Breads, Breakfast and Brunch, Dessert

Double Chocolate Zucchini Spelt Loaf

Nicoletta November 15, 2018

Double Chocolate Zucchini Spelt Loaf, a delicious chocolate bread with “healthier” ingredients such as shredded zucchini, extra virgin olive oil, coconut crystals, dark chocolate, and spelt flour. Great at breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, and after dinner sweet treat.

Song of the day: Paradise by George Ezra.

Double chocolate zucchini spelt loaf

What is always present in our pantry? Dark chocolate bars. Good ones, organic mostly, fair trade sometimes, with at least 70 % cacao and up. There’s nothing that chocolate can’t solve. Whenever I feel sluggish, down, sad, or peckish, I reach for a piece of dark chocolate and that can help save the day.

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Dips, Sauces and Spreads, Gluten-free, Vegan/Vegetarian

Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus

Loreto November 13, 2018

Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus. There is something very socially inviting about hummus. It is inspired by a culture that envelopes gathering and feasting. When I envision the Middle Eastern culture, I see a very inviting people that love to share food, music, dance, among rich conversation.

Let’s gather and share some time, conversation and most of all this amazing hummus!

Song of the day: “Ode to Humanity” by Yanni.

Charred leek and roasted garlic hummus

‘Tis the season!

Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus. This dip is a wonderful appetizer to serve when entertaining. The Christmas season is approaching, let’s entertain!

It is so easy to make and within minutes you will have an appetizer that screams luscious, aromatic. However, the flavors are what get you from the first taste! Smoky meets nutty in the most smooth velvety way.

That paprika olive oil gives you just enough of a lift to take your taste buds to heaven and your eyes to a vision of beauty.

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Gluten-free, Soups, Stews and Sandwiches, Vegan/Vegetarian

Indian-Inspired Cauliflower Kadhai

Loreto November 10, 2018

Indian-Inspired Cauliflower Kadhai. This dish is the epitome of aroma, texture and flavor. Beautifully vegetarian using our star ingredient orange cauliflower, also known as cheddar cauliflower. It is time for Diwali, a time of renewal and beginning. Let’s get that kitchen all spiced up!

Happy Diwali!

Song of the day: “Aayee Hai Diwali” by Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya.

Indian-inspired cauliflower Kadhai

Indian-Inspired Cauliflower Kadhai. Talk about vivid colors and textures. Kadhai is a great vegetarian dish that takes flavor leveling to new heights. Wonderful toasted cumin and coriander, minced garlic and ginger, and oh that is not all. We are boarding the spice train adding even more: a red curry paste, turmeric, and garam masala. Oh Yeah………..

Diwali is about embracing the new, why not try something new and take your taste buds on a magical carpet ride with this dish!

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Cakes, Pies & Tarts, Dessert

Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Ricotta Crostata

Nicoletta November 7, 2018

Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Ricotta Crostata, a light, creative, Italian-inspired take on a classic pie for the season.  A great dessert for the Holidays, or those special Sunday lunches and dinners. Visually enticing and so delicious served with a topping of fresh whipped cream.

Song of the day: Perfect by The Smashing Pumpkins.

Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Ricotta Crostata

[This post is sponsored by The Italian Centre Shop. We’ve been compensated but -as always- all opinions are our own.]

If someone had told me years ago that I would be making -nonetheless- a Pumpkin Crostata, I would have stared at them in complete disbelief.

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How To, Pasta, Pizza, Risotto

How To Make Pasta Dough From Scratch

Nicoletta November 2, 2018

How To Make Pasta Dough From Scratch. A perfect family activity to do on a snowy cold winter day. After the dough is done, the world of pasta shapes is your oyster!

Song of the day: Free Falling by Tom Petty.

The first day of snow always takes me unprepared. I live in denial until the morning I look out the window and the familiar view of our backyard has changed overnight into an indistinct, fluffy, blanket of snow.

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Gluten-free, Meat and Poultry

Mustard Glazed Porchetta with Ginger Maple Cranberry Sauce

Loreto October 31, 2018

Mustard Glazed Porchetta with Ginger Maple Cranberry Sauce. A perfect meal for that festive family dinner or Sunday lunch. Roasted porchetta with a crisp spiced glaze surface. A succulent tender stuffed interior. Wonderfully baked sweet potato with candied pecans. To top it all, a homemade cranberry sauce infused with ginger and maple syrup. A dance of comforting rustic flavors meets luxurious and enticing textures!

Song of the day: “Sweet Things in Life” by Harlequin.

mustard glazed porchetta with ginger maple cranberry sauce

[This post is sponsored by The Italian Centre Shop. We’ve been compensated but -as always- all opinions are our own.]

Mustard Glazed Porchetta with Ginger Maple Cranberry Sauce. A beautiful solution for the up and coming Thanksgiving celebration in the USA. However for us Canadians this celebration has passed and it is a great excuse to celebrate with them. Why not share a meal and be grateful. A meal that will knock people’s socks off with its presentation, flavors and textures!

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