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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Boxing Day Treat!



Merry Day After Christmas!


I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Enjoying all the yummies and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Now that all the busyness has died down, lets enjoy boxing day. I always loved the idea of this holiday, its like a recovery day from the celebrations. A nice quiet day to relax.

In this weather, all rainy and chilly it feels wonderful to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate. So today I want to share a recipe for my "Spiked and Spiced White Hot Chocolate".



Spiked and Spiced White Hot Chocolate

SERVES 4

4 cups of  half and half (or milk even almond milk is super delicious in this)
8ozs chopped white chocolate
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2  tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3ozs brown rum
Marshmallows and nutmeg for topping



Method:
In a saucepan bring half & half or milk to a simmer. Add chopped chocolate, vanilla and spices and stir until chocolate is dissolved. Remove from heat and add rum. Serve immediately topped with marshmallows and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Now just grab a blanket and cuddle up by the tree with a good book or movie!

Merry Christmas All! Lots of love from Jo & Ed


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Unexpected Side of Fries



What's going on peeps? I hope you're all getting into the festive mood. The weather actually has a slight chill to it and the Christmas music is playing everywhere. To continue the theme of entertaining, I want to share a super simple side dish with you. You can add it to buffets, serve it with a steak or just as a snack for pop up guests with a delicious dip. Its Cassava Fries!

I think I have always loved cassava. In Barbados its most famous appearance is probably in Cassava Pone (which I will admit I am a tad bit addicted to) but this delicious root is far more versatile than we may think.


Cassava is also called manioc and yuca. Some other dishes you can create are cassava casserole (like scalloped potato) , bammy/bami  (Jamaican Cassava Flat Bread) and Cassava soup.


So here is the recipe:

Cassava Fries


1lb cassava (peeled and cut into 4" sticks)
Oil for frying 
Salt and Pepper to taste
Boiling water for par- cooking

Method:

In a pot, boil water add salt and cook cassava until fork tender.
Once cooked, drain and allow to cool.
In a skillet heat oil until it bubbles when a sprinkle of flour is added to test it.
Fry cassava until golden and crispy. Remove from oil, drain and season with salt and pepper. 


These are absolutely delicious and a welcome change to a typical menu. I hope you guys give them a try. 

Happy Cooking! 



Monday, December 16, 2013

Christmas treats in our little bake shop


Hi Guys,

Just in case you've missed our Christmas menu on our Facebook page, I thought I would share it here. Along with some pics of Christmas Cuppies.





Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Holiday Brunch with A Yummy Recipe


It's  December!!!! I am so excited for Christmas. There is so much yumminess planned for the holiday season. This weekend we hosted a holiday brunch.  So today I will share some pics, ideas and an easy delicious recipe.

Brunch is a great option for first time entertainers, because the dishes aren't too complex. Simple pieces can be impressive.

Here is the menu: 

Honey Glazed Turkey Ham Sandwiches



Potato and Bacon Breakfast Casserole
Banana Muffins 

Granola Yogurt Parfaits ( simply layer yogurt and granola in shot glasses, perfect for single serving)  


Fruit & Cheese Platter ( which we refilled with plantain chips and other fruits)



The cheese in middle is marinated fresh mozzarella. These were bocconcini, which are bite size mozzarella balls. You can use a regular ball of mozzarella and cut it into bite size pieces . 

Here is the recipe for the marinade: 


1/2 cup extra- virgin olive oil 
1 tsp lemon zest 
2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
1tsp chopped thyme 
1 clove garlic sliced thinly 
1/2 tsp red chili flakes 
1 tsp kosher salt

Combine ingredients and add mozzarella (about 16oz) toss and refrigerate in a covered container for at least 3 hrs or overnight. 

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!



What's cooking guys?

I know I've been missing in action, but there are lots of big things that have been happening that I can't share just yet.

So, this is my all time favorite time of the year; not just Christmas but November too! I love all the Independence celebrations and local food! Conkies, Fishcakes, Coucou, Souse, Breadfruit and so much more! Yum! Also, the atmosphere just begins to feel so festive. Even when we lived in the US, I soo loved the fall flavors there too!

So along with all the celebrations, there are going to be lots of parties and get-togethers. So just in case you are going to be a host of a social, here are some tips and ideas for party foods.

1. Individual Portions (so easy for serving and easy clean up) 



Mini Pies 




Pudding and Souse Cups 

2. Signage:-  

This makes it easy for self service and everyone knows what each item is.



3. Interactive food stations like a fondue or a taco station:- 

This adds to the activities and is good for picky eaters. 




I hope these tips are helpful, as you plan your festivities. If you have any additional tips be sure to comment below.


Monday, October 21, 2013

Cinnamon Buns? Yes Please!


Hiya luv muffins! 


How's it going? So I thought I would share one of my comfort foods with you guys. I am one of those strange people, who when they feel overwhelmed or tired from work, finds comfort in doing a project in the little free time they do have.

So after a crazy week of baking, cooking and events I love to whip out my worn spiral notebook with my favorite recipes and make something yummy. Well to be honest I either do that or give my house a good scrub down ... sigh so invigorating. Yes, I know I'm strange.

Today's recipe is for Nutty Cinnamon Buns. Now the nuts are optional but we had walnuts, macadamia nuts and almonds that were just begging to jump in the do!



Cinnamon Bun Recipe


Dough:
2 cups flour
1pk yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup warm milk
pinch of salt
2 oz melted butter
(1 beaten egg for egg wash)

Filling:
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tbsp cinnamon; 2 oz brown sugar mixed
1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts (optional)


Frosting:
3oz cream cheese
1 tbsp butter
11/2 cups icing sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

In a small bowl dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and set aside.
In a larger bowl mix sugar, flour and salt.
In the middle make a well and add melted butter and milk; mix in with hands until a dough is formed.
Knead slightly, dough will be slightly sticky. Place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and place in a warm place to rise for 30 mins.

For the filling just combine the ingredients (except butter)together.

Once dough has risen, roll out on a lightly floured surface to make a rectangle approximately 12 by 4 inches. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with filling. Roll dough up tightly as if to make a jelly roll and cut into equal pieces. I used a casserole dish which I lightly greased. You can use any high sided baking sheet. Place your buns (tee hee) in the dish allowing space for rising. Cover loosely, allow to rise for 20 more mins and then brush with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 mins at 350 degrees F.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl mix the ingredients for the frosting together until fluffy. You can use a hand mixer but a whisk works just as well.

Once the buns come out of the oven....


Looking all yummy and golden brown, allow them to cool slightly for about 5 to 10 mins. 
And then smother the tops with the cream cheese frosting. 

Like so...


Yummmmmmmmmmers! 

I do hope you guys try this recipe, it really is worth it and is really simple.
I suggest pairing these with a nice cup of Chai tea, but I'm a tea fanatic. I'm sure a nice glass of milk would be delicious too. Hope you're having a delicious week. 

Until later xoxo


Thursday, September 26, 2013

I'm back with pizza



I missed you guys!

So sorry I've been away but I've been completely under the weather the last few weeks. But yummy soup and lots of TLC and I'm back!



So school has restarted and is in full swing. Many of our clients are part of busy families so, I thought it would be great to feature easy meals for lunches or quick suppers.

Today is pizza!

People seem to think that homemade pizza is super time consuming and should only be a weekend meal but that is not at all true. Some people even think of it it as junk food... gasp! It certainly does not have to be.

So here are some tips on how to make yummy healthy homemade pizza in a whizz!


Make it healthy
- Use lots of veggies, get your little ones to help you dice them up
- Try new things like fresh mozzarella cheese and mushrooms
- Choose leaner protein like chicken breast chunks instead of pepperoni


Make it quick
- Pre-make your dough and freeze it so that it takes no time at all
- OR buy a pre-made dough, lots of supermarkets carry them now
- Use a pre-made sauce and ready shredded cheese

DOUBLE DUTY
Our dough recipe is enough to make 2 pizzas so you can make double and cut the next one up for lunch boxes the next day!

Dough recipe:
3 cups flour
11/2 pks of instant yeast
2 tbsp oil
1 cup water (warm)
pinch of salt

Mix yeast and warm water in a bowl until yeast is dissolved, add flour, oil and salt and mix until a dough is formed. Place in a greased bowl in a warm place to rise for 15-30 mins. (Roll out and par-bake for 10 mins at 350 F if using later) This dough freezes very well and keeps up to a month.  I also par-bake if I'm making it right away but its not necessary.

I hope all our little tips inspire you to make a homemade pizza =)

Have a great week.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Dining In Tonight



Hey guys!

So its been a slight minute. We had a whole bunch of weddings and events so there is so much to share! 

What I'll share today is one of the services we offer which has been booming recently; it's our "dining in" option. 

Couples are choosing our 3 course meals delivered to their home or getaway location. I think this is a super idea. Its more intimate than a restaurant, you can pick and choose your menu, and it is totally exclusive. We also offer a wine paring and table set up.

Here are some photos of what we offer:









I'll be sure to fill you in, also there are 2 more summer favs to come. Better late than never =)

Have a great week guys!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Cupcake Shout Out- Cookies n' Creme



Hi guys,

This week we are featuring our Cookies n' Creme Cupcake!

This is one of my favorite cupcakes to make; it reminds me of my sis because she loves cookies n' creme flavoured ice cream. It is perfect for children's parties, instead of the regular chocolate and vanilla.


It's a fluffy vanilla cupcake studded with cookie chunks and topped with vanilla buttercream. Its then sprinkled with more cookie crumbles and topped with half a cookie or a mini cookie.

If you like Cookies n' creme ice cream or even Oreos, I think you would love this!

Have a great week guys!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Sweet thank you's



I think we have had some of the nicest brides. Earlier this year we featured a bride who got breakfast baskets for her bridal party as a treat.

Here: http://simpleediblebeauty.blogspot.com/2013/06/fabulously-yummy-wedding-gifts.html

Today we want to show you what another bride got as a thank you for some people who helped her with her wedding. It really is a wonderful gesture, saying thank you with a little something extra. Even a phone call back or a thank you note makes a difference. I know it makes my day.

So here goes:
Check out the cute dessert basket she got them, I would be so excited to get this at work.




Inside were all sorts of treats: brownie bites, cupcakes, cheesecakes, passion fruit shortbread cookies, fresh strawberries and mini sparkling wines.


Here's a close up of the cookies, the curd was made from those yummy passion fruits 
we got from the farmers market.



Just wanted to share these goodies with you. I hope you'll take the time to tell someone thank you today.

Hugs & Sprinkles


Monday, August 5, 2013

Guacamole as promised!


Food Buddies! What's going on?

I hope you took advantage of the long weekend and made some yummy food.
In our last post we shared a tip on avocados and some of you requested the recipe for our guacamole as it was promised in the video clip so here goes.


BD's Guacamole

1 cup diced avocado
1tbsp chopped onion
1-2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp diced jalapeno
2ozs diced tomato or 8 cherry tomatoes quartered
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Salt & pepper to taste

Method:
We like our guacamole chunky so instead of blitzing it in a food processor, we gently mash it with a whisk. When it reaches a creamy but slightly chunky consistency we add in the other ingredients and season to taste.

Don't be fooled by this fabulous dip. Its uses are far more than a chip accompaniment or taco topper.

Here are some ideas:

Dollop some on a cold soup like cucumber soup or gazpacho
Add it to your favorite salad
It is great in sushi
And fabulous on burgers

Check it out here on a mini burger from an event last week..


I hope you will give this recipe a go. It's one of our favorites.
And feel free to let us know any recipes you would like to see featured here.

Happy Cooking!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Summer Fav #2 Avocados!



What's going on guys? What did you cook this weekend? Last week was a fun week; we did a few events and lots of cakes per usual.

Today though, is the second edition of Summer Favorites!
It's one of my super duper, favorite foods.... Avocados. Known here and in other islands as "pear".
I think we call it a pear because of its shape which is similar to a pear but botanically it's a large berry.

Avocados are so yummy and creamily luscious! They can go with anything from a salad to fish, to sitting sliced up with some crackers. When it is in season we love to add it into our menus for events.

Here are some fresh avocados we saw today as we were shopping for an event:


Can't wait to eat one! But they weren't ripe, so we got some Hass ones too.
Here is a quick video on how we prep our "pears" for guacamole.


If you would like the recipe  for our guacamole, comment below.


Lastly, check out the guacamole paired with our mango salsa. Yummilicous!

So until next time, be sweet!
Hugs n Sprinkles
 Jo

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Cupcake Shout Out - Vanilla white chocolate chip


Cupcake Shout Outs

 This is a new feature we are adding to the blog, where our specialty cupcakes get featured for the day. Just so that you can learn a little bit more about them and they can feel like celebrities... tee hee.

Today's Cupcake is Vanilla White Chocolate Chip



These are fluffy vanilla cupcakes with white chocolate chips melted on the the tops, topped with vanilla buttercream, sprinkled with cinnamon and white choc chips. 

This cuppie is seasonal to the fall (Sept-Nov), but you can special order it in quantities of 12 and above. See our fb page for more details. 

Have a super yummy day peeps! 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Hmmm mmmm Hummus!


Heya food luvahs!

      How was your weekend? I hope everyone is good and had a restful weekend. I am feeling so much better this week.

So its summer! Well its been summer for a while. This means its time for sundresses and extreme heat and you may not feel like cooking or eating hot heavy meals. So today I'll share our Hummus Salad with you.


Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip made from cooked chick peas (channa). To our hummus we add chopped veggies and some toasted pita. You can use any vegetables you like. We used cucumbers, yellow bell pepper and olives and crumbled a little feta on top.

Here is the recipe for the Hummus,

Ingredients
2-3 garlic cloves
1 cup of canned chickpeas - drained
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp water
2tbsp Tahini (sesame paste- you can find this at Super Center in the Ethnic food aisle)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Pour all the ingredients into your food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Season to taste


When its done we scoop a little into each bowl and garnish with olive oil and paprika. Then arrange the veggies around it and serve with toasted pita.



I hope you guys give this a go! Its so delicious. Super healthy and filling. We have this as a meatless meal sometimes and we definitely do not miss the meat.

So off I go to make some yummies for our clients.
Have a scrumptious week!
Jo

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Little Pick me ups


Heya!

How is everyone? I hope everyone is having a great week. There was so much going on this week and last week that I really didn't know where to start or what to share. Also I was feeling a bit under the weather so I thought it would be nice to share with you guys the things that make me feel a little better or just put a perk in my day.

1. TEA


Anyone who knows me, knows that I loooove tea. Its like a hug in a cup. Currently, this is my go-to tea, given to me by a lovely client for my anniversary along with the super cute portable tea mug.
This tea is nice and light and the jasmine flavor is somewhat soothing. Perfect for those mornings when you aren't exactly jumping out of bed.


2.  YUMMY CANDLES


Yes, we work with food everyday and I smell it all the time but certain smells just make me happy. Like citrus or vanilla. Key lime pie is one of my favorite desserts, so when  I found this I was super happy. So at the end of a long day when I sit down to do emails I will light my candle and enjoy while I work.


3. FOODIE MOVIES or  BOOKS


Julie & Julia is a great one. If you haven't seen it, you have to!  For books, I like Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl. I don't have a lot of down time, but when I do this is what I do. Never, ever enough food.

Ok everyone, so I'm going back to the kitchen, busy week ahead.

Feel free to let us know what your pick me ups are.

Lots of love & yumminess!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Summer Fav #1 Mango Luv


Wuh gine on? 


Today is the 1st Summer Favorite Edition... check it out!


So mangoes are the perfect summer snack. You can make juice, put them in smoothies, make sorbet and salsa, you can even make vinaigrette! Nothing hits the spot like a nice cold mango... mmmmmm

So here's the recipe:

Jo's Mango Salsa 




Just mix all the yummy ingredients together, allow to sit for at least 1 hr so the flavors can blend.
Then enjoy!



Have a delicious week!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Farmers Market Morning



Hey foodies! Wassup?!

    So, when we were living in Germany, one of my favorite things was the farmers markets. Everything is so fresh and beautiful.
    I've been wanting to visit one here forever, but they are always on Saturdays. Weekend is the busiest time of the week here so that was  not possible. Finally I got to go, Yippee!





So I have been to markets here before, like "Cheapside Market" but this was different. It was very cozy and the atmosphere very calm and relaxed.

I got some passion fruits, french bread, and a basil plant. I would definitely go again. You should check it out. Farmers market; Saturday mornings at Art Splash in Hastings.

Take Care now and have a delicious week!

Ps- Stay tuned for a Passion fruit recipe =)

Monday, June 24, 2013

Risotto Dance





What's Cooking Guys?

When I first starting working as a chef, one of the things I dreaded cooking was risotto because I thought it was going to be so complicated. I was about 17 and I was working at Sandy Lane Hotel.

 One night for a big gala, we had to make a massive vat of risotto. Now I am pretty small, I could literally fit into the pan we were cooking it in. So the chef who was teaching me how to make it said in his thick Italian accent, " no worries, just risotto dance." The risotto dance is the way you stir the rice to create that creamy, luxurious consistency. He made it so easy and fun!

 And so I learned to make one of my favorite dishes. And I want to share the recipe for a butternut squash risotto with you today.


Butternut Squash Risotto 

Serves 3-4 Dinner portions Or 6 Appetizer Servings 

4-6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
4tbsp butter
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 cup butternuts squash peeled and diced - approx 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup of arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine (preferably dry)
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste


Method: 

1-Warm the stock and keep on hand. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of the butter and cook onion until translucent.
2-Add the rice and cook for about 2 mins to give the rice a slight toast. Then add the wine and stir constantly until wine is absorbed.



3-Add a few ladles of stock; just enough to barely cover the rice. Cook over medium heat until stock has been absorbed. Continue cooking and stirring rice; adding a little bit of stock at a time, cooking and stirring until it is absorbed.


4.After about 10 mins add the butternut squash.Continue cooking until the rice is tender, but still firm to the bite.
 During the last minutes of cooking, add remaining tablespoon of butter and Parmesan. The rice should have
 a fabulous, creamy consistency. Season to taste. 
We served ours with a slice of roasted chicken, a sprig of basil and some herbed oil.
Hope you enjoy! 
Have a delicious day

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Come to this wedding with us!


Hola Luvs!

So a weekend ago we set up a cupcake tower at a wedding at The Crane Resort, in St.Phillip. I always wish I could take you guys with us, so... I did. Please bare in mind that I was on 3 hrs of sleep so I was slightly goofy.. tee hee. Hence the singing. Here is a quick video of the set up.


So here are some close ups of the cake and cupcakes.



The cupcakes were dessert for the cocktail reception, the flavors were - Bellini, Chocolate Baileys and Apple Pie. 

 The theme of the wedding was motorcycles. Which was super cool, when we were leaving some guests arrived on their bikes:


Oh! And the favors were motorcycle themed cupcakes by us =)
and mini bottles of rum in treasure chests


The hotel is gorgeous, its right on the beach. We have done a few weddings there now. 
I love it there... 




Alrighty everyone, hope you enjoyed the trip to The Crane. We loved having you. 
See ya later.. and have a yummy day!