by on January 10, 2022   •   7 Comments Sauces

Any Season Dragon Sauce

A versatile flavour-bomb condiment, delicious on both plant and meat-based meals. Dragon sauce is an essential power bowl ingredient.

Happy New Year!

January seems like a fitting time to share our favourite homemade condiment for topping power bowls, although we certainly don’t limit it to this month.

This sauce is my inspiration for healthy meals when I’m feeling uninspired. Just knowing I have jar in the fridge is the impetus for many a ‘real food’ dish. You need this recipe for your repertoire!

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by on December 20, 2021   •   3 Comments Desserts

Cranberry Orange Eton Mess Recipe

Simple yet elegant, a Cranberry Orange Eton Mess is an easy, do-ahead holiday dessert.

I‘ve always loved the combination of soft whipped cream, crunchy meringues and winter fruit. Who doesn’t?

In the past I’ve paired those ingredients in an elegant cranberry curd tart. And I’ve married the same in my Mini Citrus Pavlova. Both of those desserts are wonderful, and have been my Christmas sweets for years now.

Today’s recipe for Cranberry Orange Eton Mess simplifies this trio even more – and delivers all the favourite flavours. With everything that this year has been, we need easy recipes more than ever.

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by on December 7, 2021   •   5 Comments Dinner

Braised Lamb Shanks with Winter Fruits

Both cozy winter comfort food and festive celebratory feast, these simple braised lamb shanks make for a sumptuous holiday meal.

Last year I threw my back out on Christmas Eve eve. I’ll spare you the woeful details of how I was couch-ridden during the busiest time of year, and instead fast-forward to the highlight reel: Danny’s braised lamb shanks.

We had invited guests for dinner on the 25th and I couldn’t stand up, let alone cook. Danny wrapped on an apron, opened Nigella’s At My Table, and filled a Le Creuset braiser with lamb, dates and pomegranate molasses.

The resulting dish swept everyone off their feet, back pain or not, and filled the house with an intoxicating aroma. One of my kids mashed potatoes to accompany the lamb, my sister brought a salad, and we feasted together.

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by on December 1, 2021   •   5 Comments Bakeshop

Molasses Rye Spice Snaps

A simple, stir-together cookie that yields delicious results in under 30 minutes.

I hosted my first cookie swap in 2006 and decided it was my favourite holiday party. It was a low-key, easy-to-plan gathering for this busy young mother.

I loved how the swap brought my friends together over coffee or punch, and had a practical side, too: a wide assortment of gorgeous, homemade Christmas cookies.

Today I’m sharing an updated version of a cookie that was ever present at those swaps: the beloved Gingersnap. With crispy edges, a chewy center and a deep, dark flavour, these Molasses Rye Spice Snaps are everyone’s favourite holiday treat.

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by on November 24, 2021   •   3 Comments Gift Guides

Fall 2021 Cookbook Recommendations

The Simple Bites kitchen presents a list of cookbook recommendations for both cooking and baking at home.

It’s currently snowing – our first dusting! I’ve parked myself on the sofa under a heated blanket and surrounded myself with cookbooks. Is this my happy place, here by the twinkling Christmas tree? Most definitely.

I know you’ve been waiting for this post. My fall 2021 cookbook recommendations are based on hours of reading and days of cooking and baking (also my happy place).

These are the books that helped me get back into a preserving groove and opened up a whole new world of cookie baking. These books influenced my dinner plans, transformed my leftovers and gave me permission to do the bare minimum sometimes.

This post goes hand in hand with my 2021 Spring Cookbook Round-Up. Review both lists of cookbook recommendations before making your list for Santa!

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