Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is as simple as it gets yet fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Easy baked macaroni and cheese is a classic recipe, that may just have you doing the happy dance.

This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, it’s simple and the best. So whenever that craving hits for some real Macaroni and Cheese, this recipe is sure to please.

Don’t you ever just have a craving for some “Good Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese”?But not that  stuff you get from the box, more like the kind before the box stuff was ever invented. Well then you are in the right place 🙂

The ultimate comfort food ready to enjoy!

BEST CHEESE FOR MAC AND CHEESE

Gruyere, Velveeta, Brie, Gouda, Parmesan, Havarti and Monterey Jack

HOW MACARONI AND CHEESE IS MADE

I like to make my mac and cheese extra special by adding panko breadcrumbs on top along with fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, THIS is the stuff dreams are made of.

To make a very cheesy pasta ~ Boil one Box of Macaroni which is 375 grams typically  =8.82 ounces. To make a lighter less cheesy version, yet still very good pasta ~ Boil 450 grams of Macaroni.

We hope you enjoy it as well! Creamy with the right amount of crunch!

Also want to make two batches? Just double the recipe and use two baking pans. This freezes easily for another day, just let it cool and then seal it in a ziplock bag.

Transfer to a lightly oiled baking dish the day of baking and top with your breadcrumbs and bake.

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Smoked Oyster Dip

This creamy Smoked Oyster dip is made with cream cheese and sour cream and it is the perfect appetizer for the holidays or any large gathering. Plus it is super easy to make guy’s as it takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

Looking for more dip recipes? You defiantly should check out my Canned Smoked Sardine Dip, Garlic Hummus, Jalapeno Peach Salsa.

What is in this dip besides Smoked Oysters? Sour cream, cream cheese, capers, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice along with some other seasonings. Make sure to add the juice from the smoked oysters this makes for an extra tasty and creamy dip.

If you are anything like me and love smoked oysters then you are going to love this dip.
I like to make this dip whenever I have guests coming over, typically around the busy holiday season and or around game day. 

HOLIDAY DIP RECIPE

You can eat this all to yourself or make a bowl for a group of guests. Think Christmas, Thanksgiving or even the Super Bowl Party!

The nice thing is it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, doesn’t get any easier than that right?

CANNED SMOKED OYSTER DIP

HOW TO MAKE SMOKED OYSTER DIP

  • Combine all your ingredients in food processor and blend everything together.
  • Chill for one hour before serving.
  • Sprinkle a little seasoning salt over top and serve with some light crackers for dipping. Enjoy!

I’m aware that this is something not everyone has tried before, because they simply don’t sell this dip pre-made in the stores.

But trust me it is a WINNER! 

Feel free to omit placing a whole oyster on top before serving, so they know what is really in this dip. Not every one likes Oysters, but I am more than certain if they don’t and try this recipe.

They may have a change of taste!

 
Most people’s first reaction is what is that? And then well, the rest is history because everyone wants the recipe. It’s that good, and simple to make.
Which will allow you to focus all your attention on the main course.
 
Plus it’s makes for an interesting appetizer around the living room table. Simply chill in the fridge right before serving and let the snacking begin.
 
Serve with some light crackers and watch it disappear before your eyes.
 
This recipe serves around a group of 10 people, if your feeding less or just making it for yourself then you can cut the recipe in half.
 
I hope you give it a try! I would love to know how you like it.

Note: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

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.

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!

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Simple Swedish Meatballs

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!

 

 

Easy Ground Beef Wellington recipe

This Easy Ground Beef Wellington recipe is spiced just right and is family favorite in our house. With the additions of mushrooms and is something that can be whipped up in less than an hour since we are using some pre made puff pastry. 

Looking for another festive dish? Then your gonna want to try my Baked Holiday Ham or even my Recette Sheppard’s Pie.

Your family can enjoy this homemade recipe any time of the year.

But really makes the perfect addition to any Holiday meal.

FUN FACT: Beef Wellington get’s it’s name from a man named Arthur Wellesley who was the first Duke of Wellington. He had a victorious Battle on June 18 1815.

The Duke was given his title after defeating Napoleon Bonaparte the year before, and not long after he became Prime Minister. 

Traditional Beef Wellington was made with fillet steak inside. I have had that at a restaurant once and it was delicious.

However, I wanted to create something different. And mix the best of both worlds, beef and mushrooms. This recipe has now become popular on this blog, I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think. 

HOW TO MAKE HAMBURGER BEEF WELLINGTON

This recipe is made with lean ground beef, onions, mushrooms, eggs, panko bread crumbs, flour, red wine vinegar, worcestershire sauce and seasoned with fresh thyme and rosemary.

Be sure to use fresh thyme and rosemary in this recipe, it makes all the difference.

Also do not skip on the worcestershire and red wine vinegar it helps to merge all the flavors together. 

HOW TO MAKE PUFF PASTRY

I used a pre – made puff pastry to save time, (see below) The pre – made puff pastry I recommend is from Tenderflake. The box has 397 grams of puff pasty in it!

 

Simply remove it from the package, allow it to defrost for 1 hour and sprinkle with flour before rolling it out. 

Fill the pastry with the Beef and Mushroom mixture.

Brush with the egg wash.

And make impressions to the dough as so with a fork.

Looking for a FANTASTIC homemade puff pastry recipe?

I have one here in my in my “Turkey Pot Pie” recipe instructions.

You may be more familiar the more traditional “Beef Wellington” type recipes. Which have you using Beef tenderloin or fillet instead of hamburger.

However, this recipe is just as good and if you use brown mushrooms alongside the hamburger it becomes absolutely amazing.

You will be able to serve 3 peoples for dinner easily with this. And if your wanting to serve more, I would recommending make 2 of them. Which is not hard to do at all!

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Want more Christmas & Thanksgiving recipes?

Canadian Tourtiere Recipe

 
 

Also check out my roundup of Thanksgiving & Christmas Recipes from around the World or my 10 delicious stuffing recipes! for more inspiration!

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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Broiled Lasagna Soup

This Broiled Lasagna Soup is absolutely delicious and is one of our new favorite soup recipes! I created this recipe one day while I was making “onion soup” that recipe can be found on this blog as well.

I love soup so I’m always thinking of new ways to recreate the classics. This lasagna soup is similar to many other lasagna soups recipe you will find, however mine has a few other special ingredients such as passata sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

Not to mention it’s broiled at the end which makes it taste allot like real Lasagna.

So if you LOVE lasagna as much as we do then you are going to love this soup!

Oh btw if your ever looking for an amazing Lasagna recipe, I will link that recipe below for you. 

What I like about this soup is that there really is no effort to making it, well that is compared to actual lasagna.

Where you are to pre -cook the noodles and other ingredients before merging it all together in layers and placing it all into a large baking dish.

With this soup we are simply adding everything into a large pot and cooking it all together, it’s like a lazy lasagna.

And the last step will have you placing the soup into oven safe bowls, the same kind of bowls you would use to make “onion soup” and broiling it with extra cheese on top.

Then it’s like your eating a big bowl of lasagna expect there is some beef broth inside. AMAZING!

Also the time to cook it is cut in half compared to traditional lasagna. So it’s a win win! I really encourage you to get your hands on passata sauce, it’s fresh pureed tomatoes that have been uncooked and it really makes this soup creamy and so delicious!

Passata sauce can be found in almost any mediterranean market or in your local grocery in the canned tomato section. 

Now the trick to making the best “Lasagna soup” is also using the right cheeses. This soup calls for white cheddar cheese, and marble cheese along with a bit of ricotta for serving. 

This soup is out of this world delicious! I hope you give it a try and if you do I would love to know what you think, just let me know in the comments below.  

Notes: Feel free to freeze this soup it works great as leftovers, however keep in mind that broiling it from frozen doesn’t so much. Also make sure to break up those whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon while cooking, you do not want bites of whole tomatoes. 

LOOKING FOR SOME MORE AWESOME SOUP 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!

 

Hearty Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Good old Hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup is one of those recipes that you will want to make as soon as the weather starts to get cold. It warms the soul is healthy and can be enjoyed over a few days. 

This Hearty Hamburger Macaroni Soup is absolutely delicious. Packed with immune boosting ingredients this soup will leave you feeling good and craving more.

I can literally eat this for days, it’s that good!  I tend to make this soup in large batches and will freeze it in separate bowls to enjoy ahead of time.

Some people like to add other vegetables to this type of soup. Use what you have on hand, really almost any type of veggie goes well with beef and tomatoes.

 

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! 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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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a family favorite in my house. I like to prepare a big pot of this soup and will enjoy it over a few days. 

WHAT IS CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

It has all the same ingredients that cabbage rolls would have with stock to make it a soup.

It basically a cabbage roll done the lazy way, meaning we are not rolling the ingredients into a pre cooked cabbage leaf.

Instead we are throwing all those ingredients into a soup rather than rolling them up neat and tidy.

CAN CABBAGE ROLL SOUP BE FROZEN

Yes, it stores well as leftovers and freezes very well!

Cabbage roll soup is one of those staple soups that everyone should have in there recipe books.

It can be very healthy for you depending on the quality of ingredients you choose to use.

WHAT IS IN CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

I like to use:

  • Organic grass fed beef
  • Beef Stock
  • Whole canned tomatoes
  • Cabbage
  • 1 fresh tomato
  • Tomato Juice
  • Rice
  • Spices 

Did you know whole canned tomatoes are much better than the chopped ones?

Yes it’s true. You can read learn more about that topic on thekitchn.com

This recipe can stretch too and feed allot of people, so feel free to make a few pots and freeze them for easy enjoyment over the colder months.

IS CABBAGE ROLL SOUP KETO FRIENDLY

Yes, it is low in carbs. 

HOW TO MAKE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

This soup can be done on the stove top as I did or if your pressed for time in your slow cooker. 

Whichever method you choose, I am sure this one will be something your family enjoys!

Also to save some times, feel free to use your food processor to chop the cabbage .

You can use the shred option which will give you more of  a shredded cabbage in the soup. 

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

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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LOOKING FOR MORE CABBAGE RECIPES?