Celebrating 2,500+ Followers!

That's right! You've heard it here first folks- my German Shepherd, maQ has over 2,500 followers on Instagram! Never seen his feed? We got tons of portraits, goofy bloopers & videos, and all those heart-warming, fuzzy and glorious moments for any dog lover! You can check us out @maq_life over on IG!

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This deserves a celebration! Seriously though, I can't thank each and every one of you enough for all your love and support. It is so amazing getting to know some of you. I've even met a few of our fellow Instagram followers in person and am so delighted in the idea of making new friends via social media. We literally have friends from all around the globe! From South Africa to Australia, to NJ and Cali, we have sheppy friends everywhere we go! In honor of our followers, I wanted to make something special for my fur baby.

maQ is a life-size wolf and horks down dog biscuits like it's his job. Since I spend so much money on trying a variety of dog treats, and not knowing what ingredients are really going into my poochie's delicate belly, after awhile I figured why not make my own? I can make them by the bulk and for way less than the prices at any retail store. Plus, I know exactly what kind of ingredients I'm using and they're truly healthy for maQ! You know what really made my day? These cookie cutters from Sur La Table. I went down to Soho in search of a dog bone-shaped cutter along with something a little more unique and creative. Lo and behold they had GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG cookie cutters! I literally gasped while in the store when I discovered them! I I searched deep in every nook and cranny before finding it. Luckily, I got the last one! It was totally satisfying, ha ha! No surprise they're popular... check out how freaking adorable they are! I wish I could send these cookies to all my furriends! I did get a chance to share a few with some of maQ's doggy buddies and they too loved the heck outta em'!

Since I've never made dog treats before, I'm using a recipe from http://damndelicious.net/2015/01/07/homemade-peanut-butter-dog-treats/ This was a huge success, to say at the very least! Thank you for sharing this with us!

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

The easiest homemade dog treats ever - simply mix, roll and cut. Easy peasy, and so much healthier than store-bought!

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
• Let cool completely.

Notes

*Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the treats. Serving size will also vary depending on the desired shapes and cookie cutters used.

Adapted from use real butter

maQ clearly enjoying his treat! :)

Please like, share and comment below! If you've got a snazzy dog treat recipe, we'd love to hear from you!

Wishing you all a lovely Thursday, friends!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

What's Your Spice?

Lately, my spice rack has been looking like a hot mess and the tiny little OCD in me had to rearrange it (Monica-style, naturally)! So I spent the morning carefully pouring in different spices and therefore, making a mess along the way! What a fragrant day it has been so far!

I wanted to discuss about some of my favorite spices I use in every day cooking. What I love about herbs & spices is it not only brings out flavors in other foods to make a dish a whole, but it's very healthy for you. You see, to me, in order to cook well, you really need to know your spices and flavors. It was like a mini-mental exercise re-familiarizing all the different spices, including some I don't use on a consistent basis. 

For example, I love, love, love the smell and flavor of star anise! It's bouquet is powerful and licorice-like, more pungent and stronger than regular anise . Sometimes called Chinese star anise, it should not be confused with Japanese star anise, which is highly toxic.

Star anise goes really well with pork and duck. It is very much contributed in Chinese cuisine, where ingredients are simmered for a long period in soy sauce, and star anise is nearly always added to beef and chicken dishes. Chinese stocks and soups usually contain the spice. This spice is also frequently used in Malaysian curries. It can also be added in fruit compotes and jams, pairs awesomely with tomatoes, and even braised beef dishes - I even use it when I make pickled red onion. Mm mm... the secret ingredient can elevate several dishes to a whole new level.

For everyday cooking, I always use s & p, and if I'm not going to use garlic cloves or actual onion, I'll turn to the powders for an easier substitute. As much as I love garlic, I don't always want to be smelling like one! I also regularly use dried herbs as well, which include rosemary, parsley, basil, bay leaves, and thyme. I incorporate many of these into potato dishes, poultry meats and roasted earthy vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets. If I'm making fajitas or tacos, I will never go without cumin. Did you know it stimulates appetite? Maybe that's why I always eat way too many tacos... you tricksters! ;)

Another spice essential in Asian cuisine is ginger. And I can never get enough of it. I make a really tasty beef & kale stir-fry using either freshly grated ginger root or ginger powder, as a substitute. I will have to share the stir-fry recipe! Ginger is a super aphrodisiac, and has an endless list of health benefits. It is most commonly known as a digestive aid. Hello, Ginger Ale! And of course, ginger is used to cleanse the palate in between different pieces of sushi.

What are your everyday spices? Do you have a particular favorite? Or perhaps, a really snazzy recipe with a unique ingredient you're dying to share? Well, come on aboard and let's hear it! Please like and share, and of course, comment below your favorite spice!

Have a spicerrific day! ;)

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Friday: Lime Raspberry Flan

You know what's my weakness when it comes to cooking? BAKING! Arrgh! Just thinking about it makes me go, "NO!"

I'm not the type to take measurements very seriously, let alone think like a chemist. All credit goes to my Ma. And she was not a baker. Growing up as a kid, she taught me how to cook with how many pinches of this and how many swirls of that. All of it savory. I'm a firm believer that cooking comes from the heart and soul. A fine dish is made with pure love.

I am not an avid baker, but do try to take time to refine this skill. Because I suck at it! And I most certainly make it with nothing but love! Today's dessert is a lime raspberry flan. The fruity combination is killer in my book. But aesthetically I was very disappointed with myself (Gordon Ramsey you'd spank me so HARD right now!), BUT what's more important is how it tastes. And not to brag, but it is so freaking delicious! I tried following the recipe without using a Thermomix, since I didn't have one, and instead, used a food processor. Let me tell you something. You've got to be reliable in the kitchen! Make it work! I'm happy I did, but next time I make another tart, the presentation must be better. 

Take a look. Pictures and recipe below. Feel free to comment.

Have a lovely weekend!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Lime Raspberry Flan Recipe

• Shortcrust pastry

• 260 g plain flour
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 130 g cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 60 g sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

• Filling

• 3 limes, zest and juice
• 200 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 130 g sour cream
• 20 g corn flour
• 200 g frozen or fresh raspberries

Do

1. Pastry; 
2. Place flour, sugar and butter into Thermo bowl and mix 5 sec/speed 5. 
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix 10 sec/speed 5. 
4. Tip out onto floured Silpat mat and press into a disc.
5. Roll out to fit a 18-20cm flan tin with removable base. Do not trim edges. Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes. 
6. Preheat oven to 180ºC and blind bake for 20 minutes. Remove baking beans. Trim edges neatly to the rim of the flan tin. Reduce oven temperature to 160ºC. 
7. Filling; 
8. Place zest and sugar into Thermo bowl and mill 10 sec/speed 10.
9. Add remaining ingredients except raspberries and mix 10 sec/speed 5.
10. Pour filling into pastry shell. Bake for 40 minutes or until custard is just wobbly in centre.

More

Garnish with raspberries and dust with icing sugar and cool completely before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.

Sunday's Are Just Peachy

“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

— Dita Von Teese

Peach Season

Fresh Peach Crisp

If I Call You Handsome Will You Wash The Dishes? If I Call You Darling Will You Make Me Pancakes?

The NYT, Harpaar's Bazaar and More Reads

Sunday's Are Just Peachy

Delicious

G'morning! Before peach season is over, I'm trying to eat as many as I possibly can. Clearly I'm an avid fan—they're quite possibly my favorite fruit. So, I wanted to bring you a yummy recipe for your Sunday! Don't like peaches? (In which case, you and I can't be friends. Just kidding!) You can easily substitute with a different kind of fruit, such as apricot, raspberry, cherry, etc.

While baking this, the smell in your entire apartment will be sublime. I guess you can take the girl out of the Midwest but you can't take the Midwest out of the girl! Alright, I'm running back to bed with the hubby for massive cudding, coffee-sipping and NYT's + Fall fashion reading. And of course, nomming down on this delicious summery crisp!

Happy Sunday! Catch you all tomorrow!

FRESH PEACH CRISP

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced – about 6-7 peaches
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons sugar 1 cup + 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, cold, cut into cubes

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
3. In a large bowl, toss peaches with cinnamon, vanilla, 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 tablespoons flour. Pour the peaches into the greased casserole dish.
4. In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup flour with old fashioned oats, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until you have a crumbly consistency.
5. Pour the crumbly topping on top of the peaches.
6. Bake in the oven, uncovered for 45-50 minutes.
7. *Notes: Some of you think there's too much butter? If so, feel free to reduce the amount to 1/2 cup like I did. As much as I love butter, I wanted to cut it in half since I overloaded on a grilled porterhouse steak last night with some shallot + parsley butter on top. Yes, I'm still dreaming about that steak. I might have to do one later this week! Anyway, if you want your Fresh Peach Crisp to be extra crisp, bake for 5-10 minutes longer, making sure to keep a close eye on it. I personally love the end result using a full cup of butter.

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

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