Gran's Beautiful Banana Bread

I must have made this incredible banana bread at least 1000 times!  Don't know why it has taken me so long to post it. Make this...the house smells great and it's moist and so delicious! Preheat oven to 325 F degrees. Hand smash and mix with a fork: 3 ripe bananas (I've made it with 2 also but not as good) 3/4...

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Scrumptious Stuffed Shells

This one is in my family's top 5 for sure! Our go-to comfort meal, when the house needs that incredible waft of sizzling garlic and cheese.  MAKE THIS!! Pre-heat oven to 350 F degrees.  You will need a large pyrex or Corning type of pan for this baked pasta dish. Easy, simple and delicious...we just...

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Luscious Lemon Squares

This absolute lemony delight is super sweet, super sour and on a buttery shortbread cookie crust...what more could you want!!  Because it's SO over the top, a small piece is totally satisfying, although it still doesn't last long around here.  Fun to make on a rainy weekend morning. Preheat oven to...

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Breakfast Bliss

This blissful breakfast is an homage to our little brunch spot on the East end where I have enjoyed many Sunday get togethers with my kids over coffee and juicy conversation. It is the salty sweet combo of this decadent concoction that kept us going back for more and here it is... Make a few rashers of bacon....

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BRINE THAT BIRD!

Thanksgiving...Best Brined Bad-Ass Turkey!  The "BBB"...made with love by Dad. Nothing worse than a dried out turkey, and since we only make this once a year ( I really don't know why??) the KEY is the Brine.  This 24 hour brining prep makes the bird, and works everytime. Best of all, it is Dad's ultimate...

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"Shiny Mood" Smoothie Bowl

This is my daughter's go to brekkie as dictated by her!!  Puts her in a shiny mood! In a blender, blend 1 banana, 1/2 c. orange juice, 1/4 c. plain Greek yogurt. Once well mixed, add frozen mangos, about 1.5 cups.  Play with the consistency. Pour this mixture into the serving bowl.  Make a nice...

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Fantastic Mexican Fish Stew

I am always looking for different fish preparations so we don't tire of our favorites and can mix it up.  With any white fish you like, tilapia, cod, haddock etc, this is a concoction that is a real comfort dish with tons and tons of Mexican influenced flavour. We love it!! In a shallow pan or dish, squeeze...

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Terrific Asian Tuna Tartare

We first tasted this delight at our friend Jackie's as an appetizer and it has since become one of our absolute faves. The more you eat, the more you want!! With its refreshing Asian flavors on a crunchy grainy cracker, this is such a tantalizing bite.  Ingredients: 1 to 1.5 lbs tuna fillet, super...

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Suzie's Pumpkin and Mascarpone Roulade

Watch out, this dessert is a killer!  Suzie made this for us one Xmas and it has remained one of our absolute favorite desserts ever since, especially for Thanksgiving. I have to be in the baking mood and have a helper nearby as the recipe, although easy enough can also be a bit intimidating. Originally...

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Succulent Slow Roasted Salmon, Fennel and Citrus

A slow roast gives this salmon dish its rich and succulent flavour and texture. Served atop scented basmati rice, or with a simple green salad, it is a definite winner.  With a mandolin or a very sharp knife, as thinly as possible slice about 6-8 slivers of both lemon and orange with the rind. Do the same...

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Brown Butter Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut squash, brown butter and sage is a combination made in heaven.  Add a few roasted hazelnuts and you have reached Nirvana! Get a big, plump butternut squash, cut it in half, seeds out and roast it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.  Oh boy...that alone is fabulous to eat. After it cools,...

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Tomato and Peach Quinoa Salad

This is such a fresh and quick summer salad, full of sweet and salty flavour, pretty addictive!  The tomato and peach combo is a classic, and when paired with fresh herbs and a salty add in, it's just delicious. Cook 1/2 cup quinoa in 1 cup chicken broth, bring to a boil and then a low simmer for about...

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Late Summer Roasted Tomato Soup

On a nice and hot late summer day, find some super ripe tomatoes to make this amazing comfort soup. Luckily, we have farmer's markets in our neck of the woods where we can find them aplenty. Pre-heat your oven to 425 F degrees. In a dutch oven/creuset type pot, (stovetop to oven pot) combine the following: 6-8...

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Beast's Baked Mustard Crusted Cod

Inspired by my sister's delicious recipe, this is a 1-2-3 meal packed with flavour.  Cod is such a great fish, a clean palate for many interpretations.  This quick baked meal is moist and delicious, perfect with a side of basmati rice to go with the buttery "zumi". Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare...

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Greek Pecan Cookies

Here is the recipe for these mouth-watering cookies, as per my son: Pre-heat oven to 350  degrees. 1 pound of unsalted butter (the big brick) lots of confectioner's sugar, lots of crushed up pecans, 2 or 3 cups of flour, depending... A really good electric mixer Whip the softened butter in a large bowl,...

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Pretty (easy) Pineapple Cake

Here's another 1-2-3 cake, great for non gifted bakers like me. Takes a few minutes to put together and is surprisingly moist and delicious.  Great for a "what should I bake" Saturday morning. The cream cheese icing makes this delectable!     Preheat the oven to 350. Pineapple Cake 2 cups...

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Deadly Dressings- Ceasar's, Slaw and Sunshine!

Years...years spent on looking for the right flavours in both a Coleslaw Dressing and a Caesar's Salad Dressing.  Lots of good ones, tons of horrible ones and then you hit the RIGHT ones. Keep these 2 recipes for your homemade dressing library. Now, added a 3rd! Creamy Yogourt Honey Mustard, a sunshine-y...

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Gorgeous Chocolate Ganache Tart

Everyone will think you bought this from a fancy patisserie, but alas, it takes absolutely zero time to make and is so impressive and even more luxurious. A beautiful dessert for a dinner party, rich and lush and can serve many people. KEY: you need a square or rectangular tart pan with a...

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Classic French Onion Soup- Ou La La!

If you are low on patience, DON'T make this soup.  If you are high on love...make it! A great classic Soupe a l'onion takes time, and more patience than you might think.  Getting the onions to the right caramelization point is a labour of love unto itself.  For this process, 45 minutes to an hour...

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