spice

Homemade Basil Sugar

September 9, 2013 by Ariel 6 Comments

OOhh my basil plants are happy with me this year. I think I have found THE perfect spot on the balcony to place them because they have been giving me fresh basil for the past few months like CRAZY! For the people who are following me on twitter, you know what I’m talking about. I was tweeting my harvests almost daily for a while and kept taking your suggestions on what I could do with all that amazing basil. One of my sweet followers had the great idea of suggesting me to do basil salt. I LOVED the concept but I wanted to do different. Often I like to use basil as a fun desert flavor ( don’t do a weird face, wait till you taste my strawberry/basil pie) so I thought, if we can make basil salt, we can for sure make basil sugar!

Using the same process as we would to create basil salt and like I’ve done for my “pesto” powder, I created this recipe for a fresh and flavorful basil sugar that you will be able to use in all sort of delicious ideas; cookies, tarts, pies, cakes, yogurt or just on top of fresh fruits… this aromatic sugar wont disappoint. Try it out, SERIOUSLY!

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Moist Orange & Almond Buckwheat Cakes in Light Syrup

April 16, 2013 by Ariel 3 Comments

I havent had much time in my kitchen lately, 2 weeks ago I had one of my contracted model Gemma Lynx staying at my place for a full week to shoot for her upcoming website and the next after that, Max and I got super sick. It was such a pleasure to go back to my pots and pans the week end after getting better, smelling all my spices and plan a bunch of tasty goodies for my friends and family. One of the first thing I wanted to make once I got back was some sweets, it’s one of the funnest thing to create for me and I wanted to start using this awesome buckwheat flour I had bought at the grocery a few days before.

I LOOOOOOVE buckwheat and I’m happy Max likes it too because it’s extremely healthy. I invited one of my friend who kept telling me that he hate buckwheat to have him taste my latest creation because I like to challenge people like that. Now I can officially say that he now changed his mind about this flour right after tasting my moist orange & almond buckwheat cakes.

Like I just said, these cakes are extremely moist and drench in an infused light syrup with cloves, star anise, pepper, coriander seed and cardamon pods… Give them a try, it’s so worth it.

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Homemade Cajun Spice Blend

December 11, 2012 by Ariel 3 Comments

Creating my own spice blends have been such an adventure up to date and I’m proud to say that I found some pretty fun mixes that I think you guys might enjoy. Let me know what you think about this festive Cajun spice blend! Why am I calling it festive? well only because I added a touch of cinnamon in it.. Don’t be scared, it’s true that it’s something that we don’t usually find in cajun blends but just try it out as a dry rub on fish, seafood, chicken or even meat! Oh and it’s also great for many type of sauces! Enjoy!

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Slow Cooked Lamb Loin Chops with Spicy Fennel Rub

September 24, 2012 by Ariel 2 Comments

Ahhh today was such an amazing day 🙂 I took it easy, had fun in my kitchen and went for many long walks outside with my love and my doggy to enjoy the fresh cold September wind and the gorgeous sun that we had today. It’s not surprise anymore, the weather is getting colder and fall is officially here.

I had some lamb chops in my fridge and was out of ideas of what to do with them but after getting ton’s of great ideas from twitter and facebook, I deceided to create this oven slow cooked version that I know you will LOVE! I just finished eating it and I’m almost thinking going to get another plate. I served this “stew” like on a left over Basmati rice I had and it was amazing but feel free of eating it just like this or maybe with Quinoa? Hope you enjoy this recipe and have a great Sunday everyone

xxx…

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