Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Compote

Let’s be honest, “Breakfast in Bed” only really works in hotels, not so much in our "food free" beds at home. BUT that's not to say we don't believe in a nice romantic morning spread!

The Brunch Date is the perfect way to spice things up in the date department - and the perfect excuse to stay in your pj's a while longer 😉

Now we can probably go on for days with delectable breakfast recipes - but today is all about an all time favourite - Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Compote.

We don't make them often, so when we do, it always feels like a special occasion!

✨Recipe✨

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

• 1 1/2 Tblsp baking powder

• 4 1/2 Tblsp sugar

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)

• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese

• 3 eggs

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 1/2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 1/2 Tblsp fresh lemon zest

• Butter at the ready for cooking

Raspberry Compote

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen

• 3 to 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 Tblsp vanilla extract

• 1 Tblsp lemon juice

How-To

Pancakes:

1. In large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, baking powder). Set aside.

2. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk, ricotta, and eggs. Once mixed, stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients by pour the wet into the large bowl with the dry. Whisk together until well combined - but still lumpy. Remember - you don't want your pancake batter too smooth, plus the ricotta naturally adds a bit of lumpiness!

4. Heat pan on medium heat, add tab of butter when hot (about 5-7 minutes)

5. Using a ladle or large spoon, scoop the batter into desired pancake sizes. Let cook until you see air bubbles coming to the surface - this means time to flip!

6. Continue step 5 until all batter is gone. Pro tip: keep finished pancakes warm while you continue cooking by putting them in a heat proof tray in the oven (on low).

Raspberry Compote:

1. In a small sauce pan, add frozen or fresh raspberries. Bring to a simmer.

2. Add remaining ingredients and set simmer until reduced to desired thickness. Time hack: you can add a tbsp of cornstarch to quicken the thickening process!

3. And there you have it, a plate and soon to be belly full of delicious fluffy pancakes!

Check out our mini how to video!

Hazelnut Mocha Truffles

With the 14th fast approaching, today we're creating an easy Valentine treat to delight your sweetheart with just a few basic ingredients!!

Chocolate has come to be a staple gift this time of year - but we think it's time to step it up from the typical boxed variety!

We all have more time than ever at home, and these homemade chocolate truffles say, “You’re special to me,” without being complicated!!

So here's our recipe for our famous Hazelnut Mocha Truffles!! 🍫 🌰

✨Recipe✨

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whipping cream

• 8oz bitter sweet chocolate (you can get creative here and use an intensity of your choice)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp hazelnut instant coffee

• Choice of coatings, we went with pink sprinkles, cocoa powder, and crushed walnuts

How-To

1. Chop chocolate into small pieces - pro tip: use a serrated knife to make it even easier to get it into little chunks and flakes.

2. Warm cream in a sauce pan over medium low heat until simmering, stirring occasionally - do not bring to a boil.

3. In medium mixing bowl, add chopped chocolate and pour warm cream over top. Before stirring, allow to sit for a couple of minutes.

4. Stir chocolate and cream together until well combined. Add vanilla and instant coffee, stir again until combined.

5. In a shallow pan or tray, pour in chocolate mixture and spread evenly. This will allow the mixture to set quicker. Place in fridge until set (1-2 hours).

6. Using a spoon, scoop desired ball portions onto a tray with parchment paper. Once you have transfered all of the chocolate to appropriate portions, let sit again for 20-30 mins. This will make them slightly let sticky when rolling into balls.

Pat a pinch of cocoa powder on your hands before picking up the pre scooped portions, and roll into ball. Immediately roll in desired coating, and set aside. Repeat until all truffles are complete!

We would recommend keeping them in the fridge until you're ready to gift and/or enjoy so that they keep their shape!

And our final tip, for those willing to go the extra mile for presentation: Pick up a heart shaped box of chocolates from the store, we went with a small Fererro Roche, and use it as your very own chocolate holder! It really ads that 'professional' look, and you're partner might not even believe you made them yourself!!

Check out our mini tutorial video!!

How-To: Heart Napkin Fold

The perfect way to take your Valentine’s Day tablescape to the next level -

The Heart Shaped Napkin Fold!

This one is so simple, and completely adorable!

ll you need is one thing - a pink or red napkin.

So go grad yours, and follow along with this video.

It may take a couple tries, but once you get the hang of it - you'll be doing it with your eyes closed 😉

Indoor Picnic Date Night!

At this point, we're all well aware that staying in is the new going out - but that can often throw a wrench in trying plan a special evening.

So here’s unique date idea with a Covid twist on a classic: Indoor Picnic!

You can't tell us the thought of snuggling up with your boo on a blanket while eating pizza and drinking bubbly rosé doesn't sound like the perfect date night!

Here are our 3 Steps to the perfect indoor picnic:

Setting the mood

✨You're going to need some basics: large cozy blanket, throw pillows for sitting & lounging, some florals, and of course candles!

✨We laid ours out under a window, that way you can utilize the wall - perfect for a post meal cuddle! Remember to keep two pillows aside for sitting, makes sitting on the ground for a couple hours that much easier.

✨Be sure to set your candles on a surface, saves some time cleaning up after!

✨Lastly, make sure to leave enough space on the blanket for when you're able to place your food. Our trick is to lay down the boards, plates, in their spots ahead of the food.

Selecting a menu

✨Because the focus for this date is more on the set up, we went simple and easy with the food.

✨A finger food style platter is a must, anything from pre cut fruit & veggies to a mini charcuterie board will work. We really want to avoid the need for a fork & a knife!

✨Speaking of finger food - we think this is the perfect opportunity to support local and order a pie from your favourite pizza place. Easy to eat on the floor, and always delicious!

✨Lastly, we can't forget dessert! In honour of the pink hues of our setup, we chose a classic cheesecake with homemade raspberry compote!

The drink

✨While you know we love a fun cocktail, the process of making (and likely making a second round) is not conducive to the picnic scene. Something that's ready to go is going to be your best bet. We went with a sparkling rosé because a special occasion deserves a bubbly toast and because the pink bubbles match the aesthetic so perfectly! Oh, and we love rosé!!

And that's it, a fun & easy way to spice up your next date night!!

DIY Floral Letter

Elevate your standard flower bouquet with a custom initial arrangement!!

All you need is:

• Bristol board

• Tape

• Paint & brush

• Floral Foam

• Your favourite flowers in all shades of pinks, reds, & purples!

How-To:

Steps:

1. Trace your letter onto the bristol board (making it at least 2 inches thick) and cut out.

2. Cut stips of bristol board to create the walls of the frame (again, about 2 inches thick). Tape the wall to the edges of the letter, creating your custom flower bed.

3. Paint the tape, to give it that finished/polished look. We went with white to match the board, but you could always get creative in this step!

4. Cut floral foam accordingly and fill the letter.

5. Place the florals in desired arrangement, and voila!

This is such an easy project, and sure to WOW your partner!!

Post Holiday Boost Dinner

The holiday season is officially over, and we know how optimistically everyone is looking at the year ahead - us included!!

That said, January can be a tough month - especially for those braving the cold in Canada! We’re through the fun of the holidays, back to work, and into winter's darkest nights & coldest temperatures. Finding what’s left of your holiday cheer can be a challenge!

So, to help combat those pesky winter blues, may we suggest you throw a Post Holiday Boost Dinner!

Of course, we are not suggesting a gathering of a dozen friends and family, but perhaps a cozy evening filled with delicious food, warming drinks, and lively conversation with your partners in lockdown will help lift your spirits!

With just a bit of decorating, and elevated dishes, you can turn your typical Friday night into a festive family dinner party!

We're starting off with this Scandinavian inspired tablescape! It's all about textures, keeping most of the colours soft with neutral and whites, and added natural elements.

Simple, elegant, and above all else - cozy! We started by laying down a fluffy blanket as a tablecloth. Definitely a harder mess to clean if spills occur, but the risk is worth the reward in our eyes! Then it's onto the ambiance with as many candles as you can spare!

We happened to have this amazing, rustic, wood plank candle holder, but it's easy to get creative! Even a plain wooden plank from your local hardware store would do the trick! It's really just about creating the varying levels between the candles.

Then it's just some finishing touches with some leftover evergreen from Christmas, crystal ornaments from our tree, and a couple wax pine cones (or other elements found around the house)!

There is so much warmth to this table decor, you could even keep it up all month!

Speaking of tablescape - our first DIY!

As we mentioned, we really want elements of this dinner to be quite simple, from the food to the decor! The evening is really about making your own reason for a special night, and to bring the family around the table for a beautiful meal.

So, to match our effortlessly elegant tablescape, our tablesettings use the same colour tones and have a cozy feel - with a twist of fun.

We always say 'a place setting is never complete without a namecard', even if it's just you and your family! It's an easy way to step your standard family dinner up a notch!

All you need is:

• Card stock paper

• Scrabble Tiles

• Black marker

• Tape

Not only do these add the final touch to our table, but they actually tie into the idea that this night can easily turn into a family game night!

The second DIY is just as easy - and possibly cuter!

We love this project for two reasons - how simple it is, and customizable!

All you need are:

• clear empty bottles (can be recycled or we found a couple at the dollar store)

• greenery from your local florist

• and of course candles!

They can be used as part of your tablescape, or if you leave out the candles - a simple decor piece around the house!

Now onto the best part - the food!!

For this we wanted to focus on not only warming & comfort foods, but also recipes that are super easy!

The Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Warm Up with a Hot Cocoa Bar

Aprés Ski Cheese Fondue

Hearty & Healthy Chicken Stew

The Classic Hot Toddy

Normally when we think of cocktails, we often think of something refreshing - but during a cold Canadian winter, something to warm us up after a day in the snow is really what we crave. And is there a more warming cocktail than a classic Hot Toddy!? The perfect cocktail for our Post Holiday Boost Dinner!

✨Recipe✨

Ingredients:

• 1 TBLSP Pure Honey

• 2 TSP Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1 Oz Bourbon

• 1/3 Cup Hot Water

• Garnish with lemon slice, cinnamon stick, & star anise

How-To:

Add honey desired mug of choice. Poor hot water, and mix until well combined. Add lemon juice and bourbon. Garnish and enjoy!

Our recipe is a straight classic, but the variations are endless - so here are some tips on some easy swaps/alterations!

1. When it comes to the spirit, we mostly go with bourbon or dark rum. You can also use Brandy or whisky, but we just prefer the flavour profiles bourbon or rum provide.

2. If you want to amp up the flavour even more, you can swap the plain hot water for a brewed tea! We've tried it with camomile, which was excellent, and we've seen it done with ginger or even black tea!

3. For those not keen on honey as the sweetener, you can of course use regular granulated sugar, but our favourite alternative is maple syrup!

4. Of course, you can always have fun with the garnishes. From using orange slice instead of lemon to adding a sprig of thyme, there's so many ways to add flavour to fit your preferences!

So get experimenting, and find your favourite Hot Toddy flavour combination!

Warm Up with a Hot Cocoa Bar

For our Post Holiday Boost dessert - we're going with the ultimate winter warm up classic!

We think most of us got our fill of cakes & tarts in December, so why not get creative in the dessert department this month?

Ditch the confections and lay out a Hot Cocoa Bar with an array of mouthwatering garnishes!

Everything from mini marshmallows to crushed skore, and fluffy whipped cream to the seemingly never ending supply of leftover candy canes as stir sticks! Don't forget to lay out those cookies you inevitably received in a gift basket or two!!

This is both fun for kids, and by simply adding your favourite spirits like khalua, vanilla vodka, or Baileys - just as fun for the adults in the room!

Hearty & Healthy Chicken Stew

Who doesn't love a hearty AND healthy dinner recipe?

This Chicken Stew with Puff Pastry Croutons has all the flavour - without all the work.

This has to be the best dish to serve during your Post Holiday Boost Dinner, and believe it or not, this recipe will take you under an hour to make - and still taste like it's been stewing on the stove for hours!

✨Recipe✨

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins

• 1 stalk celery chopped

• 1 Cup chopped leek

• Salt to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 3/4 lb. mini potatoes, quartered

• 1 carton chicken broth

• Freshly chopped Italian parsley, for garnish

• 1 Sheet puff pastry

• 1 egg

How-To

Stew:

1. Melt butter In a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, celery, leeks, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes).

2. Add flour and stir until vegetables are coated.

3. Add chicken (raw), thyme, bay leaf, potatoes, and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cook until the chicken is no longer pink and potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).

4. Remove from heat and transfer chicken to a large or medium bowl. Using two forks, shred chicken into desired sized pieces and return to pot.

5. Remove bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley & puff pastry crouton before serving.

Crouton:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400F. Unroll pastry sheet on a cutting board (if from frozen, set the puff pastry on the counter to thaw for thirty minutes prior to unrolling). Using small cookie cutters of choice, stamp out your shapes.

2. Line cookie tray with parchment paper. Arrange shapes on tray, and give a light egg wash before placing in the oven.

3. Bake for 15 minutes or until they have puffed up and have turned a golden brown color. Definitely give this one a try - you won't be disappointed!!

Let us know in the comments below if you give this one a try!

Aprés Ski Cheese Fondue

What could warm you and your family up after a chilly winter's day than hot melted cheese on, well, everything!!

For our Post Holiday Boost Dinner, we're serving Cheese Fondue!

There's a reason why the Swiss invented cheese fondue as their Aprés Ski go-to... delicious, easy, and comfort food at it's finest!

Below you’ll find our favourite classic cheese fondue recipe!

✨Recipe✨

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove, halved crosswise

• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine

• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 dash kirsch, a swiss liquor

• 2 Cups Emmental cheese - grated

• 2 Cups Gruyère cheese - grated

• Optional: freshly ground black pepper to taste, pinch of nutmeg

How-To:

1. Rub inside of a 3-4 litre heavy pot with cut sides of garlic, then discard garlic.

2. Add the white wine to pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Meanwhile, mix flour and kirsch together in a separate small bowl or cup.

4. Begin adding cheese to pot gradually and cook, stirring constantly in a zigzag pattern (not a circular motion) until cheese is smooth and creamy. Important: Do not let the cheese boil!

5. Stir flour and kirsch mixture again and pour into fondue - stirring as you do so.

6. Bring fondue to a simmer and let cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, typically 5 to 8 minutes.

7. Transfer to your favourite fondue pot, set over a flame stirring occasionally.

Lastly, of course, you need the dip-ables!

The possibilities are truly endless, anything from brussels sprouts to shrimp, or broccoli and sliced pear! As we're using this more as a snaking/appetizer station, we've kept it simple & classic! On our board you'll find boiled mini rainbow potatoes, cured meat, thinly sliced green apple, and cubed baguette of course!

Let us know what your favourite thing to dip into cheese fondue is in the comments below!