Blog Archives

Salmon Mousse

1/31/2025

There’s something magical about bringing a little taste of your travels into your own kitchen, and that’s exactly what I’ve done with this Salmon Mousse recipe. Inspired by a creamy, flavorful dish I enjoyed on an NCL cruise, this recipe captures the fresh, indulgent essence of the original while adding my personal twist. It’s simple to make, perfect for entertaining, and pairs beautifully with crisp veggies or crunchy chips. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this is one recipe that’s sure to impress!

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Salmon Mousse

Ingredients:
8 oz. package of Mascarpone Cheese, at room temperature*
1 can of wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, drained (I used Kirkland brand)
2 green onions, chopped (reserve 1/2 teaspoon of the green part for topping)
1 Tablespoon capers
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Penzey's Sunny Paris blend**

Directions:
Place all of the ingredients (saving 1/2 teaspoon of green onion) in food processor and blend until smooth.
Put into serving bowl, top with reserved green onion.
Serve with celery, other veggies or chips.

*you can also substitute with cream cheese
**Just in case you don have Sunny Paris, and want to make up your own blend it contains purple shallots, chives, green peppercorn, basil, tarragon, chervil, bay leaf and dill weed.

Recommended Posts

0 Comments

When Is Chinese New Year 2025?

1/25/2025

0 Comments

The onset of spring is celebrated during Chinese New Year, which is also commonly known as Lunar New Year. It is observed in nations with a large Asian population, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, and is known as the Spring Festival in China.

Welcoming the new year and sending good fortune and abundance into the previous one are at the heart of Chinese New Year traditions. There will be a lot of red decor, firecrackers, and fireworks. Red envelopes are used to distribute funds to the youth. Those who have passed on are remembered and celebrated with a feast.

In 2025, the Lunar New Year falls under the sign of the snake, which is also related with the Chinese zodiac.

The beginning and ending times of the Chinese New Year in 2025 are as follows.

When exactly is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year starts on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

How long does Chinese New Year go for?
Chinese New Year 2025 ends Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Usually, the Chinese New Year festivities can go on for up to sixteen days, but only the first 7 days are public holidays. This year, that's from January 29th to February 4th.

The beginning of a new year is signified by Chinese New Year, which is also known as Lunar New Year, when the calendar is based on lunar cycles or the phases of the moon.

Why does Chinese New Year last 15 days?
Starting the first new moon of the lunar calendar, the lunar new year finishes on the first full moon roughly fifteen days later. The lunar calendar is based on moon cycles, so the Lunar New Year celebration dates vary somewhat every year.

Recommended Posts

0 Comments

Avocado Toast with Vegan Feta Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Cranberries, and Walnuts

1/17/2025

0 Comments

Elevate your Sunday brunch or lunch with this delicious and visually stunning Avocado Toast! Featuring creamy avocado, tangy vegan feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this dish is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Topped with a drizzle of mustard vinaigrette and optional balsamic glaze, it’s an elegant yet simple recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a leisurely brunch or treating yourself to a wholesome lunch, this gluten-free delight is as satisfying as it is nutritious.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Avocado Toast with Vegan Feta Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Cranberries, and Walnuts
Yields: 2-4 servings depending on if you are serving one or two slices per person.

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
2-4 slices of your favorite gluten free bread – toasted.
1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved
1/2 cup vegan feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup Mustard Vinaigrette (recipe here)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Balsamic glaze, for garnish (optional)

Directions:
Prepare the Avocado by scooping out the avocado flesh and mash it with a fork or just sliced it to your preference. Mix in or drizzle the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispiness.

Spread the mashed or sliced avocado generously over each slice of toasted bread

Two a small bowl, add cherry, vegan feta cheese, red onion, chopped cranberries and walnuts. Add 1/4 cup of mustard vinaigrette. Mix until dressing is well incorporated over ingredients.

Add ingredients over the toast.

Finish with an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper for taste.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy....

Drizzle few drops of balsamic glaze or a touch of honey for a sweet and tangy finish.

Recommended Posts

0 Comments

London Fog Latte (Earl Grey Tea Latte)

1/14/2025

0 Comments

Warm, cozy, and delightfully aromatic, the London Fog is a comforting tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla. This easy homemade recipe brings the café experience to your kitchen in just 10 minutes. Whether you're looking for a soothing morning drink or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, this London Fog latte is the perfect blend of flavor and comfort.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

What's in a London Fog?

Simply put, a London fog recipe is steeped tea combined with sweetened, frothed milk. It's like a vanilla latte, but made with tea instead of coffee.

Other names for a London fog are:
Earl Grey Latte
Tea Latte
Earl Grey Lavender Latte
London Fog Latte

London Fog Latte (Earl Grey Tea Latte)
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf)
½ cup (120 ml) boiling water
½ cup (120 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based like oat, almond, or soy)*
1–2 tsp vanilla syrup (or ½ tsp pure vanilla extract + 1 tsp honey or sweetener of choice)
Optional: pinch of dried lavender (for a floral twist)

Instructions:
Steep the Earl Grey tea (and lavender, if using) in ½ cup of boiling water for 3–5 minutes. Remove tea bag or strain leaves.

Heat the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling. Froth using a frother, whisk, or by shaking in a sealed jar.

Add vanilla syrup (or vanilla extract + honey) to your brewed tea. Stir well.

Pour the frothed milk over the tea. Spoon foam on top for that classic latte look.

Garnish (Optional):
Top with a sprinkle of dried lavender or a dusting of cinnamon for extra coziness.

Need a mug to drink this London Fog Latte or for a gift? Check out my designs in my Redbubble store.

*Best Nut Milks for a London Fog:

Almond milk – light and slightly nutty, works great if you don’t mind a thinner texture.
Cashew milk – creamier than almond, with a more neutral taste.
Macadamia milk – rich, buttery, and smooth — an excellent choice for lattes.
Hazelnut milk – adds a warm, toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey.

💡 Tips:
Pro Tip for Frothing:
If you want that classic foamy latte top, go for barista-style nut milks — they’re formulated to froth well and hold structure.

Want it iced? Use cold-brewed Earl Grey, chilled milk, and pour over ice with vanilla

Recommended Posts

0 Comments

Schezwan Green Beans

1/10/2025

0 Comments

Looking for a bold, flavorful side dish that's both gluten-free and packed with a spicy kick? These Schezwan Green Beans are the perfect blend of heat, umami, and crisp freshness. With tender green beans coated in a zesty Schezwan sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you're adding a twist to your dinner table or satisfying your craving for something spicy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Perfect for pairing with rice or enjoying on its own, it’s a gluten-free delight that’s as simple as it is delicious!

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 Tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
2 Tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari for a deeper flavor)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
1 Tablespoon gluten-free Schezwan sauce (homemade or store-bought; see below for a quick recipe)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with 2 Tablespoons water (slurry)

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, coconut sugar, and Schezwan sauce. Set aside.

Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and red chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched green beans and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly charred.

Pour the sauce mixture over the green beans and toss to coat evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.

Transfer the Schezwan green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.