Pan Chicken with Bacon and Mushrooms I've always loved cooking. I remember I'd stand beside my mother while she made a homemade dinner every night, even when she was sick and tired. I used to drive her nuts because she was afraid I'd get burned on the stove. While this dish is not an actual one my mother made for us it is inspired by one of my ...
Skillet Baked Ziti
Skillet Baked Ziti You may be wondering why I'm digging the skillet dinners. Well, they're fast!!! I work full time and have two toddlers and traffic seems to only get worse these days. I've discovered slow cooked luxury in 35 minutes or less. We live in a chaotic world but our meals don't need to suffer. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as ...
Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole
Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole Autumn is in the air; the days aren’t as long and the night’s air is cool and crisp. This weather screams casserole! Warm, soul-soothing dishes that infuse the home with warmth and smells of home cooking. I think this is my favourite time of year :) Serves 6-8 ½ tbsp (salted) butter 2 ...
Shredded Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas
Shredded Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas This is a great make-a-head and it couldn't be simpler really. The beef becomes infused with the flavour of the spices and literally melts in your mouth. I consider this a more elegant take on the amazing original. Makes 8 Fajitas ½ tbsp (salted) butter ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 454 g Stewing ...
Italian Rice Salad with Tomatoes
Italian Rice Salad with Tomatoes This is the time of year when we have to get creative with the abundance of fresh tomatoes and herbs we have in our gardens. Here I've taken a naughty (but delicious) starchy-carby side and lessened it's evil ways by loading it up with fresh veggies and herbs :) This dish is great as a make ahead or fresh, and ...
French Onion Dip Potato Salad
French Onion Dip Potato Salad I’m calling this recipe French Onion Dip Potato Salad because that’s exactly what it tastes like, French Onion Dip baby! This dish tastes so decadent and rich but it's very, very low in fat. The flavour you get from caramelizing onions is incredible and turning that into a potato salad, well let’s just say if you were ...
Mexican Red-Beans with Rice
Mexican Red-Beans with Rice I made this rice dish last time we had Beef Chimichangas for dinner. I used white rice. There, I said it. I used white rice. I like white rice. White rice is delicious but there is no way to dress it up to make it healthy. So to stretch the naughty that is the white rice, I've added lots of onion, red pepper and ...
Beef and Bean Soft Tacos
Beef and Bean Soft Tacos My love affair for Mexican continues :) I love adding legumes to meat dishes because it cuts the amount of meat (portion, portion, portion) and increases the fibre and vitamins from the beans. Plus, yum! Serves 4 1 tbsp Cornstarch 1 tsp chili powder ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp salt, plus more ¼ tsp ...
Sweet Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Sweet Honey Mustard Vinaigrette I’m always looking for a new spin on a vinaigrette; it keeps my everyday salad new and exciting! This vinaigrette is inspired by a yummy vinaigrette prepared by Mike's mother when she was here last time. Makes ¼ Cup 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard 1 ...
Baked Beef Chimichangas
Baked Beef Chimichangas It never ceases to amaze me how much I love Mexican and Tex-Mex food. Let me break it down for you; it's easy, fast, healthy, and DELICIOUS. I can't get enough of it! Here I've made chimichangas which are essentially deep fried burritos but cut the fat and grease by baking them. Make these your own by switching up the ...
My Mother’s Supreme Potato Salad
My Mother’s Supreme Potato Salad All hail! My mother IS the queen of potato salads and this is one she made for us last week. You get crunch from the radish, bursts of sweetness from the corn and a delicate sweetness and creaminess from the cooked shallots. Not to mention, it’s low fat! I think I may have been her inspiration for that! Serves 6 ...
Skillet Goulash, Canadian Style
Skillet Goulash, Canadian Style I find myself obsessed with homemade casseroles; they’re delicious, soul-warming and are fantastic as a make-a-head. Here I’ve made my rendition of a classic American/Canadian dish that I only just discovered not too long ago. Serves up to 8 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil 400 – 450 g extra lean ground ...