(Scroll way down if you just want this tasty recipe! This savory loaf is to die for. Serve simply warm with lots of butter (SO GOOD) or as your bread with dinner!)
Feminism is a touchy subject these days; we’re bombarded daily with news article after news article about the issue, and there’s always a strong debate attached. I’m not going to get too into the subject, but it does touch on what I want to chat about today.
As a Canadian woman in her late 20’s living in the 21st century, I know I am fortunate. I can vote (as I hope all my fellow friends south of the border did yesterday!); I have access to an education and healthcare; I live in a beautiful part of the world. I realize all this, and I am so grateful for it.
It does seem, though, that in this new-age, social-media-saturated world, there is an increasing amount of pressure put on women. I’m not saying there was never pressure put on women 60 years ago, of course there was. It’s just… different?
These days, women are expected to be corporate bloodhounds, dominating the business world in pretty pant suits, working 40+ hours a week all while raising 2.5 kids, preparing them healthy, gluten-free lunches and whipping up dinner every night at a reasonable hour. We’re expected to work hard and raise a family. There’s nothing wrong with this – nothing! – but when the cost of living keeps rising while salaries stay stagnant, these pressures can seem insurmountable.
There’s a pressure to be perfect in every way. Get an education. Become a strong, successful businesswoman. Raise a family. Kick ass in every. single. aspect of your life.
Living in Vancouver, you kind of have to be a successful woman if you have any hope of buying (or renting) a house/townhouse for your future family in such an unattainable market. Even with a successful spouse! And as a mega-planner who is often faced with major anxiety, these pressures can often feel… overwhelming, to say the least.
When these feelings bubble up and the stress gets to be too much, that’s when I’m particularly grateful for this blog. What started out as a simple means for two friends to share their recipes with each other has turned into something really special. It’s an outlet – a creative and mental outlet – that lets me just forget all the everyday struggles and focus on what makes me happy.
Food can be so cathartic, don’t you think? It comes in so many forms, has so many flavours and textures, and can elevate almost any mood or situation.
My go-to stress vice is usually sweets, but lately I’ve really taken to savoury foods. This bread, oh this bread, has so many things going for it.
Light and fluffy bread (that really freezes well, for those of us on the go!)
A healthy does of spinach.
Sweet and tender caramelized onions.
Tangy, smooth nuggets of goat cheese.
If an unconventional spanikopita and a loaf of white bread had a baby, it would look something like this loaf.
Slice this loaf and simply serve warm with a generous smear of butter (my favourite), or with your main course. Even though it’s packed with spinach and cheese, it still works wonderfully to sop up all the goodness of a winter stew.
And talk about easy to make! Unlike a traditional loaf of bread, there’s no kneading required here. Just toss everything in a bowl, mix it up, and bake. You can’t lose.
To those who read this ramble: thanks for sticking through to the end of my Wednesday Novel! I don’t always go personal on this blog, but sometimes I just gotta get it out of my system. Now go reward yourself for reading this with a savory loaf!
| Savory Spinach & Goat Cheese Loaf with Caramelized Onions | | Print |
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 heaping cup of packed spinach leaves
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 120g goat cheese, crumbled
- Lightly grease and flour a loaf tin. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet, saute onions in butter for about 20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Add garlic and spinach and cook, stirring, until spinach has cooked down; set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, vegetable oil and eggs.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet, then add the spinach/onion mixture and crumbled goat cheese. Stir until just combined.
- Pour into prepared loaf tin and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes before removing from loaf pan.
Amazing! The only change I made was to use plain yogurt instead of sour cream because that’s what I had on hand. I took it to work to share and got rave reviews, and 2 requests for the recipe. This will definitely be made again and I can see lots of variations to come too. Thank you for sharing.
Great to hear, Samantha!!