suzette roberts

// Blueberry Olive Oil Slim Cake

'She' really is the late-summer, fall-is-on-her-way seasonal cake. Indeed. And when Deb Perelman mentioned that slight chill in the air during a day in August, for the first summer ever with living North, I paid more attention to our temps this month and smiled my wild heart out when I needed that light extra layer over my shoulders last weekend. :) The very next afternoon, I made this lovely gluten-free slim cake and evening tea for dessert outdoors with fresh market blueberries I had a really good feeling about. I used Deb's recipe here as a safe guide with just three minor changes-- I added my loved olive oil instead of butter, an extra brown egg, and rice flour, for a moist, flavourful and happy gluten-free ending. More after the jump and happy weekend! ~xx

 

// Cream Cheese & Strawberries Ice Cream

My mom's love affair with The World's Most Fabulous Cheesecake will forever be, and has stood the test of time over the last six decades. Two years ago when I asked Mom what ice cream flavour she wanted for her upcoming birthday get-together, without hesitation, she said, "Strawberry Cheesecake." I knew where she was coming from as it's been a long favourite also in my world. Known for using only the finest ingredients and hand-blending in small batches, indulgents are always in for a refined treat of the royal kind as each bite holds its own full-on burst of fabulous. I wanted to hone in on this rich, smooth and creamy sharp-sweet flavour (and texture) with this month's latest: Cream Cheese & Strawberries. Here's to our last full month of summer as we've experienced it... More beginning behind-the-scenes after the jump... Have a very lovely weekend.  ~xo

 

'For the love of our sweet summer strawberries...

// Fresh Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Created in the heart of winter (the month, January-- the year, 2019), with our snowflakes enjoying their playdate season... Thinking summer, on my mind is: our little kids (and big kids), out and about in our summer sun, more casual family and friend times, as well as quiet recharging solo moments, Disney World, walking, lots of walking, pink sands, warm saltwater beach days, sailing, carefree laid-back play..., and the desire for the refreshing and the energizing in one scoop. Hello Fresh Mint Chocolate Chip, and hello July!~ More beginning behind-the-scenes after the jump...

 

// Orange Olive Oil Slim Cake

Happy First Day of Summer! :) 'Lots to do this season and we've already dived into the deeper end of it with some happy endings in progress... It's been on my mind for a while now, especially with mastering this loved gluten-free chocolate slim cake (scroll down), in recent times. Our sweet, plump, and juicy navel oranges are always a hit during our summer months; chilled, frozen, and even just as is. This first round of my super-moist Orange Olive Oil (Gluten-Free) slim cake is now another enjoyable favourite for our easy, breezy, weekend family get-togethers with minimal sugar and a mellow citrus-rich flavour. Welcome to summer and have a full-of-life weekend. More after the jump... Thanks everybody. ~xx

// Organic Earl Grey Ice Cream

It's officially ice cream season(!) But, then again, one could easily add, "Is there ever a season that's not ice cream season (heat on during our winter)?" We are a heavy tea-drinking family and grew up on mugs of simply-brewed black tea-- my amazing parents included, back in the day... This month I wanted to celebrate them both with a new flavour: Organic Earl Grey, with its pure Italian bergamot citrus oil, after taking some time away last month. This pure (organic) blend of ingredients salute their strong work ethic, exemplary business acumen, and drive to live an authentic life. We're over the moon to have them both with us on the same side of the pond these days, finally! More behind-the-scenes steps after the jump. Have a fun weekend. ~xx

// Fresh Sautéed Spinach

For the love of our greener greens-- spinach(!), and because we cannot live on fish and ice cream alone, unfortunately :), really?, yes really... for better balance. This healthy veggie add is super-delish, quick and easy to make thanks to my aunt, Beverley, who shared the simple steps decades ago. So, whenever our market has it well in season, a bunch or two or three is always a welcomed pick-up. I say two or three bunches when preparing for two or a larger family as one bunch steams down into literally one generous serving, especially if eliminating heavier carb (flour-y/ starchy) foods with breakfast, lunch and/ or dinner. And good to know, sautéed spinach is pretty universal when it comes to all meals, so why not enjoy a generous serving of it with a favourite sit-down meal of the day. A little spring refresh in our tummies too. Music and more after the jump... Happy weekend. ~xx

 

Fresh spinach (leaves and stems) rinsed individually under cool running tap water.