Cooking
Gingerbread cake with apple cider sauce: this adaptation of a gingerbread cake from my childhood, tweaked to be a small batch bake. So cozy!
I’ve been busy with work and life the last few weeks, so I’m very, very behind on this newsletter and typing up recipes. But alas, here it is! Highlights of things I’ve been cooking over the last month:
Things I cooked:
This grilled pork shoulder by Andy Baraghani - wowowow I’ve made this twice this year and this is definitely going to be a go-to for when I host whenever the world is normal again. Super easy to prep (marinades all day) and packed full of flavour. I served this with sticky rice and lettuce to make lettuce cups.
Healthnut Quinoa Black Bean Stirfry - this is one of my favourite easy lunches/suppers, I start with this recipe as a base and add in whatever I have on hand. Feta cheese? Sure! Hot sauce? Absolutely!
Halfbaked Harvest Pretzel Chicken Fingers - these were so delicious but so ugly hahaha. Instagram vs reality pic here for you all:
Soup bar! - I shared this idea in my Instagram stories (now in highlights) but basically you can make single-serving soup, choose-your-own-adventure style. Choose quick-to-cook ingredients like frozen corn, peas, and dumplings.
English muffin pizzas - a childhood throwback, I love these for an easy lunch or dinner. I top mine with tons of veggies, from roasted squash to shredded kale (which crisps up super nice!)
Drinking
Hot apple cider with bourbon
Best time of the year with local pressed cider at farmer’s markets. I heat it up on the stove with a cinnamon stick and then pour 1-2oz of bourbon in my mug before adding in the cider.
Obsessed with this since the summer, a few local shops in Toronto (Grape Witches and Good Cheese) have started carrying this dry, refreshing treat. I love the finish of salt on the end.
Following
@hmmessinger: her recipes are so beautiful (just made her Apple Maple Custard pie last night!) and she does “Pantry Raid” on her IG stories where individuals message her what they have in their pantry and she suggests meal ideas. Love her content!
Listening
To this great Christmas Hits playlist on Spotify. Making all my cooking festive.
Using
My microplane*. One of my fav kitchen utensils, essential to lemon zest and grated parmesan, two of my favourite flavour boosters.
Thinking
About the holidays and gift-giving. Recently published some tips on making gifting cookbooks more personal.
Laughing
At Homecooking podcast with Samin Nosrat and Hrishikesh Hirway. This podcast is pure joy, and Samin’s laugh always makes me laugh.
Kaleigh
*link from my favourite kitchen supply shop in Toronto. Shop local!