affections

- food
- April 22, 2016
Chicken Ratatouille with Lemony Basil Polenta

As fancy and difficult as this recipe's name might sound, it was actually a very quick and easy meal. I was able to hide a ton of veggies in this one-pot wonder, and overall it was a hit with the family. My daughter won't eat eggplant, so she picked it
- food
- April 11, 2016
Caramel Chicken & Rice

Don't pay attention to the title...yes, Bon Appetit chose to call it caramel chicken, but it's not the sweet, sticky caramel that you are thinking. It was delicious. We had this with rice. I meant to make broccoli as well, but I was running to the gym
- food
- March 15, 2016
Pan Fried Salmon with Sweet & Sour Sauce

I don't really like salmon, but I did enjoy this recipe. And believe it or not, my daughter had two plates! Yes, two helpings of salmon! I was thrilled!
- food
- February 17, 2016
Shrimp Francese

The word "francese" means to do something in the French manner, but it refers to food that is dredged in flour and egg, fried, and served with a lemon-based sauce. Breaded, fried shrimp? Yum.
- food
- February 17, 2016
Whitefish Cakes, Rice & Bean Salad

I love crab cakes, but have never actually bought crab legs, cooked them, extracted the meat and then made them into cakes. Maybe one day when the kids are on their own and I'm retired. Wishful thinking.
- food
- February 17, 2016
A Week’s Worth Of Meals! Huevos Rancheros, Pork Chili & Sides and More!

I am very very proud to say that this week I was super-organized, for the second week in a row! I did my groceries on Monday after work, and then prepared the week's meals. It was amazing.
- food
- February 11, 2016
Culinary Affections: Lamb Curry With Peas

I was in the mood for lamb, but very short on time. I came across this meal in my recipe box (although I can't figure out where I originally got it) and decided to make a loose version of it.
- food
- February 8, 2016
Culinary Affections: Jumbo Cheesy Italian Meatballs – and Make-Ahead Weekly Menus!

I am way too busy at home lately to fully prepare a meal each and every night, and I refuse to serve frozen and/or fast foods to my family so I had to come up with something to bring the chaos level down a notch in my kitchen before I committed some sort
- food
- February 4, 2016
Cabbage Casserole – Super Fast Meal!

I came across this recipe while reading the blog of my absolute hero. It's called Runs For Cookies. She has no idea that I exist, but I came across her a few months ago and have been slowly working my way through her posts, from 2009-present.
- food
- February 3, 2016
Mango Wings

My family loves wings so we do a wing night every once in a while. I always buy mine from wag jag grocery – because they are the best quality and price.
- food
- February 1, 2016
Coconut Chickpea Soup

I love love love soup. It's so warm and inviting…like a blanket for your stomach to get cozy with.
- food
- January 28, 2016
Chicken Korma, Chicken Wings & Pork Chops

As promised, this will be my first "make-ahead" post. I'll play with the format a bit and see what works best, but for now I'll wing it...ha ha no pun intended!
- food
- January 25, 2016
Broiled Halibut With Buttery Tomato Sauce & Steamed Broccoli

It's time to start eating more fish in my house (or at least try to). We've loaded up on the red meat this summer and it's time to take a break.
- food
- August 13, 2015
Pork Rib Roast, Marscarpone Polenta & Garlic Asparagus

Lately I haven't been in the mood to cook. Maybe it's the weather changing, but I've been in a funk.
- food
- August 5, 2015
Creamy Beef Noodles

What's the first meal you think of when you literally have minutes to throw something together and get it on the table to feed your family?
- food
- June 22, 2015
Culinary Affections: Naan Pizzas

Tonight my ever-so-thoughtful BF decided to make dinner since I was at my zumba class and wouldn't be home until after 8:00.
- food
- June 2, 2015
Thai Coconut Chicken Simmer

Here's a simple and fast dinner recipe that I adapted from Canadian Living Magazine. I can always count on them to offer fairly quick and easy dinners
- food
- May 25, 2015
Rich Macaroni & Tomato Bake

We don't normally have pasta for dinner in my house, but I've attempted to lighten up on the whole carb-hating mentality and at least allow my family to indulge
- food
- May 13, 2015
Grilled Shrimp & Asparagus with Herbed Dipping Sauce

With the warm weather comes lighter meals, and it's always great to take full advantage of the fresh in-season veggies you can pick up at your local farmers market.
- food
- April 22, 2015
Garlic Ginger Chicken Wings & Fresh Broccoli Salad

I love chicken wings! I'm so excited to be picking up my fresh box of them next week (courtesy of wagjag grocery) so I thought I'd clear out my last portion in the freezer to make room for the new - yay!
- food
- March 19, 2015
Steak With Chimichurri Sauce & Chickpea Salad

We eat a lot of steaks at my house, and I never really get tired of them. Sometimes though, it's nice to switch things up and add various sauces.
- food
- March 12, 2015
Franks & Beans And Mix & Match Cornbread

When I saw this "Frank's & Bean's" recipe in Bon Appetit Magazine, I was looking for a dish to clean up some leftover canned goods and this seemed to fit the bill.
- food
- March 4, 2015
Seafood Night! Buffalo Style Salmon & Bangin’ Good Shrimp

Last night was seafood night in our home. I'm not a very big fan of salmon (it's just too fishy for me) but we had a big beautiful
- food
- February 25, 2015
Chipotle Chicken Kebobs & Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

I love using the bbq in the summer - especially now that we have a new bbq that I can actually use. It's my new favorite thing, and I am definitely going to get as much grill time as possible this summer
- food
- February 19, 2015
Sausages With Acorn Squash And Onions

I used to get very confused when a recipe called for a specific sausage - Italian, Andouille, Chorizo, Merguez, Bratwurst, Hungarian, the choices are endless
- food
- February 2, 2015
Charred Eggplant With Chile Sauce & Tahini

I'm a bit of a self-proclaimed food magazine junkie. I subscribe to Bon Apetit, The Food Network Magazine, Martha Stewart Living
- food
- January 21, 2015
Salt & Vinegar Chicken

This is a slightly odd recipe and it threw me off when I first saw it, but I had some chicken thighs in the fridge begging to be cooked, and not a lot of time to throw the meal together
- food
- January 16, 2015
An Anniversary FEAST! Veal Shanks, Polenta & Lemon Bars!

The veal shanks are courtesy of Andrew Zimmern's contribution to The Best Thing I Ever Made on the Food Network. The Mascarpone Polenta is courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, and the delectable lemon bars are courtesy of Paula Deen.
- food
- January 12, 2015
Rocky Road Blondies

love desserts. Especially desserts that you can whip up super-fast and surprise the family. I also really enjoy Sunday dinners, so what better time to make a dessert that will last the week?
- food
- January 7, 2015
Pork Chops With Papaya Gravy

We had gone to the Oriental Supermarket over the weekend and I got a little too excited. Every time I go there, I walk out with a cart full of fresh produce - half of which I can't pronounce
- food
- January 7, 2015
Thai “Chicken” Curry

I love curry. As you know, I love food in general, but curry especially is something I look forward to experimenting with.
- food
- December 21, 2014
Maple Glazed Turkey Roast

This is by far one of my favorite recipes. The flavors go so well together, I can eat the leftovers for days (although there is rarely any left!).
- food
- December 15, 2014
The World’s BEST Short Ribs

There is no experience quite like the one you get when eating ribs. Back ribs or short ribs, beef or pork, so many possibilities and so much fun to eat.
- food
- December 12, 2014
Baked Polenta With Sausage & Artichoke

When I first saw this recipe in my Everyday Food magazine, it was the picture that really caught my eye.
- food
- December 3, 2014
Ricotta Eggplant Rolls

Another fantastic vegetarian meal. I had high hopes for this one - my daughter refuses to eat eggplant and I thought that this would be the game-changer.
- food
- November 27, 2014
Fish Tacos And Chickpea Salad

It's very hard to find a good fish taco. I have been to restaurants where the fish is too soggy, or there wasn't enough seasoning used, or the sauces just didn't go right.
- food
- November 25, 2014
BBQ Style Meatloaf Minis & Herbed Cherry Tomatoes

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am consistently surprised and delighted by the amount of meals you can make in a muffin tin.
- food
- November 24, 2014
Holiday Baking & Homemade Gifts – YUM!

This year the hubby and I planned a trip to Mexico over the holidays (we leave tomorrow for 10 days, yay!) so I thought it would be easiest to do a huge amount of baking and package them in nice tins
- food
- November 19, 2014
Pasta Carbonara With Bacon

Thank you Life Made Delicious for this fast and easy meal. Three days later we are still eating the leftovers, and I have packed some lunch-sized portions away in the freezer
- food
- November 19, 2014
The Absolute BEST Fried Chicken Wings

OK people - this recipe is courtesy of Serious Eats. If you haven't checked out this website before, you probably should.
- food
- November 17, 2014
Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup

I am a huge believer in soups. They keep you warm, they are a healthy comfort food, and they help me on my quest for the perfect body.
- food
- November 10, 2014
Spicy Shrimp and Scallops With Lime & Cilantro

I was craving some really good seared scallops, and we had a container of super fresh large ones in the freezer that we had just bought a couple of days before.
- food
- November 10, 2014
Steak With Creamy Shallots and Nectarine & Tomato Salad

Let me start off by saying I am reading a new book - "Cooking For Mr. Latte" By Amanda Hesser. Hesser is the food writer for the New York Times...and my new idol
- food
- November 5, 2014
Chicken Kofta Curry & Lemony Braised Broccoli

We eat East Indian meals quite often. I am a big fan of using spices – bland food doesn't sit well with me, and I am always in awe of Indian cuisine and the way the spices are used so generously.
- food
- October 31, 2014
PB Cookies, Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Shortbread!

I used to LOVE baking. That was before I knew how to cook. Now I love cooking because of the endless seasonings, proteins, and veggies to play with.
- food
- October 31, 2014
Baked Eggs In Whole Roasted Tomatoes & Zucchini Sticks

This one was so simple and used pantry ingredients - it was one of the quickest meals I have ever put together and it was enjoyed by the entire family.
- food
- October 29, 2014
Vietnamese Veal Chops with Citrus Bok Choy Salad

I really do love my red meat. You would never know by the amount of vegetarian meals I post here, but if you've been following me from the beginning you can vouch for my love of cow.
- food
- October 29, 2014
Chinese Spare Ribs & Crispy Tofu With 2 Sauces

Tonight I went for a part vegetarian part meat lovers sort of vibe. I really wanted to try this tofu recipe, but the spare ribs in the freezer were calling my name, so I figured, why not do both?
- food
- October 29, 2014
Mini Spinach & Feta Frittatas – Under 100 Calories!!

Since I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and healthy dinner ideas, I was delighted to come across a recipe in a recent Canadian Living magazine that utilizes muffin cups to create a main dish.
- food
- October 27, 2014
Eggplant Parmesan Bread Pizza

My family and I were in the mood for a quick “fast-food” tasting meal the other day, and I happened to have received Rachael Ray's weekly email that morning.
- food
- October 22, 2014
Baked Crab Cakes With Spicy Mango Lime Sauce

Recently I was in the mood for crab cakes. But I wanted to make them at least a little bit healthy so I didn't want them fried. I found a great recipe that did the trick.
- food
- October 20, 2014
Artichoke & Sundried Tomato Lasgana With a Chickpea Salad

Yes, you guessed it, more vegetarian cuisine. I have to admit that since eating more vegetarian meals I have felt more energetic and 'lighter' if that makes any season.
- food
- October 15, 2014
Shahi Paneer

I had never tried paneer before, but I love cheese so figured why not give it a try. Paneer is an East Indian cheese made from coagulated whole milk and lemon juice.
- food
- October 1, 2014
Clam Chowder & Lox & Bagels…Bread Pudding?

With that being said, we have decided try the vegetarian thing more often; not just on Mondays. Tonight I will be making a vegetarian lasagna that looks fantastic, with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and provolone cheese.
- food
- October 1, 2014
Slow Cooker (or not) Sweet and Sour Beef

I had some cubed beef in the freezer that I needed to use up, and I had a great recipe for it that seemed easy enough, but it was for the slow cooker.
- food
- September 30, 2014
Red Curry Peanut Noodles

It's the perfect time to make a quick, tasty dinner. So Red Curry Peanut Noodles it is! Thanks Chatelaine!
- food
- September 25, 2014
Broccoli Frittata with Black Eyed Peas & Feta Salad

Ok ladies and gents, I'm pleased to announce that you can finally subscribe to my blog via email. Check it out on the right side panel. Never miss another recipe again, yay!
- food
- September 24, 2014
Grilled Veal Chops, Cheesy Spaghetti Pie and Cheesecake

I decided I would spend a few hours in the kitchen and create a feast. I knew it would make me feel better. It did.
- food
- September 18, 2014
Salmon In Parchment With Polenta

I've been trying to eat more salmon lately. Truth be told, I hate salmon. It's too fishy for me, I don't like the texture or the flavor.
- food
- September 17, 2014
Garlic Cheddar Chicken & Savory Braised Green Beans

I always have a hard time coming up with different recipes for chicken. I find chicken very boring, but it's low in fat (the white meat) and good for you, so when it goes on sale
- food
- September 17, 2014
Memories of Grandma and Kugel

When I think of a childhood food memory I think of Grandma Pearl, Kugel, and lip smacking.
- food
- September 14, 2014
Stuffed Veal Chops

I am VERY pleased to announce that I will be starting a food writing course next week. This is exciting news for me.
- food
- September 4, 2014
EASY Kung Pao Chicken

I made this dish the other night for my family and it was a HUGE hit! Both the kids and hubby loved it, so it's definitely making it to my list of go-to dinners.
- food
- September 3, 2014
Lobster Bisque & Grilled Brie and Tomato

Ok, so here is my disclaimer before beginning this post...this meal is NOT easy. It's a lot of work, and quite tedious and annoying, but well worth it in the end.
- food
- August 29, 2014
Sweet Potato Soup & Sides

It seems there is a type of food to cure every problem. Hung over? Eat McDonalds. Happy? Eat cake. Sad? Eat anything bad for you
- food
- August 28, 2014
Mmmmmuffins!

I might have mentioned previously that my dear hubby is a home renovator. He's wonderful with people, and home owners always love him.
- food
- August 27, 2014
Not So Curried Chicken…

This is one of my kids' favorite recipes. Mine and the hubby's too. It's my mom's 'curried' chicken recipe.
- food
- August 25, 2014
Hot & Spicy Tofu

When I tell you that tofu tastes like chicken, if prepared correctly, I'm sure the skeptics baulk at me. Well, let me tell you again...tofu tastes like chicken!
- food
- August 25, 2014
Crunchy Vegetable & Coconut Curry Chicken Salad

This salad was so easy and SO good! A couple of ingredients and some left over chicken, and you're ready to go...
- food
- August 21, 2014
Italian Stuffed Shells

Recently I bought a box of ground turkey, and I've been on a mission to find recipes for it. Ground turkey can usually be used in place of ground beef or chicken, but it definitely needs more seasoning and less cooking time.
- food
- August 19, 2014
Salt & Vinegar Chicken

This is a slightly odd recipe and it threw me off when I first saw it, but I had some chicken thighs in the fridge begging to be cooked, and not a lot of time to throw the meal together, so I figured what the heck.
- food
- August 18, 2014
My Anniversary Dinner – A Romantic Meal!

Lamb Chops, Pasta Toss, and a delicious Mint, Pea & Feta Salad!
- food
- July 29, 2014
Quick and Easy Appetizers

So we are all moved in (thank God) but not quite unpacked. It seems I was a little delusional when it came to a timeline. I thought we would move in on Friday morning and finish unpacking that day
- food
- July 21, 2014
Red Wine Braised Beef Ribs, Cheesy Potato Pie & Dessert!

I love Sunday night dinners. Sunday night is the time to go all out. To get your family around the table and take that one last relaxing moment before you are back to the grind in the morning.
- food
- July 18, 2014
Slow Cooker Chili-Cinnamon Pork With Pineapple

I truly don't know what I would do without my beloved slow cooker. I have said this over and over in every slow cooker recipe post, but I can't stress it enough.
- food
- July 18, 2014
Make Ahead & Freeze – Tex Mex Casserole With Monterey Jack

I'm all about short cuts. If there is a way to get a healthy, home cooked meal on my kitchen table with minimal effort, then I'm totally in. I'm sure you'll agree that with busy lives
- food
- July 15, 2014
Shrimp & Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing

Oh yes...it's a salad night recipe! This one is pretty easy, and super hearty. You really feel like you ate a meal after this baby. I can't remember where I got the recipe from, but it's a keeper.
- food
- July 13, 2014
Finger Food Friday!!

I love finger foods. Wings, chips and veggies with different dips - so good! Last night we had finger foods for dinner, so I experimented with some new dip recipes and they were a hit
- food
- July 9, 2014
Creamy Bean Salad With Soft Boiled Egg

I love salad night! Every Wednesday in our home is salad night, and along with Meatless Mondays, this is my attempt to get more veggies and healthy goodness into my loved one's bellies.
- food
- June 30, 2014
EASY Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Sometimes I wish I had the Staples easy button in my kitchen. I would come home from work, press my easy button, and BAM! My dinner would be ready, complete with healthy veggies and fiber filled creations
- food
- June 20, 2014
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

I LOVE my slow cooker. There is absolutely nothing like it. Throw a bunch of ingredients in there, turn it on and go to work. Come home exhausted and starving, and your dinner is ready!
- food
- June 18, 2014
Slow Cooker Southern Style Pork Roast

Yes, I made a mistake. One of my New Years Resolutions was to have meatless Monday's and salad Wednesdays. Well this Wednesday we didn't have a salad entree.
- food
- June 18, 2014
Spicy Tuna Pad Thai

So as mentioned in previous posts, Monday is Meatless Monday in our home. Tonight I found myself in a small debate with my boyfriend over meatless Monday's. What does "meatless" really mean? No red meat? Completely vegetarian?
- food
- June 16, 2014
Roasted Red Pepper Chicken & Buffalo Shrimp Salad

When you need a meal in a pinch, without having prepared, Campbells has some great recipes – I kid you not. So to the menu last night, I added Campbells Roasted Red Pepper Chicken
- food
- June 6, 2014
Ginger Noodles With Tofu & Garlicky Green Beans

When I made the meal below, I had not eaten a real meal, with real food, in 51 hours and 40 minutes. Absolutely brutal. I missed the feeling of chewing, and tasting.
- food
- June 4, 2014
Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin & Roasted Veggies

Recently I made a meal fit for kings. God, I love cooking! But I love eating it even more! I made Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with a Roasted Vegetable Salad.
- food
- June 3, 2014
Chinese Pork Chops

This is my go-to recipe for pork chops. I've also used it for lamb chops, and veal chops. It's a great base recipe and you can add anything you would like into it to make it more to your liking
- food
- June 2, 2014
Parmesan Rosemary Chicken Wings

We love wings for dinner, and when the Wagjag grocery deal has wings for sale, I always stock up, so we usually have them on hand. This is a quick recipe to throw together, and it doesn't call for very many ingredients.
- food
- May 26, 2014
Pita Pizzas With Hummus and Mint

I love pita pizzas for dinner. You can pretty much chop up everything you have left over in the fridge and throw it on a pita, bake in the oven, and voila! A customized pizza - one that will be different every time!
- food
- May 26, 2014
Shrimp Carbonara

Sometimes Kraft comes up with really great recipes. This is one of those times. This meal really was quick and easy, and so decadent. It honestly tasted like I had done a whole lot of things from scratch, when really I didn't at all
- food
- May 22, 2014
Slow Cooker Pork (Carnitas) – Unique, Delicious and EASY

I guess you can call this dish Carnitas, although the meat isn't fried after being cooked. The seasonings are similar, and so is the presentation, but it isn't Carnitas in the true sense of the word.
- food
- May 21, 2014
Spiced Carrot Soup

This week I decided I will be following a meal plan from one of my role models, Cassey Ho. Cassey is a You Tube sensation - she has thousands of fitness videos (all free) and her website has a ton of useful information as well as meal plans.
- food
- May 21, 2014
Amazing Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato Cauliflower With Cheese

The name of this chicken is "amazing" chicken, and that's truly what it is. I believe it's a Hellmann's recipe but I've been using it for so many years that I can't be sure
- food
- May 14, 2014
Slow Cooked Short Ribs

I absolutely love my slow cooker. There are a ton of recipes out there to try, and it's just so easy to get a great dinner on the table with very little work! I always prep my meals the night before.
- food
- May 12, 2014
Chicken Ratatouille With Lemony Basil Polenta

As fancy and difficult as this recipe's name might sound, it was actually a very quick and easy meal. I was able to hide a ton of veggies in this one-pot wonder, and overall it was a hit with the family.
- food
- May 5, 2014
Caramel Chicken & Rice

Tonight I made a chicken recipe that actually had my BF turned off just from the name. Don't pay attention to the title...yes, Bon Appetit chose to call it caramel chicken, but it's not the sweet, sticky caramel that you are thinking
- food
- May 2, 2014
Pan Fried Salmon With Sweet & Sour Sauce

Here is the salmon recipe from yesterday's post. I don't really like salmon, but I did enjoy this recipe. And believe it or not, my daughter had two plates! Yes, two helpings of salmon! I was thrilled
- food
- May 1, 2014
Huevos Rancheros, Pork Chili & Sides

I am very very proud to say that this week I was super-organized, for the second week in a row! I did my groceries on Monday after work, and then prepared the week's meals. It was amazing.
- food
- April 27, 2014
Whitefish Cakes, Rice & Bean Salad

I love crab cakes, but have never actually bought crab legs, cooked them, extracted the meat and then made them into cakes. Maybe one day when the kids are on their own and I'm retired. Wishful thinking.
- food
- April 23, 2014
Lamb Curry With Peas

I was in the mood for lamb, but very short on time. I came across this meal in my recipe box (although I can't figure out where I originally got it) and decided to make a loose version of it