Ginger LemonGrass Soup

Not sure of the exact measurements, usually just eye ball it... but here we go.

3 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can baby corn
2 tbsp asian chili sauce (sriracha)
1/4 cup chopped up baby bokchoy
5 tbsp lemongrass paste, = about half a tube (gourment gardens... its all we have around here, but it 1tsp=1tsp of fresh)

Mix all ingredients except for bok choy and tomatoes together in slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Add tomatoes and bok choy for last 20-30 minutes.

OR

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium sauce pan, saute mushrooms for 4-5 minutes, add bok choy and tomatoes, saute another 1-2 minutes, add all other ingredients, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Japanese Teriaky Sauce/Marinade

Real Teriaky sauce, wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy better than the bottled stuff.

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup mirin (you can find it in most asian food sections of your grocery store, I get mine at Metro)
2 TBSP fresh grated ginger or 1 TSP dried bottled ginger

In a small sauce pan over medium low heat, heat all ingredients, stirring until sugar dissolves.

I marinaded chicken skeweres in this for 3 hours, they're in the oven right now. Usually we use it as a basting sauce on our bbq chicken or as a steak marinade :) It can be used in stir frys aswell. :)

Spinach Veal Ravioli

3 cups nutri wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
luke warm water
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups spinach, sauted in olive oil and pureed in a blender
1 package lean ground veal
2 tsp rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Sprinkle of Mozzerella cheese

For frying
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil (I used italian olive oil, which is oil infused with italian spices)
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, dump in flour, and make a well in the center of the flour
Sprinkle salt in well, add spinach and eggs
Mix together, and need
Slowly add water to get desired consistancy (should form a nice ball, not too sticky, not to dry, if too sticky, add more flour, if its not forming a ball properly, add more water)
Wrap in plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes

****This can all be done in one step using a food processor, just dump everything in, and turn on until it forms a ball ******

Meanwhile, heat oil in frying pan over medium high heat
Add ground veal
Cook until browned
Add rosemary, turn to medium low, continue to cook
Add parmesan cheese, turn to low, and let simmer another 5 minutes
Remove mixture from stove and let cool

After 45 minutes, sprinkle counter with flour
Use rolling pin to roll out dough in almost paper thin sheets
Use a pizza cutter to cut small 2x2 squares
Place a tsp of filling on ever second square
Cover with another square, pinch corners to seal

Bring medium pot of salted water to boil
Add ravioli
Cook 5-6 minutes
Drain, reserving 1/4cup of cooking liquid
Heat oil in frying pan
Add chopped garlic and tomatoes
Once garlic starts to brown, add cooking liquid and ravioli
Turn to low heat
Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cheese
Serve immediatly :)

Slow Cooker Ham

Yesterday I was at the grocery store and saw quarter half smoked hams. Figured I would try and make dad's famous mustard brown sugar glazed ham in the slow cooker instead of all day in the oven.

1 half smoked ham (try and find out small enough to fit into your slow cooker)
2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup mustard
1 can sliced pineapples in juice
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce

Place 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar in bottom of slow cooker (just enough to cover the entire bottom)
Place ham in slow cooker, skin side up, fat side down
Mix remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, soy sauce and 1/4 cup mustard together
Massage into ham skin
Cook on high for 3 hours
Add half the juice out of the can of pinneaple slices
Turn to low, and cook another 2 hours
Using tooth picks, place pinneaple slices on ham
Allow to cook another hour on high
Remove from slow cooker, let sit for 15-20 minutes before carving

If you like your ham skin crispy, pre-heat oven to low broil, remove ham from slow cooker, and broil slowly, watching closely, 10-15 minutes or so.

Enjoy :)

Its been a while

Its been a while since Ive posted a new recipe. Being back at work is really cutting into my cooking time and I dont like it at all....

Tomato Dill Soup

This soup can be served warm, or chilled, as a main course for lunch, or in a shot glass as an appetizer.

1 can diced tomatoes
1 can chicken broth
1 TBSP butter
Handful of chopped yellow onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 TBSP dried dill weed
salt and pepper to taste

Heat a sauce pan over medium heat
Melt butter, add onions and garlic powder, saute until golden
Add canned tomatoes and can of chicken broth
Lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes
Pure in blender, in batches if necessary
ENJOY :)

Sun Dried Tomato BBQ Chicken Breasts

Just got home from a gorgeous weekend at camp, and its 32degrees out. Way too hot to cook. The man is gone for wings and beer, which I really really wish I could be eating, buttttttt Im in weight loss mode before we head to vegas, so I had to think of something quick, healthy and yummy to eat. I love sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese so I came up with this quick dinner.

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup calorie wise sun dried tomato salad dressing
light feta cheese
5-6 oil packed sun dried tomatoes
2 cups mixed greens
1/3 cup kalamata olives
Handful fresh tomatoes
greek dressing

Wash and Trim chicken
Place in a bowl with salad dressing and marinade for 15-20 minutes (while you prepare the rest of the dish)
Pre-Heat BBQ to medium heat
Clean and Oil grill
Remove chicken from marinade, place on grill, cook for 10-15 minutes a side, until no longer pink inside
Once chicken is done, place on dinner plate
Sprinkle with feta cheese and a few sundried tomatoes
Serve with mixed greens, tossed with fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese and greek dressing.

Warm Spinach Dip

Finally decided to take a crack at a warm spinach dip.

2 packages light cream cheese, slightly melted
3 TBSP olive oil mayonnaise (NOT LIGHT)
1 package frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Kraft Italiano Cheese Blend
1 TSP Garlic Seasoning (either ALLgarlic or powder, NOT garlic salt)
1/4 tsp onion salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper (or less according to taste)
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in slow cooker, cook on low 2-3 hours, stirring often
Add salt and pepper to taste

Copy Cat East Side Mario's Garden Salad Dressing

For the longest time I was addicted to East Side Marios' garden salad dressing. I finally figured out how to make it at home, and its just as good if not better. To get the ultimate copy cat, make sure to use romaine salad with red onions and peperoncini pickled peppers.

In a blender, combine the following ingredients, blend for 30 seconds, then refrigirate

1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup salad vinegar
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder (NOT ONION SALT)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp thyme

Refrigirate for at least 30 minutes before serving

PICKLEEEDD STUFFFF :D

Just wanted to share a picture of my creations. First time pickeling. The entire house smelt, and were still finding dill seeds.

I made sweet pickles, dill pickles, spicy dills (of course), pickled cauliflower, pickled carrots, and one jar of mixed spicy stuff :) Im absolutely addicted, next year Ill be that crazy lady washing her cucumbers in the bath tub because Ill have so many...

I was told yesterday that Im pretty much one of the weirdest women around... I go from slicing and dicing fish, shooting things and blowing stuff up, to getting excited over canning... wow

Peanut Butter Salad Dressing (honestly... its amazing)

I know this sounds weird, but it's actually really really good. Kind of an asian twist...

Juice from 1 large navel orange
3 tsp smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp fresh grated ginger

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Serve immediatly over mixed greens

Vanessa's Stir Fry

Finally something new... Best stir fry I have EVER tasted.

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, washed, and sliced in small chunks
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 cup broccoli
1/2 cup cauliflower
1/2 cup green beans1
1 diced red pepper
6 brussel sprouts, split in half
2 tbsp grated ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
1 shallot
1/2 hot banana pepper
1/3 cup soy sauce + 1tbsp
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lime juice
3/4 cup linguini

Mix chicken, ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce and garlic together, marinade at least 30 minutes

Bring a medium pot to boil
Add linguini, cook 10-11 minutes
Heat a wok over medium high heat, add 1tbsp oil, add chicken
Stir fry until chicken is just cooked
Meanwhile, mix together soy sauce, lime juice and honey
Add chicken to chicken in wok
Add half of the sauce
Cook until veggies are tender but still slightly crisp
Drain and add noodles
Add remaining sauce
Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes
Sprinkle with sesame seeds

ENJOY :)

Accidental Homemaker's Clamato

Here's a twist on clamato juice, I love ceasers, so it was bound to happen...


1 bottle motts clamato juice
3 stems of fresh dill
3 tbsp prepared horseradish
8 tbsp worchesire sauce
5 tbsp hot sauce
2 tbsp montreal steak spice
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper

Blend all ingredients for 1 minute in blender.
Let marinade in fridge
Mix with 1 1/2 oz vodka to create the perfect ceaser

Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Mushroom White Wine Sauce

We went out for dinner last night to Bella Vita Cucina in Sudbury, and I had a fall rigatone. The sauce was a mushroom white wine rose, and Kendall said it would be good on pork chops, soooo today I had to figure out how to make it.

2 tbsp butter
1 shallot
1 clove garlic
4 tbsp white wine
1 handfull washed and chopped cremini mushrooms
1 handfull washed and chopped white mushrooms
4 cups of cream of mushroom soup
3 Tbsp Beef Gravy Powder
4 Butterfly Pork Chops
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter
Add diced shallots and garlic
Saute until slightly browned
Add mushrooms and continue to cook 5 minutes
Deglaze pan with 2 Tbsp of white wine
Add cream of mushroom soup, and bring to a slight boil
Add beef gravy and last 2 Tbsp of white wine
Simmer on low for 10 minutes
Place pork chops in slow cooker, sprinkle with a little bit of salt and pepper
Pour sauce on top
Cover and cook for 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low

We served this over no yolk noodles

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

After spending the day working at savour sudbury and trying out some of Pat and Mario's roasted red pepper soup, I had to take a stab at it.

3 Red Bell Peppers
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 28oz Can of Diced Tomatoes, Drained
1 Shallot, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
1 package of semi soft goat cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp basil
4 cups chicken stock
1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Place slice and cleaned bell peppers on a cookie sheet, at the highest rack in the over and broil for 5-10 minutes a side, until charred and black
Removed from oven, let cool 20 minutes
Meanwhile, heat a soup pan over medium heat
Add 2 Tbsp olive oil
Add diced shallots and garlic, cook until slightly browned, careful not to burn
Use red wine vinegar to deglaze pot
Once red peppers are cooled, removed charred skin, chop, and add to soup pot
Add drained tomatoes, basil, paprika, salt and pepper
Lower heat to medium low, add goat cheese in little chunks, and stir until melted
Simmer about 10 minutes
Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then lower heat to low, put a lid on it, and let it simmer for 40 minutes-1 hour

mmm :)

Garnish with basil

Grilled Chicken Artichoke Pizza

You cant beat the taste of bbq pizza, or how little time it takes to make.

Ingredients:
1 pre-made whole wheat pizza crust
1 can artichoke hearts
1 red pepper
1/4 cup shredded mozzerella cheese
1/4 cup feta cheese
1 cup prepared pizza sauce
2 tbsp red wine
1 clove garlic
2 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp olive oil

Directions
Pre-Heat bbq to medium-low heat
Brush Top side of pizza lightly with olive oil
Place pizza on grill, top side down, and grill 5 minutes, or until nice grill marks appear and pizza starts to get a little crispy
Meanwhile, chop up red pepper and artichokes
Add red wine to pizza sauce and mix well
When pizza crust is lightly browned, bring it back inside
Chop garlic clove in half, and rub on grilled part of pizza
Top pizza with sauce, oregano, chicken, artichokes, red peppers, and both cheeses
Brush bottom side of pizza lightly with olive oil
Bring the pizza back to the bbq, place on grill, close lid, and cook until cheese melts (keep a very close eye on your pizza to make sure it doesnt burn)

Enjoy :)

Vanessa's Artichoke and Tomato Bruschetta

I was bored tonight and had the urge to cook. I figured I would try a spin on bruschetta.

1 whole wheat flat bread or cut up french bread
1 can diced and drained tomatoes
1 can diced and drained artichoke hearts
1tbsp mayo
2 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp red wine
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/3 cup mozzerella cheese
1tsp olive oil

Pre-heat oven to 400F
In a medium bowl, mix together tomatoes, artichokes, mayo, basil, salt, pepper, red wine and feta
Brush olive oil on flat bread
Spread Mixture evenly over flat bread
Sprinkle with mozzerella cheese
Bake in pre-heated oven for 10 minutes, broil for 3-5 minutes

Enjoy :)

Savour The Street Sudbury 2010

Just wanted to show a picture of the event I was sooooo lucky to be a part of Saturday. Savour the Street was a dinner for over 200 people, at one table, outdoors, with a 7 course meal being prepared and served by over 10 different restaurants in Sudbury. It turned out amazing and was probably the highlight of my cooking career.

Weight Watchers Friendly Buffalo Chicken Toes

Just jumped back on weight watchers to lose the strike pounds Ive gained over the last year. Here's a really yummy, easy recipe I made tonight, good for people who crave chicken wings.

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp light butter
2 tbsp franks red hot or other wing sauce
1 clove minced garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat
Spray with non stick cooking spray
Clean and cut chicken into little chunks, abou half the size of a chicken finger
Sprinkle chicken with paprika
Cook for 5-6 minutes in pan
Add garlic
Cook 1-2 minutes, until fragrant
Lower heat to minimum
Add butter in cubes and hot sauce
Stir well

I served this with a country herb fat free dip, celery sticks and carrots

One serving of about 5 toes is 4 weight watchers points

Balsamic Mustard Chicken Marinade

Very Yummy Chicken Marinade... Perfect for on the Grill

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP Lemon juice
2 TBSP mustard
1 TBSP brown sugar
...
Combine, Pour over chicken, let marinade for at least 2 hours. I freeze my chicken covered in the marinade in zip locs and just take them out whenever we want them. :)

Raspberry Salad Dressing

Nice for summer

1/4 cup salad oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp mustard powder
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 cup raspberries

Blend together in blender on low for 1 minute, serve immediatly

Grilled Pork Chops and Pinneapple

Trying something new, grilling fruit.

2 Butterfly Pork chops
1 can sliced pinneapple in juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp grated ginger
3 tbsp teriaky sauce

Mix together juice from pinneapple can, soy sauce and ginger
Place pork chops in a zip loc bag, cover with marinade
Let marinade in fridge 30minutes-3 hours
Pre-heat bbq to medium high heat
Remove pork chops from marinade and grill 12-15 minutes, turning once
Place sliced pinneapple on grill, brush on teriaky sauce
Cook until bbq lines start to show on side of pinneapple
Brush with teriaky, turn, and cook another 3-5 minutes, or until lines form
Serve on top of pork chops

Sweet Potato Poutine

Poutine and Diets dont usually go together... but leave it up to a french canadian to figure out how to make it work :)

1 large sweet potato
1/4 cup shredded light mozerella cheese
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef stock
salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 425F
Slice sweet potato into 1/4in thick french fry like slices
Toss with canola oil, salt and pepper
Arrange in single layer on cookie sheet, bake 20-25 minutes
Meanwhile, heat butter and flour over medium heat in a small saucepan, whisking often
Add beef stock, stir well, lower heat and cook until thickened, 10-15 minutes

Arrange sweet potatoes, cheese and top with gravy, serve and enjoy :)

Spinach and Watermelon Salad

Trying something new...

2 cups baby spinach
1 cup watermelon balls
1/4 cup crumbled light feta cheese

Dressing:
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp dried terragon

Whisk dressing ingredients together, pour over first three ingredients
Serve Immediatly

Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob on the Barbecue

Ingredients

2 corn on the cobs
2 tbsp butter softened
Zest and juice from one lime
2 tsp cilantro
1 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a bowl, mix together butter, lime juice and zest, cilantro, chilli powder, salt and pepper

Remove husk from corn, slather on butter mixture, wrap each corn in tin foil
Pre-heat barbecue to medium heat
Cook corn on barbecue, turning often for 25-30 minutes
Enjoy

House Dressing with a Zing...

Tried to re-create a house dip that we ate in Montreal last weekend at the Cage Au Sport, and this is what I came up with... not even close, but still amazing.

Ingredients
1/3 cup oil (vegetable or extra virgin)
2 minced cloves of garlic
1 tsp each of paprika, chilli powder, basil, salt, pepper
1/2 cup low fat sour cream
1tbsp mayo

In a blender, mix together oil, garlic, paprika, chilli powder, basil, salt and pepper
In a bowl, whisk together sour cream and mayo, slowly add in mixture from blender, whisk and enjoy.

I served this today with mexican sweet potatoe fries

Spicy Peanut Stir Fry Sauce

You can add or remove red pepper flakes to change the heat to suit your tastes... either way this is a GREAT stir fry sauce.

Ingredients
3Tbsp Peanut Butter
4Tbsp Soy Sauce (low sodium)
1 1/2 Tbsp Brown Sugar (or 1Tbsp splenda brown sugar)
2 Tsp Garlic Plus Seasoning (Clubhouse seasoning)
1 Tsp Ginger Powder
2 Tbsp Water

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend for 1-2 minutes
Pour into stir fry 1 minute before serving, mixing well

I use this stir fry sauce when I make a chicken stir fry with rice noodles :)

mmm

Chicken with Balsamic Brown Sugar Reduction

Sorry I havent posted in a long time... I've actually been working, so I haven't had time to cook, but I'm back, and I cant believe how much I've missed my kitchen.
Here's a really easy, three step recipe, that tastes like it should be in a 4 star restaurant. Don't let the balsamic vinegar scare you, my better half isn't a fan of balsamic vinegar, and he loved it. After boiling it for so long, it really turns sweet.

Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar substitute (splenda brown sugar) or 2 Tbsp brown sugar

Pre-heat oven to 400
Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes
Meanwhile, over medium heat, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, whisking often
Add brown sugar, continue to whisk until sauce thickens
Use a spoon to scoop up and pour out sauce, to see how thick it is, it should stick to spoon
Once sauce is ready, remove chicken from oven, pour sauce over top and serve :)

Enjoy

Roasted Veggie and Bacon Pasta

Came home from camp today, to an empty fridge, and since it was Easter Sunday, everything was closed, so I had to make due. This tasted great :)

3 cups whole wheat pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
8 strips of bacon
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp basil
2 small tomatoes, chopped
12 asparagus tips
1/3 cup chopped cabbage
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts
1/3 cup cheese

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees
In a small oven safe dish, mix 1 clove minced garlic, tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke hearts and cabbage
Coat with 1 tbsp olive oil
Bake for 15-20 minutes
Meanwhile, heat a large deep pan over medium heat
Fry bacon until almost done
Remove bacon and reserve 2 Tbsp bacon fat
Bring a large sauce pan with salted water to a boil, and cook pasta 10-12 minutes
Heat remaining olive oil in frying pan
Saute remaining garlic until just browned, add roasted vegetables, bacon and pasta
Add left over bacon fat
Stir in cheese, heat until just melted
Salt and Pepper to taste

We served this with garlic bread and it made a great, fast meal

Mashed Maple Sweet Potatoes

Easy twist on mashed sweet potatoes

2 large sweet potatoes
1tbsp butter
2tbsp maple syrup
salt and pepper to taste

Bake potatoes in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 45-50 minutes
Remove from oven, place in medium bowl, mash with potatoe masher
Add syrup, butter and salt and pepper to taste

ENJOY :)

BBQ Chicken Packets

Its BBQ Season :)


2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, washed and fat trimmed
1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
1 medium zucchini
Basil Pesto
Tinfoil for baking

Pre-heat barbecue close at medium high heat
Meanwhile, cut tinfoil into rectangles, and grease with a bit of olive oil
Place 1 chicken breast per foil
Spread pesto on top of chicken breast
Place cleaned, chopped veggies on top of chicken
Fold up foil, making sure its nice and sealed
Place packets on barbecue, and cook covered for 25-30 minutes

Ill be serving this with salad and mashed maple sweet potatoes :)

Rhum Baked Bananas

Easy, somewhat healthy desert.

2 bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
1/3 cup rhum (or orange juice if you prefer)
3 tbsp splenda brown sugar (double it if you use real brown sugar)
1 tsp cinnamon


Grease a small glass baking dish with a little bit of butter
Place bananas in dish, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon
Pour rhum over bananas
Bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes
Serve on top of vanilla ice cream, or with frozen whipped cream :)

Very very tasty

Lime Cilantro Tilapia with Salsa

Last night we ate this with our irish peas and cabbage scottish style. Very easy, very quick and healthy tilapia recipe.

4 small tilapia fillets
2 TBSP lime juice
2 TSP cilantro
1/4 cup salsa

Place fish fillets in a deep baking dish
Pour lime juice and sprinkle cilantro on top
Cover with foil, refrigerate for 1 hour
Pre-heat over to 350 degrees
Place covered fish in oven, bake for 15 minutes
Add salsa to fish, bake uncovered for another 15 minutes

Easy and Done :)
Enjoy

Irish Peas and Cabbage... Scottish Style :)

Wanted to change up the irish peas and cabbage recipe a little bit, and since we have some scottish blood, figured the name was fitting. This recipe is simple, I actually made some today for my father while I was eating lunch, takes 15 minutes.

2 cups frozen peas
1/2 head green cabbage shredded and washed
10 sliced of bacon, diced
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1 TBSP butter
2 TSP olive oil
2 TBSP chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

In a deep frying pan, heat 1TBSP olive oil over medium heat
Meanwhile, boil a small pot of water, and blanche peas (cook for 2 minutes)
Add bacon, cook until just browned
Add onions, and cook until they just start to change color, about 5 minutes
Add cabbage and peas, stir well
Add butter and chicken broth, stir and cover
Lower heat to low-medium and let simmer for 5-10 minutes

AMAZING :) mmm

Stuffed Chicken

Made this tonight for the first time, turned out really yummy.

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 small brick of soft goats cheese
1/4 cup chopped baby spinach
2 TBSP fresh basil
1/2 tsp all garlic seasoning
1 TBSP olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Heat medium skillet to over medium heat
Add olive oil, spinach basil and garlic seasoning
Meanwhile, preheat over to 375 degrees
Clean and remove excess fat off of chicken
Slice a slot in side of chicken
After cooking spinach and basil for 5-10 minutes, lower heat to low and add goats cheese
Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes
Remove from heat
Stuff each chicken breast with mixtures
Close using tooth picks
Season with salt and pepper, and toss some finely chopped fresh basil on top
Bake for 35-40 minutes at 375

I served this today with roasted tomato garlic pasta :)

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High Protein Peanut Butter Chicken Skewers

Decided to try and make some high protein dinners, this is my first result.

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp sugar
3tbsp ginger powder
Boneless skinless chicken thighs, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
4 wooden skewers (soaked for 30 minutes before use)

Blend together peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice sugar and ginger on high for 1-2 minutes or until desired consistancy
Pour over chicken in a deep bowl
Refrigirate covered for at least 2 hours
Pre-Heat over to 400 degrees
Thread chicken on skewers
Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning and basting with left over marinade half way

I served the chicken sprinkled with a bit of fresh cilantro and some thai spiced rice

Vanessa's Red Wine Veggie Soup

Made this tonight with whatever I had lying around the house. Cooked it with some red wine (non alcoholic, but you could use whatever you'd like) to try out some new flavors and it worked really good.

1 cup chopped carrots
1 can corn kernels
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 can diced tomatoes
1 diced shallot
2 mashed garlic cloves
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3tbsp red wine
1tsp white sugar
salt and pepper to taste

In a large sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat
Add mashed garlic and diced shallots
Add 1tsp white sugar, simmer for 5-10 minutes
Add red wine, simmer another 5-10 minutes
Toss in carrots, corn and cabbage, cook for 5 minutes
Add chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Just finished trying this out, and it turned out very good :) We'll see how it goes over for lunch tomorrow.

Roasted Cabbage and Artichoke Hearts

Still trying to eat healthy, so I'm trying to mix it up with different veggies. Made this the other day with some fish and it turned out AMAZING. Super simple.

Small green cabbage, sliced in 1 inch thick pieces
2 cans artichoke hearts, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 450
Lightly grease baking sheet
Arrange cabbage and artichoke hearts on the baking sheet
Brush cabbage and artichokes with olive oil
Season with salt and pepper
Bake 15 minutes, turn over and bake another 15 minutes or until just browned

Loaded Leprachaun Milkshakes

Just because it's St-Patty's Day and I LOVE Carolanns Liquor :)

2oz carolanns
1cup ice cubes
2 scoops light vanilla ice cream
Couple of drops of green food coloring

In a blender, crush ice cubes
Add Carolanns, Ice cream and Food coloring
Blend for 1 minute or until desired thickness

ENJOY :)

Honey Soy Steak Marinade

Love experimenting with new steak marinades. Made this one this morning, the steak is in the fridge marinating right now, so pictures to come later this evening.

1/3cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 cloves minced garlic
2 TBSP honey

Whisk all ingredients together
Cut small slits in steak
Pour marinade over steak, cover and refrigirate minimum 2 hours. I've been marinating mine for 8.

Ill be serving this with slow cooker scallop potatoes, field greens and of course Rosemount to drink :)

For desert tonight I'll be making irish milkshakes.

Barbecued Asian Inspired Tilapia

Again... trying to get back in shape for the summer, so on top of alot of salads, I've been making alot of fish. Here's a really tasty recipe, I barbecued it, since it was so nice yesterday, but you could also bake it.

2 Tilapia Filets
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp minced ginger
2 cloves minced garlic

Mix all ingredients together, pour over fish, marinade for minimum 1 hr, I did it for the entire day.
Pre-Heat barbecue at medium high heat
Meanwhile tear a 12cmx12cm square of tin foil, grease with olive oil
Place marinated fish on tin foil, fold up and seal
Barbecue for 10-12 minutes, flip and do the same on the other side

If baking, bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes

I served this dish with chopped up veggies marinated in red wine and olive oil that I also barbecued.

Warm Walnut Pear Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Had this salad tonight with barbecue tilapia and veggies. Im trying to get back in shape for summer, so I've been experimenting with alot of different salads.

Mixed Greens
4 slices soft goat cheese
Cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup walnuts
1 medium pear
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Heat a small skillet over medium heat
Add walnuts and cook, stirring often for 5 minutes
Add sliced pear, cook another 2-3 minutes
Mix pear and walnuts with other ingredients

Dressing:
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey

Blend ingredients for dressing together in blender on low for 1 minute
Warm in mirowave fo 10-15 seconds and pour over salad

Slow Cooker Pork Chops for Bob :)

Bored today and tried to make something new. Gave it to dad for dinner, and it didnt last 10 minutes once it was in his house.

2 butterfly pork chops
1 can garlic cream of mushroom soup
1 shallot, minced
1 tsp ClubHouse All Garlic seasoning
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms
2 tsp thyme
1 cup water

Place pork chops in slow cooker
Cover with minced shallot and sliced fresh mushrooms
Meanwhile, mix together can of soup, water, garlic seasoning and thyme together
Pour over pork chops, cook on low for 8 hours

Amazing with baby potatoes (you could throw them in) or over egg noodles :)
mmm

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloine

Made this today, tried to be a bit healthier with the pork.

1 pork tenderloine
3/4 cup cooking red wine
1 cup water
3 cloves garlic
1 package dry onion soup mix

Place pork tenderloine in slow cooker
Finely chop garlic and place garlic on and in any crevic of the pork
Mix red wine, water and soup together
Pour over pork tenderloine
Cover and cook for 8 hours

Serve with sauce :)

Northerner Beef Au Jus

This is a favorite camp recipe. Put it in the slow cooker all day, come back and enjoy.

1 sirloin beef roast (10-15$)
2 Packs dry onion soup mix
2 can of beer (again we used carling ice because its what we drink)
1 Can beef broth
2Tbsp sugar
1Tbsp oregano
1 Clove garlic, diced
Whole wheat buns

Brown roast in a frying pan over medium heat, turning until all sides are browned slightly
Mix next all other ingredients in slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours
Serve on toasted whole wheat buns, with juice on the side

HomeMade "Chinese" Takeout Night

Had the urge for chinese food today, but not the funds to order in, so we got a little creative.

The chicken is just my sweet and sour fish balls recipe, but using chunks of boneless skinless chicken breast.

As for the stir fry:

1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snow peas
1 red bell pepper
1 cup bean sprouts
5-10 cherry tomatoes
2 tsp minced fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ginger powder)
2 tsp cilantro
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp dark sesame oil

Heat oil over medium high heat in wok, or deep pan
Cook garlic until slightly browned
Add ginger and cook another 4-5 minutes
Add all vegetables, except bean sprouts
Sprinkle with cilantro and soy sauce
Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but still a little crisp
Add bean sprouts and tomatoes and cook another 5 minutes

Works well with basamati rice :)

Even On The Lake We Eat Well

Just thought I'd throw this in here, since we spend more than half of our time out on the lake fishing. I cant take credit for this lunch, the other half made this, and it sure beats hot dogs.

Balsamic Ginger Beef

Since Im still on strike, there are times when our fridge and freezer start to get a little empty and I have to get creative with dinner. Today I found a package of stewing beef and decided to throw this little creation together, and it turned out AMAZING. Dont let the picture fool you, it was a plate cleaner.

1 Package Stewing Beef, chopped into 1 inch cubes
2 Packages brown gravy (2 for 1 at the dollar store)
4 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tsp Worchesire Sauce
2 Cloves Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp Chopped Ginger
1 Tbsp Cooking Oil

In a large skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat
Toss in minced garlic, and cook 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned
Add chopped ginger, cook for another 2-3 minutes
Add beef, and stir often, cooking until meat is just browned, about 5 minutes
Meanwhile, mix both packages of gravy with 3 cup water and bring to a boil in a saucepan over medium high heat
Add balsamic vinegar and worchesire sauce

Once meat is browned, transfer entire pan to slow cooker, including juices
Top with gravy mixture, coating evenly
Cook for 7-8 hours on low setting

I served this over mashed potatoes because it's all we had in the house, but it would work well with egg noodles aswell.

Turned out perfectly :)

Blueberry Strawberry Mini Turnovers

An easy desert, made this today with stuff we had lying around the house

1 cup flour
6 tsp chopped and semi melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
3-4 tbsp cold water
1 cup mixed frozen blueberries and strawberries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp lemon juice

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and butter
Mash together well
Add water until its to desired thickness and consistency
Form into a ball
Cover well with wax paper and refrigerate

Meanwhile, mix together berries, sugar, baking powder and lemon juice
Refrigerate

After 30 minutes or more, preheat over to 400
Flour counter
Using a rolling pin, spread out pastry until about 1/2 thick
Cut into rectangles
On a cookie sheet covered with parchmant paper, lay down one rectangle of pastry, layer with berries, then cover with another rectangle of pastry
Using your fingers, press down the edges
Continue with all of the pastry
Slit 3-4 lines in the top of the turnovers
Brush edges with melted butter
Baked for 15 minutes or until lightly browned

Asian Sesame Slaw

A great side dish, quick, easy and cheap to make

1 cup thinly shaved green cabbage
1 cup thinly shaved red cabbage
1/2 cup dry chow mein noodles for garnish
1/3 cup sesame oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp sesame seeds
salt and pepper to taste

Mix cabbage together in a salad bowl
Mix next 4 ingredients together in a container with lid, and shake until well blended
Pour dressing on cabbage about an hour before serving
Garnish with dry chow mein noodles just before putting it out, so they stay nice and crunchy

Enjoy :)

"Gateau Chomage"

This is another passed down recipe. Growing up in a mining family (between my grandfather, father and I we have over 75 years with inco), we've gone through our fair share of strikes. The following is a recipe that you can easily make with ingredients laying around the house. The name is loosely translated to Unemployment Cake.

Syrup:
2 cups Brown Sugar
2 cups Water

Bring to a boil over medium heat in a medium sauce pan

Meanwhile, preheat over to 375 and prepare cake

Cake:
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp butter
1 cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cup - 2 cups flour, (to consistency)

Melt Butter
Mix all 5 ingredients together
Pour syrup in cake pan with lid
Slowly add cake batter to syrup (it's not going to look appealing right away)
Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted comes out clean

Serve the cake warm, smothered in milk.

Sweet and Sour Fish Balls

This is a recipe that means alot to me. It comes from my late grandfather. He lived for the outdoors, just like I do, and was always coming up with new recipes for fish. This recipe works really well with "fishy" tasting fish, such as Lake Trout. Even people who aren't big fish eaters will love this one.

Sauce:
1 cup bread and butter pickle juice
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
Cornstarch

Bring ingredients to a boil over medium heat
Thicken with cornstarch, only a little at a time, until desired thickness

Fish:
1 lb fish fillets, de-boned
Prepared Pan Cake batter, omitting oil
salt
vegetable or canola oil for cooking

Bring just enough oil in a deep frying pan to about 375 (when you drop water on it it should 'spit')
Cut fish into bite size pieces
Sprinkle with Salt
Dip fish into prepared pancake batter
Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes

Serve fish mixed with sauce over brown rice

Very tasty and similar to a dish available at most Chinese restaurants

Thai Sweet Chili Chicken

Quick and easy chicken marinade

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup thai chili sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 cloves minced garlic

Mix all ingredients together
Pour over chicken in a deep dish, cover and refrigerate for 24 hours

Either bake in the over at 375 for 40 minutes, or cook on low in the slow cooker for 7 hours

In the picture, it is served with zucchini pasta

Zucchini Pasta

I love pasta without a thick sauce. We had alot of zucchini in our garden this summer, the plants pretty much took over an entire box, so I got creative with some recipes.

2 medium zucchini, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup olive oil
500g or 1 box of whole wheat linguini (or your favorite pasta)
10-12 cherry tomatoes, rinsed
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (more if you like its spicier)
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese, grated

Bring a saucepan to a boil, salt water and add pasta
Meanwhile, heat oil over medium heat in a deep frying pan
Add garlic and red pepper flakes to oil and cover, simmer until slightly browned
After 2-3 minutes, add zucchini to pan
Let simmer 5-10 minutes, stiring often
Add tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste

Drain Pasta
Add to sauce in pan
Top with grated Parmesan cheese

This dish is great on its own or served as a side for chicken

Easy Healthy Tuna Sandwhich

This is a quick, easy twist on your regular tuna sandwhich. I make this pretty often for my other half's lunches, Im sure the guys he works with hate me for the smell, haha.

1 can tuna in water
1 medium dill pickle
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 slices whole wheat bread

Finely Chop the pickle
Using a fork, mush the tuna in a bowl
Mix in the dijon mustard and the pickle
Spoon onto one slice of bread, and cover with the other

Pretty easy, but alot healthier than the version with mayo.

Warm Maple Balsamic Dressing

This salad dressing goes perfectly with a spinach salad. I love trying any new homemade dressings this one is similar to one that they sell at Tommy's Not Here in Sudbury.

1/3 cup real maple syrup
1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic minced

Mix all ingredients together in blender and put on low setting for about 1 minute.
Warm in microwave safe dish for 15-20 seconds
Pour over spinach salad

ENJOY :)

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Made this the other night for my super bowl supper... all the tastiness of chicken wings without the mess.

1 8oz package cream cheese
2 chicken breasts
3/4 cup hot sauce (I used whiskey hot suace)
1/2 cup blue cheese salade dressing
Shredded Cheddar cheese

Melt cream cheese in microwave for about 1:30mins
Fry chicken until cooked through in a frying pan over medium high heat about 10 minutes a side
Mix hot sauce, salade dressing and cream cheese together
Shred chicken and add to dip mixture
Cover with shredded cheddar cheese
Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned
Serve with warm tortilla chips

Quick and Easy Taco Seasoning

If you dont have any taco seasoning at home, this is a perfect substitute. Works perfectly in chicken taco soup.

1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. each ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, powdered oregano and sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

This is one of our favorites for hunting or fishing trips. It fills you up and warms you up. I usually make it ahead of time and freeze it.

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can mixed beans
1 can corn niblets
2 chicken breasts
1 package taco seasonin (or you could make your own, recipe to follow)
2 chopped red bell peppers
2 carrots finely chopped
1tsp garlic powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Tortilla chips
Cheese (preferably montery jack)

Bake chicken in 400f over for 20 minutes
Meanwhile, add chicken and beef broth, tomatoes, beans, corn, taco seasoning, peppers, carrots, garlic powder and red pepper flakes to slow cooker
Once chicken is cooked, add to soup

Cook on low for 8 hours
Half way through, remove chicken, let cool, and mince into small pieces, then return to soup

Before serving:

Spoon into over safe bowls
Garnish with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese
Bake at 400f for 15 minutes, broil for 5 minutes.

Basil Veggie Pasta

Its been a while since I've posted anything, I havent really been trying any new recipes. Last night I got the itch to cook and came up with this one...

Bunch of Asparagus tips, washed and trimmed
1 Red Bell Pepper, finely chopped
1 can Artichoke hearts, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot minced
12 cherry tomatoes
2 TBSP olive oil
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 box whole wheat rotini
salt
pepper
2 tsp basil

Heat 2 TBSP olive oil over medium heat
Add garlic and shallot until slightly browned
Add asparagus, and red peppers,
Cover and Simmer
Meanwhile, cook pasta to al dente (8-9 minutes) in a pot of hot water
Once veggies are getting tender, add artichokes, tomaoes, salt, pepper and 2 tsp basil
Let simmer
Rince pasta in coriander
Use 1/2 cup chicken stock to deglace pan
Add pasta to veggies in pan
Mix well with broth, add a bit more olive oil to coat if you want

Serve sprinkled with fresh grated parm :)

I cooked this last night with french's onion chicken, which is as simple as brushing chicken breasts with dijon mustard, and coating it with crushed french's onions, and baking it for 20 minutes at 400

Hope you enjoy... more to come