suzette roberts

// Garlic Roasted Carrots

Pretty much the only way the boys and I will have our carrots (when not in a flavourful soup of some kind, or finely shredded in a potato salad, or dipped raw in an onslaught of creamy dressing). 'Hard to resist a couple slices right out of the hot oven (above). Rest well, and exhale some more. The week that was... :) Simple recipe notes after the jump... ~xx

// Favourite 'After-the-Party' Skillet Chicken

January always feels like a 'thawing-out' kind of month (after all the holiday sugar, gluten, alcohol, and dairy-ful indulgences) even while we're low-key at home. I enjoyed two whole slices of the most delicious (and yet super-light) cake over the holidays and I'm already looking forward to mastering its gluten-free version this year. Right right now though, when we need that good meat protein (because tofu, beans, eggplant, corn and such are so off the table in more ways than one), this is my getting back on track go-to re-balancer. Quick, easy, and full of juicy flavour for dinner, lunch, and even next-day breakfast. Works like a charm every time, and keeps our energy levels up and going with the right balance of sides. January should never be a drag. Simple recipe after the jump... ~xx

// The 4-Egg Scramble

Over our break, we enjoyed quite a bit of this guy (CTV's Drama Channel had a month long marathon from dawn 'til dusk), and had a good laugh. Sometimes I wanted to bend him over and let him have it with his outrageous shenanigans, and other times I wanted to hug him and say, "Aww pussycat, so. much. pressure." :) It happens. 2021 is already on its true path and there's nothing like a high-energy 5 year to indulge the wildchild 5 herself. For slower re-grouping moments there's easy breakfast, or brunch, or later lunch eggs... ~xx

// 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

// Juicy Oven-Baked Cheeseburger Days

This was the year for it. Totally unexpected, the highlight of all my home-cooked meals, especially meats, was the simple and classic once weekly, weeknight or weekend movie-night cheeseburger. And it was all about adding a bit of ginger, and seasoning the ground beef overnight for added infused flavour. Better burger days or nights it became, and all done in the smaller toaster oven. I don't think I may buy a ready-made burger ever again; at least not for a while. Happy Hanukkah!, and hello to Pantone's Color(s) of the Year 2021. :) Have a warm and wonderful weekend in your neck of the woods. ~xx