Author: Guest Blogger

Scott’s Guacamole

Scott’s Guacamole

♥ Our families grew up together in a very unique neighborhood where neighbours became good friends. Because our houses were on a court we eventually became the  ‘Court Family’. Everyone took turns hosting get togethers with food and fun activities being the centre of all events. […]

Boterkoek (Dutch Shortbread )

Boterkoek (Dutch Shortbread )

♥My sister-in-law Ruth and her husband Dan came for a visit and this is the special treat they brought. Boterkoek is a popular dutch shortbread or butter cake type of dessert that brings back childhood memories for my husband. Ruth remembered that it was one […]

Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

 My sister Sara is the person who knows her stuff in the kitchen. She enjoys testing out recipes and keeps herself  up to date with all that’s new and exciting in the kitchen world. She prides herself in making the best and creamiest of ice creams and I can definitely give this recipe my seal of sisterly approval.

Here is Sara to tell you more.

My husband and I love to entertain. He usually picks the protein and I do the planning for the rest of the dinner. In the summer we love to eat outside on our terrace and we usually have a BBQ.

I like to plan everything ahead so that I can spend the evening with my guests. Ice cream is my favourite dessert for the summer as it can be made ahead. I stumbled across this roasted marshmallow ice cream recipe and took the chance to make it and serve it as a s’mores sundae.

It is very interactive as my guests toast their own marshmallows and put toppings on. It is a hit every time I serve it.

Ingredients:
Yield: 1 quart
5 large egg yolks
2 cups (470 ml) whole milk
1 cup (235 ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup (66 grams) sugar
Pinch of salt
10 ounces (284 grams marshmallows) plus more for serving

Instructions:
1. To make the custard base, combine the whole milk in a saucepan over medium high heat.
Heat the mixture until steaming and bubbles appear at the edges, do not boil. Meanwhile
whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl. Slowly add the heated milk to the
egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and
cook over medium low heat until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, stirring
frequently. Pour mixture through a mesh strainer into a large bowl. Add the heavy cream,
vanilla extract and salt. Set asides.

2. Spread the marshmallows out on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Toast the
marshmallow with a kitchen torch or an oven broiler. If you use a broiler, place the over rack as
high as possible and watch the marshmallows very closely to ensure the don’t burn. Rotate
the marshmallows so that they are evenly toasted on each side.

3. In a blender, add the custard mixture and the toasted marshmallow and purée until smooth.
Chill overnight in the fridge. Freeze in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Let harden in the freezer for an additional few hours before serving.
Allow your guests to toast their own marshmallows add chocolate sauce and some graham cracker crumbles to make a s’more sundae.

Jeff’s Apple Pie

Jeff’s Apple Pie

 ♥This recipe has been taste tested and family approved for being Just Amazing! My brother makes the best pies, the crust is so flaky and the the filling is out of this world. Little did I know that he learned from the best! Here is […]

Bob’s Beans

Bob’s Beans

 ♥This recipe has been taste tested and has family and friends approval  for being Just Amazing!  It holds such great memories and of course requests for this now famous recipe. So here is Bob letting you know what makes it so special.  This is a […]

Chocolate Chippers

Chocolate Chippers

This recipe has been taste tested and family approved for being Just Amazing. My daughter has won over a lot of people (including me) with her chocolate chippers. So here is Brittany, to give you the recipe and some insight into these prize winning cookies.

Growing up the kitchen was always the place to be in our home. We did our homework at the kitchen table, had family games nights and it is where you can always get the first taste of a treat my Mom baked right out of the oven!
For as long as I can remember I have loved to bake with my Mom and cookies have been one of my favourites! When it comes to baking my Mom’s baking always takes the cake hands down, but I am proud to say this is one recipe I have her beat- with the ribbon to prove it!
This recipe comes from the back of the Chipits Milk Chocolate Chip Bag and has been my go to cookie recipe for years, you can find the recipe online here.
Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup melted butter
  • 2 cups lightly packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp hot water
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 package (or 1 2/3 cups) Chipits Milk Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a stand mixer or bowl, beat melted butter, brown sugar, eggs and hot water until smooth. Make sure the butter is completely melted and the water you add in is hot.

Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix until blended.

Finally add in your in milk chocolate chips.

Scoop your cookies onto a parchment lined or greased cookie sheet. The recipe usually makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes. I usually take them out right at 8 minutes and let them sit on the warm baking sheet for a minute or two before moving them onto a cooling rack.
Make sure you enjoy a warm cookie, or two, fresh out of the oven!
Modification:
If you’re looking for something a little different (or have run out of milk chocolate chips) I have substituted chocolate chips with chopped up Reese Peanut Butter Cups and leftover Easter chocolate, both were a hit!
Flash Freeze:
If you don’t want to bake all of the cookie dough at once, scoop your cookies onto a cookie sheet and place the whole tray into the freezer for about an hour, until the dough is rock solid. Transfer your dough balls into a Ziplock bag and store in the freezer. When you are craving a warm cookie take a ball (or more!) out of the freezer, bake and enjoy!
Bob’s Pizza

Bob’s Pizza

 ♥This recipe has been taste tested and family approved for being Just Amazing. Here is Bob (my husband), giving you his pizza making tips and techniques. Friday Night is Pizza Night. Here’s my way of making a couple of homemade personal size pizzas that are […]