Peach and Blueberry Pavlovas with a Blueberry Wine Zabaione

This is a dessert within a dessert within a dessert! Deconstructed, you have some of the most enjoyable sweets to eat..  fresh fruit, pavlova (meringue) and a rich custardy Zabaione! Growing up in our household, my mom used the "idea" of a Zabaione, for a quick morning juice specialty. In a blender, she would whip a few egg yolks with a sprinkle of sugar and then drizzle in the...

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Shepherd's Cottage Pie

This amazingly tasty dish has been making an appearance throughout Europe for hundreds of years. Mutton, lamb, beef and even fish, can easily find it's way into this British pie. I was first introduced to an English Shepherds pie early in my college days while on a short one month missions trip abroad. Previously in my home, we made this with a pastry crust, but recently an English girlfriend...

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Chunky Applesauce

Apple season just ended and we had a wonderful crop from our tree this year! Cinnamon and spice and everything nice has permeated throughout the house with apple fare filling the cupboards and dessert trays. Now, thoughts of holiday foods and family gatherings coming up in just in a few weeks! This is a simple crock pot applesauce recipe that makes such a yummy, low sugar, chunky monkey type...

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Grilled Rosemary Lamb | December | Cast Iron

 My Artisan Boule bread was baked in an enamel coated cast iron dutch oven, my leg of lamb was warmed/browned in my favorite antique cast iron pan, and my panini sandwhich was pressed and grilled on my cast iron grill and weighted down with a cast iron pan. Grilled Rosemary Lamb Panini with Currant Jelly, Spinach and English Cheddar  on a Fresh Artisan Boule I hope you enjoy the...

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Coconut Milk Chocolate Pudding

I can remember it like it was yesterday..  Sitting on the floor, huddled up with girlfriends in front of the fireplace on a cold winter's night.  Home made chocolate pudding.. the one that you made with the recipe from the the Hershey's Cocoa can. I don't think pudding ever tasted so good! For some reason, it's that particular event that is re-played in my mind time and time...

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Smokey Spicy Beef Skewers

Mrs G's Hot Pepper Jellies is a product I have mentioned a few times here at DMC. It not only is a product I photograph, but it is a product I use quite often! It makes a beautiful glaze for biscuits,  a sweet and spicy addition for seasoned nuts, and as we've used hear for beef skewers, a wonderful addition to a tangy grilling sauce. But please.. PLEASE don't hesitate to eat it alone by...

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The Inspired Plate | November | A Casual Holiday Breakfast

Welcome to The Inspired Plate. It's the Holidays and we're shooting special foods styled in a holiday setting! I chose breakfast because the aroma of the apples and spices lingering in my house with this granola preparation always puts me in the mood for music, baking and hot tea! I can't believe another year has gone by! Starting January, we'll be celebrating 3 years with The Inspired Plate. So if...

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Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Gluten Free, Dairy Free  Ingredients 3 Roasted Butternut Squashes (you can also use pre-cubed squash from the grocery store) Olive oil, just a few teaspoons 12 oz. unsweetened coconut milk (full fat or low fat) 6 cups low sodium chicken stock 2 Cipollini onions (lightly chopped) 1 fat Garlic clove, mashed with flat side of your knife 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger Cayenne...

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Peppermint Chocolate Cherry Almond Bark

Who doesn't love chocolate.. and what better, than to make it and give it away as gifts! In  my home it's a tradition to start our baking when the kids have Thanksgiving break. This week our youngest was off earlier than usual so here we are, celebrating mom and daughter time and looking forward to the holidays with Peppermint Chocolate Cherry Almond Bark.  This is the easiest...

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Almond Oatmeal Bars

These oatmeal bars with chocolate chips are amazing and a must try! :)  I have two recipes here, the "allergy friendly" recipe, and the "not so allergy friendly" version. I don't have allergies to nuts, so I bake with almond flour quite often, but this nut free version is still quite satisfying! Gluten Free Almond Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars 3/4 cup oil 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white...

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Peanut Butter Cookies

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies Adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook Yield: about 36 cookies Bake 375°F  7-9 mins per batch Ingredients ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar or 1/4 cup honey ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla 1-¼...

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Colored Sugar Shapes

This isn't my first post about sugar shapes, in 2008 I also wrote about these wonderful sugar creations that are SO easy and quick to make. I actually have to give the credit for this batch to my 8 year old daughter who was so excited about playing in the color stained water and filling the candy molds. I was happy to have her help.. because at this point I was more interested in clicking...

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The Inspired Plate | March Challenge | Breakfast

This month The Inspired Plate is celebrating our monthly challenge with "Breakfast".I know this looks like a simple breakfast.. with not too many ingredients, but I so often eat alonein the mornings after the kids have all gone to school and this for me is quick and satisfying. A soft cooked egg, thinly sliced and buttered sourdough toast.. perfect for dipping, and a cup of tea. A few...

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Masala Chai Tea

We have this wonderful little spice shop in Temecula called "The Old Town Spice Merchant". With the smell of spice in the air it feels festive all year long. I Love it! You will LOVE making your own chai tea! I suggest even if you don't intend to make it soon, keep these spices on hand! They are wonderful additions to stews, cottage pies and savory pastries! If you are dairy free.....

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