Whole Lot of Whole Grains

IMG_4708Sure, there is a difference between cooking and baking and while I feel comfortable cooking up pretty much anything, I get a little more hesitant when it comes to baking. Not so with this amazing Seeded Whole Grain Soda Bread. I know it’s way past March 17th, but this version of a soda bread deserves to be baked more than just once a year. Come and cook with us!

Compared to the (gluten and gluten free) sourdough breads I experiment on a regular basis – and to varying success, this whole grain soda bread is really easy and quick to bake. It is packed with lots of whole grains including quinoa, millet, amaranth and oats and is inspired by a recipe I found on Bon Appetit. It’s amazingly moist and chewy and has become an instant favorite at my house. It’s great on its own, with butter and jam for breakfast, but also with scrambled eggs or hummus or smoked salmon. The options are endless.

The whole grains in the recipe are truly whole, with the exception of the oats, that are rolled. To soften their texture ahead of baking, soak the grains in buttermilk for 8-12 hours. Yes, this means that baking this bread needs a little planning on your side, but nothing too serious or time-intensive. We can absolutely do this! It bakes in squares in my favorite cast-iron pan so I usually freeze what we don’t eat on the first turn around to defrost and toast the rest on the following day or later in the week.

If you or someone in your family likes bread, give this Seeded Whole Grain Soda Bread a try and let us know what you think. Come and cook with us!

Seeded Whole Grain Soda Bread

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Nuts and Seed Aren’t Just For Birds: Make Dukkah!

_DSC0523Have you heard of dukkha? To be honest, I can’t say that I’ve known about it for long. It’s a savory blend of roasted nuts, seeds and spices that hails all the way from Egypt. The fragrant mix is absolutely delicious, very versatile and super easy to make. Where have I been that I didn’t know about it sooner? Here’s to more dukkah in my house and, hopefully, yours, too. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Nuts and Seed Aren’t Just For Birds: Make Dukkah!”

Say Ciao to Chia Seeds

1172965_1384123231830442_380912621_nOk, I’ll admit it. Chia seeds are not for everybody. Or at least not everyone dives head-over-heels into a chia-pudding or chia-filled drink as my son and I do. We love it, whether or not it’s good for you. It’s that gelling action of the seeds when soaked in liquid that appeals to us… while making the other half of the family run away screaming.  Have you ever tried them? Well, it’s one of those things that you’ll either love or hate. But what are chia seeds exactly? Well, read on to find out. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Say Ciao to Chia Seeds”

Turn your Pantry into Raw Energy

34fc7db2e20a11e2a0ee22000aeb0fed_7As most of you know, I am an improviser in the kitchen. This makes it harder to follow a recipe to the “t”, but it helps me be inventive with what I have in my fridge, freezer or pantry. With a little inspiration from the newest cookies and health bars hitting the shelves in stores, I experimented with the nuts and seeds in my kitchen and came up with my very own raw, no-bake, chocolate, nut and seed balls. OK, the name sounds complicated but, luckily, they are everything but! Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Turn your Pantry into Raw Energy”