Cranberry Pecan Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

The other day I went to the grocery for some food shopping. I got excited when I saw some fresh cranberries already being sold. You see, I love baking with cranberries! I love the tangy flavor it imparts to baked goodies particularly sweet breads and cakes. I got myself a pack and decided that I should make my favorite Cranberry Orange Bread when I get home or at least pretty soon. However, as it sometimes happen, I forgot to buy some oranges. I was frustrated because I was really craving some nutty cranberry bread at that time. What was I to do?

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

My two kids were both born in the month of October and only 3 days apart. As you can imagine, this is quite a busy month for us. Thankfully, since they are still quite young they haven't really demanded their own separate birthday parties yet. For now they are quite happy to celebrate their birthdays in their classrooms with their classmates. There's only one condition I need to fulfill - that is, they want me to make something yummy for their class on their birthday.

Fresh Apple Cake

I walk my little boy William to school everyday and we are grateful that the school is less than a 5-minute walk. In our usual route, I pass through one of our neighbor's front yard which has a big Apple tree. One day in  October I was walking back from school, I saw our neighbor picking up some apples that came from the tree. At this time she has placed a sign by the tree which asked anyone who happens to pass by to pick a bag of apples.

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Garlic Butter

Ever since I made my post on Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Bacon, my family and I have totally fallen-in-love with Brussels Sprouts. Who knew this mostly-maligned and snubbed vegetable can taste truly yummy and quite more-ish! If you learn how to cook Brussels Sprouts properly, you will truly be rewarded with a delicious side dish that doesn't taste bitter or yucky but actually quite yummy and a little nutty (not the crazy kind!). :)

Beef and Beer Belgian Stew (Carbonnades a la Flamande)

Last year my family and I went to Brussels, Belgium to visit some friends and do some sightseeing. I have been to Belgium before so I was excited to go back and learn more about this beautiful country. I know Belgium is well known for its chocolates, waffles, fries and beer but beyond that I didn't know much about its culinary heritage. With influences from other neighboring countries - Netherlands to the north, Germany to the East and France to the South - its varied cuisine reflects that of its neighbors. I have read that Belgian food is served in the quantity of German cuisine but with the quality of the French! Having tested quite a few dishes there, I completely agree. The quality of food and the taste is truly superb! I can't wait to go back there again.