RECIPE: Eggnog for BC Living - From Scratch

Eggnog
for BC Living “From Scratch” Column
December 2024
 
It’s that time of year, holiday parties are happening, families are gathering, and sometimes a nice glass of eggnog is exactly what you want (booze or no-booze). 
 
Those cartons on the shelf at the grocery store are fine, but making it fresh, with good ingredients (like, you know, actual eggs!), just hits differently. 
 
There are a few different ways you can make it, specifically whether you want to heat the nog to temper the eggs, but I went with the traditional route, and it’s excellent. 
 
The key thing to know is how long eggnog lasts - whether you add alcohol or not makes a big difference. I’ll explain that below! 
 

INGREDIENTS 

- 6 large eggs 
- 1 cup of granulated sugar 
- 2 cups milk (I used 3%/whole milk) 
- 1 cup heavy cream 
- ½ cup to 1 ½ cups of alcohol of your choice (rum, bourbon, Cognac, or a mix are all good choices) 
- cinnamon sticks 
- nutmeg for garnish (freshly grated is best) 
- optional vanilla extract for extra flavour 
 
INSTRUCTIONS 
 
Separate the egg whites from the yolks in two different bowls – the yolks in a large mixing bowl. 
Put the egg whites to the side – you can use them when you serve your eggnog. 
 
To the yolks add the cup of sugar and then with a hand mixer (or stand mixer), whisk until they turn light colored, and are smooth and creamy. Don’t under-whisk them. 
 
Next add the milk and cream (if you want you can play around with the measurements of these, as long as it adds up to 3 cups. Try 1.5 cups of milk and 1.5 cups of cream for a thicker eggnog) and then add the alcohol if you are using it and whisk to combine. Make sure you get to the bottom of the bowl as some of the sugar might stick. You can also add vanilla if you’d like. 
 
Eggnog without alcohol should be consumed within a day. With alcohol it will last longer in the fridge and taste even better with age. The more alcohol the longer it lasts, but I’d recommend making it a few days before you want to serve it just to be safe. 
 
Transfer the eggnog to a sealed container and let chill in the fridge. At this time, you can add a few cinnamon sticks to the eggnog to infuse it while it rests. 
 
If you’d like, right before serving you can beat the leftover egg whites to stiff peaks and then fold it into the eggnog and it will be extra creamy. (I personally used them to make other cocktails!) 
 
To serve, pour the eggnog into a glass, you can add whipped cream to the top as well, and grate some fresh nutmeg on top (or sprinkle some from your spice rack)! 
 
ENJOY! 

FOOD: The Highwayman Pub in South Surrey

The Highwayman Pub
Food Photography
August 2024

RECIPE: Chili for BC Living "From Scratch"

Chili
for “From Scratch” for BC Living
September 2024
 
Whether it's when the leaves start to turn, the snow is falling, or it's gray and rainy outside, sometimes all you need is a bowl of chili to comfort you. 
There are many, many ways to make it – from meat-free to multi-bean, to a combo of both, with the variety of vegetables (peppers, mushrooms, carrots, etc.) changing based on preference. 
I went with a chili mostly of beans, so that anyone can enjoy it.  
Also, if you’re making a big enough batch, portioning and freezing it means easy meals whenever you’re just too lazy! 
 

INGREDIENTS: 
 
*Note – spices are (fairly) mild, but it’s best to start there and add more later if needed. I also find the spices become more potent the long it sits together on the stove and in the fridge. 
 
- 2 tbsp olive oil 
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped 
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped 
- 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped 
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped evenly (you can use a green pepper here if you prefer) 
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced 
- 1 large can of kidney beans (you can substitute other beans if you prefer them) 
- 1 large can of black beans 
- 1 large can of crushed tomatoes (or chopped if you prefer) - approx. 750mL 
- 2 cups vegetable stock (or water) 
- 2 tbsp chili powder (I used two kinds) 
- 2 tsp ground cumin 
- 1 tsp dried oregano 
- 2 tsp smoked paprika 
- ½ tsp salt 
 
Garnish options: cilantro, avocado, cheddar cheese, or anything else you’d like. 
 
INSTRUCTIONS: 
 
To save time, you can roughly chop the onion, carrot, and celery and pulse them in a food processor, instead of chopping by hand. The same goes for the red pepper, but I like those in regular sized chunks. 
 
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and then add the onion, carrot, and celery, and ¼ of a tsp of salt - cooking for a minute until it softens. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute before adding in the bell pepper, stirring well. 
 
Now add your spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika, stirring until everything is well coated and fragrant (1-2 mins). 
 
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and both kinds of beans. 
Note if you want to make sure you get all of the tomatoes from the can, you can pour some of the vegetable broth or water into it, swirl around and add to the pot – this way none is wasted. 
 
Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then cook on low for 45 minutes (you may have to cover to avoid splatter). 
 
If you’d like the sauce thinner, you can always add more water as needed. If you prefer a thicker chili take about a cup of it and blend it in a blender before adding back in. 
 
Taste for seasoning – it may need more salt and possibly more spice if you want it hotter. 
 
You can serve this over rice, or in a bowl with tortilla chips. And don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or cheese. 
 
ENJOY! 

FOOD: Recipe Testing with The Ooni Pizza Oven

Food Photography
Recipe Testing with the Ooni Pizza Oven
July 2024

See review by Rebecca Coleman by clicking here.

RECIPE: Mini Donuts for BC Living "From Scratch"

Mini Donuts 
for BC Living “From Scratch” Column
August 2024
 
August makes me think of fairs and festivals, and I can distinctly smell the mini donut stand. And while it’s much easier to get from those little machines they make them in, I’d rather avoid a crowd and make them myself at home. 
 
This dough does its first rise overnight in the fridge, so plan for that, and make sure you have some friends around to feed because these are best warm, the same day, and the recipe makes quite a few of them. 
 

INGREDIENTS: 
 
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 
-250g lukewarm whole milk 
- 50g sugar 
- 565g all-purpose flour 
- 1 tsp salt 
- 2 large eggs, room temperature 
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 
- 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature 
- neutral oil (canola, extra light olive oil, or vegetable oil) for frying 
- 200g granulated sugar 
- 3-4 tbsp cinnamon (this is to your own taste) 
 
TOOLS: Having a thermometer for the oil temperature is ideal, and a spider strainer to retrieve the donuts from the oil is also key! 
 
INSTRUCTIONS: 
 
In a small bowl, mix the yeast, lukewarm milk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar - stirring well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix briefly. 

Add the eggs, vanilla bean paste, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough starts to come together (it will smooth out). 

Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for another 10 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. 

Lower the mixer speed to low and add the butter a little at a time, ensuring each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. This should take about 3-4 minutes. 
Once all the butter is mixed in, increase the speed to medium and mix for another 5 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. 

Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in the fridge overnight. 

The next day, line two baking sheets with parchment paper squares. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll it to a ½-inch (1.25cm) thickness. 
 
Use a 1 ¾-inch (4.5cm) round cutter (or something close to this size) to cut out dough circles. Cut a small hole in the center of each circle using a small round cutter or a straw (I used a piping tip of the correct size) and then place the cut-out donuts on the parchment squares. Re-roll any scraps and cut out more donuts. (Save a scrap or two to test the oil later on.) 
 
Lightly cover the donuts with plastic wrap and let them rise for 45-50 minutes until puffy. When you poke them lightly, the indentation should spring back. 

While the donuts are rising, heat the neutral oil to 350°F (180°C) in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. (The oil should be deep enough for the donuts to float.) 
 

Set up a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or paper towels. 
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a medium bowl. 
 
Test the oil with a few dough scraps, or any donut that is less than perfect in shape. Then, gently lower a maximum of six donuts at a time into the hot oil (less if your pot isn’t wide – basically just don’t crowd them). Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping every 30 seconds, until golden brown. 

 
Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on the cooling rack. After cooling for 30 seconds, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. 
 
Repeat with the remaining donuts until all have been cooked. 

 
The donuts are best the same day they are made, and I recommend storing them in paper bags, so they don’t get soggy. 
If you do keep them overnight, I’d reheat them in a microwave the next day to soften them up. 
 
ENJOY! 

RECIPE: Focaccia for BC Living "From Scratch"

Focaccia
Recipe for BC Living
June 2024
 
Filling your home with the smell of fresh bread is such a treat, and it can be easy too. You don’t have to be a sourdough expert, or have a stand mixer, to make something like a loaf of focaccia. Just a little bit of time and planning, as this bread is best left to ferment a bit overnight. 
 
The other fun part about this type of bread (besides the step where you get to poke it with your fingers like it’s Play-Doh), is that you can add so many things on top. I went with a simple roasted garlic head and some fresh rosemary from my garden, but you can use olives, cheese, tomatoes, bacon, you name it! 
 
INGREDIENTS: 
 
For the roasted garlic: 

• 1 head of garlic 

• Olive oil 

• Salt 
   

For the dough: 

• 4 cups all-purpose flour 

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C) 

• 8g active dry yeast (1 packet, or approx. 2 tsp) 

• 2 teaspoons sugar 

• 2 teaspoons salt 

• 1/4 cup olive oil 

For the topping: 

• Roasted garlic cloves, from 1 head of garlic 

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped 

• 1/4 cup olive oil 

• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling 
   
   

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Day 1 (Roasting Garlic): 
 
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 

Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb skin, leaving the skins of the individual cloves intact. 

Using a sharp knife, slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the tops of the garlic cloves. 

Place the garlic bulb on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the garlic bulb tightly in the foil. 

Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. 

Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and allow it to cool. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and put them in a small jar. Mash the roasted garlic cloves with a fork. Mix them with olive oil and let sit until the next day. 
 

Day 1 (Preparing Dough): 

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. 

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. 

 
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. 

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 8-12 hours. 
 
 

Day 2: 

The next day, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to come to room temperature. 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. 

Stretch and shape the dough to fit the 9x13 inch baking pan. Press your fingers into the dough to create dimples all over the surface. 

Brush the roasted garlic-infused olive oil generously over the surface of the dough. Add more olive oil if needed, as you don’t want this to be dry. 

Sprinkle the dough with chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt, pressing them lightly into the dough. 

Let the dough rise again for about 20-30 minutes, uncovered, at room temperature. 

 
Once the dough has risen slightly, bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. 

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. 

Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich, or dip it in some olive oil and balsamic!