suzette roberts

// Nutmeg Ice Cream

From the Moluccas, Spice Islands of Indonesia, and our West Indies (primarily Grenada), our warm, aromatic and slightly sweet-tasting nutmeg, made 'her' way into my never-a-dull-moment dreams one winter night. And I was curious, and thought it would be a fun idea to bring this flavourful spice I without hesitation always add to our fall custards and eggnogs, to a fuller, never-a-dull-moment when awake reality too. It's said that back in ancient times, the Greek and Romans used nutmeg as a 'brain tonic' with it being known to act as an adaptogen (a calm, sleep-inducing sedative, or a mood elevating stimulant), according to the body's needs. This is true. The first of three holiday frozen flavours: Nutmeg Ice Cream. I love its simple earthy appeal and the mellow warmth it generates within, all within that first 'magical' scoop. Can we ever call ice cream magical? For ice cream lovers, this is a happy no-brainer. :) More behind the scenes beginning moments after the jump... Thanks everybody, and have a relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. ~xx

 

// Oven-Roasted Red Potatoes

A simple and super-tasty fall favourite we've been indulging in since last month actually, with our seasonal ebbs and flows. The best part is its three-ingredients: red potatoes, pure olive oil, and sea salt. And that's it! No extra spices and frills needed for more elevating thrills. This classic side dish is perfect and delivers as is, rooted in wholesome warmth, fiber-rich red skins, B vitamins, potassium and iron. And did you know that red potatoes have more potassium per serving than any other fruit or vegetable? Yep, they do. We love the buttery deliciousness of it and the fluid energy it brings to our muscles. And in my world, gluten-free makes it a very good thing too...

// Guava Ginger Fizz Sipper

To think it almost slipped me when the alarms have been blasting loud and clear for months... This chilled, light, fizzy and fruity non-alcoholic sipper is my serenade to summer-- for all it has been, and the many blessings and lovely new turns in the midst of a fully-loaded year. Its credit goes to my mom who has been sipping away (with a variety of blends) all summer and 'before-some' come to think of it, most evenings, as she lounges with her evening media watches and such... It keeps her calm and easygoing which has been a huge asset for all her children this year. So, I took the plunge with my all-time favourite juice, gave it some fizzy stretch and a mild flavour-twist. There are still a few must-engage-in summer makes that are still lingering in my mind so I'm happily taking them with me through fall and maybe even winter as timing allows. I hope you enjoyed your summer, and were able to celebrate something good, mellow memories included with family and friends, and a few favourite things. More after the jump, and here's to our last full weekend of Summer 2019 as we've experienced it. Have a fun one! ~xx

// Blueberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Bursting with our fresh and beautiful summer blueberries, some left whole on purpose during the gentle stewing process for an extra 'zing' of juicy flavour, this Blueberry Buttermilk indulgence can now be tagged as my September 2019 Frozen Flavour. For our free-spirited blueberry lovers, young and 'older' with its tart buttermilk, fun bites of smooth fruit, and balancing cream blend every step of the way. And as a little surprize when I have that quiet overnight to do just that. :) My Shalom to Summer. A few behind-the-scenes beginnings after the jump... Happy early weekend, and have a restful one. ~xx

 

// Blueberry Olive Oil Slim Cake

'She' really is the late-summer, fall-is-on-her-way seasonal cake. Indeed. And when Deb Perelman mentioned a 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...