Cheesy Cauliflower Soup I think I tempted fate this spring when I said I was ready for heat this summer because our temperatures have been at a record low. Last week we had to wear jackets, jackets! So I made my go-to soup; yum, yum, yum. This soup is the number one reason I look forward to the fall (except of course for fall fashion, hello; ...
Starters
Bruschetta
Bruschetta To me bruschetta is synonymous with summer. At the end of July, Ontario farms send the most amazing tomatoes to the markets and stores that we see all year. I love this recipe because it is so simple, nutritious, and it reminds me of home. Serves 4 2 Medium tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 8 to 10 basil leaves ...
Steamed Mussels in White Wine and Garlic
Steamed Mussels in White Wine and Garlic This is another dish I was terrified to make, and really for no reason at all. Not only is this a really easy dish to prepare, it is incredibly nutritious which is why I chose this for my Recipe Redux submission. Mussels are low in fat and calories, are high in protein and are exceptionally high in many ...
Chicken Quesadilla
Chicken Quesadilla Easy-peasy restaurant food made healthy and quickly… and cheaply! Oh yeah and it’s Mike approved! If this is one of the dishes you like to order at a restaurant then I warn you, you may kick yourself when you realize how simple this really is. Serves 4 (as an appetizer) 2 large whole wheat tortilla shells 2 tsp extra ...
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Cream of Broccoli Soup Cream of broccoli soup; healthy and low fat? Trust me; look at the ingredient list, no cream! To be honest, I thought I was going to add cream but when I tasted it I realized it was already creamy. This is a really quick, healthy, hearty soup that is virtually fat free. The starchiness from the potato takes care of ...
Four Cheese Spinach Dip
This is my rendition of the incredibly (naughty, fattening, and oh so) delicious dip that graces almost all menus in almost all bars and family restaurants in the Western world; it’s got spinach, it has to be healthy then, right? Wrong! That dip is so bad for you it should be illegal. Here is my lighter version and to be honest, you can’t tell ...
Salsa
Salsa This isn’t your traditional fresh tomato salsa, I like to cook mine and then chill it. I’m not sure where I came up with this but man it works! This recipe is great in the months that tomatoes aren’t in season and are therefore lacking in flavour. I love tomatoes I’m sure you’ve noticed but in case I haven’t stressed it enough: tomatoes ...
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup It was a rainy fall day and onions were on sale! I bought a 10 lb bag, so what to do, what to do. I’m giving you a glimpse into my neurosis! This soup has a reputation for being delicious but the secret’s out; it’s easy too! Serves 4 ½ tbsp butter 4 Medium onions, sliced in half moons 3 Cloves garlic, crushed ¼ ...
Roasted Tomato Hummus
Roasted Tomato Hummus I know I must seem like I’m stretching the whole roasted vegetable thing, and the whole hummus thing but I swear; it’s really good! This is great as a starter or even as a spread on a sandwich and with autumn officially here, we can all use extra tomato recipes in our arsenal! Serves up to 8 1 tbsp extra virgin olive ...
Guacamole
Guacamole Somewhere along the line avocados became a fruit to be avoided (yes, it is a fruit). While yes, there are a lot more calories and fat (healthy fat) in an avocado the health benefits of this food, in my mind, make this a super food. Avocados are packed full of fibre to help with weight loss or maintenance, they are rich in antioxidants, ...
Sweet Onion Hummus
Sweet Onion Hummus Now, I’m not promising you’re going to have the freshest breath after eating this but its so yummy; you won’t care. The key to this recipe is to plan ahead; roast the onions and let them cool to room temperature before making the hummus. Serves up to 8 3 Medium onions, chopped 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 540 ml ...
Green Salad
Green Salad It occurred to me that I’m forever advocating the green salad and yet I haven’t outlined specifically how I prepare it. Of course all veggies are subjective and interchangeable. Here is a typical green salad that accompanies many, many, many of my meals. Serves 4 - 6 142 g box of spring mix lettuce (a large handful per ...