Butter Spice Cookies

So here is what was in the Valentine's Day tin. Butter and Spice and Everything Nice!

I found this recipe on the web and since I didn't have heart shaped cookie cutters that were small enough, I used this small undulated shaped. I didn't follow the details about the cookies being in the fridge ... but them in the freezer instead.... but for too long. So they were very hard to handle, but they turned out absolutely delicious!

Heart-Shaped Spice Cookies

(adapted from http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/heart-shaped-spice-cookies-10000001892164/)

Ingredients:

·         2 1/2 cups  all-purpose flour 

·         1 teaspoon  ground ginger 

·         1 teaspoon  cinnamon 

·         1/2 teaspoon  ground nutmeg 

·         1 teaspoon  baking powder 

·         1/8 teaspoon  salt 

·         16 tablespoons  unsalted butter, at room temperature

·         1 cup  packed light brown sugar 

 

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt.

In a separate large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, and beat until mixture forms a stiff yet pliable dough. Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400°F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on baking sheets. ( I added my sprinkles here). Bake until cookies are firm in center, about 10 minutes. Let cool on wire racks. Repeat with remaining dough.

Sharing all kinds of LOVE with you

This email has been a long time coming... Sorry, but I have been very busy starting up my new career! But I sooooo wanted to share with you my weekend filled with all kinds of REAL LOVE - and all the special people that were part of it.

It started with Valentine's Day- my last day at Bridges, filled with a bag of mixed emotions... A lovely picture with some of my great friends and colleagues- Nancy, Kelly, Judy, Gilles and Karen... On my last day I brought a home made tin of Valentine's specialties, want to know the delicious recipe? Stay tuned later this week for the next blog post and you will find out!

I was then greeted at home with a lovely Valentine's Day dinner of my favourite... Thai Food, with my gorgeous daughter and husband...wearing the LOVE colour RED! Hearts pouring out of their months with love!



Next day, lunch at Pat's with Marla. Two 'old school' friends! Pat - a health inspiration who has lost over 100 lbs herself- prepared salad and SPICY jerk chicken... delicious!

 

Tired yet.... not me! Next day, a coffee date with my 'oldest' friend in the world. Wow that makes her sound so old eh? Janice and I have been friends since 1980 (34 years ago), when I came to Oakville. We get together, maybe only twice a year, but when we do we say.... why don't we do this more often!

Love this girl! It was her birthday, so you know, a girl's gotta celebrate! We literally just sit in a café and talk for hours, our butts soar from sitting so long and our faces aching from laughing so much! Love this girl like crazy. She is a phenomenal entrepreneur and fearless woman!

 

Okay, now FAMILY DAY... gotta spend it with your family right???? So Brent, Melanie and I went for a wintery walk at our favourite park in Oakville- Lakeside Park. That's right, in the snow, in the cold... WE ARE CANADIANS!  Just put on your tuque and our winter parka and boots, and if it's sunny, don't forget your shades- the glare from the snow is blinding and beautiful! Love this guy!

Getting tired yet? Well, save the 'old Bridges' reunion dinner for last then, lots of talking, eating, laughing and dreamin'. These are my colleagues, past, and real past... our friend Gaetane was in town, so we got together for some good ole' fashion girl talk. Awesome being all together again and sharing the love!

All these special people in my life (and many more not pictured here) are the loves of my life... they make me who I have become and make me strive to become better. LOVE YOU ALL!

 

Sharing Amazing Love on Valentine's Day

Yes, this not a typical Valentine's Day post with hearts and gushing red velvet cupcakes... it is my heartfelt thanks and total appreciation to some very special women who recently displayed their love in the most unusual, special and EPIC way. I thought there would be no better time to share this amazing story on this Day which signifies LOVE!

Let me first present to you below: A Token of Love and Appreciation - A fabulous necklace made of corks, candies and candles.... read below to see just how special this token is.

Some of you may know that I recently accepted a new position in an industry giant and after almost 9 years at Bridges, it was a hard personal move to make, but the right professional move to make. It was hard personally because I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some amazing people. Some of these great people have been the Bridges Instructors that I have had the pleasure of working with for many, many years. I have been scheduling their lives, their drives, their students, their schools and doing it with a smile and being available for them for any question/problem/comment/issue.... Big or Small- it's my job... and I always cared.

Last week at the Bridges Annual dinner, they 'sneakily' crafted the above pictured necklace made of the usual things you would find in an Italian restaurant- cork, candies, candle- with crushed candies inside set in the melted wax (WOW) - and two brave souls- Christy and Leanne- stood up at the end of the dinner, presented me with this totally awesome necklace and this wonderful, heartfelt Top 10 list that I share with you below:

Top 10 reasons we will miss Chantal...

10.   The way she smiles with her whole being

9. Bling by Chantal- shopping on breaks

8. Her ability to recall obscure lyrics of songs.from the 90s.

7. The fact that you are our work mom.

6. Who is going to keep our shit together?

5. We are concerned about the quality of the swag once she is gone.

4. Nails - lovely , luscious lacquered digits delight us daily

3. Her calm reassuring voice on the phone, that let's us know everything is going to be alright, even though we are stuck on the 401, 400, 407.

2. The inspiration she has given us all as she has worked so hard to transform her lifestyle and we have watched her become more beautiful, if that is even possible.

1. Although employee of the decade is up for grabs, we are all wondering how we will replace the person that, we all agree, we instantly loved from the moment we met.

WOW, floored right??? To see on paper and presented to you amongst your peers these words of love, appreciation and their sadness at your leaving... Not a dry eye!!!!

It was an incredible presentation crafted by Table 3- Jolene, Leanne, Christy, Eva, Sarah, Brenna, Kayla, Alex and Wendy (sorry if I missed anyone).  The hugs, the thanks, the 'we'll miss you, but we are happy for you' from all the Bridges Instructors and Staff have been overwhelming and wonderful. Bridges has helped me grow into the person I am today and all the experiences and challenges have shaped who I have become... so thank you to all who have have been a part of a great chapter in my life...

... and when the going gets tough, and we must move along our way to new challenges.... what does a girl do?

Light up her life with some new hair, bright as the Caribbean sun hitting the sand! Much Love to All!

It's not goodbye, it's see you later- you can always catch my adventures on my blog and of course the instantly gratifying Facebook. 

Orange Cranberry Scones

I don't know about you, but when you are entering your third month of cold winter snow, there is nothing better than making a warm baked good filled with delicious wintery smells.

Here's a nice recipe for you to try... I just used a few extra 'healthier' options, like whole wheat flour and low fat milk to 'up' the nutrition a bit. 

ORANGE CRANBERRY SCONES

(adapted from COOKS.COM)

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour ( I used whole wheat flour)

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. sugar

grated zest of an orange

1/2 cup Craisins or golden raisins

1 stick (8 tbsp.) cold unsalted butter

2/3 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)

coarse sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar for 30 seconds.

 

Cut the cold butter into small cubes 1/4-1/2 inch. On low speed mix until butter is just coated with flour, leaving large chunks. Stir in the Craisins or Raisins and the zest. 

 

 

Stir in 2/3 cup buttermilk and mix for about 30 seconds, or just until the liquid is absorbed. (The batter will begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl). Using a spatula, scrape the dough down and form it into a ball.

Pat the dough together into a flattened circle 3/4-inch thick. Place the circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a silicone baking sheet or a buttered sheet of wax paper. Divide the circle into eight wedges and separate the wedges out leaving a 1/2-inch space between them.

Brush the tops with remaining buttermilk or an egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar (sanding sugar or turbinado is best for a crisp crust).

 

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm with butter, jam or honey. Delicious!

 

These are a few of my favourite Kitchen Things

Hello to my kitchen gadget fans!

Thanks to my Mom and number one kitchen inspiration, I wanted to introduce you to some new kitchen items that will make your life baking and recipe reading awesome!
Sing with me now..."These are a few of my favourite things, when your printed recipe stands up, when your glove is oven proof... then I'm feeling glad!

Ok, enough singing, now for the show and tell portion. This strange looking contraption is a little red base with a magnet and a silver ball magnet. What the heck right?

TA DA! It's actually a recipe holder. You put your printed recipe- like so many of mine are- you lean it against the base and place the magnet over it and then your flimsy piece of paper stands up by itself. Amazing science I say!

 

Now, here's the other new favourite thing... this really was a big request from my husband and we both love it! 'As seen on TV'- the 'Ove Glove'. It's a simple little glove, made of I don't know what, that is totally oven proof. You slip on this thin looking little glove and it completely protects you from the heat. It's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than those cumbersome and clumsy big oven mitts. If you use your oven, you this is all you need!

 

Now, that's enough of my product plugs, but I really wanted to share with you some of the things that make my life easier and make times in the kitchen more blissful, and after all... isn't that what life is all about... finding your bliss???

 

 

Love, Friendship and the Pursuit of Happiness

Through thick and thin- upheavals in relationships, careers, homes and hair colour - my Guelph Girls and I have made it a point to continue onward and upward and stay true to our tradition of our yearly holiday reunion. This year's marvelous post holiday event was hosted by our marvelous hostess with the mostess and highest hair- Robin. A beautiful lunch, a warm home and welcoming long and enduring friendship!

Suzanne, me and Robin- posing for our traditional girlfriend picture... boy, how we've changed in the 20 odd years we've know each other... for the best of course!

This is how you do it... Patrick (Suzanne's husband) knows - some Stella, some nuts a big globe of water.

Suzanne really love her wine,- pictured here, so does that mean that I love wooden houses, my daughter loves Liberace Candelabras and her daughter firetrucks??

Fantastic Mom and son cooking preparation, he is so intrigued by it all and asks so many questions. It's just wonderful to see their awesome relationship.

Closeup of the Kung Pao Chicken Robin made. It was delicious! But just don't give her son any of the 'green things'!

Served over some shrimp fried rice...  delicious combination.

 

 Cheers to the hostess! Delicious lunch!

Now onto my little treats- some chocolate drizzled fruit skewers...

Some home baked and somewhat healthier versions of holiday baking- add dark chocolate, walnuts, ginger, cranberries, whole wheat flour... that's help boost the nutrition.

 Ok, with the meal out of the way...that's when the silliness starts... when asking the men to pose...

 ...the children to pose...

 ...and the Guelph Girls to pose... so much laughter, couldn't keep a straight face.

Then comes the traditional, let's only get presents for the kids- and we never do... always a little something for my Guelph Girls... So I wonder how the Monster Truck is fairing now, demolished any furniture, toes or cats yet Robin?

Suzanne's family really hit the nail on the head with this present for Melanie. A Sephora Mascara Gift -The Lash Stash- she couldn't believe it- another Sephora dream come true!

 

Fantastic day, fun memories, another one for the book and onto planning next year's expedition to the big white North or Angus as others know it!  Can't wait...

 

Love you beautiful, driven, passionate and ever-evolving Guelph Girls!

Amazing Chicken and Veggie Stirfry

When it's soooooo cold you just can't stand it anymore (like 18 days in a row of -30 C windshield factor), you need to turn to things in life that can give you warmth, like looking at old summer vacation photos, putting on your biggest sweater and socks and drinking lots of tea, sweating your head off doing a Zumba class.... or what I like to do- preparing a warm South Asian spicy Chicken and Veggie stirfry for you family!

So here's the colourful close-up. Don't you love the colours? Ya, you eat with your eyes!

I decided to combine some of the best flavours from other recipes that I have tried and loved. A mixture of chicken stock, soya sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, honey and a bit of sesame oil. Mostly chicken broth and then hits of all the others, to your taste. To make it a bit thicker, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch to your mixture.

Because of the sesame oil, I thought I would amp up the taste and crunch factor by using some sesame seeds to top the dish. But you can't just put them on top, right out of the bag... oh no....

You need to lightly toast them in a pan. Turn it to medium-high and don't walk away.

Keep on stirring until they become this golden, nutty brown.

Next... put a bit of canola oil in your pan and cook your chicken then take it out of your pan to a plate.

Use tons and tons of veggies, stirfrying your thicker veggies first- my greens beans and carrots.

...then add your 'medium' hard veggies, like these colourful peppers.

...then your quick cooking softer veggies, cut up baby bokchoi. Then add the chicken and your prepared sauce and let the flavours all work together - about 3-5 minutes.

Ta-da! Here you have a warm and healthy stirfry (over basmati or whatever you like) sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and ready to be devoured by your hungry family!

Banana Cranberry Whole-Grain Breakfast Muffins

On my quest for the perfect breakfast on the go (that' not a smoothie)- I present to you this really moist and super delicious - MY FAVOURITE- Morning Muffin!

I found the recipe on line, an episode of the Marilyn Dennis show. Funny though, I never took Kate Gosselin as a muffin maker!

Banana Cranberry Whole-Grain Breakfast Muffins
(adapted from http://www.marilyn.ca/Celebrities/segment/Daily/October2013/10_01_2013/KateGosselin2)


This recipe notes that it makes 10 – 12 muffins - but that's a lie, it makes 24 good size muffins!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups ripe mashed bananas
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed meal
• ½ cup wheat germ
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup canola oil
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons crushed pecans

Instructions:

Preheat often to 350 degrees

Grease muffin tin with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, combine the bananas, flour, oats, flaxseed meal, wheat germ, eggs, maple syrup, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and oil. Mix well using a hand mixer. Once mixed, stir the cranberries into the batter by hand.

Measure and pour about ½ cup batter for each muffin into prepared muffin pan. Top each muffin with about ½ teaspoon of crushed pecans.

Bake for 25 – 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes before removing.

 This muffin is loaded with good for you ingredients... including 10 smashed bananas!

The addition on chopped pecans on top makes for a nice added texture in your morning muffin.

Can you see the moistness??? Chunks of banana and cranberries... try them, you won't be disappointed.

Delicious Homemade Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

I have asked many friends and family for their homemade spaghetti sauce and tested quite a few. Some good, some.... not so good. 

Well, I am pleased to let you know that I believe I have found the one!

This delicious sauce is full delicious, easy to find ingredients and it freezes amazingly! I doubled it and froze half.

Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

(adapted from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spaghetti-Sauce-with-Ground-Beef/)
 

Ingredients:

·         1 pound ground beef
·         1 onion, chopped
·         4 cloves garlic, minced
·         1 small green bell pepper, diced
·         1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
·         1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
·         1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
·         2 teaspoons dried oregano
·         2 teaspoons dried basil
·         1 teaspoon salt
·         1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large saucepan. Cook and stir until meat is brown and vegetables are tender. Drain grease.

Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer spaghetti sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Amazing Adventure- How to enjoy this Winter Wonderland!

That's right, winter isn't all bad!

You just need to dress properly when you do venture out on your Amazing Adventures. Just look at my daughter... in her penguin hat and neon-green shades!

...and me, her mom with her matching scarf and hat ensemble!

 

...and lots of hugs... and an arm to grab onto so that you don't fall down the big hills.

being cute and careful on the snow-covered bridge...

 ...some trick photography- no that's not a drop of water- it's an icicle, frozen in time dripping into Melanie's mitten.

Gorgeous trees, covered in ice, but still shining with their bright red tips.

Some advanced photography skills here... look at the sharply frozen drips from this branch.

Gorgeous scene.

Flowing Credit River, wild with little rapids, we even saw ducks paddling through. Brave little birds!