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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Quick and easy recipes

Simple Swedish Meatballs

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These Simple Swedish Meatballs are served over a bed of egg noodles in a creamy low fat sauce. A recipe that you and your family are sure to love. 

WHO SELLS SWEDISH MEATBALLS

Costco does but so does President’s Choice. 

So what does that mean? It means you can have creamy Swedish Meatballs on the table in less than 20 minutes! 

That is the reason I call these Simple Swedish Meatballs because really there is no fuss when it comes to making this popular recipe.

You can literally have this whole dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes! 

Making swedish meatballs this way becomes a weeknight meal savor if you ask me. Because instead of making these meatballs from scratch which take a fair bit of time and technique.

Your simply using some pre made meatballs that are fail proof and do not need to be baked. 

Your going to love this really inexpensive dinner option, trust me

This recipe serves a family of four or you can use my easy to use recipe adjuster and make it for more people if you like.

Your family will think you where slaving in the kitchen all day making meatballs when really you were doing other important things 😉

Keep in mind those pre made meatballs come in a package that has 907 grams. I only used 650 grams of those meatballs and that alone feeds four people. So taking that into consideration this recipe is also frugal!

The brand that I like to use is President’s Choice Swedish Meatballs. You can use your favorite pre made meatballs of course and even opt for a chicken or a vegan variety, totally up to you.

Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food and typically are served overtop a bed of large egg noodles, however you can serve them over mash potatoes as well if  desired. 

I like to saute the meatballs in butter and oil first which helps bring out the flavor more.

Then I will use that same butter and oil to make a roux for the sauce that turns into the most delicious gravy ever.

Also since I typically just cook for me and my partner, I often tend to make dinner for two, three or four people. This recipe will feed four people easily and get this.

Are you cooking for a larger crowd? or perhaps having to provide something for an upcoming potluck?

Then this recipe is sure to be a hit and everyone would be think that you spent a lot of time at it.

If you have a little more time and want to make your meatballs from scratch, I recommend following this recipe for making Classic Baked Swedish Meatballs.

Just be aware that it does take some time and technique, as sometimes they do fall apart while searing them. So cooking them in the oven is best if you are to make them from scratch.

Go ahead and indulge you deserve it!

Note: You can add 1/2 cup of cream to this dish around the time you add in the beef stock if desired. 

Adapted: Jo Cooks

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! 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, Quick and easy recipes, Vegetarian

Portobello Mushroom Kale Risotto

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This Creamy and Cheesy Portobello Mushroom Kale Risotto is quick and easy to make. Not to mention gluten free and vegetarian! 

Made with tender sauteed mushrooms along with kale and fresh parmesan cheese. Then it is simmered in a vegetable stock for extra flavor. 

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and like every other year I like to come up  with some new dishes for those who are looking to feast at home. 

I had some Portobello Mushrooms on hand and then came up with tasty recipe, I hope you give it a try because it is absolutely delicious! 

Orzo also known as Arborio rice is a grain that can be found in the rice isle and is very popular in Italian cuisine. Orzo is basically a short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice.

Of course this dish can be served just about anytime of the year and is served on the menu often in and around Italy!

You can always double up the recipes and make it into a few meal preps to enjoy throughout the week.

Just simply use my recipe adjuster above if you plan to make more than two dishes and it will calculate the ingredient ratio automatically for you. 

In order to make this dish low fat and more savory, I simmer this dish in a quality vegetable stock and then simply will season with salt and pepper to taste. 

However you could always add some cream to the stock as well, which will make it even more creamy if desired. 

Pretty simple one pot dish that is sure to impress!

Not a fan of Portabella Mushrooms? or have another kind on hand.

Go ahead and slice them up and prepare them the same way. Almost any type of mushroom will go well with this dish.

As for me I like it just like this, however will sometimes use brown mushrooms which work well too.  

Once it has been served, go ahead and sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese on top and enjoy.. Bone appetit!

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!

 

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Skip the takeout

Beef and Vegetable Ramen

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These Beef and Vegetable Ramen Noodles are made in a delicious sauce that you’re sure to enjoy. 

You can make this dish more or less spicy according to your personal taste. 

The heat in this dish comes from the cayenne pepper, I like to use just 1/2 a tsp for this recipe.

Which gives it a touch of heat, kinda similar to the spicy ramen noodle packages you may find at the store.

Then you will want to start by chopping all your vegetables up first, this is the hardest part really.

As it can be a bit challenging if you do not have knife skills to julienne the carrots and peppers. 

However practise makes perfect and in time you will figure out the best method for you. If you really prefer a little help in that area you can always use a food processor to do those jobs for you if needed.

I like to use broccoli, carrots, red peppers and snap peas for this dish.

Although you can use whatever veggies you have on hand really.

Not a fan of beef feel free to add some shrimp, tofu or chicken to these noodles in replace if desired. 

Once the veggies are saute yet still slightly crisp.

You will then add back in the cooked ramen along with that delicious premade sauce.

Toss everything together to serve. 

DELICIOUS! Feel free to try other vegetables such as broccoli, kale or even asparagus. 

This dish also works well with chicken and tofu!

This recipe proves that you don’t have to put a lot of effort into making this type of takeout dish.

I just know your going to love it as much as we do!

Serve some “Spicy chili sauce” on the side for some extra heat or add more cayenne during the cooking process.

Also you can add beef bouillon cubes in replace of the beef stock, just make sure your using equal amounts of water/liquid

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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The Best Shepherd’s Pie

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This is the Best Shepherd’s Pie! Made with fresh carrots, sweet corn and frozen peas. Along with perfectly seasoned ground lamb and beef this pie is sure to please the whole family.

Shepherds pie can be made all in one dish.

That is if your using the type of dish that can go from the stovetop to the oven like I have here with my Rock Dutch Oven.

Otherwise, you can prepare it first on the stove then move it to a separate baking dish to finish it in the oven.

Not to hard and worth the effort because this recipe is something you will not forget anytime soon.

You are sure to taste the difference with this recipe here, since it uses two kinds of meat.

Creating the best of what is known to some as a “Cottage pie” which is typically made with just beef and the “Shepherd’s pie” which is  made with minced lamb.

I grew up eating the cottage pie, which is made with beef instead of lamb. Traditional Shepherds pie originated from Ireland and is made with just lamb.

So even though you may have thought that you were enjoying a Shepherds pie in past, it may have been the ladder.

Anyone who has ever tried my recipe has said to me “this is the best” shepherds pie they have ever tasted! So that is why I named it the BEST!

Just make sure you are using fresh carrots not frozen. Because there is a huge difference in taste and texture with the fresh. Also use fresh rosemary and thyme if you can it just enhanced the flavors that much more.

Now you will want to start by taking the easy way to preparing this recipe. And to do that you will want to start by skipping the peeling of the potatoes and boil them instead.

This will allow for you to run them under cold water once they have cooked. Being able to simply peel them by hand. From there you will mash them with some whole milk, sour cream and an egg yolk. 

Now the hardest part is done, next you simply are going to saute the two meats in a large pan for roughly 5 minutes before adding in the chopped onion, garlic and spices.

The pan I use is the rock its a large dutch oven type pan that goes from the stove to the oven.

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. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Breakfast, Quick and easy recipes

Black Forest Ham Hash Browns with Eggs

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These sunny side eggs are served warm over a plate of Black Forest Ham Hash Browns. I grew up eating bacon and eggs along with homemade hash browns. My mom used to make it all from scratch every Saturday morning. 

I remember her singing to me “Wakey wakey eggs and bacy”. It always made me feel so happy hearing her sing that because I knew it was the weekend and that we were going to have a good day spending quality time together as a family.

I always felt so much love from my mom’s cooking because she really put a lot of effort into preparing a good hearty meal for us whenever she could. And it’s something I will fondly remember about my childhood.

My favorite way to eat eggs for breakfast are sunny side up and then lightly based. So when you serve them like this over these homemade Black Forest Ham Hash Browns you will be in breakfast heaven!

This breakfast takes me back to my childhood every time and sometimes I will make this for dinner too. Oh how some foods can do that to us eh 🙂

To prepare them this way you will want to start by using your best non stick frying pan. Then you will simply turn up the heat to medium and will add 1 tsp of cooking oil to the pan to cook the hash browns, onions and ham.

I like to use mini potatoes for these hashbrowns because I will leave the skin on the potatoes. They really give this dish that extra special flavor so if you can’t get your hands on the mini ones then try to find ones with an edible skin.

Once the hash browns have been cooked remove them to a warm plate and prepare the eggs. The eggs cook fast so keep and eye on them for sure.

Once you crack each egg into the hot pan, cover them with a lid and within 2-3 minutes the white part will set and then you can remove them from the pan with a large spatula or slide them out directly onto the top of the cooked hash browns. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Looking for another GREAT breakfast recipe? Try my Sweet potato ham hash with-eggs. It’s another favorite of mine!

Did you grow up enjoying Bacon and eggs too? I would love to hear about your favorite breakfast memories in the comments below. Till next time friends, see you in the kitchen 🙂


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! You can post a review/picture below or via Instagram and let me know. 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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Dinner ideas

Moist Meatloaf

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Are you looking for a moist and flavorful meatloaf recipe? Then look no further, this recipe is full of flavor and does not come out dry.

I like to use lean hamburger meat for this recipe, however you can use regular if you want. What makes it really moist is the whole milk which gives this meatloaf the right amount of moisture.

Mix in the right seasonings and use the best BBQ sauce and you will have the most deliciously moist meatloaf tonight!

For the breadcrumbs, I like to save the ends of my bread loaves for this. So I will place them in a large zip lock bag, and allow them to dry out on the countertop. Once dried I will then crush them with a rolling pin and use those crumbs for any recipe that calls for breadcrumbs.

Since I eat different types of bread, by crumbs will have a combination of whole wheat, rye and sourdough breads which make for an extra flavorful meatloaf.

Everybody has their favorite BBQ sauce, we love to use “Cattle Boyz” Original BBQ sauce for this meatloaf. A Calgary brand of BBQ sauce that goes so well with almost any type of beef.

 

 

Serve alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mash potatoes and a vegetable of choice.

Pretty easy eh?

 

 


 

 

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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Dinner ideas, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Comforting Chili Con Carne

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This Comforting Chili Con Carne has hamburger, tomatoes, kidney and pinto beans along with onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers, red yellow and green peppers. And many different seasonings that make it true Con Carne that we have all come to know and love. So if your looking for a great chili recipe, you have found it!

It always amazes me how quickly fall comes and turns into winter. One minute it’s t-shirt weather and the next we are pulling out our sweaters, toques and scarves. When the weather starts to change like this, I immediately start to think of heart slow cooker meals. Don’t you? If you like chill then you are sure to like this recipe, colder like this, it makes a BIG pot and will last you for a few days. Good hearty meals that bring warmth to the body and soul make these colder months much better, nothing beats going coming home to a hot bowl of good old chilli con carne.

You can prepare this chili in crock pot or on the stove top, depending on the time you have at hand. Today I am using my crock-pot, because I have errands to run this morning. So this will take me roughly 20 minutes to prep then I will set it in the slow cooker for 6 hours, and return to a meal fit for a queen or king. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

How to make the Comforting Chili Con Carne:

  1. Start by chopping up your onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, red, yellow and green peppers.
  2. In a large pot saute your onions in 1 tbsp of oil till translucent, add in your peppers, then garlic and saute another 5 minutes till slightly  tender.
  3. Remove from pot and set aside.
  4. Next add your ground hamburger to the same pot and saute till lightly browned.
  5. Then add in your onions, garlic and peppers.
  6. Pour in a can of kidney beans, pinto beans and tomatoes and simmer on medium low.
  7. Once everything is hot, add in 1/2 a can of your refried pinto beans.
  8. Add in all your spices and season with salt and pepper
  9. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, a splash of red wine vinegar along with 1 chicken stock cube.
  10. Simmer on medium – low stirring often for one hour.
  11. Or in your Crock Pot – on low 6-7 hours
  12. Serve with fresh bread or cornbread, enjoy!

Note: You can always use ground turkey or a vegan meat supplement if you like instead of beef.

 


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 every Month!

 

 

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Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Skip the takeout, Vegetarian

Healthy Eggplant Parmesan

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I call this recipe “Healthy Eggplant Parmesan“, because we are baking the eggplant vs deep frying it in oil. 

IS EGGPLANT PARMESAN HEALTHY

Yes, it has lots of vegetables and spices in it.

If you are on a low calorie diet you can use less cheese if desired and omit frying it in oil. 

Now I know many Italians swear by frying the eggplant in olive oil prior to baking.

However that is not very healthy and so I find that baking it just as good. 

WHAT EGGPLANT PARMESAN

This Eggplant Parmesan uses one large eggplant, fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, eggs and your favorite tomato sauce of choice along with some Italian spices.

You can also add spinach to this recipe if desired, either way your going to fall in love with this recipe. Guaranteed!

WHY IS MY EGGPLANT PARMESAN TOUGH

Because, you simply need to soak the eggplant prior in water and salt to tenderize it.

That way it will turn out just as delicious as the kind that is fried in oil.

Also this recipe is suitable for those a on keto or low carb diet, since there’s no pasta used in this one.

You will want to start by soaking the eggplant in water and salt before hand to tenderize and remove any of the bitter taste.

Don’t miss this step, it’s important.

Now, if you think you will be missing out on the meat protein here and feeling hungry afterwards.

Then you will be pleasantly surprised to find this meal is just as filling as say Chicken parmesan. 

My family much prefers Eggplant Parmesan now to Chicken Parmesan.

IS EGGPLANT PARMESAN VEGETARIAN

Not this one as it has eggs, however if you want to make it you can skip the eggs. 

I like to make a large casserole dish, which makes about 6 individual large servings.

Typically we will eat this over the next few days and sometimes I will make two batches and freeze a bunch for my meal prep lunches. 

Your family will not believe this is made with eggplant. Just you?

Make numerous small portions and freeze it for quick on the go meals for down the road.

If you end up giving this a give it a try, I would love to know how you liked it. Bon Appetit!

Baked to Perfection, now that is one saucy number!

DOES EGGPLANT PARMESAN INDUCE LABOR

According to some experts, it can see this link for more information > does eggplant parmesan help induce labor

CAN EGGPLANT PARMESAN BE FROZEN

Yes, and you can make it into meal preps for lunch or dinner for another time. 

MEAL PREP IDEA: Make enough to create a few meal preps bowls for the week ahead.

By sectioning each eggplant medallion off into “meal prep” bowls in which I freeze for lunches/dinners for down the road.

Want to make more than 8 meal prep bowls? Double this recipe up with using the adjust serving option above.

Now that is one healthy meal prep, you won’t even miss the meat it’s that good!

Notes: You can use less cheese if you want.

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!