A Delayed Culinary Blog Tour

March 8, 2015 by 10 Comments

Happy Sunday, friends!

Black Bean, Quinoa & Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers from Feast on the Cheap

Black Bean, Quinoa & Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers c/o Feast on the Cheap

Several months ago – over five to be exact (it makes me cringe to say that) – I was featured over on Feast on the Cheap as part of Mariel and Mary Anne’s Culinary Blog Tour. It was quite an honour to be chosen as one of these incredible ladies’ top blogs to follow. Mariel and Mary Anne are a mother-daughter duo focused on the idea that “delicious, healthy, homemade food should be easy and accessible – and shouldn’t require a massive bank account.” They achieve this goal over and over again, as Mary Anne brings her catering skills to the table, and Mariel contributes “less expensive, space-conscious renditions that are easy enough for even a fledgling foodie.” When visiting their site, be sure to check out the Cinnamon Streusel Baked French Toast, the One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese, and the Pear, Pancetta & Gorgonzola Quiche with Toasted Walnuts. I have been following Feast on the Cheap since its early days and can also tell you that the Black Bean, Quinoa & Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers are not to be missed! A very belated thank you to Mariel and Mary Anne for the feature! My apologies for my extreme tardiness, but…better late than never?

Now it’s time to pass the torch to three of my favourite Internet food stops! I read literally hundreds of food blogs, so it’s very hard to choose, but here are three of my current loves.

Chocolate Dipped Vanilla + Chocolate Waffle Cookies from The Frosted Vegan

Chocolate Dipped Vanilla + Chocolate Waffle Cookies from The Frosted Vegan

1. The Frosted Vegan: Abby’s blog is a recent find for me. Bless the powers of Instagram for connecting me to more beautiful food blogs! Abby focuses her culinary energy on showing “vegans and non-vegans alike that even if you are eating vegan or plant based, you can still enjoy a lovely and delicious dessert, without the hassle.” Mission accomplished, Abby. From Chocolate Dipped Vanilla + Chocolate Waffle Cookies, to Loaded Baked Potato Pizza with Vegan Cheese Sauce and Bacon Bits, to Brown Sugar Banana and Toasted Almond Cinnamon Rolls, Abby will change your mind about vegan food altogether.

Cheesy English Muffin Bread from Bakerita

Cheesy English Muffin Bread from Bakerita

2. Bakerita: I’ve been swooning over Rachel’s food photos for some time now. Rachel is a University student with “a major addiction to creating delicious, sweet treats.” Umm, I’ll say. Not only does Rachel have plenty of butter and sugar-laden recipes; she also has quite the selection of paleo, gluten-free, and vegan recipes that look and sound equally amazing. There are so many incredible recipes to choose from on Rachel’s site, but her most recent posts for Pepperoni Pizza Pull Apart Bread, Raspberry Coconut Crumble Tart, and Cheesy English Muffin Bread have me wanting to drop whatever I’m doing and just bake.

Pan Asparagus & Perfect Poached Eggs from She Eats

Beautiful Pan Asparagus & Perfect Poached Eggs from She Eats

3. She Eats: I would be remiss to have a culinary blog tour without making stop over at my homegirl Kristy’s blog. Not only is Kristy a fellow Canadian, but she believes strongly in “eating & drinking organically local, regionally in season and when it comes to meat and dairy, pastured. CSAs and farmer’s markets are brilliant and second only to growing our own food. Or at the very least, knowing someone who grows our food. Farmers really are the best kinds of people.” Her writing is hilarious, her recipes are delicious, and she loves wine. A girl after my own heart, really. I encourage you to pop on over to Kristy’s site and take a gander at the Grilled Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Coffee Sandwiches (I mean, !!!), Savory Crepes with Broccolini, Mushrooms, and Ricotta, and Pan Asparagus & Perfect Poached Eggs.

Now I’m hungry.

What are your favourite blogs to read? Enjoy the day!

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Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2013 by 10 Comments

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Merry Christmas my dear readers!

I hope today finds you spending time with those you love most, eating the most delicious food, and indulging in a few too many drinks of choice. I’m rather certain that calories don’t exist during the holidays. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.

Much love to you all!

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It’s My Birthday and I’ll Eat Cake If I Want To

October 11, 2013 by 27 Comments

Happy Friday, friends!

Today is an extra special Friday in my world because it just so happens to be my birthday. I’ve lived to see another year and I am so very thankful. I had great intentions of making a crazy all-out birthday cake for myself this year (and then totally stuffing my face), just ‘cause, but life kind of got in the way of that plan and here I am today, cakeless. However, there are many cake gems floating around the Interwebs these days, so I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites.

And so, Cake Day was born. A day when you eat cake for every meal. Preferably on your birthday. Although not terribly realistic (my stomach is hurting just at the thought of it), it’s kind of fun to imagine a day of only cake-eating. And now, the cakes!

Breakfast

Cinnamon Roll Cake from Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Cinnamon Roll Cake. What more perfect way is there to start a day than with freshly baked cinnamon rolls? This cake looks super easy to whip up and packs all the flavor of beloved cinnamon buns. Perfection!

Lemon Raspberry Gooey Butter Cake from Willow Bird Baking

Let’s also enjoy this Lemon Raspberry Gooey Butter Cake. It has fruit in it, and it’s made in a skillet, like other breakfast things. Therefore, fruit + a skillet vessel = birthday breakfast!

Mid-Morning Snack

Banana Nutella Swirl Bundt Cake with Coffee Icing. Enter caffeine, an important part of any morning (at least, in my books). And bananas! More fruit – this is good, we are being healthy. Also, nutella. ‘Nuff said.

Snickers Cake

Uh oh, I think my blood sugar might be dropping. Better have a slice of Snickers Cake!

Lunch

White Bean Cake with Fluffy Meringue Frosting

Lunch time! White Bean Cake with Fluffy Meringue Frosting. It has beans in it, therefore, it’s lunch. Logic.

Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Layer Cake – Umm, post-lunch dessert. Duh. Plus, I am all aboard the salted caramel train. What took me so long?

Afternoon Snack

Peanut Butter Mousse Torte from Sweet Tooth

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Torte – Protein. Yep.

Dinner

Moist Chocolate Beet Cake from David Lebovitz

Moist Chocolate Beet Cake. What’s dinner without vegetables? They’re hidden inside a dense and moist chocolate cake? Umm, bonus.

Dessert

Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Classic Vanilla Butter Birthday Cake. I am a chocolate lover, through and through, but I have a special place in my heart for vanilla cake. It’s just so simple and delicious.

CCC cake slice stand

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake. Check out all that cookie dough. I want.

Baked Lemon Pudding Cake from Dinner with Julie

And finally, the lemon lover in me would not be able to let my birthday go by without adding another lemon cake to the mix. This Baked Lemon Pudding Cake sounds tooooo good. Please excuse me while I faceplant into those lemony clouds and into the luscious pudding below.

Well, now that we’ve all become diabetic, I’m going to sign off. I’ve got a birthday to enjoy! And if I’m lucky, I might get to eat some cake.

PS. Have a wonderful weekend! Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends! I am thankful for many things, including all of you dear readers! xo

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Weekend Favorites

September 20, 2013 by 14 Comments
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Hey hey, happy Friday!
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Another week in the books. And time for another edition of Weekend Favorites!
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1. Love this article about happiness habits. Let’s all strive to be supremely happy!
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2. I’m going to spend some time breaking out the pumpkin in my kitchen this weekend. I have a few recipes coming together in my head, but I’ve been looking for pumpkin inspiration. How about pumpkin meatloaf, pumpkin manchego gnocchi, pumpkin mac ‘n cheese, or pumpkin cinnamon rolls? Can I have one of everything? Also, if you’ve never made these soft pumpkin cookies, you haven’t lived. They put the dream in dreamy.
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3. Amazing food hacks. My life has been changed for the better. Especially the taco trick – genuis!
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4. It’s official. Thank you to Netflix (and my friend, K) I have become addicted to Breaking Bad. Ironically, I cancelled my cable because I never had/made the time to watch TV. I am entering hermit status until I finish plowing through all 5 seasons.
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5. This girl can write. I’m gently reminded that I don’t need to “have it all” to feel utterly content and happy with life, even in small doses. Thank you, Megan! I’m going to have to make those cookies, too.
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6. I am a complete scarf whore. Like seriously, I have a nice lil’ collection going, and can’t turn down a beautiful scarf. Have you seen these gorgeous scarves from fashionABLE? Beautiful, hand-crafted, AND the purchase of every scarf helps to create sustainable business in Africa and fight poverty. I am so down with amazing initiatives like this one.
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7. My friend, J has me hooked on to the Astro Twins astrology website. I’m not sure how much I believe in all of that stuff, but it’s rather entertaining to read my daily, weekly, and monthly horoscopes. I’ve gotten into the habit of reading my horoscope after the day, week, or month has passed to test out how accurate the predictions are. SO entertaining. And surprisingly, kind of true.
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8. Making a fall picnic happen has just soared to the top of my Fall Bucket List. Thanks for the inspiration, Megan! Also on the list – get thrown into a pile of freshly raked leaves, go apple-picking, and drink pumpkin beer.
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9. After deliberating for ages about whether or not to buy these boots, I finally bit the bullet this past week and splurged. Don’t worry, I found them for a much better deal than the price listed, but they still cost me a fair chunk of change. But they’re so perty and very well made. I can’t wait to wear them for approximately 239 of the next 250 days.
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Friends, enjoy your weekend!  And happy early Autumnal Equinox! I hope you all can find the time to relax and enjoy a special moment or two.
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xo.
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Some Lovin’ for Bloglovin’

July 2, 2013 by 12 Comments

<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4570497/?claim=nc29wg4cm3e”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Hello friends!

As you are probably all aware of by now, Google Reader is no longer as of yesterday. I’ve been using Google Reader ever since I jumped aboard the blogging train, and when I heard about it’s inevitable end a few months ago, I began hunting for a replacement reader. Google Reader was so simple to use and I’m very sad that it’s gone – however, I’m happy to report that I’ve discovered something new and wonderful to use to stay up-to-date with my favorite blogs (of which there are many!).

Hello Bloglovin’!

I was a bit skeptical when I made the switch about a month ago. You see, I am a creature of habit and sometimes change is unwelcome in my little space of the universe. Alas, change is inevitable – in every aspect of life – and although we can’t control it, we can try to adapt to new ways. So, after playing around a bit with Bloglovin’, I am officially a convert. And you should become a convert too! Bloglovin’ is very easy to use and the more I use it, the more I like it (even more than Google Reader).

If you’re looking for a way to stay connected with your favorite blogs, I would definitely recommend Bloglovin’. And if you’d like to keep up with lil’ ol’ me, you can find me here.

A belated Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful long weekend! xo

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Weekend Favorites

April 28, 2013 by 33 Comments

Weekend Favorites

Friends, I’m home! Back from Hawaii, the land of sand, sun, and beautiful things. The last two weeks were filled with rest and relaxation, lots of good food, and a drink or ten (per day, of course). I came home with a happy heart, a rested mind, and many many freckles (oh, and amazing coffee and macadamia nuts, too!). If you’ve never been to Hawaii, I highly recommend that you get your arse there as soon as humanely possible. I spent my time in Maui and it was absolutely fantastic. The condo we stayed at was a hop, skip, and a jump from the beach, plus we had access to a beautiful pool. We rented a car, but were able to walk quite a bit too. And the weather? Amaze balls. I can’t wait to go back!

I am getting back in the kitchen this week to bring you some new recipes, including an attempt at recreating one of the most incredible desserts that I enjoyed while on vacation. In the meantime, here is another edition of weekend favorites!

  • My trip to Maui led me to develop a serious infatuation with fish tacos. Like, mega. If you’re ever in Maui, be sure to visit Fred’s Mexican Café and Coconuts Fish Café, both located on South Kihei Road. If you happen to have a bombshell recipe for fish tacos, please send it my way and I will love you forever!
  • Can openers hate me. Seriously. Rarely am I able to cut around the circumference of a can on the first try. And sometimes not even on the second or third. It’s annoying. Perhaps I should try this method. It just might be faster for me.
  • Aloneness is not loneliness. At least, not always. Being a single gal myself, I like this. I like it a lot. Being single has its perks!
  • This recipe makes me excited for rhubarb season.
  • 10 Second Rant Alert. What is the deal with hash tags? I mean, I know what they’re for. I even use one or two from time to time. But there seems to be an epidemic of hash tag overload. I understand posting a picture of a sunset and using the hash tag sunset or beautiful. But what the heck does friends or ice cream or monkeys or shoes have to do with a sunset?! Seriously peeps, tone it down a notch.
  • I went snorkeling while on vacation. We visited a place called Turtle Town. We saw a sea turtle. Which led to approximately 137 reenactments of this video. It just never got old.
  • So apparently one is supposed to “detox” after a vacation filled with copious amounts of food and alcohol. Detoxes be damned! I want these, these, this, and this, in that order. Cookies for appetizers…yes!

Hope you’re having the loveliest of weekends. xo

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Weekend Favorites

February 17, 2013 by 12 Comments

Weekend Favorites

Hi friends!

Happy weekend! It’s a long weekend around these parts, and I am so excited to have an extra day to relax and enjoy. I have a few new recipes that I’m hoping to make and photograph to share with you in the next couple of weeks.

I’m also going to try a little something new around here. A few of my fellow bloggers have started doing weekly posts to share their favorite finds from around the web, chat about what they’re loving lately, and so on. I find these kinds of posts really fun to read and thought I might give it a shot myself. At this point I don’t plan on making it a weekly feature, but rather something that I will try to do once a month.

So with that said, here are some of favorite finds from around the Internets lately! Have a fantastic weekend!

  • With this little bit of extra time on my hands this weekend, I am going to use my not-at-all-new-but-barely-used-doughnut-pan to make these. I have a very good feeling about this.
  • I read this post about love a while ago, and well, I loved it. Very well said, Emma.
  • You must watch this video. OMG, beyond hilarious. The road goes both ways, boys!
  • I had big plans to travel to Italy this Spring. For financial + other reasons, I’ve had to postpone those plans for the time being. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to blow this popsicle stand for a couple of weeks in the near future. I just booked a trip friends! Guess where I’m going? Hint: I just ordered 3 new bikinis. And I’m gonna get lei’d.
  • So how about that meteoroid that broke up over Russia on Friday? What the? Apparently it was too small to be detected in advance (150 feet in diameter), and NASA limits its watch to objects larger than 140 meters in diameter, as that is the size deemed to have the ability to be “regionally devastating.” Does anyone else find this a bit disconcerting?
  • I want to stick my face in this. And these. And this. In that order. And then repeat.
  • One of my favorite things about the blogging world is the sense of community and support that I feel from connecting with other bloggers. I remember starting Once Upon a Recipe with absolutely no idea what I was doing, and no followers, except for a few family members and friends. It’s so important to support one another! One of my readers recently contacted me about some advice for starting a new blog. Her name is Lindsi and she blogs over at Every Day Sugar High. Lindsi has recently posted some seriously delicious-looking treats. Why don’t you all pop on over to say hi to Lindsi and show her some love? xo.
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Welcome Friends!

January 4, 2013 by 12 Comments

Hello dear friends! And welcome to the new Once Upon a Recipe! I am so excited that this day is finally here…waiting to show you my new little space has been downright torturous! But here we are.

First and foremost, I must give a big thank-you to Kendra over at Smitten Blog Designs for her wonderful design. If you are looking to create a new design for your blog, I highly recommend the work of these amazing ladies. Thank you, Kendra!

Secondly, this whole self-hosting thing is new to me and the learning curve has been rather steep. Please bear with me as I iron out any kinks, and certainly feel free to email me if you notice any problems, missing links, etcetera. Contact info can be found on the menu above. Look around, get comfortable! As previously mentioned, I was not able to transfer over my subscribers and followers from the old site, so if you wish to keep following along, please update your readers to http://www.onceuponarecipeblog.com or subscribe for email updates via the “Subscribe” button on the sidebar.

Last week, I promised you a fancy pants appetizer recipe, and I always keep my promises. Keep your eyes open for it next week. But for now, here is a little peek into my holidays via my iPhone (and primarily through Instagram). I hope you all had a fabulous New Year’s Eve, and are ready for all that 2013 holds. Happy New Year!

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Holiday bucket list item: Watch It’s a Wonderful Life – check. (PS. What a great story).

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

Holiday bucket list item: Go on a sleigh ride – check. (PS. Horses are beautiful but smelly creatures).

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

My first (and last) dirty martini. Blech.

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

I have talented friends who make me pretty things. 

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

And talented aunties too. Dude, that’s a cake up there. 

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

I made Joy’s cake for Christmas Day dessert. I have three words for you. Oh. My God.

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

If New Year’s Eve was any indication of the year ahead, it’s going to be a freaking fun year.

Christmas 2012 | Once Upon a Recipe

New Year’s Day tradition, five years running. Steak and lobster. Living the good life.

In a nutshell, 2013 is going to be amaze balls.

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With Love | Merry Christmas

December 24, 2012 by 14 Comments

With Love | Once Upon a Recipe

Dear friends,

It is hard to believe that another year has gone by, and here we are again, at Christmas. As I get older, the years seem to pass by at breakneck speed. But then, when I pause to think about the past 365 days, I am always amazed at all that was lived and accomplished.

This year (and every year), I am so very thankful for the wonderful people and places in my life. And this blog is one of those places. Thank you so much for reading and for accepting the sometimes crazy ramblings of my brain. I like to think that the food and recipes are good consolation. 😉

For the next couple of days, I will be spending time with my nearest and dearest, celebrating the wonder that is Christmas. I hope you all have the opportunity to do the same. Wishing you all, my dear friends, a very Merry Christmas.

xoxo,

Amanda

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Help, I’m Alive | A Winner!

November 19, 2012 by 20 Comments

Hiiiiiiiiii.

Wowie, what a couple of weeks it’s been! No rest for the wicked, as they say. I’ve been having some good times with friends and family, and so I took a wee little break from blogging to soak up that goodness. Making time for the special people, places, and food in our lives – it’s important!

Here are a few shots of what I’ve been up to, courtesy of my iPhone and Instagram (@onceuponarecipe).

Drinking overpriced seasonal beverages. You just gotta.

Shoveling…

Eating. As per usual.

Capturing pretty early winter sunsets.

Eating more. Enjoying treats with friends. 

Playing in the snow with this crazy girl. 

Playing in the snow makes me hungry. Late night cookies!

Music break! The amazing Metric.

Dinner parties! (PS. They’re even better when someone cooks for you).

Muah.

Oh, and we have a winner from the blogoversary giveaway!

 

The winner was chosen by the random number generator, and I must say, I chuckled when I discovered who #32 was. You see, I won a giveaway on Kristy’s blog about a year ago. My friend – I am so tickled that I get to share all of these goodies with you! Please email your full mailing address to onceuponarecipe[dot]amanda[at]gmail[dot]com and I will get this little package shipped off to you ASAP!

And to everyone else who entered, thank you. It was fun to read about everyone’s favorite kitchen tools. My KitchenAid stand mixer is definitely at the top of my list, and a glass of wine makes cooking and baking infinitely more enjoyable than it already is!

More recipes coming your way soon! xoxo

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