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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Dinner ideas

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

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These Turkey pot pies made with puff pastry and are my go to recipe whenever I have leftover turkey. 

These pot pies are absolutely delicious and a bit different then the average pot pie recipe you will find.

So read along if you want to learn how to make them! And trust me it is easy as pie 🙂

WHAT’S IN TURKEY POT PIES

  • DICED CARROTS
  • CORN
  • PEAS
  • GREEN BEANS
  • LEFTOVER CURRY
  • SPICES

ARE TURKEY POT PIES GOOD FOR YOU

Yes, they are packed with vegetables and lean protein (leftover turkey meat)

TURKEY POT PIES WITH PUFF PASTRY

  • You will want to start by making the pie crust. You can pre purchase the “puff pastry” which is that crust you see on the top of these pies” or you can make it from scratch yourself. I really encourage you to try making it from scratch as it tastes best. 
  • The crust recipe I have provided is also foolproof. I have tried many pastry puff recipes in the past and this one is the winner folks.
  • Then ONCE the pie crust has been made. Simply defrosted some frozen vegetables and add to the turkey mixture to make the filling.
  • These pot pies can be ready in under 45 minutes. As long as you pre-make the puff pastry one hour in advance you can have this on the table in under one hour. If you would prefer to make one big large pie, you can do that with this recipe as well.

HOW TO MAKE TURKEY POT PIES

  • The main difference with my recipe and all the others is that I like to use my leftover “Turkey Gravy” instead of heavy cream in my pies.
  • It does the same thing, keeps the pies moist yet adds that extra level of flavor.
  • You will want to start by making the pie crust recipe. Once the pie crust has been made you will roll it out on a clear kitchen counter that has been sprinkled with flour.
  • Place your bakeware over top and with a knife cut around the bakeware to create the pie crust as seen below.

  • Then you will prepare the filling and place that in the bakware before folding over the pie crust.
  • Brush the crust with butter and bake. 

Also, I like to use a frozen vegetable mix, that contains green beans, peas and carrots to fill the pies.

The more veggies the healthier right?

Plus all three go so well together and make these pies AMAZING!

So if you too are wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey, then look no further because this recipe is not only simple to make it’s absolutely delicious!

CAN TURKEY POT PIES BE FROZEN

Yes, as long as the turkey was not frozen to begin with.

Don’t want to make individual pies?

No problem, simple place the pie filling inside a large pie baking dish and make a large one with the same recipe.

Totally up to you 🙂

So instead of placing the ingredients into four smaller dishes place it into one large and cover with one crust. I hope you enjoy!

Notes: If you don’t have any leftover turkey gravy, feel free to use canned or cream in replace of.

Recipe Inspiration: Easy puff pastry recipe

See below for more inspiration!

Also check out my roundup of Thanksgiving & Christmas Recipes from around the World or my 10 delicious stuffing recipes! for more inspiration!

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Quick and easy recipes, Soups & Stews

African Pepper Goat Soup

This African Pepper Goat Soup is hails from Western Africa, but mostly Nigeria. So if your into spicy foods then you are sure to love this soup recipe.

You can substitute the goat meat for lamb, chicken, fish, tripe and or chicken gizzards if you prefer.

All work well in this type of broth. I have tried all those meat’s and must say goat is my favorite by far, because it’s lean and has a very unique taste that I love.

I have learned to prepare several African dishes in my home over the years and have come to love the flavors from this part of the world.

Now I want you to be forewarned that this is very spicy soup so feel free to add less spice if can’t handle much heat.

NIGERIAN PEPPER SOUP INGREDIANTS 

WHAT DOES African Pepper Goat Soup TASTE LIKE

Spicy, meaty and soothing! I say soothing because I find it really is so very tasty!

HOW TO MAKE African Pepper Goat Soup

  • Start by brining a large stock pot of water to a boil
  • Then add in the goat meat and reduce the heat to medium heat
  • Add in all your spices and seasonings 
  • Simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour to serve.

Note: You can cook the onions, garlic and ginger fresh if desired. Just be sure to cook it prior to boiling the meat in 1 tsp of oil to ensure it is cooked. 

It is made with a few ingredients that are hard to find here in Canada and so I have made a few substitutes. 

The main differences with my soup recipe versus traditional African pepper soup is the type of pepper used.

Traditional pepper soup is made with a few ingredients that are hard to find here in Canada and so I have made a few substitutes.

Like I will use Kale instead of the bitter leaf in the soup, it’s quite similar and more accessible here in Canada.

Then I’ll add some fresh chopped chives in replace of the onions as well, so good. The main differences with my pepper soup recipe versus traditional African pepper soup is the type of pepper used.

Traditional pepper soups call for aka chili or negro pepper. Which is not always easy to find, so I use “Scotch Bonnet Sauce” since i always have that Jamaican sauce in my fridge at all times and it works so well here.

 

I will make this soup when I’m craving something warm and spicy!

Try to get your hands on the “original “Maggi beef cubes” if you cannot find feel free to use “Maggi Chicken cubes or another brand that you like.

If you want to follow this recipe just as they do in Western Africa feel free to check out this page which shows all those unique spices > Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
 
Note: This soup can also be done in a “Slow Cooker” or “Pressure Cooker” just make sure you are using a boneless meat for those processes.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! 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!

 

 

Chicken, Curries, Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Skip the takeout, Slow Cooker recipes

Chicken Chickpea Curry

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This One Pot Chicken Chickpea Curry has a wonderful depth of flavor that you’re sure to love. 

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN CHICKPEA CURRY

  • This popular dish is made with boneless chicken breast and simmered in a rich tomato spiced cream sauce that you’re sure to love. 
  • You can prepare this dish all in one pot on the stove or in your slow cooker/pressure cooker.
  • I like to prepare this in my slow cooker on the browning setting, just make sure you are using that lid otherwise you will have a mess for sure.
  • Find cooking instruction below in the recipe card. 

I have experimented with plenty of curries for some time now, so you can trust me when I say this recipe is a sure winner.

Now you will want to go down the ethnic food aisle in your local grocery to pick up some “Madras Curry” which is the right kind of curry powder for this recipe.

Then you will add just a few more traditional Indian spices that will make this dish absolutely amazing.

Also if your not to familiar with dried fenugreek leaves, then I encourage you taking a stroll down your groceries ethnic for those as well.

They are sure to have it there somewhere, however if you cannot find them feel free to use cilantro or parsley instead.

Who said it takes a chef to make real Indian curry? Obviously never was in your kitchen.

Feel free to omit the chickpeas if your not a fan, however I love them and find they work so well in this recipe.

Not to mention add more fiber and helps to spread the meal out so you can have leftovers the next day.

If you prefer a much more spicier curry, I definitely recommend that you use fresh tomatoes versus canned. The canned tomatoes do give it a hint of sweetness that I find contrast well with the spices.

However this is your curry, so do as you please.

Cooking methods:

  • Simmer on a low-medium heat for 1 hour on the stovetop
  • Cook in the pressure cooker around 10 minutes or depending on your instructions
  • Cook in the slow cooker from 8-10 hours.

If you like curry dishes as much as me then you are going to love this simple recipe. Be sure to make some basmati rice to serve alongside or if you really want to make it extra special go ahead and make some homemade Naan Bread.

Like this dish, try my “Chicken & Spinach Curry“ it is delicious!! 

If your a CURRY lover like me… Then you will also want to try these dishes below too!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, I appreciate every single one of you! 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, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Spicy Beef Lo Mein Noodles

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Spicy Beef Lo Mein Noodles are made in a delicious sauce that your sure to enjoy. When it comes to Lo Mein noodles the sauce and cooking techniques are what’s is important. 

So please follow along to see how it’s made. First you will want to wash and prepare the vegetables, I like to use fresh broccoli, carrots, red peppers and snap peas with my beef lo mein.

Then I tend to look for gluten free lo mein noodles, use the ones that best suit you. 

Feel free to mix up the vegetables however remember fresh is always best.  Then the noodles will need to be softened in boiling water before cooking and seasoning them.

You can always add shrimp, tofu or chicken to these noodles in replace of beef if desired. And if you want to spice it up some, simply add more red chili paste or serve with sriracha sauce.  

The varieties of lo mein noodles are endless, so it’s good to experiment with the different brands to find your favorite.

Also you may want to add more soya sauce near the end. Just be sure to stir everything together well beforehand and tasting it before adjusting the flavor.

 


 

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Date Night, Dinner ideas, Skip the takeout

Beef and Vegetable Ramen

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These Beef and Vegetable Ramen Noodles are made in a delicious sauce that you’re sure to enjoy. 

You can make this dish more or less spicy according to your personal taste. 

The heat in this dish comes from the cayenne pepper, I like to use just 1/2 a tsp for this recipe.

Which gives it a touch of heat, kinda similar to the spicy ramen noodle packages you may find at the store.

Then you will want to start by chopping all your vegetables up first, this is the hardest part really.

As it can be a bit challenging if you do not have knife skills to julienne the carrots and peppers. 

However practise makes perfect and in time you will figure out the best method for you. If you really prefer a little help in that area you can always use a food processor to do those jobs for you if needed.

I like to use broccoli, carrots, red peppers and snap peas for this dish.

Although you can use whatever veggies you have on hand really.

Not a fan of beef feel free to add some shrimp, tofu or chicken to these noodles in replace if desired. 

Once the veggies are saute yet still slightly crisp.

You will then add back in the cooked ramen along with that delicious premade sauce.

Toss everything together to serve. 

DELICIOUS! Feel free to try other vegetables such as broccoli, kale or even asparagus. 

This dish also works well with chicken and tofu!

This recipe proves that you don’t have to put a lot of effort into making this type of takeout dish.

I just know your going to love it as much as we do!

Serve some “Spicy chili sauce” on the side for some extra heat or add more cayenne during the cooking process.

Also you can add beef bouillon cubes in replace of the beef stock, just make sure your using equal amounts of water/liquid

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!

Drinks and Smoothies

Dandelion Iced Tea

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It’s dandelion season again and that means my fridge is stocked UP with homemade Dandelion Iced Tea 🙂

And I could not be more happier for spring, besides the allergy part “sniffle sniffle”.

It means a big old goodbye to those long cold DARK winter days and hello to warmth and sunshine and the bees! Oh how I love the bees!!

I used to buy dandelion tea at the store for it’s healthy benefits of course. And now I make it myself at home.

Why not it’s free! And takes little to no effort at all.

The only difference from making fresh dandelion tea to that which come from a tea bag is actually having to go outside and forge some in the lovely warm weather. What a shame, eh!

I truly believe more people would do this too if they knew how health this iced tea/tea was. 

But really it’s no secret, dandelions have been known as a Superfood by the herbalists community for some time now.

And people have been using them in all sorts of recipes all the way across Europe since the early millennium.

Did you know that dandelions are actually considered plants and are one of the top 4 most nutritious greens on the planet! Yes, “ON THE PLANET”!! And have been proven to be a lifeforce for the Bees, beetles and birds.

Actually if it wasn’t for the bee’s we would not have that natural honey or rather any natural food.

For they pollinate almost everything we natural that we eat today! Without the bee’s there is no us! So knowing all that would we still kill the dandelions?

Dandelions are a superfood and should be treated as such. Because they has the ability to detox the liver, skin and stomach and help you lose weight all at the same time.

Not only can the yellow parts be used to make many things such as this tea. The green stems and leaves can be chopped up and used to make salad or placed in a stir-fry and are known to have more vitamins A, C, K, Omega 6, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium than spinach. So if your a green shake lover then why not try dandelion greens the next time!

Picture Source: Forging for Food

See how the Dandelions float to the top of the Glass pitcher? Some will sink over the next few days but not enough to plug the spout. So leave them in there because the longer they soak the more nutrients you get.

Preventing Cancer and Fighting Free Radicals all Summer Long!

I will make this ice tea all summer long and do so by forging in my yard which is always full of dandelions. Of course I will give them a long good rinsing before making any tea, I do have dogs here.

However if you don’t have a large yard then it’s best to find a place where you are sure there has been no pesticides sprayed.

 

Check out more health benefits here: “Dandelions” 

Save the planet leave the Dandelions pesticide free: Let dandelions grow. Bees, beetles and birds need them

If you think saving the Dandelions are important too.  

Feel free to share my Quote!

 


I’m 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!

Chicken, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Skip the takeout

Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken

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Want a little spice in your life? This “Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken” is sure to hit the spot. It’s not only super simple to make it’s also one of my favorite chicken recipes of all time!! ARIBA PORTUGAL!

Wanting another tasty portuguese recipe? Try this Portuguese Beer Chicken it is AMAZING!

IS PERI PERI CHICKEN SPICY

Yes, so if your not a fan of spicy foods then you probably want to skip this meal because it uses Bird’s eye chilies.

These types of chilies are very similar to the African red chillies that are sometimes also used in this dish.

With the combination of lemon and garlic among some other spices you are sure to have a taste of the best piri piri chicken to serve tonight.

WHAT’S PERI PERI CHICKEN

Well it’s a special marinade used alot in Portuguese and South African cooking, and now of course now Worldwide.

It contains a mixture of hot chili spices that work so well with this chicken.

If you want just a plain chicken with some paprika, lemon and garlic, which is good too, I guess. Then you can omit the bird’s eye chilies, but then it won’t be Peri Peri anymore.

Otherwise you can also buy a pre made peri peri sauce, like the one in the picture below and use that alone to make this recipe. 

Also if you like the thought of having dinner served on the table in under one hour, then you’re going to be a fan of this recipe.

WHERE IS PERI PERI CHICKEN FROM

Originally it comes from Angola and Mozambique when Portuguese settlers arrived with chile peppers (known as piri-piri.

HOW TO MAKE PERI PERI CHICKEN AT HOME

  • You want to start by maranding the whole chicken in a large ziplock bag for 24 hours in advance to help with infusing the flavors more.
  • Peri peri chicken can be made in the oven or on a grill or bbq
 
I hope you give it a try, and let me know how you like it in the comments below.  Serve with a side salad and you will have yourself a great meal for 2. Till next time see you in the kitchen! 

IS PERI PERI CHICKEN HEALTHY

Yes, it contains a lot of protein and the heat from the sauce can aide in weight loss. 
 

This chicken is super tasty and takes less than an hour to prepare! 

Note: You can find these chilies at any Asian market or you can use any fresh red serrano chilies as a replacement. Please don’t mistake jalapeños for serrano peppers they are very different. Also you can buy a premade peri peri sauce and marinate your chicken in that.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I would love to hear about it! Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

ANOTHER PORTUGESES CHICKEN RECIPE THAT I MAKE OFTEN IS BELOW! 

Portuguese Beer Chicken