Mrs. London's Chocolate Cake

A very delectable cake from a very old edition of Chocolatier Magazine.

This flourless chocolate cake is gluten-free - made from only chocolate, eggs and some sugar - who could imagine that would work? But it does... and in case you are imagining the cake to be dense (like Sacher Torte) or fudgy (like brownies) - just the opposite - it is light and delicate. Make it once and they'll be begging you to make it again and again.

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Caramelized Cauliflower

My recipe quests arise from attempts to match an old taste memory, or a new taste experience. In this case, it's new. Cauliflower is more reasonably  priced this Winter - and that's good because I can't seem to get enough of this super healthy vegetable (vitamins C and D). It's one of those veggies with an ancient history that seems to originate in Syria. I could eat these every day! See if you agree...

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE!

Mushroom Nuggets

Mushrooms Canada has just re-tweeted my recipe that they selected for inclusion on their site. Check it out!

These are a popular Hungarian appetizer - and even considered to be somewhat "classy".

Mushrooms Canada is very rich site full of great info and even more recipes. Read and remind yourself of all the nutritional value. You'll be wanting to make mushrooms every day - and why not!

I invite you leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE!

Cabbage Soup

This is a favourite recipe in the KB Kitchen - a classic Hungarian dish that is enjoyed as soon as cabbages appear at markets and all through Winter and Spring.

Make a double batch. As is often the case, this soup is better on day two!

Dis you know that abbage is a great source for vitamins C, B6 and folate?

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I was tempted to call these 'Hi-Fi" Muffins - which they are, but went with the name used by the originator - Mairlyn Smith. Her motto is "Peace, Love and Fibre" - and these muffins deliver on the fibre! - and of course, the peace and love...

This post also reveals the secret to optimizing carb and sugar intake. You'll love these tasty treats that Mairlyn calls "pipe cleaners"!

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Cheese Straws

Now that you can purchase puff pastry in sheets, I find myself reaching for it often for savoury and sweet treats.

These Cheese Straws from Ina Garten are a hit all year round, but will be welcomed at holiday events. I always make these "day of" and not the day before - but day before prep enables you to make this magic happen quickly.

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Italian Lemon Twist Cookies

This will not be the first (or last) time I mention my obsession with Italian cookies. These have been one of my favourites at Italian Showers, though, oddly, I make them only once a year - at Christmas.

They are the first off the assembly line in December since they freeze well - and it takes a lot of self control to make sure they all (most) make it to the freezer.

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE!

Pumpkin Date Spice Cookies

Pumpkin, dates, ginger - with so many healthy ingredients this should not even be called a cookie!

From Mairlyn Smith's "Healthy Starts Here!" - you'll be making these often.

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Zucchini Bread

Zucchinis are still appearing in abundance at farmers' markets as I write this.

Google Zucchini Bread and you will get over 2.5 million results - and chances are we have all eaten a not so great zucchini bread - tasteless, soggy, dense, greasy...

Here's a tested recipe that won't disappoint!

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Portuguese Muffins (Bolo Levedo)

Once upon a time, there was a wee restaurant tucked between two other restaurants. The breakfast toast and the sandwiches were made using the most wonderful bread / buns - their menu called them "Stone Bread". The source was a mystery that the owners would never reveal.

I was obsessed.

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Potato Gnocchi

These luscious little potato pillows melt in your mouth and can be combined with a variety of sauces and flavourings. Potato gnocchi were introduced in the 16th century, and the variations that developed over centuries make your head spin. I have made these successfully more times than I can remember and twice have made them with KB cooking friend LC - so I recommend them with confidence.

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Lemon Ricotta (Blintz) Cheesecake

Distracted - that's me. My main goal with this site is to record family favourites, but I get distracted - especially when I come across a recipe that seems to match a taste / eating memory that - for lack of a recipe - I have not yet been able to replicate.

I have long been on the hunt for a cheesecake recipe with a particular texture - not dry, but not smooth. I have assumed it's base is ricotta. This one comes close and will keep me happy - for a while...

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Roasted Salt and Vinegar Potatoes

This is a great way to prepare mini potatoes, be they new potatoes appearing at the market or those sold around the year in grocery stores. The method may strike you as bizarre - but try it once and you will be making it again and again. Is this a classic recipe from Colombia? from Syracuse? Read more to find out...

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Swedish Lentil Meatballs

This is not (yet) an oft-repeated family favourite. Came across the recipe - they looked yummy, I love lentils, and it is, after all, the International Year of Pulses - so I tried them - and will make them again! The recipe is adapted from Lentils Canada. Recipes for cream sauce and honey garlic sauce offer variety - and there's a vegetarian option.

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Broccoli Slaw

I cannot recall exactly when I first had broccoli salad. You know the salad I mean - broccoli florets, combined with bacon, red onion, raisins etc. I loved it, though it seems to me it became unpopular for a while - could it be because the typical recipes called for one cup of mayo and a half cup of sugar?

Try this healthier version and perhaps you'll agree it tastes great!

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Sweet Buns with Ricotta

I am thrilled to have found this recipe that replicates a treat made by my grandmother. The recipe source calls these "Kolaches" and attributes them to Czech immigrants, but these kinds of sweet breads seem to exist in so many European cultures - who is to claim the origin?

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Moroccan Red Bean Dip

Dips. They work well with crackers and veggies, and come in handy as a pre-dinner appetizer, a contribution to a pot luck, or for a wine and movie night - not to be confused with "Netflix and Chill".

I can remember when the most common "dip" was the combination of sour cream and a packet of dry onion soup mix. This is soooo much better - and better for you. 

Celebrate the International Year of the Pulse with this!

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Almost No Knead Bread

When Jim Lahey revealed his secret recipe from his NYC Sullivan Street Bakery, people did not stop at replicating it - they tried to make it better. Among those who responded to that challenge was America's Test Kitchen (ATK).

They made a dough that was not as wet, and thus easier for novices to handle; they added beer for flavour; they reduced the proofing time and added 15 seconds of kneading - thus the title - Almost No Knead Bread.

They say that even a 6 year-old can make it. I rose to the challenge - how about you?

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Doggie Biscuits

Luka just marked her 10th birthday and her treat from the KB kitchen will be homemade doggie treats! I'm sharing two recipes that you may want to make for your favourite canine. The first are "Dog Breath Biscuits", and sad to say Luka is at times in need of these (wink). In theory, the fresh mint and parsley are supposed to do the trick. Luka loves them and is happy to perform her twirly dance to get one.

The second recipe - "Sweet Potato and Apple Treats" - is a newer one with fewer ingredients - faster if you are pressed for time.

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

Spanish-style Flan

There are some desserts that sound sort of "exotic" - and flan is one of them. Though it may sound immodest, I will say I have mastered this Spanish-style Flan, and am finally getting around to sharing the recipe.

The great thing about this dessert is that it is best when chilled 24 hours in advance, so the "day before" prep makes "the day" roll out more smoothly. I tend to serve it with a little garnish - in this case caramelized pears and a crisp.

Click here for the recipe page, which links back here if you wish to leave a Comment or ask a Question or add a LIKE! 

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