Wanderlust

I have to admit I have come down with a severe case of wanderlust.

It maybe the winter doldrums, but I have been feverishly 

researching, planning and daydreaming of upcoming travel destinations for 2013.

We hope to visit NYC, Paris & London.

Where are you traveling to this year?

 

The Gardens Of Biltmore Part III

I feel like a broken record, but I HIGHLY recommend visiting the gardens within 

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

It was an extraordinary experience.

Chicken Pesto Pizza

Sometimes I don't feel like cooking.

I know, I know it's not what food bloggers usually say - but it's the truth.

Fortunately there is always pizza. And while I enjoy ordering out, there is something to be said for a home cooked meal.

That's why pizza is an ideal choice for Friday night dinner.

Helpful tip: I like using store-bought pizza dough.

What's your favorite take-out meal...that isn't?

Recipe can be found here

Currently Listening To

I first heard about Atlas Genius through a friend who had recently moved to Austrialia.
Fast forward a year, their long awaited LP has finally been released today!
I love this band's sound which combines catchy melodies and ear pleasing vocals.
Check out Atlas Genius here

Cherry & White Chocolate Scones

Happy Valentine's Day!!

While we don't tend to overtly celebrate Valentine's Day I like to bake something special.

A couple years ago I made these strawberry filled cupcakes so this year I wanted to switch things up a bit.  I found a recipe for white chocolate scones, but decided to add dried cherries to it just to change it up.

What do you do to celebrate Valentine's Day?

Ingredients

• 3 oz (90 g) white chocolate 
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk or milk
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) milk

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with oil or line with parchment paper. Coarsely chop chocolate. In a large bowl, stir flour with sugar, baking powder and salt to evenly mix.
• Using your fingers, a fork or pastry blender, work in butter until crumbly. Pour in buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, stir until almost mixed. Add chocolate and knead in, just until mixed.
• Turn onto a floured counter. Divide dough in half. Gently pat each half into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut each circle into 6 triangle-shaped scones, for 12 in total.
• Place scones on baking sheet at least 1 inch apart. Lightly brush with milk. Sprinkle with a little sugar if you wish. Bake in centre of preheated oven until lightly golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

 Adapted from Chatelaine Magazine.

The Gardens Of Biltmore Part II

Walking the winding paths of the Biltmore's majestic gardens left me breathless.

 After touring the grounds we stumbled upon a greenhouse with the most colorful flowers I have ever seen.

I can't wait to return soon. 

January Book Reviews

January was a light reading month for me.

Although I am committed to reading one book per week, I got off to a bad start the first month of the year.  Hopefully February is much better, but seeing as I am having a tough time finishing NW by Zadie Smith I'm cautiously optimisitc. But I get an "A" for effort right?

The Rook By Daniel O'Malley: 

I really, really wanted to like this book but in the end the characters felt flat and I didn't care what happened to them in the end. Many of the other book reviews out there talk about how the "letter chapters" were long and drawn out - which I agree with.  The storyline and concept are great though, so I fully expect this book to be turned into a movie soon.

Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson:

Who doesn't love a good chef memoir - am I right?

I loved this book.  Marcus' writes with such truthfulness and compassion that I was captivated by his story. Unlike so many other chef memoirs out there, Yes, Chef offers are more complex tale of Marcus' heritage and devotion to his trade.