Tuesday, January 25, 2011

MYTH: "Making Bread the Traditional Way Takes Too Long"

"...making bread takes very little actual time on your part - about 15 minutes at the start, to measure, mix, and knead the ingredients is all that's needed, plus a few minutes time and attention to punch the dough down and knead once or twice between provings, then to place the dough into the greased tins. The dough itself and the oven take care of the rest, leaving you plenty of time to do whatever you wish in between!" ~ ©EpicureanPiranha

Next time it’s raining or stormy outside, why not try this delicious recipe for oatmeal bread. I’ve detailed and photographed each step. Creating something so delicious and satisfying from simple ingredients using one’s own hands, without the need for more than a few measuring cups and spoons, is unbelievably satisfying and therapeutic!

I hope you'll have a look at the recipe and be tempted to try it - it's actually very simple if you follow the steps I've fully illustrated. Here is a direct link: Step-By-Step Instuctions for Making Great Bread"

My Mediterranean-style Scallops with Rich Tarragon Tomato Sauce on Linguini



Tarragon is a wonderful, aromatic herb with a lovely flavour somewhat like anise and basil combined, and a hint of lemon. I particularly love tarragon with tomato-based sauces and seafood

So last evening I created this rich tomato sauce finished with a hint of heavy cream, and served it on a bed of linguini fini garnished with large, plump, sea scallops quickly sautéed in butter until golden. Wonderful!

By the way, this would be a perfect recipe for a Valentine's Day dinner for two ♥  Find the detailed recipe, and all the steps you need to make this dish a success, on my webzine: EpicureanPiranha . com

Enjoy!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Emergency Cake Fix!

Muffins are a great emergency fixe when you have a craving for cake! They’re quick and easy to prepare, bake quickly, and taste best warm from the oven so there’s no waiting :-)

I created these Butterscotch Pecan Bites today for my brother-in-law Ron – he loves having sweet pastries or cake for dessert and is arriving from Alaska with my sister this evening to visit. They’re made with rich 10% fat yogurt, brown sugar, loads of tiny butterscotch bits wrapped in milk chocolate (a recent discovery ), and my favourite nuts, pecans.

The recipe is coming up soon on EpicureanPiranha.com, my epicurean webzine

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Visions of sugarplums …

Sweet treats ....

Delicate meringue kisses of pale pink and green, a deliciously decadent luxury version of “Millionaire’s Shortbread” (layers of buttery shortbread, lightly toasted pecans, rich caramel, and Lindt chocolate), and a rich orange, dried cranberry, and ginger pound cake ~ the selection of  desserts I prepared for our New Year’s Eve celebration dinner.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a Wonderful New Year filled with love and happiness!