Joie De Vivre - Page 11 of 38 -

Chocolate, Cookies, Brownies & Bars, Sweet

Chocolate Brownies

In all honesty, the title of the post should actually be “The Best Chocolate Brownies You’ll Ever Make/Taste in Your Life”. But, for the sake of being rather non-dramatic, lets just stick to good old ‘Chocolate Brownies’. When it comes to basic recipes, like a butter cookie or a chocolate cake, having a tried and tested, fool-proof recipe is a must – the same applies to brownies. I have tried several brownie recipes before, ranging from a triple chocolate version, to a fudgy espresso version, and a super easy version – which have all been great products, but have never stood out as a fail safe recipe that I would want to go back to time and again for a batch of brownies.

But this one was is different. It has already managed to call out to me multiple times since the one batch I have baked, so much so that at least a dozen people have been made privy to a conversation surrounding these amazing brownies, at different times and places.

August 21, 2014 | 0 comment

Appetisers and Hors D'oeuvres, Savoury

Peach & Ricotta Crostinis with Lavender Honey and Onion Microgreens

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a big sucker for crostinis of any kind. Evidence includes my lip-smacking grilled pear, honey and brie crostinis with rosemary, strawberry crostinis and roasted mushroom and herb crostinis with parmesan. And honest to God – they are dead simple! Typically an essential to the crostini is the bread itself. Once you have that, all the fun begins with permutations and combinations of pantry goods, fresh produce and favourite staples.

The history behind the crostini (meaning “little toast” in Italian) and our need of the day are one and the same – bite size simple do ahead appetisers to be served at a get together or during Happy Hour.

August 12, 2014 | 0 comment

Appetisers and Hors D'oeuvres, Fruit Inspired, Savoury

Mexican Quick Fix: Mango Salsa & Guacamole

After reading this article, the opening words struct me:

“It won’t be surprising if cultural historians look back on the first two decades of this century as The Era of Crazed Oral Gratification. I’m speaking of the fetishization of food, of cooking and eating, of watching other people cooking and eating, that has become omnipresent across all platforms, all media, all screens and all palates in our great nation.”

It really is so true! And in light of the quest for ‘Oral Gratification’, the journey comes to a standstill with my favourite 2 bowls of goodness. Think about it – there are few things in this world as satisfying as a bowl of salsa, guacamole and a bag full of crispy corn nachos. The ultimate treat! Now while I am not the largest fan of the ‘fusion’ movement (although it has actually been with us for centuries), this combination of mango and Mexican flavours does some serious magic – and that just cannot be ignored. For the last year or two, pretty much ever since I made the first batch of it, mango salsa has become a staple party snack, and a regular on our dinner table whenever we have a Mexican meal.
Read more…

July 29, 2014 | 0 comment

Chocolate, Cookies, Brownies & Bars, Sweet

Espresso Fudge Cream Cheese Brownies

When coffee dreams, it dreams of chocolate.

When I was told the Bourneville had come out with a darker, matured version of their chocolate, with 50% cocoa, there was little resistance from my end to use it for some naughty dark treats! The new (and improved) Bourneville is intense in flavour and heartfelt – every bite hits a new note; sweet and soft – it gently unravels in your mouth.

Think about it – dark dark chocolate, baked into a gooey fudgy brownie base using dark intense cocoa powder, layered with a wobbly vanilla scented cream cheese layer, baked to perfection with a rather large handful of dark chocolate chips. Chocolate heaven! And honestly, it wasn’t even that complicated or tedious.

Layer One: Fudgy Brownie

Layer Two: Cream Cheese goodness

Layer Three: Chocolate Chips

So basically, Layer Two involves mixing together a few things with the help of an electric mixer – super easy! While Layer Three involves measuring out 2/3 cups of chocolate chips. So all you’re REALLY making from scratch is Layer One. But the end product makes it look as though you’ve slaved all day behind the stove, cautiously watching the oven, and delicately creating real life beauty. On a cost-benefit type analysis, the benefit definitely outweighs the cost!

July 15, 2014 | 0 comment

Entree, Savoury, Soups & Sandwitches

Open Face Caprese Sandwich

I am in the process of researching an imaginary trip to Italy.

Rome, Milan, Florence, maybe the Tuscan countryside, and wine country.

From the crux of my initial research, lets call it Eataly. It is almost like a dream, to be able to eat and live life on the robust flavours of Tuscany, the gorgeous wines and the exceptional deserts. I think my version of a dream holiday in Eataly involves waking up early to beat the long queues spiralling alongside the museums and art galleries, with a mandatory quick stop at a local cafe for a double espresso. After the gallery/museum of the day, walk around one of the many quaint squares and their attached by lanes, poking around the local stores and boutiques, collecting pantry essentials (truffles, olive oils, cheeses, herbs, you get the gist!) and enjoying the local vibe. Next stop – a trattoria or deli

June 30, 2014 | 0 comment

Chocolate, Cookies, Brownies & Bars, Sweet

Mastering the Basics: Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have a theory. Well, lets be honest – I have many theories, but this particular one that I am sharing with you today revolves around mastering the art of the perfect chocolate chip cookie. It involves the perfect base – caramelised brown sugar and butter being optimal, with excellent quality slightly larger than normal semi sweet chocolate chips, so that each bite of the chocolate chip cookie really does melt in your mouth, and each mouthful can wait for the next. Now there are people who prefer certain cookies over the others, but mastering a basic like chocolate chip just opens up horizons of options for the average Jo.

June 16, 2014 | 0 comment