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.

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

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.