Eyeballs and Brains

This is a great recipe any day of the year but adding an olive to the top of the meatballs makes it a fun and festive way to have a Halloween dinner! Eyeballs and Brains is healthy and delicious!

The Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey (could use ground chicken)
  
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups spaghetti sauce (jarred or homemade)
• Spaghetti Noodles

Cooking It Up:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray a baking dish with non stick spray and dump the spaghetti sauce into it.
• Place all of the other ingredients into a bowl and using your hands, combine until everything is well mixed.
• Roll mixture into balls and drop them into the sauce.
• To make them look like eyeballs: Press one black or green olive slice into the top of an uncooked meatball. Make sure the olive is secure (I didn't push them into the meatball enough and a lot of them fell off while cooking). Place olive side up in sauce.
• Cover the baking pan with foil and bake until meatballs are no longer pink and are firm to the touch, about 20 minutes.
• Cook spaghetti noodles while the meatballs are baking.
• Serve meatballs (eyeballs) over cooked spaghetti (otherwise known as brains!).

Happy Halloween!!

Donair Wraps

We grew up in the Maritimes where donairs seem to be a common thing. They are delicious and sold at many restaurants and pizza joints. They are not as popular where we live now but we still love them. Here is a healthier (and easier) version of a donair. So so yummy, and pretty close to authentic! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Donair:

• 1 pound of ground turkey
  
• 1 pound of ground beef (lean or extra lean)
• 4 tsp flour
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• dash of ground black pepper and salt
  
• 1-2 Roma Tomatoes (they have less juice and pulp which makes them perfect for a wrap!)
• 1/2 yellow onion, raw and finely chopped
• 1 head of leaf lettuce
  
• 6 flour tortillas (or greek pitas)

Donair Sauce:

• 3-4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp milk (I used skim)
• 1 tbsp white sugar
  
• 1 tsp white vinegar

Cooking It Up:

• Preheat oven to 375 F.
  
• Mix the meat and spices in a medium sized bowl. Mix with your hands for a full 4-5 minutes (or a food processor for 2-3 minutes). This is very important and will lend to the final consistency of the donair meat.
• Form the meat into a narrow (1 1/2 inch height) and long loaf. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 55-60 minutes.
• While the meat is cooking, make the sauce by mixing the ingredients together until no longer lumpy. Set aside in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
• Slice meat into thin slices, if you aren't serving it immediately out of the oven you can reheat the meat in a frying pan (a few minutes over medium heat).
• Place the meat onto tortillas, top with diced tomatoes, diced onion, leaf lettuce, and a good amount of the donair sauce.

Serves 4-6.

Apple & Sweet Potato Beef Stew

The Ingredient List:

1 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp water
2 cloves garlic (I use jarred minced garlic)
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cinnmon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes (optional)
1 Tbsp liquid honey
2 apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1 can (790 ml) diced tomatoes (do not drain liquid)

Cooking It Up:

• Heat oil and cook garlic, onion, sweet potato and water, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
• Add beef and cook 5 minutes.
• Add spices and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and honey, continue to cook and stir often for 15 minutes.
• Add apples, cook an additional 10 minutes.

Serves 4-6. Enjoy!

Mulligawtany Soup

There are a couple of great soup recipes that I have been making lately and freezing for my lunches. This one is definitely a favourite!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder - I use more, good to do it to taste.
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 apple, cored and chopped
1/2cup white rice
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half - cut into cubes
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream, heated

Directions:

1. Saute onions, celery, carrot, and butter in a large soup pot. Add flour and curry, and cook 5 more minutes. Add chicken stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.

2. Add apple, rice, chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes.

3. Just before serving, add hot cream.

4. Also, before serving; place 1/2 cup of cooked rice in the bowls, then top it with the soup!

Enjoy!

Italian Herb Bread - Breadmaker Recipe

This recipe yields one 1.5 lb loaf.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup water (between 115-125 F)
• 1/4 cup skim milk powder
  
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups all purpose or bread flour (leveled even cups!)
• 2 tsp dried minced onion
• 2 tsp italian seasoning
  
• 3/4 tsp bread machine or instant yeast

Directions:
1) Measure ingredients into your baking pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Insert pan into it's chamber.
2) Select French Cycle.
3) Enjoy!!

Tip: If you like a softer crust, seal the bread into an airtight plastic bag while it's still hot!

Old-fashioned Popcorn Balls

These are a family tradition; I remember being at my grandfather's at Christmas time and enjoying these; as well my cousins and I made these as favors to hand out at my grampy's 90th birthday party. They are old fashioned; and if you don't like molasses you won't enjoy these - but for most, they are amazing!

Ingredients:

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. Two microwave bags work well for a batch. Make sure you remove the unpopped kernels.

In a heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until the mixture hairs.

Add baking soda, stirring, remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until well coated.

When cool enough to handle, coat palms with butter and quickly shape into balls. Enjoy!

Freezes well.

LLW

Waffles

An easy and quick waffle recipe, sure to please everyone! I try and make batches to freeze; 20 will fit into a large ziplock (of the size that my waffle maker does them- yours may be different).

Ingredients:

2 eggs
3/4 cup of milk
2 tbsp oil
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until thick, add milk and oil. Add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into the center of the hot waffle plate. Cook following directions of your waffle iron. Yields 6 waffles on my iron.

Enjoy!

LLW

Cabbage Roll Casserole

This is a great dish; if you love cabbage! Also, quick and easy!

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 chopped onion
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 tablespoon of Worcester Sauce
1 can of Campbell's soup (Heinz does not cut it)
1 cup of water
3/4 cup of instant rice
3-4 cups of coarsely cut cabbage
Cheese to top

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Brown the hamburger, add the onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder and worchester sauce while cooking.

Once cooked, add the soup, water and rice - mix well.

Place the cabbage in the bottom of your baking dish and pour mixture over top. Top with grated cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and voila!

Curried Mussels

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup minced shallots (or sweet yellow onion finely chopped)
  
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 pound of mussels - cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Cooking It Up:

1. In a large saucepan, cook shallots and garlic in simmering wine until translucent.
2. Stir in cream and curry powder. When sauce is heated through, add mussels. Cover, and steam mussels for a few minutes, until their shells open wide. With a slotted spoon, transfer steamed mussels to a bowl, leaving the sauce in the pan. Discard any unopened mussels.
3. Whisk butter into the cream sauce. Turn heat off, and stir in parsley and green onions. Serve immediately.

Serves 2-3

Mosaic Dip

This is a Moxie's restaurant copycat recipe. It is SO good!! Hubby and I are both huge fans of this dip and order it whenever we have a date at Moxie's, so we decided to try making it at home!

The Shopping List:
1 tomato, chopped up (or a half a container cherry tomatoes)
2 garlic cloves, crushed (I use jarred)
1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup goat cheese (or a bit more if you LOVE it the way we do!)

Mix the tomatoes, garlic, onion and pinch of salt in a small baking dish (8x8 or a bit smaller). Make sure you finely chop each ingredient. That's your first layer. Set aside.

Add the olive oil to a frying pan and cook mushrooms about 5-10 minutes or until tender. Add the soy sauce. Turn off your stove and add the cream cheese.

Spread the mushroom mixture on top of the tomato mixture. Top with the goat cheese (crumble on top)

Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for about 15 minute. Remove and serve with warm naan bread or pita.

Makes 2-4 servings

Bloomin' Pizza Bread

This is a take on the Bloomin' Onion Bread; also found via The Girl Who Ate Everything. If you like pizza, you will enjoy this - a different option; and an easy finger food that is great for movie night!

For the ingredients, use your favourite pizza toppings - have fun with it!

Ingredients:

1 round loaf of sourdough bread
Mozzarella cheese thinly sliced
Turkey pepperoni
Onions thinly sliced
Green pepper thinly sliced
Mushrooms thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:

Slice the bread lengthwise and crosswise; without cutting all the way through.

Put thin slices of mozzarella cheese and the other ingredients in between the slits; place on foil and pour butter, garlic powder and italian seasoning mixture over top. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 15 mins; then uncover and cook for another 5 mins depending on your oven, until the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

LLW

Apple Crisp

Fall is in the air, no better time to pick apple's and make a warm and delicious apple crisp!

Ingredients

• 5 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Cooking It Up:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C).
2. Place the sliced apples in an 8x8 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1.5 tsp flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.
3. Combine the oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy (with vanilla ice cream if desired!)

Nutritional Information

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Calories: 316,Total Fat: 8.4g, Total Carbs: 60.5g, Dietary Fiber: 3.3g, Protein: 2.4g

Lasagna Cupcakes

This recipe was found via the girl who ate everything. I originally noticed it because the portions looked so cute; and for its simplicity. This recipe was easy to make and DELICIOUS! We were so happy that it was so tasty because it was so easy to prepare. Gotta love when a new recipe works out! :)

Ingredients:

Spaghetti sauce
Ground beef (or chicken)
12 wonton wrappers
Shredded mozzarella
Parmesan cheese
Ricotta cheese
Chopped onion
Chopped green pepper
Basil or oregano for garnish

Directions:

Spray muffin tins. Brown beef; season with salt and pepper - add chopped onion and green pepper.

Place wonton wrappers into muffin tins.

Begin layering - 1 tsp ricotta, some mozzarella, beef - press the meat mixture down, add the sauce then repeat.

Top with parmesan and mozzarella.

Bake at 375 for 18 minutes; garnish and enjoy!


LLW

Vermicelli Grilled Chicken

My friend Natalie made this for me one night and it is now a definite go to! This is a very easy recipe; quick to prepare and so delicious!

Ingredients:

Chicken thinly sliced
Dried rice vermicelli
Crushed peanuts
Carrots
Bean sprouts
Lettuce
Cucumber
Hot sauce
Hoisin sauce

Marinade:

Garlic minced 1 teaspoon
1 tsp sugar
1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
Same of chili flakes

Directions:

Cook the chicken with the marinade in a fry pan.
Soak your vermicelli noodles for 20 minutes until soft then add to boiling water for one minute. These take no time to cook; also if you are going to have leftovers - refrigerate the noodles quickly to preserve them.
Prepare the base layer, and place on each plate - bed of lettuce, thinly sliced carrot sticks
some bean sprouts and thinly sliced cucumber sticks.
Top this with your noodles, chicken and your favorite hoisin sauce and if desired, hot sauce!

Enjoy!

LLW

Bloomin' Onion Bread

We found this recipe today via The girl who eats everything, fantastic food blog! :). This bread did not disappoint and would be a great side to any pasta dish or just as an appetizer!

Ingredients:
Loaf of sour dough; or like round bread
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup chopped green onion
Poppy seeds (I forgot to pick these up at the store)
I used a pinch of garlic salt as well
Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:
Slice the bread lengthwise and crosswise; without cutting all the way through.
Put thin slices of cheese between the slits; place on foil and pour butter, onion and garlic salt mixture over top. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 12 mins; then uncover and cook for another 5 mins depending on your oven, until the cheese is melted.
Enjoy! It is delish!

LLW

Taco Crescent Casserole

I found this idea via the internet one day, I can’t recall where now, but I had some crescent rolls to use up and was looking for a different recipe that I hadn’t tried – this worked; and was delicious – tastes just like a taco!




Ingredients:

Ground beef

Chopped green pepper and onion

1 package taco seasoning

3/4 cup water

8 ounce can of crescent rolls

1 cup shredded cheese

Chopped lettuce

Diced tomato

Shredded cheese

Sour cream




Directions:

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Brown ground beef and add green pepper and onion you could add beans or rice as well). Stir in seasoning mix and water. Simmer while preparing crust.

Place half of dough on bottom of pan, and press so that it covers an inch up the sides of the pan. Spread hot meat mixture over the dough and use the remaining dough to cover the top – pressing edges together to close.




Sprinkle the top with cheese and bake for 20 minutes.
Top just like you would a taco with lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream!

Enjoy!

Grampy's Homemade Turkey Soup

When we were little and visiting our grandparents we loved this soup and left their home with ice cream buckets full of it; there were 4 of us and it never lasted very long, we all loved it so much! Luckily my grandfather made a lot and froze it; so there always seemed to be lots to go around. ;)




My mom then started making it; but, since she spends the wintertime in Florida, I ventured this year and made it myself. It was incredibly easy and now that I know it’s so easy – I will definitely be making it more often for sure! Plus, it freezes well, so you can always take some out at a later date when you are looking for some comfort food on a cool night. It’s a fantastic hearty soup – delish!




Ingredients:

Broth from cooking Turkey (some but not too much fat in the broth)

Chicken Bouillon

Salt and Pepper

Turkey

Carrots

Celery

Turnip

Cabbage

Potatoes

(It doesn’t take many vegetables – a little goes a long way!)




Directions:

Grind or grate your veggies; I used a small food processor and it worked perfectly; but if you don’t have one you can grate them – a longer process but works. Then add these to your stock, as well as, Bovril or Watkin’s chicken bouillon and lots and lots of salt and some pepper.




You want to add your meat close to the end, if you add it too soon, then it will disintegrate and become mushy. It takes a long time for a good sized soup to cook. Use your judgment but a couple hours or more is perfect.

Enjoy!

A delicious twist to the everday Egg

This is just a fun way to fancy up your breakfast – and add a little vegetable to your meal, which is always a good and healthy option.

You can mix the egg and cook it like you would an omelette – add some veggies to the mixture. Top the end result with your favourite shredded cheese, bacon bits, pepper, hot sauce etc.




Ingredients:

Eggs or Egg whites

Onion ring or Pepper ring

Salt and Pepper

(Omelette option: Mushroom, green pepper, onion, ham etc. chopped up.)




Directions:

Place your veggie in the pan; crack your egg and drop it in the center and cook as you normally would (if you are doing the mixture – mix separately in a bowl and pour into center of the veggie ring; flip and cook the other side after a few minutes – top with some favourites and voila!

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Buns to share

I found this recipe idea via Pioneer Woman; it's an easy recipe and a great way to share a sweet treat with friends, family or a neighbour! It makes enough for 7 tins of 5-6 buns a tin and they freeze well also. If you are making them in advance - then at the time you need an impromptu thank you or other, then you can simply pull it from the freezer and give to that special someone.
You could also find heart shaped tins and give these away at Valentine's or make a special label, add a cute ribbon etc. There are all kinds of creative ways to give this sweet treat to someone you love!
We had some family in helping us paint our home, so it was a perfect opportunity to give some of these away to them and have them at the house for snacks while they worked.




Ingredients:

1 quart Whole Milk
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Sugar
2 packages Active Dry Yeast
8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Separated) All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon (heaping) Salt
Plenty Of Melted Butter
2 cups Sugar
Generous Sprinkling Of Cinnamon





MAPLE FROSTING:

1 bag Powdered Sugar
2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
1/2 cup Milk
1/4 cup Melted Butter
1/4 cup Brewed Coffee
1/8 teaspoon Salt




Directions:

Mix together the milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. Scald the mixture (heat until just before the boiling point). Turn off heat and leave to cool 45 minutes to 1 hour.

When the mixture is lukewarm to warm, but NOT hot, sprinkle in both packages of Active Dry Yeast. Let this sit for a minute.

Then add 8 cups of all-purpose flour. Stir mixture together. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.

After rising for at least an hour, add 1 more cup of flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir mixture together. (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it – overnight or even a day or two, if necessary. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to overflow out of the pan, just punch it down).

When you are ready to prepare the rolls, sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour. Take half the dough and form a rough rectangle. Then roll the dough thin, maintaining a general rectangular shape.

Drizzle 1/2 to 1 cup melted butter over the dough. Now sprinkle 1 cup of sugar over the butter followed by a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.

Now, starting at the opposite end, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward you. Keep the roll relatively tight as you go. Next, pinch the seam of the roll to seal it.

Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a seven inch round foil cake or pie pan. Then begin cutting the rolls approximately 1 inch thick and laying them in the buttered pans.

Repeat this process with the other half of the dough. Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 375 degrees until light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.




For the frosting, mix together all ingredients listed and stir well until smooth. It should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust as needed. Generously drizzle over the warm rolls.
Enjoy!

Garlic Alfredo Sauce

I will never be buying Alfredo Sauce at the grocery store again! This recipe is incredibly easy and restaurant quality goodness. MS orders Chicken Alfredo on a regular basis when we go out to eat and he and I both loved this! And so easy!




Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic – finely minced
1/2 a package of cream cheese - soft and cut into cubes
1 cup of milk
4 oz parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of salt





Directions:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan; add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Add cream cheese stir with a whisk until smooth. Add milk a little at a time; stir in parmesan cheese and pepper.

Season with salt – the sauce should thicken quickly – Enjoy!

Found via Tasty Kitchen.

Hawaiian Pork Chops

I found this recipe via Tasty Kitchen; and it turned out great - and is paired very nicely with rice! I was looking a different way to prepare pork chops, I'm not a huge fan of them myself, but this recipe made me like them a little more!




Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
6 pork chops
1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of ketchup
1/4 cup of vinegar
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1 can of crushed pineapple

Directions:

Mix salt, nutmeg and cinnamon in a bowl – season both sides of the meat and place in a casserole dish.

Mix the sugar, ketchup, vinegar and soy sauce in a bowl – pour over the pork chops.

Pour the crushed pineapple (including juice) over the top of the chops.

Cook for 45 minutes @ 350.

Enjoy!

Pancakes

This is a great pancake recipe that I found on Justjennrecipes. It's very versatile in that you can spice it up or leave it traditional. I made them on Valentine's Day and added some melted chocolate to some of them, just a little piece of heaven inside! :)




Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 cups milk
Nutella or melted chocolate chips (you can use white chocolate, Reese’s chips etc. for a twist)


Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add an egg and the milk, stir until the mixture is just combined.

Make pancakes as you normally would, then place a dollop of nutella or melted chocolate in the center, top this with a little more batter to form a pocket.
Once the bubbles start to pop and the bottom is browned, carefully flip the pancake over and ta da!

A great Valentine ’s Day treat for breakfast – I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to shape these.

You can also place some strawberries, or blueberries in the middle in lieu of the chocolate mixtures.
Enjoy!

Maple Pecan Pie Bites

I found this recipe via Tasty Kitchen and it was a ‘new’ and perfect addition to my Christmas baking this past Christmas. I love sugar, pie and shortbread is one of my favourite cookies, so I knew I’d love these – how can you go wrong? :)

Ingredients:

Shortbread crust

1 cup of flour
1/4 cup brown sugar packed
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold salted butter, cut into slices (shortbread you have to use butter)

Pecan topping

4 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon cream
1 cup of pecan pieces




Directions:

Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and salt. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers until crumbs form.

Spread into a greased 9 inch pan and bake a 350 until golden brown - approx. 20 mins. Remove and set aside.

Topping: In a saucepot, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, vanilla, maple syrup and cream – whisk well. Simmer for one minute while whisking continuously. Add the pecans and pour on top of the crust.

Bake for 20 mins at 350; remove from the oven and allow to cool and harden for 30 mins before cutting. Enjoy!

Lindsay's Baked Potato Skins

We had some friends in one night for appetizers and drinks and a friend brought these and since then, they have been added to our list of favourites! They really aren’t very difficult to make and the spices add a delectable flavour that everyone will enjoy – they are as good as any you would buy out at a pub!



Ingredients:

5 baking potatoes, baked
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (can use ready crisp)
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 green onions, sliced
1 tomato diced



Directions:

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out some of the pulp to thin them out, leaving about half in the shell and then cut into quarters.

Place potato skins on a greased baking sheet. Combine oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper; brush over both sides of skins.

Bake at 475 degrees F for 7 minutes on each side; may need to Broil them for a couple minutes.

Sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese inside skins. Bake 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream, onion and tomatoes. Serve immediately.

BBQ Chicken Pita Pizza

This is a great way to use your leftover chicken; my favourite way actually, and best of all it is incredibly easy, perfect for kids to help out with and delicious!




Ingredients:

Leftover chicken diced
Pitas
Your favourite BBQ sauce
Onion
Green pepper
Mushrooms
Shredded cheese to top




Directions:

Brush the pitas with the BBQ sauce, then place your toppings - diced chicken, onion, green pepper and mushrooms, then top with cheese.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes and enjoy!

Laura's Breakfast Burritos

This is a perfect recipe for families on the go. Make a batch, freeze them in freezer bags and then microwave before heading out the door – a filling breakfast to keep you full and alert for your busy morning!




Ingredients:

1 dozen eggs
1/2 a package of bacon
1/2 a package of breakfast sausage
1 onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
2 packages of medium wraps
Shredded cheese
(the larger the family, you can double the recipe)




Directions:

Cook separately the bacon and sausage then set each aside to cool before cutting into small pieces.




Cook the onion and green pepper until softened, set aside.

Scramble the eggs with some black pepper; once they are cooked mix everything together in a large mixing bowl.




Lay the wrap on a flat surface, spoon some filling in and top it with shredded cheese. Fold like a burritos, wrap it in parchment paper, place in a freezer bag and freeze.

Add your favourite hot sauce after microwaving and enjoy!

Cheesecake Bars

These are absolutely delicious and best of all, easy to make and there are always lots, so if you need something to take to a family potluck or work event, they are perfect! Just make sure to keep them refrigerated. I got the recipe off of a great recipe blog, Lick the Bowl Good.

Ingredients:

2 packages of cream cheese
2 tubes refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup of butter, melted
½ cup cinnamon sugar




Directions:

Using a greased 9x13 baking pan, unroll one package of crescent rolls. Line the bottom of the pan and flatten, pinching seams.

In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, sugar and extract. Mix until well blended. Spread this mixture over the crescent rolls.

Unroll the other crescent rolls and place on top of cream cheese mixture.
Pour one stick of melted butter over the top and sprinkle ½ cup of cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, and eat at room temperature or serve chilled. Refrigerate leftovers.

Sweet and Tangy Chicken

(Oven or Slow Cooker Recipe)

This was actually a slow cooker recipe that I found in a taste of home magazine; but I made it using the oven and it is a new favourite in our house! I’ve been looking for re-vamped chicken recipes – chicken can be such a boring meat – this one works well.

Ingredients:

1 medium onion chopped
1.5 teaspoon minced garlic
2-4 chicken breasts or in a slow cooker you an even use a broiler/fryer chicken
2/3 cup of ketchup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon each of chili powder and lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water



Directions:

In a baking dish (or slow cooker), combine the onion and garlic; top this with the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, lemon juice, basil, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pour this over the chicken.

Cover and cook at 350 until cooked in the oven. In the slow cooker cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken juices run clear. Remove the chicken and keep warm.

Transfer the juices to a saucepan, combine the cornstarch and water – stir into juices and bring to a boil for 2 minutes; until thickened.