A Scottish Themed Tea with Paisley and Spode

by Helen Kain | Jan 6, 2019 | Appetizers, Desserts, Pink and Red, Tea, Vintage china, White, Winter Recipes, Winter Tablescapes

For the Scots, Hogmanay, or New Year, is a much bigger celebration than Christmas and is marked by much feasting, often over several days. I thought it would be fun to pay homage to this tradition with a Scottish themed tea. Daughter Kirsten, son Adam and Papa...

Deconstructed Scotch Eggs

by Helen Kain | Jan 6, 2019 | Appetizers, Breakfast, Tea, Winter Recipes

This healthier version of Scotch eggs is a marvellous “proteinious” snack. Traditional Scotch eggs are a soft-boiled egg surrounded by sausage meat, breaded and fried. Delicious picnic food or bar snack, they are wonderful, but heavy. This version packs...

Spinach, Fennel, Leek and Pine Nut Pinwheels

by Helen Kain | Jan 6, 2019 | Appetizers, Fall Recipes, Savoury Pies, Sides, Winter Recipes

These pinwheels make a wonderful canapé for a dinner party or one of the savoury pieces of a hearty afternoon tea. They’re popular with young and old alike; children are enchanted with the roly-poly appearance, and your older guests will be amused to see the...

Cheese Scones

by Helen Kain | Jan 5, 2019 | Appetizers, Bread & Scones, Breakfast, Fall Recipes, Tea, Winter Recipes

A savoury version of the traditional scone, these are perfect accompaniments to a bowl of hearty soup. The recipe can be adapted for many varieties of cheese, with or without the addition of fresh herbs. This is the simplest version, featuring a sharp cheddar.  ...

Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini with Caramelized Peppers

by Helen Kain | Sep 30, 2018 | Appetizers, Fall Recipes, Sides, Summer Recipes, Winter Recipes

Easy to whip up and not too filling, this colourful appetizer is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a little nosh before dinner, it can also work as a take along to a picnic or potluck. Just pack the elements separately and let people assemble their own on-site. Print clock...

Mushroom Strudel

by Helen Kain | Sep 6, 2018 | Appetizers, Fall Recipes, Mains, Savoury Pies, Sides, Summer Recipes, Winter Recipes

The humble, earthy mushroom takes on a deeply savoury flavour and meaty texture when sauteed in olive oil and butter. Add a touch of garlic, fresh thyme and Italian parsley and enrobe in flaky puff pastry braided to form an elegant strudel. Voilà . A chic appetizer or...