got up bright and early so I could take my walk and still have time to pick some blackberries before work. I have grand plans for a Blackberry Nectarine Galette to feast on this weekend.:-)

This cooler weather has really put me in a baking mood, and my favorite thing right now is Spiced Maple Shortbread. Tender, buttery, not-too-sweet with all sorts of lovely Christmasy smells wafting through the house as they bake, these simple little cookies are so divine with a cup of strong black tea or sweet orange tea.

What does Autumn put you in the mood for?

Spiced Maple Whole Grain Shortbread

Ingredients:

2 cups whole grain pastry or all purpose flour
1/2 butter, melted
1 tsp maple extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 Tbsp granulated sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Add maple extract to melted butter and stir.
  3. Mix dry ingredients and stir in butter.
  4. Press into a square 1/2 inch thick.
  5. Cut into squares and bake for 20 minutes.
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8 comments

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elra - I haven’t made shortbread for such a long time, the maple extract sounds intriguing.

Zita - Oh, I was gonna write about Bled for Travel Belles! :) Anyway, I had another experience there I can write about! :)

Bled is real a gem in Slovenia, don’t you think? I will write about it on my blog. The photos we were taken are magnificent!

El - I’ve never seen a shortbread like this. It looks great. How long are you traveling for? It seems like you’ve been everywhere! Enjoy!!

RamblingTart - I know what you mean, Elra. :-) It’s one of those familiar things I just don’t think to make often. :-) The maple is really delicious. :-)

RamblingTart - Oh no! Sorry, Zita! :-) I’m so glad you have another Slovenia experience – I can’t wait to see it!! I will be looking forward to your Bled photos on your blog. I just love it there! :-)

RamblingTart - Thank you, El! It’s so scrumptious and quite healthy for a dessert. :-) I don’t feel guilty at all! :-)

I’m actually home again, but will be heading to Europe in December for Christmas with my family. I can’t wait! :-)

Anna Johnston - Spring is officially arrived in my neck of the woods, but Oh My, this recipe still looks good to me :)

Joanne - I am always in a fall mood. Even throughout summer, all I can really think about is pumpkin and sweet potatoes and cranberries! Oh, and maple. One should never forget maple.

These cookies look fantastic! I am going to add them to my Christmas cookie list!

September 1, 2010

Food That Can Be Cooked On A Stick

We could feel Autumn in the air this week as we bundled into sweaters and sweatshirts and gathered around the campfire for cooking group. It was warm and toasty there, and soon everyone was talking and laughing as we sipped beers and nibbled on Jon’s zesty crab dip he made from crabs he caught himself.

Our theme was anything that could be cooked on a stick and we had quite the splendid assortment of offerings.

Mike brought plump bratwursts that sizzled and popped as we cooked them.

Cameron and Robin made skewers of spicy potatoes, onions and zucchini.

Jon cooked up his freshly caught fish with citrus and spices and asparagus, but I didn’t get a picture before we devoured it.

I made Bannock from a recipe given to my parents by Cree Indian friends. Bannock is a soft, simple dough that you can cook in a cast iron skillet or wrap around roasting sticks and cook over a fire. We chose the stick route, holding the dough over the hot coals as it rose and browned beautifully. Then we broke them open and slathered them with butter and various jams. Mmm, mmm, good.

We ended our fireside feasting with Kat’s delectable roasted apples filled with brown sugar, dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg and orange zest, and finished off with a drizzle of Cointreau. Delish!

What is your favorite food to cook on a stick?

Krista’s Bannock (regular and gluten-free)
(Serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

4 c. flour (I used 3 cups whole grain, 1 cup all-purpose for one batch and all-purpose gluten-free flour for the other)
8 tsp.baking powder
2 tsp salt
1/3 to 1/2 c. chilled butter, grated (or lard or shortening)
1 c. milk or warm water, more if necessary.

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450 F or build campfire.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
  3. Cut in butter (or lard or shortening).
  4. Stir in milk/water and knead into soft dough.
  5. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until ready to use.
  6. Pat into greased cast iron pan and bake 15-20 minutes.
  7. OR wrap 1/2 cup dough around end of stick and bake over hot coals 20-30 minutes until done.

Kat’s Roasted Apples with Cointreau
(Serves 12)

Ingredients:

6 Granny Smith apples, washed, halved and cored
brown sugar
cinnamon
nutmeg
cloves
fresh orange zest
Cointreau

Directions:

  1. Build campfire and place grate on top.
  2. Fill apple cavities with brown sugar and sprinkle with spices and orange zest.
  3. Skewer apples and place on grill over fire. Roast about 20-30 minutes until apple juices are dripping into fire.
  4. Just before serving drizzle with Cointreau.
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13 comments

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elra - Mouthwatering food Krista. I like that roasted apple :)

Lazaro - Awesome array of food. Sounds like a feast I’d like to attend.

Interesting recipe for the Bannock. Thanks for introducing me to something new.

RamblingTart - Thank you, Elra! I loved that roasted apple too! So warm, spicy and delicious. :-)

RamblingTart - We’d love to have you, Lazaro! :-) Anytime you’re in Washington State on a Monday night, you are more than welcome. :-)

Cate - I like this topic and the apple recipe. I’ve always been in love with kebabs (beef or chicken) made Iranian style. I can never replicate the flavours though.

Pro-Portional Designs - So happy you included the recipe for bannock. Otherwise I’d have asked ;)

Duchess - haha, stick food. You know, Minnesota, I believe, is the capitol of stick food in this country.

Mary - I enjoy reading about these gatherings as much as I suspect you love attending them. I loved both featured recipes and can’t pick a favorite. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary

barbara - Bannock – I made that with my boys when they were little. Here we call it damper on a stick.

Sounds like a fun night Krista.

Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella - Hmmm I love meat on a stick especially when it is grilled! Oh my, that is good stuff! :D Loved the title of the post Krista! :D

Anna Johnston - I’ve never heard of Bannock, it looks wonderful, its great when you get hand me down recipes like this, they have their own little story behind them & everytime you cook it you think of its history, love it :) Oh, I just read Barbara’s comment, of course, we call this recipe Damper on a Stick & I remember making these as a kid… Your making me want to head on out and cook outdoors with this one Krista.

bellini valli - The simple answer would be hotdogs. When I am camping it is the only time I seem to eat hotdogs. Something about cooking them over a campfire and following them up with roasted marshmallows to make Nutella S’mores is a necessity.

Connie - Yum, your pics are delicious! You should come to SE Asia, every kind of meat is available on a stick here!

August 31, 2010

How to Eat Breakfast In Paris for About $5 A Day

I love breakfast in Paris, especially in the Autumn when leaves are skittering across the pavement and everyone is sporting elegant scarves and fabulous boots. I like sitting in a cafe or coffee shop by a large window, watching the world go by as I sip and nibble my way through breakfast.

Parisian food is justly famous for its quality, taste, diversity, and, alas, price. But there are ways to eat well in Paris without breaking the bank.

There is something comforting in a morning ritual of espresso and warm croissants, especially dark chocolate-filled ones. It’s even nicer when shared with a brother who happens to be living in Paris. Ryan had to work during the day, so we always made sure to get up early enough to have breakfast together before he dashed off to slave away and I meandered through the streets of Paris trying not to get too lost before meeting up with him for dinner.

Here are my top three favorite Paris breakfasts, all for about $5 US.

Breakfast #1 – two warm croissants and an espresso. I like to eat one croissant with my coffee and save the other to nibble on whilst sitting on a park bench in a pretty park somewhere. Cost: Approximately 4 Euro/$5 US.

Breakfast #2 – quiche and real hot chocolate. I found a shop right across the square from where my brother was living run by a grouchy fellow who grudgingly gave me a smile when I beamed at him each morning.:-)It had wooden stools pulled up next to the window where I could people watch to my hearts content, and the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had in my life. Cost: Approximately 4.5o Euro/$5.50 US.

Breakfast #3: crepe filled with Nutella. I love the little crepe stands sprinkled throughout Paris. A bustling chap heating up crepes, slathering them with lavish amounts of Nutella and folding them just so for you to eat as you walk through the city. Bliss. Cost: Approximately 4-5 Euro/$5-6 US.

Which one is your favorite?

This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday. Click here to discover more foods from around the world.

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31 comments

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Zita - Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I’ve had the desire to go to Paris for a couple of months!!! Even though I’ve been there I would love to go there again with my boyfriend. Now, reading your post my desire is just getting bigger and bigger. I love sipping latte and eating croissant with it, watching through the window as the world go by or reading a good book. And autumn should be wonderful in Paris (I was always there during the summer and not with my boyfriend.)

I’ve been telling my boyfriend to go to Paris for a while, so we might visit the city this year or spring time next year. If yes, we could say hello to your brother! :) How fun it would be!

When was the last time you were in Paris?

Thanks for reminding me of the little joy of life! :)

elra - Je prende deux croissants, s’il vous plais :)

ayngelina - Ahh I would kill for quiche right now!

bellini valli - If only I had a bother who lived in Paris and I could get my fill of chocolate filled croissants and cafe au lait:D

Barbara - I want to be there sooooo badly!

RamblingTart - I love those things too, Zita! :-) I know my brother would be happy to meet up with you guys, but he just moved back to Amsterdam and isn’t in Paris anymore. BUT, if you’re ever in Amsterdam he’s a fantastic cook and would love to show you guys around. :-)

RamblingTart - Me too, Elra. :-) That’s my favorite!!

RamblingTart - It was SUCH good quiche too, Ayngelina. :-) Yum!!

RamblingTart - I know, Val!! I count myself most fortunate. :-) He just moved back to Amsterdam this month, so my next trip to Paris I’ll have to fend for myself. :-)

RamblingTart - Me too, Barbara!! I had to write this post today simply to indulge in these lovely memories. :-)

Zita - Oh, my friend, Judit (twitter: @jucisjourney) moved to Rotterdam yesterday. I’m planing to visit her very soon! :) There’s a chance to say hi to your brother! :)

RamblingTart - That’s perfect, Zita!!! :-) Let me know if you have time to get in touch and I’ll send you his contact information. :-)

Tracy - I love them all. I hope to get to Paris someday soon…

El - I’d have to go for the pan chocolat…with hot chocolat. Double chocolate- that’s the way to start the day!

Joanne - This is exactly why I need to go to Paris! A nutella-filled crepe. glorious.

Anna Johnston - I’m so jealous right now, the very short stay I had in Paris was spent people watching & (because I was so poor at the end of my holiday) all I could afford were wonderful, amazing, tempting pastries like these. I must get back, I must, I must :)

jen cheung - love all the snacks :) making me hungry @ 11PM at night now!!! uh oh.

Have a fabulous week!!
jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca

Amy @ The Q Family - Great tips! Who can resist crepe filled with Nutella? That will be my choice. :)

Nicole - If only one of these could be my breakfast this morning! I would be happy with any! :)

RamblingTart - Me too, Tracy. :-) I hope you get to return in the very near future. :-)

Wanderluster - How to decide? They all look amazing. I guess the best thing to do is stay in Paris for at least three days…

RamblingTart - Double chocolate sounds idyllic, El! :-)

RamblingTart - It sure is, Joanne!! Can’t wait for you to go and hear all about your adventures. :-)

RamblingTart - I adore people-watching too, Anna! :-) I hope you get to go back soon with a little more money in your pocket. I always seem to be boot-strapping it on my trips and would LOVE to spoil myself some time. :-)

RamblingTart - Thank you, Jen! I hope you find something tempting to eat. :-)

RamblingTart - Thank you, Amy! :-) You REALLY can’t go wrong with Nutella. :-)

RamblingTart - Wouldn’t that be splendid, Nicole? Where’s a Parisian bakery when we need one. :-)

RamblingTart - The best idea yet, Beth! :-) Love that!

Stephanie (Food Freeway) - Oh how lovely! One of my favourite things about Paris is going for a fresh croissant and an espresso each morning. And how nice to have a brother living in Paris! I think I’ll need to send mine that way so I can have an excuse to go there :)

Debi Lander - Oh to be in Paris for breakfast. Anything would be splendid.

Gourmantic - When in Paris, I can’t go past a cafe creme and a buttered baguette dunked in the coffee. Simple and so French! :)

August 30, 2010

Falling Leaves, Hot Tea, and Fried Eggs On A Nest of Kale

Good morning, dear ones! I’m writing to you tucked up under a quilt with a heating pad to keep me warm. Autumn has truly arrived in Washington and it’s sunshiny, beautiful and cold!!

Saturday morning I awoke to my green grass carpeted with crunchy russet leaves and today a cold wind tossed them about in a mad, whirling dance across the lawn. I loved it!

It was so gorgeous out this weekend that even spending hours in my parent’s garage sorting through boxes was a pleasure. I opened the garage door and let the breezes and sunshine in and I got HEAPS done!! I sorted through absolutely everything and it feels so good.:-)

Such weather always puts me in the mood for cozy, comforting things like steaming Darjeeling tea, homemade cookies (I’ll share those with you later this week!) and hot breakfasts. My favorite breakfast this weekend resulted from opening my fridge and seeing a carton of eggs and a bowl of leftover kale sauteed with tomatoes and garlic. I thought the two together would make a delicious and healthy breakfast and much to my delight, they paired beautifully. I’d also like to try this with spinach and maybe Swiss chard as well.

What is your favorite thing to pair with eggs?

This is my contribution to Chaya’s Meatless Mondays. Click here to see more delicious meatless dishes.

Fried Eggs on a Nest of Kale
(serves two)

Ingredients:

1 bunch kale, ribs removed, leaves chopped
1/2 can fire roasted, diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, sliced
olive oil
salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs

Directions:

  1. Bring pot of salted water to boil, add kale and cook 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain.
  2. In saucepan heat olive oil and saute tomatoes and garlic 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add kale and saute another 3-5 minutes.
  4. Salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Divide kale between two plates and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  6. In saucepan fry two eggs and place on top of kale. Serve warm.
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25 comments

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Phillip Jacobs - Amazing! I will be trying this out really soon. Beautiful pic, btw.

elra - This is the second post I see today using kale. Kale is such a healthy and delicious vegetable, I’d never get tired of eating kale.

RamblingTart - Thank you, Phillip! I’m so glad you like it. :-) I’m intrigued to see your site when it’s up and running. :-)

RamblingTart - I think so too, Elra! It’s so delicious and so good for us! :-)

Mary - What a lovely offering today. I love kale and coincidentally your photos. I hope you are having a great day.

tasteofbeirut - Never thought of pairing eggs and kale but it sounds hearty and delicious! Love the photo of the falling leaves! I am really impatient for fall now!

tasteofbeirut - wonderful meal to start the day

susan from food blogga - I want to join you in Washington now! I love to pair eggs with sauteed greens like you did. I also love them with potatoes, red bell peppers, and onions. I wouldn’t turn down a burger topped with a fried egg either!

Chaya - This is a wonderful dish. I am partial to eggs so that is the final selling point.

Putting tomatoes in with the kale gives it real life.

Thanks for linking this with My Meatless Mondays.

I really like the photo with the leaves strewn over the grass. It is all in the mind. You could look at that and think, I have to get rid of the leaves or you can do what you did, and enjoy the natural beauty.

bellini valli - I used some leftover Briam with eggs not long ago.It would be similar to your dish and let those leftovers shine!!

Anna Johnston - I too love the change of seasons too; as your summer is ending & your Autumn starts we here in Australia are experiencing the very first signs of spring after a bit of a long haul of a cold wet winter, its so wonderful to see the sunshine :) My favourite egg combo at the moment is the tried and trusted Eggs Florentine with a sweet balsamic reduction drizzled over it – love it.

Bekah Mae - I just made a big pot of chicken broth/soup in which I practically DUMPED kale. Lots of it! It’s so good, actually. I know it’s supposed to be one of those things that you eat because ‘it is good for you.’ But I love it anyway.

Jamie - I absolutely love Autumn, it’s my favorite season. Love the quality of the sunshine and all the crunchy golden leaves underfoot. The house is a tad too chilly for me but it only makes snuggling all the more cozy, right? This is a perfect Sunday brunch dish. Have you ever thought of putting it all in a ramekin and baking it?

Tuula M - Sounds lovely! I can’t wait for the temps to start dropping here…I’d like nothing better than to be curled-up in a blanket with some homemade cookies and tea. Eggs are my favorite way to start the day too..with good old-fashioned pancakes & maple syrup, yum!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella - Warm weather does the same to me too Krista! Suddenly, nothing is a problem. I’m hoping that tomorrow as the first day of Spring will bring some sunshine with it. And with eggs, if I can get them, truffles! :D

RamblingTart - Ahh, so glad you’re a kale fan too, Mary. :-)

RamblingTart - I love fall too, Joumana! I hope you get some cool and crisp days soon. :-)

RamblingTart - I would LOVE to have you for a visit, Susan! :-) All those egg combos are right up my alley. SO good! :-)

RamblingTart - It’s so good to hear from you, Chaya! :-) You are very welcome. I love learning new vegetarian dishes to spice up my menu. :-)

RamblingTart - I’d never heard of Briam until you mentioned it, Val, so I looked it up and you’re right! It would be splendid with eggs!

RamblingTart - Your change of seasons sounds beautiful, Anna! I have dear friends near Brisbane and their weather is becoming springish too. :-) I’ve never had Eggs Florentine before! What are they?

RamblingTart - Oh Bekah, your soup sounds glorious!! :-) Such perfect weather for it. :-) So excited to see you guys this weekend! :-)

RamblingTart - Your words paint a gorgeous picture, Jamie! :-) Yes, it’s perfect cuddling weather. :-) I didn’t think of baking this dish, but that would be lovely!

RamblingTart - That sounds so cozy and wonderful, Tuula! :-)

RamblingTart - So happy Spring is on its way for you, Lorraine!! Strange to think of our weather being so completely opposite. :-) Mmm, eggs with truffles sound amazing. :-)

August 27, 2010

Cozy Weekend and Dark Chocolate Almond Pecan Torte

It is such an amazing thing to feel good, really, really good, for the first time in almost two years. I am quite overwhelmed with gratefulness.:-)

Last weekend I celebrated such things with much jollity, feasting and convivial adventures with my siblings and friends and loved it! But this weekend I’m happily staying home, cozy in my own little apartment, excited to do sorting and organizing, all those big projects that I just couldn’t get to when I was unwell. I can’t wait!!

I don’t know about you, but I love getting decluttered and organized. My fingers are itching to open dusty boxes and mystery bags that have been hibernating in my parent’s garage for entirely too long. Books, dishes, clothes – who knows what is hiding in there!

It won’t be all work, mind you, I have every intention of taking little breaks for grainy millet bread dipped in seasoned olive oil…

…most definitely a linger around the campfire…

…and a few slices of this deliciously decadent Flourless Dark Chocolate Almond Pecan Torte (it’s gluten-free!!). I love this cake because it is rich and flavorful without being too heavy, relying on ground nuts and dark chocolate to provide depth and texture. And for a dessert, it’s pretty darn healthy! No flour, only a little sugar and we’ll just not mention the melted butter holding everything together.;-)

What are your plans for this weekend? Wherever they take you, I wish you a beautiful weekend and will see you first thing Monday morning.:-)

Dark Chocolate Almond Pecan Torte

Ingredients:

1 cup whole almonds
1/2 cup pecans
8 oz.dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
6 large eggs, separated.

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Butter 8″ round springform pan and cover bottom with round piece of buttered wax paper.
  3. Add nuts to food processor and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add chocolate pieces and blend until mixture again resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well with each yolk.
  6. Stir in nut mixture until well combined.
  7. In separate bowl, beat egg white until soft peaks form.
  8. Using spatula gently fold in 1/3 of egg whites into nut mixture. Repeat until all egg whites are mixed in.
  9. Pour into pan and bake 45 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
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18 comments

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elra - Lovely torte Krista. Beautiful photo of that fire.

bellini valli - It all sounds like the perfect weekend to catch up a recoop. Today I am headed for lunch with friends to a place aclled…Lost Moose Saloon:D

RamblingTart - Thank you, Elra. :-) Campfires are such lovely things.

RamblingTart - I LOVE the name of that saloon, Val! :-) So Canadian and fabulous. :-)

Lazaro - Glad you are feeling good. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Awesome almond pecan torte.

Kitchen Butterfly - So GLAD you’re feeling better…that millet bread looks great, with the dip of olive oil…….enjoy your weekend

RamblingTart - Thank you, Lazaro! Me too!! I’m so delighted to have hope of wellness at long last. :-)

RamblingTart - Me too, dear Ozoz!! My heart is happy and now my body is following along. :-) Hope YOU have a wonderful weekend too. :-)

Duchess - I was sort of hoping for a recipe for the amazing looking bread lol!

Rach - Krista, we’ve been enjoying the torte cake you left here last weekend…a little every night. I’m a huge fan of the texture of this cake – SO yum!

RamblingTart - LOL! Sorry, Duchess! Trader Joe’s bakery gets all the credit for that bread. :-)

RamblingTart - Oh, that’s GREAT, Rach!! So glad you like it. :-) I just realized that I gave all mine away and have none left to eat. Guess I’ll just have to make more. :-)

Heather - love this recipe…. sounds so good. i might just have to go out and get ingredients right away cause im having a chocolate craving..
thanks dear and have a great restful weekend! glad you are feeling better!

Anna Johnston - Isn’t it the best feeling to realize your well & happy and can do things again. Love your photos too. I’m working today, I have 2 weddings going off at the same time in both our venues, so pretty busy, but there’s nothing like a wedding.

Joanne - Olive oil and dark chocolate torte breaks…I like the way you think. I think these are what my study breaks this year are going to have to consist of.

YES for feeling better! I’m SO happy for you! Have a great weekend!

Faith - I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better! I also love organizing and going through old things. The torte sounds wonderful with the 2 types of nuts and the dark chocolate!

Velva - I love those days where I can organize and de-clutter. I am in total nesting mode when that feeling strikes me. This was a wonderful day that you enjoyed and the torte well, that was beautiful.

Alina - This is precisely the kind of recipe I have been looking for. It is perfect and I can’t wait to try it. Lovely photos, I do like
the Autumn season, the leaves turning golden. As a born Parisian, I couldn’t help admiring your photos, way to go!
Enjoy your weekend.

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