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Unbeatable Meat Loaf – The Ultimate Comfort Food

By Denise Pare-Watson

Urbnspice Ultimate Recipe Series

My daughters were both very involved in soccer during their childhood (continuously, for seventeen years), sometimes seven days a week during soccer season.   Needless to say, we were very busy parents, often delivering one daughter to a field before driving to the other side of the city for our other daughter’s practice or game.  As a working Mom, I needed to be extremely organized with meal prep for breakfast, snacks, lunches and dinners.  I developed strategies to make my busy week simpler with a freezer reserve of homemade meals, a repertoire of slow-cooker recipes and a selection of make-ahead meals prepared over the weekend.  One of our family favourites was this Unbeatable Meat Loaf.  

Sliced Meatloaf on a Wooden Board | urbnspice.com
Unbeatable Meatloaf – The Ultimate Comfort Food

We often had what we called ‘oven-meals’ on Sunday and meatloaf was a favourite comfort food of the kids.  The addition of scalloped or lemon potatoes, roasted butternut squash and an apple crisp made this oven meal wholesome and healthy for two very hungry, fit and growing girls.  Meatloaf is an excellent quick and easy make-ahead dish, which also keeps the budget in mind.  

Meatloaf can be popped into the oven immediately after mixing together, or prepared up until topping (see Method) and refrigerated until the next day. This recipe makes two family-sized free-form meatloaves – one to have now and one to freeze for later.  If you can resist eating it all, there should be leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches! 

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Filed Under: Gluten Free Recipes, Main Dishes or Entree Options, Meat Dishes, My Recipes, Sandwiches, Urbnspice Ultimate Recipe Series Tagged With: Comfort Food, Gluten Free Recipes, Ground Meat Recipes, Meat Dishes, Meatloaf, Ultimate Recipe Series

Old Fashioned Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookies

By Denise Pare-Watson

I enjoy re-engineering vintage recipes.  I recently came across a recipe for an Old Fashioned Biscuit Cookie that I remember enjoying in my childhood.  We rarely had store bought baked goods in our large household, so the taste of these cookies is still entrenched in my memory. They were so different from the home baked Hermit cookies that my Mom typically made.  Cookies that look like a cracker with a chewy texture and crunchy sugar topping were very appealing back then and are still today.  Old Fashioned Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookies were originally known as Garibaldi Biscuits and were named after an Italian general named Giuseppe Garibaldi.  The biscuit company Peek Freans first manufactured the cookie in 1861.  They have been a popular snack for over 150 years in Britain, as well as Australia and New Zealand where they are known by different names such as “Fruitli” and “Full O’Fruit.”

Gluten Free Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookies | urbnspice.com
Old Fashioned Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookie

Originally, currants were used in Garibaldi Biscuit Cookies. In this Old Fashioned Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookies recipe, I have substituted Golden Raisins for the currants.  The cookie dough is rolled into a thin layer and folded over a layer of golden raisins and firmly pressed flat with a rolling pin to create a thin sheet of fruit-studded dough.  While currants were traditional in this distinctive cookie, I like the look of the golden raisins peeking through the dough and in the baked cookie.  Golden raisins are also known as sultanas and are made from green seedless grapes that are dried.  Golden raisins are the juiciest and lightest in colour of all raisins.  Raisins (dark raisins, sultanas and currants) are highly nutritious, high in fibre, potassium and antioxidants.  Due to their concentrated nature, they are also high in sugar and calories so it is advisable to eat them in moderate amounts.

“Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
Julia Child

I remember reading about a study that showed eating raisins may lower blood pressure, improve control of blood sugar and also increase the feelings of satiety.  On a more romantic note, I remember reading the following quote from a dietician’s manual that has stuck with me for many years:

“Eat a handful of raisins, and you can kiss your husband for an hour! ” Anonymous

Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookies | urbnspice.com
Old Fashioned Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookie

I find it quite amusing that this style of cookie is today often referred to as ‘Boomer Cookies’.  My husband refers to them as “Old Fart Favourites” – he is a boomer (#oldfart).  You will want to try this old-fashioned recipe, which has been modernized to accommodate gluten-free/dairy-free options as well as maintaining the traditional recipe.  Both versions are scrumptious.

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Filed Under: Cookies, Dairy Free Recipes, Desserts and Sweets, Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes, Nut Free Recipes, Pastry, School Lunch or After School Snacks, Vintage Recipes, Vintage Recipes Tagged With: Baking Techniques, Cookies, Dairy Free Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Vintage Recipes

How to Make the Ultimate Date Oatmeal Squares

By Denise Pare-Watson

Urb’n’Spice Ultimate Recipes Series

In my family, Ultimate Date Oatmeal Squares have a long history.   My father-in-law loved these squares and every time we visited, a batch of these squares was always a must-have.  

Ultimate Date Oatmeal Squares | urbnspice.com
Ultimate Date Oatmeal Squares

My research indicates that this old-fashioned dessert has been popular for a very long time in Canada, particularly in Western Canada, Quebec and Newfoundland.  Date squares are made using layers of oat crumb crust and a date purée filling.  These delicious squares are also known as matrimonial cake. I thought that this was an unusual name until I understood the significance of the two layers of oat crumble holding the dates together.  Apparently, these layers symbolize the couple courting and then completing that bond in marriage (I suppose it made sense back then).

Ultimate Date Oatmeal Squares | urbnspice.com
Ultimate Date Oatmeal Bars are also known as Matrimonial Cake

I have made this recipe for The Ultimate Date Oatmeal Squares for many years.  I have always used traditional ingredients such as all-purpose flour, brown sugar and unsalted butter, which always provided a delicious result! In this post, I made modifications to this old fashioned recipe and have adapted it to make a gluten-free and dairy-free version with no loss of flavour, texture or overall appearance. I have provided both recipe versions with the gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients listed first and the traditional ingredients following.  Both deliver a great result.

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Filed Under: Brownies & Squares, Dairy Free Recipes, Desserts and Sweets, Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes, Nut Free Recipes, School Lunch or After School Snacks, Urbnspice Ultimate Recipe Series Tagged With: Dairy-free Desserts, Dates, Desserts & Sweets, Gluten Free Desserts, Matrimonial Cake, Oatmeal, Squares

HOW TO MAKE PAN ROASTED GARLIC PUREE

By Denise Pare-Watson

The Confident Kitchen Series

There are numerous techniques on the Internet and in cookbooks that describe how to roast garlic – almost all of them demonstrate or discuss the traditional oven roasting method. I have prepared roasted garlic this way for many years.  However, I always felt that it was a bit wasteful because I could not totally remove all of the sticky, roasted goodness from the heads of garlic. Therefore, knowing How to Make Pan Roasted Garlic Puree is an important skill to learn because it is a simpler process with little or no waste.  I will provide you with a step-by-step process which will show you how to peel cloves of garlic in an easy and efficient way, then pan roast the garlic cloves, puree them and then store them.  As well, I have provided recipes and ideas regarding how to use the pureed roasted garlic. There are several advantages to this method:  one, there is no waste, and two; you end up with a delicious bonus – garlic oil.  Let’s get started. 

Freezing Roasted Garlic Puree in silicone | urbnspice.com
Puree of Roasted Garlic in silicone trays ready for the freezer
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Filed Under: Condiments & Accompaniments, Cooking Techniques, My Recipes, The Confident Kitchen Series, Urb'n'Spice Tips and Techniques Series, Vegetables Tagged With: Garlic, How To, Roasted Garlic, Tips and Techniques, Urbnspice Tips and Techniques

The Ultimate Caramelized Apple Cake

By Denise Pare-Watson

Urb’n’Spice Ultimate Recipe Series

Homemade apple cake is a favourite any time of the year.  What makes it so appealing is the versatility of how these delicious cakes can be served.  There is a multitude of apple cake recipes to be found, but I wanted to give you a recipe that kicks up the flavour, texture and versatility up another notch. My Ultimate Caramelized Apple Cake uses a unique technique as well as a distinctive ingredient that is all about building flavour.  This special apple cake will be a hit for breakfast, or that next coffee party, or served warm for dessert with softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  You are going to love it as much as we do!

Ultimate Caramelized Apple Cake | urbnspice.com
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Filed Under: Baking Techniques, Breakfast Items, Cakes, Desserts and Sweets, Fruit, Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes, Urbnspice Ultimate Recipe Series Tagged With: Apples, Cakes, Coffeecakes, Fruit

How to Prepare Spatchcock Chicken

By Denise Pare-Watson

 

Urb’n’Spice Tips and Techniques Series

Chicken is one of the most versatile of all meats or poultry.  It is prepared in a variety of ways in the Urb’n’Spice kitchen, such as Herb and Butter Sunday Roast Chicken, Pan Roasted Chicken with Creamy Asiago Sauce, or Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Strawberry Salsa.  The opportunity to flavour chicken is limitless.  In this post, I will teach you How to Prepare a Spatchcock Chicken, and also show you how to make a Quick Poultry Rub that will give any poultry dish a delicious flavour.

A Spatchcock Chicken is essentially a chicken that has had the backbone removed.  This allows you to butterfly or flatten the chicken more easily for grilling or roasting. Removing the backbone can be done with a sharp pair of kitchen utility shears or a chef’s (French) knife – not a serrated knife.  Alternatively, your butcher can easily remove the backbone for you. Once you have mastered the spatchcock technique, you will be able to create a delicious meal in the oven or on the grill in a much shorter time than roasting a whole chicken.

Spatchcock Chicken with Quick Poultry Rub | urbnspice.com 

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Filed Under: Casual Dining, My Recipes, Poultry Dishes, Urb'n'Spice Tips and Techniques Series Tagged With: Chicken, Cooking Techniques, Gluten Free Recipes, Main Dishes, Poultry Dishes, Roasting, Tips and Techniques

Christmas Morning Recipe Roundup

By Denise Pare-Watson

Christmas morning is special. Time to relax, time to enjoy family and friends. Why not celebrate with your favourite breakfast item? This Christmas Morning Recipe Roundup contains a few of our Urb’n’Spice favourites to inspire you. Happy Holidays everyone!

Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla
The Ultimate Breakfast Pastry – Bostock
Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffeecake

You Might Also Enjoy:

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burritos

Whole Grain Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Refined Sugar Free Muffins

A Frilly Frittata – An Italian Omelette

Good Morning Muffin

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my Urb’n’Spice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

  • Parchment Paper
  • Favourite Kitchen Tools: Spatula
  • Extracts: Vanilla Extract
  • Creaming
  • Oven Temperature Accuracy
  • Internal Thermometers
    __________

If you try my Christmas Morning Recipes recipes, please leave me a comment below with your feedback. Happy Holidays!

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urb’n’Spice Chef

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
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Filed Under: Breakfast Items, Brunch Dishes, Gluten Free Recipes, Holiday Baking, My Recipes, Recipe Roundups Tagged With: Baking, Christmas, Gluten Free Recipes, Holiday Baking

The Amazing Pomelo – A How To Tutorial

By Denise Pare-Watson

The Inspiration of Urbnspice Series

I live in the Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia.   Now that the colder weather has arrived, I truly miss the abundance of seasonal fresh fruit.  There are a number of alternatives now available in the grocery stores that are unique and delicious.  One of the seasonal fruits that are currently available at this time of year are pomelos, which are similar in appearance to a grapefruit but larger.  A Pomelo is an interesting citrus fruit native to South and South Eastern Asia. What is noteworthy about pomelo – the largest cultivated citrus fruit, is that it is an original citrus species from which a number of cultivated citrus fruits were hybridized from.

Pomelo is often described as a mild tasting grapefruit. In this post, I will address some of the unique characteristics of pomelo. I will teach you how to prepare and use a Pomelo. I will discuss not only the fruit of the pomelo but also the peel and the pith –  all of these pomelo parts have their usefulness.

How to Prepare and Use a Pomelo | urbnspice.com

How to Buy a Pomelo:

When purchasing pomelo, look for a fruit that feels quite heavy for its size, and is unblemished with no soft spots. It should be kept refrigerated and used within a week. The pomelo that I purchased was a sweet seed-free pomelo, however, there are varieties that are very tart.  Eating the sweet pomelo fruit is a refreshing treat as it does not have the bitterness of a grapefruit and has a slight sweetness.  The thin peel of the pomelo is very fragrant and useful in candied peel, mild marmalade and confectionery.  The fruit of a pomelo is in its core, surrounded by a thick layer of spongy pith. Unfortunately, the pith is often discarded.  In this post, I will outline a very interesting option regarding how to effectively use the pomelo pith.How to Prepare and Use a Pomelo | urbnspice.com

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Filed Under: Dessert Garnish, Fruit, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes Tagged With: Citrus Fruit, Fruit, How To, inspiration of the day, Tips and Techniques

Chicken, Millet and Spinach Appetizers

By Denise Pare-Watson

We all have a repertoire of appetizers that we make year after year. These recipes are family favourites that we look forward to making and sharing. Sometimes, it is nice to change things up a bit. This recipe for Chicken, Millet and Spinach Appetizers was developed because I was looking for a way to incorporate lean ground chicken into a lighter first course or appetizer. The final result was this recipe for Chicken, Millet and Spinach Appetizers – a delicious, attractive and lean recipe.Chicken, Millet and Spinach Appetizers | urbnspice.com

Millet was chosen as an ingredient in this recipe for several reasons – it binds well with the delicate texture of the ground chicken and it is also gluten-free and inexpensive. Millet is an ancient seed that one-third of the world uses in their diet because it is rich in iron, B vitamins and calcium.  The chlorophyll from the spinach and parsley tints the ground chicken mixture to a unique green colour. This makes the appetizers a colourful addition to the holiday season due to their garden-fresh appearance. I encourage you to try this delicious appetizer – not only for the holidays but all year around.

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Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Dietary Restrictions, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Poultry Dishes, Preservative Free Tagged With: Appetizers, Dietary Restrictions, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Holiday Appetizers, Holiday Recipes, Light Recipes, Small Plates

Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas

By Denise Pare-Watson

 

This recipe for Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas is Grey Cup Party food at its best!  It is quick and easy to put together, but more importantly, delicious!  They are little pizzas made in a handheld form. Make lots – your guests will be clamouring for more.

Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas | urbnspice.com

Make lots! They will disappear very quickly!

I was involved in a food challenge a few years ago that wanted us to develop original recipes for the Little Potato Company. On my blog, you will find the results of my creativity including a family-sized version of Smashed Potato Pizza, as well as Sausage and Potato Stuffing, Bacon Cheese Potato Cups and Potato Crusted Quiche (all gluten-free recipes).  I have re-invented the Smashed Potato Pizza and made it into small appetizer sized pizzas.  These Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas have the crispy edges that are so appealing and flavourful.  Toppings are kept simple given the well-seasoned smashed potato base; sliced grape tomatoes, chiffonade of basil, sliced green onion, mozzarella and bocconcini cheese, and crispy bacon bits.   Don’t forget to serve the Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas with Dressed Up Sour Cream….

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Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Casual Dining, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Preservative Free, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Appetizers, Gluten Free Recipes, Grey Cup, Potatoes, Small Plates

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Meet Denise – The Urbnspice Chef

Welcome to Urbnspice - A Taste of Heart and Home. Inspiration in my kitchen is often a trip to the market or an experimental coincidence! Come and join me on this culinary journey where I share my passion for the creative, technical and teaching components of the profession and unravel culinary quandaries for you with fun and easy to follow user-friendly recipes, tips & techniques.
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