The Health Benefits of Ginger
On 2025-03-27 by PamWe eat a LOT of ginger in our house. I add it to stir fry and curry, salads and tea. Along with ginger, I often add fresh garlic and tumeric. Spices make us healthier and they add so much flavour to food that we make. I also drink ginger tea (made with the smaller sized
Planning Meals Every Day!
On 2025-03-10 by PamI love to cook but, I also like to be inspired. We were visiting with friends this weekend and she had purchased a new cookbook, vegetarian. It is called “Two Chefs in the Garden” and it is available on Amazon. It is written by Lynn Crawford and Laura Kirk and is inspired by fresh vegetables
Upside-Down Apple Cake
On 2025-02-23 by PamIn the winter, apple desserts are one of my favourites. Apples are a favourite ingredient to add to baking. Apples are a great sweetener (apple sauce in baking), especially when they are heated. This apple cake is great for a dinner party – it looks beautiful and is great for a birthdays or dinner party.
Cottage Cheese – The New (old) Protein
On 2025-02-09 by PamLately, we have been eating a lot of cottage cheese – not straight but, rather mixed into baking and things like pancakes, etc. There are many delicious ways to eat cottage cheese. Cottage cheese helps fight cancer and diabetes, strengthens bones and boosts digestive health, boosts immunity and helps with weight loss and can even
A Sweet Idea for Valentine’s Day
On 2025-01-22 by PamDo you want to give your friends a neighbours a fun little Valentine treat? Do you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter? Bake some cookies…add some cloth to the top of a jar (tie some yarn or use an elastic to secure the cloth on the jar) and serve… IngredientsFor the Cookies… InstructionsInto a stand mixer
The Gingerbread Man
On 2024-12-21 by PamGetting in the Christmas spirit usually means a batch of “Gingerbread Men”. This year, I made quite a few for a nursery school decorating party for Charlotte and I was kind of “done” with them by the time we had baked a pile of them for the children. On Friday, I went to Vermeer’s (our
Getting Ready for the Holidays….Bone Broth
On 2024-12-19 by PamIt is 5 days until Christmas Eve and in our house, that means that the broth must be prepared for the French Onion Soup. Yes, you can purchase beef broth but, there is really nothing that warms your heart (or smells better) than homemade broth being created in your kitchen. Tonight, I picked up beef
Cabbage Roll Casserole
On 2024-12-12 by PamSometimes, you just need a simple little dinner that hits the spot. Making cabbage rolls is time consuming and so, creating this quick little casserole gives you the flavours, without the work. In your food processor (or with a shredder or knife) cut up a small head of cabbage. I also added 2 carrots and
Oil and Vanilla
On 2024-11-22 by PamEvery year at about this time, I make some homemade vanilla. I order vanilla beans from Amazon, find some sealable bottles at the Dollar Store and buy a big bottle of vodka. That is literally it, you put 5 vanilla beans in the jar, fill it up with vodka and leave it for at least
Better Than Take-Out Cashew Chicken
On 2024-11-18 by PamThis dinner takes 20 minutes to prepare. It is great for a busy day and you can use thighs or breasts. You can serve it with rice or just in a bowl. It is REALLY delicious! Cut up 4 boneless chicken thighs or 2 boneless chicken breasts. Put them in a large ziploc bag with
Healthy Applesauce Muffins
On 2024-10-29 by PamThese muffins have NO sugar or eggs and they are “flexible” – you can add apple pieces, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, oatmeal or whatever you want to add to customize them according to what you love in a good muffin. I actually love baking muffins because you can take the basic recipe and just make
The Barbequed Turkey
On 2024-10-14 by PamThis year, we barbequed our Thanksgiving turkey. We were so grateful to be able to spend a couple of days as a family – riding bikes, going for a walk, talking, eating and just being together – the real meaning of Thanksgiving. This year, we roasted a 16 lb turkey. We heated the BBQ to
Caramelized Onions
On 2024-09-27 by PamEvery year, I buy a couple of large bags of onions, slice them up, add some balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar and salt and pepper and create some caramelized onions that I can use all winter on pizza or charcuterie boards (they are great with cheese). This year, I found an EVEN easier
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
On 2024-09-23 by PamWelcome to Fall! Pumpkins everywhere! 3 weeks until Thanksgiving! Leaves are changing colour, evening are cooler…sweater weather! This simple recipe makes a great morning breakfast for anyone who is “on the run” or a mid-morning pick up. Today, I had the help of my little friend, Charlotte who loved dumping and mixing and tasting. These
Beef and Broccoli
On 2024-09-11 by PamFor a quick meal that is healthy and delicious, throw together this dish in about 20 minutes. 1 lb of steak, cut into thin strips1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper Season the meat with the white pepper and set it aside. Combine 1/3 cup of soya sauce and 1/3 cup of water and 1 tablespoon
Grilled Peach Halloumi Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
On 2024-08-19 by PamHello, halloumi…this salty, creamy grilling cheese tastes great with just about anything but especially when nestled in a salad alongside sweet grilled peaches, plenty of greens and fresh balsamic dressing. This salad is SO easy to put together and is a wonderful addition to any summer BBQ. Dressing 1/4 cup of olive oil1/4 cup fresh
Moroccan-Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Salad
On 2024-07-21 by PamSatisfying and delicious and a perfect compliment to any dinner – winter, spring, summer or fall. Easy to make and can be kept for several days. You can make a batch and then eat it for lunch or dinner as a side dish all week. This side dish will really spice up your mealtime –
Healthy Summer Eating – Burgers and Fries
On 2024-06-26 by PamSpinach and Feta Turkey Burgers1 – 1/4 lbs of lean ground turkey1 – 1/2 cups of finely chopped fresh spinach4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese2 cloves of minced garlice1/4 cup of bread crumbs (I use gluten free)1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning1 large egg2 teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce (I use gluten free)1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
What’s Chayote? Everything you need to know about this sweet, green squash.
On 2024-06-18 by PamChayote (rhymes with “coyote”) is a type of squash with the taste and texture of summer squash and the harvest season (late summer to early fall) and extended storage of winter squash . Native to Central America, chayote was a staple food for the Aztecs when European explorers encountered it. Its cultivation spread throughout the
Summer Salad Time!
On 2024-05-21 by PamWhat does it mean to eat healthy? For us, it is lots of fruit and vegetables, protein and finding foods that increase polyphenols in my diet. Adding polyphenols to your diet improves blood sugar levels and helps your gut, skin, and cognitive health. Polyphenols are present in the rich, green Mediterranean diet as well as
Are You Looking for a New Cookbook?
On 2024-05-14 by PamI often find recipes on Pinterest or during a google search, but I still like putting my hands on a “real” cookbook. I used to have several shelves (4 to be exact) and I have reduced my collection to 2 shelves. I have often celebrated the Mediterranean diet – it is full of great, salty,
Enchilada “One Pot” Casserole
On 2024-04-18 by PamI love a meal that you can throw in a pot and enjoy. This can be served with nachos but, it has lots of “carbs” so you probably don’t need any other carbs….but, this is a great meal for dipping a nacho into…lol 1 tablespoon of olive oil I package of chicken thighs (4 full
The Gluten Free Dilemma
On 2024-04-07 by PamAs anyone who knows our family or anyone who has checked out any recipes on my blog, you will know that my husband, Charles is celiac – we discovered this around 16 years ago and we eat gluten free. When we first started on this journey, it was very difficult. It has since become much
Little Hearts for Valentine’s Day
On 2024-02-11 by PamIf you do a little research, you can find all kinds of information about the origins of Valentine’s Day. https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2I take it all with a grain of salt as for me, Valentine’s day (like every other holiday) is just an opportunity to celebrate friendship, kindness and thinking about other people ahead of yourself. Having an
Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw
On 2024-01-24 by PamThis meal is a family favourite – easy to make and delicious both the day of and the next day. It can be made with turkey or chicken and it can be served on lettuce or in lettuce leaf “cups” made from Boston Bib lettuce. Mango SlawThinly slice 2 mangoes and shred 2 cups of
Banana Breakfast Cookies
On 2024-01-11 by PamMy life is made richer by the time I spend with the little people in my life. I am so blessed to be able to spend time each week with my little friends and I cherish and treasure every single moment. They are now 2 and 4 years old but, they are growing so fast
Happy New Year 2024! Gluten Free Olie-Bollen
On 2024-01-01 by PamWe were fortunate to have our family together on the first day of 2024 – a long walk (with some snow) and a traditional New Year’s ham dinner. Charles also made some New Year Cookies or Olie-Bollen – delicious fritters with raisins, currants, or apples. I shared some with our neighbours and started the new
Cranberry Chutney
On 2023-12-08 by PamWhat looks great in a Christmas basket that you are giving to a friend? How about a little cranberry chutney? A basket of homemade goodies will always go over well with friends and neighbours and family. This recipe is easy to make and will go perfect with the turkey at Christmas dinner. This recipe makes
Friendship Soup in a Jar
On 2023-12-06 by PamThis year, I tried something new – yes, I love trying new things. I found this recipe for “Soup in a Jar” and I thought it would make great Christmas gifts. I went off to Bulk Barn and carefully chose the ingredients – making sure that they were gluten free and vegetarian (the soup makers
Mango Chicken Curry
On 2023-09-13 by PamI can’t believe that I haven’t shared this recipe before – it is THE BEST meal – make a bit of rice and serve. Tomatoes were my own addition because I had fresh tomatoes in the garden just waiting to be picked and added. You can sprinkle a little cilantro on it when serving. You
It is Mediterranean Week…
On 2023-08-22 by PamEvery once in awhile, I choose a theme for our week of eating. Sometimes, when we have eaten a lot of heavy meals, I choose recipes from my cookbook, “The Mediterranean Table” – available on Amazon. I have written about the Mediterranean diet before and I have found it to be the easiest diet to
Have you ever grown a cucamelon?
On 2023-08-03 by PamThanks to my friend, Melissa, I have grown cucamelons for a couple of years. They are also known as “mouse melons” or Mexican miniature watermelons. They taste like a cucumber and you can literally stand in the garden and eat them, raw, from the vine. Yesterday, I picked a bowl full of cucamelons and today,
Summer is for Salads
On 2023-07-23 by PamSeveral weeks this summer, we have had “supper salads” for dinner. These hearty, mealtime creations can really include anything fresh and delicious. I have done a Thai Chicken Salad with napa cabbage, carrots and mangos…Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with bacon and avocado, an apple, pear, dried cranberry, hard boiled egg chopped salad – all served
Easy Vegetable Biryani Recipe
On 2023-03-23 by PamThis recipe is delicious. You can really put any vegetables at all into it – I thought I might put asparagus but, than I changed my mind. I love “one pot” meals – you can make sheet pan meals or skillet meals or a dutch oven. The flavour is bold because of the spice mixture
Canadian Living Gingerbread Roll Cake – Adapted to Gluten Free without the Roll
On 2023-03-20 by PamFancy gluten free bakeries can do it but, it is VERY difficult to “roll” gluten free cake. Instead of going crazy (because I was taking this cake to a party) and I didn’t want to bring “cracked” rolls, I just created “sandwich” cakes with the cream cheese icing in between. They were absolutely perfect and
Egg Bites – Easy and Just Like Starbucks
On 2023-01-24 by PamI am always looking for an easy breakfast treat. If I am rushing off somewhere in the morning or if I am having friends in for coffee, I love serving something nutritious, tasty and fun. These egg “muffins” are just the thing – serve them with muffins or scones, or breakfast cookies…bacon or sausage…and a
When You Buy a New Spice Rack….
On 2023-01-22 by PamI bought a new spice rack and it came with a list of spices…more spices than I even knew existed. If you know me, you know that I use a lot of spices but, this list was exhaustive. So, let’s have a little fun. Review this list of spices and identify whether you have heard
Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad
On 2023-01-11 by PamThe Mediterranean Diet is celebrated as both healthy and anti – inflammatory. This salad is bold in its flavours and both acidic and sweet. I use some of my Moroccan Lemons to add some zest to it. It is perfect paired with salmon or chicken and keeps in the fridge for at least 5 days
Flourless Apple Oatmeal Muffins
On 2023-01-03 by PamWe leave in a celiac household – we have to be innovative and careful to make sure that Charles (my husband) does not end up sick. I am always on the lookout for something that is both delicious and gluten free. This recipe has the bonus of being sugar free as well – and it
Charles’ Gluten Free Cinnamon Buns3/
On 2022-12-26 by PamMix 3/4 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar and 2 Tablespoons of yeast In mixer with paddle, whisk together….1 tablespoon of sugar1/2 cup of skim milk powder1/4 cup of White rice flour1 cup of sweet rice flour1/2 cup of potato starch1/4 cup of psyllium husk1 cup of tapioca starch1 cup of arrowroot
French Onion Soup – A Christmas Eve Tradition
On 2022-12-23 by PamI actually am not particularly found of traditions. I think sometimes we get “stuck” in them. Is Christmas only Christmas if it is celebrated on December 24th or 25th? When children grow up and have spouses and children can we move Christmas celebrations to their houses and try to be flexible about their timelines and
Tuscan White Bean and Squash Soup
On 2022-11-25 by PamThis is a hearty winter soup that can easily be made in an instant pot – or on the stove top. Serve it with parmesan cheese and chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley on top. Garlic bread or crusty bread will complete this meal perfectly. Thinly slice 2 small red onions and 2 carrots (or use a
Tis’ the Season – Gluten Free Holiday Baking
On 2022-11-19 by PamI usually bake something (and freeze it) every week until the Holidays. I try to focus on low sugar recipes (or adapt them) and I give away far more than I eat or serve in my own house. We have some family favourites and I always start with Christmas cake in October and soak it
Fall is Here – How about Soup Sunday?
On 2022-09-27 by PamA few years ago, when I was working fulltime, I started the Soup Sunday tradition. Each Saturday, I would make a batch of homemade soup and then on Sunday, instead of cooking a big meal, we would have soup and crackers or soup and homemade biscuits or bread. It is SO relaxing to just have
Old Fashioned Tomato Jam
On 2022-09-21 by PamThis is SUCH a fun recipe! We use it with cheese or on any kind of meat. I do a lot of preserving because I use them as gifts throughout the year. This batch made 24 – 1 1/2 cup jars of jam. I am almost at the end of canning season – I have
Green Tomato Chutney
On 2022-09-12 by Pam10 pounds of chopped green tomatoes5 cups of brown sugar4 cups of chopped red onion2 cups of raisins2 cups of currants4 cups of apple cider vinegar4 tablespoons of candied ginger, chopped4 tablespoons of fresh ginger, chopped4 tablespoons of mustard seed4 teaspoons of chile pepper flakes4 teaspoons of fennel seed4 teaspoons of salt2 teaspoons of allspice1
Apple Pie Bars
On 2022-09-10 by PamThis is one of the easiest Autumn desserts you can make – when you are finished making it, pop it in the freezer overnight and then it cuts easily into squares. You don’t have to make it gluten free and sugar free – but I do because we have cut all refined sugar (brown and
Indian Chutney
On 2022-09-08 by PamIndian Chutney is a little spicy and a little tangy – citrus, raisins, molasses, garlic, ginger…all meld together to make an amazing flavour combination. It is definitely canning and preserving season but, you can make this chutney anytime and you can make as little as 1 jar – up to around 20 – which is
Grilled Flatbread Pizza with Artichoke, Ricotta and Lemon
On 2022-08-17 by PamThis pizza variation is delicious – you can use pre-purchased flatbread or pizza crust – anything – we used Charles’ homemade flatbread and we did not pre-bake it. We just added the ingredients and threw it on the grill at 400 F for 40 minutes. 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheesezest and juice of one lemon3/4
Bread and Butter Pickles
On 2022-08-04 by PamI tried something new! Some friends gave us a couple of bags of cucumbers so, I started looking and recipes and decided on Bread and Butter Pickles!! I hadn’t made pickles since I was at home (about 40 years ago…LOL) and they were MUCH easier than I remember! Although, my mom usually made dills or
The Blue Zones Kitchen
On 2022-07-12 by PamThis is one of my favourite recipe books. It is written by Dan Buettner who did research on the places in the world where people live the longest and then set out to discover the people and share their recipes with us. The books is full of stories and experiences and delicious food. Sardina, Italy
Gluten Free Blueberry Scones
On 2022-07-04 by PamAlmond flour, honey, butter and yogurt go together with lemon and blueberries to make these scones not only healthy but delicious. 2 cups of finely ground almond flour1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder1 tablespoon of lemon zest1/2 teaspoon of salt2 tablespoons of frozen butter1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt3 tablespoons of honey1 large egg, beaten1
Pad Thai – Chicken, Tofu and Shrimp
On 2022-05-17 by PamIt is so much fun to visit your children in their own homes. We took a trip to Hamilton to see Sebastian and prepared a meal together. Pad Thai is delicious – whatever the season. 3 chicken breasts, sliced 1 package of jumbo shrimp, peeled, tails removed (about 15) 1 package of extra firm tofu,
Lamb Burgers with Charred Onions
On 2022-05-06 by PamIt is BARBEQUE SEASON again! Try these simple and delicious burgers…fast and easy. Grilling the onions makes them SO delicious! Perfect for any quick and easy weeknight dinner. 4 large four inch red onion slices – sprayed. 2 ripe avocados1/2 cup of goat cheese herbed fetajuice from 1 lime1 sliced tomato or 8 large sundried
Butternut Squash Lasagna
On 2022-04-24 by Pam2 small or 1 large butternut squash, peeled, cubed and mixed with 1 tablespoon of cumin, a dash of tumeric and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg – add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 30 minutes.Place in a food processor with 1
Tofu Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
On 2022-04-20 by PamCube three medium sized sweet potatoes. Mix together with 1 tablespoon of cumin, salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or grapeseed or olive oil). Spread out on a baking sheet covered with foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 450 F. Stir after 15 minutes. Mix 1/2 cup of tahini, 4 tablespoons of
Asian Style Turkey Meatballs in Ginger Soy Broth
On 2022-04-06 by PamMeatballs450 g learn ground turkey1/2 cup of gluten free bread crumbs2 green onions or scallions, minced2 cloves of garlic, finely grated or pressed2 teaspoons of grated ginger2 teaspoons of gluten free soy sauceMix all ingredients in a bowl and form into small balls – refrigerate for 10 minutes. Bake in air fryer (sprayed with olive
“Flatbread” Pizza with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Artichokes and Feta
On 2022-04-05 by PamI have latched onto the Mediterranean Diet as a life-style change. I incorporate the spices and flavours from countries such as Italy, Greece, Spain, Morocco, Cyprus, Croatia and Portugal into almost everything I cook. It is not a weight loss diet, it is a way of eating that focuses on wholesome, nutritious foods that include
Spiced Lamb Stew with Fennel and Dates
On 2022-03-21 by PamLamb that is stewed with spices, vegetables and dried fruit is a Moroccan staple. Everything in this dish becomes “melt in your mouth” and can be cooked in a tagine – if you have one. We serve ours over rice and I cook it in a Dutch Oven. The preparation is fast but, it stews
Preserved Lemons with Moroccan Spices
On 2022-03-18 by PamThese lemons keep for months in the refrigerator. As you use the juice, just replenish with lemon juice and salt. We use these anytime a recipe calls for lemon juice – hummus, sauces, dressings, marinades, baked chicken or turkey or a stir fry with shrimp and vegetables. This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled
Maple Cranberry Almond Oatmeal
On 2022-03-16 by PamHearty and wholesome – 8 basic ingredients – a great snack and a very healthy breakfast…..I always make a double batch….so, I have written the recipe as a double batch. 5 cups of rolled oats2 cups of any kind of nuts – we use a combination of almonds and pecans1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon1 and
Leek and Feta Quiche in a Potato Crust
On 2022-03-14 by PamCrust2-3 large russet potatoes – grated – 4 cups1/4 teaspoon of salt1 egg white (save the yolk for the filling)Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray a pie plate. Place the grated potatoes in a colander and add the salt – mix and let set for 10 minutes. Mix in the egg white and press into
Creamy Pumpkin Coconut Soup
On 2022-03-08 by PamThis soup is so easy! It also contains lots of ingredients that are good for you – it is warm and tasty and takes less than 10 minutes to make. 1 tablespoon of olive oil1 diced shallotI diced clove of garlic1 inch of diced ginger1 -14 oz can of pumpkin puree – 398 mL1 –
Friday Night Charcuterie
On 2022-02-19 by PamDate Stuffed with Almonds and Goat Cheese and Wrapped in ProscuittoBaked Saffron Lobster Dip 24 large Medjool Dates5-6 ounces of goat cheese24 almonds12 pieces of proscuitto Open the dates, take out the pit and remove the stem on the end. Put an almond inside, fill with goat cheese. Wrap the date in 1/2 piece of
Charles’ Colorado Brussel Sprouts
On 2022-02-17 by PamSeveral years ago, Charles was on a business trip to Colorado doing a series of videos for Craftsy. He had this dish several times while he was there – being celiac, he can’t easily eat in a restaurant. This dish was made for him at a restaurant while he was on his trip and the
Cauliflower, Zucchini and Chickpea Biryani
On 2022-02-07 by PamComfort food for a cold, winter night – easy and delicious and can be easily converted to vegetarian or even vegan – just substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and definitely gluten free. Biryani is a rice-based dish that is popular in India and its surrounding countries. It typically consists of meat, fish or poultry,
A Hearty Breakfast on a Cold Morning
On 2022-01-16 by PamBaked Oatmeal can be thrown together the night before and kept in the fridge to bake in the morning or easily mixed together in the morning and ready in less than an hour. It is healthy and delicious and a favourite in our house. 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal1/2 cup of milk of any kind
Moroccan Stew
On 2022-01-10 by PamWinter is the perfect time for homemade soups and stews! We often celebrate Soup Sundays and Meatless Mondays. This hearty dish is great for either – when I start frying the onions and garlic, and then add the spices, I often get members of my family gathering in the kitchen to find out what’s cooking!!
New Year’s Eve Charcuterie
On 2022-01-02 by PamLike most people, we spent a quiet evening welcoming in 2022…COVID looms and we weren’t interested in crowds. We took a walk – it was a beautiful, sunny day and planned to watch a movie, and in our case, crochet, knit and, go to bed early with a good book. A bottle of wine and
Gluten Free German Apple Pancakes
On 2021-12-24 by PamThis is a great breakfast for any special occasion – we love them on Christmas morning – or just on a lazy weekend morning. Serve them with maple syrup, fresh fruit and breakfast sausages. This recipe makes 2 – 9 inch square glass pans but, it can be easily doubled to make more. Put 4
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