Author: Charmian Christie

Messy Valentine’s Day

Messy Valentine’s Day

The astute among you will notice the subtle change in the header. Although the domain name remains the same, Christie’s Corner has been replaced by The Messy Baker. Baby steps, Charmian. Baby steps. The new domain name and layout are coming. Just slowly. There’s a lot 

Denial

Denial

These are not anemic raisins. Their botanic name is  Physalis peruviana, but you can find them in health food stores under many different  names  — golden berries, Inca berries, cape gooseberries, or ground cherries to list a few. No matter what the manufacturer calls them, these 

Pampered

Pampered

If I come back as a vegetable I want to be kale. Ruffly, versatile, pretty kale. Not only would I be my favourite colour (green), I’d finally have unstoppable curls — something I can’t achieve even with hot rollers and a perm. But I’d be 

Improvisation

Improvisation

I think I’ve created a new, never-heard-of-before dessert. Bundt Trifle. Not because I’m trying to be different or start the next food craze, but because my imagination plays tricks on me. I had wanted to make a trifle in one of those clear, straight-sided dishes that 

Another Breakfast Soup

Another Breakfast Soup

Soup for breakfast is working. Sort of. But after a couple of weeks of savory Asian Chicken and Quinoa Soup, and a gentle Lentil & Lemon Soup, I’m wanting to start my day with something sweet. While I crave a raspberry danish or waffles dripping 

Pushing Boundaries

Pushing Boundaries

I did it. Despite containing three ingredients I’ve never used before, I made onion bhaji. And I pronounce them to be good. Make that “very good.”  Andrew, who inspired the selection, claimed they were “delicious” and “as good as the restaurant’s.” So, with a flourish 

Soup for Breakfast

Soup for Breakfast

I struggle with breakfast at the best of times. Winter only makes it worse. It’s cold. It’s dark. One look out the window and any sensible person would dive back into bed until spring — or at least 10 AM — not head to the 

In Praise of Small Books

In Praise of Small Books

We all love a bargain. A bit fat cookbook stuffed with 1000+ recipes for $10. But if you’re like me, these are the ones that never get used. Too big for the cookbook holder they rarely make it into the kitchen. And when I’m searching 

Rosemary Almond Crackers

Rosemary Almond Crackers

So-and-so can’t touch gluten. Whatshisface is allergic to eggs. Dairy gives Thing-gummy a rash. And Hoojicky? Garlic sensitivity. Happy Holidays, indeed. I feel for you. I do. Having been on both sides of this equation (I have played the role of allergic guest and accommodating