Recipe by Silvia Baldini—This is a mix between an Italian frittata and a Soufflé because the texture is light and fluffy. It rises high after you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and you gently fold them in the egg mixture before cooking it in a hot pan with a splash of good olive oil. Herbs are a great addition to this frittata but any leftover cheese, ham or chopped vegetable would make a great filling. I particularly like a variation made with zucchini flowers if you can find any at the local market or in your garden. I like to serve it with green salad tossed with vinaigrette homemade by whisking extra virgin olive oil and peach or grapefruit white Balsamic.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—This is a mix between an Italian frittata and a Soufflé because the texture is light and fluffy. It rises high after you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and you gently fold them in the egg mixture before cooking it in a hot pan with a splash of good olive oil. Herbs are a great addition to this frittata but any leftover cheese, ham or chopped vegetable would make a great filling. I particularly like a variation made with zucchini flowers if you can find any at the local market or in your garden. I like to serve it with green salad tossed with vinaigrette homemade by whisking extra virgin olive oil and peach or grapefruit white Balsamic.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large metal bowl, whisk the 4 eggs. Add the Parmesan, heavy cream, parsley, and salt. Add the nutmeg and mix well. In a large metal bowl, beat the eggs whites with a small pinch of salt and the vinegar until they form stiff peaks. Slowly fold the whites into the frittata mixture.
Heat a seasoned medium cast-iron pan or nonstick pan over high and add enough oil to coat the bottom, then lower to medium. Gently pour the frittata mixture into the pan, lower the flame, and cook until the frittata doesn’t stick to the bottom, about 7 to 10 minutes. Finish the frittata in the oven, 5 to 10 minutes. The center should still be a little creamy. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Tips:
If you are using a cast-iron pan, make sure to rub it with 1 cup kitchen salt and 4 tbsp oil. I also use a paper towel to rub the bottom of the pan in circular motions. This helps seal the pan and make it nonstick. Throw out the paper towel and salt mixture when you’re done.
Folding is a simple technique. The goal is to preserve the air you worked so hard to produce by beating the eggs. First spoon a small amount of egg whites into the mixture and beat vigorously to combine the molecules and even out the texture, then gently fold the rest of the whites in with a rubber spatula in 3 batches. If you really want to be precise and make sure the mixture is well combined, you can slowly turn the mixture from one bowl to the other and keep folding, repeating this process at least twice.
Variations:
Anything you have in your fridge will make a great frittata add-in. Some ideas and traditional variations:
Cubed Fontina Cheese and Ham
Four Cheeses
Sautéed Zucchini
Caramelized Onions
Cooked Spinach
Herbs
Leftover Spaghetti (a kids’ favorite)
Pancetta and Peas
Recipe by Silvia Baldini —My version of coconut and orange baked French Toast is creamy and comforting. It takes not time to prep and the coconut milk and orange zest combination is a bit different than the usual vanilla custard. It has a bright and creamy finish and it fills the kitchen with a delicious and homemade scent. This French toast is perfect for the holidays and it is a no-fail-recipe that can easily be prepped or baked ahead of time. I like to serve it for brunch or at a family breakfast.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini —My version of coconut and orange baked French Toast is creamy and comforting. It takes not time to prep and the coconut milk and orange zest combination is a bit different than the usual vanilla custard. It has a bright and creamy finish and it fills the kitchen with a delicious and homemade scent. This French toast is perfect for the holidays and it is a no-fail-recipe that can easily be prepped or baked ahead of time. I like to serve it for brunch or at a family breakfast.
1teaspoongrated orange zestplus extra for servings
1/2cup orange juice
1/4teaspoonfine sea salt salt
1loaf (1-inch-diced)1 day-old loaf of bread French brioche, six grains, challah bread or baguette
6ouncesfresh raspberries and black berries
confectioner sugarfor serving
pure maple syrup or honeyfor serving
Servings: people
Instructions
Grease a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with the butter and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, double cream, coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, vanilla, the orange zest, orange juice, and salt
Spread the diced bread in the prepared baking dish and pour on the egg mixture, pressing down lightly to moisten the bread. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake it for 45 to 50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is puffed and browned. Check after 25 minutes; if the top is getting too browned, cover it lightly with aluminum foil. Cool for 10 minutes, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, dust with extra orange zest, and serve warm with maple syrup and the berries.
1/2cupuncooked long- or short-grain brown rice, rinsed
1/2cupuncooked oatmeal, rinsed in a strainer
3cupscups almond milk or coconutplus more for serving
1/4teaspooncardamom powder
1/4teaspoonfine sea salt
3cupscold water
1 to 4 tablespponsgranulated or turbinado sugar, honey, lemon curd or marmalade
fresh seasonal fruit, such as figs, berries, or sliced stone fruits
almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans, toasted
Servings: people
Instructions
Dump the rice, oatmeal, milk, cardamom, salt, water, and sugar in a large saucepan set over medium heat and stir to combine.
Let the ingredients warm until the liquid starts to bubble around the edges of the pan. Reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a very gentle simmer and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan frequently so the grains don’t stick, until the rice is broken down and the porridge has a soupy consistency, 60 minutes. You want to be careful to not let the porridge boil.
Spoon the porridge into bowls and, if desired, stir in some sugar or top with curd, fruit, nuts, and/or a splash more milk. (You can cover and refrigerate any leftover porridge for up to several days and serve cold or warm gently in a small saucepan, covered, over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or milk as the porridge thickens when cold.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — This coffee and Nutella cake is another soft, no butter bundt cake.
There is a secret to keep the center gooey and chocolatey. Simply bake half of the cake batter for 12 minutes and then add the Nutella. Cover with the remaining batter and finish to bake. YUM! A heart of Nutella!
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — This coffee and Nutella cake is another soft, no butter bundt cake.
There is a secret to keep the center gooey and chocolatey. Simply bake half of the cake batter for 12 minutes and then add the Nutella. Cover with the remaining batter and finish to bake. YUM! A heart of Nutella!
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Grease the bottoms and the sides of a 9 inches round tube cake pan. Line with parchment paper. You can use a bundt cake but I would select a simple design or the cake will stick to the pan. A spring form pan works as well.
Make one espresso shot and add the two teaspoons of instant coffee to it. Mix and set aside.
In a stand in mixer, fitted with a wire whisk attachment, cream the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy. About 10 minutes.
Slow down the whisk and add the milk a little bit at the time until mixed in, then add the vanilla extract, the coffee and then slowly add the sunflower oil and then the flour, the baking powder and the salt. Keep mixing until well combined scraping down after each addition.
Pour half of the cake batter in the prepared pan and spread with a knife or a silicon spatula.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Take the cake out of the oven and spoon the Nutella on the half baked batter in a concentric circle. Cover with the remaining cake batter.
Put back in the hot oven for another 25 to 27 minutes, until golden and firm. Use a toothpick to test the cake to see if it is cooked in the center.
Remove the cake and place on a wire rack to cool. Do not remove the cake from the pan until cooled. Sprinkle with powder sugar before serving or with sifted cocoa powder.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — One more super soft, moist and easy to make breakfast cake. Strawberry, yogurt, no butter- 15 minute to mix- 35 minute in the oven.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — One more super soft, moist and easy to make breakfast cake. Strawberry, yogurt, no butter- 15 minute to mix- 35 minute in the oven.
2/3cupsunflower oilyou can also use grapes seeds or vegetable oil
2 1/4cupsall-purpose flour, sifted
1 1/2teaspoonsbaking powder
1/4teaspoon salt
1 1/4cupfresh strawberries, quartered
powder sugar
Servings: people
Instructions
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Grease the bottoms and the sides of a 9 inches round tube cake pan. Line with parchment paper. You can use a bundt cake but I would select a simple design or the cake will stick to the pan. A spring form pan works as well.
In a stand in mixer, fitted with a wire whisk attachment, cream the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy. About 10 minutes.
Slow down the whisk and add the yogurt a little bit at the time until mixed in, then add the vanilla extract, the grated lemon peel, slowly add the sunflower oil and then the flour, the baking powder and the salt. Keep mixing until well combined scraping down after each addition.
Pour half of the cake batter in the prepared pan and spread with a knife or a silicon spatula. Spread the half of the strawberries on top of the batter, then cover with the remaining cake batter. Place the remaining strawberries on top of the batter.
Put in the hot oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and firm. After 20 minute in the oven you can quickly add some strawberries to the top of the cake, without taking the cake out of the oven, then finish baking. Use a toothpick to test the cake to see if it is cooked in the center.
Remove the cake and place on a wire rack to cool. Do not remove the cake from the pan until cooled. I cover the cake while it's cooling with plastic wrap for moisture. Sprinkle with powder sugar before serving.
Recipe Notes
Bake for 25 minutes and add extra strawberries to the top then finish to bake.
1/3cupsunflower oilyou can also use grapes seeds or vegetable oil
2cupsall-purpose flour, sifted
1/2teaspoonbaking powder
1/4teaspoonsalt
8ouncesmixed berry jamyou can use fresh berries
powder sugarto decorate
Servings: people
Instructions
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Grease the bottoms and the sides of a 9 inches round tube cake pan. Line with parchment paper. You can use a bundt cake but I would select a simple design or the cake will stick to the pan. A spring form pan works as well.
In a stand in mixer, fitted with a wire whisk attachment, cream the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy. About 10 minutes.
Slow down the whisk and add the fresh drained ricotta a little bit at the time until mixed in, then add the vanilla extract, the grated lemon peel, slowly add the sunflower oil and then the flour, the baking powder and the salt. Keep mixing until well combined scraping down after each addition.
Pour half of the cake batter in the prepared pan and spread with a knife or a silicon spatula. Spread the jam or the fresh berries on top of the batter, then cover with the remaining cake batter.
Put in the hot oven for 40-45 minutes, until golden and firm. Use a toothpick to test the cake. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool. Do not remove the cake from the pan until cooled. I cover the cake while it's cooling with plastic wrap for moisture.
Once cooled, invert the cake on a serving plate, peel the paper off, invert again and sprinkle with powder sugar before serving.
The moment I become a mom I felt like I had made it to the top, then I came back from the hospital with a hungry, screaming, pooping machine. I looked like shit, I smelled even worst and I was pretty convinced I would not make it through the night; I’m happy to report back, 10 years later, I am alive, showered and somewhat mentally stable.
Being a mother, so far, has been the best and most fulfilling job/career/racket/diversion/horror-comedy show I have been in charge of. I love my kids; I love nurturing them. I love having a family.
Unlike Ivanka T., mommy survival mode to me has nothing to do with not having enough time to meditate or treat myself to a massage, but rather it reflects the constant state of chaos I live in as a working mom, burning the candle at both ends just hoping to make it all work.
Let’s give a shout to all the bad-ass mothers who don’t have millions under their mattresses, or a butler to make sure their every need is met along with their children’s. The ones who are just trying to raise good (clean) humans and make it from one day to the next in one piece. And the ones hoping that the folks in Washington will finally have our backs.
Once we are done shouting, lets cook a nice brunch for mom. I suggest a frittata.
The frittata is to Italy as the omelet is to France and just as much an art form. Every Italian family has its own recipe and masterful way of turn it. My mom made a great soufflé-like frittata by adding stiffly beaten egg whites, and she turned it on a large lid over the sink without ever breaking it. When turning my version of her frittata, I prefer to use a large plate and turn it by firmly holding the pan and the plate together with two hands and then quickly inverting both. Once the frittata is turned, I gently place it back in the pan and cook for a couple minutes more.
When I want to impress and am seeking extra height on my frittata, I don’t invert it. I finish it in the oven instead. You can also use a special double frittata pan. (Once, on a long overnight trip to Paris to visit family, my father, tired of my brothers and me quarrelling, produced one of these and swiftly but not so gently hit us over our heads. We were quiet the whole remainder of the trip. The pan was a gift for my relatives, or so he told us.)
I call this frittata No-Fear Soufflé because the texture is light and fluffy, and it can rise pretty high after the egg whites are folded in. It makes a lovely present for Mother’s Day when presented in a cast-iron pan, sprinkled with edible flowers and accompanied by a green salad and a sizable hug. #RESIST
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—This is a mix between an Italian frittata and a Soufflé because the texture is light and fluffy. It rises high after you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and you gently fold them in the egg mixture before cooking it in a hot pan with a splash of good olive oil. Herbs are a great addition to this frittata but any leftover cheese, ham or chopped vegetable would make a great filling. I particularly like a variation made with zucchini flowers if you can find any at the local market or in your garden. I like to serve it with green salad tossed with vinaigrette homemade by whisking extra virgin olive oil and peach or grapefruit white Balsamic.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—This is a mix between an Italian frittata and a Soufflé because the texture is light and fluffy. It rises high after you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and you gently fold them in the egg mixture before cooking it in a hot pan with a splash of good olive oil. Herbs are a great addition to this frittata but any leftover cheese, ham or chopped vegetable would make a great filling. I particularly like a variation made with zucchini flowers if you can find any at the local market or in your garden. I like to serve it with green salad tossed with vinaigrette homemade by whisking extra virgin olive oil and peach or grapefruit white Balsamic.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large metal bowl, whisk the 4 eggs. Add the Parmesan, heavy cream, parsley, and salt. Add the nutmeg and mix well. In a large metal bowl, beat the eggs whites with a small pinch of salt and the vinegar until they form stiff peaks. Slowly fold the whites into the frittata mixture.
Heat a seasoned medium cast-iron pan or nonstick pan over high and add enough oil to coat the bottom, then lower to medium. Gently pour the frittata mixture into the pan, lower the flame, and cook until the frittata doesn’t stick to the bottom, about 7 to 10 minutes. Finish the frittata in the oven, 5 to 10 minutes. The center should still be a little creamy. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Tips:
If you are using a cast-iron pan, make sure to rub it with 1 cup kitchen salt and 4 tbsp oil. I also use a paper towel to rub the bottom of the pan in circular motions. This helps seal the pan and make it nonstick. Throw out the paper towel and salt mixture when you’re done.
Folding is a simple technique. The goal is to preserve the air you worked so hard to produce by beating the eggs. First spoon a small amount of egg whites into the mixture and beat vigorously to combine the molecules and even out the texture, then gently fold the rest of the whites in with a rubber spatula in 3 batches. If you really want to be precise and make sure the mixture is well combined, you can slowly turn the mixture from one bowl to the other and keep folding, repeating this process at least twice.
Variations:
Anything you have in your fridge will make a great frittata add-in. Some ideas and traditional variations:
Cubed Fontina Cheese and Ham
Four Cheeses
Sautéed Zucchini
Caramelized Onions
Cooked Spinach
Herbs
Leftover Spaghetti (a kids’ favorite)
Pancetta and Peas
One small but lovely teaspoon of brown sugar sprinkled over a juicy pink grapefruit then 3 to 4 minutes under a broiler – set to high – make this delicious beauty, one of my favorite ideas for a super fast- no work – breakfast. I occasionally add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom powder for extra zing. Think loads of vitamin C and unlike our government, absolutely no mess in the cabinets. #resist
The 7 yogurtcontainers yellow cake. Aways a smashing success. You don’t even need a scale or measuring cup to make it. Just use the small single-portion container from the yogurt to measure the other ingredients. The perfect project for a beginner baker! Immune-boosting probiotics make this heavenly vanilla scented confection a relatively healthful pièce de résistance for any occasion, whether a dinner party or a rainy afternoon baking project. And it’s low in sugar compared to many cakes and has no butter. Watch those tall slices disappear.
2 containers all-purpose flour00 flour is also a good choice
1tspbaking powder
1/2tspsalt
Servings: slices
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil a 9-inch round springform cake pan and line it with parchment paper cut to fit the pan.
Place the yogurt in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar and beat until creamy and smooth.
Separate the eggs and place the yolks and whites in separate bowls. Set the egg whites aside for the moment. Add the egg yolks to the yogurt mixture, 1 at a time, mixing until each yolk is incorporated before adding the next. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and the vanilla extract.
With the motor on low, slowly add the potato starch and mix until incorporated. Then add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.
Whisk the whites until firm peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently and slowly fold the eggs whites into the batter by hand and mix just until incorporated. Gently pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cover the cake with parchment paper during the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from burning.
Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Unmold the cake and let it cool completely.
Recipe Notes
I like to dust this soft cake with a generous amount of powder sugar. Those times when I want a slightly less sweet cake, I modify the recipe by cutting the granulated sugar in the batter to one container.
The 7 yogurt containers cake. Always a smashing succes. You don’t need a scale or measuring cups because you use a small yogurt cointaner, a single portion 125ml, to measure all the ingredients. Probiotics and immune system boosters make this soft, heavenly vanilla scented confection, low in sugar and with no butter, a piece de resistance for a rainy afternoon baking project. See those yellow, tall, crumbly slices disappear.
2 containers all-purpose flour00 flour is also a good choice
1tspbaking powder
1/2tspsalt
Servings: slices
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil a 9-inch round springform cake pan and line it with parchment paper cut to fit the pan.
Place the yogurt in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar and beat until creamy and smooth.
Separate the eggs and place the yolks and whites in separate bowls. Set the egg whites aside for the moment. Add the egg yolks to the yogurt mixture, 1 at a time, mixing until each yolk is incorporated before adding the next. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and the vanilla extract.
With the motor on low, slowly add the potato starch and mix until incorporated. Then add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.
Whisk the whites until firm peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently and slowly fold the eggs whites into the batter by hand and mix just until incorporated. Gently pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cover the cake with parchment paper during the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from burning.
Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Unmold the cake and let it cool completely.
Recipe Notes
I like to dust this soft cake with a generous amount of powder sugar. Those times when I want a slightly less sweet cake, I modify the recipe by cutting the granulated sugar in the batter to one container.
This banana bread is one of the most delicious I’ve ever had. The recipe is absolutely easy to make and you don’t even need machinery. A couple of old-fashioned large bowls and a wooden spoon will do the trick. It’s also an excellent use for those blackened bananas left forgotten on your counter. I have adapted this recipe from one by Nigella Lawson by cutting down on the sugar and butter for a lighter version. This banana bread is adored by my two kids. (Don’t worry about the alcohol from the bourbon, I use it to soak the raisins and it cooks away, although you can instead substitute orange juice or apple juice if you prefer.)
1/4cupbourbon or dark rum(orange or apple juice can be substituted)
1 -1/4cupall porpoise flour
2tspbaking powder
1/2tspbaking soda
1/2tspsalt
1stickbutter melted
1cupsugar
2largeeggs
4 to 6smallvery ripe bananas, mashed (the blacker the better)
4tbspchopped pecans
1tsppure vanilla extract
Servings: slices
Instructions
Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 325°F.
Put the raisins and bourbon or rum in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Then remove from the heat, cover and let it soak until the raisins have absorbed most of the liquid, at 1/2 least hour or so. (You can do this step overnight.)
Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and combine well with a wooden spoon.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar and beat until blended.
Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, 1 at a time, and then beat in the mashed bananas.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped pecans, soaked raisins and vanilla extract.
Now add in the flour mixture, about 1/3 at a time, stirring well after each addition.
Scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 1 to 1 and 1/4 hours. When it’s ready, a toothpick or fine skewer inserted in the center should come out fairly clean.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Recipe Notes
A little grated fresh ginger and some chopped macadamia nuts would make a great addition. Chopped dried apricots, figs or dates are marvelous substitutions for the raisins.
This banana bread is one of the most delicious I have ever had. The recipe is absolutely easy to make and you don’t even need machinery. A couple of old-fashioned large bowls and a wooden spoon will do the trick. It’s also an excellent reason to make good use all those blackened bananas forgotten on the counter. I have adapted the recipe from a Nigella version, and I cut the sugar and butter quantities for a lighter version. This banana bread is adored by my two kids; don’t worry about the alcohol from the bourbon. I use it to soak the raisins and it cooks away. You can also substitute the bourbon with orange juice or apple juice.
1/4cupbourbon or dark rum(orange or apple juice can be substituted)
1 -1/4cupall porpoise flour
2tspbaking powder
1/2tspbaking soda
1/2tspsalt
1stickbutter melted
1cupsugar
2largeeggs
4 to 6smallvery ripe bananas, mashed (the blacker the better)
4tbspchopped pecans
1tsppure vanilla extract
Servings: slices
Instructions
Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 325°F.
Put the raisins and bourbon or rum in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Then remove from the heat, cover and let it soak until the raisins have absorbed most of the liquid, at 1/2 least hour or so. (You can do this step overnight.)
Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and combine well with a wooden spoon.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar and beat until blended.
Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, 1 at a time, and then beat in the mashed bananas.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped pecans, soaked raisins and vanilla extract.
Now add in the flour mixture, about 1/3 at a time, stirring well after each addition.
Scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 1 to 1 and 1/4 hours. When it’s ready, a toothpick or fine skewer inserted in the center should come out fairly clean.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Recipe Notes
A little grated fresh ginger and some chopped macadamia nuts would make a great addition. Chopped dried apricots, figs or dates are marvelous substitutions for the raisins.
Energy packed edamame beans, bittersweet fava beans, salty pancetta, all coated in delicious and healthy olive oil and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon juice. I like to pile up this satisfying and chewy medley on thick slices of toasted sourdough. Prep your beans and pancetta ahead of time, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week, keep them waiting and ready for lunch, side, snack or a last minute lite supper.
Prep the beans. Shell the fava beans and edamame. Keep them separate.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and add the fava beans. Simmer for 2 minutes and then scoop them out. Squeeze each fava bean out of its outer bitter skin, toss in a colander to drain and set aside. Keep the water boiling. Then add the edamame to the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Fry the pancetta or the bacon in a skillet until crisp and brown. Remove from the heat.
When ready to serve, in a large bowl combine the fava beans and edamame, the pancetta, the olive oil and the lemon. Mix delicately.
Toast the bread. Spoon the beans and pancetta mix on the toasted bread, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Finish with a little sprinkle of chopped mint.
Recipe Notes
Grated Pecorino or aged ricotta would make a nice salty and savory addition to the toast.
Who needs boringand fatteningpound cake when you can havemenopause cake? This dense and not-so-sweet cake, adapted from a Women’s Weekly recipe, is packed with ingredients that can help minimize menopausal and menstrual symptoms. It uses all the healthy goodness of soy, oat flour, and almonds along with the sweetness of sweet potatoes, banana, prunes and figs. One slice a day is all you need for pure girl power bliss!
1mediumsweet potato (about 5 oz)peeled and chopped
3 1/2ozdried figs roughly chopped
3 1/2ozsoy flour
3 1/2ozself rising wholemealSee note below
3 1/2ozoatmeal
1 1/34ozflax seedsGround
1 1/34ozpumpkin seeds
1 1/34ozground almonds
3 1/2 ozchopped walnuts
1tspground allspice
4ozchopped pitted prunes
1tbspgolden syrup or molasses
2largeeggs
7 1/2fl ozskim milk
1medium or largeripe banana, mashed
Servings: slices
Instructions
Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
Microwave the sweet potato pieces on high in 1 tablespoon water for 5 minutes or until soft, and then use the back of a fork or spoon to mash the sweet potatoes with the water. Soften the figs in 4fl oz of hot water for 10 minutes and then mash the figs and the water with a handheld blender.
Meanwhile, combine the flours and oatmeal in a large bowl. Stir in the seeds, nuts, the allspice and then the chopped prunes.
In another bowl, combine the syrup or molasses with the eggs and milk. Stir in the sweet potato mash, the fig purée and the mashed banana and combine well (you can whizz in the blender, if you like).
Thoroughly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and then spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake in the oven at 350°F for 1 hour or until nicely golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack and then remove the cake from the pan and cut into slices. You can store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a resealable plastic bag and freeze.
Recipe Notes
If you cannot find self rising whole meal flour you can easily make it at home. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup all wheat flour, 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Who needs boringand fatteningpoundcake when you can havemenopausal cake.This dense and not so sweet cake, adapted from a Women’s Weekly recipe, is packed with ingredients that can help you minimize menopausal and menstrual symptoms. It uses all the goodness of soya, oat flour and ground almonds, combined with sweet potatoes, banana, prunes and figs for sweetness. One slice a day is all you need for pure girl power bliss!
1mediumsweet potato (about 5 oz)peeled and chopped
3 1/2ozdried figs roughly chopped
3 1/2ozsoy flour
3 1/2ozself rising wholemealSee note below
3 1/2ozoatmeal
1 1/34ozflax seedsGround
1 1/34ozpumpkin seeds
1 1/34ozground almonds
3 1/2 ozchopped walnuts
1tspground allspice
4ozchopped pitted prunes
1tbspgolden syrup or molasses
2largeeggs
7 1/2fl ozskim milk
1medium or largeripe banana, mashed
Servings: slices
Instructions
Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
Microwave the sweet potato pieces on high in 1 tablespoon water for 5 minutes or until soft, and then use the back of a fork or spoon to mash the sweet potatoes with the water. Soften the figs in 4fl oz of hot water for 10 minutes and then mash the figs and the water with a handheld blender.
Meanwhile, combine the flours and oatmeal in a large bowl. Stir in the seeds, nuts, the allspice and then the chopped prunes.
In another bowl, combine the syrup or molasses with the eggs and milk. Stir in the sweet potato mash, the fig purée and the mashed banana and combine well (you can whizz in the blender, if you like).
Thoroughly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and then spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake in the oven at 350°F for 1 hour or until nicely golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack and then remove the cake from the pan and cut into slices. You can store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a resealable plastic bag and freeze.
Recipe Notes
If you cannot find self rising whole meal flour you can easily make it at home. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup all wheat flour, 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Light, crunchy and deeply flavorful. This olive oil crostata dough is a satisfying Italian twist on the more traditional butter pastry dough. It’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen. On a lazy Sunday, simply double the recipe and freeze the extra so you always have some on hand to make into this olive oil crostata, which is a heart-healthy, smart and satisfying choice for breakfast, after-school nosh or well-deserved midnight snack.
Light, crunchy and deep in flavor. This olive oil crostata dough is a great italian twist on the traditional butter crust. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Don't use sugar for a savory version, like a spinach or zucchini tart.
Light, crunchy and deep in flavor. This olive oil crostata dough is a great italian twist on the traditional butter crust. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Don't use sugar for a savory version, like a spinach or zucchini tart.
Pulse the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor until combined. With the motor running, add the lemon zest and then the eggs, 1 at the time, followed by the olive oil and the milk in a steady stream, mixing until the dough just begins to hold together.
Shape the dough into 2 disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Crostata
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the jam and the liquor in a small bowl.
Roll out 1 disk of the olive oil dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to an unbuttered 9-inch round pie plate or tart pan. Fill the pastry shell with the jam mixture and then roll out the second disk of olive oil dough, again to 1/8 inch thickness, and cut out strips. Weave the dough strips in lattice fashion over the jam filling. Bake until golden, 40 to 45 minutes.
When it’s grey and snowy outside, I crave sunshine. Sliced papaya does the trick for me. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya not only gives me my warm weather fix but helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. It’s the ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to brighten the tropical taste.
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
Time to reset, clean out and get back in my jeans. Beetroots are packed with iron, folic acid, magnesium and antioxidants. Combined with orange juice and spinach in a delicious, gorgeous, deep red juice, they’re sure to kick start my day.
5mediumorangespeeled and segmented or roughly chopped
1cupspinach leaves, rinsed
2/3cupcold water
Servings: glasses
Instructions
Push the beet, oranges and spinach through a juice extractor. Stir in the water and serve. If you don't have a juice extractor, use a high-powered blender and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
Time to reset, clean out and get back in my jeans. Beetroots are packed with iron , folic acid, magnesium and antioxidants. Combined with orange juice and spinach in a delicious, deep red juice they are sure to kick start my day.
5mediumorangespeeled and segmented or roughly chopped
1cupspinach leaves, rinsed
2/3cupcold water
Servings: glasses
Instructions
Push the beet, oranges and spinach through a juice extractor. Stir in the water and serve. If you don't have a juice extractor, use a high-powered blender and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
Everyone has a favorite pancake recipe. This is mine. It rises high with a soft, tender, sponge-like texture that’s ready to soak up creamy butter and maple syrup. Add bananas or berries or a dollop of whipped cream or whatever you want for a truly decadent breakfast. Sometimes I have the kids prepare and weight all the ingredients the night before with the wet ingredients in a bowl that goes in the fridge and the dry ingredients in another bowl. Then in the morning we’re ready to go.
I also like to make a quick apple marmalade and slather it between the pancakes. I cook 3 peeled, cored and chopped baking apples in 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over low heat until they begin to soften. Then I add some grated lemon, 2 tablespoon water, and 1/2 cup sugar and I boil the mixture until I end up with a thick purée. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. In the summer I substitute peaches for apples and orange blossom honey for sugar. YUM!
Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into a bowl. Put the milk, eggs, and cooled melted butter into a second large bowl and mix with a whisk.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently combine. Do not overwork the pancake batter. It doesn't matter if the batter isn't smooth. Rest the batter for at least half hour for higher and fluffier pancakes.
Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. When the butter is melted, pour the batter into the pan in batches of 3 or 4 rounds and cook for 1 minute, until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Turn the pancake and cook until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar or even whipped cream.
Recipe Notes
You can add a sliced banana or some berries to the batter right before cooking or some chocolate chips, a teaspoon of poppy seeds and honey.
Everyone has a favorite pancake recipe and this is mine. It rises high and with a soft, sponge like texture, ready to soak up creamy butter and syrup. Add bananas, or berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent breakfast. Sometimes I have the kids prepare and weight all the ingredients the night before. Wet ingredients in a bowl and dry in another bowl, even the eggs. Then in the morning we are ready to go.
Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into a bowl. Put the milk, eggs, and cooled melted butter into a second large bowl and mix with a whisk.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently combine. Do not overwork the pancake batter. It doesn't matter if the batter isn't smooth. Rest the batter for at least half hour for higher and fluffier pancakes.
Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. When the butter is melted, pour the batter into the pan in batches of 3 or 4 rounds and cook for 1 minute, until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Turn the pancake and cook until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar or even whipped cream.
Recipe Notes
You can add a sliced banana or some berries to the batter right before cooking or some chocolate chips, a teaspoon of poppy seeds and honey.
These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite.
These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite.
Preheat the oven at 340F. Line two trays to bake 12 muffins with paper cases.
Sift the together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
In a mixing bowl whisk the egg with the sugar and the melted butter. Whisk in the milk and lemon zest then gently fold in the berries. Keep a few berries aside to decorate the top.
Add the sifted dry ingredients very gently with a spatula and combine the ingredients but make sure to stir enough to combine enough although some lumps should be visible. Do this by hand!
Spoon the mixture in the muffin cases to fill them up. Cover with the crumble topping and dot with a few extra berries.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Take out of the tray and cool over a rack.
Crumble
Put the flower, sugar and butter and mix with you hands until you have a uniform breadcrumb consistency. Don't over do it or you will be left with a baking dough. No panic if this happens just make cookies out of it! and restart the process.
Double the recipe and keep the crumble in a ziplock bag up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
You can substitute the butter in the muffins with 1 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for a light crumb.
You can also use different fruits, chocolate and nuts combinations. My favorites are white chocolate chips and bananas, pear and fresh ginger or walnut and apples.