Real Life: Chocolate Chipotle Icebox Cookies

"For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, 

for health and food, for love and friends, 

for everything this goodness sends."  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

One week ago I was certain the Universe hated me.  It's true.  Just ask my sister about the text I sent her.  In the course of 72 hours 1) My house was almost broken into in broad daylight.  I'm fine.  My ever-aware neighbours across the street alerted the police before I even had to, which was wonderful.  Still, it was unnerving to say the least.  2) The next day I had an unexpected visit from an ex boyfriend that was just sad and awkward, awkward and sad.  3) The day after that I had a root canal to try and soothe some dental issues, only to find out that there is a wayward wisdom tooth, that if erupted, will require intensive oral surgery to remove. Oh!  And this surgery could leave my face permanently numb.  That's right.  Numb. It was all a little bit much.  I wanted to crawl under the duvet with a book and these cookies and not come out all week.

Mocha Medjool Date Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache

It’s that time of year when visions of sugar plums start dancing in heads.  Lists are being made on a daily basis and If you’re at all like me you’ve started thinking about desserts to serve for the upcoming holiday season.  Well, to be honest, I think about dessert all of the time, but especially at Christmas.  You want a showstopper.  And today, I have that for you, with a little help from the friendly (and delicious) Natural Delights Medjool date.  And, believe it or not, but this cake is completely vegan, and can easily be gluten free, too.  This is a great recipe to have on hand when guests with special dietary restrictions will be seated at your table.  Rather than having various desserts to accommodate this or that food issue, everyone can partake in this cake. They may even lick their plates.  

Sticky Toffee Lentil Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Secrets.  I've got them, you've got them.  Some are big, some are little, and some are much harder to keep than others.  Some secrets you tell people you wish you wouldn't have, and others you wish you could tell, but can't bring yourself to go there.  Holding on, letting go.  It's what we do.

Time Out: Raspberry Dark Chocolate Coconut Scones

Life around here has been pretty nutty - what with me working 40+ hours a week at a job that I adore, but is incredibly busy and some days physically exhausting.  Add onto that a new writing gig I'm pretty stoked about and a tangled/overgrown garden/yard that is starting to look like some sort of prairie jungle, and let's just say I've got lots on my plate.  Or as my mom would say, too much.  Throw into the mix that fact that I never took any sort of summer vacation, (perils of starting new job in summer) and the outcome of all this craziness is that something has to give.  And you probably can tell what's coming, and I really hate saying it, but it's this space.  I have to step back for bit and take a breather.  A time out, if you will.  For the past two and a half years I've loved loved loved coming here at least once a week and telling you what the heck I've been up to in my kitchen.  I really have.  But lately it's been the last thing on the list of stuff that needs to get done and I feel badly for that.  Don't fret - I'm not going away for ever.  Never!  I'm only hoping to take about a month off to refresh, re-assess and relax.  Some days I would like to not even turn the computer on (imagine!!!) and park myself on the couch and watch three episodes in a row of Homeland and stuff my face with popcorn.  Plus, these summer days are waning, so fast, and I'd like to suck up their essence before it's too late; see more of my friends and family, go for hikes by the river.  Maybe even contemplate dating again.  I think this is called a social life.  Anyway, you get my drift.  You won't get rid of me that easily though, for I'm sure I'll be popping in briefly with a recipe and a photo or two - because I really do love it here and you know I'm still going to be cooking fabulous food.   Just not sure when I'll be back at full steam - I'm guessing once the garden is put to sleep and I've got a game plan on how to handle all of the blessings in my life, because all of this that is happening is so, so good, and I'm grateful for every second of it.  Thank you so much for understanding. I miss you already.