Monthly Archives: July 2012

Sweet Sugar Bean

Avocado for breakfast? Yes, please!

Like with everything else in life, everyone has a pet peeve when it comes to food. A friend of mine can’t stand having her food garnished with chopped parsley, while my best friend’s toddler gets upset if different food groups are touching. My food pet peeve doesn’t involve food itself, but people’s reactions to food. I roll my eyes whenever someone says how much they hate what I’m eating: “You’re eating onions? Gawd, I hate onions!” That’s just bad manners, don’t you think? However, I absolutely, down to the core of my being, hate it when I’m eating avocado and someone says, “Do you know how much fat is in avocado?” How obsessed, how unhealthy, is your relationship with food that you think eating an avocado is bad for you?! I mean, it’s nickname is “the alphabet fruit” because of all the vitamins it contains, for goodness’ sake! Luckily for me, it’s avocado season, and I’ve been in avo-bliss, eating my happy little heart out with the help of some great recipes.

It’s impossible to have a bad day when you start off with a Breakfast Taco with Avocado Salsa from Sweet Sugar Bean, a delightful blog filled with recipes, photos, and stories by Renée Kohlman, a catering chef from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The tacos are fresh, healthy, and a good way to fuel up for the day. I like mine with scrambled eggs, which goes nicely with the smooth, buttery texture of avo. Finish off with a splash of hot sauce and you’re good to go. I’ve also made it for lunch, except I added sausage, and my husband swore it was the best “breakfast” taco he’d ever had.

This creamy dip is chockfull of nutrients and vitamins.

Sweet Sugar Bean has been featured in The National Post as one of Canada’s best food blogs. That’s quite a recognition for Renée, who started by posting pics of her food on Facebook until friends eventually convinced her to start a blog. Good thing, or else this Creamy Kale & Avocado Dip would’ve never been dreamed up. It’s all things good for you: kale, avocado, cottage cheese, and lemon. I was drawn to this dip because it’s so different from the usual types of dip out there. You can snack on it with crackers or veggies, or like me, you can even spread it on your toasted BLT (which I highly recommend).

Did someone say bacon…in mac & cheese?

You know when you come across a recipe that calls itself “magnificent,” you gotta try it. It’s a big word to use, but it suits this Magnificent Mac & Cheese perfectly. I guess when you’re a formally trained chef you know how to take something as everyday as mac & cheese and take it up a notch, especially if you add bacon to the mix. And then you cook the onions and garlic in the bacon fat. Mmm… I halved the luxe, bacon version for my husband and I, and then made it with Renée’s healthier suggestions (no bacon, add butter and veggies) so my son could have some, too. Both were a hit; it was Z’s first time having mac & cheese and he loved it! You’ll enjoy reading Sweet Sugar Bean; the writing is honest, quirky, and funny. The recipes aren’t fussy at all, either. There’s a reason why Renée’s considered one of Canada’s best food bloggers. Take a look for yourself and enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Sweet Sugar Bean

Like this post? Subscribe or join us on Facebook! xo

 

 

Sugar Friday: Cocoa Brownies with Brown Butter & Walnuts

Stock up on milk, it’s brownie time!

Can you believe I’ve been researching, baking, and eating for weeks now and have yet to try a brownie recipe? Yeah, I know, large oversight on my part. No worries, because this Sugar Friday is all about these truly heavenly Cocoa Brownies with Brown Butter & Walnuts. They’re a great way to end the work week and (if they last that long) are a well-deserved treat for the weekend. Back when I worked in an office and spent hours commuting each day, I’d always look forward to Friday nights when I could put on my sweats, turn on the tunes, uncork the wine, and make myself something decadent and calorie-defying. I have to warn you, though, you may be ruined for any other kind of brownie after this one. I know I was, especially after I topped it with some vanilla ice cream. Divine.

I found this Bon Appétit-sourced recipe on one of my favourite blogs at the moment, i am a food blog. Some of you may know foodie and blogger Stephanie Le from her previous well-known blog, momofuku for 2, in which she cooked every recipe in the Momofuku cookbook. Stephanie makes no apologies about how much she loves food, which is reflected in the awesome design of her blog, as well as in her larger-than-life photography. Check out her post for this Bacon Raisin Oatmeal Cookie while you’re there, and tell me you’re not even tempted. Friday nights just got a whole lot more interesting.

Photo via i am a food blog

Like this post? Subscribe or like us on Facebook! xo