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

Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

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This Smoked Salmon Gnocchi is made with real salmon and smoked salmon cream cheese and hits all the creamy notes.

My Smoked Salmon Gnocchi is made with fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice and whole milk. I prefer to use milk instead of cream because the cream cheese is creamy enough.

SALMON GNOCCHI

Think VALENTINES or DATE night with this one!

Since Valentines is just around the corner, I could not help myself but share this recipe with you all. The first time I had Salmon Gnocchi was actually on Valentines day a few years back.

I was  in the lower mainland and the restaurant my partner took me to was serving it as there special for the evening.

Along with white wine and the most amazing dessert! It was a memorable dinner for me and it was definitely worth the cost.

However, I have found a way to make it at home for a fraction of the cost. Now we can enjoy it whenever and not just on those special occasions!

SMOKED SALMON GNOCCHI 

You can choose to make it without the salmon fillets if desired, however I find they are a nice addition and make this more of a meal. I also love the addition of the “Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese” in this dish.

I was hesitant at first to add it, but I experimented a few times and found that 3 tbsp is the perfect amount that gives this dish the extra flavor it needs.

It really does add an extra element of flavor so be sure not to skip it. Also by adding the cream cheese you can omit the cream and replace it for a lower calorie milk option.  

Serve it in a BOWL or on a PLATE whatever tickles your FANCY!

Me having fun with the plating, don’t this look lovely!

Bon appetite! 

Other Gnocchi recipes that you’re sure to love!

Will you give this recipe a go? 

Notes: If there is skin on the salmon remove it gently once the salmon has seared. 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. ADon’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes

Farmers Sausage Mac and Cheese

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This Farmers Sausage Macaroni and Cheese is something I came up last weekend. I was craving some good old comfort food and in Canada that typically means Mac and Cheese.

HOW TO COOK FARMERS SAUSAGE

Farmers sausage is cold – smoked yet still it is uncooked and so is prepared just like any other raw sausage. It is best to slice it in half in order to cook it throughout

With this recipe, I merged my favorite sausage with a box of just that! Yes, I said it a box of macaroni and cheese. 

Now I don’t typically share recipes where I use boxed macaroni and cheese.

However for this recipe I wanted too create something for those who still love macaroni and cheese but want something more special.

Also added half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to make it more cheesy.

The kids will definitely like this recipe too! 

However if you want you  can always cook some macaroni on the side and add 2 cups of cheddar instead.

Totally up to you, also if you want to make just a simple from scratch macaroni and cheese then check out my recipe Macaroni cheese recipe it’s a fan favorite!

If you and your family like macaroni and cheese then this just steps it up a notch and tastes much better than any kind of boxed stuff.

Add in some fresh basil and it becomes such a tasty dish that can be served as a meal to just about anybody. 

Just make sure your using a good quality macaroni and cheese as it will make a world of difference in how this plate tastes.

This dish can be put together in under 20 minutes ✌ So what are you waiting for?

Grab your favorite box of macaroni and cheese, farmers sausage, shredded cheddar cheese and fresh basil and your good to go.

LOOKING FOR OTHER FARMER SAUSAGE RECIPES? Check out these recipes below! 

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!

 

Breakfast, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes

Margarita Omelette

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These Margarita Omelette are something special, made with fresh basil, passata tomato sauce, jalapeno cheese and eggs. 

I came up with this recipe recently while experimenting with different ways to use “passata tomato sauce”.

And boy oh boy this recipe is a keeper!

What is passata sauce

Well it’s a Tomato base that is used for most traditional Italian sauces.

Basically it is uncooked tomato puree without seeds or skins.

If you have ever had a margherita pizza and liked it your sure to enjoy this recipe. The taste is the same minus the bread which is replaced with eggs.

So if you are on a paleo or gluten free diet than this would be perfect.

I highly recommending using jalapeno cheese instead of mozzarella for this recipe, as it gives it that extra kick that works so well.

These omelettes are sure to be popular in your household with all those who like margarita style pizzas. And they can be enjoyed for breakfast oras a dinner.

Also feel free to use anywhere from 2 to 3 eggs for this recipe, I tend to use 3 when serving it for dinner and 2 for breakfast. This particular recipe calls for 3 each.

So you will start by simply, cooking the passata sauce along with the spinach. Once it’s been simmering for 5 minutes on medium heat.

Then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down before pouring onto the plates.

Then you can crack and beat the eggs till slightly fluffy in a medium sized bowl.

Season lightly with some salt and pepper and place in a small non stick frying pan after the butter as coasted the bottom of the pan.

Cooking the omelette is super simple, as you are just cooking it over medium high heat till it starts to bubble and firm.

You may want to shake the pan a bit to allow the egg to cook more evenly.

Then once it has firmed somewhat you will then place the shredded “Jalapeno Cheese” over the top along with the sliced cherry tomatoes.

Note: Feel free to use Mozzarella cheese instead of Jalapeno Cheese if desired.

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!

Looking for another AWESOME OMELETTE recipe? Try my Healthy Mushroom Omelette

Curries, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes

Vegan Thai Coconut Green Curry

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This Vegan Thai Coconut Green Curry is definitely on my list of all time favorite vegan meals. It’s super simple to make and is absolutely delicious. 

Now of course you can add some chicken or shrimp to this if you’d like.

But why would you? when you have this amount of flavors coming from an already AMAZING dish.

You can make it more like a soup, like I do or you can make it more of a dry dish. To make it more like a soup you will want to add in more liquid than just the coconut milk.

I stuck with vegetable stock to keep with the vegan theme. Also if you want to keep it purley vegan, be sure to omit the fish sauce, but keep in mind the taste will be slightly different from most Green Thai tastes. 

The amazing flavors in this dish come from the Green Thai Curry paste which has the traditional ingredient of “Lemongrass”, “Galangal” and “Kaffir lime leaves” in it.

You can add a few Thai bird’s eye chili slices into this also if your wanting additional heat.

However that is something I don’t always recommended because they are very hot and if not handled correctly can burn the hands and eyes.

So instead, I would recommend just a pinch of some Red Chili Paste instead. The Thai basil and cilantro is used at the end for a garnish and added flavor.

Even though we use the premade “Green Thai Curry paste” in this recipe, which has crushed Kaffir lime leaves, I also like to add a few kaffir leaves too.

Plus I always have them on hand in my freezer for when I am cooking anything Thai.

I find they really enhances the dish, however you do not have to add any kaffir lime leaves if you don’t have them. Because like I said before the s“Green thai curry paste” already has them crushed inside.

Oh and be sure not to forget to squeeze  some lime juice in at the end. It will adds that extra element of tang that is needed to create an authentic thai dish.

Once you get familiar with the basic ingredients of thai cooking, you will be shocked at how easy it is to prepare these Thai dishes at home.

Literally you can have almost any thai recipe on the table in under 30 minutes.

Our favorite “Green Thai Curry paste”.

One of our favorite Coconut Milks or look for an Organic Kind

Keep in mind a good coconut milk, will be half solid a half watery. One that is all watery does not work as well for this dish, typically organic varieties or Thai have the best products.

Notes: 

  • “Lemongrass”, “Galangal” and “Kaffir lime leaves” can be found in most Asian stores. “Thai Green Curry Paste” can be found in most Supermarkets, Thai Green Curry paste has all the above ingredients in it needed to make this dish.
  • Add in the lime last, you do not want to cook the lime because it will ruin the flavor.
  • If your wanting to use fresh “Lemongrass”, “Galangal” and “Kaffir lime leaves” do not eat them. There just for flavoring, if you’re going to use these for added flavor, make sure to bruise each item before adding to the pot.
  • Want more heat, simply add in some Thai Bird’s eye chilies or Thai Chili Paste. Caution when preparing Bird’s Eye Chilies, these chilies are very hot and can burn the eyes so proceed with caution.

If you love Thai food as much as me, then you will want to try my other thai dishes! All are AMAZING and really are some of the best ways to make Thai at home in a fraction of the time. 


I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you 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!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pasta

Traditional Beef and Cheese Lasagna

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This Traditional Beef and Cheese Lasagna reminds me of something my Mother use to make me. 

This is more of a traditional recipe for Italian lasagna and is my all time favorite way to make homemade lasagna hands down. 

Good food that lasts until next day was always something my Mother aims for. 

And this recipe is one of those dishes!

HOW TO MAKE LASAGNA RECIPE

  • First you will want to get your hands on some fresh basil for this lasagna, along with the right types of cheeses.
  • All which is very important in making a traditional lasagna.
  • For the cheeses you will want are Ricotta, Fresh Mozzarella and some Edam cheese. 
  • The Edam cheese will give this lasagna it’s nice crust.
  • Also Ricotta cheese for the inside works so good.

CAN LASAGNA BE MADE WITHOUTH RICOTTA CHEESE

Yes, you can substitute for cottage cheese if you like. It is just not as traditional! 

WILL LASAGNA NOODLES COOK IN THE OVEN

Yes, but you must pre cook them on the stove top first in boiling water. 

Then lay place them in layers between the sauce and cheese and hamburger before baking. 

This will in turn leave you will a moist yet firm and perfectly browned lasagna.

That is sure to impress even the pickets of lasagna eaters.

Give it a try and let me know what you think 🙂

Check out how perfect this Lasagna turned out.

The crust is browned to perfection!

And the cheese is oozing from everywhere, that is a perfect Lasagna to me.

Serve this Lasagna alongside a Homemade Cesar Salad with Dressing.

And you will be eating like the Italians in Provence! 

LOVE ITLAIAN FOOD? Try some of my other favorites below!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id 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!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, even if it isn’t the item I mentioned, I receive a small percentage (at no extra cost to you). This helps support this blog, and makes it possible for me to bring you new recipes! I only share links to items I personally use or would recommend, and I have no outside incentive to promote a particular item or product all opinions are my own.

 

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pizza

Farmers Sausage with Basil and Baby Tomatoes Pizza

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I call this recipe “Farmer’s Sausage Pizza” because its made with Fresh Farmers Sausage, but also has some fresh cheese and some baby tomatoes that I pulled from my garden.

Now don’t just take my word for it but this pizza is something special, unless perhaps your in NYC and you stumble upon one of those great pizza places then maybe we will have competition.

I started to make homemade pizza a few years back, because I was just so tired of being disappointed when it came to ordering it from takeout. The sauce was always wrong or the toppings where few, the dough was undercooked or over and one of us always had a complaint. Sounds familiar?

Once you learn to make homemade pizza yourself you will never go back to ordering it or settling for that plain old box stuff either. Makes a large 14 inch thin crust pizza or a medium 12 inch, wanting to feed more people? Then just double the recipe up and cut the dough in half to make more pizza’s. 

STEP 1 & 2: First make sure you have the DOUGH and SAUCE part figured out. Either make both from scratch (recipes provided below) OR buy them pre-made. 

Note: Do you like some heat to your pizza? Simply sprinkle some hot red chili peppers over the sauce. Cook on a pizza pan to ensure even cooking, if you don’t have cook your pizza on the bottom rack. Also you can double or triple up the recipe ingredients, and freeze the dough for use within the month. And make sure don’t forget the sugar, the yeast feeds off it and that allows it to rise properly.

Bubba impatiently waiting for his first slice!

 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. 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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