All posts by Barbara99

Panettone Scones Recipe

Homemade Scones
Panettone Scones

Inspired by the famous Italian sweet fruit bread/cake, these Panettone Scones (or, perhaps, more aptly “Panescone”) are divine served with clotted cream or English double cream, and your favorite fruit jam or curd. They are particularly tasty served with any of my homemade jams or jellies and either my clementine curd or cranberry curd. Continue reading Panettone Scones Recipe

Orange-scented Blueberry Oat Square

Teatime Square Made With Blueberries
Orange-scented Blueberry Oat Square

Modelled after, and made with the same method as, a traditional Date Square, this wholesome Orange-Scented Blueberry Oat Square features a delectable blueberry filling sandwiched between a sweet and buttery orange-scented oatmeal crumb base and topping. Continue reading Orange-scented Blueberry Oat Square

National Afternoon Tea Week

 

Tiered Server for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea Table

As I write this post on August 7, 2022, the forthcoming week of August 8-14th marks National Afternoon Tea Week in the UK. This is a week set aside to celebrate the wonderful leisurely genteel activity of afternoon tea. As those of you who are regular followers of my food blog know, afternoon tea is a passion of mine and I never pass up an opportunity to indulge in the menu of savory bites, toothsome scones with jam and clotted or English double cream, and an array of tantalizing desserts. Continue reading National Afternoon Tea Week

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Lobster Pasta Dish
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Living in PEI, we have access to fresh locally-fished lobster during the Island’s two lobster fishing seasons, commonly known as the spring and fall fisheries.

Lobstter Boats
Lobster Fishing Boats Loaded with Traps for Setting Day, North Rustico, PEI

The first season begins in May and goes until the end of June. The second season runs from August to October.

Lobster Fishing Boat
Lobster Fishing Boat Loaded with Traps, French River, PEI

After a few good “feeds” of lobster straight from the shell, I am ready to incorporate lobster as an ingredient in other dishes such as in this tasty Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. This is not your usual weeknight Mac ‘n Cheese dish. Rather, I refer to it as a more extravagant grown-up version of an old family classic. Continue reading Lobster Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Quick Bread Recipe

A quick bread made with strawberries and rhubarb
Strawberry Rhubarb Quick Bread

Quick breads are easy to make and are lovely for tea or coffeebreaks. Today’s quick bread combines strawberry and rhubarb with some flavorful spices (nutmeg and cardamom) to make a delightful treat. While this Strawberry Rhubarb Quick Bread can certainly be made with frozen strawberries and rhubarb since they are cooked into a sauce before being added to the bread batter, it is an extra-special treat to make when both are in season locally. Continue reading Strawberry Rhubarb Quick Bread Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Recipe

Croissants and Homemade Jelly
Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly

Strawberry and rhubarb are two of my favorite flavor combinations. It should come as no surprise, then, that I would create a Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly recipe. With its stunning color and beautiful flavor, this jelly is sure to become a family favorite. Continue reading Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart Recipe

French Tart
Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

Today’s dessert is the lovely Strawberry Rhubarb Tart modeled after the famous French Lemon Tart. This divine tart combines two of the season’s best flavors into a silky-smooth filling which is then placed in a buttery rich and tender Pâte Sucrée shell. Simply, this is a decadent dessert of restaurant quality that can be made at home!

While a “Jump to Recipe” button has been activated on this post, it is highly recommended that the entire text of this post be read before making the Strawberry Rhubarb Tart as it contains additional information that is not included in the printable version of the recipe. Continue reading Strawberry Rhubarb Tart Recipe

Celebratory Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea

Table with 3-tier server set for teatime
Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea

Today, we enjoyed a Celebratory Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea.  It’s not many people who can say they worked in the same job for 70 years and probably even fewer can boast of still being on the job every day with plans to continue! As I write this post, it is June 2, 2022, the actual 70th anniversary of the formal coronation of  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (now aged 96) which took place on June 2, 1953. Continue reading Celebratory Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea

Bistro Style Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Bowl full of Spaghetti and Meatballs garnished with fresh basil
Bistro Style Spaghetti and Meatballs

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs make a super tasty meal. Spaghetti sauce is not difficult to make and this sauce freezes very well so it is great to have on hand when needed. Likewise, meatballs are not difficult to make either and they also freeze well. So, this is a great make-ahead meal to have on hand when the tastebuds crave a Spaghetti and Meatballs meal. It’s simply a matter of thawing and reheating the sauce and meatballs and cooking up a pot of spaghetti. Continue reading Bistro Style Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Billowy Soft Hot Cross Buns

Pan of Easter Rolls
Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are made with a yeasted enriched dough that is fragrant with warm spices. Usually, dried fruit is added. These buns are an Easter tradition in many homes. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, and marking the end of Lent, Hot Cross Buns, with their signature cross on the top, carry the symbolism of the crucifixion of Jesus. Continue reading Billowy Soft Hot Cross Buns

Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Cheese-topped French Onion Soup
Classic French Onion Soup

While many cast French Onion Soup as fine dining restaurant fare, it really is easy enough to make this soup at home. Read on for my recipe, hints, and tips for making this Classic French Onion Soup in your own kitchen. Yes, you really can make fine restaurant-quality food at home and your kitchen will have the intoxicating aroma of a French bistro! Continue reading Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

St. Patrick’s Day Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea Fare
Three-tier Server Brimming with Afternoon Tea Fare

I love an elegant afternoon tea on any given day of the year but there are certain holidays and special days that really open up many options for creative and inspiring tea events. For me, St. Patrick’s Day is one of them as the colors of the Ireland flag are great inspiration for the color theme of the tea table as well as for the food itself. What follows is my Irish-themed St. Patrick’s Day Afternoon Tea. Continue reading St. Patrick’s Day Afternoon Tea