Apple Coffee Cake

This cake has just become my winter "everyday cake".
What is an everyday cake? And what was my summer version?

An everyday cake is a cake that needs no occasion. It's quick to make (and even quicker to eat),  and doesn't rely on any frosting or elaborate layers.
For the last two years this cake was my go-to everyday cake.
When I first discovered it I probably made it about 6 times in two weeks. But with all those luscious raspberries it's clearly only a seasonal everyday cake, and after my first bite of this apple coffee cake I knew I had found my winter replacement.

Fennel, Pear & Squash Soup

If you like squash soup, you'll probably like this.
If you want a new way to make squash soup, you'll probably love this.

Striped Scarf

Just in time for the cold weather, I made my first scarf for my husband.

Simple garter stitch with bands of stockinette stitch every so often, created a nice texture, that didn't take very much effort. 

Green Onion Cakes

Growing up in Edmonton my husband quickly fell in love with these delightful little snacks. After moving to Halifax he sadly realized these were apparently an Edmonton phenomenon, as no one (except fellow Edmontonians) knew what he was talking about when he raved about these odd little cakes that aren't cakes at all.

Luckily they're so easy to make at home that it doesn't matter what city we're in, we can have green onion cakes whenever we want.

Tiny Paper Gift Bags

Every year I dream of making oodles of edible treats to give to loved ones for the holidays. And every year I make only a few treats that rarely manage to leave my home (and if they do they're never packaged as nice as I imagine).
But this is the year that I'm going all the way. I'm going to make smaller batches of all my favourite sweets, package them in adorable little containers and deliver them around the town like a jolly little elf.

My dream was somewhat crushed when I saw the outrageous price tag on those adorable little containers at the local craft supply shops. There was no way I was dropping that kind of cash, when I knew I could make something even cuter with my own two hands.

Potato Pizza

I was sure about only one thing: I was making pizza for dinner. But my fridge and pantry had very little to offer as far as inspiration. Brussels sprouts? Nope. Parsnips? Nope. Cabbage? Nope. Potatoes? Nope. Wait a minute....maybe...yes. Yes, I can make a pizza with potatoes.

Turned out to be one of the best pizzas I've made in a while.

Knitted Pillow Covers

Today I looked at a knitting project I've been working on since July and decided I didn't like it anymore. I've been having second thoughts about it lately, but felt like I've put SO much effort into it that it would be silly to not finish it. But today I couldn't help but look at it and think "Nope. I just don't like it."

So R.I.P. knitted afghan that I've spent four months working on. And hello cute little knitted pillow covers.

I crocheted knitted afghan squares together to form pillow cases and then stitched on some beautiful patches my sister made for my husband and I years ago.

Bison & Barley Soup with Swiss Chard

Clearly I'm a bit of a soup fan.

I've only been sharing my homemade world with you for about 2 months and here is my 7th soup! And that's not including all the ones that I've been too shy to show you...

Chapati

What could be a better accompaniment to a home cooked Indian feast than homemade chapati?

Beetnuts Pate

Yet another fabulous recipe from The Coup! This one is probably my favourite so far (which says a lot because the others were awesome) and I'm totally adding this to my arsenal of dips that I'll be busting out this holiday season.
I apologize for sounding like a total food geek here but, the complex blend of flavours are really well balanced. Sweet, nutty, earthy, with some zing from lemon, and a kick from garlic.  Mmmmmmmm.
And it's actually super healthy!

Chunky Ribbed Knitted Hat

After about 6 attempts to make a hat on four needles I finally have something I'm happy with.
I didn't use a pattern (mostly because I still get confused reading them) and just kind of figured it out through trial and error.


Here's generally what I did if you're interested:

Ricotta Cheese

I feel quite accomplished right now.

There was something slightly intimidating about the thought of making my own  ricotta cheese. And there were certainly many moments I stared into the pot of milk on the stove wondering what on earth I had done wrong, and where were those curds?? Alas, all I needed was a wee bit of patience (and a wee bit more lemon juice).

Wall Organizer

Inspired by Lotta Jansdotter's wall organizer in "Simple Sewing", I made a cute little organizer for the staff of our cafe. We are often so busy at the cafe, that organization of our stock/staff room is usually last on the priority list. Not only will this new organizer keep the staff's tips safely out of harm's way, but it also free's up valuable shelf space. And the cheery yellow floral print can't hurt to brighten up the utilitarian-like room.

Beet Salad with Orange Coriander Dressing

I really love eating as much seasonal local food as possible. But it's only November and I'm already craving lighter fresher foods! How am I going to last another 5-6 months until spring??

Thankfully there are some root vegetables that taste great raw and lend themselves beautifully to salads. It also doesn't hurt when the farmers market surprises you with mixed salad greens!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are the best peanut butter chocolate chip cookies I've ever made/tasted.
They encompass everything I look for in a cookie: the perfect texture, the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and of course one of the most perfect flavour pairings ever; chocolate & peanut butter.

Do yourself a favour and make a double batch.

Sugar Daddy

When I was young my mother really only made pie about twice a year, at thanksgiving and christmas. It was always pumpkin, topped with mounds of whipped cream. As much as I loved the pie, I actually have more fond memories for a by-product of her pie making. She called it a "sugar daddy" and if I remember correctly we were usually fed little bits long before dinner, probably to keep us happy and out of her hair while she cooked.


A few years into my relationship with my husband, after making a pie one day, I began assembling a sugar daddy. My husband was confused. "I thought you were done the pie. What's that?" I told him how my mother had made this for us as children, and how delicious it would be. As he looked at the skimpy fillings he didn't look convinced. But ever since his first bite he's welcomed the tradition of the sugar daddy into our home and excitedly awaits its arrival, just like I did as a child.

Goat Cheese Spinach Quiche

My husband insisted he hated eggs. When we met he was vegan so I had no right to try to change his mind...but once he started eating animals I felt it was my wifely duty to make him love like eggs. I remember the first time I told him I was going to make a quiche. The look of disgust on his face was laughable. 
"Just promise me you'll try one bite, that's all I ask". 
It's been over a year since that first bite, and I've lost track of how many times he's asked for quiche for dinner. 

Borscht

Considering my love for beets, and my even greater love of soups, it's really quite astounding how I long it's taken me to get around to making Borscht.

Feta Dill Dip

I think the last time I showed you a dip recipe it was when I was making food for a party at our cafe. Well today is our cafe's 1st birthday (which means this week has been madness hence the lack of posts lately, sorry!) and here I am again making some quick tasty dips to bring to the party.


This dip has acquired quite a reputation over the years amongst my friends and family. I often hear "Oh my god you made The Dip!" once they realize what's in the bowl.


Well, I guess The Dip is pretty darn good if I may say so myself. Rich, creamy, tangy, and full of dill with a nice garlicky kick. You'll be hooked after one bite.

Pepper Onion Pizza

This was one of those meals where I just kind of threw together something from whatever I had lying around. Red pepper? Sure. Red onions tossed in herbs and pesto? Sure. Lemony goat cheese? Sure.

But it tastes like I put so much more thought into it. And now I'm really wishing there were some leftovers.

Cranberry Walnut Bread

Nope.
I'm not sick of cranberries yet.
In fact this might just be my favourite use of them yet.
Sweet enough to soften the blow of the tart berries, but not so sweet that it feels indulgent.