Friday, 17 April 2015

Spring Is...

"Spring is nature's way of saying 'Let's party!' "-Robin Williams

It is ever-so-slowly starting to feel like spring and the snow is finally starting to melt. Where there was once an eleven foot, gleaming-white glacier in my front yard, there now stands a three foot tall, dirt covered, pile of old snow. There are little patches of grass to be found and on every block or so you can spot crocuses starting to sprout up through the soft mud. It was eight degrees today. Last week there was frost and snow on my car in the early morning, I will take eight degrees with a smile.

Find pictures of my spring-inspired bouquets and flowers around the house ('cause we all know I LOVE fresh flowers) below. Also find a recipe for the tastiest, most decadent and inspired thumb-print cookies courtesy of Ms. Martha herself. Happy Spring!
-m


Don't these coconut thumb-print cookies with sea-salt and caramel look divine? Find the recipe and tricks of the trade from Martha Stewart here. Martha made me do it, I swear.

  
The best not-so-secret, secret ingredient courtesy of Presidents choice black label. 










Monday, 13 April 2015

Saturday Mornings are for....

"Saturday mornings are for mimosa's and brunch."-unknown

Brunch, everyone's favourite meal and the perfect way to wrap up a weekend (if you happen to have weekends off)! What is better than the luxury of getting out of bed late and enjoying company over a mimosa and a hot cup of joe. In Halifax you can find weekend brunch offered at pretty much every place that has evening dinner service. There is something for everyone and recently my favourite brunch spot was pushed, with a great big shove into second place (sorry Coastal Cafe, I still love you, just a little less on the weekends). My new go-to is EDNA, which also happens to be my favourite place to eat in the city. It never lets you down! The service and atmosphere are superb and with an ever-changing menu it's like a new dining experience every time you go. I don't know why I waited so long to try their brunch menu. Like the dinner menu it changes frequently, but a couple of signature dishes remain the same. Creative food, competitive prices, not to mention great coffee, and fresh grapefruit mimosas. I was sold from my first bite. You will not be disappointed with the chewy, coconut-y french toast made from local baguette or by the perfectly poached eggs and the duck fat smashed potatoes will leave you wishing brunch was available seven days a week. Find the menu, hours and everything else you may want to know about your new favourite haunt here.









However, if you would prefer to stay home, lounge in your PJ's and drink coffee out of your favourite mug. Or if you remain in hibernation because the snow banks are still as tall as I am, here is a recipe to enjoy brunch from the comfort of your own home made with ingredients I guarantee you already have on hand. I am calling them mile-high pancakes because they puff up to be almost an inch thick. They are tender and fluffy and will literally take five minutes to make. They are potentially the best I have ever had. Honestly, try em' and tell me what you think! Happy brunching all!
-m

Mile High Pancakes

You will need...
  • 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 3.5 tsp of baking powder
  • 1tsp of salt
  • 2 tbs of white sugar
  • 1.5 cups of milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3tbs of melted butter
Sift dry ingredients together and make sure they are all mixed well. Form a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and place egg, butter and milk in the hole. Mix until all is just incorporated and smooth. Try not to over-mix (or they won't be fluffy!). Heat frying pan or griddle to medium and give a quick coat of oil or butter. When the pan is hot pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake (this will make about 8 good sized pancakes!). Flip when the top starts to bubble or when bottom is golden brown and cook second side until golden and toasty.