Pink Lemonade Ombre Petal Cake

Pretty in pink: Pink Lemonade Ombre Petal Cake

What is “pink lemonade” anyway? The super-sweet, tart lemonade is a staple around our place in the summer! It quenches without being too sour. You can add things to it (soda, vodka, more vodka) to make it extra special. Try blending a couple of tablespoons of frozen pink lemonade concentrate with ice, Grand Marnier and vodka for a fancy pink frozen cocktail.

Strawberries 'n' Cream Ice Cream

Strawberries 'n Cream Ice Cream – the perfect summer ice cream treat

It is the tail end of strawberry season here in the valley. I finally got motivated to go down to Driediger Farm — a local berry farm — and grab the last of the strawberries. Thankfully, they were still red, plump and juicy. I have to say that there's no better aroma than freshly picked strawberries, warmed by the sun. Heaven!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I love summer, but I hate what it does to my bananas! 

I eat bananas every day, yet recently it seems like I'm buying new bananas every couple of days — they turn brown so fast! I really shouldn't mind, because I like banana bread and I LOVE these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins even more.

These muffins are a breeze to whip up in the morning or any time you're faced with overripe bananas.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

4-5 ripe bananas

1 egg

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup chocolate chips

Vegetable spray

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and baking powder and mix. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mash peeled bananas. Add egg and stir until combined. Add flour mixture, then sugar, then pour the melted butter over top. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Spray muffin pan with vegetable spray. Scoop batter into the 12 muffin tins (no need for cupcake papers).
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until just lightly browned on top.

This column first appeared in Stimuli Magazine. Check out my column

'Just Desserts' for more sweet and delicious recipes!

Sunday Brunch: Belgian Waffles

When in Bruges...

My family recently gathered to celebrate my Dad's 80th birthday with a birthday brunch of Belgian waffles. I had not made waffles in ages, so I was thankful for an excuse to use our waffle iron, which had been languishing unused in a dark corner of the cupboard.

I served the waffles warm, with whipped cream mixed with cream cheese, vanilla and a bit of sugar. Topped with sliced strawberries, freshly picked from a Fraser Valley garden, and fresh blueberries, the waffles made a decadent brunch for a special guy.