suzette roberts

// Chocolate Pecan Clusters

A lovely highlight of 2020 has been and continues to be enjoying our squirrels as they scurry up and down our trees, along extended branches, and quietly hop onto our railings leaving sunburst leafy treats ever so often. Something from 'their' world. They make us smile, laugh, and even confirmed the importance of afternoon sunbathing balance :) again this summer. A true mental wellness lift to the year that was. Their favourite gift is the pecan nut, and they shamelessly snub any healthy veggie offerings... to this day. So the pecan it was, and remains. Back in September while enjoying a late breakfast outside I decided to combine our two favourites: pecans (our squirrels'), and chocolate (moi). Sweet, nutty and delicious, this is our holiday luxury bite: Chocolate Pecan Clusters. Happy holidays! Here's to staying safe, following our health guidelines, and welcoming a healthy New Year ahead. We're stepping away for a few to totally relax, let-go, and enjoy more slower-living. Thanks everybody! ~xox

// Applesauce Rum Cake

My darlings!, today I present the cake that truly made it out of the pan, and decided to live large on the simple things of life, and then some. :) And I wanted to enjoy a little pun in saying all of that. Many have made it out of the pan actually, but this one is indeed very special. She is. Let our holidays begin. My love of applesauce goes way way back — and I do mean way way back. J would even tell you, "It's a goddess thing." We love the sauce. With some leftover raisins soaking in rum, and for a while too, it was really only a matter of time that the two would meet and like love at first sight (or bite); kismet!, all the angels showed up and escorted them to the heavenly gates. Light, moist and mellow, this dessert truly delivers the holiday spirit. Enjoy! ~xx

// Blueberry Blackberry Bake

If nothing else, do ensure your fair share of dessert this long weekend— and hopefully a warm one with a chilled whipped topping for a fun balance. Fresh, juice-bursting market blueberries and blackberries with a light and nutty crumbly topping for our holiday dessert: Blueberry Blackberry Bake. Gently rinsed berries and clean fingers do all of the work, practically...  so while Mr. Turkey/Roast does 'his' thing in the oven, you can layer this just-right (not too sweet), the berries are in charge bake, on a side counter with the kids. They may even take over once they see the ingredients and recipe card out on display.😇 "Nana, I'm doing adding." :) Have no fear; keep a watchful eye. :) 'Looking forward to streaming this new release too. Have a safe and wildly-playful Thanksgiving weekend, at home! ~xx

// Roasted Blueberries on Blue

Or... the lazy housewife's guide to summer 'dessert-ing'... with no desire to turn on the larger oven, and wanting to keep things light with our humid days. Outdoor watering comforts are much more, important enticing. Roasted blueberries on a bed of blue— chilled blueberry Chantilly cream, feels just right these days and has become another after lunch or dinner favourite with our freshly picked Ontario blueberries. Simple, delicious, and not 'too' sinful to our hips. :) This is it. More after the jump... Happy Friday everybody and have a lovely weekend. ~xx

// Banana Olive Oil Cake (Gluten-Free)

It was a Monday. That I do remember. Not this week— and last week still remains a blur🙃. But I do recall working and actually being at my desk. And all I thought about for that full eight-hour work day (for the most part), was finally having not one, not two, not even three—, but four whole beyond-ripe bananas. I say 'beyond', as any other description could do me in here, where not even my squirrel in my backyard would entertain the fruit as a potential snack-nibble if left for another day — and of course I'd never ever want to do that to my playful pecan-loving furry. But at this later ripe stage, the banana flavour is so elevated in any type of baked good, there is no need for any added sweet spices etc... Therefore, at 5 p.m. sharp, I promptly and politely and excitedly excused myself, and scurried to check on them (once again) as they hung out in my oven, below deck, in their medium-sized brown paper bag from the market since the prior weekend. It was bliss. The time had arrived to make my first gluten-free olive oil slim cake for 2020!, and it was all an experiment of the lighter, ultra-moist, and drizzled-chocolate kind...