NOM NOM: Breakfast at the Scone Witch

NOM NOM Food Review: Ben and Florentine's

For my birthday a few weeks ago, I was fortunate to spend the weekend in Montreal. Since the hotel was right downtown, there was quite the pick of places to eat for all three meals. The one that stood out the most was this breakfast/brunch spot called "Ben and Florentine". When it comes to breakfast out, it's sausage-eggs-home fries...no substitutions. This time, predictably, was different.

Known for their eggs Benedict, I decided to get all crazy and try the one with ham, asparagus, and swiss. It came with home fries, and fresh fruit and apple sauce (YUM!). The man ordered the traditional breakfast with some extra meat. Bonus: I got a steak knife to cut through the english muffin instead of hacking away at it with a butter knife like most places set out. Home fries, in my opinion, make or break the breakfast...I am partial to Broadway's..BUT, these were pretty darn good! not too greasy, or salty. The asparagus wasn't stringy, and you could taste the swiss even under the hollandaise sauce. Speaking of, the sauce wasn't too heavy, which can sometimes ruin the dish since it's all you can taste.


The decor is mostly a bright orange, with pictures of mouth watering fruit and other breakfast items on the walls. The one downtown had floor to ceiling windows that let plenty of light in. Much more selection than Cora's, and very affordable depending on what you get. We both left satisfied, but not stuffed to the point of being rolled out. :)



Good news! they plan to open a franchise in Ottawa! If breakfast/brunch is more your thing, don't skip this place!

NOM NOM: Granola Bars

Most mornings I make a good breakfast, but for the times I would rather sleep in (who wouldn't!?), this is my go to recipe. They also come in handy for pre-lunch and dinner snacks too. Listed is my regular mix, but tweak it to what you like, since, well, your the one eating them. Try shredded coconut, flax seeds, peanut butter....chocolate also tastes great, but don't go too crazy, since they are supposed to be a healthy snack! haha.

What You Need:

2 Cups Rolled Oats
2 Cups Rice Crispies (If your out of cereal, replace with two more cups of Oats)
1 Cup Flour
1 1/2 Tsp Vanilla
2/3 Cup Butter or Margarine, Soft
3/4 Cup Honey (Roommate Tip: Try half or all Maple Syrup)
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
A mixture of Almonds, Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Raisins, and Sunflower Seeds.
1 Tsp each Ginger, and Cinnamon

What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 325. Grease the bottom of a baking pan, going up the sides.

2. Mix all ingredients except spices and additions. Gently stir in the rest. Transfer to pan and press down with spatula.

3. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until golden brown along the edges. Press down again with the spatula so when you cut it, it doesn't crumble. Let cool and cut into squares.

NOM NOM: Veggie Pizza with...BACON!

 Okay, so I contradicted my veggie pizza with bacon...but, in my defense, it's bacon. Ideally, I would have liked to venture to the butchers for thick cut bacon to cube, but sliced is what I had. This is a remake of the in-cred-ible pizza my roomies made a little while ago. The difference is that there were a few other veggies like portobello mushroom, and a pesto base. Look near the pasta sauces for mix it yourself pizza dough. Or, be ambitious and make your own!

What You Need:

- 1-2 Packages of Pizza Crust Mix, depending on how many your serving. Two for 3 or more people. OR pre-made pizza crust from the grocery store. I used Gattuso Pizza Mix
- Small can of tomato sauce
- Chopped mushroom, green pepper, tomato, zucchini, Etc.
- As much cooked bacon you want!
- 1 1/2 Cups shredded cheese...I used mozzarella

What To Do:

1. Prepare crust mix as directed and preheat oven to 400.

2. If your crust needs to rise, now would be a good time to prep any veggies, or shred cheese. This is assuming you've cooked the bacon. Once the dough has risen, spread with oiled fingers onto baking sheet.

3. Spread tomato sauce evenly over dough and top with cheese. Arrange veggies and bacon. Bake until edges are golden brown.

Faster, Healthier, and TASTIER than take out pizza!

NOM NOM: Scalloped Potatoes

I finally tackled the Pork Roast I got for a great price a little while back. Since eating only that for dinner would probably be frowned upon, I decided potatoes made sense. Get creative with the spices, makes a more interesting side! Below are pics of the roast :D

What You Need:


3-4 Yellow or White Potatoes- washed and thinly sliced
3 Tbs Flour
3 Tbs Butter or Margarine
1 1/2 Cups of Milk
Spices like Paprika, Cayenne, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Etc. 
1 Cup of Shredded Cheese- divided

How To:


1. Preheat oven to 345 degrees. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a baking dish and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, whisk the flour and butter together over medium heat. Gradually add in the milk, stirring constantly.

3. Add half the cheese, and stir occasionally. Let thicken slightly.

4. Pour half  the sauce over the first layer of sliced potato. Layer with remaining potatoes and cover with the rest of the sauce.

5. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.


 Yum!

Latest from the Mixing Bowl..

Winter Warm Up

Avocado Tomato Chicken Salad

NOM NOM: Potato Spears

Good fries don't have to be fried! I eat these often for lunch, or as a side dish. Sweet Potatoes are loaded with vitamins and add color, not to mention a flavor boost to an otherwise boring potato.This serving size can be for one as a main, or two as a side.

What You Need:

2-3 Yellow or White potatoes, washed, and sliced into wedges. (NOTE: If you can, try yellow...they cook quicker and taste a little better.)
1-2 Sweet Potatoes, washed, and sliced into wedges (Depends on size)
Pepper, garlic powder, salt, cayenne or chili powder. If you have garlic salt, skip the regular salt
Oil to drizzle

1. Preheat oven to 350 and place tin foil, shiny side up onto a baking sheet. Spread out potatoes evenly.
2. Drizzle oil to lightly coat and spice according to your tastes.
3. Bake 10 minutes and flip for another 10. Best if crispy.
4. Serve with ketchup, or for a twist, try BBQ sauce, or mayo.