Italian Tuna Pasta Salad

This Healthy Italian Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect summer salad and is made with Zesty Italian salad dressing.

Yes I said it “Summer” and it’s official. We are finally saying goodbye to winter and hello to SUMMER 🙂 

You can use just about any type of lettuce mixture for this salad, I choose a good mixture for mine as you can see and it was super delicious!

This salad can be thrown together in no time at all and is filled with 5 different types of salad mix, along with some bowtie pasta, tuna.

Then tossed in a healthy balsamic, garlic dressing that you are sure to love.

I went a little lighter on the pasta for this salad, I typically use three to four cups of pasta in my pasta salads.

However for this recipe I used two cups because I REALLY wanted to highlight this lettuce.

You can serve this for the main course or as a side dish.

Because it has two cans of tuna it can be a real filling dinner option, so do not let all the greens here fool you. 

This salad can be enjoyed pretty much any time of year, but I know it will be best enjoyed on those long summer nights out on the back patio! 

I can picture it now 🙂 Can’t you?

Looking for a Awesome drink recipe to serve with this salad?

Try my “Raspberry sweet tea” that is made with agave nectar or honey.

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!

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe

This Simple Butter Chicken Recipe is sure to impress as it is just as good if not better than what you will find in most restaurants. 

Make some Homemade Garlic Naan Bread to go alongside.

Today I’m so very happy to show you this recipe for a Simple Butter Chicken Recipe that your sure to make time and time again.

Awww the infamous Butter Chicken, also known as (Murgh Makhani). Almost everyone that has tried this dish has loved this dish and if you have not tried it before at home your in for a treat!

Love Indian food as much as me? Then your going to want to try my “Creamy Coconut Chicken Curryand my “Eggplant Curry” or my “Chickpea Curry” as well. 

Oh and don’t forget the NAAN BREAD 🙂

HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN SPICY

To make this Curry easy to make, try purchasing a pre-made Butter Chicken curry powder package like the one below. 

WHAT SPICES ARE USED IN BUTTER CHICKEN 

  • Salt, Red Chilli, Turmeric, Cumin, Black Pepper, Large Cardamom, Cinnamon, Green Cardamom, Clove, Ginger, Garlic, Star Aniseed, White Pepper

I always use a BUTTER CHICKEN SPICE blend as seen below as it has all of this in it already. Otherwise if your wanting to add in your own spices I highly recommend adding 1 tsp of chili powder, cumin, turmeric and fresh crushed garlic and onions. 

 

Below you will see the pre-marinaded and cooked chicken being added to the sauce for the final step in cooking this delicious dish.

The part where your simmering the sauce, you can switch from 1/2 tsp of chili powder to 1 tsp for that extra heat. I love to do that, personally. I will add 1 tsp every time for this recipe. 

WHO INVENTED BUTTER CHICKEN

It’s origins came from three  Punjabi restaurateurs, Kundan Lal Jaggi, Kundan Lal Gujral and Thakur Dass, who founded the world-renowned Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. 

WHATS BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE MADE OF

  • Fresh Cream
  • Ghee or Butter
  • Oil
  • Cashews or Almonds if you do not have you can always use sugar for added sweetness 
  • Plain Yogurt
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic and Onions

WHAT’S BUTTER CHICKEN

It is one of the most popular Indian curries Worldwide today.

It’s become so popular that the supermarkets are now selling various versions of it in pre- packaged bottles in hopes to win your business. 

But that stuff just won’t cut if for those of us who are familiar with traditional Butter Chicken. Because real butter chicken uses ghee butter you can use regular butter if desired. Then of course there is cream and some stronger curry flavors than most of those pre-made bottled types entail. 

Plus those bottles are expensive costing near 4x the price that it takes to make it from scratch, not to mention not nearly as tasty.

IS BUTTER CHICKEN SPICY

This popular dish hails from the Indian subcontinent and is noted for its creamy and smooth butter taste, you can make it more spicy by adding an extra 1 tsp of red chili powder if desired.

Otherwise this is a mild curry compared to other traditional Indian dishes.

In comparison we would rate the spice level of this dish to other Indian dish, a 4 out of 10. 

Such as Grama masla and Indian curry powder. All which can be found in almost any grocery store spice section. 

I think the reason people by those pre-made bottles is because they think making it from scratch is hard, but I assure you it’s not.

It’s all about having the right ingredients and nothing in this ingredients list is is foreign besides possibly the fenugreek leaves also known as kasuri methi. Also that can be found in almost all grocery stores today.

HOW LONG WILL BUTTER CHICKEN LAST IN THE FRIDGE

In a sealable container up to 3 days and if you want to freeze it for meal – preps you can do that and store in the freezer up to 3 months.

We hope you enjoy this tasty dish as much as we do! Serve it alongside some naan bread and enjoy!

We don’t add as much cream to this Butter Chicken as most do, which will give it a more orange color.

If your wanting a more cream heavy type of Butter Chicken just add 1/2 cup of  cream opposed to the 1/4 cup that my recipe calls for.

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

Note: If you want a more creamy butter chicken add 1/2 cup of cream instead of the 1/4 cup that I used in this recipe.

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!

Did you like this curry?

Then you’re sure to like my “Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry” which uses coconut milk as is by far my most popular recipe on this blog. 

More Popular Curry Dishes 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?

Quick Carnitas Recipe (Pressure Cooker)

These Quick Carnitas Recipe is an inexpensive weeknight meal that can feed a crowd! 

I love making this recipe, you can either simmer it all day in your slow cooker or prepare it in less than 20 minutes in your pressure cooker. 

What kind of meat is use for Carnitas? 

Carnitas is the Mexican version of pulled pork. It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder or pork butt. This piece of meat contains more fat and helps it to stay juicy!

How to make Pork Carnitas in pressure cooker? 

You will start by searing the pork until it’s browned on all sides, then you will add all the ingredients listed here directly into the slow cooker.

Allowing it to cook throughout the day or you can cook it in under 20 minutes in the pressure cooker. 

Can’t get simpler than this, once it’s cooked you will take two forks and shred the pork on a cutting board before serving over rice or in a taco. 

Then you will be ready to have a feast fit for a Mexican Queen or King.

I love the ingredients in this recipe, because everything tastes so fresh. Adding fresh lime juice along with a fresh orange juice really makes the flavors pop, so be sure not to skip them.

Also the addition of the the raw onions surprisingly work so well here too, trust me or I should say the Mexicans!

So be sure not to skip on those very important ingredients. Serve this up with some avocados and you will have one great meal tonight. I hope you enjoy, ARRIBA MEXICO!

Looking for an awesome recipe for Mexican Salsa?

LOOKING FOR MORE TACO RECIPES?

Be sure to try these tasty recipes below!

  1. Tilapia Fish Tacos
  2. Blackened tilapia fish-tacos
  3. Barbacoa beef recipe slow cooker
  4. Pulled Pork Carnitas (Mexican Tacos)

Notes: Make sure to broil the pork once it’s been shredded, this ensures the meat is crispy just like they serve in mexico. This shredded pork can be served in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and or over rice.


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!

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

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

Crab Potato Salad

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!

 

Air Fryer Asian Chicken Drumsticks

These Air Fryer Asian Chicken Drumsticks are sweet and sticky and are cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

CAN YOU PUT FOIL IN THE AIR FRYER

Iv’e been asked this question many times and the answer is yes.

I use it often when cooking sticky foods as the clean up after is that much easier. 

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. 

If you like sweet and savory asian inspired chicken flavors, then you’re sure to want to add this recipe to your cookbook collection. 

I’m super excited to share my first Air Fryer recipe with you all today. 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.  Air fryers promise that you can get that deep fried texture without all the grease.   

So recently when I came across the Gotham air fryer, that does the exact same thing as an air fryer.

And 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. 

CAN I USE ANY KIND OF AIR FRYER? 

YES! 

HOW TO COOK CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER?

  • If your using a Kitchen Top Air Fryer, follow your Air fryers cooking instructions for chicken drumsticks.
  • Then coat the Chicken in Olive Oil vs Cooking Oil = 3 tbsp per 6 legs is enough.
  • Marinated the chicken for 30 minutes before air frying.
  • Place the Chicken in or on the Air Fryer and allow it to do the Cooking.

NOTE: Each air fryer has different cooking instructions based on size and model. It is best to check with your units information in regards to cooking times and temps for chicken drumsticks

HOW TO COOK CHICKEN ON THE GOTHAM STEEL AIR FRYER? 

  • If your using the Gotham Steel Crisper I would advise to turn your oven to Conventional bake, which will make the chicken extra crispy. Otherwise if your oven does not have that setting you can simply place the crisper on the middle rack, which works well too.
  • Follow the same instructions above. 

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 CHICKEN HEALTHY? 

Yes, in comparison to other methods of cooking chicken it is. If you have never used an air fryer, now is the time. They are more affordable now than ever. Plus they are also a much healthier way to cook food, since the fat drains away and it is never deep fried.

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 bake chicken drumsticks or legs? If you are anything like me. You would place it on a pan in the oven and sometimes use a baking sheet to catch the grease. However with the air fryer it elevates the food and allows all that (FAT) to drip away. 

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 slides right off. No scrubbing at all is needed, it could not be more simpular 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 tray !

IS AIR FRYER CHICKEN KETO?

Yes!

Wanting some more AWESOME Air Fryer recipes?

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! 

                                                                   

 

Grilled Cheese Tomato Tortellini Soup

This Grilled Cheese Tomato Tortellini Soup is super tasty and simple to make. If you like grilled cheese sandwiches then your going to love this soup!

I grew up eating grilled cheese sandwiches, I have no idea how many I have eaten in my adolescent years. But I’m guessing hundreds if not… dare i say thousands.

I mean what kid doesn’t like a grilled cheese sandwich? Now that I am grown, I like to experiment with lets say, more sophisticated recipes. You know so that my family thinks my tastes have evolved. 

This soup really satisfies my craving for a grilled cheese sandwich, which i admit comes on now and again. If you have kids, I can only imagine how much they would love this soup!

Also 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. This soup can store in the fridge for up to 3 days and or freeze for up to 3 months.

Over the years I have made this soup a few different ways and found this recipe to sure hit the spot. Actually the day I discovered “Passata Sauce” is the day I started experimenting with homemade tomato soups.

So what is Passata Sauce?

Passata Sauce is the base for all Italian tomato sauces, it is uncooked tomato puree without seeds or skins. Essentially, it is tomato sauce in its rawest form. Of course you can always use fresh tomatoes by blending them into a puree in the blender as well. Totally up to you!

Then to add a bit more of a tomato base, I will use a can of tomato paste which blends out well when added to the vegetable stock.

Serve this alongside a grilled cheese sandwich and you will be in HEAVEN!

And without further adieu the secret ingredient is Philadelphia Cream Cheese!

Liked this recipe? Try my “Tomato Soup” it is delizioso as too! 

Will you give this recipe a go? You can rate this recipe by posting a review below, I would love to hear from 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!

 

 

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!

 

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