Categories
Food & Drink

Christmas Menu Re-cap

Now, that the food has been devoured, the presents unwrapped, the leftovers are made into soup and you have finally emerged from your turkey induced coma; let’s recap the menu that I served! Best part about this menu is that most of meat and vegetables were harvested locally. 
*With restrictions in place; we were told NOT to gather with family this year. That didn’t stop me from making a TON of food and parceling it up and dropping it off on the steps of our loved one’s homes!

December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Appetizers/Snacks
Vegetable Platter
Meat, Cheese & Pickle Tray
Chips with Dill Dip
Smoked Whitefish (Husband’s secret recipe)
Nuts & Bolts

Dinner
1. Main
Smoked Moose Roast (Husband’s secret recipe)
Topping: Gravy, Horseradish

2. Sides
Dinner Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Perogy Casserole
Broccoli Salad
Shrimp Ring with Cocktail Sauce
Carrots 
Peas

3. Desserts
Assorted Sweets/Chocolate Tray
Red & Green Rice Crispie Squares
Chocolate cake with French Vanilla Frosting
Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan & Whipped Cream
Lemon Meringue Pie

December 25 (Christmas Day)

Breakfast
Wifesaver
Christmas oranges
Cinnamon Buns

Mid Afternoon Snack
*Left overs from yesterday

Dinner
1. Mains
Smoked Turkey
Toppings: Gravy, Cranberry Sauce

2. Sides
Dinner Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction & Walnuts 
Hungarian Red Cabbage
Stuffing
Garden Salad
Peas

3. Dessert
*Leftovers from yesterday

What did you serve? 
How was your COVID Christmas??

Categories
Food & Drink

Winter Soups

We had a super cold winter last year; the temperatures dipped to -45C and stayed there for days on end and resulted in school/work being cancelled for the week and astronomical heating bills! We holed up at home and tried to stay warm; one way we did that was to enjoy yummy soups and stews. To keep you warm this winter try out a few of the recipes we loved! 

1. Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chilli
Why: I love using my crock pot; and best of all my husband enjoyed this recipe. It made A LOT so I was able to have freezer meals for later.

2. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Why: The brain behind, damndelicious.com describes this soup as, “oh-so-creamy and rich, carb-loaded, cheesy, bacony, comforting, cozy soup”…need I say more?!?!

3. Black Bean Beef Taco Soup
Why: The perfect winter time twist on “Taco Tuesday” Plus, there is something super fun about adding toppings to soup in my opinion.

4. Butternut Squash Soup
Why: This soup is very easy to make; one pot in fact! It is creamy and for those of you who are dairy free and/or vegan this is a great recipe for you. Plus, I can make use of the squash I grew.

5. Veggie Tortellini Soup
Why: This is one of the Pioneer Woman’s “Under 20” recipes; it is hearty and comforting; it reminds me of having tomato and grilled cheese when I was young.

Categories
Food & Drink

Preferred K-Cup

For my husband’s birthday I bought him a new K-Supreme Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker because our other one was getting WORN OUT.

When you go to the grocery store you are confronted by an overwhelming selection of K-cups… What one(s) do you choose?

I am always experimenting with K-Cup varieties and over the years the following have become my favourites…

Van Houtte
Original House Blend (Medium Roast)
Creme Brulee
Pecan Praline
Butterscotch

Folgers
Vanilla Biscotti
Caramel Drizzle

Starbucks
Mocha
Vanilla Sweetened Iced Coffee

Twinnings
Chai Flavoured Black Tea
Green Tea

Laura Secord 
Hot Chocolate

Categories
Food & Drink

Recipe: Sweet & Sour Chicken

This genius recipe comes courtesy of http://happymoneysaver.com; and I LOVE IT! It only has 5 ingredients, it is easy to make and is a great freezer meal option.

Ingredients
8 Chicken Breasts
475 ml Catalina Dressing
350 ml Apricot Jam
1 package of Dry Onion Soup Mix
*8 Servings of Rice (prepared)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350F
Combine the dressing, jam and soup mix together in a 9 X 13 casserole dish; make sure is it mixed well
Add chicken and stir until well coated
Bake for 45 minutes (or until chicken is cooked through)
*Serve over rice

Tip: If am sending this meal with my husband when he goes up north for work; I will portion it out into containers and send a few packages of microwavable Minute Rice with him so he warms both up and adds the rice to his meals the day of.

Categories
Food & Drink

Always In…My Pantry

Over the years we have honed in on our staple ingredients; those necessary to the majority of our recipes, those we love and  those that cut down on frequent trips to the grocery store.

1. Minute Rice
Why: I use my Kraft Kitchen’s Dinner On Hand cookbook A LOT and many of the dishes use rice; so that is why this has become a staple pantry item for me.

2. Canned Tomatoes
Why: These of course are essential for sauces and bases. They are perfect when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season (and therefore ridiculously expensive). And they are flavorful additions to many recipes.

3. Stock/Broth
Why: These come in handy for making soups for fall and winter.

4. Dry Pasta
Why: This is a go to side dish for me; especially alongside Chicken Parm. I also love making pasta salads and baked pastas for potlucks…and we have quite a few at work.

5. Black Olives
Why: I add them to pizza of course and I love taking Greek salads to work.

6. Canned Beans
Why: As a chilli lover; many of those recipes call for beans. Plus I have a killer recipe for a three bean salad that is to die for!

7. Nuts
Why: Most of my dessert recipes call for nuts and even when they don’t I add them. A handful of almonds for example make for a great, healthier snack instead of chips!

8. Tuna
Why: I grew up on tuna fish sandwiches and as I got older I moved on to tuna melts and I love eating it with mini-peppers from Costco.

9. Kraft Dinner Mac & Cheese
Why: I know, I know; this isn’t a healthy food choice but it is a guilty pleasure. I always have a boxes around for when Megan comes to town and we binge watch shows on Netflix.

10. Old El Paso Taco Kit
Why: It is great to have on hand for when my nieces and nephews stop by; it is a great way to get them involved in cooking and spend quality time in the kitchen and around the dinner table.

Categories
Entertainment Food & Drink

Guilty Pleasures

guilt·y pleas·ure

noun

Something, such as a film, a television program, piece of music or food that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard, or is seen as unusual or weird.

Often it is these unusual or weird things that are the most scrumptious; today I am sharing mine. Feel free to tell me about your guilty pleasures in the comment section below!

1. Grilled cheese sandwich with chipotle aioli dipping sauce
Nothing more familiar or simply delicious than an ooey gooey grilled cheese; it reminds me of childhood lunches. No longer can I order these at restaurants –since they are relegated to the kids menu. I have traded the tomato soup or ketchup for the slight kick of heat from Culinary Treasure’s Chipotle Aioli. It may seem like an unusual combination but…don’t knock it till you try it.

2. Binge watching the Food Network
Nine times out of ten, if the television is on, the Food Network is on. If I was only allowed one channel; this one would be the one. I love watching marathons of Beat Bobby Flay, Pioneer Woman, Cutthroat Kitchen, Chopped and the various baking and cooking championships (both adult and kid versions). Sometimes my husband just shakes his head when he walks in the door to find the Food Network on yet again.

3. Staying in my pajamas all day on Sundays
Although this may seem lazy to some. I LOVE fuzzy pajamas. I love feeling comfy and cozy. So I relish being able to spend the day relaxing, reading, marking or puttering around the house in my PJs. It doesn’t matter if it is fall, winter, spring or summer; you can find me wearing fleece pants and a tank top.

4. Caramel Macchiatos from Starbucks
With a description such as this, “[f]reshly steamed milk with vanilla-flavored syrup marked with espresso and topped with caramel drizzle for an oh-so-sweet finish,“ it is easy to see how this is a guilty pleasure… such a delectable drink with 42 grams of sugar. I refer to it as my “fancy coffee,” which I only get a chance to have when I am in the city with my bestie.

5. Karuna Hydrating + Face Mask
I got this mask in a Fab Fit Fun box last year and I absolutely fell in love with it. Although I may look silly wearing them, they truly work! My skin looks brighter, radiant and smoother. It is like going to the spa in my own home. As, Aziz Ansari’s character on Parks and Recreation used to say: “Treat Yourself” and I most certainly do! A pack of four masks cost $28, and those who know me know that I can be a wee bit cheap when it comes to make-up and skincare products. 

Categories
Food & Drink

Always In My Fridge/Freezer

Over the years I’ve honed in on my staple ingredients; those necessary to the majority of my recipes, those that my husband and I love and those that cut down on frequent trips to the grocery store when we veer off plan.

1. Milk
Why: Got Milk?!? Yes, indeed!

2. Cheese
Why: The end all and be all of the toppings. Ooey gooey cheese! Yum! The uses are endless and cheese on sandwiches are a must!

3. Eggs
Why: My husband makes killer omelettes for me and I go through a lot of eggs when I get on a baking spree; plus occasionally I have a hankering for deviled eggs!

4. Bell Peppers
Why: Stuffed peppers are frequently made in our house, added to salads, put in soups and gobbled up with hummus, tzatziki and tuna.

5. Berries
Why: Fruit salads, baking, added to plain yogurt, berries are a healthy snack rich in antioxidants.

6. Salad Dressings
Why: I use my Kraft Kitchen’s Dinner On Hand cookbook A LOT and many of the dishes use a variety of Kraft dressings (Italian, Catalina, Ranch, etc); so that is why this has become a staple fridge item for me.

7. Chicken
Why: The only meat we don’t harvest; I love chicken; so I buy it in bulk from Costco; drumsticks, breasts and thighs.

8. Wild Game Meat
Why: We harvest most of our own meat and have it ground, made into pepperoni and/or sausage. We substitute it for beef all the time.

9. Garden Veggies
Why: Home grown, blanched and frozen for use throughout the year. This includes: green beans for casseroles and soups. Peas for side dishes. Zucchini for muffins, loaves  and crustless pie.

 10. Bread
Why: This way we always have it on hand. Since I don’t go through it fast enough when I am on my own; freezing it has cut down on food waste.

Categories
Food & Drink

Sweet Potato Pie

American journalist, Regina Brett remarked once that, “[i]f baking is any labour at all, it is a labour of love. A love that gets passed from generation to generation.” I couldn’t agree more. I have the fondest memories baking both sweet and savoury delights with (and for) my family. With Thanksgiving here in Canada, I thought that I should share a delicious pie recipe with you. At our house we have swapped the classic and traditional pumpkin pie with sweet potato pie. The first time I made it, it was a HIT! I hope it is a hit with your families as well.

Ingredients
1 pound sweet potatoes
1/2 cup butter 
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract

1 pie shell (9 inch)
*If you want you can use a Tenderflake frozen pie shell or use your own handmade one. This recipe turns out well using either one.

Optional: whipped cream and pecans

Directions

1. Poke whole sweet potatoes with fork, then boil in water for 45 minutes (or until done). 
2. Run cooked sweet potatoes under cold water and remove the skins.
3. Mash sweet potatoes in a bowl.
4. Add butter and mix well using an electric mixer.
5. Stir in remaining ingredients, beat until smooth.
6. Pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust.
7. Bake at 350F for 55 minutes (or until toothpick comes out clean)

*When serving; garnish with whipped cream and pecans for a little bit extra flair and texture.

Categories
Food & Drink

Side Dish Sensations

So far on this blog I have shared a number of recipes but I have neglected SIDE DISHES! Side dishes should enhance your entree and they play a part in balanced eating; especially considering that according to the Canada Food Guide; proteins should only account for 1/4 of your plates and grain only 1/4 of your plates –the remaining half should be composed of fruits and vegetables. Today, I’ll be sharing with you some side dish sensations so you can give your plating some much needed attention!

Fruit & Vegetables Forward…

Roasted Spaghetti Squash & Kale (Pioneer Woman)
10 Minute Sugar Snap Peas With Lemon (A Sweet Pea Chef)
Mediterreanean Baked Sweet Potatoes (Minimalist Baker)
Mango-Avocado & Cucumber Salad (Elizabeth Rider)
Heirloom Tomato Salad With Pomegranate-Sumac Dressing (Kitchn)

Grain Forward…

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (Damn Delicious)
Brussel Sprouts & Basil (Whole Wheat) Bowties (Good Housekeeping)
Pearl Couscous Salad With Cherries & Arugula (Kitchn)
Brown Rice With Minted Peas & Feta (Eating Well)
Mushroom Wild Rice (Taste Of Home)

Categories
Food & Drink

University Nostalgia: Food Edition

It has been 16 years since I moved into 5 Henday in Lister Hall at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. I met my best friend there and in my third year we moved off campus together into an apartment and we spent LOTS of time cooking together and sharing our “go-to” recipes.

So, as many are heading off to post-secondary I wanted to share some delicious recipes to cure homesickness and provide comfort at this stressful time. (Collecting these also gave us a chance to reminisce about the good old days). 

From my recipe book….

Pörkölt (Hungarian Chicken Stew)
Ingredients….
2 tablespoons oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
2 pounds chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
1 large tomato, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup water
1-2 teaspoons sea salt
2 (6 ounce) packages wide egg noodles

Directions…
In a deep pan, heat the oil; add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the paprika.
Add the chicken pieces and cook on medium heat until the edges of the chicken are browned. Mix in the tomato, bell pepper, and 1/2 cup water.
Season with salt.
Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for an hour, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve over egg noodles.

Pizza
I brought a Black and Decker bread maker into the friendship and pizza was always on the menu for Friday night SATC binge watching sessions. There are tons of easy pizza dough recipes on line you can use if you don’t have access to a bread machine; but in all honesty…they take up minimal space even in a cramped dorm room closet. If you are at all interested in making an epic vegetarian pizza; here is what we have ALWAYS top ours with….
-tomato sauce
-mushrooms
-black olives
-onions
-yellow pepper
-artichoke hearts
-spinach
-pineapple
-tomatoes

Skor-Peach Dessert
Ingredients…
Canned peach halves (drained)
Vanilla ice cream
Crushed Skor Toffee Bits

Directions…
In a bowl, put a peach half (inside up)
Fill indent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Sprinkle liberally with Skor Toffee Bits

From my bestie’s cookbook…

Curry Rice & Pea Salad
Ingredients…
2 cups rice
1 ½ cup peas
⅓ cup canola oil
1 tsp curry powder
2 tsp vinegar
½ tsp celery seed
½ tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

Directions…

Cook rice as directed on package; let cool
Cook peas; let cool
Combine rice and peas
Combine oil, curry powder, vinegar, celery seed, salt and sugar; mix well
Pour over the rice and rice

Ramen Noodle & Cabbage Salad
Ingredients…
1 green Cabbage
1 package Mr. Noodle (chicken or vegetable)  + seasoning.1 bunch green onions
1 cup slivered almonds
¾ cup vegetable Oil
¼ cup white vinegar
1 tbsp sugar

Directions…
Chop the cabbage into bite sized pieces
Thinly slice the green onions
Break up the noodles
Mix the cabbage, green onions, almonds together
Combine the vegetable oil, white vinegar, noodle seasoning package and sugar; mix well.
Pour over the cabbage
Refrigerate overnight

Dutch Baby Pancake
Ingredients…
3 Tbsp butter
2 eggs
½ cup flour
½ cup milk
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
Icing sugar
Lemon juice

Directions…
Preheat oven to 425F
In a pre-heated skillet melt the butter
Whisk the first 6 ingredients together
Pour batter into hot skillet
Bake for 18-20 minutes
Sprinkle with icing sugar and lemon juice