Recipes

Parmesan Parsnip Fries

2008-11-26T17:05:00.006-05:00

Parsnip is an interesting and healthy twist to potatoes when making french fries. You can slice them into wedges, shoe string fries or chips. They're a delicious side dish to any meal.

Ingredients

6 large parsnips
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. onion powder
3 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Peel and slice parsnips in desired shape and place in baking dish. Toss with remaining ingredients. Bake at 350º for about 45 minutes, stirring occassionally.

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Mussels in White Wine Broth

2008-11-12T14:58:00.020-05:00

Mussels with white wine can be a very romantic dinner. I like to prepare this for my husband when the kids are away. Serve this to your significant other with a nice glass of your favourite white or red wine, a french baguette and voila! An intimate dinner for two.

Ingredients

2 pounds of fresh mussels (de-bearded and washed well)
2 cups of your favourite white wine
1 package of Knorr vegetable soup mix
1/2 cup of green onions diced
1/2 cup of red peppers diced
1/2 cup celery diced
1 clove of garlic minced
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 can (28 fl.oz.) of diced tomatoes
1/2 cup of water

Directions

Using a large saucepan on medium heat, fry green onions, red peppers and celery in olive oil. Cook until translucent. Pour in mussels, water, wine, diced tomatoes and soup mix. Cover and simmer for approx. 30 minutes.

Now some may argue that I'm overcooking the mussels but I like to let them simmer so they absorb all the great flavours. I also didn't add salt and pepper to the ingredients list because I think the soup mix adds enough salt. You can always add salt and pepper after tasting. Enjoy.

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Mashed Potatoes with Fresh Rosemary

2008-08-13T14:49:00.012-04:00

These mashed potatoes are a refreshing change from the "same old". Made with chicken stock and fresh rosemary, they're delicious served with any type of meat.

Ingredients

10 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cut
3 cups chicken broth
15 fresh rosemary leaves, washed and chopped finely
3 tablespoons of butter, margarine or olive oil
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place potatoes in a pot and add chicken stock. Boil until potatoes are tender enough to mash. The amount of chicken stock you use will vary, depending on the potatoes you're using so you may have to eliminate some of the stock or add more. Once potatoes are mashed, add remaining ingredients. As an alternative, you can use beef stock, leftover stock from your turkey at Thanksgiving or if you're a vegetarian, knorr vegetable soup mix works great.

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Ham and Cheese Rice Balls

2007-07-24T14:52:00.001-04:00

Rice balls or "Arancini" (as we Italians like to call them) are a little messy to make but very easy and well worth it, they're delicious.

Arancini simply means little oranges, which is what they resemble after being fried.

This recipe is an excellent way to use up your left-over white rice but if you're making your rice fresh, just be sure to let it cool completely. You'll want to have a large bowl of water nearby to rinse your hands while making them. You can make large ones to serve as a main meal or little ones which make great party appetizers.

The nice thing about rice balls is you can use whatever you have handy. Some people add peas, chicken, etc. If your mixture is to dry, simply add another egg. If it's too moist, add more freshly grated parmesan cheese or rice. Ham and Cheese rice balls are normally coated with bread crumbs before frying but I have used flour and they were just as yummy.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked & cooled white rice
2 eggs
3 tablespoons fresh italian parsley
2 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 cup of finely chopped ham
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 container of mini bocconcini (mozzarella balls)
1/2 cup of finely diced green onions
1 stalk of celery diced
bread crumbs for coating
Italian marinara sauce

Directions

Combine all ingredients except bocconcini and breadcrumbs (mixture will be sticky but that's what helps bind them). Grab a hand full of rice mixture and form into a ball. Using your thumb, make a whole in the center of rice ball and place one mini boccocini inside. Reform into a ball making sure cheese if completely covered with rice.

Heat oil over medium high heat. I usually throw a tiny bit of the rice mixture into the oil to make sure it's hot enough. Fry rice balls until they are golden brown. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce.

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Apple Filled Wontons

2007-02-02T13:59:00.001-05:00

Treat your guests to this tasty apple dessert and some hot cinnamon tea. For small turnovers, use wonton wraps. If you prefer larger treats, use eggroll wraps instead. Great served warm with vanilla ice cream!

Ingredients

1 package of wonton or eggroll wraps
5 apples; thinly sliced
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
4 tbsp. brown sugar
vegetable oil
eggwash
icing sugar to garnish

Directions

Peel and core apples, cut into thin slices. In a mixing bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Coat edges of wonton wrap with eggwash and add filling to center. Coat the edge of another wrap and place over. Press edges together with fingertips or fork.

For eggroll wraps; coat edges, add filling to one side and fold over into a triangle. Ensure that edges are sealed well.

Fry in hot oil until golden brown and dust with icing sugar.

Note: These apple wraps take only seconds to fry up, so keep an eye on them!

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Eggrolls

2007-01-21T08:11:00.001-05:00

Forget take out! You can't beat the taste of fresh homemade eggrolls. They're simple to make and the kids will enjoy getting involved too. If you have a vegetarian in the family, just omit the chicken and they're just as delicious.

Ingredients

1 package of eggroll wraps
2 chicken breasts
2 cups of bean sprouts
3 large stalks of celery
1 red pepper
1 clove of fresh garlic
2 eggs
3 tbsp. of soya sauce
2 tbsp. of garlic spare rib sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cut chicken breast into very small pieces and fry on stove top until fully cooked (do not season). Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients and stir in cooled chicken.

Create an eggwash, beat one egg and a teaspoon of water in a small bowl.

Using a basting brush, brush egg wash around edges of egg roll wrap. Add filling along middle length of wrap. Fold one side over, then the other. Fold ends up and seal.

Fry in hot oil until golden brown and serve with plum sauce or my personal favorite, spare rib sauce.

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Easy Mexican Rice

2007-01-04T06:49:00.001-05:00

In the mood for Mexican food but pressed for time? Save your money on take out and try this easy and delicious mexican rice that your whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

3-4 cups cooked white rice
diced green onions
diced red peppers
diced green peppers
1 cup black beans
1 package taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
water

Directions

In a large skillet, fry onions, red and green peppers in vegetable oil. Add rice and fry for another 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and heat through. Add as much or as little water as you need, depending on how moist you like your rice.

P.S. Great dish for vegetarians!

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Mediterranean Pasta

2006-11-20T18:51:00.001-05:00

This light tasting, delicious pasta salad is served best cold or at room temperature. You can omit or add any ingredient you like, be creative!

Ingredients

1 900 gram bag of cooked rigatoni pasta (al dente)
1 jar of mild pickled vegetables
1 thinly sliced red onion
1 can of black olives
5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp. of garlic powder
juice from half a lemon
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook rigatoni until al dente (has a bit of a bite), rinse in cold water and drain well. Pour pasta in a large decorative serving bowl and toss in remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or chill in refridgerator if you prefer a cold pasta.

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Lemon Pudding Cake

2006-09-20T22:14:00.001-04:00

Okay... so this cake won't win any presentation awards, but it sure tastes great. You don't even have to worry about letting your cake cool completely because it won't be staying in one piece!

Ingredients

1 box of Duncan Hines white cake mix
1 box of Shirriff lemon pie filling (2 bags)
1 can of 12 fl. oz. can of Carnation evaporated milk
1 container of Light Cool Whip
3 tbsp. of lemon zest

Directions

Bake cake as directed and let cool slightly. In the meantime, prepare lemon filling on stove top as directed on package and let cool.

When cake is cool enough to handle, break apart into bite size pieces and place in a decorative bowl. Pour in evaporated milk and toss until all pieces have absorbed liquid. *Note: Don't worry if cake seems too wet! It will finish absorbing in refridgerator.

Add lemon filling, cool whip and lemon zest and fold into cake mixture. Refridgerate overnight.

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Green and Yellow Bean Casserole With Cheddar

2006-09-20T21:44:00.001-04:00

Green and yellow bean casserole with cheddar cheese is an excellent accompaniment to pork chops or chicken breast. It's a delicious last minute recipe that your family or guests will love.

Ingredients

3 14 oz cans of Del Monte green wax beans
2 14 oz cans of Del Monte yellow wax beans
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 onion, diced
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup of plain bread crumbs
2 cups of cheddar cheese

Directions

Drain yellow and green beans and place in casserole dish. Add chopped onions and red pepper. Stir in olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

To make the crusty topping, grate cheddar cheese and place in a small mixing bowl. Add bread crumbs and toss.

Sprinkle topping over beans and bake in a 350º oven for approx. 20 minutes or until cheese topping is a crusty and golden.

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No Bake Pineapple Tiramisu

2006-08-29T14:34:00.001-04:00

This is about the easiest cake you'll ever make. That's because you don't use cake mix! This delicious recipe is made with inexpensive lady finger cookies and takes only minutes to make.

Ingredients

4 packages of lady finger cookies
1 large can of pineapple juice
1/2 cup of dark rum
2 containers of light cool whip
4 cans of crushed pineapple (drained)
1 can of pineapple rings (drained)
6 maraschino cherries

Directions

Mix pineapple juice and dark rum in a mixing bowl. Using a rectangle baking dish, dip lady finger cookies in juice and completely cover bottom of dish with cookies. Add a layer of crushed pineapple and then a layer of cool whip. Continue layering until you reach the desired height (your last layer should be cool whip). Place six pineapple rings on top and place a cherry inside each ring. Refridgerate for at least two hours. Enjoy!

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Grilled Stuffed Zucchini Halves

2006-05-20T18:10:00.001-04:00

Stuffed grilled zucchini halves are a delicious compliment to barbecued steak, make a simple healthy lunch or unique appetizers for guests. They'll definitely have you going back for seconds!

Ingredients

5 large zucchini
1 250 g container of philadelphia light cream cheese
1/2 cup of finely chopped roasted red peppers (store bought)
1/2 cup of slivered almonds
2 tbsp. fresh chives finely chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Directions

Wash and dry zucchini, cut stems and discard. Slice each zucchini in half length-wise. Using a tablespoon or melon-baller, scoop out the inside of the zucchini halves. Don't discard the inside of the zucchini, set it aside for a next day soup!

Combine cream cheese, almonds, chives and spices until smooth. Add roasted red peppers and stir gently.

Stuff zucchini halves generously and grill on barbecue for 10 minutes.

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Oven Baked Rigatoni

2006-05-03T16:16:00.001-04:00

If you're pressed for time, there's nothing easier than baked pasta. I use the rigatoni rigate because it holds the sauce better. Use your favorite spaghetti sauce and for added flavor, toss in some cubed cooked chicken.

Ingredients

1 bag of rigatoni (rigate)
1 jar of marinara sauce
2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese
3 green onions, chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
Cubed chicken (optional)

Directions

Boil pasta until "al dente" and drain. In a large shallow baking pan; combine pasta, marinara sauce, green onions, cheese and olive oil. Bake at 350º for approx. 20 minutes.

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Chicken Parmigiana

2006-04-21T16:39:00.001-04:00

An Italian classic that's traditionally served with a pasta side dish. If you prefer thinner cutlets of chicken, use a meat pounder to flatten chicken breasts.

Ingredients

5 boneless chicken breasts
4 eggs
2 cups Italian breads crumbs
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Olive oil

Directions

Place breadcrumbs on a plate and stir in garlic powder and pepper. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Dip chicken breasts in eggs and then coat completely with breadcrumbs.

Using a large skillet; fry chicken in olive oil, over medium heat until browned. Blot excess oil with paper towel and place on baking sheet. Top with tomato sauce and cheese.

Bake at 350º until cheese has melted.

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Banana Bread

2006-04-20T15:42:00.001-04:00

I don't think I've met anyone who doesn't like homemade banana bread! It's a simple recipe that makes a healthy dessert or breakfast. The more ripe the bananas, the better the bread. Serve warm with a dollop of butter.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed bananas

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl; combine ingredients until well blended. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for approx. 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

Let cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

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Raspberry Sherbet

2006-04-20T15:18:00.001-04:00

A refreshing raspberry dessert on a hot summer day. To serve; scoop into a decorative glass cup and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. For an extra treat, try a scoop in a tall glass of 7up.

Ingredients

4 cup fresh raspberries see
2 cups sugar
2 cups buttermilk
Raspberries and mint leaves for garnish

Directions

Combine sugar and raspberries in a bowl and set aside for about half an hour. Pour raspberries in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour mixture through a strainer and into a square pan. Stir in buttermilk. Cover and freeze overnight.

Break frozen raspberry mixture apart and place in bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Pour back in pan and return to freezer for about 3 hours or until firm.

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Apple Caramel Shake

2006-04-17T07:54:00.001-04:00

This apple caramel shake is a refreshing summer drink and delicious served with ginger snaps or cinnamon cookies. Recipe serves 4.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups of vanilla yogurt (frozen)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup of applesauce
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel dessert topping
4 cinnamon sticks (garnish)

Directions

Combine ingredients in a blender, cover and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, dust with cinnamon and add a cinnamon stick.

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Grilled Pita Pizza

2006-04-15T16:10:00.001-04:00

This rustic grilled pizza is delicious with just about any topping. They take only minutes to cook on the barbecue and they're great for summer entertaining.

Ingredients

Pita Bread
Olive Oil
Tomato Sauce
Fresh Ripe Tomatoes
Bocconcini Cheese
Minced Garlic
Fresh Basil
Coarse Salt
Black Pepper

Directions

Brush olive oil on pita. Spoon a little tomato sauce over pita and spread evenly. Place a layer of thinly sliced fresh tomatoes and sprinkle with a touch of minced garlic, coarse salt and pepper. Cut bocconcini cheese in small slices and layer around tomatoes. Top pizza with fresh basil.

Barbecue on grill until cheese is melted and pita has formed a golden crust.

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Chicken Brochette

2006-04-11T16:15:00.001-04:00

No fancy marinade for this recipe. All you need is Italian Salad Dressing!
Serve on a bed of white rice with lemon wedges.

Ingredients

Chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
Green peppers
Red peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Button mushrooms
Kraft Italian salad dressing

Directions

Put chicken and vegetables through skewer sticks. Marinade for 2 hours in refridgerator.

Cook on barbecue grill or in oven at 350º for 35 minutes.

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Broccoli Summer Salad

2006-04-08T09:16:00.001-04:00

A fresh and healthy salad that's takes five minutes to make and is the perfect accompaniment to a summer barbecue.

Ingredients

1 bunch broccoli
1 small can mandarin oranges
1 small red onion, julienned
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup coleslaw salad dressing

Directions

Remove stems from broccoli and place florets in a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss until ingredients are completely coated with dressing. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

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Seafood Soup

2006-04-07T14:26:00.001-04:00

If you're a seafood lover, you can add more types of fish to this soup like calamari, monkfish or clams. Serve with a french baguette and white wine.

Ingredients

2 lbs. mussels
2 lbs. shrimp
1 lb. scallops
5 cups water
1 cup white wine
1 small can of diced tomatoes
1 package knorr vegetable soup mix
3 green onions
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
fresh parsley to garnish

Directions

In a large soup pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Pour in soup bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a slice of baguette.

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Raspberry Torte

2006-04-06T17:47:00.001-04:00

You can substitute the raspberries in this recipe with strawberries or blueberries. For a great summer dessert, use a wild berry mix.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh raspberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. milk
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° and butter a 9-inch cake pan.

Using an electric beater, mix butter and sugar until well blended. Add flour, baking powder and eggs; blend thoroughly. Pour batter in buttered pan and evenly sprinkle raspberries on top. Bake for approximately 1 hour and until cake pulls away from sides of pan. Let cool for 20 minutes.

Turn torte out onto cake plate (raspberries side up). Combine confectioners sugar with milk and drizzle over raspberries.

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Carrot Cake Cappuccino

2006-04-06T17:12:00.001-04:00

If you like carrot cake, you'll love carrot cake cappuccino. Sounds different I know, but this is a delicious alternative to coffee or tea. The kids can feel grown up and have some too, no caffeine!

Ingredients

5 fresh carrots
1 cup milk
3 tbsp. heavy cream
3 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. all spice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Over medium-high heat, boil carrots until soft. Strain and mash carrots until very smooth. Return carrots to pot and add remaining ingredients, stirring constantly over heat for 5 minutes. Pour in coffee cups, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top.

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Taco Taters

2006-04-06T16:45:00.001-04:00

Kids enjoy making these tater treats just as much as eating them. Great for a healthy lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

5 large potatoes
1 pound ground beef
1 package of your favorite taco mix powder
1/2 cup green onions
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 tbsp. water

Garnish

1/2 cup thinly sliced lettuce
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup coarsely chopped tomato
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1 1/2 cups sour cream

Directions

Bake potatoes at 425º until tender when pierced with a fork. Fry ground beef and drain fat. Stir in taco powder, onions, tomato paste and water. Cook for 5 minutes.

To Serve, split potatoes and spoon beef mixture on top. Garnish with sour cream, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and olives.

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Homemade Cheese Bread

2006-04-05T14:40:00.001-04:00

You don't need a breadmaker to make this delectable cheese bread. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and while the dough rises, you can get some things done around the house!

Serve as an appetizer with assorted Buttersand fresh grapes. This recipe makes two small loaves.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 packages of instant yeast
1 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Butter a non-stick bakeware loaf pan and set aside. In a large mixing bowl; dissolve yeast, sugar and salt in warm water. Let sit until liquid starts to form a foam. In the meantime, you can grate the cheddar.

Add flour to liquid and stir with a fork until dough becomes sticky. Add grated cheddar and start kneading with hands. Knead until dough is smooth to the touch. Form in a long oval shape and place inside loaf pan. Work dough into the corners of the pan.

Spread butter over top of dough and sprinkle with more cheddar. Cover entire loaf pan with a dish towel and place near a warm area. Allow about an hour for the dough to rise.

Heat oven to 375º and cook for approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Once the cheddar is a dark golden brown, it's ready!

Let cheese bread cool completely before cutting and serve on a decorative Bamboo Platter

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