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Dinner ideas, Seafood

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!

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Dinner ideas

Newfoundland Cod Au Gratin

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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 Gratin & cod au grati

Appetizers & Sides, Dinner ideas, Salads, Seafood

Crab Potato Salad

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This Crab Potato Salad is made with imitation crab meat, potatoes, mayo, onions and a few secret spices. So follow along for this unique yet classic recipe that your sure to love. 

The kick off to Summer has begun. And you know what that means? 

Canada Day is right around the corner as well as BBQ’s and picnics. 

And of course getting together more with people in the great outdoors. Yippy! 

My Crab Potato salad is not only super unique! It is inexpensive and satisfying meal option for any type of gathering. 

This Crab Potato Salad is just like any other Potato Salad except it showcases our Canadian Snow Crab and is so delicious.

You can use real snow crab for this potato salad or imitation crab meat.

Both will work amazing in this recipe, so it really depends on your preference. 

This potato salad will leave your guests wanting seconds and most likely asking you for the recipe!

So if you’re looking for a unique summertime potato salad, then why not surprise everyone with this “Amazing Crab Potato Salad”.

Fresh crab works amazing in here, however you can always substitute for imitation crab which we did today and works just as good. 

This potato salad has just a hint of sweetness from the snow crab and red peppers, however it has a balance of flavors that also come from the old bay seasoning, salt, pepper and lemon juice.

I came up with this recipe a few years back and have been making every June long weekend every since for the family.

You can choose to add imitation crab meat or real crab.

Did you know that most of the Worlds snow crab comes from our Atlantic Provinces?

Yup it’s true, the best quality snow crab comes from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Newfoundland and Labrador

So it is only appropriate that it this potato salad be listed under Canadian cuisine, right? 

We hope you enjoy this potato salad as much as we do:)

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUMMER SALAD RECIPES?

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!

 

Breakfast, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Smoked Salmon Poached Egg English Muffins

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These Smoked Salmon and poached Gluten free Egg English Muffins are one of my favorite go to breakfast recipes.

 It’s not only inexpensive it’s also super simple to make, your sure to want to enjoy this breakfast time and time again.

This recipe is much healthier to say an eggs benedict recipe! The reason being is we are skipping the hollandaise sauce and highlighting the creamy egg and smoked salmon flavors.

Also if you want you can add a salmon fillet on top of the smoked salmon cream cheese, however this is an optional step as having it with just the smoked salmon cream cheese is amazing also! 

I do that often, however for this recipe I wanted to make it a little extra special. 

If cooking a salmon fillet be sure to allow it to cool down some before flaking it and then placing it onto the cream cheese. 

I like to use these Gluten Free English Muffins, however you can use your favorite brand in replace of course. 

In order to make the best eggs benedict you will want to cook the eggs just right. And to do that you will simply add 2 tbsp of white vinegar to a medium pot of boiling water.

And once it reaches a boil you will want to turn down the heat to medium – low.

When it reaches a medium – low heat, simply crack one egg into a small ramekin boil. And slowly place it into the pot, repeat with a maximum of 3 eggs per pot.

You do not want to overcrowd the eggs and allow them to cook at the bottom of the pot, once they reach a firm yet soft on the inside texture.

REMOVE them with a spatula and strain over the sink. And wulla you have poached your eggs! Those eggs are what you will use in the benedict. 

Still need direction? Here is an excellent video showing it: How to Poach an Egg

I’m a breakfast person, however most days I don’t have time to make a full breakfast and will opt for a breakfast shake such as my Cherry Berry Magic Smoothie. 

On the days where I get to stay home in the mornings, I will make a full breakfast and this is the type of breakfast I will make. 

It’s is absolutely delicious and is one of me and my partners favorite breakfasts actually. We will make this in our house at least a couple times per month. 

Now don’t forget the fresh dill it really pulls this dish together!! 

If you have never poached an egg, I promise you it’s not at all hard. You will simply want to bring a pot of water to a boil and once it reaches a boil you will stir in 2 tbsp of vinegar and then reduce it to a medium boil.

Meanwhile crack one egg at a time into a small ramekin bowl. Then you will want to dip a large spatula with holes in it of some kind into the pot and slowly pour the egg overtop of the spatula to slowly sumerge the egg in the water. 

Holding the spatula in place you will allow each egg to simmer on a medium heat for about four minutes each till cooked. You are looking for a runny yolk, not to running and not to hard. That is it! You poached an egg! Still need direction? Here is an excellent video showing it: How to Poach an Egg

Did you try this? I would love to hear about your favorite breakfast memories in the comments below. Till next time friends, see you in the kitchen 🙂

Looking for another GREAT Breakfast recipe? Check out my Black forest ham hash browns with eggs. Your gonna love this one too! 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, I appreciate every single one of you! 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

 

 

 

Appetizers & Sides, Salads

Creamy Lemon Cucumber and Tomato Salad

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This Creamy Lemon Cucumber and Tomato Salad is my favorite way to make a Cucumber salad, it’s super Fresh and Creamy! 

Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop more. 

What kind of Cucumber Salad have you tried?

The German variety that leans more towards a Vinegary taste?

Or the American Varieties that leans more toward a creamy taste?

Personally, I prefer something in between and this salad is exactly that. 

Summer is right around the corner, can you feel it in your part of the country yet?

This salad is perfect for those hot summer nights and even goes great when chilled to be taken along with any type of outdoor picnic.

This salad will taste much better if you can get your hands on some garden tomatoes, the sweeter the tomatoes the better this salad will taste. 

We sent Bubba out to our local farmers market and he came back with these large sweet and succulent tomatoes and crispy cucumbers that worked so good in the salad.

We then experimented with all few ingredients to come up with this Creamy Lemon Cucumber and Tomato Salad.  

If wanting  your to feed a larger crowd we recommend doubling this recipe with our easy to use recipe adjuster.

Doesn’t this look so fresh and just say SUMMER has arrived or what!

Note: The colder the salad the better it taste, so try to chill it in the fridge for one hour prior to serving.

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUMMER SALAD RECIPES?

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!

 

 

Instant Pot, Meal Prep, Slow Cooker recipes

Beef Borscht

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This Homemade Beef Borscht is simmered in a healthy beef bone broth and is packed full of flavor. 

HOW TO MAKE BORSCHT SOUP

Borscht can be made several different ways, so it all comes down to personal preferences. But one thing is for certain, you want to use beets. Fresh is always best, however pre frozen can work too. 

Example: Borscht Soup can be made vegetarian or not. Also it can have cabbage, red beans and potatoes in it or not.

  • Can be made VEGETARIAN, and the cabbage and beets can be shredded as with my original recipes > Ukrainian Borscht
  • Can also be made with sausage, chopped potatoes and kidney beans, see that recipe here >
  • Can be made with LARGE sliced Beets, see that recipe here > Creamy Beet Soup

And of course with it can be made with beef. As you will discover in this recipe here!! 

Feel free to make a bone broth as the base for this soup, or simply use some pre made beef stock. 

Typical bone broths take hours to prepare, however with this recipe we are skipping that and doing the long stovetop simmering part in the pressure cooker. So a quick version of bone broth!

Unless you would prefer to simmer the stock on the stovetop for 4 hours, which is another option. With the pressure cooker you can have the stock done in under 15 minutes, so i’ll leave the first and important step up to you.

Or you can be real lazy here and use a good quality pre made beef stock. This all depends on the time you have and what you prefer for your homemade borscht. 

To make this soup that faster way, you will want to have a pressure cooker and at the very minimum a food processor, which will saves you a ton of time.

Otherwise you can use a grater to get the job done as well, but be prepared to put some extra work into it.

I much prefer using the food processor as I’m able to shred most of my vegetables up very finely as opposed to chunky. After all this is a soup not a stew, right? If your looking for a more chunkier borscht soup, you can have that as well. 

After all it is all about preference.

With the beef if your using “stewing beef”, simply cut it up small enough to fit in a spoon. Sunflower oil is traditionally used also, so if you have some on hand I recommend using it.

Serve alongside some crusty bread and  a dollop of sour cream and some dill and you will be in borscht heaven!

BORSCHT HOW TO SERVE

Serve alongside some crusty bread and  a dollop of sour cream if  desired! Fresh dill also goes very well in the soup or on top of each bowl served. 

WHO INVENTED BORSCHT 

Some people think Borscht soup originated in Russia, however it’s actually from the Ukraine. When searching the web and cook books, you will find there are several ways to make borscht.

Did you know that consuming bone broth is actually good for you? Yes it’s true, bone broth has many healthy benefits such as join protection, gut health, skin, immune support and even helps to detoxifies you.

Traditionally borscht is made with beef stock and chunks of beef, and to get that bone broth beef shanks are simmered in water for most of the day. Which becomes the base for the soup, if you just want to use pre-made beef stock instead you can do that also if you like.

But don’t skip on the beef chunks/stewing beef, this is what makes the borscht beef broth after all. The bright red beets and bone broth carry so many health benefits, it’s no wonder I feel so great after eating this soup for a couple of days.

This recipe will make a large pot of soup, so if you have any any leftovers “which is highly unlikely” unless it’s just you. Then you can enjoy it over the next few days or freeze it as a meal prep option for another time if desired.

Plus the flavours in this soup develop and improve overnight, so don’t be afraid to make this large batch. There are plenty of ways to preparing borscht soup, and this is my favorite way to make the beef version.

Why? Well because one it’s simpler and two it takes less time to prepare that typical stove top borscht.

Notes: Keep in mind, as with all my recipes. If you want to make more or less of this soup, simple adjust the serving size in the ingredients section above and the servings will automatically adjust for you. And save yourself time and hassle, and let your food processor chop up your beets and cabbage up, also it gives a great consistency to the soup.

Looking for a Vegetarian Borscht recipe? Check out my other recipe here for Ukrainian Borscht

Create 4 or 5 meal preps for the week with the remaining soup 

 


 

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

Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Soups & Stews

Ukrainian Borscht

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Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of authentic Ukrainian Borscht. Allow those delicious red beets come to life! And learn the secrets to creating a bowl of soup that will transport you directly to the heart of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Borscht soup can be also made with beef chunks if desired as well, You can find my recipe for Beef Borscht Soup here. 

Ukrainian Borscht soup is one of my favorite things to make going into the colder months. The bright red beets carry so many health benefits, it’s no wonder I feel so great after eating this. 

Traditionally borscht is made with chunks of beef, however you can omit that as I have in this recipe. I like this particular recipes because it REALLY highlight the beets and cabbage more than anything. 

I did make this soup with beef stock however as it does give a really nice broth however vegetable and chicken broth will work too. Whatever you have on hand!

CAN BORSCHT BE FROZEN

This recipe will make a fairly large pot of soup, so if you have any any leftovers “which is highly unlikely” then yes you can freeze it for another time. Think meal prep, make a big pot and store it away in the freezer for some healthy grab and go lunches!

HOW LONG WILL BORSCHT KEEP IN THE FRIDGE

Up to 5 days, the longer it is stored the deeper the flavors that will develop. However if you add meat to your soup, you will want to eat it up in 2 days.

WHO INVENTED BORSCHT 

Some people think Borscht soup originated in Russia, however it’s actually from the Ukraine. When searching the web and cook books, you will find there are several ways to make borscht.

I prefer it just like this, with my vegetables chopped up very finely as opposed to the chunky versions, after all this is a soup not a stew.

To do this you will want a food processor, which will saves you a ton of time otherwise you can use a grater to get the job done. Sunflower oil is traditionally used also, so if you have some on hand I recommend using it.

I hope you like this recipe for authentic borscht soup, it’s my favorite way to make it.  

Also you can save yourself allot of time and hassle by letting your food processor chop up your beets and cabbage. Also this will gives the soup a great consistency, leaving it very creamy vs chunky.

HOW TO MAKE BORSCHT SOUP

Borscht can be made several different ways, so it all comes down to personal preferences. But one thing is for certain, you want to use beets. Fresh is always best, however pre frozen can work too. 

Example: Borscht Soup can be made vegetarian or not. Also it can have cabbage, carrots, red beans and potatoes in it or not.

  • Can be made with large SLICES OF BEETS, see recipe here > Creamy Beet Soup
  • Can also be made with sausage, chopped potatoes and kidney beans, see that recipe here > coming soon.
  • Can be made with Beef, see that recipe here > Beef Borscht

Welcome to borscht heaven!

BORSCHT HOW TO SERVE

Serve alongside some crusty bread and  a dollop of sour cream if  desired! Fresh dill also goes very well in the soup or on top of each bowl served. 

Notes: Keep in mind, as with all my recipes. If you want to make more or less of this soup, simple adjust the serving size in the ingredients section above and the servings will automatically adjust for you.

Love BORSCHT?

Check out my other recipes here for Beef Borscht & Creamy Beet Soup.

Love BEETS?

my Air Fryer Beets & my oh so popular Beet Feta Salad

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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