Technique: How to Trim Portabello Mushrooms

Portabello mushrooms are earthy and meaty, and unlike most mushrooms, they barely shrink from cooking!  Here is a quick guide on how to trim them so they will be ready for your next recipe.

Recipe: Easiest Cream Biscuits

6 ingredients and 10 minutes of work - that's all it takes to make light and fluffy biscuits.  I like to make these on the weekend for breakfast but they would go great with most meals.  Nothing beats fresh biscuits! 

Recipe: Potato Three Cheese Pizza

Okay, so this isn't exactly a recipe per se, since I use store bought dough and I don't really measure any of the toppings.... but I wanted to include this post to inspire you to move beyond your standard pizza toppings. Also, this pizza is simply scrumptious!  You won't even miss the pepperoni!

Recipe: Tortellini Vegetable Soup



Tortellini doesn't always have to served in your standard pasta sauce.  It can also be enjoyed in a light broth (and makes it more filling).  Another quick soup - using store bought frozen tortellini!  No one needs to know.  It'll be our little secret....wink!

Recipe: Rice and Peas

If you've had Jamaican rice and peas, this version is quite different.  This is more similar to the Cuban or Puerto Rican style arroz con granules (litterally, rice with pigeon peas).  This takes about 40 min from start to finish, so give yourself some time; but the results are definitely worth it!  Rice does not need to be plain - kick it up with some flavour!

Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Some of you may have noticed I don't bake much, but these lemon poppy seed muffins are a delicious exception.  The fragrant lemon with the crunch of poppy seeds is a classic combination, and just a touch of sweetness!

Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

This Italian dish was named after Bellini's opera Norma.  It's a classic Sicilian dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata.  If you can't find ricotta salata, you can substitute Parmesan or pecorino in a pinch.  If you think you don't like eggplant, this dish just might convert you!  It's a fresh and light - simply delish!

Recipe: Thai Soba Noodle Salad

This is a favourite lunch of mine.  Soba are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour.  They are low in calories and fat, and high in protein.  They have a slightly sweet, nutty flavour are are delicious paired with my peanut sauce!  I like to use up leftover chicken for some added protein, but it can be omitted for a vegetarian meal.

Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Ribs

Those of you who aren't new to my blog, may have noticed I LOVE pork! And since my barbecue is currently buried in snow, the oven will work just fine for some yummy pork ribs.  This recipe only requires about 10 min of active work and the oven does the rest.  It doesn't get much easier is that!

Recipe: Southwest Salad

This is one of my favourite salads. It's just so refreshing! A perfect compliment to so many dishes, especially spicy or smoky barbecued meat. YUM!  It takes a bit of effort to dice everything, but it's a great opportunity to brush up your knife skills!