Lazy Man’s Potato Skins I’m calling this recipe Lazy Man’s because I took a lot of short cuts, and even used my microwave! You get the essence of the potato skin with the cheese and toppings in 15 minutes! Remember, potatoes are not inherently fattening, it’s usually what we do to them to earn them a bad reputation. In this recipe, the only fat is ...
Starters
Spicy Mussels in a White Wine Cream Sauce with Bacon and Tomatoes
Spicy Mussels in a White Wine Cream Sauce with Bacon and Tomatoes This dish is smoky, spicy, creamy, salty and sweet, all at the same time. Honestly, I am really proud of this recipe because it’s simple and yet really intense. Trust me, you have to try it. Even if you’re not a fan of heat, go with the jalapenos because the cream neutralizes the ...
Salmon Dip
Salmon Dip My sister just hosted a little get together to celebrate a big milestone for her daughter (my beautiful niece). This dish was one of my contributions to the buffet table and not to toot my own horn but, it was good!   This dip has a strong salmon and dill flavour without it being too strong, it’s very reminiscent of a Scandinavian dish ...
Spicy Fishcakes
Spicy Fishcakes If I were to name off a list of pet peeves (which I’m pleased to report shortens as I get older), I would have to say that wasting food is near the top.  Here I’ve taken leftover mashed potatoes and revamped them using regular pantry ingredients. Once cooked, they can be individually frozen for a quick go to lunch in a ...
Tangy Coleslaw
Tangy Coleslaw I’ve mentioned before that I love coleslaw; I love coleslaw! This is the recipe I referenced in my Summer Sliders recipe; it’s amazing what a good coleslaw can do for a burger. In case you need a little incentive to try a healthy coleslaw, red cabbage is high in vitamin C and K, it helps maintain eye health and is linked to ...
Steak and Potato Soup with Mushrooms
Steak and Potato Soup with Mushrooms This is a dish I made for a very good friend of mine on a very cold, blah day in February.   This soup nourishes both mind and body; she took leftovers home too! Serves 8 ½ tbsp butter 227 g Cremini mushrooms, quartered 8 Cups (Sodium-reduced) beef stock 2 medium russet potatoes, skin on ...
Bean and Jalapeno Dip
Bean and Jalapeno Dip This is inspired by my guilty pleasure; Taco Bell! This is great as a dip but also a condiment. Feel free to use this in place of margarine or butter on a sandwich or wrap. It’s also amazing with veggies and pita chips. Makes about 2 Cups 540 ml/19 oz can of Romano Beans 5 Slices of jarred (pickled) jalapeno ...
Spicy Sausage Potato Skins
Spicy Sausage Potato Skins I’ve recently discovered how versatile sausage meat is to work with and then out of the blue I was invited to help Johnsonville in coming up with 50 ways to sausage for their 50th anniversary. What an honour! I must admit I was totally flattered!  I should also point out that I was really impressed with how lean the ...
Chunky Blue Cheese Sauce
Chunky Blue Cheese Sauce This is the perfect accompaniment to anything spicy or crunchy (enter wings and veggies and dip). Classically Blue Cheese dip is just that; a cheese dip. Here, I’ve cut down on the amount of cheese and boosted the flavour profile with acid from the lemon and fresh dill.  So now you are armed with a fantastic, healthy dip ...
Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup I’m almost embarrassed to admit it but I’ve never cooked with dried beans or legumes, ever! I had to change that so I bought some green split peas, known for their earthy flavour. Then I drew inspiration from split pea soup which I soon discovered is really, really fattening. Here is my lightened up version and man is it good! You ...
Chunky Beef Soup
Chunky Beef Soup My son LOVES Campbell’s Chunky Beef soup. LOVES it. I have made him a ton of homemade soups but he won’t eat them (ouch, my heart). So I decided if I couldn’t beat them, I’d join them; I have made a homemade version of Chunky beef soup, almost identical to Campbell’s. The ultimate taste-tester (my son) approved and he ate the ...
Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl
Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl It’s still party season and here is a great way to get a head start on your New Year’s resolution. I’ve cut out a large amount of fat and calories by using fat free sour cream in place of mayo (and you can’t even tell!). SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave ...