Author Archive: My Kitchen Wand

A few days ago I posted a recipe for Oranges in Cardamon, Cinnamon & Rosewater Syrup. You can see the full post here. Sometimes the question comes up, what do I do now. I have listed below a half dozen ways to use these tasty orange treats. I hope you find something interesting enough to […]

Since Valentine’s Day is on a weekend this year, this lightly flavoured recipe for oranges might make an interesting option for a lazy breakfast or even a special dessert. Cardamon is used in Asia and Africa as an aphrodisiac, cinnamon is considered a fire herb which stimulates slow burning warmth and need we discuss rose? […]

During Yule and Christmas, I tend to be fairly traditional. If I am going to experiment it is more likely to be around New Years. A couple of posts ago, I mentioned keeping the crumbly bits of the biscotti for a future recipe. This is that recipe. Semifreddo translates from the Italian as half cold. […]

Following up on the theme of smaller portions from yesterday, Biscotti is one of those items usually served in fairly large pieces, usually with the intention of dipping it in coffee and wine. Originally a close cousin in purpose to hardtack, biscotti fueled the Roman soldiers in their quest to dominate the known world. Twice […]

At this time of the year there can be just sooo much goodness out there. Gatherings after get togethers followed by open houses. One way to offer options to all those invited is to serve smaller portions, allowing your guests to sample while not filling up on any one thing. This recipe being mostly cheese […]

There are lots of cookies out there, decorated for Christmas that we know come from older traditions. This is a cookie design suggestion just for winter solstice. In the Celtic calendar there are eight festivals that celebrate the turning of the seasons (wheel). They are the equinoxes, solstices and the days half way between, so […]

About fifteen years ago the original recipe, called Almond Roca, came my way and I wish I could remember who it came from as then I would know who to tell the next time I am once again asked to NEVER make it again. I added dried cranberries and chocolate drizzle to the original recipe […]

If you are well and truly in the middle of the rush of the season, then things are probably beginning to drop by the wayside. As time gets squeezed, that four day plan to build an architectural marvel doesn’t bring the same happy thoughts. I am going to suggest that building memories is far more […]

If you are sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner this Tuesday, I have a delicious little treat to go along with the pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Seed Oil Truffles! Often added as a finishing oil to the salad course, this is a simple addition to dessert, served separately or as a finishing decoration. All truffles need some […]

On cold Saturday mornings, I like fresh baked muffins. I like the heat the oven adds to the kitchen while everyone is waking up. I like the aroma the spices bring to my home. I much prefer the texture of home made muffins to what I find in stores. I get to offer home baked […]