I talk about food, you read it.
Archive for November, 2011
Pumpkin Pie Pancakes
06 months ago
I don’t know how many of my Canadian readers go across the border to Trader Joes, but if you haven’t its time you start! I’ve gone several times now and each time I come home happy as a clam that I have purchased a fun array of reasonably priced organic groceries. I shouldn’t even say “reasonably”, I should say CHEAP! The last time I went my girlfriend stopped me mid-aisle and showed me a box of Pumpkin Pancake Mix.
She has expressed to me how amazing it is in the past but since making pancakes is so easy I never really thought about actually purchasing a box of mix. Then I tried to imagine trying to come up with my own pumpkin pancake recipe and adding the necessary spices seemed easy enough but not the pumpkin. Who wants to mess around with pureeing pumpkin in the morning just to have pancakes?? So I took the plunge and bought the mix.
When I opened the bag it smelled amazing! It was seasoned with all the perfect pumpkin pie spices but I couldn’t see any pumpkin and became a little worried. Was this going to just be regular pancakes with seasonings? I read the ingredients and nope, there was definitely dried pumpkin in it. The best part is that you can use it to make pancakes and waffles! Equally enjoyable.
The recipe was really easy and took no time at all. Not only were the pancakes/waffles aromatic but they also are a lovely colour of orange. J and I really enjoyed these! These are the perfect breakfast for cold fall days!
Whistler Brewing Company’s Chestnut Ale
06 months ago
While driving to work a few weeks back I heard the radio DJs talk about, in great detail, how absolutely amazing Whistler Brewing Company’s Chestnut Ale is. At 8 am I was drooling and dreaming about how my life would be complete if I could just get my hands on some. Unfortunately for me, it was too early for any liquor store to be open so I pouted and went to work like a good little girl. I would probably also be fired if I showed up to work with an opened 6 pack in hand and blamed the radio.
At the end of that day I left work forgetting all about my inner beer tantrum from earlier and went home to make dinner and relax. It wasn’t until a few days ago, when I bought a 6 pack of Granville Island Winter Ale, my absolute favourite winter ale, that I remembered I had actually wanted something else. HOW on earth could I forget that there was this new and exciting ale calling my name? I was officially on the search which was a very frustrating search. I went to several liquor stores, some private and some government and couldn’t get my hands on it. Well, a tip to the wise…..it doesn’t come in a 6 pack. You find it in the section of imported and micro brewed beer in the large bottles.
Let me tell you about this beer. I think you’re going to have to file it under “must try” this fall. It’s the latest offering that isn’t of a pumpkin variety. A nice dark amber in colour but since I served it rather cold I missed the chestnut upon first sip. Just an FYI, ales should be served a few degrees less then what your fridge is at. Caramel was the first flavour that hit me and actually reminded me a lot of the GIB Winter Ale. It wasn’t until I was halfway through my glass did I get the chestnut flavours. I really enjoyed this beer but it is a little on the heavier side and with so much sweetness from the caramel it’s probably not something I would want to drink throughout an entire evening. Perhaps start your night with this longneck and move onto something else during fall festivities. I do highly recommend that you give it shot though, especially since it’s out for a limited time only.
Baked Mac and Cheese
0Is it just me or did it get really cold really fast? We literally went from 20 to 2 degrees in the span of 3 weeks. That means my BBQ is officially wrapped up for the winter. I know some people still bbq in the snow but I prefer to lean towards comfort foods or foods that are in season. One of the top rated comfort foods of all time has to be Mac and cheese.
I didn’t really know how to make my own cheese sauce until this past Thanks Giving when I made my cheesy veggie casserole and I needed to try it again, just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. Turns out, it’s actually really easy!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk or half and half ( or a mix, as long as its 2 cups)
- 3 cups grated cheese (of your choice, I used cheddar, feta, and baldersons aged white cheddar)
- 2-3 dashes of hot sauce
- 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pepper to taste
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ bread crumbs
- 1 pound elbow macaroni ( I used penne since it was in the pantry)
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add salt to taste and, while stirring, add the macaroni. Return to a boil, reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for about 5 minutes, or until macaroni is very al dente (slightly undercooked).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
While you’re waiting for macaroni heat a heavy, medium saucepan melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half and half little by little. Cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat, season with pepper, hot sauce, mustard and 1/4 cup ounces of the grated parmesan. Add remaining cheese of your choice stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Cover and set aside.
Drain macaroni and pour in a large oven proof dish. Pour cheese mixture over macaroni and stir to combine. Sprinkle the top with remaining parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven for about 40 min, until bubbly and hot and the top is golden brown. Allow to sit for 6 min before serving.
The combination of the cheese I used made a creamy, sharp tasting max and cheese. J and I devoured this dish and I can’t wait to try different cheese combo. The best part is it tastes even better for lunch the next day!