Meal Plan Around In-Season Produce - Winter

Meal Plan Around In-Season Produce - Winter

Surprisingly, the first day of winter isn't until December 21st, but if you ask me it begins December 1st. Doesn't it just feel like winter as soon as this month hits? Not to mention the few snowfalls we've had by now...snow is totally an indication of winter in my books.With the change of season from Fall to Winter, comes a change in in-season produce. If you don't already meal plan around the produce that is in-season, now's the time to give it a try. In-season produce is a lot cheaper, and not to mention it tastes better! The tricky part is...

Nearly normal?

Nearly normal?

It has been a depressing few days for the nation as a whole. We have been as sickened by the sounds of gunshots and explosives as by the incessant voices on the various channels especially those of politicians. It was something you wanted to run away from and yet could not. It seemed that sitting before the television and hoping for the drama to end soon was all you could do to express solidarity to the people who were trapped inside, engulfed in horror and for the brave men who were going about their job unaffected by the cameras and mayhem surrounding...

Won Ton Chicken Salad

Won Ton Chicken Salad

When I became a mom I was rather overwhelmed with all the new things my life had to offer, not to mention some of the boredom that ensued that came from hanging out talking to an infant all day. When...

Slow Cooker Thai Curry

Slow Cooker Thai Curry

I always hesitate to label something with a cultural label when it really isn't authentic. Like my Mexican Rice that isn't even remotely Mexican. We for some reason, associate certain flavors and flavor...

Missing Take-Out?

Missing Take-Out?

Love the extra money in your wallet that comes from meal planning, but missing fast food and take out?I'm always craving restaurant-style food, but instead of eating out I try to re-create my favorite dishes or go looking for recipes that sound similar. It really satisfies those cravings and helps you to not miss take-out so much.Try these take-out inspired recipes:Chinese: Beef and BroccoliEgg Rolls Won Ton SoupLemon Chicken Fried RiceItalian: Spicy Sausage LinguiniChicken & Tortellini Rose Sauce with Fresh BasilChicken al Diavlo PenneLinguine...

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies

A couple summers ago, my husband and I made these really fancy and delicious smoothies similar to Booster Juice and Juice Fare. We went all out and spared no expense to recreate the smoothies the same...

Ginger Maple Glazed Chicken

Ginger Maple Glazed Chicken

Lately I've been finding huge packages of chicken legs on sale for around a $1 a pound, so I've been scooping them up and storing them in my freezer. I've tried some delicious chicken leg recipes in...

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Before I had made these muffins, I honestly couldn't remember ever eating zucchini bread or muffins. I'm sure I have since I have such an avid gardening family...maybe when I was a kid my Grandma made...

Baking Spree

Baking Spree

I'm not normally much of a baker. In the past I strayed from baking except to maybe make a batch of cheese biscuits to go with a pot of soup or Cornbread Muffins for chili. That's it. I like the creativity...

Meal Plan Week 8

Meal Plan Week 8

I swear the baby was craving Asian food this week! I couldn't seem to bring myself to plan any meat and potatoes kind of meals, or pasta. The baby wanted Asian flavors with rice and noodles so what the baby wants the baby gets (or more accurately, what I want is what I get :) At least my husband LOVES Asian food, as does our toddler.Day 1: Szechuan Chicken WrapsThese were an idea I had. There is a chain restaurant in Canada that sells amazing wraps called "Bad Ass Jacks". I love it, but rarely get to have it since we don't have one in our city....

German Beef Goulash

German Beef Goulash

Our International Dinner Club decided we should do the warm, comforting and satisfying flavors of Germany this month. What could be more comforting and satisfying than a homey beef stew? This stew intrigued...

of primates and parlours

of primates and parlours

Many of my friends tell me that they find haircuts,facials and pedicure very relaxing. One reason could be the feeling of well being that is born of looking good. Another could be the primitive sense...

Pecan Chicken over Salad with Maple BBQ Dressing

Pecan Chicken over Salad with Maple BBQ Dressing

Whenever I find a main course salad that the whole family loves, it sure makes this mom happy. My husband's eyes light up and I swear I have to wipe up a pile of drool when I tell him I am making this...

Hummus

Hummus

I'm really loving Elise's recipes at Simply Recipes these days. It seems she's always catching my eye when I'm searching for a recipe, and not to mention all the one's I've tried so far have been bang...

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

Onions have been really inexpensive this fall and I keep stocking up on them since they are useful in almost every recipe. While I am not a huge fan of onions, I don't cook without them since there would be a void left in most recipes without them. It's mostly just the crunchy texture of them that I'm not okay with, so I soften my onions quite a bit before adding other ingredients. I'm not sure what prompted me this week to make French Onion Soup for supper....cheap food? melted cheese? Whatever it was, I decided I was going to make it and...

Indian Lemon Rice

Indian Lemon Rice

Warm, fragrant and utterly beautiful, this rice dish is a perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal.Recipe from Indian Food____________________________________________________________________Serves 41...

Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken

Indian food is very loved around this household. The warm, fragrant aromas coming from the kitchen are so comforting. I think Indian cuisine is brilliant in it's use of very few ingredients, yet mass...

Am I a feminist?

Am I a feminist?

Sujatha asked me to answer this in a tag she passed to me. I have earlier spoken on what feminism means to me and expressed strong views on issues such as female foeticide, virginity, gender bias, rape as a means of subjugation,genital mutilation, women's sexuality etc. But this time around the question made me introspect more and honestly define the kind of feminism I practice. Am I a feminist?Would I fight for Equality – political, social, economic? yes.Do I believe in equal opportunities for men and women everywhere? yes.Do I fight discrimination...

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Once I had tasted how amazing the Slow Cooker 3-Packet Pot Roast was, as well as how flavorful the broth was I knew I had to turn it into soup. The roast makes way more broth than you can actually eat...

Yet another hospital experience

Yet another hospital experience

I am comfortable only with doctors with a sense of humour - who can make you laugh about your condition by seeing the funny side of it. A friend even goes a bit further and declares that the most successful doctors are those with a sense of humour because in a profession where you deal with so much of suffering, you need it to cope and be successful. I am not so sure because I have come across doctors like the ones you see in films who look at you gravely, remove ther spectacles solemnly for effect and declare that you have Acute viral nasopharyngitis...

Meal Plan Week 7

Meal Plan Week 7

Last week when I made this plan, I was awfully sick with a nasty cold. My husband and baby were also getting over being sick, so I thought it was a good week for some warm, comforting soups.Day 1: Beef Barley SoupI made this soup from the leftovers from the Slow Cooker 3-Packet Pot Roast that I served at the end of last week's Meal Plan.Day 2: Indian Night – Tandoori Chicken, and Lemon RiceOur International Dinner Club is doing Indian in December so I am trying out some new recipes so I can wow everyone with a fantastic new dish. We LOVE Indian...

Slow Cooker 3-Packet Pot Roast

Slow Cooker 3-Packet Pot Roast

I've been browsing CrockPot 365 for awhile now and I'm amazed with what the Crock Pot Lady can do with her slow cooker. I had yet to try any of her recipes and I found a cross-rib roast in my freezer...