T-Bone Steak

Do you ever have that feeling that you just need a steak?  When I was nursing my son I found that I could eat non-stop and never be quite full.  This is when I loved to go to The Keg for the T-bone steak they have in their winter grill.  There is just no flavour like a T-bone and it's worth every bite.  Now however there is usually more in my doggy bag then my stomach for just cause.  Have a look at the size of this thing????  It will not beat out my favorite steak from The Chop House in Palm Springs but it's still a darn good steak!

Carrot Cake for rabbits everywhere

There is this great little vegetarian restaurant in Victoria, BC called Rebar that I try to visit every time I get the chance over to the island.  I immediately purchased their cookbook when it came out and find it a great go to on my shelf.  When my uncle's recent 70th birthday required a cake, I found myself eagerly accepting the challenge.  With a family chocked full of bakers I would be up against some serious taste buds.  Sifting, blending, icing and decorating = Amazing!  With rave review all round I was now officially in charge of the carrot cake for any family gathering.  My secret, fresh pineapple chopped by hand and real Belgian white chocolate in the icing.  With delicious flavours like this it will make even your pickiest eaters want their carrot intake!

Grandma's Chocolate Cake

When the weather is dreary and ambitions to go outdoors are low, the time is right to bake a cake.  Nothing to difficult, no layers galore, just a simple chocolate cake to enjoy over a cup of coffee.  I have had this recipe floating through the house taken down on an old realtor scratch pad waiting for the right time to test it out. 
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
3 tbsp baking powder
3/4 cup cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 cup strong coffee

Combine milk, oil and sugar until well blended.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add vanilla and blend thoroughly.  In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt.  Add flour mixture to batter alternating with coffee.  Pour mix into a 10" springform pan and put in the oven at 350F for about 65 mins. 
Fair warning to all who make this, don't expect to have any leftovers!

Rice Bowls

Rice Bowl night is met with great enthusiasm in my house.  It's a great way to use up all the extra veggies in your fridge and make sure your family gets a balanced meal in a bowl.  Some of my go to veggies are; carrots, snow peas, peppers, zucchini, grated beets, chopped cilantro, bean sprouts and chopped peanuts or cashews.  I usually put a pot of rice on in the rice cooker.  Usually I select jasmine Thai rice but brown rice or red Thai work great  as well.  For protein I like to make some garlic shrimp, grilled chicken and teriyaki steak in strips.  Scoop a little rice in your bowl, top with your favorite veggies and protein then comes the piece de resistance (super yummy) satay sauce.  Not just any satay sauce will do, Trader Joes satay in a saucepan with a can of coconut milk and a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter is what I'm talking about!  It's a great meal with plenty of options.  Now life would be just perfect if I could get my son to eat them!