Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Daring Bakers' Challenge: Raincoast Crisp Crackers


Sarah from All Our Fingers in the Pie was our February 2013 Daring Bakers' host and she challenges us to use our creativity in making our own Crisp Flatbreads and Crackers!

I was very excited about this challenge because Sarah provided us with a recipe for one of my all time favorite crackers, Leslie Stowe's Raincoast Crisps.  I discovered these amazing crackers years ago while working in Canada.  At that time, I had to bring several boxes home with me in my suitcase because they weren't available in this country.  We had the option to get creative with the flavor combinations but I chose to copy Leslie's Rosemary Raisin Pecan flavor because it's my favorite.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Whole Grain Brown Sugar Banana Scones


When I have weekend guests, I like to make something special for Sunday breakfast.  A treat they can enjoy with coffee and the Sunday paper.  Last weekend I made these whole grain brown sugar banana scones.  Sometimes, whole grain pastries can be dry compared with those made with white flour, but these were tender with a wonderful nutty flavor that complemented the bananas.  My guests had seconds.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Almond Blossoms - First Sign of Spring


Every year around this time we experience some exceptionally warm weather, that causes the primroses to bloom and then this happens.  Almond blossoms!  It's the first tree to bloom in my garden and it's a signal that spring is just around the corner.  I just hope that it doesn't start raining again before the tree has time to fully bloom and the bees can pollinate it.  

Almond blooms also tell me that it's time to plant peas.  The next sign to watch for is asparagus shoots.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Chocolate Raspberry Tomboy Cake


When I saw a picture of this "Tomboy" cake on the front of the Miette Cookbook I knew it was the perfect Valentines Day treat for Mr. RK.  It's a combination of chocolate and raspberry, two of his favorite foods.  I couldn't use the Miette recipe because it's filled with butter and eggs so I worked out my own dairy and egg free vegan version.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Healthier Superbowl Foods


I know that "billions" of people will be parking their butts on the couch tomorrow to watch the Superbowl and snacking on some on very questionable foods.  I'm going to offer some healthier alternatives in hopes that some of you may choose to go in that direction.