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

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.

(image by http://www.newtimesgh.com )

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! 

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!

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.