This past weekend I had a wonderful time participating in a yard sale/barbecue/bake sale in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Their mission is to cure type 1 diabetes (T1D) and improve the lives of those living with the disease. Like many of you, I have a family history of diabetes, specifically, type 1, with aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins who have this illness. So, supporting diabetes research is near and dear to my heart. If you are unfamiliar with type … [Read more...]
Strawberry Rhubarb Galette
June 10, 2019 by · 2 Comments
In my neck of the woods, strawberry season will soon be in full swing! Add to that, the fact that rhubarb is still going strong too and the dessert ideas are endless. I have been baking up a storm these days and recently posted my recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Shortcut. Music Man, who isn't usually a dessert guy had this about three times in the past week...and he assembled it himself! Not that he doesn't make meals, because he does. It's just unusual for him to tackle a dessert, but this … [Read more...]
How to Make Rhubarb Sour Cream Muffins
June 3, 2019 by · 18 Comments
Rhubarb Sour Cream Muffins ~ One advantage to living in a northern climate (there aren't too many...lol) is rhubarb! If you are not familiar with rhubarb, it's a cool season perennial vegetable, that's right...it's a vegetable! Even though we most often treat it as a fruit in such confections as pies, crisps, squares, ice-cream, compotes and jams, crumbles, coffee cakes, sweet breads and muffins, it is actually a vegetable. Rhubarb is a cool season, perennial crop. It requires temperatures … [Read more...]
Easy to Make Rhubarb Squares
May 31, 2019 by · 7 Comments
Lately, you may have noticed I have been on a bit of a rhubarb kick! My sister lives in the country and has a big rhubarb patch on her property. She is very generous with her rhubarb and made the mistake of telling me to help myself...so, I have decimated the patch on a regular basis and have been cooking up a storm! I'm kidding...I haven't really decimated the rhubarb patch, I left her a few stocks here and there...lol! Plus, (this is how I justify it!) it's actually good for the plant to … [Read more...]
Mango-Chili-Lime BBQ’d Drummettes
May 23, 2019 by · 141 Comments
Disclosure: This post is sponsored in partnership with Canadian Turkey. As always, all opinions are our own. This past winter seemed to last forever. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to finally be able to go outside without freezing! It’s so nice to sit on the deck with family and friends, enjoying amazing food and the great outdoors. We love having people over for dinner, so our outdoor time often revolves around barbecuing...because let’s face it, barbecuing is simple, quick, and … [Read more...]
Fiddlehead, Leek and Gruyere Tart
May 18, 2019 by · 26 Comments
In case you're not familiar with them, a fiddlehead is the curled, edible shoot of the ostrich fern and is considered a seasonal delicacy in many parts of North America. I have not always been one of those people expectantly awaiting each springs fiddlehead harvest. Yes, I do really like fiddleheads and their unique shape and taste. I have eaten them many times, both at home and in restaurants. So what is my issue? Fiddlehead cleaning needs to be meticulous. So, when you're a bit of … [Read more...]
9 Ingenious Uses for White Vinegar
May 13, 2019 by · 10 Comments
Most of us have vinegar around the house. White vinegar is a liquid consisting of about 5–20% acetic acid, water, and other trace chemicals, which may include flavorings. Although we often use it in the kitchen for baking, canning, cooking; vinegar is not just for use in the kitchen. It can also help with a variety of cleaning tasks since the acid acts as a disinfectant and an odor neutralizer. Even if you are familiar with using it, you may still be surprised at some of these nine … [Read more...]
Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Squares
May 7, 2019 by · 54 Comments
Chocolate Mousse Squares ~ The summer is rapidly approaching and we will soon be in the midst of many holidays including summer vacations, national holidays, birthdays and barbecues. For the most part, we still have the regular family and work responsibilities, but also want to take advantage of the fabulous summer weather to host or attend a few random get-togethers with family and friends. I have a entertaining secret to share with you! Next time you're invited to a potluck, … [Read more...]
How to Make Perfect Meringue
April 30, 2019 by · 9 Comments
I have topped pies with meringue for as long as I can remember. At least, since I was a pre-teen. I remember my mom making Lemon Meringue pies and I would watch intently as she made the meringue. I found it quite amazing that you could transform egg whites from this slimy gel-like substance to huge billowy clouds! The art of mastering the perfect meringue is something that takes time, patience and practice. Hopefully, though, I can help demystify the process and make it a little easier for … [Read more...]
16 Favourite Kitchen Tips & Tricks
April 24, 2019 by · 10 Comments
Are you like me? You love cooking and baking, but not the amount of time it takes to actually execute that perfect dinner, cake, bread or lunch? Over the years, I have learned lots of shortcuts as well as some tricks for making the entire cooking and baking process much more enjoyable. My 16 Favourite Kitchen Tips & Tricks UPDATE - Forgot to add this tip that we have used for years and years. When freezing ground meat, put it in a freezer bag, flatten and remove all air … [Read more...]
English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches
April 18, 2019 by · 11 Comments
Many of us have had an English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich at a local drive-thru restaurant. They're super convenient, especially in the car, as they provide a quick, filling breakfast in one small, manageable package. And, the only utensil required is your hand! While I often eat the sandwiches at the drive-thru restaurants when travelling, I much prefer to make them myself when we're home. Making them yourself means you can customize the ingredients, plus they're healthier...well, … [Read more...]
