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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Desserts, Vegetarian

Frozen Pumpkin No Bake Cheesecake

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This Frozen Pumpkin No Bake Cheesecake is the perfect cheesecake recipe for those upcoming holiday get togethers such as Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Where you just want to serve something festive and different that the average pumpkin pie. 

This frozen spiced pumpkin cheesecake is just one of those recipes that everyone should have in their freezer around the holiday season.

Think Thanksgiving and Christmas or if you just love pumpkins and cheesecake then this recipe can really be enjoyed any time of the year.

Seriously it doesn’t get any more delicious than this dessert and trust me it’s pretty easy to make.

So go ahead and serve this to your guests and family and watch them beg for this recipe.

HOW TO MAKE A Frozen Pumpkin No Bake Cheesecake

TO MAKE THE FROZEN SPICED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE CRUST:

  1. Start by making your base/crust, in a large bowl place your graham crackers, brown sugar and melted butter. Mix this together with a spoon and then use your hands to press it together so it sticks. Lightly oil your cheesecake pan and then place your graham cracker crust inside. Press firmly down to create your crust.

NO-BAKE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:

  1. Chill pie crust for at 30 minutes prior to filling. Prior to serving, rub the outside and bottom of the cheesecake pan with a wringed out hot cloth this helps to release the pan from the crust.
  2. Baked graham crust: Preheat oven to 325°. Bake crust for 10 minutes, cool completely before filling.
  3. Add 2 packages of cream cheese to a large bowl and with your hand held blender whisk in a can of condensed milk, whipped cream and vanilla extract. Blend till smooth, be careful to not over blend.
  4. Pour over your crust slowly then chill in the freezer anywhere from 6 to 24 hours.

FINISHING THE CHEESECAKE:

  1. Once your cake is absolutely cold, release the cheesecake from the pan slowly.
  2. Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over top
  3. Cut and allow to defrost for roughly 20 minutes, enjoy!

What better way to celebrate fall in the kitchen than with a Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake?

This Cheesecake will have you and those who get a chance to have a slice wanting more. And the nice thing is this 8″ inch cake can serve 12 people easily.

Since this is a no bake cake, you are going to want to prepare it the day ahead. Then allow it to set in the freezer for at least 6 hours prior to serving.

Tucker, you can serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the top prior to serving if desired.

However the rest of the Canadian Cooking Adventures team thinks it’s best with just a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, so we will leave that up to you.

This is the most creamy and tasty cheesecake, perfect for the holidays!

Also be sure to use “pumpkin puree” not “filling”, there is big difference here.

For this recipe, I used 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, because I really like a thin crust however most recipes will call for 2 cups which makes a slightly thicker crust.

If you prefer a thicker crust then use the 2 cups.

Note: You can put a dollop of whipped cream on top. Place your cake back in the freezer or it will melt this cheesecake is best chilled frozen.

Inspired by: Chelsea’s Messy Apron ~ Frozen Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

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!

Chicken, Curries, Quick and easy recipes, Soups & Stews

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe

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This Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe is something I like to make after making a whole chicken. 

Start by making a Whole Chicken recipe you can find that recipe here.

WHAT TO DO WITH ROTISSERIE CHICKEN LEFTOVER

Make this soup 🙂 This soup utilizes the bones of your leftover Rotisserie chicken to make a chicken bone broth for the most amazing soup. 

Whenever I or someone I love gets sick with a cold. The first thing I do is make a large batch of homemade chicken soup.

And the best way and cheapest way to make this soup too, is to use the meat and bones from a leftover rotisserie chicken from the night before.

Two meals in one. IT’S A WIN WIN!

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP WITHOUT NOODLES

There are a few versions of this kind of of soup out there, this one is a little different as it uses the leftover bones for the chicken broth. And has no noodles in it, of course you can add them if you’d like.

Just make sure your adding more stock or very little noodles to this particular recipe.

And as you may know bone broth is said to be nature’s pharmacy.

And so this soup has everything you need in it to ward off any type of cold or flu.

It defiantly will help your body rests and works to get better.

WHAT IS IN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP

This soup is packed with garlic, ginger, curry, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne and paprika spices that are sure to make you feel better feel.

The benefits soon after sipping this warm soup will be felt all over.

Serve alongside with a lemon wedges if desired for an extra punch of vitamin C, I hope feel so good after sipping this warm bowl of soup!

This is real soup, not that over processed stuff that comes from a can.

How To Make Rotisserie Chicken Soup

  1. Start by shredding the cooked chicken breasts with two forks and set aside.
  2. Next chop 2 green onions into bite size pieces and set aside
  3. Mince the garlic from 3 garlic and set aside. 
  4. Mince the ginger and set aside. 
  5. Next remove all the meat left on your Rotisserie chicken and then place the chicken carcass into a large stock pot and add 8 cups of water along with your minced garlic and ginger.
  6. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes turning a few times to allow the stock to develop.
  7. Once the stock has developed, discard the carcass and place the stock aside in a large bowl.
  8. In the same -pot add in all the spices, soya sauce and simmer on medium – low for 15 minutes.
  9. Season with salt and enjoy warm, allowing your body to heal itself.

You can add more vegetables you like, such as: 

  • KALE
  • SPINACH
  • CELERY

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP WITH RICE

Yes, go ahead and add rice or noodles during the cooking process if you’d like. 

Just make sure that you are following the directions on the package for the cooking times. And do not add more than 1/2 a cup otherwise the liquid will be all gone. 

I have plenty of soup of other soups on this site that would help anyone to feel better. One of which is my Vegetable Egg drop soup. It is absolutely delicious and healthy for you as well.

And my Duck Pho Soup

Bok Choy Chicken Garlic (Flu-Fighter) Soup

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!

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

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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Desserts

Christmas Cheesecake

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This Christmas Cheesecake is the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations! 

The Christmas Holidays are here once again! 

And boy oh boy am I excited! The holidays mean different things to different people, but I think we can all agree that it’s a time to rest and hopefully relax spending some quality time with those we love. And I hope this cheesecake may just be that one thing that helps with that.

CHRISTMAS CHEESECAKE NO BAKE

This cheesecake here is a no bake cheesecake, just so you know!

That means the only thing that is being cooked is the gram cracker crust, the rest is frozen prior to serving! 

WHY IS IT PURPLE

You may be thinking, how did you get that cheesecake purple? And is it even healthy! The answer to that is yes, it is healthy.

And it is made with purple yams.

If you have never cooked with purple yam before, trust me it is not hard.

It is like cooking any other yam actually. 

HOW TO PURPLE YAMS TASTE

You’re probably wondering if purple yams taste good in a cheesecake right? Well I assure you they do, purple yams are often cooked in cakes in the Philippines. And are a bit sweet and make for an excellent addition in a cheesecake. 

In the Philippines this cheesecakes is actually known as “Ube”.

Purple yams are packed with vitamins, such as A, C and are a good source of copper, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron.

And are known to improve blood sugar regulation and some studies have discovered significant antibacterial and antifungal properties.

HOW DOES A PURPLE YAM LOOK COOKED

HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS CHEESECAKE

  1. Start by making your base/crust, in a large bowl place your graham crackers, brown sugar and melted butter. Mix this together with a spoon and then use your hands to press it together so it sticks.
  2. Lightly oil your cheesecake pan and then place your graham cracker crust inside. Press firmly down to create your crust. No-bake graham cracker crust: Chill pie crust for at 30 minutes prior to filling. Prior to serving, rub the outside and bottom of the cheesecake pan with a wringed out hot cloth this helps to release the pan from the crust. Baked graham crust: Preheat oven to 325°. Bake crust for 10 minutes, cool completely before filling.

FILLING:

  1. Wash and cut your yams into bite size pieces and boil in a pot of water till tender.
  2. Strain your yams and allow to cool. Once your Purple Yams have cooled, mash them in a large bowl till smooth.
  3. Then add 2 packages of cream cheese and with your hand held blender whisk together till smooth. Add in your condensed milk, nutmeg and ground cinnamon. Pour over your crust slowly then chill in the freezer anywhere from 6 to 24 hours.

FINISHING THE CHEESECAKE:

  1. Once your cake is absolutely cold, release the cheesecake from the pan slowly.
  2. Add more whipped cream around the cake to decorate!
  3. Cut and allow to defrost for roughly 20 minutes, enjoy!
  • I like to use an 8″ inch cheesecake pan for this recipe which gives you a thick cheesecake as seen in the pictures below, which can serve 12 people.
  • If you prefer a thinner cheesecake, you can then use a 9″inch cheesecake pan. Really there is not much to it, besides boiling some purple yams, preparing your crust and whip up some cream cheese, along with whipped cream to give it the perfect lightness that makes this dessert so decadent!

Be sure not to skimp on the “whip cream” here because it really makes this cake come together perfectly.

If that is not more reason to enjoy them this holiday season in a cheesecake then I don’t know what is!

Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays!

Note: Place your cake back in the freezer or it will melt this cheesecake is best kept chilled. If you like a thinner graham cracker crust, feel free to use 1 1/2 cups of crushed crackers instead of 2.

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!

Chicken, Curries, Quick and easy recipes

Chicken Korma with Coconut Milk

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This Chicken Korma with Coconut Milk is easy to make and is made with coconut milk as opposed to yogurt. It can be prepared on the stove top in less than 30 minutes or in your pressure cooker in around 10 minutes time. A meal that will have you skipping the takeout every time.

Wanting more delicious Indian Chicken curry recipes? Try my Old fashioned Chicken curry or my Pakistani Chicken Curry. And even try your hand at some Homemade Naan Bread!

Your family will not believe this dish is being served straight from your kitchen, it’s that good. 

I used to order this type of dish at our local East Indian restaurant, however now I make it often at home. 

This simple curry will impress even the pickiest of eaters. 

And will have your family thinking that you either a) ordered this from your local Indian restaurant or b) have taken some cooking lessons because it tastes so amazing! 

You can by a pre-made Korma spice mix and make this dish even easy to make for yourself!

See the mix that you can use instead of all the individual spices listed below in the recipe card.

IS CHICKEN KORMA HEALTHY? 

Yes in most cases it is, however it really depends on the way it is made. Some curries call for heavy cream and lots of butter.

Like the typically butter chicken recipe that we have all come to know and love.

I love butter chicken just like the rest of you. However I have learned to make it slightly healthier. Feel free to check out my recipe here for that recipe: Butter Chicken.

My recipe here calls for coconut milk and no cream. Making this a very healthy curry option for those trying to watch their calorie intake. 

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN KORMA WITH COCONUT MILK?

Cooking methods:

  • Simmer on a low-medium heat for 30 minutes 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.

Today, I used my pressure cooker because I was in a hurry to have dinner on the table so I could watch my favorite recorded show on the PVR.  

However this type of dish can be made either way.

This delicious curry is made with boneless chicken breast and simmered in a rich tomato, coconut sauce that you’re sure love time and time again.

WHAT IS CHICKEN KORMA?

Chicken Korma is a popular dish that originate from Indian, consisting of meat or vegetables braised with yogurt or cream, water or stock, and spices to produce a thick sauce. 

Chicken Korma is the ultimate comfort food for a lot of Indian people. And is typically served over a bed of Jasmine rice and or naan bread. 

As you may know if you have been to my blog before, I LOVE Curry.

So if you like curried foods as much as me then you are going to love this simple recipe too. 

Guaranteed! Plus it is a tad different than the average chicken curry recipes.

SPICES USED IN COCONUT KORMA

  • Curry Powder
  • Garam Masala
  • Turmeric
  • Ground Coriander
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Cumin Seed
  • Ground Cardamom
  • Freshly Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Kasoori Methi” = “Dried fenugreek” , optional

The green seasoning you see on top of this dish is called “Kasoori Methi” which is basically dried fenugreek” leaves. It can be found in almost any international isle at your local grocery. See below!

If you cannot find “dried fenugreek” leaves you can just omit it. However I find it adds an extra element to the dish that is really nice.

I have shared a few other curry recipes here on my blog, however this is the first one with coconut milk vs cream/milk. So if your lactose intolerant than this dish may be right up your ally. 

WHAT GOES WITH CHICKEN KORMA?

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.

I will share my favorite Naan bread recipe with you all on this blog very soon  so stay tuned

If you end up giving it a try, do let me know in the comments below. I would love to know what you think 

If you LOVE curry as much as me, simply go ahead and search my site for more of my curry recipes.

Inspired by: thewanderlustkitchen.com

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!

 

Appetizers & Sides, Christmas & Thanksgiving

Sweet and Savory Stuffing

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This Sweet and Savory Stuffing is one of my favorites, it can be made outside the bird or inside. Made with rye bread, onions, celery, dried cranberries and a ton of savory spices. You are sure to love it just as much as we do. 

This recipe can go hand in hand with making a turkey. So if your making on today, then this recipe can be made alongside very easily.

I like to add a Turkey neck on top of my stuffing, I find it gives it a little extra flavor. Then you can serve it to whoever likes that part of the bird, or you an add it to your homemade turkey stock.

Might as well untalize the whole bird right?

However depending on how you prefer to prepare your stuffing it it will turn out amazing! As you may know, I like to make my “Stuffings” which are really “Dressings” outside the bird.

This let’s the turkey cook better and I find much better.

Now you can let the bread dry out on the counter for a minimum of 24 hours prior to using it.

Otherwise you can pull it apart and place it onto a large cooking pan and bake it at 200 f for 35 minutes till it dries out.

More Christmas & Thanksgiving recipes you may like:

See below for more inspiration!
Appetizers & Sides, Bread, Desserts

Chocolate Chunk Nut Banana Bread

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I have been told on numerous occasions that my Chocolate Chunk Nut Banana bread is Amazing. I will let you be the decider on that though!

This bread is kind of like eating a cake and a cookie all at once, but way more healthier than a cake or cookie.

Because are omitting the oil and using 3 ripe Bananas (the riper the better) + Macadamia & Walnut pieces that makes this a very nutritious and satisfying snack.

Soft and Moist on the inside, and slightly crunchy on the outside. This is the stuff dreams are made of if you ask me 🙂 I hope you give it a try!

Note: You can substitute chopped pecans, hazelnuts or almonds if you prefer.

 


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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Drinks and Smoothies, New Year's

Original Eggnog Recipe

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Try My Original Eggnog Recipe and you will never want to go back to store bought again.  

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can put us in the holiday spirit. And for me it is making this EGGNOG from scratch at home. 

For me sitting by the fireplace at nights with a cold glass of eggnog is that time, where I let everything slow down and allow myself to be grateful for the year soon to pass and hope for joy in the year to come

Whatever it is you do to recreate the warmth and magic of Christmas season, I truly hope you get that moment of peace on earth. hope it works for you.

WHY EGGNOG AT CHRISTMAS

Eggnog is believed to have descended from a drink called a “posset,” which consisted of hot curdled milk with the addition of added spices. Which became very popular around the Christmas holidays in England where it warmed the souls and hearts of many.

WHERE EGGNOG ORIGINATE FROM

Old England!

I have never been much of a store-bought eggnog fan because I find it’s to thick and sugary, not to mention not near as good as the homemade stuff!

I much prefer good old home cooking around the holidays.

And I think most people feel the same, because homemade is just that much better right? 

Well the same goes for eggnog, so I’m sharing my all time favorite recipe for a homemade eggnog that is not to thick or sugary and spiced oh so perfectly to warm anyone’s soul.

This nog only contains 5 egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar, so if you’re wanting a lighter eggnog just omit the cream for whole milk and se less egg yolks. 

Looking online for the perfect eggnog recipe, may leave you confused. Wondering, should I make my eggnog with raw or cooked eggs?

Well I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the thought of drinking raw eggs, so for me that is not an option, yuck!!

So if you are debating whether or not to make this recipe or someone else’s recipe that may call for raw eggs, I plead with you please don’t!

Raw eggs can be very dangerous since some carry salmonella, so cooking this eggnog ensures you are safe, plus it tastes sooo much better.

I usually overindulged in the stuff in the evenings, but it’s Christmas and it’s allowed right? Wishing you and yours very happy and safe holiday season.

The meringue gives it that foamy effect

The eggnog poured into a pretty purple/clear cup. 

CAN EGGNOG GO BAD

Yes, homemade eggnog should be enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of making it. However, honestly it does not last more than a few hours in my house. And if your house has more than 2 people in it. I’m sure it will be the same story! 

 

Note: Make sure you are cooking all the egg as specified in the steps above to ensure you are not 1 in 200,000 people who contact salmonella annual from raw eggs. Also you can add some Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum to this nog once it’s cooked for a boozy drink.

 

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!