A classic lemon Bundt cake is a must-have recipe. This one's triple dose of lemon – in the batter, syrup and glaze – yields ultramoist, delicious results. Dress it up with fresh berries for a special occasion or simply enjoy it as is for a snack. Either way, it's sure to please.
When you're 131 years old, there has to be a pretty special dish to match the celebration. Here it is — fresh strawberries fanned over a tangy rhubarb sauce in a buttery shortbread pat-in pastry. Extra maple leaves set off Canada's favourite summer combo of rhubarb and berries. Better than a birthday cake any day!
These mini-cheesecakes are served in 1/2-cup canning jars at Charcut Roast House, a popular Calgary eatery that specializes in charbroiled and rotisserie meats and charcuterie. Chef, owner and “Top Chef Canada” finalist Connie DeSousa shared this simple dessert recipe. In season, try substituting chopped fresh fruit or whole berries for the preserves.
Finding a breakfast that gives you a boost and keeps you going until lunch can be tricky. Getting the right amounts of fast-burning energy (carbohydrates) and lasting energy (protein and fat) is key to striking the perfect balance. These whole grain waffles made with protein-rich Greek yogurt and topped with nutritious berries and more yogurt will start the day off right.
Making cream puffs is easier than you think. The dough comes together quickly on the stovetop, so be sure to have all of the ingredients ready before you start. For a splash of colour, you can garnish the wreath with fresh bay leaves and sugared cranberries (made by tossing fresh or frozen berries in egg white then granulated sugar).
Oat groats are cleaned, toasted, hulled whole oats. Because they are minimally processed, they retain much of their nutritious bran, germ and endosperm. Steel-cut oats are whole groats that are cut into two or three pieces. If you can't find oat groats, substitute wheat berries, whole spelt, brown rice or any whole grain, cooking according to package directions.
"This recipe is inspired by a chocolate cake my grandmother used to make for special occasions. It's decadent, incredibly chocolaty and extremely easy to make. For a potluck, I like to dress it up with a milk chocolate glaze and a quick berry coulis, but it's also pretty perfect with a simple dusting of icing sugar." — Jennifer Bartoli, Food specialist
Kelp is an edible Pacific Ocean seaweed that grows in long, wide ribbons. Dried kelp comes whole or shredded. You'll find it at any Chinese, Japanese or Korean food store, as well as in some health food aisles. Szechuan, or Sichuan, peppercorns are the dried reddish brown berries of prickly ash and are used extensively in Chinese cooking. They are sold mainly at Chinese grocers and herbalists.
This can be prepared to serve in a dip bowl, or it can be rolled in waxed paper in 11/2 inch rolls about 6 inches long, chilled (or frozen for future use after 1/2 hour thawing). You can garnish it with red/ green pepper designs such as holly leaves with berries. Served with a knife spreader with crackers, melba toast, or baguette slices. I love the combination of flavours, and the buttery taste of the cheese. Always a hit!
This recipe is excerpted from Lynn Crawford's new book, Lynn Crawford's Pitchin' In (Penguin Books, $37). She says, “These delicate berries grown in the bogs around Newfoundland are a delicacy. When ripe, they are a gorgeous golden amber colour and are soft and juicy with a distinctive tart taste. They are mostly made into sweet jams, tarts and syrups. I wanted to capture their unique taste in a savoury chutney, which becomes a perfect condiment for game and meats.”
