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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Desserts, New Year's

White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

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The Magic of Christmas is in the air with these White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread cookies. Can you feel it? 

Wanting another holiday cookie recipe? Try my White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Shortbread always brings back memories of Christmas for me. Having grown up in a large family these where always sure to be there on the living room table for everyone to enjoy! Along with Ginger Snap Cookies and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies.

I miss those days honestly, when my Grandma and older folks where around and all of my family lived in one city.

Personally, I just love the Christmas Season because this is about the only time that I really start to embrace the colder months. 

The nights get darker fast and everyone stays inside in most parts of Canada. 

However, that does not stop people from celebrating as they decorate their houses with pretty lights that light almost every street. 

Which creates a warm glow in the dark of night and creates a warmth only Christmas brings. 

It is just so pretty when the snow hits these lights because it literally glistens.

Creating a magical joyful feeling that is hard to ignore, I have even seen many Ebenezer Scrooge’s change overnight with the help of someone’s offer of warm cookies.

What is Christmas without a little home baking?

And if you ask me shortbread is definitely something that can’t be skipped.

Nothing beats homemade shortbread, so I encourage you to try them this year. Once you try these cookies, I’m certain you’ll be requested to make them again. 

And the nice thing is you can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

Where you can bring them along for others to enjoy wherever you may go this holiday season.

Having tried several shortbread recipes throughout the years, I’m now sharing one of my favorites with you.

The combination of the soft and flaky shortbread, along with the tartness from the cranberries and sweetness from the white chocolate make this cookie so lovely.

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

You will need: directions in the recipe card below.

  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 cups butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 pkg. (4 oz. each) BAKER’S White Chocolate (6 oz.), chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries

Wishing you and yours’s a Joyful and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Notes: After cookies are completely cooled, place in airtight container or plastic freezer bag.  Keep the dough refrigerated if you are going to be making these in batches. Also keep in mind the dough is not meant to be sticky like other cookies this is shortbread after all.

LOOKING FOR MORE CHRISTMAS DESSERTS?

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Chicken, Christmas & Thanksgiving, Dinner ideas

Oven Roaster Turkey Recipe

This Oven Roaster Turkey Recipe is juicy and crispy all at the same time. Seasoned with just the right spices, it is sure to become a family favorite during your Christmas, Thanksgiving family dinner.

Serving this Turkey up for the holidays? Then you may want to add some other holiday favorites to the table such as my Homemade Cranberry sauce or my Tourtiere Pie

Making this oven roaster turkey recipe for a group? Then your going to want to serve it alongside some mashed potatoes. And I have just the right recipe for you with my Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe!

Want anther tasty turkey recipe? Try my Baked Turkey Wings sometime as well.

I have included an easy homemade gravy recipes as well that utilizes the drippings from the bird right here. So whether your cooking for a large crowd or just a few you will be pleased with this recipe. 

IS ROASTED TURKEY HEALTHY

Yes, it is packed full of nutrients and is considered a lean protein. 

Here in Canada we have our Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays pretty far apart. So we tend to have Turkey twice per year.

I have made a few Turkey’s myself over the years and also have watched family and friends prepare it, so you can rest assured this recipe is a Winner! 

By following some basic tips you too will achieve a super moist and crispy turkey this holiday season guaranteed.

How to make Oven Roaster Turkey Recipe

  • Allow the bird to fully defrost and then sit on the counter at least one hour prior to baking, this ensure that the skin doesn’t break and that the bird cooks properly thought out.
  • Butter the turkey all over with solid butter as well as liquid.
  • Place 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan to prevent burning and aid in creating the gravy.
  • Bast the turkey every hour to ensure it stays moist.
  • Cover the legs and wings of the turkey with tinfoil and place the birds legs towards the back of the oven where it’s the hottest and where the bird needs most the cooking. “The breasts always cook the fastest.
  • Do not stuff the bird with stuffing, rather make the dressing on the side.

Note: If you notice the bird getting to BROWN during the last hour, you can put some aluminum foil around it. Or just cover the wings to prevent burning.

CAN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST BE FROZEN

Yes, as long as the Turkey was fresh not frozen in the first place. You can freeze any leftovers or make another recipe the very next day.

Now what is turkey without the stuffing? It’s really not a complete holiday meal now is it, so that part is definitely something you do not want to forget!

Personally I do not make my stuffing in the turkey, and I encourage you not to either. Even though I was raised to do so, I find my turkey comes out much better cooked without it in the bird. 

My stuffing recipe is listed below, if you too choose to do the stuffing outside the bird. Otherwise you can do the same thing and just stuff the bird, keeping in mind you may need to cook it longer.

HOW LONG WILL ROASTED TURKEY KEEP IN THE FRIDGE

Ruffly 2 to 3 days once it has been cooked. Be sure to seal it in a container of sorts so that it does not dry out!

Looking for another way to make a Turkey?

Looking for an awesome Dressing recipe? Try my Sweet and Savory Stuffing

More Christmas & Thanksgiving recipes you may like:

See below for more inspiration!
Christmas & Thanksgiving, Dinner ideas

Best Tourtiere Recipe

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This Best Tourtiere Recipe also know as Tourtiere de Maman is a Canadian meat pie that is spiced. And is the perfect recipe to accompany your holiday festivities. 

Looking for another festive dish? Then your gonna want to try my Baked Holiday Ham dish or my Beef Mushroom Wellington or even my Recette Sheppard’s Pie.

Gather your friends and family to enjoy a stress-free comfort meal, with my French Canadian Tourtière 

WHERE DID TOURTIERE ORIGINATE

Tourtiere originated from Quebec from as early as 1600.

And is traditional served during the Christmas holidays. 

IS TOURTIERE FRENCH

Yes, French Canadian.

WHEN IS TOURTIERE EATEN

Nothing beats this pie on the table on Christmas day, well next to some mashed potatoes and gravy of course. Or my popular Shredded Brussel Sprouts recipe!

Tourtiere spices

  • 1 tbsp Savory
  • 1 tsp Ground cloves
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Sage
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Celery Salt
  • 1 tsp Season with salt and pepper

Note: not everyone likes Cinnamon in there meat pies, so to each there own. 

How To Make Canadian Tourtière 

  • Start with a pyrex baking dish that is 9.5 x 1.6 deep.
  • Then make the butter crust (see recipe card)
  • And the pie filling
  • Stuff the Tourtière and bake at 375 f for 45 minutes till golden brown.

CAN TOURTIERE BE FROZEN

Yes, as long as the meat that was used was fresh not frozen to begin with. 

So how do I know how to make a traditional Tourtière you may be asking?

Well, I am Canadian, but not Acadian. And have strong French roots on one side of my family.

What is Acadian you may be asking? Acadian peoples originate from eastern Canada.

They actually are the ones who created this recipe to begin with. Then the French out there ran with it and it is now known as a French Canadian or Acadian dish.

This particular recipe for my best Tourtière Pie has been past down from my Great Grandma who was 100% French Canadian. And her ancestors are all from Newfoundland and Labrador territories. 

I have been gifted with her original recipe which was hand written by her a few decades ago.

And, so I had to share it all with you here. 

Growing up Canadian, I was influenced by many cultural groups and thus foods so it wasn’t like I stuck to just one type of food then or now.

However I’ve appreciated all that was taught to me along the way.

One fond memory I do have is that of my great grandma and grandma both in the kitchen together making Tourtière right before Christmas.

I must have been somewhere from 5-10 years old then. And I never knew how precious that memory would be for me as my great grandmother past shortly after. 

I also remember enjoying this dish during Christmas dinner over the years as my aunts always carried the tradition of making it. 

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES A TOURTIERE MEAT PIE SERVE

One pie typically serves 8-10.

Over the years this recipe has been changed across the generations and each family does prepare it somewhat differently. In eastern Canada, most people there use pork or even rabbit in this pie. 

Oh and be sure to serve this CANADIAN TOURTIÈRE with a dollop of Ketchup. The kids will love that addition too.

PS: don’t skip on the potatoes they really help to hold the pie together. I hope you give it a try this holidays season and let me know what you think.

Could you serve a traditional French Canadian meat pie this Christmas? Could your family like it more than the more traditional Turkey? I would love to know.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

WHICH WINE WITH TOURTIERE

Whites, sparkling or reds all go with them a tourtière pie.

Note: You can freeze this ahead of time, and bring it to any gathering to bake fresh.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOURTIERE

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

Beef and Mushroom Wellington

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

 CRANBERRY STUFFING RECIPE!

Be sure to try these tasty recipes below!

  1. Pork Chops with maple syrup and apples
  2. Maple Bourbon Glaze Ham
  3. Brussel Sprouts with bacon
  4. Butter Herb & Parmesan Mushrooms
  5. Turkey Pot Pies
  6. Creamy Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  7. Honey Mustard Brussel Sprouts
  8. Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
  9. Canadian Maple Butter
  10. Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures. 

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Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Creamy Canned Salmon Pasta

This Creamy Canned Salmon Pasta recipe is quick easy and inexpensive meal that is fancy enough to serve guests.

If you liked this recipe be sure to try my Tortellini In Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe it is just as good.

 

This creamy canned salmon pasta recipe is one of those awesome pantry meals that can be made on the whim and or when your just craving a good old bowl of pasta!

You may also like my Creamy Tortellini Tomato Pasta which is also an quick inexpensive meal option.

This recipe will come as a surprise to anyone who has the chance to dine with you. 

Pantry recipe

This is the ultimate pantry recipe, as it utilizes dried pasta, canned salmon and flour. Of course your going to also want to have some cream and spices on hand also but really it is super simple to make.

What in it

  • Pasta of your choice, I choose fusilli pasta
  • Can of salmon, low sodium
  • Butter 
  • Parsley 
  • Garlic Powder
  • Lemon
  • Cream
  • Flour

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CANNED SALMON PASTA

  • Start by cooking the pasta cook till al dente
  • Strain and set aside
  • In a medium pot add the cream then whisk in the flour and blend till smooth over medium-low heat
  • Open a can of salmon and remove the skin from the salmon then toss in the cream sauce
  • Add in the parmesan cheese and butter and allow it to melt
  • Seasonings and toss with lemon juice and zest
  • Add in the pasta, toss to coat
  • Serve

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures. 

Stay connected and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER AWESOME PASTA DISH 

Try my Creamy Spinach Sausage Gnocchi your sure to love it as well!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures. 

Stay connected and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

WANT MORE SEAFOOD RECIPES

Appetizers & Sides, Date Night, New Year's, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Crispy Fried Shrimp

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This Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe is made with rice crispy and coconut flakes then is deep fried in a little oil that crisps it up just right. 

This whole recipe can be made in less than 20 minutes, your going to love it!

Crispy fried shrimp is out of this world juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. 

Looking for a salad to serve alongside? I would recommend my Quinoa and Avocado Salad which would go very well with this appetizer. 

It’s, Monday which means we have a long haul to the weekend. And so I wanted to come up with a quick and delicious recipe for a weeknight.

And took a look in my freezer and found a large bag of shrimp and came up with this delicious recipe.

Which has turned out to be one of our new favorite shrimp recipes of all time. 

These shrimp can be served as is or alongside just about any other dish.

As well you can serve them with your favorite sauce, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.

Which would make these a great option to serve a crowd as an appetizer.

I also like to serve them with fresh lemon wedges as you can see in the recipes pictures. Once you try these shrimp, you will be hooked.

You can always substitute the rice Krispie’s for panko breadcrumbs if you do not have them on hand. However the rice Krispie’s are truly the better option.  

Inspired by: seriosuseats

Did you like this recipe? Try my other fan favorite shrimp recipes. Such as my “Garlic and Lime Shrimp” or my ”  ” it’s delicious too!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Barbeque, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes

Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe

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These Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe are pan fried on the stove-top and served with fresh Homemade Peach Jalapeno Salsa. 

My Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe may look a bit  fancy, but trust me it really takes no special technique to prepare at all. 

If you like pork with a hint of sweet/spicy flavors then you can’t go wrong with this recipe here. These pork chops go great even without the peach salsa, but if you can get your hands on in season fresh peaches then go for it! 

HOW TO PAN FRY PORK CHOPS? 

The trick to cooking the best pan fried pork chops is to use ample butter, because you are going to be basting the pork chops in the butter while it cooks. 

The second trick is to season the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and pepper prior to cooking. If you follow those two tips alone you are sure to prepare the best pork chops ever. 

These chops can be done on the grill as well, they just won’t be as juicy. Also feel free to use pineapple in replace of peaches if desired.

WHAT TYPE OF PORK CHOP IS GOOD FOR FRYING?

Feel free to use bone in pork chops, pork loin or ribs. All work well for frying!

Go ahead and serve these pork chops with mash potatoes or a salad of your liking. They really go well with either option or just enjoy as is with lots of peach salsa.

I just love the way the rosemary and garlic butter flavors the pork, it melts in your mouth and to be honest I have yet to try something this good in the restaurants.

First you will want to prepare the salsa in advance and store it in the fridge for more than one hour.

This really helps the flavors to set into the peaches and makes for an excellent topping to these pork chops.

To prepare the pork you will want to sear chops in a non stick frying pan with a little butter, rosemary and seasonings.

Each side will take about 8 minutes to cook, while cooking baste with butter in the pan.

Jalapeno Peach Salsa

LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES FOR PORK CHOPS? 

Below you will find some side dish recipes that would go so well with these “Pork Chops” 

Meal Prep Inspiration: Make more pork chops and slice them once cooked and place over some creamed corn and add the peach salsa. Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, your visits and your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Salads

Simple Potato Salad Recipe

This Simple Potato Salad Recipe has hints of lemon and paprika in it and is made with russet potatoes, eggs, garlic powder and is seasoned just right.

Let me tell you, this recipe is something special. Just cause I call it a Simple Potato Salad recipe does not mean it is not GREAT!

I can say that because I was never much of a fan of potato salad. Probably because the kind I was used to was to sweet and full of mayo. But this one is different and super tasty!

There is nothing like homemade potato salad, nothing. So if you’re looking for one that is a bit different than the average potato salad recipe out there than your going to want to try this one.

I came up with this recipe recently as I wanted to bring something a bit different to a potluck party I was attended. It turned out to be a major hit with everybody! 

For this recipe I made a separate dressing on the side, then once the potatoes and eggs cooked and cooled I combined them all together by mashing with a potato masher.

Then poured the chilled dressing overtop to combine.

My dressing calls for full fat mayonnaise, so if your wanting a lower calories dressing. Then feel free to use a lighter variety or substube half of the mayo with plain yogurt.

You can use just about any type of potato to make this potato salad, however I like to use the russets because the skin just peels off very nicely once cooked.

And that is exactly what you will want to do. Simply bring a large pot of  boiling water to a rapid bowl, then dump in the potatoes slowly and allow them to cook till fork tender.

Once cooked you will simply strain the water out and soak them in ice water till cooled. Once cooled all you will need to do is peel the potatoes with your hands. Easy enough eh!

If your wanting to feed less people or more peoples simply use my recipe adjuster above. The ingredients amounts with change according to how many people you want to prepare this for.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Dinner ideas

Baked Italian Sausage

This Baked Italian Sausage is super simple to make and makes for an excellent inexpensive weeknight meal.

I sometimes, make a dish similar to this and bake it in the oven. I have shared that recipe below with you and on this bog. So you can decide what recipe works best for your family tonight.

This recipe can also be done in your slow cooker, just make sure your browsing the sausage and onions first. Then set it and forget it!

HOW TO MAKE BAKED ITALIAN SAUSAGE 

  • You will want to start by slicing the potatoes real thin, the thinner the better. We are going for a scalloped potato type dish. Then saute those potatoes in the tomato and beef stock till tender, along with all the other ingredients.

A real one pot/pan dish!

This recipe is slightly different that my other sausage potato baked recipe, in that we are scalping the potatoes here and adding in a secret ingredient.

This dish is simple to make as their is just a few simple ingredients to it… so follow along and you too can enjoy this delicious meal in your home tonight. 

Scalloping the potatoes, really help to soak up all those delicious pork flavors and helps this dish to cook quick. 

So what is the “Secret Ingredient” that I have used in this recipe? It is  Italian Sausage tomato sauce from my local grocery. 

Yup that sauce along with some beef stock, helps to cook the potatoes and peppers just right. But of course you can use just about any sauce for this dish!

It also cooks quicker and really works well for a stove top recipe. There also is sauteed onions and red peppers in this dish, making it a whole meal. 

Also, I like to add red pepper chili flakes to the recipe, in moderation of course. So you can adjust according to your taste with this ingredient. 

Make sure your adding in a good quality “beef stock” as well. It really helps the potatoes to soak up all those amazingly delicious juices. 

Looking for more Sausage recipes? Check out some of my popular ones below!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!