EmmaEats...and Katie too!

Hot Cross Buns, Vegan and Traditional | EmmaEats

Hot Cross Buns, 2 ways – Vegan and Traditional

April 2, 2014 by EmmaEats

You need to make these right away. Hot Cross Buns. They are as much of an Easter tradition as the Easter bunny and painted eggs. Although I didn’t try them until well into adulthood, Emma was born a fan of hot cross buns. I had intentions of making them for years but my aversion to working with yeast (I’ve gotten past that now – see here, here and here) and the raisins (she loves them, I don’t) has always resulted instead with us picking […]

Categories: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Vegan • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cooking, dairy-free, dates, Dessert, Easter, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Homemade, hot cross buns, Kid-friendly, nut-free, Olive oil, Recipes, Vegan, Yeast

Crispy Baked Potato Wedges

March 25, 2014 by EmmaEats

This is the recipe that’s hardly a recipe. I’m really starting to see that exposure to fresh, whole, homemade foods has beneficially developed Emma’s and Katie’s tastes. For example, they enjoy our homemade hot chocolate made from steamed milk so much that when we go out, they choose to not drink hot chocolate made from water and powder. They are so enamoured with steak done on the Big Green Egg (BGE) that they don’t particularly enjoy steak when we eat […]

Categories: Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Sides, Vegan • Tags: Autumn Recipes, baking, Cooking, dairy-free, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, fries, gluten-free, healthy, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, Olive oil, potato, quick and easy, Recipes, Sweet potato, Vegan, Winter recipes

Sky High Spelt Breakfast Biscuits

February 27, 2014 by EmmaEats

Often with children in the house, someone can feel left out. It’s not always the same person feeling left out either. Mum is cooking or tidying while the kids are wrestling with Dad, big sister is busy doing homework while little brother is colouring or Dad is at work while Mum takes the kids on an outing. Do you sometimes feel like the one missing out on the fun? In our family, the girls certainly influence a lot of what […]

Categories: Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Sides • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Biscuit, Breakfast, Brunch, Cooking, Dough, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes, spelt

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Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Vegetables | EmmaEats

Lamb Shanks Braised with Red Wine and Vegetables [Dairy-Free]

February 19, 2014 by EmmaEats

We are one month away from Spring. When the weather is like this, I’m reticent to bundle up the kids and head out in the evenings. Maybe it’s the 4-times-a-day bundle up/dress down that we go through every weekday. Perhaps it’s my own disdain for having to shovel snow every time we step outside this winter. Thank goodness there are foods like this to help us through the snowy, icy coldness that has taken hold. Thank goodness we have something […]

Categories: Dinner, Lunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes • Tags: comfort food, Cooking, dairy-free, Fall recipes, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, gluten-free, Homemade, Kid-friendly, lamb, nut-free, Recipes, Winter recipes

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The Ultimate Granola Bar [Vegan, Gluten-free]

February 4, 2014 by EmmaEats

We love to snack. What’s it like in your household? Are you snackers or is there one among you? Katie certainly is. When she’s on the move, which is always, she’s happiest when she has something delectable within easy reach. Emma loves to feel prepared for anything and so, in addition to tissues, hand sanitizer, spare books, an extra pencil and eraser, she often has a snack (or two!) in her school bag to enjoy during recesses. All this snacking […]

Categories: Breakfast, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Super School Snacks, Vegan • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Breakfast, Chocolate, Cinnamon, coconut oil, dairy-free, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, gluten-free, Granola, healthy, Homemade, Kid-friendly, Maple syrup, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes, Vegan

Chocolate-dipped Classic Shortbread Hearts

January 30, 2014 by EmmaEats

More sweet treats for your sweets this Valentine’s Day. This year has been a veritable Valentine extravaganza at our house and we’re still weeks away from the actual day. We’ve got cards underway and have tested loads of treat options. Unlike years past, I didn’t want to be unprepared and uninspired as we got closer to Valentine’s Day. Emma and Katie are both very interested in celebrating whatever holiday is coming and so, it means we are baking, eating and […]

Categories: Desserts, Really Yum Yum, Recipes • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Biscuit, Christmas, Cookies, Cooking, Dessert, desserts, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes, shortbread, Valentine

Chocolate Cinnamon Hearts [Vegan] | EmmaEats

Chocolate Cinnamon Heart Cookies [Vegan]

January 28, 2014 by EmmaEats

Love, love, love. Hugs and kisses. Red and pink. Sweets and chocolates. There are a bunch of entities synonymous with modern Valentine’s Day. And, now these Chocolate Cinnamon Cookie Hearts equal Valentine’s Day for us. Chocolatey, with a warm hint of cinnamon spice, these vegan cookies are versatile. I have a few alternatives here so when we make them, there’s a version for everyone. There are ones dipped in deep dark chocolate (my personal favourite), ones filled with raspberry jam […]

Categories: Desserts, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Vegan • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Chocolate, Cinnamon, coconut oil, dairy-free, Dessert, desserts, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Gift-giving, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, quick and easy, Raspberry, Recipes, spelt, Valentine, Whole wheat flour

Chocolate Cake Cookies [Vegan] | EmmaEats

Double Chocolate Cake Cookies [Vegan]

January 16, 2014 by EmmaEats

Chocolate. If Christmas and Winter are associated with mint, Valentine’s Day is definitely chocolate. And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about a chocolate treat for that little someone special. Although these cookies don’t look it, they are incredibly indulgent. Similar to quick cake mix cookies you may have seen elsewhere, these from-scratch cookies are simple to make and require only one bowl (make the flax mixture in a cup). These deep chocolate […]

Categories: Desserts, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Chocolate, Cookies, Cooking, Dessert, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes, Valentine, Vegan

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Icy Trees and Shrubs - Toronto Ice Storm 2013 | EmmaEats

7 ways to be prepared for an ice storm [aka The 95-hour Christmas Candlelight Vigil]

January 9, 2014 by EmmaEats

Were you ready? We learned a lot in our household during our 95 hours without power and heat — most notably that we are not prepared to survive 72 hours* with no power in the dead of winter. (*72 hours is what most government agencies suggest is the time people should be prepared for in case of emergency/disaster.) Until we get a wake-up call, generally speaking, many of us are unprepared for an emergency. Add to that the chaos […]

Categories: Not necessarily food • Tags: disaster planning, Family-friendly, Food, ice storm, Kid-friendly, toronto

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Spinach and Lentil Soup (aka Prosperity Soup) [Dairy-Free]

January 2, 2014 by EmmaEats

Categories: Dinner, Lunch, Recipes • Tags: Brunch, Cooking, dairy-free, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Homemade, Kid-friendly, Lentil, Luck, New Year, New Year's Day, nut-free, Olive oil, Recipes, soup, Spinach

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EmmaEatsTop 10 Recipes of 2013 | EmmaEats

EmmaEats’ Top Ten Recipes in 2013

December 31, 2013 by EmmaEats

2013 has been quite a year. As many have celebrated victories, grappled with political instability or coped with natural disasters, we have been fortunate to have had a relatively peaceful year. Looking back, I’ve had the good fortune to share experiences and traditions, as well as recipes we use as enjoyment, as comfort and as celebration. This year, you enjoyed both sweet and savoury tastes, both new and traditional foods. These were your favourite recipes this year – EmmaEats’ top […]

Categories: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Dinner, Lunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Super School Snacks, Vegan • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Breakfast, Brunch, Cooking, dairy-free, Dessert, desserts, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, healthy, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, Vegan

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Easy Spelt Crescents with Cheese | EmmaEats

Easy Cheesy Spelt Crescent Rolls

December 12, 2013 by EmmaEats

We’re in the thick of entertaining season. If you’re celebrating at this time of the year, your holiday preparations are likely well underway. And generally, the holidays lead to partaking in eating many delicious treats. Should you be the one entertaining or just considering an easy lunch/appetizer/side for any occasion, add these tender, flaky and flavourful crescent rolls to your arsenal. They are simple to make and come together so quickly. The dough can be made ahead and tastes so […]

Categories: Appetizers, Brunch, Lunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Super School Snacks • Tags: appetizers, baking, Bread, Brunch, Cheese, Christmas, Cooking, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Homemade, Kid-friendly, Lunch, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes, spelt

Spanish Chicken and Quinoa [Dairy-Free]

November 7, 2013 by EmmaEats

Are you ready for some comfort food? Fall has arrived and it’s been wet and cold. It is November after all, so I guess it’s no surprise but it has meant a change from hovering out at the barbecue which is what I was doing two weeks ago! This hearty and flavourful dish epitomizes comfort food. It’s quick to put together and infuses the kitchen with a warm spicy aroma as it simmers away. It includes some of the most […]

Categories: Dinner, Lunch, Recipes • Tags: Autumn Recipes, Cooking, dairy-free, Fall recipes, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, healthy, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, Olive oil, quinoa, Recipes, Winter recipes

Easy Grilled Tilapia Fish Cakes

October 24, 2013 by EmmaEats

I’m not quite ready to let go of the warm weather. The girls, they don’t mind the extra layers they’re donning when heading outside. I, on the other hand, am much less pleased about this and have already pulled the warm woolen blankets out from their summer hiding spots so I can place them in strategic locations around the house. I know any minute now I’m going to feel the chill of the impending first autumn frost and will be […]

Categories: Appetizers, Dinner, Lunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes • Tags: appetizers, Autumn Recipes, Cooking, Family-friendly, fish, Food, food-photography, healthy, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes, summer recipes, Tilapia

Tasty Venison Tostadas [Gluten-Free]

October 17, 2013 by EmmaEats

This is the ultimately customizable meal. Often, parents complain about having to make multiple meals in order to accommodate their kids’ requirements. These tostadas truly are a perfect meal. No matter the tastes at the table, everyone can find a combination that suits them. It comes together in a flash which makes it just right for a weeknight dinner or for an impromptu casual dinner party. The kids will have fun as they can “choose-their-own-adventure” from the wide assortment of […]

Categories: Dinner, Lunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes • Tags: Autumn Recipes, Cooking, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, gluten-free, Homemade, Kid-friendly, Mexican cuisine, nut-free, Olive oil, quick and easy, Recipes, Tostada, Venison, Winter recipes

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Chocolate and Olive Oil Truffle Cake [Dairy-Free] | EmmaEats

Chocolate Olive Oil Truffle Cake [Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free]

October 10, 2013 by EmmaEats

So it’s not paper, or silver. Not ruby nor gold. This post is an anniversary of sorts. It’s my 100th EmmaEats…and Katie too! post. Maybe we should have fireworks or champagne. No – let’s have cake. And chocolate. Mmmmm – chocolate cake. This particular cake was adapted from Molly Wizenberg’s Winning Hearts and Minds Cake over at Orangette. Truth be told, Molly’s site and writing influenced me to start EmmaEats and to focus my culinary efforts here. And her cake […]

Categories: Desserts, Really Yum Yum, Recipes • Tags: baking, Baking and Confections, Chocolate, Chocolate cake, dairy-free, desserts, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, gluten-free, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, Olive oil, Orangette, quick and easy, Recipes

Easy Edamame Dip [Vegan]

October 3, 2013 by EmmaEats

So we’re a little late to the party. Edamame has been popular for years. Seriously — if you wiki edamame, you’ll find that the earliest mentions of it date back to 1275. It wasn’t popular here in North America that far back, and at our house, it only started making frequent appearances this past spring and summer. And even then, it was by accident! I’m not certain how we haven’t been enjoying edamame prior to that but am thrilled that […]

Categories: Appetizers, Lunch, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Super School Snacks, Vegan • Tags: Alton Brown, appetizers, avocado, dairy-free, Edamame, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, gluten-free, Homemade, Kid-friendly, nut-free, Olive oil, quick and easy, Recipes, summer recipes, Vegan

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Spooky Halloween Cupcakes [Vegan] | EmmaEats

Spooky Halloween Cupcakes, 3 ways [Vegan]

September 26, 2013 by EmmaEats

Trick or treat! Halloween is a lively time at our house — one year, it warranted three costume changes on the big day. Even before we had a family, it was always a highly anticipated holiday. Hopefully, this year won’t be a triple-costume Halloween (there’s a habit I’d prefer to not encourage) but it doesn’t mean we won’t have some fun! These rich, dark, chocolatey vegan cupcakes and their “costumes” are quick and easy to make. This leads to a […]

Categories: Desserts, Really Yum Yum, Recipes, Vegan • Tags: Autumn Recipes, baking, Baking and Confections, Chocolate, coconut oil, Cooking, Cupcake, dairy-free, Dessert, Fall recipes, Family-friendly, Food, food-photography, Halloween, Halloween Cupcakes, Homemade, Kid-friendly, Martha Stewart, nut-free, quick and easy, Recipes