Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is as simple as it gets yet fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Easy baked macaroni and cheese is a classic recipe, that may just have you doing the happy dance.

This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, it’s simple and the best. So whenever that craving hits for some real Macaroni and Cheese, this recipe is sure to please.

Don’t you ever just have a craving for some “Good Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese”?But not that  stuff you get from the box, more like the kind before the box stuff was ever invented. Well then you are in the right place 🙂

The ultimate comfort food ready to enjoy!

BEST CHEESE FOR MAC AND CHEESE

Gruyere, Velveeta, Brie, Gouda, Parmesan, Havarti and Monterey Jack

HOW MACARONI AND CHEESE IS MADE

I like to make my mac and cheese extra special by adding panko breadcrumbs on top along with fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, THIS is the stuff dreams are made of.

To make a very cheesy pasta ~ Boil one Box of Macaroni which is 375 grams typically  =8.82 ounces. To make a lighter less cheesy version, yet still very good pasta ~ Boil 450 grams of Macaroni.

We hope you enjoy it as well! Creamy with the right amount of crunch!

Also want to make two batches? Just double the recipe and use two baking pans. This freezes easily for another day, just let it cool and then seal it in a ziplock bag.

Transfer to a lightly oiled baking dish the day of baking and top with your breadcrumbs and bake.

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

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!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are sweet with a hint of spice. I like to serve them alongside a spicy mayo! 

WHAT IS AIR FRYING?

Air frying is a healthy alternative to deep frying food. And most air fryers have been marketed in a way to make you think that this cooking technique is best for those who make a lot of those at home.  

Well I am here to tell you that you do not need to just be a deep fried food lover to want to use this cooking method. RATHER if you love to bake food, then this is also a great alternative. And in most cases is much healthier than traditional baking methods. 

Because air frying mimics deep fried foods but uses little to no oil. And if your cooking something fatty, the fat will drip away and off the food. So you can enjoy all the same deep – fried or baked foods that we have all come to know and love again but in a healthy way.

The air hot air is what cooks the food not the oil. If you have some frozen foods on hand, feel free to throw out any deep fryer you may have because the air fryer can now do the same job. 

But it is not only frozen food that can be cooked this way, pretty much any food you can think of can. 

Such as my Best Air Fryer French Friesthey are so tasty too! 

This is my second AIR FRYER recipe that I have shared on this blog. And I hope you like it!

As you may know I have been on the fence for the past year about buying an air fryer.

Mainly because I do not eat a lot of deep fried foods and also because I could not fathom spending $200 plus for ONE.    

So recently when I came across the Gotham air fryer, that does the exact same thing as an air fryer. I knew that I had to try it! So I’m now starting a Air Fryer collection of recipes on this blog because I have fallen in love with this NEW kitchen tool. 

HOW TO MAKE SWEET POTATO FRIES IN AN AIR FRYER?

  • Start by slicing the yam fries on a cutting board into 1/4 inch slices. 
  • Once the yam is sliced into slim fries, place them into a large bowl and submerge in water.
  • Soak for a minimum of 30 minutes on the counter.
  • Then drain and place the fries in another bowl and season with cornstarch and toss to coat.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over top of the fries and season away! 
  • Place the fries in or on the Air Fryer making sure they are not crowded, then allow it to do the Cooking.
  • Bake at 400 F for 30 minutes! 

HOW TO MAKE SWEET POTATO FRIES ON THE GOTHAM AIR CRISPER TRAY?

  • If your using the Gotham Steel Crisper I would advise to turn your oven to Conventional bake, which will make the fries more crispy.
  • Otherwise, if your oven does not have that setting you can simply place the crisper on the middle rack. 

WHAT MAKES FRIES CRISPY?

The air flow that is create under and around the sweet potato fries. The more dryer they become the more crispy they will become. Also the thinner the fries the easier it is for them to become crispy, I like to cut mine about 1/4 to 1/2 of a inch thick.

Also surprisingly soak them in water beforehand helps to remove the starch as it soaks into the water. The starch is what hinders the moisture from escaping. Which in turn prevents the fries from burning to a crisp and keeps them moist inside and crispy on the out. 

CAN I USE ANY KIND OF AIR FRYER? 

YES!  Air fryers promise that you can get that deep fried texture without all the grease. 

If you have a table top Air Fryer all these recipes will work the same. Because Air Fryers all use the same type of cooking techniques. 

IS AIR FRYER FRIES HEALTHY? 

Yes, very. Since the hot air is doing all the frying, saving you from using oil. But also giving you a deep fried taste without all those trans fats. The food ends up crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

If you have never used an air fryer, now is the best time to start. Because they are more affordable now than ever before. 

Some people think that an Air Fryer is mostly for people who eat a lot of fried food. I admit I once was apart of that group, however I soon realised that if you like to bake foods too. Like I do, then the air fryer really cuts out a lot of the unnecessary fat.

Think of it, how do you typically eat fries? Deep fried of course. However with the air fryer it elevates the food and allows all that (FAT) to drip away, which creates a fat free crisp that you will love. 

Plus if you use the Gotham Air Fryer it is super simple to clean, I am talking hard sticky food at the bottom of the tray just slides right off. No scrubbing at all is needed, it couldn’t be more simpular that this guys.

Another reason I like the Gotham Air Fryer is because it cooks more food than the typical table top Air Fryers. Because it has a lot of space on that large tray !

Wanting some more AWESOME Air Fryer recipes?

Try my other recipes below!

Stay tuned to this blog for more “Air Fryer inspired recipes to come!

★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! 

© CanadianCookingAdventures.  All images and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. Please do not use any images without prior permission.  Please do not republish this recipe.  If you want to reference this recipe, link directly back to this post. Thank you, Jacqueline 

Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts

These Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts make for an excellent side dish to just about any meal. 

I like to serve these honey roasted brussels sprouts almost every other week in our home. And this recipe is one of those simple yet delicious recipes that even the kids will love.

Why? Because they are sweet of course. What kid does not like sweet food!

Sweetened with just the right amount of honey, these are sure to please just about everyone in the house. I did add some mustard as well which really brings these sprouts into their full flavor. 

I hope you give them a try and be sure to tweak the honey / mustard ratio according to your families taste.

This recipe also makes for an amazing side dish to just about any type of holiday meal.

Think Easter, Christmas and thanksgiving.

Looking for more Christmas & Thanksgiving recipes?

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!

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 FacebookPinterestand Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

 

Easy Italian Sausage Gnocchi recipe

This easy creamy one pan Italian Sausage Gnocchi recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients that produce big flavors. Plus it is ready in 30 minutes which makes for a win win dinner that the whole family will enjoy!

The Gnocchi is simmered in a light cream sauce that is made of chicken stock, parmesan cheese, sour cream and Dijon mustard.

Along with fresh sage and few Italian spices that sure enhances all those ingredients very well.

Looking for more tasty recipes that utilize gnocchi? Try my Gnocchi soup or my Vegetarian Gnocchi

Isn’t this dish very similar to Tuscan style dishes?

Yes, it is. Tuscan dishes use simple ingredients that are not covered in any heavy sauces.

So even though this dish is creamy, it does not use cream or butter and is rather light.

Also you can take this dish from mild to hot simply by choosing a hotter sausage. 

We are simply substituting that heavy cream for a more healthy olive oil and chicken stock. 

So hold onto your hats for this one ladies and gents, because this dish is far more healthier than most of those Tuscan recipes out there. 

Can I replace the Sausage for Chicken?

YES, you can use a chicken breast in replace of the sausage. 

To make this dish all you will need is one large cooking pot/pan. 

Start by cooking the gnocchi by boiling it in the pot/pan.

Once that is done you can prepare the remaining ingredients.

From there everything will come together in the same pot/pan in under 15 minutes! 

This recipe can be served as a romantic dinner for two or double the recipe and then you can serve a family of four or more. 

Delizioso!

Easy Italian Sausage Gnocchi recipe

Looking for a Tuscan inspired recipe? Try my “Tuscan Salmon” it is Delicious as well. 

Other Gnocchi recipes that you’re sure to love!

Will you give this recipe a go? 

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★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! 

Cod Au Gratin

This Cod Au Gratin with Corn is a filling a satisfying meal that really highlights cod fish. It is a traditional recipe that comes from the maritimes in Canada. 

What does Cod Au Gratin mean? Cod au Gratin is a traditional french recipe that means white fish covered in breadcrumbs and cheese. Looking for more Eastern Canadian recipes?Try my Lobster Ravioli Sauce recipe

You can add corn or any vegetable you like or omit the vegetable and just have the fish. I have made this dish before on this site and today I made it again with the addition of corn. If you would like to check out my original recipes, here it is Newfoundland Cod Au Gratin

If you’re looking for a excellent recipe that utilizes fresh or frozen cod fish, then you have just found it!

The first time I made “Cod au Gratin” was last week. Believe it or not! And I loved it! I served it alongside a salad. And thought to myself, wow corn would be really good in this.

So I create this the very next day! We basically have been eating “Cod Au Gratin” for the past few days. And no one is complaining! It is delicious and filling. 

It is finished off in the oven or under the broiler till it gets perfectly browned.

HOW TO MAKE NEWFOUNDLAND COD AU GRATIN?

  • You will want to start with some fresh cod or frozen that has been defrosted and patted dry.
  • Then you will want to set aside some shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
  • You will start by heating some milk in a small saucepan till hot, once the milk has reached that hot consistency. Remove it from the heat and create the roux.
  • Create a roux by heating the butter first then flour then whisking the milk in with a whisk to create a smooth texture. 
  • Turn up the heat to medium heat before adding in the parmesan cheese and dijon mustard. Then remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Place the fish in the bottom of a shallow baking dish and toss with olive oil then season with onion powder and salt + pepper.
  • Once the fish has been seasoned, simply pour over the roux and season with fresh dill. 
  • In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with olive oil and 2 tbsp of water and place overtop of the fish/roux.
  • Cover with the shredded cheddar cheese and bake at 350 till done.

WHAT IS COD AU GRATIN

Cod Au Gratin is a dish that is topped with a white sauce, then cheese and or bread crumbs. 

It also is a dish that originates from the maritime provinces in Canada, Newfoundland to be exact. It is a dish consisting of fresh cod, flour, bread crumbs, lemon juice, cheese, and other seasonings and spices.

Some people use breadcrumbs and onions, while others don’t.

For this dish we used onion powder, panko bread crumbs and a little Dijon mustard. It is all about personal preference when it comes to making this or any dish. 

We ask our Direction of Operation what he thought, about the dishes original origins. He stated that it is a well known fact that Newfoundland has a deep connection to it’s Irish and English heritage.

However he thinks that the dish was introduced by the French. What do you think?

If anyone knows indefinitely, we would love to hear about it! 

CAN I USE FROZEN COD FOR COD A GRATIN?

Yes, and that is what I used. Just be sure to defrost it and pat it dry prior to using. I find the best way to defrost fish is in a warm bath of water. Not hot and not cold, warm is perfect. 

WHAT GOES WITH COD AU GRATIN?

  • Salad
  • Corn on the cob, frozen corn or another vegetable of your liking

After doing some more research on it, I learned their are slightly different ways to make it. And so I used what skills I have in the kitchen and made my own variation. 

I hope you give it a try, because it is absolutely amazing!

CAN COD AU GRATIN BE FROZEN?

Yes, that is if you are using fresh cod to begin with. You will want to purchase the freshest cod possible, then you will make the dish exactly as stated.

However before freezing it, be sure to allow the roux to cool down completely before pouring over the fish and do not bake it. Safe that for the day you want to eat it. Remove from the freezer and simply bake at 350 for 45 minutes till done!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! 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!

LOOKING FOR MORE FISH RECIPE?

Newfoundland Cod Au Gratin

Newfoundland Cod Au Gratin is a traditional recipe that comes from the Maritimes in Eastern Canada. It’s also super easy to make and absolutely delicious! 

Newfoundland Cod Au Gratin

If you’re looking for a excellent recipe that utilizes fresh or frozen cod fish, then you have just found it!

It is finished off in the oven or under the broiler till it gets perfectly browned.

I made my cod au gratin in two oven safe baking dishes, however you can also make this exact recipe in a 8.1in X 2.1in baking dish. 

Wanting to make more? Simply double the recipe with my easy to use recipe adjuster above in the ingredients section! Then you can use a large baking dish and serve more people with that!

WHAT IS COD AU GRATIN? 

Cod Au Gratin is a dish that originates from the maritime provinces in Canada, Newfoundland to be exact. It is a dish consisting of fresh cod, flour, bread crumbs, lemon juice, cheese, and other seasonings and spices.

Some people use breadcrumbs and onions, while others don’t. For this dish we used onion powder, panko bread crumbs and a little dijon mustard. It is all about personal preference when it comes to making this or any dish. 

We ask our Direction of Operation what he thought, about the dishes original origins. He stated that it is a well known fact that Newfoundland has a deep connection to it’s Irish and English heritage.

However he thinks that the dish was introduced by the French. What do you think?

If anyone knows indefinitely, we would love to hear about it! 

CAN I USE FROZEN COD FOR COD A GRATIN?

Yes, and that is what I used. Just be sure to defrost it and pat it dry prior to using. I find the best way to defrost fish is in a warm bath of water. Not hot and not cold, luke warm is perfect. 

HOW TO MAKE NEWFOUNDLAND COD AU GRATIN?

 

HOW LONG TO COOK COD AU GRATIN

  • You will want to start with some fresh cod or frozen that has been defrosted and patted dry.
  • Then you will want to set aside some shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
  • You will start by heating some milk in a small saucepan till hot, once the milk has reached that hot consistency. Remove it from the heat and create the roux.
  • Create a roux by heating the butter first then flour then whisking the milk in with a whisk to create a smooth texture. 
  • Turn up the heat to medium heat before adding in the parmesan cheese and dijon mustard. Then remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Place the fish in the bottom of a shallow baking dish and toss with olive oil then season with onion powder and salt + pepper.
  • Once the fish has been seasoned, simply pour over the roux and season with fresh dill. 
  • In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with olive oil and 2 tbsp of water and place overtop of the fish/roux.
  • Cover with the shredded cheddar cheese and bake at 350
  • Individual cod au gratin dishes should take about 30 minutes.
  • Larger dishes take a bit longer, be sure to check the center of the dish to ensure the fish is flaky and cooked before serving! 

I’m really surprised that I have never heard of this dish before, however Canada is a BIG Country.

And Newfoundland is located on the far east and I on the West. So I guess it makes sense, but now that I know of it.

I am forever hooked!! It is not only super simple to make and it is also a very healthy and a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

WHAT GOES WITH COD AU GRATIN?

  • Salad
  • Corn on the cob, frozen corn or another vegetable of your liking

I recently learned about this dish from another Canadian food blogger named Dawn who is over at Girl Heart Food.

She actually lives in Newfoundland and shared her recipe on her instagram feed last week, I was immediately intrigued and vowed to try it.

After doing some more research on it, I learned their are slightly different ways to make it. And so I used what skills I have in the kitchen and made my own variation. 

I hope you give it a try, because it is absolutely amazing!

CAN COD AU GRATIN BE FROZEN?

Yes, that is if you are using fresh cod to begin with. You will want to purchase the freshest cod possible, then you will make the dish exactly as stated.

However before freezing it, be sure to allow the roux to cool down completely before pouring over the fish and do not bake it. Safe that for the day you want to eat it. Remove from the freezer and simply bake at 350 for 45 minutes till done!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! 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!

Inspired by two Newfoundland Canadian Bloggers, you can find their recipes here: Cod Au Gratincod au grati

Pappardelle Pasta Recipe

This Pappardelle Pasta Recipe is absolutely delicious and is made with chicken breasts and mushrooms. 

Looking for more recipes that utilize pappardelle pasta. Try my Lobster Pasta or Pappardelle Bolognese!

WHAT IS PAPPARDELLE PASTA

Pappardelle are long, flat and broad ribbons of egg pasta, that originate in Tuscany, Italy.  

HOW TO MAKE PAPPARDELLE PASTA RECIPE

This dish uses dried uncooked pappardelle pasta, white mushrooms, whole chicken breasts and fresh parsley. 

Which comes in a creamy sauce that is sure to make enhance the flavor of the pappardelle noodles.

This dish is very elegant and would be very impressive to serve to a loved one on any special occasions. 

This versatile dish is so quick and easy to make and can really can be served on any day. 

Last year, me and my partner went out for Valentines day.

And it ended up costing us lot.

That is also because Valentine’s day is one of the most busiest dining nights out of the year.

So of course they are going to charge more, make sense right? 

So in the future I think I will be making this dish at home instead and then pairing it with a bottle of wine. 

Giving anyone a fancy dining experience for two for under $40 dollars.

Oh and expect leftovers because this pasta makes a few bowls 😉

If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish for tonight’s dinner?

Feel free to omit the chicken and just use mushrooms.

You can also add in some spinach if you’d like to replace the chicken!

This dish can be made vegan as sell. 

However you would want to replace the butter, parmesan cheese and whole milk with those vegan substitutes of course.

And of course you can use “gluten free” pasta if your on such a diet.

So really there is no excuse to not indulging once in a while in such an amazing dish.

To make this dish all you will need is one large cooking pot, what can be easier than that.

Since pappardelle pasta noodles are not very starchy it’s okay to throw them in dring the last phases of cooking.

If you are using another heavy pasta, then you may want to pre cook the pasta then through it in at the end instead. 

Squeeze the juice from a lemon overtop before serving and you will be in pasta heaven… Bone appetite!

Looking for a NEW MEAL PREP option for the week. This recipe is perfect for that 🙂

I like to make meal preps with my leftovers. They freeze well too! 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! 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!

Other pasta Dishes you will love