photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

5 ingredients, 5 minutes to assemble. Regrettably these babies take more than 5 minutes to bake, but the batter is simplicity itself to put together. I throw together these brownies and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive so that the sweet aroma can welcome them at the door.

Makes: 36, depending on size
Preparation: 5 minutes
Bakes: 15-20 minutes

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter
5 eggs, beaten lightly
1 1/3 cup fine sugar
3 Tbsp pastry flour

Cut each butter stick into four pieces and place in a large microwave safe dish along with the chocolate.
Microwave on a medium heat for 1 -2 minutes or until the two ingredients have melted.
Combine well and sift the flour and sugar into the bowl.  Add the eggs and combine to make a smooth batter.
Pre-heat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and allow the batter to stand for 20-30 minutes.
Spoon the batter three-quarters full into small paper lined muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy warm on its on or serve with good quality vanilla ice cream. I like to pile them onto a pretty cake stand with cherries and mint.

Variation: Mocha brownies
For me chocolate and coffee beg to be united. I like to add 1 tsp of espresso powder when I sift in the sugar and pastry flour.

Sharing is caring:
Take some brownies to work to make everyone’s day that little bit sweeter.

Portion control:
These brownies are not your typical low fat dessert, but one cakelet is all you need to feel that you are indulging in a high quality dessert without having to worry about too much calorie consumption.

Kid-friendly:
Let them eat cake! And let them bake these easy cakelets “all by themselves”.  A watchful eye wont hurt though.

 
photography by: Niel Herman

The sun is out, the weather warming up, so invite over some friends. Linger over a glass of wine or two, languish over some simple, rustic dishes, throw in some fresh seasonal salads and don’t forget something sweet to nourish the soul.

Settle in, enjoy the company, take your feasts outdoors whenever possible, clink your glasses to a toast, because summer has just begun!

Cheers!

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photography by:Nicholette von Reiche

Enjoy this easy and versatile dish on it's own with lashings of Parmesan cheese or serve alongside your favorite, crisp green salad.

Serves: 4
Preperation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes

1½ cups fresh asparagus spears
500g good quality gnocchi
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 medium red onion, diced
1 Tbsp fresh thyme

100g white button mushrooms, sliced
Cream cheese sauce
1 cup cream cheese (with herbs or plain)
½ cup white wine
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and ground black pepper

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

Use leftover roast chicken to make these appetizing quesadillas. Perfect for a simple lunch or light dinner.

Makes: 2 quesadillas (8 wedges)
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
4 sweet piquant peppers, diced
1 cup roast chicken, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 cup mozzarella or white cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and ground black pepper
Olive oil
4 flour tortillas (plain or whole wheat)
2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley (optional) or dried basil

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Heaven! If heaven had a taste, it would taste like Georgetown Cupcake, cupcakes. Light and feathery, yet delicately sweet and perfect.  From the first time you lay your eyes on these flawless beauties, to the first bite and through to the last crumb, these cupcakes are simply heavenly.

I must be late in discovering this gem, as many people have tasted and reviewed Georgetown Cupcake’s petite little cakes. I see myself as quite the cupcake expert, I have been in many cupcakeries, baked too many to keep count and often find it very disappointing when I sink my teeth into the most beautiful looking cupcake, only to find an overly sweet, most disappointing ordinary cakelet.

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photography by:Nicholette von Reiche

My take on Georgetown cupcake’s signature cupcake. Red velvet cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting.

Makes: 24
Preparation: 20 minutes
Bakes: 20 minutes

2½ cups all purpose flour
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
1½ cups soft brown sugar
1½ cup canola oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 Tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1½ tsp baking soda
2 tsp white vinegar

Vanilla Cream cheese frosting:
1 stick (8 Tbsp ) butter, at room temperature
4 cups icing/powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tub (8 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature

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It might be cold outside, but there is a plenty to warm things up between you and your sweetheart.

I am lucky enough to be married to a very sweet, hopelessly romantic Pisces man (score!). I know the anti-Valentine peeps love to bicker how you should show people you love them everyday and at every opportunity you get and I agree whole heartedly.  But just think about it, on Saint Valentines Day everyone has one thing on their minds, their significant other or the one that makes their hearts beat a little faster.

Everyone is wandering what to do, what to buy, make or bake. We are all thinking about L-O-V-E! Gooooosebumps!

Here are some irresistible ideas to woo your Valentine.

When it comes to Valentines Day, Williams Sonoma knows exactly what makes us tick. Create your own Valentine's Day message with these fun "Message-in-a-Cookie" cutters or seduce your honey's tastebuds with these charming, Heart macaroons and deep red-hued, intense chocolate flavor, Red velvet cake.

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photography by:Nicholette von Reiche

Yesterday, I woke up to a beautiful snowy morning in NYC. Clutching my warm coffee whilst looking out at the beautiful powder falling effortlessly to the ground I suddenly craved something sweet and comforting. Something that would fill my home with its aroma.

I raided my pantry and within seconds I knew exactly what I was going to make. By noon most of the snow had already melted away, as it usually does in NYC, but I was biting into these heavenly Oat, cranberry and walnut cookies relishing in the fact that they will last a least a little longer than the snow.

Try them, they are super easy to make and release all kinds of crazy flavors in your mouth but, be aware these heavenly morsels are highly addictive.

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

These delicious cookies are very easy and quick to prepare. Enjoy them warm just out of the oven or as a perfect any time snack.

Makes: 40
Preparation: 15-20 minutes
Baking: 15 minutes

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup brown granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup rolled oats

1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

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photography by: Louis Hiemstra

… and I’m feeling good. I know you were singing along.

Happy New Year to all! Thank you for your support and visits in 2009.  I look forward to sharing another year packed with exciting new recipe ideas, the latest in food, health and more.

This year has so many fun surprises in-store for us.  I have noticed that most people have ditched the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, but seem to be dead keen on taking better care of themselves. Body, soul and mind! I always feel that New Year’s resolutions put so much pressure on us, however vowing to take better care of ourselves, seems much easier and is a good thing to keep striving for. Simply making one change a week in your daily life to improve your health is already a step in the right direction.

Best of all is that we have also kicked fad diets to the curb (thank goodness), carbs are back on our plates, there is no more calorie counting or food weighing (who has time for that anyway?). We are thinking balance, sensible eating and real good honest food. Love it, love it, love it!!!

And with so much wonderful inspiration, there is no excuse for not eating well throughout the whole year. Here are some recipes that are simple to make, taste great, are perfectly balanced and best of all it’s good for your body, soul and thighs.

Here is to a wonderful 2010, full of happy, delicious memories in the making.

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photography by: Louis Hiemstra

Seal in flavor and nutrients with this simple citrus dish.

Serves: 4
Preparation: 15-20 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes

4 x skinless chicken breasts
Salt and ground black pepper

Orange and star anise sauce
Zest of two large oranges
1½  cup freshly squeezed  orange juice
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp corn flour
2 star anise
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

Orange and spinach salad
1 small red onion, sliced
3.5 oz (100g) red vine or baby spinach leaves
2 oranges of choice, peeled and segmented
1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced

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photography by: Louis Hiemstra

The perfect dish for a cold winter night. Best enjoyed with a good bottle of red wine.

Serves: 4
Preparation: 15-20 minutes
Cooking: 1 hour

35 oz (1kg) veal on the bone
½ cup plain flour
Salt and ground black pepper
2 Tbsp butter
2 tsp  olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped
1 red onion, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup dry white wine
2 x 14 oz (400 g) tins of diced tomatoes

½ cup kalamata olives (optional)
½ cup good quality beef stock
2 bay leaves

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

Yeah! It’s December!

Christmas always inspires me to bake up a storm and this year is no acception.  So don your apron, get out your mixing bowls and let’s get baking. Beautifully presented food gifts are what we are giving loved ones and colleagues this year. Hand made, tied with a pretty ribbon, accompanied with a handwritten message and given from the heart. Can you think of a more special way to say Merry Christmas? Home-made gifts are also a lot of fun to prepare, especially with kids, they are cost effective and show that you have put a lot of thought, time and love into your gift.

Delight and impress those shameless chocoholics in your life with cherry chocolate salami rolls. Quite a mouth-full to say but simply irresistible. These chocolate logs are the perfect Christmas gifts as they can be served as dessert to unexpected guests, as an after dinner treat or a teatime indulgence. Simply accompany these lovelies with a note to store in the fridge, cut into generous slices on serving and enjoy with good quality coffee. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

These cranberry and pecan studded bars make for the chewiest, richest, tastiest festive bars.

Makes: 30 bars, depending on size
Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 30-35 minutes

For the crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup soft brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 stick (110g) unsalted butter, diced

For the filling:
2 large eggs, whisked
¾ cup honey or corn syrup
¼ cup soft brown sugar
2 Tbsp all purpose flour, sifted
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup pecans, chopped
½ cup cranberries, roughly chopped
zest of 1 lemon
½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

This delicious and versatile breakfast favorite is the perfect gourmet gift.

Makes: 16 ½-cup portions
Preparation time: 10 minutes

Baking time: 30 minutes (plus cooling)


3 cups rolled oats

¾ cup pecan nuts, roughly chopped
¾ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
1 cup shredded coconut

½ cup dried cranberries, diced
½ cup dried figs, sliced
Zest of 2 lemons
2 tsp cinnamon spice
1 cup honey, warmed

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

These delicious breads won't last long over Christmas-time or any other time. They also make for a great hostess gift.

Makes: 2 x 15 oz (450g) loaf tins
Preparation: 15 minutes, excluding time to soak the oats
Baking: 30-45 minutes

½ cup rolled oats
1½ cups milk
1½ cups self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon spice
Pinch of salt
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
¾ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 oz (55g) soft brown sugar
4 Tbsp honey
2 eggs, lightly beaten

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

Even Santa won't be able to resist these home-baked cookies. I bake over-sized cookies for gifts and smaller ones to keep on hand when visitors come over.

Makes: 15-20 cookies
Preparation: 10-15 minutes
Baking: 10-12 minutes

4 oz (120g) dark chocolate, chopped
1 stick (110g) unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup plain flour
¼ cup cocoa
2 tsp coffee powder (omit for kids if preferred)
½ tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
10 oz (280g) dark chocolate, roughly chopped
3 oz (85g) candy canes

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photography by: Nicholette von Reiche

This creamy and rich chocolate log is perfect for the holiday season. Take this traditional Portuguese delicacy and give it a modern twist. 

Makes: 2 x 8-inch rolls
Preparation: 10-15 minutes, plus overnight chilling

7 oz (200g) dark chocolate
1 stick (110g) unsalted butter, chopped
1 cup cream
2 tsp Kahlua liqueur or rum (* please view notes section)
1 cup dried or glacé cherries, chopped
5 oz (150g) chocolate wafer biscuits, crushed
Icing sugar or ½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped

Melt the chocolate either in a bowl over hot water, or in a microwave. Add the butter and stir until well combined.
Slowly stir in the cream and the kahlua or rum .
Add the cherries and crushed wafers. Mix well and leave to cool slightly.
Lay out a long sheet of non-stick baking paper and spoon half of the mixture onto the sheet. Roll the mixture into a sausage shape about 8 inches (20cm) long.
Repeat with the remaining mixture.

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photography and styling by: Kelly Cline

If you need some thanksgiving inspiration or you’re stuck with ample leftovers that you have no idea what to do with, you have come to the right place.

I have put together a super simple and elegant menu that will make your guests remember the scrumptious meal you put forward long after they have forgotten how much their stomachs ached from eating to much.

And if you are dreading having to eat turkey meat or any other leftovers for the next week then give your holiday leftovers a second life with these fun, light and delicious recipes. They are everything but dull.

While we are all gathering around the table, enjoying the scrumptious dishes and admiring the beautiful table settings, remember that the holiday is mainly about being grateful for what we have and for spending as much time as possible with the people who matters most to you.

I hope these recipes add a touch of special to your table.

Enjoy and happy thanksgiving.

photography by: Louis Hiemstra

This simple yet sophisticated menu is specifcally designed for leisurely consumption with loved ones.

Nibbles: Breadsticks, crudités and dips
Your guests will salivate at the mere smell of what’s cooking in the kitchen, surprise them with these light nibbles to prepare their palates for what is to follow.

Starter: Blue cheese and grape salad
This appetizer with it's vibrant colors and flavors will have everyone eager to see what is to follow.

Main: Citrus roast turkey with pistachio praline
Use fresh seasonal ingredients to create a symphony of festive flavors

Side: Peas with mint and lemon zest
The perfect side to any meal.

Dessert: Chocolate torte with fresh berries
This rich and heavenly chocolate torte is easy to make but requires chilling time, so make it a day in advance.