Pavlova

Crown Pavlova
Crown Pavlova

Crown Pavlova excerpted from Christmas at the Palace: A Cookbook: 50+ Festive Holiday Recipes by Carolyn Robb. Photography by John Kernick.

Christmas at the Palace: A Cookbook: 50+ Festive Holiday Recipes by Carolyn Robb

The former royal chef to TRH The Prince & Princess of Wales, Prince William, and Prince Harry shares 50 of her best-loved Christmas recipes, set against a backdrop of historical royal Christmas traditions.

Some of Britain’s best-loved Christmas traditions are brought to life in this colourful collection of recipes. Former royal chef Carolyn Robb presents 50 festive ideas that will inspire cooks and ‘lovers-of-Christmas’, of all ages. Set against a backdrop of historical royal traditions and 8 splendid palaces, the recipes in this book offer an authentic, yet contemporary, taste of the timeless tradition of a British Christmas; featuring everything from a Gingerbread Village to Bramble Vodka, Blue Cheese and Walnut Biscuits to Tomato and Sweet Red Pepper Relish.

ROYAL INSIDER: Carolyn Robb served as a personal chef to the Royal Family for 13 years, creating everything from intimate family meals to formal events.

50 RECIPES: This collection includes something for everyone including a breakfast menu fit for a King, magical edible creations for children and even Christmas preserves.

INSPIRING IMAGES: Filled with beautiful food photography and inspiration for creating a festive feast fit for a Queen! (more…)

Book Review: Williams-Sonoma Gluten-Free Baking

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I know what you’re thinking. I’ve succumbed to the ever-present fad that is gluten-free. Let me assure you that I have done no such thing. But for many people, living with a gluten intolerance or sensitivity is serious business.

According to the CDHF, more than 330,000 Canadians are believed to be affected by celiac disease (a condition where people’s immune systems react to gluten found in wheat, rye and barley). In the U.S., that number is a staggering 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population (according to the NFCA).

With the help of Williams-Sonoma, gluten-­free expert and author Kristine Kidd released her eighth book, Gluten-Free Baking, featuring 80 recipes that are naturally gluten-free. Ms. Kidd is a gourmet chef and was the food editor at Bon Appétit magazine for 20 years. After adopting a gluten-­free diet due to an intolerance, she set to work developing recipes in her own kitchen, exploring an array of gluten-free whole grains with the goal to create baked goods with great flavour and texture.

(more…)