Info
Prep Time: 30 min
Cooking Time: 2 min
Makes: 4 servings
Source: Ricardo Cuisine
What You Need
About 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
Salt
2 eggs
About 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
Make It
PLACE the flour in a large mixing bowl. MAKE a well in the centre. BREAK the eggs into the well and ADD the oil. With a fork, lightly BEAT the eggs and oil, gradually mixing them with the flour. When the dough becomes too thick to work with fork, continue with your fingertips and then your hands. Do not use too much flour. A few tablespoons may be left over, or there may not be quite enough, depending on the humidity level and the size of the eggs.
KNEAD the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. The dough will become smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, dust it lightly with flour and continue kneading. Let stand for 30 minutes before rolling.
If rolling the dough by hand, use a pasta rolling pin and roll it very thin. Cut in 1 cm strips for fettuccine. If you have a pasta machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for rolling and cutting.
My Comments
Best pasta! My friends and I made double portion which gave 10 servings.We did not use the fork, we simply directly used our hands to mix. Kneading was more than 10 minutes, you have to feel the dough. I have a pasta machine.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Low-Fat Vanilla Cake
Info
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 50 min
Makes: 8 servings
Source: Ricardo Cuisine
What You Need
1 3/4 cups (430 ml) all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons (25 ml) baking powder
Make It
With the rack in the middle position, PREHEAT the oven to 180°C (350°F). BUTTER and FLOUR the sides of a 20-cm (8-inch) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, COMBINE the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
In another bowl, BEAT the egg, butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla.
With the mixer on low speed or using a wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk. Mix only until the ingredients are combined; do not overmix.
POUR the batter into the pan and BAKE until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let COOL for a few minutes. REMOVE from the pan and let COOL to room temperature. SERVE with fresh fruits or fruit coulis.
My Comments
I did not use parchment paper and flour the sides of the springform pan. I only buttered it. I made double portion.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 50 min
Makes: 8 servings
Source: Ricardo Cuisine
What You Need
1 3/4 cups (430 ml) all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons (25 ml) baking powder
1 egg
2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, softened
1 cup (250 ml) sugar
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
1 cup (250 ml) milk
Make It
With the rack in the middle position, PREHEAT the oven to 180°C (350°F). BUTTER and FLOUR the sides of a 20-cm (8-inch) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, COMBINE the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
In another bowl, BEAT the egg, butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla.
With the mixer on low speed or using a wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk. Mix only until the ingredients are combined; do not overmix.
POUR the batter into the pan and BAKE until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let COOL for a few minutes. REMOVE from the pan and let COOL to room temperature. SERVE with fresh fruits or fruit coulis.
My Comments
I did not use parchment paper and flour the sides of the springform pan. I only buttered it. I made double portion.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Apple Pie
Info
Prep Time: 35 min
Cooking Time: 60 min
Makes: 10 servings
Source: Ricardo Cuisine
What You Need
Crust
2 1/4 cups (560 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) chilled unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup (125 ml) ice water, approximately
Egg Wash
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
Filling
1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) butter, melted
2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground nutmeg
4 Royal Gala apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
or Cortland apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
4 Empire apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
or McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
Make It
Crust
In a food processor, COMBINE the flour and salt. ADD the butter and PULSE until the butter is the size of peas. ADD the water. PULSE until the dough just begins to hold together. ADD water if necessary. REMOVE the dough from the food processor and shape by hand into 2 discs. WRAP with plastic wrap and REFRIGERATE for 30 minutes.With the rack in the bottom position, PREHEAT the oven to 190°C (375°F).On a floured surface, ROLL out 1 disc and use it to line a 25-cm (10-inch) Pyrex or ceramic pie plate.
Egg Wash
In a bowl, lightly BEAT the egg with the water. Set aside.
Filling
In a large bowl, COMBINE the sugar, butter, lemon juice and spices. ADD the apples and STIR to coat well. PILE the filling in the pie shell, making a dome. PRESS gently. ROLL out the remaining dough. CUT into strips 2 cm (3/4 inch) wide and arrange over the filling in a lattice pattern. PRESS the edges of the pie crust and TRIM off the excess dough. BRUSH the dough with egg wash. BAKE for about 1 hour. SERVE warm or cold.
My Comments
I did not use a food processor for the crust. I love the crust. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Prep Time: 35 min
Cooking Time: 60 min
Makes: 10 servings
Source: Ricardo Cuisine
What You Need
Crust
2 1/4 cups (560 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) chilled unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup (125 ml) ice water, approximately
Egg Wash
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
Filling
1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) butter, melted
2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground nutmeg
4 Royal Gala apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
or Cortland apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
4 Empire apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
or McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) slices
Make It
Crust
In a food processor, COMBINE the flour and salt. ADD the butter and PULSE until the butter is the size of peas. ADD the water. PULSE until the dough just begins to hold together. ADD water if necessary. REMOVE the dough from the food processor and shape by hand into 2 discs. WRAP with plastic wrap and REFRIGERATE for 30 minutes.With the rack in the bottom position, PREHEAT the oven to 190°C (375°F).On a floured surface, ROLL out 1 disc and use it to line a 25-cm (10-inch) Pyrex or ceramic pie plate.
Egg Wash
In a bowl, lightly BEAT the egg with the water. Set aside.
Filling
In a large bowl, COMBINE the sugar, butter, lemon juice and spices. ADD the apples and STIR to coat well. PILE the filling in the pie shell, making a dome. PRESS gently. ROLL out the remaining dough. CUT into strips 2 cm (3/4 inch) wide and arrange over the filling in a lattice pattern. PRESS the edges of the pie crust and TRIM off the excess dough. BRUSH the dough with egg wash. BAKE for about 1 hour. SERVE warm or cold.
My Comments
I did not use a food processor for the crust. I love the crust. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
2013 - Shanghai, China
Day 21 - September 29, 2013 – The Bund (上海滩)
I love SH! Shanghai is one of my favorite Chinese cities. This modern city is a mixture of Chinese and European cultures. Shanghai is split into two main areas by the Huangpu River (黄浦江): Puxi (浦西), West of the river and Pudong (浦東), East of the river.
This time, I only visited Puxi. Puxi covers the historical and cultural aspects of Shanghai.
Pudong features the modern side of Shanghai including the skyscrapers such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It focuses mainly on the economic activities.
At nightime, the Bund is even more crowded than in daytime. It is a must to go walk around there after sunset. I simply love going to the Bund anytime of the day.
My parents walked on Nanjing Road and I went to grab a drink at Xintiandi. Nanjing Road is a pedestrian street known for its shops. This walkway is 1,033 meters long lying between the Bund and the People's Square. It is lit up at nightime. Nanjing Road is part of Shanghai's history and culture.
Next time, I would like to walk on Nanjing Road in Puxi, cross the 646.7 meters long Sightseeing Tunnel at the Bund running from the Bund at the end of Nanjing Rd to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong and go up to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and walk on the Riverside Promenade in Pudong.
Sources: www.meet-in-shanghai.net/
I love SH! Shanghai is one of my favorite Chinese cities. This modern city is a mixture of Chinese and European cultures. Shanghai is split into two main areas by the Huangpu River (黄浦江): Puxi (浦西), West of the river and Pudong (浦東), East of the river.
This time, I only visited Puxi. Puxi covers the historical and cultural aspects of Shanghai.
Pudong features the modern side of Shanghai including the skyscrapers such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It focuses mainly on the economic activities.
Xintiandi ["New Heaven & Earth"] (新天地)
Xintiandi (新天地) is one of the entertainment district to visit. The architecture features the re-creation of Shikumen (石庫門) housing style, meaning "Stone Warehouse Gate". The buildings keep the antique wall, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing style of old Shanghai. The interior space is designed to suit up with the 21st-century urban lifestyle. The modern Shikumen buildings host boutiques, coffeeshops, lounges, bars and restaurants. This traditional Shanghainese architectural style is inspired by Western and Chinese element in mid-19th century. Before the development of Shanghai Xintiandi, this area featured of aged alleys and the mid-19th century Shikumen houses.
I had an ice cream (小心花) at Haagen Daaz for 59 RMB.
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (南翔饅頭店) offers 小籠包.
The Bund (外灘)
The Bund is a landmark of Shanghai. It contains a dozen of historical buildings lining the Huangpu River. They once housed the banks and the trading houses from different countries (United Kingdom, France, Italy, etc.). There exist 52 building of various architecture styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The river front walkway gives a nice sightseeing spot of Pudong.
Xintiandi (新天地) is one of the entertainment district to visit. The architecture features the re-creation of Shikumen (石庫門) housing style, meaning "Stone Warehouse Gate". The buildings keep the antique wall, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing style of old Shanghai. The interior space is designed to suit up with the 21st-century urban lifestyle. The modern Shikumen buildings host boutiques, coffeeshops, lounges, bars and restaurants. This traditional Shanghainese architectural style is inspired by Western and Chinese element in mid-19th century. Before the development of Shanghai Xintiandi, this area featured of aged alleys and the mid-19th century Shikumen houses.
I had an ice cream (小心花) at Haagen Daaz for 59 RMB.
City God Temple (上海城隍庙)
City God Temple remains a temple in Shanghai. However, today, it is also known as a district of commerce surrounding the temple.Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (南翔饅頭店) offers 小籠包.
Finally, I have the opportunity to taste this traditionally snack which I have been waiting for so long: 冰糖葫蘆. Originated from northern China, it is consisted of sugar-coated haw (山楂) on a stick of 20 cm. Today, people also use other fruits for more varieties. I prefer the original taste. Actually, you can find them almost everywhere on the streets in Beijing and Shanghai, but I do not know whether they are fresh or not. I bought it from a shop instead of the bicycles/food chariots.
The Bund (外灘)
The Bund is a landmark of Shanghai. It contains a dozen of historical buildings lining the Huangpu River. They once housed the banks and the trading houses from different countries (United Kingdom, France, Italy, etc.). There exist 52 building of various architecture styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The river front walkway gives a nice sightseeing spot of Pudong.
At nightime, the Bund is even more crowded than in daytime. It is a must to go walk around there after sunset. I simply love going to the Bund anytime of the day.
My parents walked on Nanjing Road and I went to grab a drink at Xintiandi. Nanjing Road is a pedestrian street known for its shops. This walkway is 1,033 meters long lying between the Bund and the People's Square. It is lit up at nightime. Nanjing Road is part of Shanghai's history and culture.
Next time, I would like to walk on Nanjing Road in Puxi, cross the 646.7 meters long Sightseeing Tunnel at the Bund running from the Bund at the end of Nanjing Rd to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong and go up to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and walk on the Riverside Promenade in Pudong.
Sources: www.meet-in-shanghai.net/
Monday, October 20, 2014
2013 - Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
DAY 20 - September 28, 2013 – Haunted House
Hangzhou (杭州) is the capital and the largest city in Zhejiang Province in Eastern China.
West Lake (西湖)
Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake has an area of 60 square km. This cultural landscape influenced the garden design for the rest of China, in Japan and in Korea. The scenic area includes different trails for walking and for biking.West Lake forms the centrepiece of Hangzhou.
(Picture to come)
Song Dynasty City (宋城)
It is the largest theme park dedicated to the Song Dynasty in China. There is the most scary haunted house I have ever been. I watched the cultural performance: "Romance of Song Dynasty (宋城千古情)".
An animated version of the ancient scroll painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival (清明上河圖)”, the highlight of the China Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 was shown in this attraction park. This famous panoramic painting by Zeduan Zhang (張擇端) captures the daily life of people and the landscape of Bianjing (汴京), today's Kaifeng (開封). The scroll has a dimension of 24.8 cm by 528 cm and the animated version is 30 times bigger. Today, the original painting is held in the Palace Museum, Beijing.
Sources: UNESCO, en.gotohz.com
http://www.dpm.org.cn/www_oldweb/Big5/phoweb/Relicpage/2/R945.htm
http://culture.dwnews.com/news/2014-10-20/59614123.html
Hangzhou (杭州) is the capital and the largest city in Zhejiang Province in Eastern China.
West Lake (西湖)
Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake has an area of 60 square km. This cultural landscape influenced the garden design for the rest of China, in Japan and in Korea. The scenic area includes different trails for walking and for biking.West Lake forms the centrepiece of Hangzhou.
(Picture to come)
Song Dynasty City (宋城)
It is the largest theme park dedicated to the Song Dynasty in China. There is the most scary haunted house I have ever been. I watched the cultural performance: "Romance of Song Dynasty (宋城千古情)".
An animated version of the ancient scroll painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival (清明上河圖)”, the highlight of the China Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 was shown in this attraction park. This famous panoramic painting by Zeduan Zhang (張擇端) captures the daily life of people and the landscape of Bianjing (汴京), today's Kaifeng (開封). The scroll has a dimension of 24.8 cm by 528 cm and the animated version is 30 times bigger. Today, the original painting is held in the Palace Museum, Beijing.
Sources: UNESCO, en.gotohz.com
http://www.dpm.org.cn/www_oldweb/Big5/phoweb/Relicpage/2/R945.htm
http://culture.dwnews.com/news/2014-10-20/59614123.html
Sunday, October 19, 2014
2014 - Verger La Bonte Orchard
Located at Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot, La Bonte Orchard creates a corn maze with a different theme every year from mi-August to end of October. This year, it is related to Middle Age: PÖMMLAND. In addition, there is a quest to do in the maze.
Croustade aux pommes / Apple Crumble
Info
Prep Time: 15 min
Baking Time: 40 min
Makes: 6 portions
Source: Recettes du Quebec
(http://www.recettes.qc.ca/recette/croustade-aux-pommes-2-2429)
What You Need
4 cups of apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups ROBIN HOOD Oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
Make It
PREHEAT oven to 350F. COMBINE butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon and flour together in a big bowl. PLACE the apples at the bottom of a glass baking dish. COVER the apples with the mixture. BAKE in preheated oven 40 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
My Comments
I baked double portion and add 5 minutes of baking time. It is very easy and yummy recipe.
Prep Time: 15 min
Baking Time: 40 min
Makes: 6 portions
Source: Recettes du Quebec
(http://www.recettes.qc.ca/recette/croustade-aux-pommes-2-2429)
What You Need
4 cups of apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups ROBIN HOOD Oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
Make It
PREHEAT oven to 350F. COMBINE butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon and flour together in a big bowl. PLACE the apples at the bottom of a glass baking dish. COVER the apples with the mixture. BAKE in preheated oven 40 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
My Comments
I baked double portion and add 5 minutes of baking time. It is very easy and yummy recipe.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
2014 - Coaticook, QC
Parc de la Gorge
http://www.gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca/
(1 hr 40 min away from Montreal)
This dog-friendly park includes many family outdoor activities: camping, hiking, mountain biking trails, horsing, ice climbing (winter), tubing (winter) and more. There are 3 different trails for hiking: Gorge (3.5 km), Montagne (7 km) and Tillotson (10 km). My friends and I did the La Gorge and La Montagne trails. Both are easy hiking trails.
The longest suspended footbridge in the world:
Observation tower:
Mini cave:
Artist time:
Coaticook produces its own electricity:
How dare I forget the ice cream?
http://laiteriedecoaticook.com/
This is the reward after hiking. Crowded but excellent service.
http://www.gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca/
(1 hr 40 min away from Montreal)
This dog-friendly park includes many family outdoor activities: camping, hiking, mountain biking trails, horsing, ice climbing (winter), tubing (winter) and more. There are 3 different trails for hiking: Gorge (3.5 km), Montagne (7 km) and Tillotson (10 km). My friends and I did the La Gorge and La Montagne trails. Both are easy hiking trails.
The longest suspended footbridge in the world:
Observation tower:
Mini cave:
Artist time:
Coaticook produces its own electricity:
How dare I forget the ice cream?
http://laiteriedecoaticook.com/
This is the reward after hiking. Crowded but excellent service.
Monday, September 1, 2014
2014 - RedBall Project - Montreal
Montreal is the 20th city to host the RedBall Project created by the New York artist Kurt Perschke. This traveling public art is a 15-foot ball squeezed in unexpected locations but historical, architectural and cultural related.
http://redballproject.com/
DAY 01 - Biosphere
http://www.ec.gc.ca/biosphere/
Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Biosphere is the symbol of Expo 67. Today, it is the environment museum.
(Picture taken in cr2 format and converted into jpg)
DAY 02 - Place des Arts
http://placedesarts.com/
The construction began on February 11, 1961. Place des Arts opened its door to its spectators on September 21, 1963. Various forms of performing arts are presented in its hall: ballets, jazz, theater, music comedies, orchestra, etc. Place des Arts also host different international festivals.
DAY 03 - Quartier des Spectacles
http://www.quartierdesspectacles.com
Montreal's Red Light District has transformed into an 1 km square cultural district.
DAY 04 - Berson Monuments
http://www.bersonmonuments.com/
Located on The Main (St-Laurent Blvd.), Berson Monuments is a family business since 1922. It has served to the Jewish community over 4 generations. Famous for its smoked meat, Schwartz's is situated across the street.
DAY 05 - Jean-Talon Railway Station
http://fgmda.com/en/jean-talon-train-station/
DAY 06 - Bank of Montreal
http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca
Located in the Old Montreal, this building was established in 1817. The Bank of Montreal inaugurated his new head office in 1847. In 1901, the building was expanded.
DAY 07 - Parc La Fontaine
http://www.bonjourquebec.com
La Fontaine Park is the biggest park at the Plateau Mont Royal. It includes 2 ponds and an open-air theater (closed in summer 2014). It has many activities for all year round: picnic areas, beach volleyball, skating, pétanque, soccer and baseball fields, playgrounds...
Nice to meet you Kurt! I wish you success for your following projects. Good luck!
http://redballproject.com/
DAY 01 - Biosphere
http://www.ec.gc.ca/biosphere/
Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Biosphere is the symbol of Expo 67. Today, it is the environment museum.
(Picture taken in cr2 format and converted into jpg)
DAY 02 - Place des Arts
http://placedesarts.com/
The construction began on February 11, 1961. Place des Arts opened its door to its spectators on September 21, 1963. Various forms of performing arts are presented in its hall: ballets, jazz, theater, music comedies, orchestra, etc. Place des Arts also host different international festivals.
DAY 03 - Quartier des Spectacles
http://www.quartierdesspectacles.com
Montreal's Red Light District has transformed into an 1 km square cultural district.
DAY 04 - Berson Monuments
http://www.bersonmonuments.com/
Located on The Main (St-Laurent Blvd.), Berson Monuments is a family business since 1922. It has served to the Jewish community over 4 generations. Famous for its smoked meat, Schwartz's is situated across the street.
DAY 05 - Jean-Talon Railway Station
http://fgmda.com/en/jean-talon-train-station/
Built in 1931, Jean-Talon Railroad is located at Parc Metro
Station. The train station was constructed according to the architect Colin M.
Drewitt’s plans.
DAY 06 - Bank of Montreal
http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca
Located in the Old Montreal, this building was established in 1817. The Bank of Montreal inaugurated his new head office in 1847. In 1901, the building was expanded.
DAY 07 - Parc La Fontaine
http://www.bonjourquebec.com
La Fontaine Park is the biggest park at the Plateau Mont Royal. It includes 2 ponds and an open-air theater (closed in summer 2014). It has many activities for all year round: picnic areas, beach volleyball, skating, pétanque, soccer and baseball fields, playgrounds...
Nice to meet you Kurt! I wish you success for your following projects. Good luck!
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