A Savory Baking and Books post from Laura Langston

Laura Langston writes, "In my current YA 'Hannah's Touch,'  Hannah and her friends must plan a menu around a specific country in foods class. They choose Mexico.  For an appetizer, they make guacamole."  


Thanks Laura.  Guacamole is one of my all time favs.  In fact, when I was growing up a good friend of mine had an avocado orchard!  Keep a couple of avocados on hand for an easy snack to serve friends who drop by during the holiday season.  

Image by Kate Tomlinson via Flickr

Guacamole


2 ripe avocados
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 medium cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1 green onion, finely chopped
fistful cilantro (about 1/4 cup) washed, squeezed dry and minced

Mash avocado. with lemon. Stir in remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust if it needs more salt or lemon. If you think it needs more, add little bits at a time until it's right.


OPTIONAL:
1/4 teaspoon pureed chipolte paste
2 tomatoes, juice squeezed out/chopped


NOTE: Lemons give off more juice when they're warm.  In a hurry? Heat one lemon in the microwave for 20 seconds before you juice it.

A Baking and Books Post from Nikki Tate

Here's another Baking and Books recipe from author, Nikki Tate.  


One of my favourite authors is Polly Horvath. Her quirky sense of humour and oddball characters never fail to delight me! One of the things I most enjoyed about her novel Everything on a Waffle was the inclusion of all kinds of recipes. At this time of year, I'm always looking for cookie recipes and this one is easy and delicious. 

Aunt Tilly's Lemon Sugar Cookies


Mix together a cup of sugar and 2 sticks of butter and some salt. I don't remember how much Miss Honeycut said, so go with a pinch. Put in some grated lemon zest. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Beat it all together and add 2 1/2 cups of flour. Roll it out and cut with a drinking glass into rounds and bake at 350 degrees. She didn't say how long but probably until slightly brown. That will usually do it. 

Image via Wikipedia

Happy holidays!
Cheers, 
Nikki

Zoe Toft and another Baking and BooksPost

In keeping with the Baking and Books theme, Zoe Toft sent me this link to her awesome post about gingerbread houses and...you guessed it, Hansel and Gretel by the Grimm Brothers, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger and retold by Anthea Bell.  Check out her post "Museums, Wicked Witches and Calories Galore".

A Baking and Books Post: Olivia Helps with Christmas goes perfectly with Xmas Cocoa Kisses

Here's another kid-friendly Xmas cookie recipe.  This one will require adult help, especially when using the stove top.  And if you're looking for a great story to read with impatient little ones who can't wait for Xmas, Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer is the perfect book.  And best of all, it features one of my favorite quirky characters.

A Baking and Books Post: Kid-friendly Xmas Nut recipe is the perfect compliment to a Xmas story

**I've decided to spice up the holiday season with a series called Baking and Books. Watch my news blog for more baking and books posts.


 Here’s an easy kid-friendly Xmas recipe that you and your child can make together. Later you can munch on these yummy nuts while reading a favorite story during the upcoming holiday season.  The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot was one of our family's favorites...  And if nuts are a problem for your little one, watch this blog for other Xmas books and recipe options...coming soon.