eat pretty

winter pasta inspired by 101 cookbooks

2010-12-18T11:49:00.001-08:00

Who would have known you can make green pasta sauce from blended kale and spinach. thanks to 101 cookbooks - Winter Pasta Recipe, I feel super healthy and inspired. I was so eager to prepare this dish, I forgot the follow the recipe. I glanced at the photo and got excited, using what i had. (kale and spinach, whole wheat spaghetti, ricotta instead of goat cheese, and slivered almonds for fun). I ate the pasta on day one, and then sauteed some mushrooms to change up the leftovers. mmmm. green winter pasta. (101 cookbooks recipe here)

chicken and pasta - two ways

2010-12-18T11:46:00.001-08:00

use the chicken breast for curry and the chicken thigh and drumstick for homemade chicken noodle soup. kill two birds with one stone, make two meals at once.

eggs for breakfast and dinner, cont'd

2010-12-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

the egg story continues. this time hardboiled and served on open faced toasted english muffins. and then baked, surrounded by tomato beans and chives. no matter how you make em, they taste good.

easy peasy pasta from scratch

2010-12-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

eggs for breakfast and dinner, like a true bachelor

2010-12-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

if you live alone, im sure you find yourself breaking the common rule of eating eggs for breakfast. it's simple and quick and always yummy. this sandwich incorporated fresh avocado, chives, tomato and a fried egg on toasted baguette. mmmm. the baked eggs were okay, but overcooked, make sure you take them out before they harden to medium, it will be better for dipping your toast. (here i baked avocado, cilantro, tomato sauce and eggs in a little oven proof dish)

meatballs and pasta. easy lazy meals for one

2010-11-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

A'int no party like a mexican party; burritos for the boys

2010-11-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Im not sure if there's a significant difference between fajitas and burritos, but this "assemble-your-own" buffet incorporated beans instead of sautéed peppers.

whole wheat pizza with kale

2010-11-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

store bought dough. rolled thin and topped with tomato sauce, onions, mushrooms, roasted sweet potato and kale. I think I may have sprinkled a few sesame seeds for decoration. yum.

you are what you eat; a personal iphone food collection

2010-11-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

Just cause I haven't been an active food blogger lately, doesn't mean I stopped taking pictures of the plates I create. Here is a collection of iphone food pics from the past couple of months. imagine doing this for entire year? *please note, I don't always eat this colourful, for some reason I forgot to take pictures of the late night mcdonalds and few chocolate bars along the way. haha

here you go Stephy, the famous berry scones

2010-07-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

These scones were a hit at the cottage, especially since they were fresh baked just before breakfast. There's nothing like walking into a room that smells like fresh baked goods. Unfortunately, this recipe didn't come from eatpretty's mind, but from here; (Tylers Ultimate)

beets and greens for lunch. a sandwich that makes your face glow with goodness

2010-05-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hummus, spinach, cucumber, roasted chicken, honey mustard, sliced boiled beets & fresh dill. yum

1 giant breast of turkey plus veggies

2010-05-31T21:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks giving in june...Marinated this giant turkey breast in olive oil, S&P, cumin, cayenne pepper, tandoori masala, and fresh thyme. Roasted it in the oven for about 1.5 hours. (it came out super juicy!!!) Accompanied by skewers of grilled zucchini, yellow pepper, sweet onion, and mushrooms.

chicken fajitas....why don't I make these more often?

2010-05-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

BBQ'd three chicken breasts, sauteed some red pepper and onion, and shredded some cheese and lettuce.....EASY STUFF PEOPLE!!!!. I had enough material to eat fajitas for two days, What a great little meal that keeps super well overnight.

breakfast tart for dinner; chorizo/caramelized onions/mushrooms/spinach

2010-05-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Laid two sheets of puff pastry to cover a cookie tray. Spread caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms, poured in beaten egg&milk mixture, and topped with chopped spinach & chorizo (quickly pan fried to crisp). Of course seasoning and herbs were added along the way (S&P, fresh dill and parsley)

eat pretty gets a makeover;

2010-05-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

It's time I start paying a little more attention not only to the visible aesthetics of food, but to this blog. The first facelift is BIGGER PHOTOS; squint no more and enjoy more details and textures. My second goal is to create a more uniform look and mood, so lets hope I choose one soon. I must admit that a little part of me is tempted to go back and delete all previous posts, but my rummbling belly seems to think otherwise. Perhaps I will keep the archive for now.... but cut them out when no ones looking.

At the table with: Drew Bomhof

2010-04-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Three course brunch at the revolving restaurant/Space Needle, Seattle. The bright natural light up there made for great food photography. I had:the smoked salmon tart, stuffed chicken with roasted veggies, and huckleberry cheesecake He had:the clam chowder, prime rib and mashed potatoes, and strawberry rhubarb crumble.

slider party.... 6 different kinds, which one do you fancy?

2010-04-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Pardon the ridiculous mess i made, and the fact that i forgot to photograph the 6th slider, but I got hungry. Inspired by hungry boy Kevin, I decided to use his appetite as a tasting ground for 6 new burger creations. Here they are in order of deliciousness according to Kev.

1. All beef, green onion and old Cheddar. topped with classic cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mustard.

2. Thai hot sauce and garlic. topped with hoisen, honey, sesame seeds and lettuce.

3. breaded pork Burger. topped with lemon honey mustard, lettuce, and Havarti cheese

4. Pesto and three cheese blend (Havarti, old Cheddar, Parmesan) topped with pesto mayo.

5. Mediterranean beef and pork burger with red onion, red pepper, and Havarti. topped with Greek salad.

6. herbbed beef and pork burger (cilantro, parsley, lots of rosemary), topped with lettuce and honey mustard.

spring into salads...

2010-04-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

This meal gets the rainbow badge. colourful and bright, this spread had all food groups covered, curbed all cravings, and left a light bright shinny feeling inside my belly! Plus, the salad was so big there was enough for lunch the next day!!! loving spring and the encouragement to eat healthy that it brings..

so healthy, but still hungry.....

2010-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

poached fresh wild sole in water. steamed spinach. and freshly made avocado/tomato salsa with cilantro and green onion. No fat added, this dish was bright and light, but had us eating peanut butter sandwiches shortly after. hahahaha. a lovely dish, but would have been more complete with some sort of rice or starch. next time perhaps some mashed sweet potatoes? yum.

longest name in the world muffins

2010-03-30T15:33:00.001-07:00

oatmeal, banana, zucchini, cranberry, and chocolate chip mini muffins. All I did was add some ingredients to boring standard oatmeal muffin mix... you may have to alter the mix:water combination to get a good batter consistency if you're going to add your own ingredients. but...bake/experiment and enjoy. They came out supper moist and created new inspiration for alternate combinations.....orange juice, poppy seed and carrot? oh yes!!!! coming soon.

she said she can't cook, but guest chef and fresh obbsessed Julia teaches eat pretty something new.

2010-03-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

In a bowl, Mix canned pacific salmon with 2tbs Olive oil. Add green onion and dill. , Toast your favourite bread
Lay down fresh spinach and thin slices of perfectly ripened avocado
enjoy. clean, crisp, and fresh... Julia has earned her spot on eat pretty

guest chef; stovetop soko

2010-03-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, look out. Chris has found a new domain to conquer. loosely trained by chef mom and foodster sister, Chris is the new up and comming star. today he served up fresh panko breaded hallibut, skillet seared and finished perfectly in the oven.....yum

boil, scoop, mash, refill, top, and double bake.

2010-03-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Don't attempt these unless you have patience and time. I can see why no one makes double baked potatoes on a regular basis. Next time I am going to try this with sweet potatoes, check back soon.

boring but delicious; tuna on mixed greens garnished with yummy little sesamee seeds and cherry tomatoes.

2010-03-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Can of tuna mixed up with 1 tbs. olive oil, juice of a lemon, S&P, toss into mixed greens and halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra nuttiness. enjoy.

eat pretty; colourful (but messy) taco party!!!!

2010-03-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

Plenty of preparing and chopping, but a heck of a good time; create your own taco plate and make a big Mexican Mess.

eat pretty; guest chef; Chris Sokolowski

2010-03-30T14:46:00.001-07:00

if this is not a picture perfect wrap i don't know what is. He spent his time sizzling that bacon slowly and balanced its "bad for you" stigma with crisp greens, lean turkey breast, and not to mention a flaxseed filled whole grain wrap. everyone needs to live a little right? well done brother.

more iphone food love

2010-03-30T14:39:00.001-07:00

tuna on salad with balsamic

pretty perfect grill marks; dinner by Chris

pretty little picnic for two. very easy to put together. cuccumber and tomato slices, grapes, olives, turkey, salami, crakers, cheese and some sparkling water. YUM.

sunday brunch. eggs, turkey, tomato, fresh bread, butter, jam, cottage cheese, & blueberries.

Classic breaky; eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice,tomatoes and cheese.

an iphone approach....

2010-03-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

For the past two months I have moved twice and traveled back home to Toronto, to Dominican, and back to Vancouver.... So lets just say my food photography and cooking experiments have taken a hit. BUT....my lovely iphone has captured a few good mornings and quick soups...which makes me feel like that's all im eating these days...I can't remember the last time I made a seriously delicious dish. HELP!!!

2 minute simple snack

2010-01-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

smash up a ripe avocado in a bowl, add S&P and freshly squeezed lemon juice. top with diced tomatoes and serve with crackers. done. mmmmm.

beautiful breakfasts

2010-01-21T02:05:00.000-08:00

start your day off as colourfully as possible.

2 egg omelet topped with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, and boiled beets. serve with buttered toast of course. enjoy

leftover veggies and curried rice

2010-01-16T11:52:00.001-08:00

I ordered a huge veggie burger platter from Naam the other day, and was left with so much shredded beets, carrots, romaine, guacamole, and sprouts but I couldn't dream of throwing them away. So i boiled up some brown rice, threw in some padaks' curry paste and yogurt and enjoyed my leftover veggies with curried brown rice. very veggie, very simple, but very yum. one of those dishes you feel good eating. I know hot rice with salad veggies is not a normal pairing, but sometimes you have to work with what you got.

sweet pot pie

2009-12-04T11:27:00.001-08:00

Work with what you got! When you don't have Yukon gold, reach for the orangey sweet things instead. The dish turns out sweeter than your traditional Sheppard's pie and the texture of mashed sweet potatoes is much softer than your regular starchy white kind, so play things up with Delicious spices and herbs. enjoy

1. saute onions, garlic, ginger, and chillies

2. add lean ground beef and herbs. brown.

3. boil sweet potatoes, mash with fresh ginger and butter

4. layer in baking dish

5. top with panko bread crumbs for added texture/crunch

pizza and homemade Pho'

2009-12-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Let this lovely steammy bowl of broth and veggies cure your chilled bones this winter. The quick short version: Add vermicelli rice noodles, spinach, thinly sliced carrots, onions, red peppers and mushroom, fresh chilli and ginger, lemon, S&P and fresh herbs to a chicken or vegetable broth of your choice. it takes as little as 10 minutes. The pizza on the other hand, was bought, defrosted and baked according to box instructions. enjoy.

super and mighty - NO FLU STEW

2009-11-18T16:45:00.001-08:00

As soon as november hits i start making stews full of mighty flu fighting powers. Things like garlic, ginger, lemon, chillies, lentils, carrots, spinach and tomatoes are packed with super nutrients, so why not heat them all up together and enjoy daily. ... p.s. I've never had the flu

breakfast with.... mom

2009-11-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

bite size crab cakes

2009-11-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

mix in bowl: 1 egg, two cans of crabmeat, finely chopped veggies (i used spinach and red peppers and sautéed them a little to soften), Panko breadcrumbs, herbs (dill and parsley), mustard, mayo, lemon juice, S&P, and anything else you want to add. You want the batch to feel moist, but to stick together well. This time around I tried baking them instead of pan frying. (a little dryer, but much healthier!!!). enjoy

2009-11-14T12:20:00.001-08:00

I used to work in a british pub and was always curious about "liver and onions" and "bangers and mash". Since there was a "bag-o-liver-" that came stuffed inside our thanksgiving turkey, I decided to experiment a little. I sauteed onions (duh), garlic, and fresh parsley until tender, added in liver, salt & pepper and served it with toasty ciabatta, roasted red peppers and good ol' horseradish. My parents enjoyed the little thanksgiving appetizer very much. Me on the other hand, just checked for taste and watched them enjoy instead.

super grain: red and white quinoa

2009-10-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

Pronounced "keen-wa" , this miracle whole grain has more good press then brown rice. It's full of protein and iron and comes equipped with a bite/crunch/pop of goodness. Make sure to rinse the grain before boiling, and be sure not to over cook or it will turn to mush! have fun. This variety mixed two colours inside one box....a lovely change from traditional quinoa.

1. sautee veggies and goodies that you love

2. add suggested water and quinoa (according to box & cooking insructions)

3. let simmer and absorb all your favourite flavours

4. serve in a pretty dish.

5. enjoy...it's good for you

mini chicken meatballs

2009-10-03T15:08:00.001-07:00

From the same batch of ground chicken below, I also created 24 little meatballs for a spaghetti dinner a few days from now. I simply rolled out these itsy bitsy balls and seared them, thus making them ready to plop into a tomato sauce for another meal during the week. so lovely...

chicken meatloaf....mmmmmm

2009-10-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

from 2 packages of ground chicken, I made 1 chicken meatloaf and 24 mini chicken meatballs....which worked itself out for two easy and budget friendly dinners.

1. 2 packages ground chicken

2. add sauteed veggies (spinach, red peppers, onions, etc)

3. add 2 eggs and 1 cup bread crumbs

4. salt and pepper of course

5. spread half the mixture into a small meatloaf baking dish lined with parchment paper

jamie oliver love affair: with spaghetti fritters

2009-09-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

jamie oliver love affair: with spaghetti tettrizini

2009-09-21T18:14:00.001-07:00

Today I experimented with Jamie's italian cookbook (thanks Chris and Maria!!!) Quite evidently, this is not the healthiest dish, but if jamie makes it, well then it's alright with me. (ingredients: chicken, cream, parmesan and pasta.... yum)

celery and beets, nuts and greens....

2009-09-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Simplicity: Toss celery, beets, greens, red onion, and roughly chopped chestnuts with a sprinkle of parmesan and olive oil/lemon dressing, and of course S&P to taste. The crunchy celery sliced on a "bias" was the highlight of this salad, it added so much brightness to the dense falvours of nuts and beets. yum

new fancy plate #1

2009-09-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

This one is "honeycomb". it made my quesadilla and dip that much fancier. thanks Laura, I've never had such an original and interesting plate collection. You're right, they truly add new dimension to my food photos....

itsy bitsty tini weenie banana flax muffins

2009-09-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

These marvelous mini muffins are perfect for breakfast or on the run. They are filled with healthy things like bananas, ground flax seed, whole wheat flour, non fat yogurt and nuts.

I found this recipe here. but i modified it a bit by adding in a handful of rolled oats and placed ONE big walnut on top instead of crumbling them into the batter. I also sprinkled some flax seeds on top to give hints of what's inside. enjoy!

pumpernickel mushroom bruschetta

2009-09-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

Who said bruschetta had to be topped with tomatoes? Today, I decided to slice up some mushrooms, saute them in olive oil, chillies, and fresh chives instead. I pre-baked slices of pumpernickel bread until crispy, drizzled them with olive oil, and lay my mushrooms down politely on top. I took this photo before I topped them with cheese and put the back in the oven to melt.... but they looked so good I couldn't wait to eat them up.... good thing i got a photo before they were all gone.

grilled chicken skewers and summer salad

2009-09-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite summer salad!!! It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes combined with chives from the garden, lemon juice, S&P and a dollop of plain non-fat yogurt. Soooo fresh and soooo lovely, I learnt this one from my mom. Served with a simple red pepper, onion, chicken skewer. If you don't eat meat....simply exchange chicken for tofu cubes or simply skewer more red peppers. mmmmmm

roasted chickpeas, beats, and crumbled walnuts...

2009-08-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

this was the nuttiest dish EVER!!! When you roast chickpeas they turn into a peanut!!! This salad turned out crunchy, and full bodied. Thank goodness for the fresh beats, herbs and added moisture from a lemon to brighten things up. Also, in order to moisten things up and play with texture, I also added in some fresh chickpeas as well. mmmmm.

1. tossed chickpeas and already boiled beats in olive oil and roasted till crunchy

2. dressed in fresh herbs and lemon juice, plus a handful of crumbled walnuts and fresh chickpeas.

mini wanton cups...mmmmm...crunch!!

2009-08-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

I've seen this little wanton cups EVERYWHERE.... so by no means did I come up with this concept. Regardless, I was delighted to discover how easy this task was, even though they look like beautifully crafted florets. These little guys will definitely be served up as an appetizer at the next party I host.

1. pre-bake wanton sheets in muffin tray for 10 minutes (I used a MINI muffin tray and I brushed it with olive oil first).

2. also....lightly brush the tops of wanton sheets to help brown the edges

3. bake for about 7-9 minutes @400.

4. When golden brown, stuff wanton cups with filling of your choice

(note: if using meat, make sure it's cooked at this point)

5. throw back into the oven for 5 minutes.

filling: sauteed in olive oil: onions, chili, fresh ginger, fresh herbs, orange and red peppers, Chinese cabbage, spinach & arugula, 1 diced Roma tomato, sesame seeds, S&P.

yum. crunch. serve with a mixed green salad, or as bite size appetizers.

crazy crab cakes...what a mess!!!

2009-08-13T04:44:00.000-07:00

I had some difficulty keeping them from falling apart, but the ones that stuck together were delicious. Here's what I did:

1. emptied 2 cans of crab meat into bowl

2. mixed in 1tbs mayo, 1 tbs Dijon mustard, fresh herbs (lots of dill and parsley), 1 egg, some breadcrumbs and lemon juice

3. mixed in red peppers and spinach (lightly sauteed first) and corn (cut straight off a boiled cob)

4. made little patties by hand and dipped each one into egg, breadcrumbs, and repeat again.

5. placed into hot pan with olive oil, pressing them down a little with the spatula to flatten

6. lightly frying until crunchy and golden brown. (I guess you can bake them too!!!)

ginger/dill vegetables in a phyllo tart

2009-08-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

This tart is perfect for using up the veggies in your fridge, and the frozen remainder of phillo pastry in your freezer..... use any kind of herbs/spices you love, and feel free to top with fresh cheeses if you want.

1. used the lovely mandolin to create thin slices of min red potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. (had to hand sliced the tomatoes).

2. blanche the potatoes for a few minutes (since they need the longest to cook) to even out the cooking time between veggies.

3. chop up lots of ginger, garlic, Spanish onions, dill, and parsley

4. saute potatoes in herb mixture just to coat

5. placed about 7 sheets of phillo pastry in a tart dish, sprinkled with olive oil, (tear off the access).

6. layer veggies in circles, according to colour, or however you wish to decorate...

7. top with breadcrumbs (didn't have any, so simply used the blender to chop up the two end pieces of a loaf of rye bread)

8. drizzle some olive oil on top

9. bake for 30 minutes (400), and then broil on low for an additional 5 minutes to brown

enjoy

pretty appetizer table setting...

2009-07-25T23:23:00.001-07:00

clockwise:

handmade California rolls: avocado, crab, cucumber

assorted platter: salami, olives, roasted red peppers, pate

assorted platter: cheese, ricotta, brie (with sweet pepper jelly) and grapes of course

fresh bread and homemade white bean pure

assorted wraps: purchased (tsk tsk).

(garlic hot sauce and smoked salmon with lemon in the middle)

beets chickpeas zucchini fresh ricotta cheese and summer peas

2009-07-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

A rainbow of colour and all the ingredients rhyme. yummy!!!! not sure how these ingredients came together, but they are a few of my favourite things. I spent $2.60 at the grocery store on a can of chick peas, three little beets, a handful of sweet peas in their pods, and 1 zucchini) the garnish I had at home. So simple and so fresh. more rainbow health bowls to come.

1. boil beets until tender/yet still somewhat firm - chop into little cubes

2. blanch chickpeas and sweet summer peas

3. grill zucchini or broil in the oven

4. garnish with fresh herbs, lemon juice, chili, ginger, and a little crumble of fresh ricotta cheese

5. serve in a bright bowl of goodness, or on a perfectly white plate for added contrast

6. enjoy

light and bright; summer seafood

2009-07-14T17:08:00.001-07:00

Seafood is perfect for summer, either indoors or out!!! It cooks fast and easy. It's bright. It's light. It can be topped with nothing but lemon and herbs and always delicious! So..go enjoy some seafood. Because it's relatively expensive, enjoy this as a once in a while treat....and split a 2pound lobster with someone you love for extra romance...hehehehe. enjoy.

No recipe here. Simply boil a 2pound lobster in very salted water for 13 minutes. and saute shrimp with lemon and herbs.

sweet potato quesadillas and soy bean salad

2009-07-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

1. saute onions, garlic, chili and fresh herbs in some olive oil - set aside

2. peel and boil sweet potato, drain

3. add sauteed ingredients, 4 tbsp of plain yogurt, juice from lime, S&P and fresh herbs

4. mash mash mash until smooth

5. spread SwPot mixture on 1/2 of tortilla flat bread, fold and close, pressing down for evenness

6. pan fry on both sides till crispy, cut into triangles

7. add plain yogurt for dipping, and fresh soybeans (tossed in lime and herbs) on the side

8. enjoy

(hint; you can keep a few folded quesadillas covered in saran wrap to fry up fresh for another day, that way you will have a quick snack and it will be fresh and crispy as opposed to soggy)

burger, beans, and curry sweet potato wedges

2009-07-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

1. BBQ'd curry sweetpotato wedges with cucumber raita (yogurt, lemon/lime, S&P, shredded cucumbers and fresh herbs)

2. BBQ'd burger with toppings

3. green beans with breadcrumbs and butter

so delcious...soybean salad

2009-07-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to go to the pantry and freezer for ingredients....Would you believe this fresh looking salad is exactly that combination? Chop everything into little pieces. garnish with lemon and herbs. so pretty!!! so colourful!!! so fresh...(wink wink).

1 can corn kernels

1 can hearts of palm

1 cup frozen soy beans out of shell

1 chopped Roma tomato (skin removed) and some red onion

garnish/dressing: lemon, lime, S&P, fresh herbs from the garden.

curried potatoes and fresh herbed trout

2009-07-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

curried potatoes:

1. halve and boil potatoes until tender

2. once cooked, saute in pan with onions and garlic for a couple minutes (set aside)

3. mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 2 tbsp curry paste, add freshly squeezed lime, S&P, fresh herbs

4. pour curry yogurt over potatoes, toss, and garnish with more fresh herbs (chives/cilantro etc.)

5. enjoy

trout:

1. place fresh trout on parchment paper

2. garnish with olive oil, S&P, fresh herbs from the garden, and freshly squeezed lime

3. BBQ for approx 12-15 min, enjoy.

pretty platters

2009-07-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats eating outdoors by the water and I was more than happy to create and serve delicious snacks to the crowd at the dock. I especially love that i found a tray with little separated compartments to ensure variety.

1. quartered sandwiches on whole grain bread: tuna salad, egg salad, and turkey.
2. hummus, veggies, crackers, totstio scoops and salsa, fruits and mini cucumber sandwiches

cottage kitchen

2009-07-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a mosaic of some of the lovely breakfasts, lunches, and snacks i created and ate at the cottage last week. Have you ever seen so many colours ???

berry yummy basil french toast

2009-06-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to make your breakfast glamorous! No matter what the occastion, it sets the tone for the day, and makes you feel like a princess. whether it's a weekday or you're dining alone, don't let any excuse prevent you from starting your day out this way. enjoy.

1. beat free range farm eggs with fresh basil, sea salt, and a dash of milk
2. dip whole grain toast into egg mixture and fry on both sides until golden
3. garnish with berries and icing sugar
4. serve with apricot juice and basil in a martini glass with ice.....*so refreshing by the way!!!
5. enjoy

toasted rye sandwich...red green and white!

2009-06-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

1. warm roasted red peppers and fresh spinach in pan, toss in a few sesamee seeds
2. lay on one side of toasted rye bread
3. spread lemon parsley sourcream on opposite side (*juice of 1/2 lemon and fresh parsley)
4. close. cut. enjoy.

a friendly recomondation & delicious combination - Thanks Laura!

2009-05-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Hey Justyna, thought you might wanna try this...No kidding, I made this soup last night and it was one of the most delicious, easy meals to make. Just perfect with some Ace bread and a small green salad. Yum!" - Laura sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chilies, fresh ginger, chicken broth, lime zest, sour cream, tomatoes, cilantro......all my favourite ingredients and all of them combined to make a deliciously fresh soup to eat anytime, any day, and more importantly during any growing season. I very rarely cook with recipes, but this one was handed to me, and I couldn't resist! Next time I'm going to make this soup even spicier... and probably skip the peanut butter!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
salt to taste
1 large roma (plum) tomato, seeded and diced

DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and lime zest. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add sweet potatoes, and chicken stock. Season with cumin, chili flakes and ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Puree the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender. If using a counter top blender, puree in small batches, filling the blender just a bit past half way to avoid spillage. Whisk peanut butter into the soup, and heat through. Stir in lime juice, and salt.
Ladle into warm bowls, and top with a dollop of the reserved sour cream, a few pieces of diced tomato, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

marvelous 'for the meat eater' manacotti

2009-05-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Once again, forced to feed the carnivores in the household, I decided to stuff these tubes with meat and cheese...mmmm. A very simple recipe - saute, boil, stuff, bake! and realistically, these pasta shells can house any combination of veggies, tofu, or cheeses. There are hundreds of combinations, let your imagination run wild!
1. saute onions, chili, garlic, parsley and ground beef,
2. add diced mushrooms, red peppers, and zucchini
3. add chopped spinach
4. sprinkle feta cheese into mixture
5. boil the manacotti noodles al dente
6. stuff manacotti noodles, lay them down in layers in a baking dish
7. top with tomato sauce and top with more parsley and feta cheese.
8. bake for approx 30 min

crispy crunchy stuffed with yummy!

2009-05-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

you can buy egg roll wrappers anywhere these days, so basically you simply have to design your stuffing and roll away! Once again, I was inspired by 101 Cookbooks and satisfied with the outcome. I chose a chicken, mushroom, onion, parsley and Indian spices filling, and brushed each little pocket with oil to give it an extra crunch while baking.

1. saute onions, mushrooms, chillies, and any other sauces or spices you would like.

2. add finely chopped cooked chicken breast, and stir

3. fill egg roll wraps (*rolling instructions are on the package)

4. place on a sheet with parchment, brush each pocket with oil and bake for approx 20 min on each side, or until crunchy and brown.

5. vegetarian options available of course: try diced tofu instead of chicken. Yum!

photo recipe cards....sandwich collection

2009-04-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than eating toasted sandwiches outdoors on a sunny day. Here is my sandwich recipe card collection. enjoy.

pink and green...so bright, so lovely

2009-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

inspired by 101 Cookbooks and her asparagus stir fry, I just had to attempt something so pretty and healthy.
asparagus, radishes, tofu, purple cabbage, toasted soy nuts (for garnish) and of course herbs and spices (parsley, fresh chilies, and red onion), OR any other veg you have lying around.....

1. saute onion, chili and parsley in a little olive oil
2. add tofu, then the cabbage, then the asparagus and sliced radish
3. toss, turn, fry, season to taste.
4. eat on a dish, or in a small bowl (oh...and sprinkle sesame seeds for fun)

so simple, so fresh, so easy.....

2009-04-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

We have all heard the phrase that cooking should be simple, easy, and fresh. Sometimes the cleanest eats come from combining a few ingredients and barely even processing the dish by cooking. Recently, I stumbled across this article by Mark Bittman in the New York Times. He posts 101 simple glorious recipes that take under ten minutes to prepare.... simply by mixing fresh ingredients or eating raw. Inspired by this concept, I created this white been puree today. Simple, easy, storable, and can be eaten in a variety of ways. (with pita, with celery sticks, on toast, in a sandwich instead of mayo etc.)

1. drain white beans and rinse
2. chop flat leaf parsley, chillies, dill and squeeze the juice from 2 lemons
3. put all ingredients in the blender, add 1/4 olive oil, Salt and Pepper
4. blend, mix, chop, puree, (whatever you would like to make it as thick or as smooth as you like)
yummmy! and so very simple. the herbs give the dip a colour that resembles guacamole, and the bean's savoury texture mimics the avocado without the calories. feel free to substitute with other herbs, or leave out the chili. enjoy.

lovely lentils

2009-04-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Lentils contain high levels of protein and iron!!! They are favourites among vegetarian dishes because these little legumes are full of flavour and can be served both hot and cold. They bring a nutty, peppery and rustic appeal to any dish and leave you feeling satisfied and full. Today I incorporated a rainbow of ingredients to create a Delicious lentil dish for dinner, and leftovers that can be eaten up as a cold salad. yummy!

1.dice: carrots, mini red potatoes, red/yellow pepper, mushrooms, red onions, tomatoes, peas, and parsley

2. first saute carrots and red potatoes in olive oil, adding S&P, chili flakes, and ginger

3. next, add onions, mushrooms, and parsley

4. lastly, add peas and tomatoes and Lentils

5. saute for a few more minutes, mix, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese

6. enjoy

ingredients should mimic the rainbow...

2009-04-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

whenever making breakfast lunch or dinner, make it a habit to incorporate as many colours as possible. Also, in order to keep the veggies vibrant, be sure to avoid overcooking or steaming. The longer you cook you veggies the blander they taste, the duller they look, and the more nutritional value they loose. Remember that certain veggies take longer to cook based on texture, so be sure to sautee them in a particular order. For example, carrots and potatoes take longer than peas, herbs, and peppers. have fun!

chopstick and rock clock...time to eat!

2009-03-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

My household prides themselves on shopping regularly so that we cook with fresh and local ingredients. However, 2 thirds of this dish started out frozen! Sometimes, it helps to keep a few frozen essentials stocked away. By combining fresh seasonings and herbs, you can turn even frozen ingredients into something extraordinary. I thawed the piece of salmon and topped it with olive oil, S&P, chili flakes, sesame seeds and lemon slices. I broiled it for 12 minutes. The noodles were a pantry staple, and they were tossed with bok choy, red pepper, chillies and lime. The dumplings were stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms, from frozen they were boiled and then sauteed with onion and fresh cilantro. In the end, even pulling supplies from the freezer or pantry you can create a fresh meal by using herbs and exquisite garnish... yummy!

lemon,parsley&parmesean - scalloped potatoes

2009-03-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

this side dish was created to accompany the baked chicken but came with a twist from ordinary scalloped potatoes and au gratin, by using lemon and Parmesan instead of the typical processed garbage cheese. Thanks to the efficiency of a Mandolin, I was able to get 5 potatoes sliced paper thin within minutes.

1. thinly slice any kind of potato you have (feel free to mix, or add sweet potato)
2. shred old Cheddar and fresh Parmesan cheese
3. chop fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
4. layer potatoes and add cheese whenever you feel like it
5. fill the gaps with liquid (*2 cups milk, juice from 1 lemon, and chopped parsley)
6. top with a few crumbles of butter and bread crumbs to give a golden crispy top
7. bake at 400 so that the milk is boiling and softening the potatoes for about 30 min.

vegetarians, look away.... chicken bake ahead

2009-03-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

I prefer to cook colourful vegetarian meals, however with a family tribe of carnivores, the chef needs to make exceptions. Today I stumbled across a can of artichokes and fresh spinach and immediately wanted to make a delicious dip in the food processor. However, I got distracted by the 2 pieces of chicken breasts beggin' to be baked. This simple on dish requires you to stuff chicken breasts between a bed of spinach, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Simply topped with olive oil, S&P and fresh parsley, the dish creates an incredible juice, leaving the entire meal great for topping rice or potatoes. (*I will get around to making that spinach artichoke dip soon, I promise)

1. drain/wash artichokes and spinach, wash cherry tomatoes, slice a few pieces of red onion

2. season chicken breasts with S&P (plus paprika for kick) and brown the outside in a pan

3. wedge that golden seared chicken between all your veggies

4. top with a splash of olive oil and fresh chopped parsley

5. bake for approx 30 -40 minutes, *depends on oven and size of chicken pieces.

6. enjoy.

fresh vegetarian spring rolls..yummy!

2009-03-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

ta da!!! fresh, colourful and healthy rice paper spring rolls, great for dipping in sweet chili or peanut sauce. I thought I would take a different approach to this post, and instead of just posting one final product picture, I have included some step by step details.This is the *creation station: set your table to include all your cut fruits and veggies, a bowl full of cooled and drained vermicelli noodles, a damp cloth, and bowl of hot water to soak the rice paper in. (only takes about 1 minute in the water to soften)
lay mango, asparagus, red peppers and avocado down first. Then add vermicelli noodles and herbs (this was a mix of cilantro, lemon juice, chili flakes, and rice wine vinegar). Next, fold over the sides to keep all the goodies from falling out. Lastly, roll everything into a tight little package and set aside.

don't you just LOVE the colourful array of fresh fruits and veggies. here's a close up of the ingredients used. and below, is everything you need to make this dish. (cilantro, fresh ginger, avocado, mango, red pepper, vermicelli noodles, asparagus, lemon, and of course rice paper.)

the platter i forgot to take to the party

2009-03-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

I created this little Asian fusion bowl trio to bring to a friends party, but it stayed behind wrapped up in the fridge, and my family got to it the next day. Bowl number 1: a buckwheat soba noodle salad (can you believe they take 4 minutes to boil????) with sesame seeds, fresh lime juice, chillies, cilantro and red peppers. Bowl number 2: vermicelli noodles garnished with soya sauce, lime juice, chillies, red pepper, and freshly grated ginger. and bowl number 3: best appetizer and party pleaser *edamame. yummy!

think outside the box - open face sandwich

2009-03-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

oh how i love weekends, and the time to enjoy lunch! This open faced sandwich combines cucumbers, tomatoes, boccochini cheese, sea salt, cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil (instead of using butter). Placed on whole grain dark rye bread (*toasted of course), you can eat the cheesy side first, and then wash it down with the veggie half (or vice versa)...OR simply close and cut the sandwich for the more traditional approach. the yellow rose is for show, for colour, and for wonder. The little red goodies are radishes and they pack a mean nutritional punch (rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid, potassium // and a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and calcium.. nutritious and delicious!

breakfast of champions

2009-03-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

this balanced breakfast not only showcases the brightest colours of the rainbow, but it also takes inspiration from each food group *protein, whole grains, fruits&veggies, and dairy. Now that's what i call a complete breakfast. A little bit of everything, and of course, a flower. today was a beautiful blue ski day and this breakfast was consumed after a walk outdoors. you can imagine how good it taste, even if it's the simplest thing ever! (boil, slice, toast and pour... that's it!)

when craving maki....make your own

2009-03-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

On the way home from work today, I ventured into our enormous Asian grocery store for some essential ingredients to make very quick and easy maki (sushi rice, seaweed, cucumber and red pepper) oh and of course edamame beans and miso soup on the side. Despite sticky rice ending up everywhere, the rolls came out pretty precise and delicious, the miso soup was impossible to mess up (just add boiling water) and the edamame boiled themselves in 10 minutes. What a wonderful way to create a pretty plate of something you usually have to go to a restaurant to enjoy. By no means am I trying to claim authenticity here (sushi and maki done by professional chefs is a culinary force to be reckoned with), but adding chopsticks to any home made meal makes dinner that much more fun! enjoy.

replace the bad fat with the good fat

2009-02-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

The centres of eggs have been known to be full of cholesterol (the bad kind), instead, take out the egg yolk after hard boiling the eggs and fill them with a homemade guacamole (fresh avocado, cilantro, lemon juice, S&P). Then, top each egg with cherry tomato slices and fresh dill. By substituting egg yolks with avocados you can enjoy a healthy fat instead of the saturated kind and still consume excellent protein from the egg whites. good morning, enjoy.

newspaper not included.

2009-02-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

There's nothing better than putting breakfast together and serving it on a wooden tray. It keeps everything stable while carrying it to your favourite breakfast spot and there is plenty of room to add flowers and other treats. So why wait for someone to bring you breakfast in bed, simply create your own morning medley and enjoy it outdoors or in front of the t.v. (newspaper not included). enjoy.

how does she get it so thin?

2009-02-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

The next time you make pizza choose whole wheat dough instead of white, roll it out really thin and top it with luxurious ingredients like roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, sprouts, spinach, and oyster mushrooms. Try your best to be carefree when choosing, chopping and placing ingredients. If you want to create a rustic feel, you're going to avoid perfect dicing and positioning. Then, to add to the earthy and rustic feel, serve it on a cutting board (created by my favourite Chef Jaimie Oliver) and a big palm leaf instead of a plate. enjoy. (photo by me, but pizza hand rolled and topped by MOM)

if it's in the fridge, throw it in..

2009-02-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Quiche is a dish that seems to be made when the fridge is almost bare. With a few staple resources every household carries and some bits and ends of colourful veggies, you can create a crust and egg filling that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The beauty of quiche is the missing set of rules. Basically, fill them with whatever you have, and don't be afraid to experiment. They may be bite size, but are packed with flavour and loaded with protein. enjoy. (For these mini quiches I added avocado, cherry tomatoes, spinach, onion, and Parmesan cheese).