Recipes
Pantry “Must Haves”
Even if you don’t have an actual “pantry” chances are that you have a default cupboard or drawer where you keep the in case of emergency or “Oh hell, 5 people just walked in the door and now I have to feed them” supplies. There are certain things that I always have in my pantry, [...]
Chili Prawn Cakes
These are great as an appy and the batter can be made a few hours before needed and then fried to order. You will need a food processor for this one as there is simply no way to get it smooth enough without one. Be careful when you add the bread though- I fried my [...]
Roasted Squash
There is just something so comforting about roasted squash. It’s warm and rich and goes with almost anything. This recipe uses an amber cup squash- they’re naturally sweet and balance the spice very well but you can use any type of squash that you prefer. Ingredients I large squash, cleaned out and sliced into wedges. [...]
Stuffed Peppers
This is about the easiest thing in the world to make and the prettiest. I like a mix of peppers but use any type you like. If you’re making these as appetizers use the mini peppers as these babies are more knife & fork style. Ingredients 3 Large peppers (or 6 or 7 minis) 4 [...]
Clam Linguine
Linguine with clam sauce is a classic dish, rich with flavor, and this recipe is an easy one anyone can pull off in their home kitchen. Even using fresh clams, this dish can be put together in about the time it takes to cook the linguini noodles. Because this recipe calls for only 1 and [...]
Salmon and Caper Flat Bread
Food served with or on any type of bread product just makes me happy. Especially when it’s a crispy flat bread with salty and savory toppings. You can cut this up into small pieces for appies but I prefer it as a meal with a simple salad on the side. Ingredients 1 Artisan flat bread [...]
Savory Fig & Onion Tart
This recipe works great for one large pie/tart, a couple of medium ones or many small ones for bite sized appetizers. It all depends on how large you cut your dough circles. These onion tarts are very rich so if you’re serving it as an entree, pair it with something light like salad greens tossed [...]
Lemon Basil Halibut
I love lemon and basil with fish- nothing pairs better or is easier to whip together- as long as you don’t over do it. You want to enhance the delicate flavor of the fish, not hide it. Basil Lemon Sauce 7 or 8 fresh basil leaves Zest and juice form 1 lemon pinch of salt [...]
Curry Pork Chop
You can soak these little babies a couple of hours before you grill them so they’re great if you have guests- just pull them out and slap them on the grill when you’re ready. Adjust the amount of heat you want with them with both the paste and the addition of cayenne pepper. Marinade 1 [...]
Grilled Lamb chops with Rosemary
I am personally not a lamb fan. (I know, hush up- I’ve tried really hard to like it, honest. Still just not my thing…) My husband however loves it so every now and then I will throw some lamb chops on the grill. If you have a good butcher he will French them for you. (To trim [...]
Zucchini Parcels
These are absolutely fantastic as appies or as a side dish. make sure you serve them hot out of the pan so the cheese stays gooey and soft. my husband hates zucchini and even he liked these little packages of happiness…. Ingredients 1 large zucchini or 2 small ones half a small block of cheese [...]
Fresh Pesto Linguine with Scallops
It doesn’t get any easier than this. A quick, easy and delicious linguine flavored with a bit of pesto sauce. Add whatever veggies and meat that you like as this works well with chicken, seafood (scallops, shrimp, muscles or clams) or even as a vegetarian dish. Use bright veggies sauteed to still slightly firm for [...]
Fresh Pesto Sauce
Making fresh pesto is ridiculously easy. I like to make it in big batches and then freeze it in ice cube trays. Once it’s frozen pop them out and store them up to 6 months in a ziplock. Note that when you are cooking them you’ll need a little extra oil while it’s thawing. Just [...]
Diakon Salad
Diakon is basically a Chinese radish – it looks like a giant white carrot and has the texture of regular red radishes. You can find it in most grocery stores in the fresh veggie aisle. Shredded up, it produces a fantastic salad that is so easy to make. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups shredded Diakon 1 cup [...]
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Super quick and easy, this Asian Lettuce Wrap recipe can be made the day before and then just sauteed when needed. Make sure you buy crisp, fresh iceberg lettuce as it will be your serving vessel! Romain or green leaf lettuce is not firm enough to properly hold the filling. Ingredients 1 lg head iceberg [...]
Tomato Feta Salad
This salad is an absolute favorite of mine because of the combination of rich fresh flavors. It looks impressive at dinner but is deceptively easy to make for large or small groups. There is another version here that I also love and that is easier to eat if you’re serving it at a cocktail or [...]
Tomato Bocconcini Salad
This is a classic salad that is both very easy and very delicious. I make several versions of tomato salad with basil as I love the combination of flavors and it’s a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a snack. Add or delete your favorite flavors to make it exactly what you like. You can [...]
Coconut Chili Salmon
This sauce also works really well for chicken or white fish. I usually reserve some of the sauce to add to the side dish if serving rice or potatoes. The creaminess makes a great base for mashed potatoes. Sauce 1 cup coconut milk 1 tbsp chopped green chilies (I love the canned ones that you [...]
Herb & Lemon Pork Tenderloin
Mmmmm…….. I love this one. Easy but so warm and yummy. I prefer to cook the tenderloin on the BBQ but the oven will work just as well (at about 375 for 17 min or until just slightly pink in the middle). Ingredients One pork tenderloin trimmed 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme leaves (and a [...]
Rosemary Beets
These go really well with a nice fat steak. Really easy to make and adds a great splash of colour to your plates. You can slice them after they’re cooked but I find that the pieces don’t come out quite as nice and even. Can be served as a hot or cold side. Ingredients Thinly [...]