Author Archive: My Kitchen Wand

Looking for something to help you believe that summer is on it’s way? No fresh local grown fruit yet? What better way than something that just glows with thoughts of swim up poolside bars and warm breezes? Pina Colada is a pineapple, coconut, rum flavour combination. The name means “strained pineapple” as the original beverage […]

I was asked the other day if I ever baked “guy” cookies. I wasn’t quite sure what was meant as in my experience guys generally eat anything tasty. (At least they did in my 20 odd years with home stay students). What was meant was less “pretty” and more substance, so here is something I […]

Looking for a light but special dessert for Mother’s Day? How about a hazelnut flavoured milk chocolate mousse? Hazelnuts are said to bestow wisdom, the ability to wisely assimilate and use knowledge, something that will assist Mom’s everywhere. Chocolate at it’s foundation is related to giving and receiving love. In some cases (milk) more the […]

I have noticed from comments posted on Facebook that many readers are not as far along in their seasons as we seem to be here. In my part of the world the lilacs and violets are over but I did manage to put up one small bottle of lilac honey. Last year I tried roses […]

Beltane celebrates reproduction and that is reflected in the use of flowers for decorations and gift giving. In very simple terms the purpose of flowers is to attract pollinators so that fertilization can occur and the plant will be able to create seeds for the next cycle. Birds, bees and other insects are drawn by […]

What can I say, it is rhubarb time again; a symbol that spring is truly here and something I ( or my black cat ) will happily do a little jig about. The items used to celebrate festival days come mostly from what is happening and available around us in nature. The first of the […]

Tiramisu or “Pick-me-up” Cake is a recent addition to Italian cuisine, probably no earlier that 1968 or 1971 depending on the source. The original flavour components are espresso, ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder but you will find many, many, many variations on the theme. Truffles are an easy way to make tempting treats with […]

One last ode to the Irish before March 17th. If you have never heard of a “Hot Whiskey” you might have come across a “Hot Toddy”. Same church, different pew. Hot Whiskey is a classic Irish answer to the onset of any cold, including an imagined one or for simply taking off the chill of […]

My Gaelic roots hail from the Scottish side of the Irish Sea but I wanted a chance to play in the kitchen and since St. Patrick’s Day is happening this week several themes came together. This dish can be thought of as a side to Bangers or Corned Beef and Cabbage. It can also be […]

The storms are heading my way again. The rain has started. So before our power is once again disrupted, I think it best to finish up this little experiment and share. The So Simple Einkorn bread has been rummaging around the back of my mind for a few days now, along with the knowledge that […]