I love summer! It's just an entirely different pace than the rest of the year. Even when we're not officially on "vacation", for me, the entire season feels somewhat like a vacation. Life seems to slow down and the summer vibe is more relaxed. Even though we still eat as nutritiously as possible, preparation and execution are much more laid back in the summer. Think barbecue! Canadians are crazy for BBQ season. And nothing says summer barbeque better than putting juicy, tasty turkey on the … [Read more...]
Fiddlehead, Leek and Gruyere Tart
May 15, 2017 by · 22 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...]
Traditional Roast Turkey with Apricot & Pecan Stuffing
November 18, 2016 by · 209 Comments
The upcoming holiday season is by far, my favourite time of the year. And, I think the word "season" describes it perfectly, because the holidays are so much more than just a single day. This seems the only time of the year that we all share a joint purpose. It’s like some unwritten contract that we have all signed, promising to be more charitable, appreciative, tolerant and most of all, nicer to each other. It’s funny, but when I think about the holidays, my thoughts are never about gifts, … [Read more...]
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
November 9, 2016 by · 5 Comments
Once you make this easy recipe for Homemade Macaroni & Cheese, you'll never again reach for a boxed Mac & Cheese. Yes, you're right, making it from scratch does take a little extra time. But honestly, not that much and there is absolutely no comparison in the quality and taste! It's really easy: Add flour to butter and onion. Cook flour for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. You are basically making a roux and cooking the flour ensures you don't have an unpleasant "raw" … [Read more...]
Vegetable and Cheddar Frittata
May 18, 2016 by · 2 Comments
Let me paint you a picture. I am pretty sure you will recognize this picture, most of us have been there at one time or another. It's 5:30 PM, everyone has just arrived home after a long day of...work, school, endless appointments, soccer practice, ballet or whatever, and "everyone" is hungry. You go to the fridge, hoping by some miracle of miracles that something suitable for dinner has appeared, but not a dinner worthy item in sight. Or, maybe there is? Last week, I was that person … [Read more...]
Canadian Beef ~ Gather Your Family Around the Sunday Dinner Table
April 20, 2016 by · 6 Comments
I did not grow up having Sunday dinners, but it was a Sunday tradition in my husband's family. Before we had kids and when they were little, we ALWAYS went to my in-laws for a big dinner on Sunday. My daughter and I, out to dinner with friends. As the years went by and my mother and father-in-law became older, the dinners were held more and more often at our home. Even now, with our grown children scattered across the country, it is a tradition that my hubby and I continue every … [Read more...]
A Trip to the Farmers Market and Grilled Pork Tenderloins
July 28, 2015 by · 22 Comments
Our son, who lives in Ontario, is home for a visit. This is always a fun time for all of us. In addition to spending lots of time together laughing and catching up; most evenings we all work together to make a delicious dinner. One of the things we enjoy doing on many Saturdays, is to make a trip to a nearby farmer's market. The farmer's market that we usually visit is about 15 minutes from home and involves a short car ferry ride. Although I have been on this ferry hundreds, if not … [Read more...]
Waikiki Meatballs
May 25, 2015 by · 12 Comments
A few days ago I was looking through my "organized recipe catalogue". For those of you who believe I am a super organized type A…have a look at the "file" containing my favourite recipes! We were in a bit of a dinnertime rut and I was craving something different from the usual pork chops, chicken, meatloaf, casserole routine. That's when I came across this recipe I had for Waikiki Meatballs. I used to make these delicious and different meatballs on a fairly regular basis; but we … [Read more...]
Nero Di Seppia Spaghetti with Squash & Lobster Sauce
October 31, 2014 by · 3 Comments
The kids have gone trick or treating, pictures have been taken, the doorbell has stopped ringing and the costumes have been packed away for another year. Since this year Halloween is on a Friday—that means you can set aside Saturday for a grown-up dinner party with a Halloween theme. With its black noodles, orange squash topping and startling red lobster claw, this impressive and intricately flavoured restaurant-style entrée courtesy of the President’s Choice black label brand will … [Read more...]
Fog Buster Scallop Bacon Burger ~ Recipe
June 23, 2014 by · 3 Comments
The President's Choice® team has partnered with some of Canada's top foodie influencers and chefs to create regionally inspired burgers that are sure to be a hit during backyard barbecues across the country! But just because the burgers are designed by chefs doesn't mean you can't create them at home. In fact, this past weekend, I created my version of Chef Craig Flinn's (owner of Chives Canadian Bistro and Two Doors Down in Halifax) Fog Buster Scallop Bacon Burger! It was, in one word - … [Read more...]
Oven Subs are Delicious & Simple to Prepare
October 27, 2013 by · 12 Comments
My husband first made these delicious Oven Subs several years ago, I have been hooked ever since! We will often have them on a Friday or Saturday evening when we are looking for a simple meal that requires minimal preparation and time. One of my favourite things about these is the ability to customize the sandwich to suit each person's individual tastes and wants. I am not a big meat eater, so I always make mine a "veggie" sub, my husband on the other hand is a meat lover, he always … [Read more...]
Bizarre Dinnertime Ritual = Salmon Cakes ~ {Recipe}
May 24, 2013 by · 10 Comments
A couple of days ago at about 4:30 pm, I had my head in the cupboard, then in the fridge and then back to the cupboard with a desperate trip to the deep freeze thrown in. What was I doing? Many of you may know and quite possibly have also have taken part in this bizarre behaviour; it is called "what are we going to have for dinner?" … [Read more...]
Sunday Dinners, Are They A Tradition In Your Home?
May 20, 2013 by · 9 Comments
I did not grow up with this awesome concept, but each week my husband's family always had "Sunday dinners". It is a tradition we have continued in our home, pretty well since our first child was born. … [Read more...]
Pizza – Simple to Make at Home and Simply Delicious! {#Recipe}
January 15, 2013 by · 12 Comments
During the colder months we often have pizza for our Friday night dinner. Over the years, we have tired of the cost, as well as the quality of many fast food and frozen style pizzas. After experimenting with many recipes we have finally discovered, what is for us, the perfect pizza! You may find it surprising, but with a minimal effort, it is fairly easy to make your own pizza; it is also infinitely more nutritious and totally customizable. … [Read more...]
