Lemon Poppy seed cake

This is one of the desert recipes that I love so much. It is easy to make. Very good for Friday night guilty pleasure. Give it a try and you will fall in love with the recipe :o). The recipe in the video is also a very good one.

Ingredients:
1 cup of all purpose flour
1cup yogurt(lemon flavor)
1/4cup of white sugar
1/2tsp baking soda
1tspbaking powder
1/4tsp salt
1/2tbsp poppy seeds
1/4cup of homo milk
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
1tbsp finely grated fresh lemon zest

For topping:
3/4cup of granulated sugar
3/4cup of fresh lemon juice

How to make Yummy Potato wedges: Recipe

Love this recipe. I came up with it after eating a store bought wedges, it tasted so good. So, I decided to experiment to see if I can get the same taste, guess what? I did. However, my method is a little off the regular way of preparing potato wedges at home. It is completely lactose-free, soy, egg, and gluten free. Its very easy to make. Just follow the recipe you will love it.

 

Yummy Potato wedges recipe

 

Ingredients:
8 medium rosette potatoes,
11/2tsp of Knorr chicken Seasoning powder
a pinch of salt
1/4 cup of rice flour or gluten free flour
3 tbsp. of olive oil or cholesterol free oil
a brush

Gluten-free chocolate chips cookie

Gluten-free chocolate chips cookie

 

I can now bake a gluten-free cookie without tears or frustration, thanks to the recipe I found on "Very Best Baking by Nestle", However, I changed and added one or two things to suit my needs. The original recipe used rice flour instead of the gluten-free  all purpose flour that I used.

Click to see my Whole wheat chocolate cookie

Ingredients:
1 1/2cups gluten-free all purpose flour
1/2tsp baking powder
1/4cup of butter at room temperature
1/2tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2cup granulated sugar
1/3cup packed brown sugar
1/2tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp pure vanilla extract
1cup semi sweet chocolate chips
(1/3cup of unsweetened applesauce if needed)

Check out my multigrain chocolate cookie here:

Method:
 Cream the butter, and the 2 sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and continue beating, followed by the vanilla, in a sizeable bowl. Set aside. Mix the flour, the baking powder, salt, cinnamon and the chocolate chips. Carefully stir in the dry mixture, using a spatula. Stir until well mixed.(add about 1/3cup of unsweetened applesauce if needed Refrigerate for about 45mins -1hr.

Using a teaspoon, scoop the barter into a greased oven pan. Leave enough space for it to rise.

Bake in the for about 10mins or till golden brown at 350degrees F. Allow to cool before storage.

Enjoy!

Multi-grain Chocolate chips cookie

If you have been following or reading my blogs, you would have noticed that I love mesmerizing my taste buds with flavors. I enjoy experimenting with flavors and switching things around to create new flavor or new taste. So, below is my latest version of chocolate chips cookie. I switched thing around to create this recipe. The original recipe I used came from allrecipe.com.

 Check out my whole wheat chocolate cookie here.

Multi-grain Chocolate chips cookie

 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter @ room temperature                                                                                             

1/2 cup white sugar                                              

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1large  egg

1tsp vanilla extract
 

1/2tsp ground cinnamon

1 1/2cups all-purpose flour ( I used multi-grain bread flour instead) 

1/2tsp baking soda                     

1/4tsp salt

 1cup semisweet chocolate chips     

 

Method:

Using a hand mixer, in a sizeable bowl cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until a little fluffy. Add the egg, the vanilla and baking soda. Mix all the other (dry) ingredient in a smaller bowl. Using a spatula, carefully add the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Stir  to mix( remember not to stir for too long). Use a teaspoon to scoop the barter onto a greased oven pan. Leave enough space for the barter to rise and expand.

Multi-grain Chocolate chips cookie

Pre heat the oven to 350dregree F, bake for about 10mins or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven allow to cool before storage.

Enjoy!

                 

Perfect banana bread recipe

 I have been trying out lots of recipes, and thought I should share some of them for the benefit of those that might need one. This banana bread recipe is really good and easy to make. You can switch thing around if you wish to match your taste.

Perfect banana bread recipe

Ingredients:

3 very ripe bananas, mashed

1 1/2 cups of multi-grain all-purpose flour

1/3 cup olive oil

3/4 cup of sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

Method:

How to make Gluten-free bread.

Sometimes, making a gluten-free bread at home can present lots of challenges, and ultimately frustration-yours truly have had my own share of the frustration. I have tried lots of recipes since the gluten-free breads I found in the store will either contain soy, egg white or other things that my kid reacts to. Recently, I came across this particular recipe on " One good thing By Jillee" and decided to give it a try.

Gluten-free bread recipe.

However, I changed somethings to suit my needs. You can find the original recipe right here. Below is what I came up with after switching things around. It is milk-free, egg white-free and soy-free.

Best gluten-free banana bread recipe

If you are like me that have to switch from making one meal at a time for my family to making 2 different meals each time, you will understand how difficult it is to have a child that has some certain allergies. One of kids has been off gluten for more than 2yrs now. I can tell you for sure that it has been so difficult finding good meals that can satisfy his needs. I have tried some recipes but they were not good enough.

 

Best gluten-free banana bread recipe

So, one day I stumbled on this website called "Taste of home" and decided to try out their gluten-free banana bread. OMG, the banana bread came out way better than the regular banana bread I used to make. It was so moist, and tasty. I had to stick to the recipe for my kid's gluten-free banana bread.

How to make Homemade Lemonade: Recipe

Homemade lemonade can be fun for everyone, especially when you involve your children in the making of the drink. Below is the ingredients I use in making my kids favorite lemonade.

Ingredients:
3/4cups of fresh  lemon juice( with a little bit of the pulp)
1 levelled cup of sugar
4cups of water

Method:

1. In a small pot, combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to boil, stir to dissolve sugar while boiling. Set aside to cool, before you refrigerate.
2. Add the  lemon juice, the syrup, and the rest of the water. Shake or stir to mix 
3. Then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Can be used to serve any meal or snack
Enjoy!

Superb Biscuit recipe.

 I got the original recipe from allrecipes.ca and decided to try it out. I loved it, so much. though I changed some things to suit my taste. So I thought I should post for you guys to use.

Fluffy Vanilla Pancakes

 



Ingredients:
11/4cups of unbleached all purpose flour
21/2tbsp granulated sugar
2eggs
11/3cups of 1% partially skimmed milk
1tsp pure vanilla flavor
2 tbsp. vinegar
1/2tsp salt
3tbsp olive oil
2tsp baking powder
 1 Extra teaspoon olive oil( for frying)

How to fry Ripe Plantain

 





Fried Plantain Served with scrambled eggs.

Plantain is a" crop from the genus Musa", with edible fruits often used for cooking. Though it has the same shape and looks similar to banana, it is a little different from banana which is sweeter and softer when ripe.  If you want to use plantain as a side dish, you need to allow it to almost overripe and become very soft, to increase the sweetness. But if you plan to use it as  main dish or if you are not a big fan of sweet foods, you can either boil it or fry it before it ripens' . 



However, in this recipe I will be using over-ripe banana, it is a very easy recipe, and does not take lots of time to prepare.











Ripe Plantain



Ingredients:

3 over-ripe plantains

1-2cups of olive oil or any vegetable oil

A pinch of salt.

A frying pan or deep fryer

 

*Note if you are using a deep fryer, you will be needing more oil*

 

Method:

Peel the plantain and slice it diagonally(about 1/4inches). Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and toss, set it aside. Add about 1 cup of oil into the frying pan and heat up till it begins to shimmer, add the sliced plantain into the hot oil(fry in batches). Allow the plantain to fry till the part touching the pan is golden brown, flip over and fry the other side.

 

Remove the batch from the oil using a frying spoon or fork, and layer them on a paper towel to drain the rest of the oil. Add the next batch and fry till all the plantains are finished.

 

Serve with rice, beans or serve with scrambled eggs or any food and drink of choice.

 

Enjoy! 

 





 

Chicken Pot pie

 

 Ingredients:

 

1can cream of chicken soup

2cups of cubed chicken breasts, cooked

11/2cups of frozen/ fresh mixed vegies(thawed)

3/4cups of low sodium chicken broth

2tbsp flour

1tbsp olive oil

1/3cup onions

 Pie crust (get the recipe here)

1 egg for egg wash(optional)

Pie plate/ ramekins

 

Method:

Sauté the onions with the olive oil in a sizeable pot until golden brown. Add the veggies and sauté  for few minutes ( about 2-3mins). Add the flour to it and stir, add the broth, the chicken and the soup, stir to mix. Allow to simmer for about 2mins.

 

 

Scoop the sauce mixture into the pie plate/ramekins, don't fill  to the top (just about 3/4). Cover with the pie crust. Press the sides down to seal, prick a hole on top of the crust to let steam out . Whisk the egg in a bowl and use a brush to give the crust a quick egg wash. Place the ramekins on an oven pan layered with aluminium foil. (to prevent any leakages from messing up the oven).

 

 



 

Bake at 350degrees for about 30mins or until golden brown. Allow for at least 15mins before serving.

 

Enjoy!

How to make pie crust

Ingredients: For pie crust





2cups of all purpose flour

1/2tsp white sugar

1/2tsp salt

1/3cup of olive oil

1/2cup of ice water.

1tbsp baking powder

Method:

Add all the dry ingredients together, mix them up using a whisk. Add the oil and mix. Use the whisk as well to mix while gradually adding the water until it begins to form. Press the dough to help it hold.

 

Cut the dough depending on the size of dish you want to use, flatten it using a rolling pin on a chopping board, and bake as desired.



 Enjoy!

Home made Honey mustard dressing.

The ingredients are:
1/4cup of mayonnaise
1tbsp prepared mustard
1tbsp honey
1/2tsp lemon juice(optional)

Method:
Mix all the ingredients together with a whisk or fork in a small bowl, until the lumps disappears. Transfer into a clean container with lid, cover and store in the coolest part of the fridge.

It can be used to serve salads, honey-mustard chicken wraps or be used as a dip.






Enjoy!

How to make a honey-mustard chicken wrap!

The Ingredients Required are:

 

2 boneless chicken breasts seasoned, cooked and sliced

Romaine lettuce, chopped,

Fresh tomato slices

Fresh cucumber slices

Cheese slices

4-5 Flour tortilla

Prepared honey mustard dressing

Aluminum foils( to prevent leakage)

Margarine

Mayonnaise

 

 

Method:

Place the aluminium foil on the serving dish or a chopping board. Place the tortilla on it, lightly apply margarine to the tortilla followed by the mayonnaise. Spread about 1/2tsp of the honey-mustard on the tortilla as well. Place the cheese slices, tomato, cucumber, lettuce and the chicken slices on the tortilla. Top it with about 1tsp of honey mustard dressing. Carefully wrap the tortilla and fold the aluminium foil over it, to secure the wrap; this will prevent leakages. Serve with a smoothie or any drink of choice.

Enjoy!

How to make best Flour Tortilla ever.

This recipe is one of the best I have tired in years. It is easy and does not really take so much to make. All you will be needing are:

3cups of  all purpose flour
3/4tsp salt
1/3cup olive oil
1tsp sugar
1cup of water

Method:
Mix the dry ingredients together in a sizable bowl, add the oil and mix. Gradually add the water until a dough is formed. Work the dough until stretchy.




Set the dough aside for about 20mins. Divide the dough into small circular sizes like in the picture below(golf ball size)




Oil a work surface(chopping board) flatten the small dough one at a time, using an oiled rolling pin till the dough is thin; like in the picture below. Trim the edges if you wish to.





Heat up a greased frying pan, on a medium- high heat. Place the thin tortilla in the pan, allow to cook for 1min or until the dough begins to form light brown patches, turn over to cook the second side.(see picture below)

Continue till the whole dough is finished.
Serve as desired. Enjoy!






 

How to cook split peas.

Ingredients:
1 cup of split peas
5cups of water
a clean pot.

Method:
Pour 5cups of water in a clean pot.
Rinse the peas with water.

Add the peas to the water cover and bring to boil.

Lower the heat, and open the cover of the pot a little, to avoid boiling over and spilling on the stove.

Cook for about 30-40mins.

Drain and serve.

Enjoy!

Hot oil Treatment for dry natural hair.

Hot oil treatment on dry natural hair.

Hot oil treatments is one of the best treatments for dry natural afro hair. It is also good for straight hair as well, it not only softens the hair and make it more manageable, it also makes it grow faster and retain length. listed below are some of the oils that can be used in this treatment. Depending on what you plan to achieve with the hot oil treatment, you can use the combination of the oils or used them individually, I personally love the combination of different oils.

Avocado oil: helps tame and moisturizes frizzy, dry hair.
Coconut oil: Helps condition the scalp, strengthens, stimulates hair growth and softens the hair.
Olive oil: conditions and moisturizes the hair, it also helps reduce split ends.
Castor oil : Strengthens the hair, and seals moisture
Almond oil: Enriches the hair, conditions, stimulates hair growth and softens the hair as well.
Jojoba oil: Softens the hair and strengthens the hair
Mint oil: Stimulates hair growth, fights dandruff, and moisturizes the hair as well.
Sesame oil: For shine and luster.
Argan oil: for hydration and elasticity.
Lavender; will stimulate hair growth, and strengthen the hair. it conditions both hair and scalp. It can as well reduce hair loss.
Grape seed oil: For faster hair growth, it conditions and moisturizes the hair. It strengthens the hair, gives hair shine, fights dandruff

Materials required:
oil(s); 2tbsp olive oil
1/2tsp grape seed oil
1/2tsp mint oil
1/2tsp almond oil
2tbps coconut oil
5drops lavender oil

Water in a spray bottle 

application bottle or cup
wet warm towel
shower caps or plastic bags

Method:
1. If your hair is medium length you can use my measurement, otherwise,  pour the quantity of oil that will be enough to coat your hair from root to tip into a cup or application bottle. Apply the water on your hair to make it damp.
2. Warm up the oil, preferably in a hot water.
3. Coat your hair with the oil from root to tip.
4. Massage your scalp for about 1-2mins.
5. Cover hair with a shower cap , followed by a warm wet towel, and another shower cap or plastic bag. Allow it on your hair for 1-2hours ( this process will help the hair cuticle open up and absorb the nutrients in the oil).
6. Rinse hair with your favorite conditioner
7. Style your hair as desired.

Note: Select the oils based on the result you require. This treatment can be repeated twice a month for a better result. 

Obama's State of the Union Address 2015; hopes and visions.

In case if you haven't seen this video or if you were unable to tune-in the day this history was made. This is President Obama's State of the union address, for 2015.In his address, he laid out his achievements, visions and dreams for the next 2years in office and how he plans to make things work.

Do you think that President Obama and the right wing  will have consensus on the issues of immigration, education, childcare and tax break for the middle class?

Leave your comments below.
 Happy viewing.

Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Click here to watch the video; grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients:
2 slices of bread,
2 slices of cheese,
some margarine,
2 slices of corned beef
 and non stick frying pan.
Put the frying pan on the fire to heat up. Apply margarine on the side of the bread slices that will be touching the pan. Place one of the bread on the frying pan. lay one of the cheese slices on it, followed by the corn beef(2 slices). Add the 2nd cheese and cover with the other bread slice, with the buttered side facing up. Allow the cheese on the bottom to melt a little and the bread lightly browned. Flip over carefully and brown the second side. Cut diagonally and serve with coffee, tea, almond milk, smoothie  or which ever way you prefer.
This recipe is good  for either breakfast, lunch or super.

Please! Please! leave a comment, ask questions, recommend  and Please subscribe for more. Thanks:)

Enjoy!

DIY Chicken broth recipe.

chicken

I have used the store bought chicken broth, and have made and used DIY(do-it-yourself) chicken broth,to cook the same kind of meal and I realised that the taste of the food greatly depends on the quality of the broth used in the cooking. So I thought that I should blog the recipe for my DIY chicken broth for my readers. It tastes a lot better, the flavor is superb, and you will be in control of what goes into it. Very easy to make, just give it a try.

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken(preferably mature/ stewing chicken)
2knorr bouillon chicken cube or 2 1/2tsp Knorr chicken bouillon powder
3/4tsp dry thyme
1tsp curry
2bay leaves
1 1/2large onion chopped in big chunks
2 garlics, peeled and chopped
2 large carrots, cut in chunks
1 ripe jalapena pepper cut in big chunks
about 10cups of water or more if needed
 1tsp salt.

Method:
Wash, skin and cut up the chicken, making sure you remove all the visible fat. Put it into a large pot and add all the ingredients, stir to mix. Bring the mixture to boil, then lower the heat. Allow to cook at low heat for 2-3hours. Allow to cool. Use a strainer to separate the broth from the meat.

Shred the meat and incorporate into your meals, soups or use as desired. Store the broth in containers with lids and use as desired. If frozen, it can last up to 2months.

Enjoy!

 

Easy Lasagne Recipe.

Lasagne

Ingredients:
9 lasagne noodles
500g(2cups) extra lean ground beef
1 can(about 600ml) pasta sauce
1/2cup water
2 3/4cups grated marble cheese
1/2cup grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs beaten
1large Knorr bouillon cube or 2 small cubes
4cheese slices
a clean lasagne pan

Classic mac and cheese; Yummy!

classic mac and cheese

 

Who does not love mac and Cheese? But when it is not well made it might put the eaters to flight. Putting a little twist to the

 regular way of cooking it can make it even more loving and more delicious. 

 

Ingredients:

1pound elbow macaroni

1cup cheese whiz

1 3/4cups grated cheese(marble cheese)

pinch of salt(optional)

3/4cups of 1% partially skimmed  milk

a pinch of black pepper

a pinch of nut meg

1 large chicken bouillon cube or 2 small ones(or 1tsp Knorr chicken bouillon powder)

1pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup of diced onions

1tbsp olive oil

 

Method:

Boil the macaroni according to the instruction on the pack. Drain and set aside.

 

While the macaroni is cooking, fry the onions  with the olive in a sizeable pot, till it turns golden brown. Add the ground beef and fry till well cooked. Add the bouillon cube, nut meg, and black pepper . Lower the heat, add the milk, grated cheese, cheese whiz and mix together, lastly add the drained macaroni. Mix every thing together. Taste for salt, add salt if needed , go ahead and serve. Enjoy!