1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 cup (250 ml) natural sugar such as Sucanat or Rapadura
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) pure almond extract
1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter or coconut butter
1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) filberts, finely ground
milk to brush the cookies
50 filberts to decorate the cookies
Mix flour with baking powder and place it on a baking board or table. Make an indent in middle of flour and add sugar, spices, and milk. Knead about half of the flour mixture into dough. Cut cold butter or coconut butter into chunks and knead it into the dough together with the remainder of the flour. If the dough sticks slightly, wrap it and refrigerate for half an hour.
Roll out dough to about 1/8 of an inch (0.5 cm). It is best to divide the dough into smaller portions and handle each portion separately. Cut out round cookies about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet. Brush with milk and decorate by pressing half a filbert in the middle of each cookie. Bake cookies in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about twelve to fifteen minutes, until edges are golden brown. Makes about 100 cookies.
source: "Brain Food", alive #252, October 2003
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.