Blog pages – Page 2 of 5 – Sweet and Savoury Pursuits

Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti

December 6, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 24 Comments

Looking for a festive biscotti recipe for the holiday season? Let this simple Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti flavoured with orange zest be the one you make!

Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti displayed in mug.

This Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti recipe is a holiday family favourite. Not only is it beautifully speckled with green and red making it look festive but it also tastes absolutely delicious.

What makes this recipe a winner is that the biscotti is crunchy without being overly hard. The cookies aren't dry and remain slightly tender in the middle. The orange zest and juice add extra flavour to the biscotti.

Chewy Ginger Cookies

December 4, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 10 Comments

No holiday cookie tray is complete without these soft, Chewy Ginger Cookies made with molasses and crystallized (candied) ginger. Packed with warm spices and rolled in sugar for a sparkling finish, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Chewy Ginger Cookies in gift box.

These ginger cookies are a favorite and a must-bake every holiday season. Easy to make, they're popular with adults and children alike.

And just like these Holiday Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and these Matcha Sugar Cookies, these ginger spice cookies are perfect for making ahead of time and freezing.

Caramelized Onion Hummus

November 23, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 2 Comments

This homemade Caramelized Onion Hummus is savory and creamy. Serve this chickpea dip with vegetables, pita or tortilla chips, for a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack!

Platter of Caramelized Onion Hummus served with vegetable and pita chips.

If you're looking for healthy appetizer and snack ideas, you'll be pleased to know that this Caramelized Onion Hummus is made with good for you ingredients.

Though you are most likely familiar with the taste of hummus, you may not have had the opportunity to try different flavoured hummus such as this Caramelized Onion Hummus. Adding caramelized onions to hummus adds a slightly sweet and mellow flavour to plain hummus.

Gluten-Free Almond Flour Brownies

October 30, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 18 Comments

These made from scratch, Gluten-Free Almond Flour Brownies are easy to make, have a rich chocolate taste, and are incredibly moist and fudgy. They are so delicious everyone will be asking you for the recipe!

Almond Flour Brownies on board.

Desserts made with almond flour have an incredible flavor and texture. There are a few dessert recipes on this blog where I've combined regular flour (all-purpose flour) with almond flour, and the results have been amazing. You can see how I used both flours in this Cherry Almond Cake, in these Mini Matcha and Almond Bundt Cakes and in these Chewy Almond Marzipan Bars.

However, these brownies are made using only finely ground almond flour so for those of you watching your gluten intake, you'll be happy to know that these brownies, just like these Amaretti Cookies and these Chocolate Amaretti Cookies, are grain and gluten-free.

These have to be the most decadent, fudgiest, ultra-moist homemade brownies I’ve ever baked! They are dangerously delicious and self-control will come in handy when resisting a second or third piece 😉.

Slice of Gluten-Free Almond Flour Brownies.

This easy recipe yields moist, dense and fudgy brownies that are much better tasting than pre-mixed boxed versions. Though you'll find several delicious brownie recipes on this site, this is the only one which is gluten-free. I adapted this recipe from this brownie recipe over at Food and Wine.

Small Batch Plum Jam

October 18, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 3 Comments

Making plum jam couldn't be simpler with this easy recipe for a Small Batch Plum Jam made with fresh plums and without added pectin.

Jar of homemade plum jam.

Small batch homemade jams are a lot of fun to make. With so many options possible you could choose a different flavour everytime. The idea of making jam out of plums first came to me when I discovered how delicious cooked plums were after making this Plum Upside-Down Cake last year.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa

October 15, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 13 Comments

This easy to make, delicious Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa bowl is a hearty meatless meal loaded with flavourful and healthy ingredients.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa bowl topped with fresh cilantro.

Quinoa is one of my favourite ingredients to incorporate into my family's diet. It's full of complete proteins, a plethora of minerals as well as vitamins and fibre (read here for more on the health benefits of quinoa).

Quinoa is incredibly versatile and is delicious with so many different ingredients. I also love using quinoa flour and use it often to bake delicious muffins and cookies.

This savoury dish combines quinoa with aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, and jalapeño. Sweet potato and black beans get added to complete the dish and add texture, flavour and nutrition.

The result is a delicious, hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal (even vegan if you omit the cheese).

Pumpkin Walnut Bread

October 3, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 12 Comments

This easy recipe for a spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread made with pumpkin purée yields a super flavourful and moist pumpkin loaf.

Plated slice of a pumpkin walnut bread.

We look forward to making this beautifully golden Pumpkin Walnut Bread every fall season. It's has become my family's favorite spiced pumpkin quick bread recipe as the loaf always comes out flavorful, tender and super moist.

Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Bundt Cake

September 25, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 3 Comments

This fabulous Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Bundt Cake combines pumpkin purée, fall spices and chocolate to make a scrumptious pumpkin chocolate bundt cake worthy of special occasions.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake on platter.

If you're looking for a seasonal cake to wow your guests with at your next fall dinner party without having to spend hours on dessert, this Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Bundt Cake is it!

This super moist, dense and tender pumpkin cake is spiced with just the right amount and combination of warm spices. The layer of melted chocolate and crumbly pumpkin spice and brown sugar mixture in this pumpkin cake is sure to make this an unforgettable dessert.

The aroma coming out of your oven while this bundt cake bakes will make your mouth water with anticipation of your first bite.

Kafta Kebabs

August 7, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 6 Comments

A quick and easy recipe for juicy and flavorful grilled beef Kafta Kebabs. This easy Lebanese Kafta recipe made with lean ground beef requires only a handful of basic ingredients and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

Grilled Kafta Kebabs on platter.

Grilled beef Kafta Kebabs are a summertime favourite and are often on my menu during the summer season. It's such a simple dish to prepare and the flavor of beef, onion, spices and fresh parsley combined together is amazing.

The smell of these kebabs cooking on the barbecue is sure to have you salivating in anticipation of your first bite.

Cherry Smoothie

July 25, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits Leave a Comment

This Cherry Smoothie is made with frozen cherries, includes yogurt and milk and no bananas. The recipe can also be used to make a healthy smoothie bowl that can be topped with your favourite add-ons.

Cherry Smoothie served in glasses.

Cherries are one of my favorite summer fruits. I enjoy eating them fresh on their own but also love adding them to baked sweets, like I did with this Cherry Almond Cake.

When it comes to making smoothies I like to use frozen cherries. It's just easier and quicker since frozen cherries are already pitted. Plus frozen cherries also help to make this smoothie really frosty and thick like a cherry shake.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

June 28, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits Leave a Comment

This easy and delicious recipe for a Mediterranean Pasta Salad made with simple ingredients tastes light and fresh dressed in a mediterranean salad dressing made with fresh lemon juice and olive oil.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad in a large wooden bowl.

There are many variations of pasta salad recipes on the web. Some include protein, such as chicken, shrimp, salmon or salami, while others add lettuce and fresh spinach.

With all of the possible variations, you could easily make a different pasta salad every week of summer. My favourite combination of ingredients to use in a pasta salad are those typically found in Mediterranean cooking and doesn't include meat.

Serve this delicious Mediterranean Pasta Salad at your next barbecue with these easy to make ground beef kebabs or these Chicken Kebabs.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

June 22, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 23 Comments

This refreshing recipe for Watermelon and Feta Salad easily comes together in less than 30 minutes and is the perfect summertime dish. The combination of sweet, juicy, salty and tangy ingredients makes it entirely addictive.

Plate of salad made with watermelon and feta cheese served outdoors.

The flavor combination of sweet watermelon with salty cheese and onions may seem unusual, but in fact, it makes for an incredibly delicious and refreshing sweet and savory dish that's just perfect on a hot summer day. So make sure to add this easy watermelon Feta salad to your next summer meal, it will surely be a big hit!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

June 18, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 6 Comments

This delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad combines sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, all dressed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for summer entertaining, this tasty salad can be served as a side dish, starter or light main course!

Bowl of a strawberry spinach salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette.

I love cooking with seasonal ingredients, and nothing says summer like sweet, juicy strawberries. Salads like this are my favorite because they'e the perfect way to enjoy fresh ingredients and healthy, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you're enjoying this fresh salad as a perfect side dish for a weeknight meal or serving it as part of a festive Sunday supper, it’s sure to be a hit.

Italian Amaretti Cookies

May 23, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits Leave a Comment

These Italian Amaretti Cookies also known as Amaretti Morbidi are Italian almond cookies made with almond flour and are naturally gluten-free. With a crispy exterior and soft and chewy interior, these amaretti cookies are simply irresistible!

Cup of coffee with amaretti cookies.

This recipe for Italian Amaretti Cookies are one of our favorites. The cookies are quick and easy to make, are made with a handful of ingredients and just like these Almond Marzipan Bars, they have a delicious marzipan-like centre that stays tender and chewy.

These are a great cookie for making ahead and giving away as a host/hostess gift. They're so delicious and pretty looking everyone will think you purchased them at an Italian bakery!

Chocolate Walnut Cookies

April 26, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 21 Comments

Rich, chewy, fudgy and deeply chocolatey, these easy to make fudgy Chocolate Walnut Cookies make a wonderful treat for all chocolate and nut lovers!

Chocolate Walnut Cookies on dish served with milk.

If you're a fan of chewy chocolate chip cookies but are looking for something different, these dark chocolate walnut cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious treat.

Made with cocoa, they are not overly sweet and have a chewy texture with a fudgy interior. The crunchy toasted walnuts add lots of texture and nutty flavor to these tender cookies.

Glazed Lemon Loaf Cake

April 17, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 6 Comments

This tender and moist Glazed Lemon Loaf Cake is bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Topped with a sweet tangy glaze, it's perfect for a refreshing snack or desert.

Top view of a sliced lemon loaf cake.

If you love lemon desserts you will want to try this Glazed Lemon Loaf. Similar in texture to a pound cake, this light cake is moist and buttery with a tender crumb. The loaf is topped with a simple lemon glaze that adds even more tangy flavor, but it's delicious even without the glaze.

This cake is a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of springtime. It would also make a wonderful addition to Easter and Mother's Day celebrations.

Whole Wheat Carrot Muffins

April 14, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 8 Comments

These Whole Wheat Carrot Muffins are made with whole wheat flour, oats and walnuts and don't include any refined sugar or applesauce. They are easy to make and are perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

Freshly baked Whole Wheat Carrot Muffins on cooling rack.

If you're looking for whole grain muffin recipes, you'll be glad to know that these wholesome carrot muffins just like these Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins, are made with a mix of whole wheat and oat flours.

This healthy carrot muffin recipe yields light, moist and tender muffins. They are lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and since they are spiced with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and a pinch of black pepper, they are also super flavorful. Delicious toasted walnuts are added for crunch, but are optional.

Matcha Green Tea Latte

March 6, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 4 Comments

Learn the simple steps to make a delicious and perfectly foamy Matcha Green Tea Latte using your high-powered blender or stovetop for a fraction of the price of a latte purchased at coffee shops.

A foamy mug of Matcha green tea latte.

My favourite hot drink to make at home so far is this simple Matcha Green Tea Latte. I love Matcha and since it has beneficial health properties, I like adding it to as many recipes as I can.

You can see how I used it in my Mini Almond and Matcha Bundt Cakes and in this recipe for Matcha Green Tea Sugar Cookies.

Irish Soda Bread with Dill

March 5, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 23 Comments

This easy to make Irish Soda Bread with Dill is a variation of the traditional Irish Soda Bread. Serve it with your favourite Irish stew for a delicious meal!

Loaf of Irish Soda Bread with Dill on parchment paper.

Since St-Patrick's Day is quickly approaching I thought it would be fun to try a new Irish recipe and share it with you. I thought about making a traditional Irish lamb stew, but since my true passion is baking I gravitated towards making an Irish Soda Bread.

Healthy Vegetable Frittata

January 16, 2020 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 13 Comments

Make a protein-rich Healthy Vegetable Frittata is less than 30 minutes with this easy to follow frittata guide and recipe.

A Healthy Vegetable Frittata in a skillet.

I love quick and easy meals. And a meal that doesn't need to be planned ahead of time is even better. Since frittatas can be infinitely varied and customized to your liking by using your favourite add-ins, it's simple to come up with a delicious frittata with ingredients you have on hand.

In fact, frittatas are great for using bits of leftover ingredients and cleaning out your refrigerator. Steamed veggies and cooked sausage, for instance, are perfect in frittatas.

Because eggs are rich in protein, healthy and inexpensive it's good to have a few easy egg dishes that you could make on rotation.

Smoked Salmon Crostini

December 29, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 32 Comments

This Smoked Salmon Crostini appetizer is made with only a few ingredients, can be assembled in minutes and is sure to impress your guests.

Smoked Salmon and Boursin Crostini

Hosting dinner parties can be so much fun. But preparing for them can be challenging when we lead busy lives.

If you are trying to figure out something special to serve that is delicious, quick and easy to prepare, consider this elegant appetizer made with cold-smoked salmon and Boursin cheese.

Beef Barley Soup

October 17, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 8 Comments

There’s nothing as comforting as a bowl of homemade Beef Barley Soup. Packed with tender chunks of beef, nutty barley, and vegetables, this soup is hearty and wholesome.

Bowl of Beef Barley Soup.

Making a pot of Beef Barley Soup from scratch doesn't have to be a long complicated process. This recipe is easy and in just about an hour you can have a hearty bowl of soup on the table.

Full of flavor, this Beef Barley Soup with vegetables is easy to make, delicious and healthy. This is one of my favorite soups to make on a cold day, it's perfect comfort food and the house smells amazing when I make it.

Lemon Zucchini Loaf

August 6, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 18 Comments

This Lemon Zucchini Loaf is an easy way to use up and transform your garden's surplus zucchini into a delicious summer treat everyone can enjoy!

A Lemon Zucchini Loaf on a cutting board.

Baking with zucchini is a wonderful way to make use of all the zucchini growing in your garden. If you've never tried zucchini bread before you may be thinking that zucchini is an odd ingredient to put into a sweet-tasting loaf.

But since zucchini is so mild tasting, it's difficult to taste it in the bread. What the zucchini will do is add plenty of moisture to your baked goods and help produce a tender and moist loaf.

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

July 25, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 2 Comments

These moist Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins are made with whole grains, include yogurt and are sweetened with pure maple syrup. They're an easy breakfast that can be prepared ahead and are a delicious kid-friendly snack.

A basket of Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins with one muffin on small dish served with milk.

These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins are a favourite with my kids. They love them because of how tasty they are and all the mini chocolate chips in them. I love them because they're made with whole grains, are quick to make and are a great way to use up overripe bananas.

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

April 27, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 15 Comments

With less than 10 ingredients, this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta couldn’t be easier to prepare. Ready in 30 minutes, it makes a fantastic meal for busy weeknights!

A prepared Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta still in large skillet.

Not only is this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta super easy and quick to make but it's also a nutritious and delicious meal the whole family can enjoy. And just like this Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta, you can follow the recipe as is, or use it as a guide and adapt it to your taste.

For instance, you can substitute the spinach with a different vegetable. My favorites to use are zucchini, mushrooms, peas, or even a combination. You can also add some protein to this dish. Shrimp, chicken, Italian sausage or ground beef are all great options.

With so many possibilities available, you can easily make this dish regularly and simply change up the protein and veggies to keep from getting tired of it. Any way you decide to make it, this pasta dish makes a fantastic mid-week meal.

No-Bake Maple Espresso Bites

April 18, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 2 Comments

Made with nutritious ingredients, these No-Bake Maple Espresso Bites are refined sugar-free, vegan, and perfect for a quick snack or a much needed energy boost!

A bowl of No-Bake Maple Espresso Bites

With so many energy bite flavour variations possible, it would be easy to make a different kind each time I make a batch. But my favourite always ends up being these no-bake maple espresso energy balls.

Flavoured with coffee, cinnamon, maple and vanilla, these coffee bliss balls taste like a delicious latte.

They are made with wholesome ingredients and lightly sweetened with maple syrup so they are refined sugar free.

Mini Cornbread Muffins

March 30, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 8 Comments

Moist and flavorful, these savory Mini Cornbread Muffins with cheese, corn kernels and jalapeño make a great side dish and are also delicious as an appetizer, snack or even for breakfast.

Freshly baked Mini Cornbread Muffins still in the muffin tin with corn and jalapeno.

These made from scratch Mini Cornbread Muffins combine just the right mix of ingredients for super moist, tender and cheesy cornbread muffins.

Cornbread definitely fits into the comfort food category and is great served alongside a hot bowl of chili, soup, bbq chicken or a hot dog. They are especially scrumptious served warm from the oven with a little dab of butter.

Mediterranean Kale Chickpea Salad

March 22, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 4 Comments

This Kale Chickpea Salad is made with baby kale, tender chickpeas and crisp vegetables. Dressed in a lemon garlic salad dressing, this Mediterranean style kale salad is perfect served as a side dish for dinner or a main dish for lunch.

Mediterranean Kale Salad served with lemon garlic dressing on the side.

This Kale Chickpea Salad recipe is healthy, filling and low in calories. Just like this Chickpea Broccoli Salad, it makes a great lunch to bring to work and is great as a light dinner.

Baby kale is perfect for eating raw in salads, for making smoothies and pesto. It's also delicious in soups and can be cooked in the same way as many other greens.

Tomato Orzo Soup

February 18, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 43 Comments

Made with simple ingredients, this easy and quick to make homemade vegetarian Tomato Orzo Soup is a delicious, hearty and healthy meal.

If you like this soup, you may also want to try this Creamy Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Soup.

Tomato Orzo Soup served in large white mugs.

This delicious recipe for Tomato Orzo Soup is the perfect soup to make when you are craving something warming and comforting. And just like this simple Red Lentil Soup it is filling and nutritious.

Homemade Toasted Muesli

January 19, 2019 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 4 Comments

Making a batch of healthy Homemade Toasted Muesli is easy, just follow this basic recipe or use it as a guide to create your own favorite baked muesli with oats.

Bowl of homemade muesli.

A bowl of Homemade Toasted Muesli is healthy breakfast food you can feel good about eating. In fact, this healthy muesli recipe is made with heart-healthy ingredients both high in fibre and antioxidants.

Muesli can also be a gluten-free breakfast option as long as you choose oats that are certified gluten-free.

This recipe will make a big batch of muesli which you can use to make a variety of quick and filling easy breakfasts all week long.

Mixed Spiced Nuts

December 30, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 7 Comments

Ready in less than 30 minutes, these roasted Mixed Spiced Nuts make an easy sweet and savory snack for your next holiday celebration or party.

Bowl of seasoned nuts served with a cocktail.

Whenever I'm entertaining and need a quick appetizer, I go straight to my freezer and grab whatever nuts I have on hand. I like to keep my freezer well-stocked with a variety of nuts, this way I always have something I can use.

These spicy mixed nuts only take twenty minutes to make and you can use whatever unsalted nuts you have on hand. For this recipe, I included pecans, walnuts, cashews, and almonds.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

December 9, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 4 Comments

This easy Anna Olson recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies makes deliciously thick, tender and chewy cookies that will stay soft for days.

Chewy chocolate chip cookies on white dish with glass of milk.

If you love chocolate chip cookies that are tender with a chewy texture, then these are the cookies for you! These cookies are simple to make and so delicious. They bake up with a beautiful crinkly top, a slightly crisp exterior and a soft and chewy interior.

Spinach Apple Cranberry Salad

November 26, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits Leave a Comment

This easy recipe for a healthy and flavorful Spinach Apple Cranberry Salad combines sweet and savory ingredients and is proof that simple can be delicious.

Bowl of Spinach Apple Cranberry Salad with Pumpkin Seeds served with Apple Cider Vinaigrette on the side.

Whether it's for a small family dinner or a large feast, you can impress your guests with this easy and light spinach salad. Perfect as a starter or a side dish to your Thanksgiving (or any) dinner, this simple Spinach, Apple and Cranberry Salad dressed with an apple cider vinaigrette comes together quickly.

This salad demonstrates that all it takes are a few basic pantry ingredients and a couple of fresh seasonal ingredients to make flavourful salads that aren't boring.

Sweet Potato Muffins

October 27, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 16 Comments

Make moist homemade Sweet Potato Muffins with this easy recipe. A great way to start your day, these delicious muffins make a wholesome breakfast and will keep you and your family feeling full and satisfied.

A Sweet Potato Muffin served on a small white dish.

Sweet Potato Muffins make a great option for a healthy breakfast, snack or sweet treat for the entire family. The sweet potato muffin recipe for this post is adapted from this great recipe from NancyC.

This is a great recipe for using up leftover sweet potatoes and since they have a naturally sweet flavor, I was able to use less sugar to make these sweet potato muffins healthier without affecting their taste. I also reduced the amount of oil and these Sweet Potato Muffins still came out delicious, moist, tender and fluffy.

Mini Apple Bundt Cakes

September 30, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 9 Comments

This easy recipe for Mini Apple Bundt Cakes, made with fresh apples and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, results in delicious, moist and light apple cakes. This recipe makes six mini bundt cakes or one large apple bundt cake.

Three Mini Apple Bundt Cakes with glaze drizzled on one cake.

These Mini Apple Bundt Cakes are a delicious way to use up some tasty seasonal apples. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to share a dessert that fit the autumn season.

Delicious apple desserts are some of my favorite sweets to make during the fall. I love using warm and comforting spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to flavor my baked goods.

Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini

June 28, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 2 Comments

This mouthwatering Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini is an easy strawberry appetizer recipe that is perfect for summer entertaining!

Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini drizzled with a balsamic reduction on a plate.

This simple sweet and savoury appetizer featuring fresh strawberries is just perfect for serving at summer gatherings.

This colourful appetizer consists of thin slices of toasted baguette topped with creamy tangy goat cheese, sweet juicy strawberries, a drizzle of maple balsamic reduction and finally a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or basil.

You'll find this recipe as well as this fabulous Strawberry Spinach Salad especially delicious when you can get your hands on fresh local ripe strawberries.

Healthy Carrot Bread

April 14, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 4 Comments

An easy recipe for a moist Healthy Carrot Bread made with whole wheat pastry flour and lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup. Serve the carrot loaf plain or top it with a light ricotta icing for a special treat!

Top view of a Healthy Carrot Bread sliced and served on a small dish.

Baked carrot desserts are always so popular in the spring and though this Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of our all-time favorite desserts, I wanted to share this delicious recipe for a Healthy Carrot Bread made without refined sugars.

This healthier carrot loaf cake is flavourful, lightly sweetened, tender and moist. It's simple to make and is a great addition to an Easter or Mother's Day brunch.

Salted Caramel Chip Brownies

February 18, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 14 Comments

These rich and fudgy Salted Caramel Chip Brownies are made with salted caramel baking chips, a simple way to achieve that sweet and salty taste without the added work of making your own salted caramel.

Salted Caramel Chip Brownies

These deeply chocolaty, moist, chewy and fudgy Salted Caramel Chip Brownies make a delicious decadent treat that will satisfy the most serious of chocolate cravings.

This recipe is perfect for serving a larger crowd or for enjoying some now and freezing the rest for later.

Baklava Rolls

January 20, 2018 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 4 Comments

Homemade Baklava Rolls are perfect for celebrating special occasions. They're surprisingly easy to make and always a hit with family and friends.

Dish of walnut Baklava rolls.

Baklava, pronounced Baklawa in Arabic, is a decadent dessert made with phyllo dough, ground nuts, butter and a sweet fragrant syrup made with either sugar or honey.

Many different Baklava recipes exist throughout the mediterranean region and the Middle-East. Depending on what your preference is, you can make it with ground walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios or even a combination of these nuts.

You can find Baklava in different formats, some are made rolled like cigars or fingers while others make them by layering phyllo sheets and the nut mixture in a baking pan and portioning the tray into individual servings that they cut diagonally into diamond shapes.

Whatever way you make it, the blend of crispy phyllo dough, sweet nut filling, and fragrant syrup is sure to leave you wanting more!

The recipe I'm sharing is my mother's rolled walnut baklava fingers which we often bake together during the festive season. Her easy Baklava recipe is always a hit!

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Citrus Tahini Dressing

December 7, 2017 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 6 Comments

This Roasted Sweet Potato and Halloumi Salad with Citrus Tahini Dressing is an elegant, vibrant and gourmet salad perfect for the holiday season.

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Citrus Tahini Dressing

Using seasonal ingredients, this Roasted Sweet Potato and Halloumi Salad with Citrus Tahini Dressing hits all the rights notes for the holiday season.

Holidays and celebrations require special salads and this particular one is sure to impress. The combination of textures, flavors and colors in this salad make it one that your guests are sure to remember.

Maple Pumpkin Roll Cake

October 17, 2017 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 10 Comments

This homemade spiced Maple Pumpkin Roll Cake with a delectable cream cheese filling is the perfect pumpkin dessert recipe and is much easier to make than you think.

A slice of a rolled pumkin cake stuffed with a maple cream cheese swirl.

This Maple Pumpkin Roll Cake is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. A touch of maple syrup is added to both the cake and cream cheese filling which is lightly sweetened and perfectly complements the flavor of pumpkin and the spices used in this Swiss roll like dessert.

Pear and Blueberry Crumble

September 30, 2017 by Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits 6 Comments

This Pear and Blueberry Crumble is a simple fruit-based dessert made by combining diced pears with fresh or frozen blueberries and topping it off with a hearty and crunchy oat topping.

Top view of a Pear and Blueberry Crumble

There are so many reasons why fruit crumbles are one of my favourite desserts to make. They're delicious, easy to make, and are adaptable depending on the fruit in season.

With so many fruit and nut combinations you can choose from, you can make a different crumble every weekend! Crumbles are delicious all year round and since they can be served warm, they're an excellent choice for a comforting dessert in cooler weather.

« Previous Page