Aug 31
Panini with Chocolate and Brie
I will literally jump at any opportunity to use a ‘dessert’ ingredient for a meal. Suddenly, that sugary substance seems almost good for you. Like how we can justify having a huge pile of whipped cream on a breakfast crêpe or waffle. It’s just healthy a dose of your daily dairy drizzled with strawberries, didn’t you know? Anyways, this is also the case with Giada de Laurentiis and her ‘Panini with Chocolate and Brie’. I feel like the chocolate in the sandwich is just as nutritious as a carrot, only much tastier.
Bring out the vodka – we are making pie! This pie is FAN-tastic. And I wasn’t kidding about the vodka, you seriously do need it. This recipe calls for two tablespoons, chilled, but trust me it is essential to the pie crust. You will not be disappointed. The crust is flaky, crisp and buttery just as the recipe promises. The filling is packed with naturally tart, lemony favouring and the meringue sits high on the pie without weeping or turning spongy. It’s beautiful!
Buttermilk pancakes are perfect for running. Well, for after the run I should say. My Sunday mornings are dedicated to long, slow running, rewarded with big, carb-loaded breakfasts. This past Sunday, I was in the mood for pancakes…yum! Just the thought of coming home to big, fluffy pancakes, kicked my legs into high gear. The recipe I use is both delicious and versatile, as it can also be a basis for whole wheat buttermilk pancakes and standard pancakes. All of the versions are fantastic! 
Sour cherries in a slab pie is the taste of summer. My parent’s neighbours are an elderly couple who use to live in British Columbia, where fruit is in abundance during the summer months. Amazingly, they try to grow all sorts of fruit here in Alberta, even with Edmonton’s less than favourable climate (read: short summer, long, long, long winter). However, in spite of our ridiculous weather, we’re actually able to grow a surprising number of fruits here. This couple next door seems to have more success than everyone I know. 
So I have a confession to make – I am pretty lazy when it comes to making dinner during the week. I know, I should be more excited at the possibilities that come with making deliciousness, but after working all day I just want to have the food in my mouth now! For me, the most immediate satisfaction for my hunger is sadly, cereal. I can almost hear all you cringe with disgust, but I know there are plenty more like me who fall into the cereal trap when searching for an instant meal. 
There is nothing more wonderful than fresh vegetables from 
