These little crunchy millet baskets can actually be filled with anything but here I chose a simple zucchini cheese filling topped with a crispy parmesan wafer. These wafers by the way can be made in seconds with just one easy ingredient: grated Parmesan! The baskets themselves can be made ahead of time and ready to be filled when you need them. Continue reading
These apple dumplings are literally “easier than pie”. They are basically pie crust wrapped around an apple. No peeling or chopping apples here. They make perfect and tidy single portions. The incredible flaky crust is unlike the usual pie crust due to a couple of “secret” ingredients you’ll find in my recipe. Continue reading
The main ingredients in this three berry smoothie are blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. These healthy berries are bursting with anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. Use your imagination – you could substitute other fruits too. Also a couple of tablespoons of oatmeal flakes can turn this into a great instant breakfast. Throw everything into the blender and press the button! Of course the edible flower is only a decoration. Continue reading
Raspberries and roses have something in common since they both belong to the “Rubus” family of flowering plants. If you think of it, there are some roses that have a faint scent of raspberries. This raspberries and Roses Smoothie here is a delicious example of how well they go together! Continue reading
These Lavender Olive Oil Brownies are an interesting variation from the usual brownie. Their texture is a little bit more cake-like with a touch of a lavender aroma which seems unusual but compliments the chocolate flavor. They are lighter but if you wish you can add chocolate chips. Continue reading
These pumpkin swirl pecan bars are a delicious and healthy snack and could be perfect for breakfast too. If you don’t have pumpkin even squash or sweet potato will do. The orange color of these vegetables indicates generous amounts of healthy beta carotene. Continue reading
The fresh mint flavor of these After Eight Vegan cupcakes really reminds me of the the popular chocolate covered thin mints! And you don’t need eggs, milk or butter either in these rich tasting cupcakes. Continue reading
Other than inspirational poetry which she was famous for, Emily Dickinson was also a good baker. The renown American poet loved baking bread and cakes too and decorating them with fresh flowers. Here I replicated Emily’s Coconut Cake recipe which turned out moist and delicious and also very easy to make. Her original handwritten recipe follows. Continue reading
These grapefruit bars are a nice change from the all-time favorite lemon version. They are even easier to slice and serve being less sticky and crumbly. Of course this means less sugar and butter which isn’t a bad idea either. If you still want a richer version you can increase these two ingredients according to your tastes.
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With carnival season approaching bakery windows are brimming with all sorts of fried pastry in Italy. Each region or even city has their own specialty. Recently visiting Siena I enjoyed a taste of their rice fritters – Frittelle di Riso – in historic Piazza del Campo. A little hut is set up there around this time that turns out freshly fried Frittelle by the minute. Outside a line of people impatiently wait for these delectable crispy treats. A sign outside listed the genuine ingredients. Coming back home I couldn’t help making them myself. I wasn’t disappointed – I think I came pretty close! Of course to fully enjoy them you should really come to the beautiful medieval city of Siena yourself. Continue reading