Author: Charmian Christie

Healthy Seed Bread

Healthy Seed Bread

One of the items on my culinary bucket list was granary bread. I wanted to create my own version of a seed-loaded hearth bread I used to get from a local bakery. Their bread was dense without being heavy — something you could sink your 

How to make perfect cake

How to make perfect cake

  If you read my 2012 Culinary Bucket List, you’ll see I have a lot of baking to do. In case a from-scratch cake is on your list, I thought I’d start the new year off with some baking tips I learned from Camilla V. 

My 2012 Culinary Bucket List

My 2012 Culinary Bucket List

It’s January. Has been for a few days. I know I’m a bit late with this but, oh well, here goes anyway… Every year I swear to myself I will post more often. I will get better at my photos. I’ll be a better blogger. 

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

It’s almost noon on the day before Christmas Eve and I’m not finished my shopping. Not by a long shot. I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess  I’m not the only one who needs the born-of-fear adrenaline to face the holiday 

Recipe: Gluten-Free Macaroons

Recipe: Gluten-Free Macaroons

As a food writer, I’ve dabbled in the gluten-free world. I’ve bought guar gum and xanthan, various rice flours, teff, sorghum and nutmeals. They’re taking up a lot of room in my spiffy new pantry along with the gluten-loaded all-purpose, whole wheat, cake & pastry, 

Recipe: Salted Orange Toffee Crisps

Recipe: Salted Orange Toffee Crisps

Last year, due to circumstances beyond my control, I didn’t do any Christmas baking. Not so much as a single shortbread came out of my kitchen. But this year? I’m making up for the loss. The rumballs are rolled, the eggnog is chilling and now it’s 

Recipe: Homemade Eggnog

Recipe: Homemade Eggnog

I’m trying not to be resentful but a certain celebrity llama has more Twitter followers than I do. And his first name isn’t Dali. To be fair, the llama is a talented goat herder, so I can see the appeal. Why all the fuss over 

Recipe: Walnut Rumballs

Recipe: Walnut Rumballs

Walnuts are the hard-done-by, neglected middle child of the nut family. Between the mature and established almond, with its fancy frangipane and marzipan pastes, and attention-grabbing, TV-diva baby of a macadamia (I’m looking at you Roseanne!) walnuts are easily overlooked. Sure, you can find them 

How to Table Chocolate Ganache for Truffles

How to Table Chocolate Ganache for Truffles

Last week I had the pleasure of taking a truffle and bon bon making course in Toronto with Marissa Scibetta at Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts. For two glorious evenings I was the proverbial kid in the candy shop, weighing, heating, mixing, spooning and