Be My Schmalentine | Quick Sticky Chocolate Cake for One (or Two)

February 13, 2013 by 26 Comments

Sticky Chocolate Cake for One | Once Upon a Recipe

Here we are again. It’s almost February 14. Schmalentine’s Day. Hooray.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Valentine’s Day just ain’t my jam. It kind of makes me want to gag. I am a big believer in giving and receiving love every damn day of the year, and therefore I fail to see the point of devoting an entire day to over-the-top demonstrations of love when it’s much nicer to spread it around all year. Flowers? Yes, I’d like to receive them a little more regularly, please and thank you. Chocolate? I already eat it nearly every day. A nice dinner out? Let’s do it. Weekly. Jewelry? I’m not really into it. Jewelry makes my body feel…cluttered.

Sticky Chocolate Cake for One | Once Upon a Recipe

Simple acts of love? Now we’re talking. Slip a sweet note into my coat pocket. Make me a simple dinner at home. Pick up a nice bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. And don’t wait for February 14 to do it.

Whether or not you have a significant other to celebrate with this Valentine’s Day, you’re probably looking for a sweet treat to enjoy. If nothing else, V-day is a total excuse to eat as much chocolate as your little heart desires. How about this quick and dirty chocolate cake? I came across this recipe for chocolate cake for one in the beautiful cookbook “Home Made Winter” by Yvette van Boven. The recipe is described as a 3-minute chocolate mug cake.

Sticky Chocolate Cake for One | Once Upon a Recipe

 

Cringe. Friends, I don’t do mug cakes. The microwave, while useful for many things, does not cook cakes very well. Have you ever tried it? The texture is just…ugh. Gummy. Spongy. Yuck. But what intrigued me about this recipe is the fact that Yvette suggested that the cake could be baked in the oven for those who find microwave cakes to be off-putting. For the record, I tried the cake both ways. And I maintain my sentiments about microwave cakes. But you may wish to give it a try, especially if you’re in a pinch for time.

For me, this cake serves a particular purpose. Either you’re having a mad craving for chocolate cake and you don’t want to go to the trouble of making a big cake, and then be left with an entire cake to entice you until it’s gone. Or, you’re in a pinch for a quick dessert for one or two. The cake batter comes together in a flash, and even if you choose to bake it in the oven, it will be ready within 20 minutes. Go the microwave route, and you’ll be taking your first bite in just over 3 minutes. The best part? No leftovers!

Sticky Chocolate Cake for One | Once Upon a Recipe

Quick Sticky Chocolate Cake for One (or Two) ~ adapted from Home Made Winter

3 TBSP. all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking power

Pinch of salt

3 TBSP. sugar

2 TBSP. cocoa powder

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

3 TBSP. milk

3 TBSP. vegetable oil

3 TBSP. dark chocolate chips

If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F and spray your baking dish with non-stick spray (I used a large ramekin dish). If using the microwave, pick a large microwave safe mug. Use a separate bowl to mix together all of the ingredients and pour into the baking dish. If using a mug, you can simply add everything into the mug and mix it together. No clean-up! However, with the microwave technique, you can omit the baking powder and salt. Bake your cake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. If using the microwave, pop your mug into the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. The cake will rise over the rim of the mug, but don’t sweat it.

Enjoy the cake while still warm, and definitely feel free to add a scoop of ice cream on top. I’m a bit of a chocolate cake purist and prefer to eat it straight up.

Sticky Chocolate Cake for One | Once Upon a Recipe

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Need some other Valentine’s Day ideas? I suggest that you start your day with Banana Bread Oatmeal Pancakes or my Nana’s Cinnamon Buns. If you’re in the mood for a love day beverage, I highly recommend a Red Lotus Martini (or two) or a big glass of Red Wine Sangria.

Cooking together is so romantic (in my opinion). Get in the kitchen with your significant other or your friends and make some heart-shaped pizzas with this Whole Wheat Pizza Dough. For a festively colored side dish, try this creamy and dreamy Beet Risotto.

Sweet treats? These Red Velvet Sandwiches are delicious and easy. If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, make some decadent Rice Pudding. Or Homemade Snickers Bars. Or Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies. For something a little lighter, try Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips. And diving into this Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie might just be the most delicious thing you can do on February 14.

Happy love day, my friends. And remember to share some love, each and every day of the year. <3

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I Like Cookies | Chewy Almond Butter Oatmeal & Dark Chocolate Cookies

February 1, 2013 by 55 Comments

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

I’m a bit of a cookie snob. I mean, not all cookies are created equal. You know?

For me, a good cookie has three requirements. First of all, and most importantly, a good cookie has to be chewy. Not hard, not cake-y, not crispy, but chewy. Secondly, I like cookies that have some heft. Don’t get me wrong, a good buttery chocolate chip cookie can easily win my heart. But most often, I love a cookie that’s got substance – oatmeal, coconut, raisins, chocolate – you know, good mix-ins! And finally, I really prefer cookies that are thick as opposed to thin. Thickness matters.

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

We’re still talking about cookies. Don’t get distracted!

And if the cookies can maybe possibly be considered healthy…even better. Now, I’m going to use the term “healthy” quite loosely here. These cookies do have plenty of sugar. BUT! They are filled with many good-for-you ingredients like oats, flax, almond butter, coconut oil, and dark chocolate. If you use gluten-free oats, you can call these gluten-free. And if you use vegan chocolate (most good-quality dark chocolate is considered vegan), then they become vegan too. Which means we can share these cookies with all of our gluten-free and vegan friends! Bonus!

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

This is really good news for me because when I make a batch of cookies this good, I need to get them out of my house, like, immediately. Otherwise I will eat more than the daily recommended intake of cookies. Unless that number is somewhere in the double digits. In that case, I’m doing fine.

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

These cookies are so darn chewy and so freaking good. Seriously. But please don’t take my word for it. Mix up a batch for yourself and then invite me over to help you eat them. I’m real considerate like that.

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

Chewy Almond Butter Oatmeal & Dark Chocolate Cookies (adapted from Eat Live Run)

You have the option of making these cookies gluten-free, if desired. Just use gluten-free oats! If you want to make them vegan-friendly, just be sure to use vegan chocolate. Makes about 30 cookies. 

1/4 cup coconut oil, room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. salt

3 1/2 cups regular oats (or gluten-free, if desired)

1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)

1 cup almond butter

2 TBSP. ground flax mixed with 6 TBSP. warm water (aka. a flax “egg”)

2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your cookie sheet(s) by lining them with a Silpat or parchment paper.

Cream together the coconut oil, almond butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until well blended. Add the vanilla and ground flax + water mixture. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add to the wet ingredients along with the dark chocolate chips. Mix until just combined.

Roll the dough into small balls (golf ball size) and place three inches apart on the cookie sheets (12 per sheet). Do not flatten the dough balls. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffy and just barely beginning to brown around the edges. Let cool for 5-10 minutes (or until set) on the cookie sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between each layer. I imagine these would freeze well too, but they were eaten too quickly for me to need to do such a thing!

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

Have a great weekend friends!
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The Mystery of the Two-Ingredient Pancake

January 28, 2013 by 14 Comments

Two-Ingredient Pancakes | Once Upon a Recipe

Two-ingredient pancakes. Yep, you read that right. And if you’ve been hanging out on the internets lately, you’ve probably seen this phrase creeping around. Banana + egg = pancake. I know what you’re thinking.

Come on now, don’t pee in my eye and tell me it’s raining. An egg and a banana coming together to taste like a delicious, fluffy, buttery pancake? Not possible. 

Because I thought it too. And after thorough testing, I have confirmed that it is, in fact, a big, fat lie. The two-ingredient pancake does not taste anything like a real pancake. I know, I almost fell over in my chair too. (Not).

Two-Ingredient Pancakes | Once Upon a Recipe

However, let me explain a little bit more. While the two-ingredient pancake does not taste like an actual pancake, it does have a few things going for it. First of all, it does taste…good. I was a bit worried that it was going to taste like a banana-flavored omelette (which did not sound at all appealing to my taste buds), but thankfully that was not the case. It tastes more like a thin eggy…pancake. I made my pancake a three-ingredient pancake and added a teaspoon of ground flax seed, which may have helped a little bit with the texture. I topped it with peanut butter, sliced apple, sliced almonds, and hemp hearts, but the topping possibilities are really quite endless. The banana provides so much sweetness that I did not feel the need to add syrup or honey.

Secondly, I felt surprisingly satisfied afterwards. Mind you, I did make two pancakes. I wake up ravenous every morning and an egg and a banana ain’t going to tame this hungry beast. I’m not one of those girls who can eat like a bird and be a happy camper. I get hangry (which in case you’re behind with the times, is the equivalent of hunger-fueled anger). Anyways, my two pancakes left me feeling full for a few hours afterwards. Two pancakes paired with a piece of fruit made a really great breakfast to start the day.

Two-Ingredient Pancakes | Once Upon a Recipe

Thirdly, these “pancakes” are a great option for anyone looking for gluten-free breakfast meals. Whether you’re on a gluten-free diet, or are trying to change things up a bit, these pancakes would be a great option to throw into the breakfast rotation. Here is the nutritional information for one pancake (with 1 tsp. ground flax).

Nutritional Info for Two-Ingredient Pancake

And finally, if you’re like me and have more ripe bananas hanging out in your freezer than you know what to do with, these pancakes will help you work through your supply. Oh, and if you start your day off with these pancakes, you can totally not feel bad about eating cookies for the rest of the day. Kidding. (sort of)

Two-Ingredient Pancakes | Once Upon a Recipe

Two-Ingredient Pancakes

1 small (very) ripe banana, mashed

1 large egg

1 tsp. ground flax (optional)

Toppings: Nut butter, hemp hearts, fruit, coconut, nuts, agave, whatever your little heart desires!

Mix the egg and banana together well. Add the ground flax, if desired. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick spray. Pour the mixture into the skillet. Allow the pancake to cook for a few minutes. Once it is easy to flip, do so and allow to cook for another few minutes. Serve immediately with the toppings of your choice!

Disclaimer: The only way I would choose these pancakes over real pancakes would be if the world was ending and the only way to save it would be to never eat real pancakes again, but…in the name of health, these are a pretty great option. Try ’em!

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When Life Gives You Tomatoes | Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque

January 23, 2013 by 60 Comments

Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque | Once Upon a Recipe

Have you ever eaten something at a restaurant that is just so damn good that you cannot stop thinking about it? And so then you create excuses find good reasons to go back to that same restaurant to enjoy that same thing over and over again? And then, after the tenth time going to that same restaurant and eating that same thing, you start to wonder if maybe you could make the thing at home, saving yourself some cash and also freeing yourself up to possibly eat out elsewhere and discover new obsessions?

Cool. I’m glad we understand each other. That’s totally what happened with this soup!

Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque | Once Upon a Recipe

There is a great little pizzeria franchise here in Alberta, BC, and Ontario called Famoso, which specializes in authentic Neapolitan pizza. The pizza is totally killer. Now, I have to preface the rest of this story by telling you that I rarely order soup in restaurants. I’m just not really a soup girl. Plus, when up against something like pizza (hello cheesy, carby goodness), the soup is going to play second fiddle every time. A friend recommended that I try the fire-roasted tomato bisque and when she claimed that it was something along the lines of “best ever,” I decided to put it to the test.

And then I proceeded to go back to Famoso to eat this soup more times than I would like to admit over the couple of months that followed. (Don’t worry, I still ordered a small pizza alongside it!)

Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque | Once Upon a Recipe

This soup. Well, it’s a bisque really, and I must confess that I did not know the difference between a soup and a bisque until about 29 seconds ago when I turned to Google for help. Apparently, a bisque is a type of rich, thick, creamy soup that has been pureed so that it has an even texture. Although, according to Wikipedia, a traditional bisque is “a smooth, creamy, highly-seasoned soup of French origin, classically based on a strained broth (coulis) of crustaceans.” Well excuse me, fancy pants. 

Whether this is truly a soup or a bisque, I have no idea. But what I do know is…it’s freaking delicious. After scouring the Internets for recipes that seemed to resemble the taste of the soup from Famoso that I had essentially committed to memory, I found one that, coupled with a few little tweaks, seems to be pretty darn close. It’s not quite as creamy and dreamy as the restaurant version, but I am rather certain that Famoso uses a much more generous amount of half & half, or likely even cream in their soup. So let’s just call this the lighter and tighter cousin to Famoso’s soup. Bisque. Whatever. Just make it! ‘Tis the season for soup, after all.

Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque | Once Upon a Recipe

Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque (adapted from The Novice Chef)

This bisque packs a flavorful punch. The use of fire-roasted tomatoes is key – don’t go trying to sub in regular ‘ol tomatoes. They just won’t cut it here. I found fire-roasted tomatoes alongside the other canned tomatoes in my local grocery store, but any Italian grocer should carry them. Also, fresh basil will make this bisque even more fantastic, so if it’s available to you, go ahead and use it. The fresh basil at my local grocer was looking rather sad and pathetic. And finally, the generous serving of crumbled feta cheese really takes this soup over the top, so please don’t leave it out. 

1/4 cup herb-infused olive oil (or EVOO)

1 onion, diced

8 garlic cloves, minced

3 (14 oz.) cans of fire-roasted tomatoes (ie. Scarpone’s)

2 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)

1/2 cup half & half

2 tsp. dried basil

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper, to taste

Crumbled feta cheese, for topping

In a heavy pot over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and saute the onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook with the onion for a few minutes. Add the cans of fire roasted tomatoes (juice included) and cover for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

With the lid off the pot, add the broth and half & half and bring the soup to a simmer. The mixture should start to thicken as it reduces (~10-15 minutes). Once slightly thickened, season to taste with salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes more.

Time to puree! Using either an immersion blender (if you’re lucky), or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Be careful if using a regular blender as the soup is (obviously) hot! You may need to puree the soup in several batches.

Serve with a generous mound of crumbled feta cheese (and fresh basil if you’ve got it), and stir it into your soup as you eat. Buon appetito!

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How To Beat The Winter Blues | Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread

January 17, 2013 by 16 Comments

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread | Once Upon a Recipe

Do you ever have days where you just can’t, and I mean CANNOT, muster up the energy to do something that you really need to do? As in, even if someone offered you $100 to complete this task, you still just couldn’t do it?

For example, today I just CANNOT do the dishes. The sink is full of them. Dirty pots and pans, crusty bowls, cups, even things that I really just should have put in the dishwasher, but even the idea of opening up the dishwasher door, pulling out the rack, and placing these items in their proper place was just too much for this old gal.

Friends, I haven’t done the dishes in 3 days. THREE. Eww. They’re even starting to…smell. (I can’t believe I just admitted that.)

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread | Once Upon a Recipe

And you know who is to blame? Winter. Cold, dreary, let’s-get-dark-at-five-o’clock-just-when-everyone-is-getting-off-work-so-they-get-zero-vitamin-D-cause-that’s-fun (not) winter. It is during these months that it takes practically all I’ve got to not change into my sweatpants, wrap myself in a snuggie (yes, I own a snuggie), and watch TV/surf Pinterest all night long with a bottle of wine and a plate of leftover Christmas cookies at my side. Hmm…that’s a frightening visual. My apologies.

Don’t worry, I’ve figured out a few ways to beat those winter blues. Running, yoga, and the thought of not being able to fit into any of my clothes come May, to name a few. Oh, and bread! Bright, summery, delicious bread!

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread | Once Upon a Recipe

A trick from Joy…rub the zest into the sugar to release the essential oils in the zest = flavor town.

Let’s take a break from hot soups and casseroles and other wintery things, mmm-k? Let’s smack winter in the face and enjoy the flavors of summer!

Real talk: I first made this bread back in September, when it was technically still summer. Blueberries were at their seasonal prime. BUT! I have seen fresh blueberries pop up at my local supermarket on more than one occasion as of late. And if all else fails, use frozen blueberries.

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread | Once Upon a Recipe

Don’t be discouraged! We’re all going to get through this together. Just make yourself a loaf of this bread, enjoy a slice or two with your morning tea or coffee, and let’s start plotting all of the fun we’re going to have this summer. It’ll be here before we know it!

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread | Once Upon a Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread (adapted from allrecipes.com)

It’s no secret that lemon and blueberries are a match made in heaven. The walnuts in this bread add a nice little twist, and the glaze adds some extra moisture and tartness. If this bread won’t get you out of bed on a cold, dark morning, I’m not sure what will!

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

Zest from 2 lemons

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 TBSP. butter, melted

2 TBSP. vegetable oil

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

For the glaze:

Juice from 2 lemons

3 TBSP. sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium-high heat for a few minutes or until just fragrant. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, lemon zest, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, melted butter and oil. Whisk to combine.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add  the liquid mixture and stir gently until just combined; do not over-mix. Gently fold in the walnuts and blueberries.

Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan (8″x4″). Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on rack for 20 minutes; remove from pan.

For the glaze, combine the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the glaze over the bread while still warm. Slice and enjoy! Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and consume within a few days.

Lemon Blueberry Walnut Bread | Once Upon a Recipe

PS. For the health of all those involved, my sink of dirty dishes has been taken care of. No need to send help.

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Just Call Me Fancy Pants | Tequila Shrimp

January 8, 2013 by 31 Comments

Tequila Shrimp | Once Upon a Recipe

Despite the fact that all of the holiday parties are over, it is important to have a few recipes on the ready so that you’re always in a position to entertain your friends. (Happy bellies = happy friends). It’s kind of a shame that we smush all of these wonderful parties/gatherings into the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve, no? I mean, it makes for a lot of partying and eating and drinking to do in a short amount of time. Forget the Freshman Fifteen. Hello Christmas Fifteen. Why not spread it out a little?

Tequila Shrimp | Once Upon a Recipe

Friends, I propose that we create a new holiday. Something to get us through the rest of the winter. January and February are such dreary months! Post-holiday lows combined with cold, dark days. It’s all a bit depressing if you ask me. What shall we call our new holiday?

…I am drawing a blank, but one thing I can be sure of is that it must involve lots of good food and beverages. Presents can be optional.

Tequila Shrimp | Once Upon a Recipe

And these tequila shrimp will be a must-serve item. I mean, come on – jumbo shrimp combined with tequila, lime, and cilantro? It’s like a shrimp marrying a margarita and having delicious babies. It’s super simple to create too. Sauté your shrimp with some onion, garlic, and tequila – all of which can be done in advance, no less – and then serve with cilantro, lime, and salt. In a jumbo martini glass (optional – see below). I made these tequila shrimp for a holiday party I hosted a few weeks ago and they were completely annihilated. Fancy pants without being finicky or stressful. Winning! Happy…Partymus!

Tequila Shrimp | Once Upon a Recipe

Tequila Shrimp

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and tails on (~40 large shrimp)

1/4 cup tequila

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/8-1/4 tsp. salt (to taste)

2 TBSP. cilantro, chopped

Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add the tequila and the shrimp. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are just pink. Refrigerate for at least two hours, or until ready to serve (up to 24 hours).

For the presentation: Combine the shrimp with the lime juice, salt, and cilantro. Toss together and serve over ice, preferably in an over-sized martini glass. Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping, if desired.

PS. While I’ve never tried it, I happen to think that this recipe could be turned into a rather amazing entrée. Add the lime juice, salt, and cilantro while the shrimp are still warm, and serve over freshly cooked angel hair pasta. Throw in some asparagus (or your favorite vegetable) to round out the meal. Does that sound lip-smacking good or what?

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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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Happy to (K)New You | Banana Flax Muffins (+/- Chocolate Chips)

December 31, 2012 by 24 Comments

Banana Flax Muffins | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here we are friends, on the eve of a new year. I hope that Santa treated you all very well and that you ate and drank as much Christmas cheer as I did! Truth be told, I may have enjoyed a little too much Christmas cheer, but that’s what new year’s resolutions are for, right? I mean, what would a new year be without the promise to eat healthier/exercise more/take better care of one’s self?

Resolutions aside, I am filled with excitement. I think 2013 is going to be an amazing year. In fact, I can feel it. Good things await us all.

Banana Flax Muffins | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And so I was all ready to share a fancy-pants appetizer recipe with you – one that you might like to make for a New Year’s Eve/Day party. But then I found myself in my kitchen this afternoon, baking up a batch of my very favorite (and most frequently made) muffins, and realized that I have yet to share the recipe with you. And I decided that I couldn’t let the year pass by without doing just that.

(Don’t worry, that fancy-pants appetizer works well year round and will be shared soon!)

Banana Flax Muffins | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And so, dear friends, I give you my most very favorite muffin recipe. It achieved that status based on the fact that it is wickedly simple to throw together, the fact that I always have the ingredients sitting in my kitchen, and the fact that they have been a hit with absolutely everyone that I have shared them with. They are somewhat healthy too, with the option make them even more so (suggestions included) if you so desire. However, I recommend trying the recipe as I’ve written it first, then playing around to figure out what suits your tastes. To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of muffins that have no added butter or oil, as their gummy texture always gives them away. But to each their own!

With that, I raise my glass to thank you all for a wonderful year, and I send you warm wishes for the coming one. I hope that you all have the opportunity to usher in the new year with those you love most.

Cheers to 2012 – hello 2013!

Banana Flax Muffins | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banana Flax Muffins (+/- Chocolate Chips)

Despite being made with all whole wheat flour, these muffins are incredibly tender and moist. I usually make them without the chocolate chips, but for a little treat, I’ll add dark chocolate chips. Makes 12 muffins.

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

3 large ripe bananas, mashed

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (or 2 TBSP. honey)

1/4 cup ground flax

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup butter, melted (or applesauce)

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine the bananas, brown sugar, ground flax, egg, butter, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using. Divide the batter evenly between the muffin tins. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are just beginning to brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre of the muffin comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

These muffins freeze extremely well and make a great breakfast or snack!

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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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Well Paired | Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies

December 22, 2012 by 10 Comments

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, I hate to point out the obvious, but…we survived. The world goes on.

Hopefully, you’re prepared for Christmas because it’s coming in just three more days and now you really have no excuse for not being ready. However, whether you’ve accidentally left everything to the last minute (or not), I’m here to help.

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First of all, you must go make some lemon butter. It’s quick! It’s easy! It’s delicious! It makes a wonderful gift! Aside from its extremely high deliciousness factor, it’s darn cute!

But if you want to go the extra mile, make some rosemary lemon shortbread-esque cookies, and then sandwich them together with a creamy mixture of lemon butter and mascarpone cheese. Umm, yeah…you’re going to want to do this, if not for others then for yourself. And don’t fret! If you just don’t have the time or energy to make your own lemon butter, you could certainly substitute store bought lemon curd or even lemon pie filling for the lemon butter. Although I highly recommend going the extra mile and making your own lemon butter. Just sayin’. And please, don’t be afraid of the rosemary in this recipe. It adds a very subtle flavor that complements the lemon beautifully. This ain’t no one-dimensional cookie. This is a multidimensional cookie!

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to my lovely coworker, Jenn for sharing this recipe with me. It comes from the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. And let me tell you, it’s decadent. I encourage you to double the recipe as one batch only makes about 18 sandwiches. But then again, you will most certainly be tempted to eat these little creatures, so if you don’t plan on getting them out of your house immediately, this may be a case where less is more. Consider yourself warned.

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make these friends. Share them with some special people. And get back to the celebrations of the season. Much love (and cookies) to you all.

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies (barely adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, Dec. 2012)

Makes about 18 sandwich cookies.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar + extra for dipping

2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tsp. lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup lemon butter

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Add the sugar, rosemary, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt, and beat until combined. Scrape the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. Beat in the vanilla, and then add the flour.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, and place on the cookie sheets. With the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar, flatten each ball to 1/2-inch thickness. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Cool completely.

In a small bowl, combine the lemon butter and mascarpone cheese. Spread  on the bottom sides of half of the cookies, and top with the remaining cookies to make sandwiches. Layer sandwich cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator or freeze.

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies | Once Upon a Recipe

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