Dublin Coddle

I had some bratwurst recently and googled recipes using them as I wanted something different and stumbled on this a Dublin Coddle, its a simple one dish meal and great for cooler weather. Its also great to make extra to have leftovers. I think this is the first Irish meal I have cooked ;-) got to love cooking firsts. 

Wheat Berry Waldorf Salad

This time of year we often find ourselves eating less salads, with less fresh lettuce and tomatoes from the garden. I have found combining healthy whole grains works wonderfully, recently I have been using wheat berries, bulgur wheat and barley. These grains also make a great breakfast like oatmeal, or are tasty added to Greek Yogurt with fresh fruit, or for the bread makers added to bread.

Its great to boil a batch and keep in the fridge and then add to salads, they have a lovely nutty taste, and are super satisfying. Here's a great one to put together, using pears, apples and walnuts a take on the Classic Waldorf salad. Wheat berries are the entire wheat kernel (except for the hull), composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm. They are rich in magnesium, iron, protein, vitamin E and fiber.

Roasted Chestnuts with Cardamon Tea

Its chestnut season, these wonderful nuts are lovely this time of year many of us enjoy them on a city street roasted and of course the words chestnuts roasting on an open fire spring to mind. I had eaten them in various cities. I had never tried roasting them at home after a chat on the Chow and Chatter facebook page I decided it was time, and made slits in the skin as Paul mentioned if you don't they will explode!

Chestnuts are the only nut containing vitamin C they are also a good source of  copper, and a very good source of Manganese. About a 100 years ago the American chestnut tree was wiped out by a virus and its only recently through dedication and hard work coming back.

Christingle and Merry Christmas

Chocolate and Whisky Truffles

After I made the Yule Log, I got the Christmas treat making bug :-), my friend visited me the other day and she was mentioning all the goodies she plans to make with her kids to gift folks. I figured I would make something special for her, my first time making chocolate truffles and it was a success, they were so good, I had to take them to her house quickly as it was hard to stop nibbling. I made the truffles with a lovely whisky called The Laddie Ten, made by Bruichladdich Distillery on The Isle of Islay. 

Even dietitians enjoy sweet treats over the holidays and did you know that on average most folks only gain 0.8 lb over the holidays per The National Institute of Health, my friend @eatingpermitRD - Julie tweeted this yesterday. I say enjoy this time of year and the tradition of baking with friends and family gift most of it and eat what you want on Christmas day its just a day :-) 

Christmas Yule Log

I did it, I made my first Yule Log, I saw a recipe on The BBC Good food site and the lovely Cannela posted one. I pinned them, linked to facebook and tweeted you know me and dreamed of having the guts to make it. I have had my fair share of baking fails so was a little scared. But one afternoon the kids were both napping at the same time! so I figured lets do it, I followed the recipe step by step and the result was a lovely moist chocolate swiss roll.

 I enjoyed a slice, hubby and the kids, I gave some to my neighbor. She's actually a great taste tester, just yesterday I was on my front steps taking pictures of whiskey truffles and she shouted across the street what did you make, so she sampled too. Then the rest I gave to our daughters pre school teacher he loved it. I love this time of year and I am really embracing the fun and challenge of baking to gift to folks, it really makes it special when its made with love and they like it. 

Day of Silence for Newtown #prayforNewtown

There will be no blog post today as I am joining other bloggers around the world to remember the people in Newtown Connecticut, I have no words, only love and prayers. I will light a candle and continue to remember you all as I see the Tibetan prayer flags on my back deck. 
"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 NLT)  Even at the darkest times, Gods light will shine he will stand with us and share our tears.


Love

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Craft: Paper cup Snowman

Here's another fun seasonal kids craft :-), have a great weekend 

hugs 

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Labneh - Middle Eastern Soft Cheese

This is a gem of a recipe, its basically stained Greek style yogurt to remove the whey, it makes a delightful cream cheese but the bonus is because its made from Greek yogurt its high in protein and low in fat, got to love that. It could be seasoned with anything, I added zat 'tar and fresh mint and olive oil. Its a popular cheese in the Middle East and in fact its also made into balls and stored in olive oil. Labneh is wonderful as a dip or in sandwiches or on crackers. 

Its a traditional Bedouin food that can be made from camels, goats, buffalo and cows milk. The Bedouin folks would also make a dried labneh by squeezing it between two cheese clothes and stones and drying in the sun. This would preserve it and make it great for travel.  In Gaza it is a common breakfast food, eaten with flat bread. 

So how will you use yours ?

Pomegranate Tabbouleh

I adore Middle Eastern food and my hubby jokes we should go live there for a few years so I can get my fill :-). Tabbouleh is a wondefully healthy salad, that is easy to put together it uses bulgur wheat a whole grain with a light nutty taste. I have been enjoying pomegranate lately and figured why not add to tabbouleh it was delicious and I plan to make it again this week, always a good sign. 

Craft: Christmas Tree's in Jars

Here's a fun little Christmas craft to do with wee ones :-)

Have a great weekend everyone 

Love 

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Vegetable and Lamb Soup

This is a simple soup and brings back memories of our trip to Iceland after visiting the majestic Gulfoss waterfalls, there was a gift shop there, we were hesitant about eating at it, as they can often be over priced with mediocre food. But this soup was first class and the best part was free refills. I asked the staff about the recipe and they stated the key is good quality lamb. The other day lamb was on sale at the grocery store so I figured why not make a batch, be sure to cook with the bones in adds great depth of flavor.

Red Bean and Vegetable Pilaf

This was a fun wee creation a fusion of rice and beans with vegetables added, its great with a sliced boiled egg and would make a great packed lunch. 

Oatmeal with Pomegranate and Walnuts

I love oatmeal this time of year something so comforting holding a nice warm bowl on the cool mornings and its so good for you, loaded with soluble fiber to keep cholesterol in check. If a meal was to be called heart heathy this would be one with the potassium in the pomegranate great for lowering blood pressure, the omega 3 in the walnuts for an optimal lipid profile and did I mention the most important part it tastes great. It was my birthday the morning I made this and I thought what the heck lets have oatmeal in a golden tea cup for fun, it felt kind of special. 

How to Use the Internet to Eat Healthier

Here are my tips on how to use the internet to eat healthier ;-), I did this post for Erica of My Columbian recipes as she wanted a post on healthy eating, as a dietitian, food blogger and traveler here are my tips. The key is to fill your stream on facebook, twitter and pinterest so you see healthy recipes and tips to inspire you. 

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Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

I made this Indonesian fried rice recently I really enjoyed it, was easy to make and had a nice kick to it. I based it on a Saveur recipe and an email from Jakarta via twitter from @dapurkutoday I love the food blogging and facebook, twitter community to connect with folks around the world, pull up a virtual chair at the table and share recipes its magic.

Story time - Pluto Visits Earth

I read this book to the kids last night and just had to share it, love the message don't let the label that others give you, define you :-) 

Hugs and have a great weekend 

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Crab Egg Drop Soup

I am rather partial to egg drop soup, its easy to put together and the way the egg cooks fascinates me. Eggs are super foods a good source of protein, choline, Vitamin B6, iron (in the yolk) and are fine in moderation. We enjoy plenty at our house, I often boil a couple for picnic lunches for the kids or on road trips. This is a versatile recipe and really you could get creative and add anything to it.

Thankful for YOU

If you reading this.... 

I am incredible Thankful for YOU 

Hugs and Happy thanksgiving all my US friends and anyone who wants to join in the fun, I am a Brit and will be here :-) 

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Pomegranate and Brie Salad

I made this simple salad recently with pomegranate and Brie, it worked surprising well with the homegrown lettuce and arugula and a little white balsamic and sumac. I took this picture on a rug I got for our boys room it has a world map on it. I felt this was a fusion of east and west so couldn't resist the snap! 

Pomegranates are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and a good source of potassium, folate, and copper. The juice is made into molasses, sauces and I had the good fortune of trying pomegranate Turkish delight. Pomegranate have about 600-800 seeds and can be tricky to get at.

I tend to get the seeds out and store in the fridge for a couple of days then add to salads, on top of my morning cereal or over Greek Yogurt.

Baguette magic

Every now and again you stumble on a place that screams to be blogged about so others can enjoy it. Baguette magic is one such place in Charleston SC its run by a lovely Frenchman who came to Charleston to study and decided it needed good bread. It sells fresh baguettes, croissants, coffee and great sandwiches a taste of France in SC.

We came to folly beach for a couple of days Tuesday was divine sunny and warm




The sunrise ;-)

We enjoyed a stroll on the beach in the morning then a day waking around Charleston so pretty this time of year.







I got a couple of antique silver spoons for the kids in a cute wee shop called curiosity down this walkway ;-)







At the aquarium really a first class place, great for little ones

But if in Charleston be sure to get a croissant in Baguette magic and get some sandwiches for the road like we did today ;-) we left a day early as the weather got a bit chilly and rainy.





Baguette Magic
792 Folly Road, Charleston SC


Hugs Rebecca

Steamed Sole with Ginger and 5 Spice

I adore the Chow and Chatter facebook recently we were talking about different cooking methods and the sweet Min Choi linked up the wonderful clip below of a simple steamed fish with ginger, scallions and five spice. The method is pure genius using a wok type pan with boiling water, a ramekin and plate with a lid to steam, no steamer needed. This whole meal is super healthy and can be made in 20 minutes what's not to love. 

I am Malala Day #Iammalala

Today is Malala day to support the beautiful and brave Malala from Pakistan who campaigned to allow girls to go to school, she was recently shot by the Taliban and is recovering in hospital. Spread the word, sign the petition equality and love for all. 

Geysers and Humor in Iceland

When we were in Iceland back in September we saw the Geysers I loved how as folks stood and waited the three minutes between the bursts of hot water felt like an eternity. Sometimes in life its so good to just stand still and watch as the reward is great:-) 

Bison Bolognese with Rigatoni #FBS4Sandy

I noticed a tweet on twitter for this wonderful event - Food Blogging Support for Sandy, hosted by Barbara of Creative Culinary and Jenn of Jenn cuisine  and thought I have to join in and I hope you will too. We just need to share a comfort food recipe and then spread the word. I am sure many of you have seen the news of the terrible storm and the damage it has caused. Social media makes it real having friends in the area affected by it. Although its not on the news all the time now, the folks in the North east will need ongoing support for food, healthcare especially blood per red cross and more. So keep donating and praying for our friends there. Comfort food for me is always pasta :-) this was a lovely meal a simple bolognese made with bison, served with homegrown lettuce and arugula. 

Coffee Cake

I must admit I am not a great baker, I have a few tried and true recipes like this one of my Grandma's and madeleines I wish I had inherited her baking gene, but alas at least I can cook. This is lovely light cake made with coffee added and a coffee icing. 

Craft: spiderweb with bottle top spider

Here's a fun wee craft for kiddies, hope you have a super weekend

Hugs

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Amazing Dancing Horse

I came across this amazing dancing horse this week, its an advertisement for nail polish but love that each color has its own style. We are the same each one unique with style and of value 

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.  ~Steve Jobs

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.  ~Dr. Seuss

You were born an original.  Don't die a copy.  ~John Mason

When you dance to your own rhythm,

Life taps its toes to your beat.

~Terri Guillemets

Hugs 

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Roast Trout with Blood Orange, Meyer Lemon and Basil

This is a wonderful recipe, a simple roast fish that can be made in a jiffy.  Its healthy and quick, and combined with salad, vegetables and quinoa or rice makes a delightful meal. Trout is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids the same found in its cousin salmon. Rainbow trout is native to North America and is well stocked its also a beautiful looking fish. 

Iceland's Waterfalls

Come with me on a wee tour of two of Iceland's amazing waterfalls, as I share some history and you get to hear and see them. I miss the country fingers crossed will get to go back one day. 

Smoked Paprika Chicken with Chickpeas

This recipe was inspired by a pin by Bon Appetit, it is easy and full of flavor and makes me realize I need to use smoked paprika more, it made all the difference in this recipe. I have tried to write this a couple of times today but having a one year old keeps me on my toes :-) 

Provencal Style Vegetable Soup

Here's another great soup for the season, it really is a one pot meal loaded with vegetables and would be a great way to clean out the fridge too :-) It was even more special with the addition of the homegrown green beans. 

Provencal Style Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 rashers of bacon
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and  chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 tablespoon of orzo
• 8 green beans (mine were from the garden) chopped
• 2 cups of vegetable stock
• one can of chopped tomatoes
• one can of cannelini beans
• salt and pepper to taste 
• handful of frozen broad beans 

Method:

1. cook bacon till crispy remove and cut into small pieces
2. add a dash of olive oil to the bacon fat with garlic and onion and saute for 5 minutes, add bacon back in
3. then add the carrots, zucchini and green beans, and broad beans 
4. add the stock, tomatoes and beans and orzo and simmer for 20 minutes
5. add extra water as desired if it gets too thick
6. enjoy 

It would also work as a vegetarian soup, with a little smoked paprika to replace the flavor of the smoky bacon or pancetta.

home grown green beans 

My wee man is obsessed with cows in books and saying moo, so I tweeted where is the nearest farm with cows and drove to one to show him the cows, can't beat that kind of learning :-) 

Have a great start to the week all 

Hugs 

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