Author Archive: My Kitchen Wand

This one of those brilliant ideas that popped into my head as I was looking at waaaay too much leftover stuffing and turkey carcass last week, only to find that it is in no way an original idea. I am however going to post this just in case it is new to you.  If the […]

As the wheel turns and we move towards Imbolc, I generally get an urge to clean. It just seems natural to me after the Yule decorations disappear, that clearing cupboards, class supply boxes and fridge of leftovers is the next step. A richly flavoured cookie for the dark half of the year and those who […]

Technically a truffle is a soft chocolate and cream mixture otherwise known as ganache. This is a half and half mixture of marzipan and chestnut puree with infused fruits that can be easily rolled into balls and coated with cocoa, icing sugar or almonds. Option number two is to get out the chocolate and finish […]

Italian/Sweet chestnuts are in many markets and specialty stores this time of year, a sure sign that Christmas is near and while roasting on an open fire may come to mind first, I wanted to do some experimenting down alternate pathways. I had chestnut puree sitting on a shelf  ( 900 ml/3 1/2 + cups […]

Not all the my playing with that big can of chestnut puree ended up in something sweet. A bowl of this silky smooth soup makes a richly filling main meal and a smaller cup, an excellent starter for Yule or New Year’s Eve dinner. Doubling the ingredients below would be appropriate for a larger group. […]

I have trouble calling these Florentines as what I remember from years ago, was a square, had candied peel and a shortbread bottom with bottom and sides dipped in chocolate. Maybe these can be called a lighter variation? Super crunchy, spider-web thin almond toffee cookies flavored with orange zest? However they are described, they bring […]

Snowball cookies are delicious, melt on your tongue, Christmas treats but did you know they are sourced in Danish Yule traditions? Known as Smor Bollar or “butter balls”, they can have any of a range of ingredients, always including the wonderful butter Denmark is known for. This version is made with hazelnuts but pecans or […]

Pâte à Choux has been around since the middle of the 1800’s and although no one is really sure it is thought they originated within the royal kitchens of the French monarchy. I tend to think that makes sense as the first ones I made were turned into swans with long elegant necks and wings. […]

Do you love chestnuts and the feelings that come along with “roasting on an open fire“? The jury is still out for me when used plain, but what I do know is they combine well with everything from mushrooms to chocolate. There are many varieties grown all around the world and each area has its […]

I like experimenting with alternate flours. I like the feeling that I am offering more nutrition and alternate forms of gluten. I am not so thrilled with the cost but I also find there is a feeling of being satisfied sooner. During my student homestay days, I could make pancakes till the cows came home […]