Chestnut & Citrus Sponge Cake

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 […]

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Mushroom Chestnut Soup

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. […]

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Almond Orange Crunchies

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 […]

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Hazelnut & Cardamon Clouds A.K.A. smør bullar

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 […]

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Chestnut Coffee Eclairs

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. […]

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Chestnut Chocolate Cream

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 […]

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Red Fife Biscuits with Roasted Garlic, Feta and Herbs

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 […]

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Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup

Fall, winter, any cold day really is a chance for a thick and warming bowl of soup. A lovely combination of silky textures with a little added kick to keep the body extra warm. Pumpkin’s nutrient profile is packed with healthy things. Pumpkins contain three different antioxidants, that support your cells health. It is also […]

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Apple Dumplings with Apple Cider Vinegar Caramel Sauce

There are times when celery sticks just don’t hit the spot, especially during the dark half of the year. Your personal favourite may be hot chocolate or homemade mac and cheese. If your tooth leans to the sweet side then this apple dumpling with a brown sugar, cardamon, apple cider vinegar caramel sauce may do […]

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Apple, Elderberry Tea

I have just been working on the Samhain newsletter, writing about being in sync with the rhythm of the season and slowing down. “Ignore this time at your own risk as what is up for you will find a way to get your attention. Verbal arguments, broken or lost articles, general frustrations about lack of […]

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