Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Best Pumpkin Pie

Confession, I was never the biggest pumpkin pie- until I had this one. My friend Kathryn made this one year for Thanksgiving and it was simply the best! So light, fluffy and not overly spices with a delicate crust!  All of us love it!

Just in time for the American Thanksgiving, here's one of the very best Thanksgiving recipes!



Ingredients: 

For the crust:

  • 1 stick unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

For the pie:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pie mix)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger


(whipped cream for serving)


Method:
For the crust:
  • Stir the butter, oil, sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Add the measured flour and stir until a soft dough forms.
  • Sprinkle the dough in small clumps over the bottom of a 9-1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate. 
  • Using a measuring cup, press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate (flour the cup or your fingers occasionally to prevent sticking). 
  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
For the pie:
  • Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the lower third. Place a baking sheet on the rack while the oven is heating.
  • Place ingredients  for the filling in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and combined. Pour into the chilled pie crust.
  • Place the pie on the hot baking sheet and bake until the top starts to brown and the filling is set but still jiggles slightly in the center, about 50 minutes. 
  • Remove from the oven to a wire rack and cool completely before serving. 
  • Top slices of the pie with whipped cream, if desired.
Soooooooooo good! If you are looking for a last minute pie recipe here it is!

Monday, June 25, 2018

Spicy Tuna Poke

We have been obsessed with tuna poke recently. This delicious spicy tuna poke is such an easy meal to prepare in those lazy summer days. We've made this recipe three times in the last month! 



Ingredients:

1 pound sushi grade ahi tuna 
1/4 cup of mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha  or other (optional)
(instead of these I used a habanero flavoured aioli)
1 inch ginger finely grated
2 cloves of garlic, finely grated
1 small shallot finely chopped
1 avocado chopped coursely
1/4 cup cilantro
1-2 green onions finely diced
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to garnish (optional)



Method

1- Cut tuna into 1 to 1/2 inch cubes and set aside

2- Mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, shallots, ginger, garlic and shallots together.

3- Pour this mixture over the tuna and gently fold the avocado and green onions to combine.

4- Sprinkle sesame seeds over top

5- Serve within 30 minutes of combining. 

You can serve this as an appetizer to four people. You can also add rice or a spring salad to make it a delicious main. 



I can't stop raving about this poke. The flavours are bold and buttery at the same time! It's also keto and (somewhat) paleo friendly. 


Happy Monday, friends!
 

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Tasty Tuesday- Grilled Calamari Recipe



It's BBQ season at long last!! We've been using the grill like it's our job and this time we tried some squid. You either love squid or hate it- we happen to love it but I try to avoid the fried squid as it's mostly breading and who needs breading with swimsuit season coming up ;-)

One of my besties, AKA Priya the grilling queen, gave me this recipe. I added my own touch and here we go...

Ingredients:
1 pound squid tubes, cleaned
2 lemons or limes
1/4 cup or more avocado oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 table spoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of crushed pepper
4 cloves of fresh garlic 
1/4 cup of onion chopped
chopped fresh hot peppers (optional)
1/2 cup of whatever fresh herbs you have on hand coursely chopped. (I used thyme and parsley)
salt and pepper to taste
Feta cheese for garnishing(optional)


Method:
1- Score squid on either side every two inches.

2- Squeeze one whole lemon onto the squid. I even grated some zest and sprinkled it on.

3- Mix avocado, all the spices, herbs, onion and garlic together and pour onto squid.

4- Let the mixture marinate for 2-3 hours, turning the squid once or twice

(at this point, I was very excited)

5- Turn your grill to the highest possible setting- (think 500-600!) before lowering it just a little bit.

6- Place squid on the grill for 1-2 minutes on either side just enough to char a bit

7- When you remove it from the grill, chop into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces and squeeze more lemon if desired.

8- Garnish with feta crumbles if desired.


(sidenote and totally optional- I put the marinade on the stove top and let it simmer for a couple minutes, then I poured it onto the calamari)

It was so delicious, light and flavourful. This recipe will definitely be on repeat in my house. Thanks, Priya!!

What's grilling with you?




Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The Most Amazing Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

One of our cousins posted this on Instagram and I knew we'd have to try it... It's the most easy cookie to whip a quick batch up and it is one of the very best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had.... and I'd consider myself a cookie connoisseur of sorts. It's also gluten free and can be made vegan if you omit or switch out the chocolate chips out. 


Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
1 and 1/4 cup of almond flour
1/4 cup of maple syrup (the real stuff)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
pinch of salt
pinch of baking soda (like 1/8 teaspoon)
5 tablespoons of coconut oil
1/2 cup of chocolate chip cookies. 

Method:
1- Combine dry ingredients together 
2- Combine wet ingredients
3- Mix it all up! (told you it was simple)
4- Using a tablespoon,  drop the mixture about two inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
5- Bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes.



Super simple and incredibly delicious! Try it-- you'll thank me later.

Thanks Div for sharing this awesome recipe. 





Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Tasty Tuesday- Halibut ceviche

We made this for Cinco de Maya and it was so delicious! Just in time for the lighter summer months, here's a halibut ceviche that will not disappoint:



HALIBUT CEVICHE


Ingredients:

(the Marinade)
1 lb halibut diced into 1/2 inch pieces
2 shallots chopped finely
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 lime zested and juiced
3 garlic cloves grated
1 inch of ginger grated

Dressing:
1/2 to 1 red pepper diced 
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup (or more)  chopped cilantro
1/4 cup or more chopped green onions 
1/4 cup chopped jalapeno (optional)
1 tablespoon of mayo/aioli (optional)
1 avocado roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1- In a non metal bowl, add all the marinade ingredients. Cover and refridgerate for 2-3 hours.

2- Combine all the dressing ingredients. I did all wet together and all dry separately. 

3- Discard halibut marinade and then mix all the other ingredients together. 

4- Garnish with cilantro and green onions.

There you have it. A wonderful appetizer for four or dinner for two (if served with some salad). 



The floodgates are open.... I'm on a ceviche /poke kick and will be trying some more soon!!

Linking up for Tasty Tuesday on The Blended Blog





Monday, February 12, 2018

Healthy Turkey Meatballs

My family is crazy for these meatballs and so was instagram after I posted a pic.  I found them when I was on the 21 day fix but I've been making them ever since. So healthy but so flavourful. I usually make a double batch to last us the whole week.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 pound lean ground turkey
  2. 1 tsp  salt
  3. 1 tbsp mustard
  4. 1 tsp paprika
  5. 1 large egg
  6. 3/4 cup quick oats
  7. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (I've used cilantro or basil depending on the side I've served it with but you can basically mix with any herbs)


Method:

1- Mix all the ingredients except for the turkey together. I use my mini chopper to blend it all together.


2- Add the herb mixture to the turkey and mix until well combined.

3- Shape into 30 1-inch balls.

4- Bake on parchment paper in a 400 degree oven for 16-20 minutes.

Serve with whatever side you desire. I make it with pasta for my kids or spaghetti squash or salad for the grown ups. 

So easy but so yummy! 



Make your Monday an awesome one, friends!

Monday, January 29, 2018

Sweet & Spicy Cauliflower Bites

We have been loving cauliflower appies around here. We love the crunch and the texture and it really takes to different flavours well-- oh and it's a veggie! Just in time for a healthier Super Bowl treat, here are some sweet & spicy cauliflower bites!


Ingredients:
1 medium cauliflower
1/2 cup of flour
1/2 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
2 tablespoons of melted butter
1/3 cup of hot sauce (like Frank's)
1/3 cup of Thai sweet and spicy dipping sauce

Method:
1- Rinse and cut your cauliflower into bite size pieces

2- Whisk flour, water, garlic and salt together until well combined.

3- In a mixing bowl, combine cauliflower and flour mixture together

4- Spread evenly onto baking sheet at bake at 400 for 15 minutes, turning once.
5- Mix other ingredients together. Add baked cauliflower and toss to coat.
6- Place back in the oven, increase temp to 450 and bake for 20 minutes turning once.

So simple, easy and delicious and I'm willing to bet they are less calories than chicken wings :-)


Linking up with The Blended Blog.


Thursday, September 21, 2017

Coconut Red Lentil Soup

I've been loving red lentils lately. So good for you- high in protein and fibre, chock-ful of B's and a great source of iron. They cook really fast as well and are so delicious. Just as we're entering fall, here's a delicious soup bursting with all sorts of different bright flavours.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion 
1 inch of ginger, minced
2 carrots, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup of red lentils 
1/2 tablespoon of tumeric
1/2 tablespoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne (optional)
2 -3 cups of chopped vegetables (I used zucchini, butternut squash and mushroom)
4 cups of water or vegetable stock
1 14 oz of coconut milk

Optional Toppings:
Toasted coconut flakes
Chopped cilantro
Chopped Jalapeno
Green Onions
Jasmine rice

Method:

1- In a large pot, add the oil and over medium heat, add onion, ginger and then garlic. Cook for a couple minutes
2- Add the other vegetables and spices. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3- Add red lentils and stir well then slowly add water/broth
4- Cover the pot and cook for about 25 minutes.
5- Add the coconut milk. 
6- Depending on how creamy you want the soup, use your immersion blender/blender to puree the soup (I wanted some texture still)
7- When serving the soup, ladle a couple cups into a bowl and add the desired toppings. A couple spoonfuls of rice makes it just a little more filling.

This delicious concoction is also vegan and a great way to sneak all the different veggies into my kids' bodies. We have been trying more meatless meals recently and this one will definitely be on repeat in our house. 


Thursday, April 20, 2017

Beet Salad with Feta and Cilantro



I've never been a fan of beets. In the past, to me they've tasted like the ground. You know.. dirty and earthy. I mean, I wanted to like them as they are so good for you- chockful of nutrients, fiber filled and low calorie. 
Recently though, I've had some salads that have been knocking the beet game out of the park! I had one the other day with feta and cilantro and I was determined to recreate it at home. Here's what I came up with:

Ingredients

3 cups of beets cubed (that's about 4 large beets or 8 small). I used precooked.
1/2 cup of cilantro (or parsley if you aren't a cilantro fan)
1/3 cup of feta
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon of  maple syrup (optional if your vinegar is tart)
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1- Mix the oil, vinegar and maple syrup together
2- Add to the beets, cilantro and feta and stir to combine properly.


Done. Less than ten minutes of your time. I would leave it for a while so that your flavours combine but I couldn't resist and I ate a half cup right away. It was delicious!

Linking up with  Natalie for  Thoughts for this Thursday and The Blended Blog for Tasty Tuesday.


Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Creme Anglaise with Fresh Berries and Candied Nuts


Our cousin made this for Thanksgiving a few years ago and it was a winner. Especially after a heavy meal, this lighter dessert is the perfect balance of cream, sweetness and a wee bit of healthy-- it does have fruit after all. #smallgoals

 I thought since it's 'spring' and all, getting to swimsuit season (and some of us have two upcoming weddings)  this would be the perfect time to share this little bit of heaven. 

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

Candied Pistachios
1 cup of hulled pistachios
2 tablespoons of sugar 

Creme Anglaise:
1 cup heavy cream or half and half (I use half and half and I really can't tell the difference)
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1 vanilla bean halved (or 1 tablespoon of vanilla)
4 egg yolks

four cups of any combination of berries- I use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chopped strawberries.

Method:


For the candied nuts, in a non stick pan over medium high heat, pour two tablespoons of sugar. When the sugar begins to caramelize, add the nuts and stir well to combine. Remove from the pan onto some foil. Chop nuts when cool.

For the Creme Anglaise:
1-  In a heavy saucepan, combine cream,  half the sugar and the vanilla bean. 
2- In a bowl, whisk the yolks together with the remaining sugar
3- When the mixture in the saucepan just comes to a boil, remove from the heat. Pour a few tablespoons of the hot mixture into the egg mixture and stir.
4- Combine both mixtures back together into the saucepan and return to low/medium heat until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. 
5- I usually strain my cream to ensure there are no clumps.

You can serve the creme anglaise either warm or cold over the berries and sprinkle a few (tablespoons of) nuts over it. You can't really see my berries as I may have gone to town with the creme and nuts. #sorrynotsorry

I've made this many times to rave reviews. It is such  delicious (somewhat lighter) fare for the warmer months.

Happy Wednesday!


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Amazing Black Bean Brownies

Oh my word! We went to  a PC cooking class (highly recommend for the Canadians) recently and they made a version of this brownie. We came home and amended it a bit... the result-- chocolatey gooey, gluten free goodness!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups drained and rinsed canned black beans (preferably no/low sodium)
1/2 cup of quick cooking rolled oats
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup oil ( I used canola)
2 tbsp cocoa/hot chocolate mix
1 tbsp of vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of baking powder
1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Method

1- Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2- Spray 8 inch square pan lightly with cooking spray and line with parchment paper after, leaving an inch overhang.

3- Combine all ingredients except for the chocolate chips and walnuts in a food processor/blender ( I used my Vitamix) and blend/process until smooth.


4- In a bowl, mix the batter with the chocolate chips and walnuts. Place into prepared baking pan. 

5- Bake for 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let it cool for 30 minutes. 

Makes 16 squares.

This one will definitely be on repeat in this house especially with the clean eating being ramped up but the desperate need for an occasional treat.


Today I'm linking up with Natalie for Thoughts for Thursday!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken

My family went crazy for this concoction the other day. The blend of curry, coconut milk and other spices left even my very pickiest eater very happy. Such comfort food for this blustery weather.

Ingredients:


1 onion
2 pimento pepper (optional)
1/4 cup cilantro
1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon minced ginger (or more like me)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1.5 tablespoons curry powder
Pinch red pepper flakes(more to taste )
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
1 cup of frozen peas
1 red pepper chopped
Cilantro and green onions to serve


Method:

1- Chop onions, garlic, pimento peppers and cilantro. I use my mini chopper so that I don't cry. Onion tears are real tears!




2- Put mixture into slow cooker with the chicken and combine until the chicken is well coated. 

3- Add all the spices together with the coconut milk and stir until combined. Again for ease, I used my mini chopper.

4- Add mixture to slow cooker and cook for 3-4 hours on high heat or 5-6 hours on lower heat. Each slow cooker is different!


5- In the last 15 minutes, add your peas, red peppers and mushrooms and shred your chicken using two forks. They will continue to cook with the heat long after. 

6- Serve warm over rice (or in my case, cauliflower rice). Garnish with green onions and extra cilantro if you wish!

So delicious but super easy-- it's hard to mess this one up!

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

White Turkey Chili

I'm a huge fan of regular turkey chili so when I saw white chili around the internet, I slow clapped in my head. And it did not disappoint- so, so yummy and not too bad for you too although yeah, technically mine wasn't totally white

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
 1/2 pack of taco seasoning 
1/2 cup diced cilantro 
1 tbsp of vegetable oil (I use coconut)
2 cans of white kidney, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup of diced white onion
3 chopped celery stalks
1/2 to 1 red pepper, chopped
6 mushrooms, chopped
1 tbsp of cumin
1 cup of sour cream
2 cans of green chilis (optional)
6 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of frozen corn

Garnish: green onion, cilantro, grated cheese, tortilla chips


Method

1- As with all my meats, I wash them first with lime juice and then marinate with chopped cilantro and in this case, chopped onion and taco seasoning. (Optional but I do it- set aside meat for a couple hours or overnight)

2- With a pot on medium high heat, add oil. When the oil is hot, stir in the marinated meat. Let brown for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.


3-Reduce heat to medium. Add the rinsed beans, cumin, the green chilies if you are using them and chopped vegetables and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 


4- Add the chicken broth and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes.

5- Mix in frozen corn and sour cream right before turning the heat off.

6- Serve warm with any fixings you want! I used some cilantro and green onions with a few tortilla chips on the side.



So technically, it's more cream than white but it was definitely one of the more delicious soups I've made. Very thick and creamy too. With the beans and turkey, it was quite filling! This time, I just used sour cream. Next time I'm going to try using some greek yogurt and sour cream mixed so that it will be just a bit healthier and maybe add a bit more veggies. 

Linking up with Beth and some other lovely ladies for Tuesday Talk

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