Food – little siddall studios

Posted on December 25, 2012September 9, 2020 by Becky Gean

chewy coconut lime cookies. a recipe. in a little kitchen.

with the holiday season in our faces, and food in our mouths, enjoy my latest creation from in my little kitchen.

chewy coconut lime cookies.

it was a night where the kitchen was completely spotless for once – that see every bit of the counter clean.

so what did i do? messed it up of course. i had a sweet tooth and no matter how long i’d spend in the kitchen, i was going to have myself some cookies when it was all said and done.

since Josh and i do a lot of travelling to see our families over Christmas, we have a routine we follow and the most important one in my mind – don’t forget about the food in your fridge.

1-2 weeks before travelling – no buying/bringing new food into the house, we must use up what we have. this way nothing goes bad while we’re away. so after 10 minutes of rummaging around, i found some flaked coconut, honey, a vanilla bean and two limes. daydream moment – coconut – hawaii – honeymoon. sigh of love. and the following is the recipe i came up with based on those main ingredients i found.

lime_cutting_board_knife

zest of 2 limes – seeds of one vanilla bean (or not) – 1 cup of butter – 1/2 cup of white sugar.

mix until sugar is well blended with butter. fluffy butter stage.

1/2 cup of honey. local honey that is.

local_honey_oxford_woodstock_market

pour and mix in with your fluffy butter. making it sticky fluffy butter stage.

i don’t care what method you use to combine your ingredients. use what you have. bowl, spoon and strong-arm will work just fine. or a hand mixer, or a stand mixer. the point is to mix.

juice of half a lime – 2 tsp of vanilla extract or coconut if you have it – or both!

baking_cookies_lime

blend in with sticky fluffy butter. juiced up butter stage.

in a separate bowl – 3 cups of flour – 1 cup of flaked coconut.

pour in the juiced up butter and mix. with your mixer, your hands, your spoon, whatever. separate your big mess of dough into two even chunks and form each chunk into whatever shape you desire. refrigerate for at least a half hour, but ideally overnight. i like to roll my dough into a log for ease of cutting, throw it in the fridge and be ready for baking when i want.

oven – between 325 degrees to 350 degrees – 8 minutes – rotate pan – 8 minutes – remove from oven – transfer to wire rack. i find that all ovens tend to be a little different so watch your cookies the first time, and adjust accordingly.

eat warm or cold. depends on your willpower.

happy holidays – wherever you are.

Posted on September 7, 2012September 9, 2020 by Becky Gean — Leave a comment

learn by doing – my first steak.

i know what good food TASTES like. i do. at times i like to think i have one of those “refined palates” they talk about. then i watch Hell’s Kitchen and see the blind food test and think otherwise. i feel as if a dinner party is in order to test out this blind tasting theory.

however, do i know HOW to cook food so that it tastes good?

Josh and many others have said a resounding – yes!

i’d say i’m decent, but could use more practice. there’s many things i’ve never attempted before out of fear of failure.

one thing that i’m learning to work on is confidence in myself. Josh and many others have also reminded me of this on many occasion.

– SO –

let’s start to change that shall we?

(yes, i’m forcing all of you to come along this cooking journey with me)

i grilled my FIRST STEAK EVER on the barbeque… or barbecue. do people really have a preferred spelling?

so why, at the age of 25, is this the first time i’m grilling a steak? well – meat in the past has… scared me. growing up we ate chicken. lots and lots of chicken. as many ways as you can think of. i remember having a roast turkey or chicken at grandparents houses, but always arriving after it had been cooked. i was rarely around any preparation, unless it was baking. i guess i was trusted more around measuring cups of flour that could be easily swept up than hot stoves and pans of grease. regardless, i steered clear unless it was already cooked. through the years my mind then forged some crazy thought that the touch, look and/or feel of raw anything was/is gross and nasty. further pushing me away from uncooked anything.

silly me. i know.

partly because i started writing a lot more and am enjoying it, and partly because with the move to a new apartment came a dishwasher (sing-any-song-really-loud-in-enjoyment-at-the-thought-of-dishwasher…because i am) i have this new-found energy to want to cook and bake everything. which then unfortunately comes with catching myself engrossed in a cookbook for 2 hours on the couch or – on the couch, surfing the internet watching food how-to videos. not spending one single minute in the kitchen. THE SHAME!

– SO –

i got off my bum, and put one of those how-to watching videos into practice. i figured a good place to start was the barbeque. something i always dreamt of being a master at, but never really having the resources ever to try.

Josh’s mom always had a fine cooking magazine lying around the cottage when we’d go and visit. (yes, i flip through a lot of magazines and love every minute of it, an obsession i blame on my mother) this is how i stumbled upon the informative how-to videos and why i ultimately went and grilled my first steak!

specifically watching “great steaks on the grill” under the “grilling how-to videos” section on the right of the fine cooking site once you click on the link. there are so many other videos to watch and if you know squat about barbecuing – i highly suggest watching them.

i let my steak sit out on the counter – i can’t remember how long, but long enough for it not to be fridge-cold still.

i patted my steak down with paper towel on both sides.

i peppered one side of my steak.

i salted one side of my steak.

flip and repeat.

i grabbed my trusty tongs, 2 plates (raw+once cooked), a dish towel (i always have one close by), and a container containing slices of zucchini (a favourite and not my first time cooking on a grill) which also provided me with a bit of oil for the grill. all set. i purposely did not bring down any utensils. this was going to be a one shot deal. no slicing until back in the comfort of my apartment.

i was awfully nervous setting the steak down on the grill for the first time. hearing that slight sizzle noise, following the videos advice on the placement – i mean really, who doesn’t want cute criss crosses on their steaks?! even better – calling them diamonds. i closed the lid as quickly as i could and vowed not to open it again until 3 or 4 minutes had passed. listening to the how-to video in my head, up on the roof top.

there was success all around. even cooked to my exact liking – medium well. between mohawk and myself, it was devoured ever so quickly even though he prefers a rare steak.

so how come when i invite two friends over, and cook for all four of us, i get 2 out of 4 steaks correct. grr…

practice practice practice.

don’t stop on me now good weather! i need another steak win!

Posted on August 30, 2012September 9, 2020 by Becky Gean — 2 Comments

learn by doing – popcorn in a brown paper bag.

WELL GOSH DARN IT!

IT WORKED! IT ACTUALLY WORKED!

i have to admit that my jaw did drop. more than a little. same with mohawk. same with the friend i had over.

it just seemed a little… to simple to actually work. i mean, have you seen those microwave bags you get at the grocery store? i would need scissors to break into it at times if those handle side pull tabs didn’t work so well.

and the butter. lots of it.

or fake butter.

even if it says real butter… we know.

there’s just WAY TO MUCH OF IT! let’s cut down a little on all the fake crap shall we?

– SO –

the paper bags. (forget how much they cost, not much) the plain popcorn kernels. (3.99, at my local sobeys)

i carefully opened up the blog post in which i originally saw this. the lovely kerry k. taylor over at squawk fox has taught me many a good trick. this one seemed too good to be true. but i went for it. How to Microwave Gourmet Popcorn in a Brown Paper Bag.

just as kerry laid out ever so carefully step by step – wouldn’t you believe it – i had the same results! (my paper bag did start standing up like hers did, by the end of the microwaving it had fallen on its side, no big deal)

only thing i may change next time would be to splurge and see if the orville kernels taste better than grocery store brand kernels.

i urge you – go do it now. or don’t forget to leave yourself a little reminder for the next time you’re in the grocery store.

now you can have whatever flavour you want! and you can recycle the bag afterwards! how much did i put into the bag you ask? a half a cup! that’s it, that’s all!

my greatest do-it-yourself popcorn go-to seasoning is

– butter
– honey
– salt & pepper

mix and pour over popcorn – yum yum yum!!!!!! salty and sweet! so good!

thanks kerry k taylor over at squawkfox! i will never buy packaged popcorn again! go check out her blog, she has other yummy flavour topping ideas.

Posted on July 29, 2012October 11, 2021 by Becky Gean — 1 Comment

a scary movie. a birthday. and a pic of my cat.

– the paper place on queen st west in toronto was hosting a letter-writing night. being a lover of all things crafty, especially paper, i had to go. it was a huge turn out! they had lemonade and macaroons (the way to my heart) as refreshments. i wrote a letter to each of my grandmas while i was there and popped them in the mail on my way home.

– josh is a lover of scary movies. me? not so much. we started what we call “Obscure Movie Night” – this can be held on any particular night of the week, but tend to be mondays. we flip-flop who gets to pick the movie. this time it was his turn.

paranormal activity 3. great. i thought i was in the clear after the first two. nope. and the fourth one is out this october – which i’m sure i’ll also be coaxed into watching. little does he know i’ve planned a fantastic feeler chick flick for us next week.

okay, i’m lying. i don’t have one planned. suggestions?

– OH! and i guess i should tell you! the actual physical mohawk got put into hibernation again. i have to say, it’s a little freaky waking up to what you think is a stranger next to you – you know that jolt out of your skin feeling.

then realize, no, wait – josh has just shaved his mohawk off.
that and, oh right becky – this is the reason you need corrective lenses.

– more macaroons!!! the perfect ending to my perfect birthday weekend of camping. i LOVE camping. we enjoyed delicious food cooked over the fire all weekend. i had a wonderful surprise show up straight to my campsite. two friends that i didn’t think were coming! what a lovely birthday present! i even got to blow out candles on some fantastic double chocolate white chocolate chunk brownies with ganache that my dear friend andy made.

– and for tut – he had his first veterinary visit this week. he’s not the happiest with me right now.

Posted on July 15, 2012September 8, 2020 by Becky Gean — Leave a comment

a little bbq – and a pic of my cat.

– i’m becoming a little obsessed with the fact that i have access to a barbecue. it’s wonderful. Josh and i made a feast… for just the two of us. it was delicious. not 20 min before we went to the rooftop it was pouring rain. we were lucky enough to have the rain stop for just the right amount of time to bbq, no umbrella required.

– aside from barbecuing, i’ve been itching to bake something in my new-to-me kitchen. specifically, this delectable looking strawberry rhubarb pie from smitten kitchen. but after carefully reading through the recipe, i think i’ll take Deb’s advice and try the improved version – one of the many reasons to love smitten kitchen. go check it out. you’ll fall in love too.

– had women (special awesome ones) over for refreshing cocktails and grilled veggies on the bbq. YUM! again, with the barbecue – i know.

– tut had friends over this weekend! two little munchkins, or rather, two tea-cup pomeranians – weezer and carmen are their names. can you guess who is who? Josh’s mother came down to visit and brought them with her. it was a relaxing weekend for me. for tut – not so much. the little ones kept him on his toes until they left. at which point he crashed and had a long needed nap.

happy sunday – wherever you are.

Posted on July 9, 2012September 8, 2020 by Becky Gean — 1 Comment

pay me, then cook everything yourself.

korean grill house.
i was specifically at 369 yonge st.

all you can eat.

that is… all you can eat – pork, chicken, beef, beef ribs, ox liver, ox tongue, salmon, sausage, squid, fish fillet AND for 2 dollars more – lamb and shrimp.

after the hour of 10 pm, you must first pay for your meal, then get seated as they sadly have a history of many walk-outs. (walk-outs = jerks who leave without paying for their meal)

no veggies come with the all you can eat. it is an extra charge per person and MUST be charged for every person at the table, regardless if one person doesn’t want veggies. this time, we did not get veggies.

kimchi??? what the heck is that? Josh loves it. i admit, i’m still nervous. the look and texture of certain food is something i am trying to work through and overcome as a weird fear. pathetic, i know. kimchi is one of the many sides that come with the all you can eat menu at no extra charge.

you definitely want to make sure you have a clean, hot grill. once the grill has been turned on by your server, wait at least 5 mins before throwing anything on to cook, just like if you were to barbeque or put something in the oven, you want it to heat up first.

then grill away! taking turns of course!

be cautious of where you set your tongs down – you’ll have just picked up raw meat with them.

as long as you ask, the servers are more than happy to point out what is what. some folks at your table may like to know if they’re eating ox tongue, or if it’s pork. each comes individually plated as to not mix with each other. remember, it’s all you can eat, so if you devour all the beef (like i often do) you can order more! lots more! if you didn’t like the squid after trying it (like i did not) don’t order it again.

be sure to ask to get your grill changed every so often. it can get built up with cooked/burnt food gunk (ya, that’s what i call it) and won’t cook your food as nice and evenly as you’d want. plus, it gives your tummy a needed rest as you let the new grill warm up.

i enjoyed bean spouts, spiced potatoes and rice as my sides and grilled up plenty of pork, beef, and salmon. don’t knock the ox tongue until you try it. it wasn’t my first time out to korean bbq – so i didn’t feel the need to be as adventurous as i was the first time around, which is when i tasted squid and ox liver. not the biggest fan.

it is a place to go with friends who you don’t mind sharing food with, if you have time and patience to cook your own food, and if you are hungry, because, really, it’s all you can eat – you should go ready to fill up!

i’m sure i will be back again. it’s never been over the top, the greatest thing, making me clap my hands with excitement – but i always leave full and have great conversation over those hot grills, so you should go! tell me if you were brave enough to try the ox tongue!

Posted on May 22, 2012September 8, 2020 by Becky Gean — Leave a comment

it really really is that nice.

i am a firm believer in word of mouth. if you don’t get a good start, a good following, it may be hard to stick it out and make it in a big ocean with many many tiny fish. this isn’t the case for this restaurant – nor is it my first time out to the nose. thank you Mikey – for sharing what i feel is… (was, after this) your secret spot.

at the corner of queen east and leslie, near the shores of toronto there is a building that stands with a human shaped nose directly above the front door. its presence feels somewhat mysterious on the street corner…in a stand alone kind of way.

it’s almost hard for me to write this and to truly explain to you the utter joy i feel when i eat the food at this establishment.

keeping in mind that others feel the exact same way, so some nights can feel crazy and jam packed and you may not get the most attention starved service that you may want to come to find. i’ve interacted with many members of the staff, all extremely friendly and knowledgable of their menu and ingredients. there is a love in the foods look and taste. you know its all been expertly crafted before being presented on your plate. i personally appreciate being left alone to dine – to come and eat food, be relaxed by the pleasant drone of conversation around me.

tonight wasn’t any night. Josh and i had arrived home from a more than unpleasant “adventure**” and i was determined to put us on the up swing again. to get us back to reality and the pleasantries that come with home. FOOD!
so naturally, i went to my new found comfort, the nose, or gio rana’s really really nice restaurant.

tonight wasn’t about the wine. i had water.

tonight was about the food. the way the menu is laid out, you really want to order one of something from each section. each plate is small but substantial and in my opinion can always be shared between 2 – so get MORE! get lots of them! and SHARE! i choose the dailies chopped salad and mohawk had mozzarella and tomato with basil pesto, balsamic and olive oil to start. i apologize for the lack of food pictures – there was going to be no waiting to eat at tonights dinner table.

i’m not joking – i teared up about 3 bites in. it was just…perfect. what real, good food should taste like. it is actually ridiculous just how yummy everything is inside this building. i then followed with potato gnocchi in a white wine veal… it was some saucy name. i really can’t remember and the only menu i could find online is out of date. it was creamy and oniony and fluffy… IT WAS MIND BLOWING!

Josh had my classic go-to. the involtini. shredded pork wrapped with rib eye, goat cheese and jus. $15.95. worth every single penny. believe me. it’s one of those dishes you find yourself craving weeks after. a cappuccino and a tiramisu – which was a complete joke that we even ordered, considering how full our tiny post-adventure tummys were. we took the tiramisu to go.

i left feeling overly elated. it’s no surprise that i shall be back – again, and again, and again.

you should go.

gio rana’s really really nice restaurant.
1220 queen st east. the corner of queen st east and leslie.

*** Josh and i deemed what was to be our vacation, as our “adventure” after ending up in the hospital the first night to our destination and recovering the rest of our trip. no fun let me tell you.