Pumpkin Muffins, better than a doughnut

I've been on a bit of a muffin kick these days and I have tried a few good recipes.  So far I think I have enjoyed the Pumpkin Millet muffins from the Rebar cookbook the best!  They are moist yummy and not to sweet.  The warm pumpkin smell that fills the house while they are in the oven baking is enough to draw you in. The delightful texture and flavours only make a good cup of tea even better!  Such simple little things to make it's a wonder why I don't bake them all the time. I've been trying to make some healthier but still yummy recipes and recipes like this it makes eating better a breeze.  If you haven't run to the nearest bookstore to pick up this cookbook yet, then what are you waiting for?  You are this close to being the next Dining Diva.  Not sure if baking is your thing?  Try the green rice or tofu scramble and you won't be disappointed.

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 tsp 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!

Cake Plate Re-designed

I was extremely proud of my boxing day purchase, a new fancy cake plate with a cover!  At $14.99 it was a steal and just exactly what I wanted.  However nice I thought it was on it's own my little 2 year old thought it would look better with a little pizazz.  He proceeded to cover half the side with his favorite "Cars" stickers. 

The Fish House - Take 2

A few months back I had shared a dissapointing trip to The Fish House in Stanley Park.  The gift certificate they had sent me as an apology has sat on my fridge for several months as a constant reminder to try again.  When I went to look at the gift certificate thinking it was about time to use it I was unpleasantly surprised to find that it had expired.  I took the chance that if I called them they might still let me use it.  This time their customer service was top notch.  I made reservations for the following day for afternoon tea and invited my mother and mother in law to join my little boy and me.  It was like night and day from the moment we were escorted in and guided to a lovely table by the window.  Our server was pleasant and attentive our food delightful.  Never have I tasted such a lovely scone!  When I asked if perhaps we could order an appetizer off the dinner menu our server apologized and said unfortunately no.  Without a word to us he in fact went in to ask the kitchen and was able to offer us the muscles on a hot skillet with the chorizo sausage!  This dish was one of our favorites from the menu at the since closed Cannery.  So sad to see it go but nice to know that it lives on through it's sister restaurant.  The afternoon was a success and thanks to the attentive and pleasant staff at the Fish House we will be back!