Jamaican Hard Dough Bread & Gratitude

Sep 5, 2013 by

It has been a few weeks since I’ve been in this space. It took a few inquiries to realize how long it has really been since my last post. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun! I’m truly happy to get back to some sort of “normal” as my life is falling into a new routine. In life’s many twists and turns, there is never a dull moment. Through it all, one thing for sure that I have learned is to always live in gratitude. I’m grateful to be able to share a post with you today.

Upon realization that I would have to spend my summer in Canada, I decided that this summer had to be special. A summer filled with firsts – my favourite kind of experience. There’s no use dwelling on how things used to be. Things are changing, so its time to embrace what is coming and smile while you’re at it. Earlier this year, I was suffering with a bout of chronic pain and I vowed to feel better before my birthday. I spent weeks in physiotherapy and made some major changes to my diet. No joke – I even gave up baking for a few months. I also limited my consumption of grains/legumes and reduced my wheat intake drastically. I started to feel different and also look different. Which was perfect considering one of my favourite experiences this summer was participating in Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival – Caribana. Yes, I did it. I put on a costume and walked (and sometimes danced) for hours, all the while praying that I would not suffer too much when it was all over. I’m grateful that I had an awesome, pain-free experience.

I have more things to be grateful for. I have a houseful of students! My husband has been on a course for quite some time now. My son just started First Grade and my daughter is officially in Kindergarten. Oh, and there’s more. I also returned to school. Can you believe it? I’m officially a University student! So many changes are happening all in one go. If I thought I was busy before, well I guess life just got busier. We all have to run with it and try not to get overwhelmed. We are doing exactly what needs to be done. This is indeed a September like no other!

Now that the summer is over, I can reminisce on food from home and maybe even steal some time to whip up a few things. I could not wait to try this Jamaican Hard Dough Bread recipe by Enid Donaldson. There is no bread that compares with authentic Jamaican Hard Dough Bread. I am fully aware that I’m biased, but I need you to understand. Jamaican Hard Dough Bread is the TRUTH! You just can’t go wrong! Although I don’t eat as much bread as I used to, I will still bake from time to time and share my experience. The occasional slice will be just enough for me.

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_0

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread – The Lovely Pantry

 

For those who are not familiar with Hard Dough (or “Hardo Bread” as we call it) please allow me to provide a sort description. Hard Dough bread may be considered a true staple in Jamaican fare. It is a basic white bread. There are whole wheat versions available too as a healthier alternative. Hard Dough Bread is a rich, dense, chewy textured bread that can be eaten at any time of the day. It can be enjoyed with the following meals: Ackee & Saltfish, Steamed Callalloo (similar to spinach), Corned Beef (in a sandwich, if you like), Cheese, Jerked Chicken, Jerked Pork, Fried Fish, Avocado, Fried Eggs, your favourite porridge, Jamaican Hot Chocolate, your favourite fruit preserve (I LOVED Guava Jelly on my Hardo Bread), French Toast, or even just a slice with butter – you name it, it works well. Just trust me on this one. You can’t go wrong.

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Yield: 2 Loaves

Ingredients

  • 2lbs All Purpose Flour, Unbleached
  • 2 Tsp Instant Dry Yeast
  • 4 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tsp Salt
  • 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 Cups Water

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt
  2. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingers) incorporate the butter into the flour mixture
  3. Gradually add water and knead for about 15 minutes using the kneading attachment of your mixer
  4. Remove from the mixing bowl and form into a boule
  5. Place dough into a well greased bowl and cover with a towel for at least 40 minutes
  6. Preheat oven to 375F
  7. Remove the risen dough to a floured surface. Divide into two equal parts then shape dough to fit into 2 well greased loaf pans
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes
  9. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely

Notes

Adapted from The Real Taste Of Jamaica by Enid Donaldson

https://lovelypantry.com/2013/09/jamaican-hard-dough-bread-gratitude/

 

I saw the ingredients and loved how easy it was to prepare. However, I thought the suggested quantity of butter was not enough for 2 loaves, in my opinion. Being the rebel that I am, I added more butter. Yes. Yes I did.

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_2

Ingredients for Jamaican Hard Dough Bread (water not shown)

 

I loved that I didn’t have to get too physical with this dough. Cutting in the butter was the step that used the most energy.

 Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_3

 

My handy-dandy dough kneading attachment did the hard work for me.

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_4

 

The dough did not rise too much, but you could definitely see a change in volume.

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_5a

The dough is placed in a bowl, generously greased with butter

 

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_6

The dough is divided evenly and placed in 2 loaf pans

 

Both loaves turned out perfectly. I have no complaints whatsoever. We all enjoyed this bread very much. The next time I make it, I will have to give a loaf away. It’s too good not to share!

 

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread_8

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread – The Lovely Pantry

 

As much as I love Hard Dough Bread, I haven’t found any in local stores that taste great to me. Usually the bread is just too hard or has a weird texture. Although this bread isn’t as dense as the “Hardo Bread” I know and love, it is a great alternative. I will wait until I am in Jamaica to fully enjoy my Hard Dough Bread. But until my next visit, I will gladly use this recipe and have freshly baked Hard Dough Bread whenever I’m in the mood.

 

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#GlutenFree Chickpea Fritters for #SundaySupper

Jun 9, 2013 by

I’ve had to look into so many things with regards to how we eat our food today. With all the various food sensitivities out there, it is so important to pay attention to foods that can cause illness to you or your loved ones. I have had to learn about  Gluten from a friend of mine who is sensitive to wheat products. I was not aware of Celiac Disease/Gluten Sensitivity before my friend shared her situation with me. I was more familiar with common food allergies/sensitivities like dairy, nuts and shellfish. Today’s #SundaySupper theme is all about meals prepared for either health or dietary restrictions. So whether it be Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free, Nut Free – we will have something to share with you today.

Our host this week is Bea from Not So Cheesy Kitchen. Bea’s blog is dedicated to sharing meals and information about a rare metabolic disorder called Classic Galactosemia. This particular disorder prevents the body from processing sugar galactose properly. Bea has been able to allow her family to thrive by preparing special meals that are free from galactose, with guidance from her metabolic clinic. Bea is a true champion! Having a restricted diet has its many challenges, but Bea manages it well and shares her recipes and experiences with us on her blog. Thank you , Bea! And Thank you for hosting this theme that is so close to your heart.

Today I am sharing with you a Gluten Free Fritter using Chickpeas, Scallions, and tomatoes. I really like fritters. There is something about them that I find so comforting. Perhaps it’s because my grandma used to make saltfish fritters for me, I’m not sure. They are so easy to make and such a practical snack. Everyone should be able to enjoy fritters of some kind. They can be served as a side dish or as a snack.

 

Chickpea Fritters #GlutenFree


#GlutenFree Chickpea Fritters for #SundaySupper

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Quinoa Flour
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Gluten Free Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Egg, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 3 Large Scallions
  • 4 Campari Tomatoes
  • 1 2/3 Cups Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 Cups Chopped Spinach
  • Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, sift flours, baking powder and salt. Add milk and eggs, whisk to make a smooth batter.
  2. Fold in the scallions, chickpeas, tomatoes and spinach. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. In a large skillet, bring oil to medium high heat. Using a ladle, add about 3 tablespoons of the batter and cook in batches for about 3-5 minutes, then flipping until browned on the other side.
  4. Serve warmed on a bed of spinach (optional) with any creamy Gluten Free dip of choice.
https://lovelypantry.com/2013/06/glutenfree-chickpea-fritters-for-sundaysupper/

 

I really enjoyed these chickpea fritters. It’s always great to know you can create more than just hummus with a can of chickpeas. Scallions bring a lovely flavour to the fritters and pair nicely with the Tomatoes. Any tomato will do, as long as you remove the seeds first. You only need about a cup of diced tomatoes.

 

Scallions, Tomatoes, Chickpeas

 

Chickpea Fritter Batter

#GlutenFree Chickpea Fritter Batter

 

 

I used this opportunity to use the Gluten-Free Flour that I had in my pantry. Instead of using a full cup the GF flour for this recipe, I went half and half with Quinoa Flour – another Gluten Free flour.

 

Chickpea Fritters #GlutenFree-9

Chickpea Fritters #GlutenFree

I also shredded a handful of spinach to give the fritters some added nutrition as well as a beautiful hint of green!

Chickpea Fritters #GlutenFree-10

#Gluten-Free Chickpea Fritters

 

Chickpea Fritters #GlutenFree-13

#Gluten-Free Chickpea Fritters

 

I’m very happy to have made a #GlutenFree dish for today’s #SundaySupper. Although I do not have a Gluten sensitivity, I will always try to make a variety of recipes that can assist other readers with special diets. Hope you enjoyed my recipe today. As always, check out the list of Recipes from the #SundaySupper group. Feel free to PIN and share your favourites on Facebook or Twitter!

 

Breakfast

  • Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Nut & Soy Free Brown Rice Breakfast Pudding bygirlichef
  • Dairy & Nut and Sugar Free Blueberry Tangerine Muffins by Vintage Kitchen
  • Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Nut, and Soy Free Homemade Mango Jam Recipe byMasala Herb

Main Courses

Sides
Breads

Treats

Drinks

 

 

***

sunday supper Sneak Peek: 45+ Fabulous Summer Berry Recipes for #SundaySupper

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen – and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)!

We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.   Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

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Financiers with a Summer Berry Salad for #SundaySupper

Jun 2, 2013 by

I’m so excited to be joining #SundaySupper again after what seems to be a very long time. I have missed you all, and all the interaction that comes along with blogging! Life has a funny way of forcing you to slow down, so I did the  best thing for me – I slowed all the way down. I’m getting stronger and well enough to get back into the blogging spirit and share some wonderful recipes with you. Today’s recipe is a good one. So simple and light, you’ll love it. The theme for today’s #SundaySupper is Summer Berries and well, lets just say that we haven’t been short on berries around here recently. Whether fresh or frozen, we have berries for either a quick snack or for smoothies. Our host today is Nicole from Daily Dish Recipes!

One  thing that I would love to accomplish this summer, is taking my children berry picking. I don’t have a preference of what berry…I just really want to pick! I am getting excited at the thought of picking strawberries and freezing them for smoothies, or baking with them. I know my kids will absolutely love that experience. I’m also looking forward to my first trip for the season to my local Farmer’s Market! I went the year before last and had a blast! I’ll let you all know when I get to go, because no doubt, I will have my camera with me to capture all the beautiful Ontario produce.

So back to todays recipe, Financiers with a Summer Berry Salad. The salad is so easy to make and such a wonderful way to enjoy your berries.  Financiers are French in origin and are basically mini cakes made with almond flour. They are very light, moist and every time I make them, they always seem to be finished too soon. The berries are the perfect accompaniment to the sweet, almond infused mini-muffins.

 Financiers with Summer Berry Salad_1

 

Financiers with a Summer Berry Salad for #SundaySupper

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • For the Financiers:
  • 4 Tbsp Egg whites (or the whites from 2 eggs)
  • 60g Confectioners Sugar
  • 25g Ground Almonds
  • 25g All Purpose Flour, Unbleached
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
  • For the Summer Berry Salad:
  • 1 Cup Raspberries
  • 2/3 Cup Blueberries
  • 1 Cup Strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Confectioners Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed
  3. Fold in the sugar, ground almonds, flour and butter
  4. Divide evenly in silicone mini-muffin cups (about 2 tbsp batter in each cup)
  5. Bake for 13-15 minutes
  6. Allow muffins to cool completely before removing from silicone cups
  7. In a small bowl, place strawberries, blueberries and most of the raspberries. Reserve about a third cup.
  8. Using a very fine sieve, press the reserved raspberries through in order to extract the juice and add to the bowl.
  9. Sift confectioners sugar into the bowl and then gently fold to combine.
  10. Serve with the Financiers. Fruits can either be chilled first or left at room temperature.
https://lovelypantry.com/2013/06/financiers-with-a-summer-berry-salad-for-sundaysupper/

 

I truly adore summer berries. I have such an appreciation for them because growing up in Jamaica, these berries are imported and are quite expensive. I only enjoyed and indulged in these fruits when I travelled to the U.S. for summer holidays. I personally prefer baking with blueberries. I like raspberries as prepared in this recipe. But I will eat strawberries all day long. This season, I will get my heart’s desire!

 

BerriesCollage_1

Raspberries, Blueberries and Strawberries

 

I prefer to make my fruit salad in advance and have it chilled so it can be served once the financiers are cool.

 

Summer Berry Salad Collage_1

 

I recommend using silicone mini-muffin cups for this recipe. I tried making it directly in the muffin pan twice, and got poor results each time. The edges were slightly overdone and became rather hard once cooled. I got the best results using the silicone cups.

 

Financiers with Summer Berry Salad-40

Financiers – just out of the oven

 

These financiers are excellent on their own, but they go so nicely with fruit. We have also had financiers with raspberry jam, and it is just as nice.

 

Financiers with Summer Berry Salad-12-2_1

Financiers

 

 

Financiers with Summer Berry Salad-19_1

Financiers with Summer Berry Salad

 

 

Financiers with Summer Berry Salad-20_1

Financiers with Summer Berry Salad

 

Find inspiration for summer berries from the #SundaySupper members in the links below. Pin the ones you know for sure are keepers. Share your favourites on Facebook! Lets get into the summer spirit!

I hope you enjoyed today’s recipe. It’s a favourite in my home and I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

 

***

Breakfast & Brunch

Sweet & Savory Berry Recipes

Jams, Jelly, Sauces & More

Desserts

Cocktails, Drinks & Smoothies

Party Planning

***

sunday supper Sneak Peek: 45+ Fabulous Summer Berry Recipes for #SundaySupper

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen – and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)!  We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.   Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

 ** Look what we’re sponsoring! Come join us in sunny Orlando, this July! **

Learn more at www.foodandwineconference.com

FINALFW date Sneak Peek: 45+ Fabulous Summer Berry Recipes for #SundaySupper

 You really DON’T want to miss it!

 

 

 

 

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Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread #TwelveLoaves

May 1, 2013 by

Well, I think I found a bread that my husband is willing to defend and protect. When I told him what I was making, I got a slight side-eye and a very questionable look. This is what happens when I try to put vegetables in almost everything.  Especially zucchini, which, by the way I once couldn’t stand. And now, I think it is perfection. And on top of that, I decide to add a fruit too. Clearly, I’ve lost a few marbles. My husband’s curiosity peaked as the aroma took over the kitchen. It’s so cute when the husband and the children are asking when the bread is going to be ready. Yes folks, this was the excitement that took place because of this wonderful Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread.

Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread

 

Zucchini-Pineapple Quick Bread

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup shredded zucchini (1 medium zucchini)
  • 6 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Egg White
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 8oz Can Crushed Pineapple in juice, drained
  • Baking Spray with Flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325F
  2. Grease a loaf pan using baking spray with flour, or just grease and flour the pan
  3. In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Whisk to combine.
  4. In a large bowl, beat egg + egg white until foamy
  5. Beat in Sugar, oil and vanilla
  6. Fold in the zucchini and pineapple
  7. Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan
  8. Bake for 325 for an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean
  9. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
  10. Slice, serve and enjoy.

Notes

Adapted from The Cooking Light Mix & Match Low-Calorie Cookbook

https://lovelypantry.com/2013/05/zucchini-pineapple-quick-bread/

 

As usual, waiting for a sweet-smelling bread like this one to cool is always a challenge. Even the baker it is eager to taste the finished product. I loved how easy this bread was to make. Although the baking time of an hour seemed a bit long, it was well worth the wait. The moisture of this bread is unbelievable!

 

Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread_3

 

Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread_5

 

Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread_4

 

This is such a wonderful and moist bread. I’m excited just posting about it. I was considering making it again with Spelt flour or some other flour with higher nutrient value. I was asked NOT to change anything about the recipe/ingredients. Well, I guess there is nothing more to say. This quick bread is hubby approved! I will still probably go ahead and try it with spelt just because I really want to.

 

Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread_1

*** TWELVE-LOAVES10

 

This is my contribution to the May 2013 #TwelveLoaves challenge. Lora of Cake Duchess created this awesome group where the participants bake according to the theme for the month. This month, we are celebrating one year of baking wonderful bread! Although I am a newbie to the group, I’m just so happy to be blogging with such passionate bakers. We will be baking something that we love (whether yeast bread or quick bread) and this Zucchini Pineapple Quick Bread certainly fits the description! Please check out all the wonderful bread recipes being shared this month.

Would you like to join the #TwelveLoaves group? Here’s how!

1. When you post your Twelve Loaves bread on your blog, make sure that you mention the Twelve Loaves challenge in your blog post; this helps us to get more members as well as share everyone’s posts.
Please make sure that your Bread is inspired by the theme!
2. Please link your post to the linky tool at the bottom of my blog. It must be a bread baked to the Twelve Loaves theme.
3. Have your Twelve Loaves bread that you baked this February, 2013 posted on your blog by February 28, 2013.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

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Peach and Berry Cobbler for a Movie Inspired #SundaySupper

Apr 14, 2013 by

Today’s #SundaySupper is so cool! We are all doing a post inspired by a special or favourite movie. Have you been able to think of a food or beverage and immediately connect it to a movie? You know, like how Carrie has her special Cosmopolitan and Bond has his Martini “shaken, not stirred.” You get the idea. Our host today is none other than Heather from GirliChef! Check out Heather’s awesome recipes on her blog.

I chose the movie Soul Food. I loved the movie so naturally, I loved the series too. I watched every single episode. I laughed. I cried. I crushed. Yes, Boris Kodjoe is the ish! I’m over him now, but back then….just looking at him made my day. I loved the series so much that I jumped at the chance to be an extra in one of the episodes. That’s right. I was on set for about 12 hours, mostly doing nothing – but I was there. It’s too bad I have no idea what season or episode it was. Ha! Ah well.

In the movie, I loved that every Sunday the family got together and had a big meal that everyone would enjoy. It was a time to catch up, work out issues, and share joys. You see, I believe I loved it because the values portrayed in the movie were similar to mine. The focus, aside from all the drama and family bickering, was always on family and bringing them back together after tremendous turmoil. Family first. I love a good drama. If you haven’t seen Soul Food (1997), it’s definitely an oldie but goodie.

It’s too  bad that the idea of Soul Food generally means something deep fried, sugar filled or unhealthy but incredibly tasty. Today I’m sharing a recipe that is a cleaner version of a Soul Food dessert. I wanted to try it because 1. I have never made a cobbler before and 2. I’m coming off a juice fast and I need a sweet treat that won’t throw me off my goal. I love that there are fruits and that the cake is made with spelt flour. Totally my kind of dessert!

Peach and Berry Cobbler_1

 

Peach and Berry Cobbler

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 6

This recipe was adapted from recipe "Peach & Blackberry Cobbler" found in The Best of Clean Eating

Ingredients

  • For the fruit layer:
  • Cooking Spray
  • 4 Peaches
  • 1 Cup Blueberries.
  • 1 Cup Strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 2 Tbsp light Agave
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger
  • Top layer
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Light Agave Nectar
  • 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Tsp Pure Almond Extract
  • A sqirt of lemon juice - about 2 tsp
  • 1 Cup Spelt Flour
  • 1/4 Cup Rolled Oats (not the instant oats)
  • 1 Tbsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp Fine Sea Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Coat a medium sized heat proof dish with cooking spray (at least 1.5 inches deep)
  3. Prepare the fruits: Peel and cut peaches into slices about quarter inch thick. Place in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add blueberries and strawberries. Toss with flour, agave, lemon juice and ginger. Toss to make sure everything is combined well. Set aside.
  4. Top layer: In another bowl, Whisk melted coconut oil, agave, and almond milk. Set aside
  5. Blend the spelt flour with the oats in a food processor. Transfer to another bowl and then add baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine.
  6. Gradually transfer the almond milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir/whisk to combine. This will yield a thick batter.
  7. Using a large spoon, drop the batter randomly over the fruit mixture.
  8. Place dish over a lined rimmed cookie sheet
  9. Bake for 50-55 minutes, rotating half way through
  10. Serve warm with ice cream
https://lovelypantry.com/2013/04/peach-and-berry-cobbler-for-a-movie-inspired-sundaysupper/

 

 

Peach and Berry Cobbler-29

 

 

 Peach and Berry Cobbler-01

 

 

 Peach and Berry Cobbler-54

 

 

Peach and Berry Cobbler_5

 

 

Here are the links to some wonderful recipes. Check them out!

Toast (bready things)

No Reservations (soups and salads)

Today’s Special (fish, chicken, beef, and pork)

Forks Over Knives (veggie-heavy dishes and sides)

Udon (pasta and noodles)

Just Desserts (sweet treats)

Bottle Shock (beverages)

 

***

Sunday Supper Movement

 

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen – and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)!  We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.   Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Announcing the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper! It’s being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here → Food & Wine Conference

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Quinoa and Bean Pilaf

Apr 13, 2013 by

It has been a while since I’ve had some quinoa. Thankfully, the lifestyle challenge that I am participating in with some friends encouraged me to find recipes using my favourite grain. My friends couldn’t have asked me to join at a better time. I  needed to shake things up a bit, specifically with regards to my eating habits.

I have worked so hard to eat well and to set an example for my children. My health has been okay over the past few years (only a few chronic pain episodes) but my husband and children have taken priority. I take care of them in every way. But if it is one thing I have to remember – if Mommy isn’t well, everyone suffers. Now that wasn’t meant to be a harsh statement in any way. Those who know me will understand me clearly. My priority should be to take care of me, so that I can take care of the ones I love. It sounds simple as I type, but when day-to-day routine comes around, I really don’t have time to figure things out. It’s really just go, go, go!

And that’s why it is important to get rid of old habits and create new ones that will stick. I was reminded over the past few weeks that preparation is the key to success. Last week’s challenge was to commit to eating whole grains and legumes,  and not to consume meat. Eating well has never been a problem for me. It has been preparation that seems to get me. New routines have caused me to find whatever I can prepare quickly, and clearly that isn’t always best. I’m working on improving that. I enjoy planning and being prepared, so this challenge has really allowed me to dust off that skill of mine. Of the few things I made, I really wanted to share this Quinoa dish. I adapted this Bean and Pilaf recipe from The Food Network, and as always I used what I had available to me when it came to the ingredients.

 Quinoa and Bean Pilaf_1

 

Since the start of the challenge, I have made a few things that I really enjoyed and wanted to share some of them here. I shared the photos on my Facebook page and will continue to do so occasionally during the challenge. I will post the really good ones.

Quick Meals LC2013

  

Quinoa and Bean Pilaf

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Ingredients

  • Grapeseed oil for sauteeing
  • 1 Scallion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 Cup Quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Carrot, washed, scraped and sliced
  • 1/2 Cup Sweet Corn
  • 1/2 Cup Edamame
  • 1 19oz can Dark Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 Cups Baby Spinach
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese for serving
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, sautee scallions and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper
  3. Stir in the tomato paste
  4. Add the quinoa and then the broth. Gently stir to combine
  5. Add the carrots and beans, then cover and bring to a simmer
  6. Check every 5 minutes until the broth is fully absorbed
  7. Add the sweet corn and edamame. Stir to combine
  8. When the liquid is fully absorbed, remove pot from heat and stir in spinach
  9. Transfer to plates and top with shredded cheese
  10. Serve and enjoy hot
https://lovelypantry.com/2013/04/quinoa-and-bean-pilaf/

 

Red Kidney Beans have been a part of my diet for the better part of my adult life. I usually use it one dish – my Rice and Peas. I’m loving the versatility of beans. An awesome way to get fiber and protein.

 Dark Red Kidney Beans

 

As always, when cooking with delicate greens like spinach, you add at the very end once the pot has been removed from the heat source.

 

Quinoa and Bean Pilaf_3

 

This one pot dish could easily be a mid-week supper. It is easy to make, filling and wonderfully good for you.

 Quinoa and Bean Pilaf_2

 

If you are looking for a quick and healthy meal, try this one. It is easy to customize based off what you have available in your fridge or pantry.

 

 

Quinoa and Bean Pilaf_4

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Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons #SundaySupper

Apr 7, 2013 by

Keeping the food budget under control is an important aspect of running a home. I learned this from experience. While trying to cut food costs, creativity is a must. I try not to go too wild at the grocery store but, as a food blogger I see so many possibilities whenever I go shopping! But no matter what, I try to make my meals healthy and attractive – especially the budget friendly meals!

Today’s theme for #SundaySupper is budget friendly meals. Such awesome inspiration! Our hosts today are Lane from Supper For A Steal and Pam from Blueberries And Blessings. Please be sure to check the recipe’s from the links below.

Over the past few weeks, I have been making a few changes to my diet. Kindly pardon my lack of posts recently. All will fall into place soon. I will show you some of what I have been making very soon. Today’s recipe is a refreshing spring dish. I deviated from my original idea which was lemon chicken (didn’t turn our the way I hoped)…and ended up with this recipe. Panko crusted chicken breasts with Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon Slices and Capers.

 

Chicken & Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon_1

 

 

Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons #SundaySupper

Ingredients

  • 5 Chicken Breast Cutlets (or 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 3 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil
  • 1 bunch Asparagus, washed and trimmed
  • 1 Lemon
  • 2 Cloves garlic, Sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Capers, rinsed
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

  1. Brush both sides of each piece of chicken with mustard, then sprinkle with salt and pepper
  2. Coat each piece with the breadcrumbs
  3. In a large skillet, heat grapeseed oil over medium high heat
  4. Brown garlic in the oil. Discard garlic.
  5. In batches, brown each piece of chicken on both sides until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside
  6. Slice the lemon in half. Cut one half into slices.
  7. In a large skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and bring to a medium heat.
  8. Gently sautee the asparagus for about 6 minutes. Add the capers and the lemon slices. Add the juice of the other half of the lemon.
  9. Sautee for about 3 minutes more
  10. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (to taste)
  11. Plate and serve
https://lovelypantry.com/2013/04/chicken-with-sauteed-asparagus-and-lemons-sundaysupper/

 

This recipe is easy, healthy and affordable. Could anyone resist spring asparagus? Bright lemons? Not me. It also fits well into the changes I’m making to my diet. I will be reducing my processed carbohydrate intake for the next few months. So this means more fresh ingredients in my kitchen, as it should be.

I really do like to cook my chicken in oil fragrant with garlic. It gives such wonderful flavour.

 

Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemon_2a

Chicken & Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon-42

 

Such an easy and affordable spring recipe. Do you have great, tasty, healthy budget recipes? Please tell me about them in the comments below.

 

Chicken & Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon-55

Chicken & Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon and Capers

 

Here are the amazing budget friendly recipes from the #SundaySupper team.

Starters, Soups, and Salads

Main

Sides

Drinks and Desserts

 

 ***

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.

Announcing the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper!It’s being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here → Food & Wine Conference

 

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