Chicken Stock

If you haven’t made chicken stock before it can seem a little intimidating, but really it is one of the easiest things you can make.  All it takes is throwing all the ingredients into a stock pot, covering it with water and letting it simmer.  No fuss, no muss!

Try it – you will see there is nothing to it.

Enjoy!

Chicken Stock

Yields 2 Litres

Preparation Time – 10 Minutes

Cooking Time – 1 ½ Hours

Ingredients

§  1 Chicken carcass

§  1 Large Onion – quartered with skins on

§  2 Celery Stalks – cut into 2” pieces

§  8 Peppercorns

§  1 Bay Leaf

§  8 Cups Water

Preparation

1.       Add all ingredients to a stock pot and add enough water to cover the carcass and vegetables by about an inch.

2.       Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer.

3.       Remove any foam that rises to the surface.  This will ensure you have a clear stock.

4.       Strain.  Discard bones, vegetables and spices.  

* Notes

v  The foam that rises to the surface is all the impurities. 

v  This is a very simple chicken stock recipe.  I usually add a fresh herb, such as Italian parsley or thyme; however, I do not always have fresh herbs on hand.  Some days I also add carrots or leeks.  Really whatever I have on hand is what ends up dictating what goes in my chicken stock! 

v  For a really clear stock, strain using a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.

Preserved Meyer Lemons

Despite the title, these do not need to be made specifically with Meyer lemons.  Any type of lemon will work.  In fact, you could even do this with oranges or limes – really any citrus type fruit could work.  I’m thinking grapefruit might be interesting to try!

During my prep, I noticed quite a few suggestions of adding whole spices: coriander, cumin, peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves and anise were quite common.  A little spice up to keep in mind for the next round.

Since it was proving to be such a challenge to find preserved lemons, I decided to give it a go.  Here is the approach I used for my first attempt. 

Preserved Meyer Lemons

Yields 1 ½ Litres

Preparation Time – 15 Minutes

Cooking Time – None

Cure Time – 30 Days

Ingredients

§  18 Meyer Lemons

§  Approximately ¾ to 1 Cup Kosher Salt

§  1 ½ Litre Jar - Sterilized

Preparation

1.       Wash, scrub and dry the lemons.  Cut any stems and hard bits.  Slice the lemon in quarters, without cutting all the way through.  The lemon should remain intact.

2.       Add two tablespoons of salt to the bottom of the jar.  Set aside close by.

3.       Over a bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt in the center of each lemon (13 in all).  Reshape the lemon, keeping as much of the salt inside.  Add the lemon to the container.  Continue this process, layering as many lemons as possible in the container, squishing down as you go.  Sprinkling 1 tablespoon of salt per additional layer. 

4.       Add the juice of the remaining 5 lemons to cover the contents. 

5.       Shake the container a few times and set in a warm place.  Shake the container each day for 30 days.   

* Notes

v  Keeps for approximately a year and apparently the brining juice can be used a few times.

v  Rinse before using.

v  Meyer lemons were from Dandy Meyer Lemons, Visalia, California, and are a cross between lemons and clementine.

Even though it hasn’t even been 24 hours since I made the batch, I plan to modify the recipe by simply adding the 5 additional lemons, rather than their juice.  By the time the lemons have had a chance to sit with the salt they really start to release their juices.

The countdown begins – 29 more days before I can give them a taste test!

Enjoy!

M.A.C Cook

I received this email from M.A.C the other day and had to ponder for a few minutes whether I was enticed by the new products or confused by the food / make-up connection.

Now admittedly, I am not the most adventurous with my make-up - food, an entirely different story, but for some reason applying lemon inspired yellow eye shadow or nail lacquer is not one of my immediate picks.  Then again, it was only a few years ago that I ventured away from the classic pink nail and opted for a deep red.  So this line-up is probably not targeted to me.  But tell me, what are your thoughts?  Are you tempted by the food inspired line?

Although, there is something to be said for their tag line "Look Delicious!  No Carbs, No Calories!".

Maybe the sisters at Pixiwoo would be able to help guide us on how to use this new line-up from M.A.C?!

Re-Discovering Oats

The other day I had a really fun day...with oats!  I knew they were healthy, but hadn't fully grasped just how healthy they really are for you.  These grains are apparently beneficial for a whole slew of health issues: lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, enhancing the immune system, etc.     If you are a looking for a gluten free option, then oats are a contender. 

I had never really been a fan of traditional oatmeal, or porridge as it may be referred to by some; however, that all changed.  I made the simplest, straight up recipe I could find - oats, milk and a dash of salt, cooked over medium heat and simmered until desired consistency achieved - and then added a little vanilla extract at the end to add another little dimension.  I took mine with toasted sliced almonds and pure maple syrup and made the other with Demererra sugar.  Honestly, we were both completely surprised by how good the stuff was! 

It just so happened to be a winter stormy day, so perhaps that added to the enjoyment of eating a nice bowl of piping hot oatmeal!   

Ok - so here is a quick run-down of what I gleaned from my reading:

 

1.       There are different types of oats:

a.       Oat Groats - no processing (other than removing the hull)

b.      Steel Cut Oats - essentially oat groats that have been sliced into several pieces

c.       Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned, Large) - steamed, rolled and flattened

d.      Quick & Instant Oats - further processed, typically with sugar added

e.      Flour - made by grinding the oats in a food processor

2.       The more processed the oats, the less nutritional value they have.  So the oats with the most nutritional value are (in order of most to least):

a.       Oat Groats & Steel Cut Oats

b.      Rolled Oats

c.       Quick & Instant Oats

3.       Oats can be used in so many different ways, here are just a few  to give you an idea:

a.       Traditional oatmeal.

b.      Use in bread products.

c.       Add to cookies.

d.      Add to morning smoothies for additional fiber and thickness.

e.      Use leftover oatmeal to thicken stews.

f.        Add to pancake batter.

 The two types of oats that I have tried thus far are (1) rolled oats and (2) steel cut oats.  The steel cut are much more chewy and substantial in texture compared to the rolled oats, but both are really good.  I haven’t tried the Oat Groats; however, since they are essentially the same thing as Steel Cut Oats, I figure I’ll stay with the steel cut since they take significantly less time to cook.

 

Cooking Instructions:

Serves 2

 Ingredients:

·         ½ Cup Steel Cut or Rolled Oats
·         1 ½ Cups Milk (or water, almond milk, rice milk, etc.)
·         Pinch Salt
·         Vanilla Extract (optional)
 

Steps:

1.       Over medium heat, heat the milk, oats and salt.  Simmer until desired consistency obtained (5 to 10 minutes for Rolled Oats and 20 to 30 minutes for Steel Cut Oats).

2.       Top with your favourite topping.

Topping Suggestions:

• Fresh fruit
• Dried fruit
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
• Maple Syrup
• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Cinnamon

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have re-discovered oats!!

Enjoy!

Winter Apparel Dress List

The weather in Canada can be a little unpredictable – I mean we are nearing the end of November and still haven’t had our first snow fall of the year (at least not in the East).  I can vividly remember it snowing while trick or treating on Halloween!!  To help prepare for the elements – rain, snow and sleet, I have put together a winter apparel dress list.

Here’s what’s on my radar for when the weather outside turns frightful.

Canada Goose Kensington Parka - $675 CAD

I finally took the plunge last year and invested in a Canada Goose winter coat.  I say investment, as I am not typically one to spend over $700 on an article of clothing.  I must admit, I had slight heart palpitations as I walked out with my purchase, but in the end I have no regrets.   

Pajar Canada Greenland Boot - $200 CAD

I’m certainly a girly girl in that I love heels (minus the pain of course!), but when it comes to icy slushy sidewalks, I want stable flats with a good layer of insulation to ensure my tootsies stay warm and dry.     

They kind of remind me of moon boots, but they are waterproof, with a wool lining and anti-slip outsole.  Bonus – there is a side zipper so you don’t have to lace them up every time!

Women’s Fuzzy Earflap Beanie The North Face - $35 - $38 USD

Looking back, I’m really not sure how I managed to consistently go out with my hair sopping wet, a short bomber jacket with my legs completely exposed save for a pair of opaque tights and my Doc Martin 8 holes.  While I am sure I was cold, the thought of slapping a hat on was simply unacceptable.  After all, none of the cool kids were wearing them.  Nowadays, I am all for bundling up, especially since I got frost bite on my left ear during my no hat days (not a fun experience)!  

Typical wool mitts do not provide a sufficient barrier against the wind.  With serious wind chill factor I want superior protection.  Enter the:

Canada Goose Women’s Down Mitt - $100 CAD

Columbia Backcountry Ride^TM Neck Gaiter - $29.99 CAD

This neckie even has vents to disperse your breath – ingenious!

Gucci 2890/S - $292 USD

If you have ever been driving or walking on a sunny winter day with the rays reflecting off the snow, you will understand why sunglasses are a must even in the winter.

Here’s to keeping warm this season!

 

Holiday Gift Giving

Holiday gift giving can be a little intimidating, especially if you are strapped for time.  To help alleviate some of this stress, I’ve put together a list of items that I have either received, gifted or plan on gifting.  There are items in all price points, as the holidays are not meant to break the bank, but rather are a time of expressing your love and affection for the people you care about.

HOME

·       Lands’ End Large Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag - $29.50 USD + $6  USD for monogramming.  I had heard about these bags for years before I finally put it on my wish list a few years back.  I absolutely LOVE my bags.  I have them in Large and X-Large (and it really is X-Large!) and use them for a plethora of carrying tasks.  The amount of stuff you can cram in these bags without stressing the handles is amazing.  The only caveat - finding someone to carry the X-Large when it is filled to the brim!! 

 

·       Hudson's Bay Company Collection Millenium Point Blanket - $275 to $475 CAD Twin to King.  These blankets are very durable and extremely warm.  Very cosy for those cold winter nights :)

·       Swarovski Christmas Kris Bear Annual Edition 2011 - $140 CAD.  If you are looking to start a holiday tradition, these little Swarovski crystal figures are the cutest!  They also create a beautiful pattern on the walls and ceiling when lit from above. 

·       I started collecting Louise Bousquet’s pottery last year and am eager to continue adding to my collection.  Here's what is on my radar for this holiday season:

o   Cake Pedestal $126 CAD

o   Square Butter Dish $55 CAD

  

o    Small Night Light "Stripes" $120 CAD

TECHY

·       Pico USB FlashDrive in 8, 16 or 32 gigs available at Think Geek - $29.99 to $139.99 USD.  I have my Pico on my key chain and I cannot tell you the number of times it has come in handy.  Amazing that something so small can store so much information!

KIDS

·       Alphabet Flash Cards from Valhalla Cards - $21.99 USD.  I gave these as a gift a few years ago and they were quite the hit with the little one.

 

·       Build A Bear - prices vary depending on style selected.  I gifted these last year to my girlfriend's kids and it was so fun to first give them the “body” and then schedule a date to bring the bears to life.  A gift and an activity all in one!

TRAVEL

·       Smythson of Bond Street Luggage Label Peridot Collection - £60.  For the road warrior.  Bonus - the bright colour will help distinguish from all the other black suitcases!

·       Escape^TM Luxury Travel Sleep Mask from Dream Essentials - $19.95 USD.  For those pesky red eye flights.

BEAUTY

·       MAC Cosmetics Lip Conditioner SPF 15 - $18 CAD.   This is my all-time favorite lip balm - it's the bomb!

  

·       Urban Decay Naked Palette - $48 USD.  I am by no means a make-up guru.  I'm actually relatively new to the whole world of make-up, so this product is stellar for a newbie like me, but would make a make-up pro equally thrilled to be gifted such a classic set.  Be sure to act quickly as this item sells out like hot cakes. 

HEALTH

·       Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis Series = $89.97 USD.  This is most definitely on my wish list.  Her Mat Workout video still kicks my butt!

PET

·       Rhinestone Slide Crown Charms from Here Kitty Kitty - $3.00 USD.  These charms are so cute and the perfect way to treat your pet!  They are offered in Diamond, Pink Sapphire and Blue Sapphire.  Plus, Karen is a pleasure to deal with!

HOSTESS

·       Vice Vodka Icewine Martini - Instead of giving a traditional bottle of wine, why not shake it up a bit and gift them Vice.  Vice retails for approximately $40 CAD.   I was first introduced to Vice while I was at one of my favorite restaurants in Toronto - Sotto Sotto - and they gave us a glass while we were waiting to be seated.  I tend to find icewine to be a little too sweet, but mixed with the vodka is a killer combo.  I cannot tell you the number of liquor stores I hit to try and find this stuff - it took over 6 months, but I finally found some!  Definitely worth the hunt. 

·       Lee Gallery Frames from Pottery Barn - $44.27 to $167.97 CAD .  Perfect for capturing memories of your friends and family.

·       Kusmi Tea – prices vary.  I was introduced to this tea a few years back and I have yet to try a flavor I haven’t enjoyed.  Their Essentials kit includes 24 muslim tea bags of 12 different flavours – the perfect introduction to Kusmi teas.   

Happy holiday shopping!