I am in the beginning stages of planning out Lesson Number One for my Food-ivore for Kids! class--I can't begin to explain the gamut of emotions-- Excitement, fear, happiness, longing...it seems that I am finally beginning to live my purpose. Finally free (or almost!! :) of all the "restrictions, fear and thoughts" that continually hold one back.
So I guess, that Lesson Number One should be--feel the fear, and do it anyway. Those things that hold us back will always feel worse than actually doing what we are here to do...so, here's to doing it anyway--I can hardly wait for the first class!!!
...and in case you were wondering, registration is NOW OPEN for the first set of classes--call or email me to hold your spot...(and all that contact info can be found on the link above).
~~on a side note...the grocery store had a ridiculous sale on Brie last week--99cents for a small wheel!! Seriously! So we will be eating lots of Brie filled recipes for the next little while!! Here's what I had for lunch today:
Grilled Cheese with Brie and Pepper Jelly
Home made bread
sliced brie
hot pepper Jelly
butter
Just like any other grilled cheese sandwich, butter the bread pan side down, layer on your cheese and cook until golden brown. Then remove from heat spread on as much pepper jelly as you can handle and voila, a delicious sandwich! Easy!
Showing posts with label Lunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lunch. Show all posts
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A summer's dream..
I think I love this summer...in fact, I know that I do. I love that I have the extra time and energy to enjoy the big things, and the small things. Love, love, love...
Tonight we had one of my favourites for dinner...I bet it will become one of yours too--it is so fast and easy. Super yummy too!
Roasted Pepper Sandwiches
(this will make enough for 4 sandwiches)
3 sweet peppers (red, yellow, orange)
2 tbsp olive oil
S&P
A few fresh spinach leaves
Naan bread
Herb Sandwich Spread
Toss peppers in oil and S&P. Grill on BBQ until soft and just barely blackened on the edges.
Sprinkle Nann bread with water, and warm in a 400 degree oven for 4 minutes.
Cut Naan in half, spread both halves with the herb spread. Top with spinach and roasted peppers.
Herb Sandwich Spread:
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp each fresh chopped basil, oregano, chive, tarragon, winter savoury (or any combo you like)
2 tsp red wine vinegar
cracked pepper
Mix all ingredients well, and let sit for 20 minutes or more. (this will keep well in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make extra for tomorrow's lunch!)
Tonight we had one of my favourites for dinner...I bet it will become one of yours too--it is so fast and easy. Super yummy too!
Roasted Pepper Sandwiches
(this will make enough for 4 sandwiches)
3 sweet peppers (red, yellow, orange)
2 tbsp olive oil
S&P
A few fresh spinach leaves
Naan bread
Herb Sandwich Spread
Toss peppers in oil and S&P. Grill on BBQ until soft and just barely blackened on the edges.
Sprinkle Nann bread with water, and warm in a 400 degree oven for 4 minutes.
Cut Naan in half, spread both halves with the herb spread. Top with spinach and roasted peppers.
Herb Sandwich Spread:
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp each fresh chopped basil, oregano, chive, tarragon, winter savoury (or any combo you like)
2 tsp red wine vinegar
cracked pepper
Mix all ingredients well, and let sit for 20 minutes or more. (this will keep well in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make extra for tomorrow's lunch!)
Monday, May 16, 2011
They go on and on...
Madeleine has the chicken pox, and has been home from school since last Thursday...she is definitely feeling better today--and driving me crazy!! :)
Here is her favourite sandwich (...which we just happened to have for lunch today)
Tuna Salad Sandwiches
1 can tuna, drained
half stalk of celery chopped fine
1 green onion chopped fine
1/4 red pepper chopped fine
2 tsp dried dill
squeeze or 2 of fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp (or more...) of mayonnaise
cracked pepper
Mix all together, add more mayo if necessary to be as creamy as you like it. Spread on to buttered BREAD. Enjoy!
Here is her favourite sandwich (...which we just happened to have for lunch today)
Tuna Salad Sandwiches
1 can tuna, drained
half stalk of celery chopped fine
1 green onion chopped fine
1/4 red pepper chopped fine
2 tsp dried dill
squeeze or 2 of fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp (or more...) of mayonnaise
cracked pepper
Mix all together, add more mayo if necessary to be as creamy as you like it. Spread on to buttered BREAD. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
In the Village...
We have a little "village" by our house--Belmont Village to be exact. It isn't really a village--it was designed in the 1950's and placed bang in the middle of the city (engineering ingenuity at it's best!) It is a pretty great place to visit though...shops, restaurants, atmosphere.
My favourite restaurant in the village is The Village Creperie. I know you are already aware of my love affair with crepes, so it will most likely not be a surprise to you that I LOVE this place. You also, by now, must be aware of how rarely I part with my money at a restaurant (...because the burden of being a good cook, is that so often I can make things better at home...). This little bistro is such a treat!!
Cute and cozy, great service and lovely atmosphere. And the food? Some of the yummiest around--very reasonably priced ($10-$14 per entree), unique savoury (and mostly organic) combinations to fill your Buckwheat Crepe and delectable inclusions to tempt your taste buds in the sweet crepes. So enjoyable--next time you are near the village you should stop by for a bite!
My favourite type of savoury crepe is a staple in the French parts of the world--so simple and relatively easy--they make them at the Village Creperie too, if you go, make sure you order your egg "flat".
La Complete (or Ham, Egg and Cheese)
(this particular recipe came from Baking Bites--one of my fave blogs!--she has some wonderful photos to go with this recipe-you can find them Here)
1/3 cups milk
2/3 cup water
1 1/2 cups flour
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vegetable oil
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk until very smooth. This can also be done in a food processor. Set batter aside to rest for about 15 minutes before using. Batter can also be covered and refrigerated for up to two days.
For Filling, per crepe:
1 large egg Scrambled
approx. 2-oz Havarti or Swiss cheese
approx. 1 or 2-oz Ham
Add some butter to a large frying pan (about 12-inches) and heat over high heat. Pour about 1/3 cup crepe batter into the pan and tilt the pan to swirl it around and coat it with a single, even layer. Once the first side cooks, flip the crepe. Pour the egg into the center of the crepe, the spread it around. Allow crepe to continue cooking until egg is set. Season with pepper, if desired.
Top with Cheese and allow to melt, top with a layer of ham. Fold in half, and then in half again.
Voila--brunch perfection!
My favourite restaurant in the village is The Village Creperie. I know you are already aware of my love affair with crepes, so it will most likely not be a surprise to you that I LOVE this place. You also, by now, must be aware of how rarely I part with my money at a restaurant (...because the burden of being a good cook, is that so often I can make things better at home...). This little bistro is such a treat!!
Cute and cozy, great service and lovely atmosphere. And the food? Some of the yummiest around--very reasonably priced ($10-$14 per entree), unique savoury (and mostly organic) combinations to fill your Buckwheat Crepe and delectable inclusions to tempt your taste buds in the sweet crepes. So enjoyable--next time you are near the village you should stop by for a bite!
My favourite type of savoury crepe is a staple in the French parts of the world--so simple and relatively easy--they make them at the Village Creperie too, if you go, make sure you order your egg "flat".
La Complete (or Ham, Egg and Cheese)
(this particular recipe came from Baking Bites--one of my fave blogs!--she has some wonderful photos to go with this recipe-you can find them Here)
1/3 cups milk
2/3 cup water
1 1/2 cups flour
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vegetable oil
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk until very smooth. This can also be done in a food processor. Set batter aside to rest for about 15 minutes before using. Batter can also be covered and refrigerated for up to two days.
For Filling, per crepe:
1 large egg Scrambled
approx. 2-oz Havarti or Swiss cheese
approx. 1 or 2-oz Ham
Add some butter to a large frying pan (about 12-inches) and heat over high heat. Pour about 1/3 cup crepe batter into the pan and tilt the pan to swirl it around and coat it with a single, even layer. Once the first side cooks, flip the crepe. Pour the egg into the center of the crepe, the spread it around. Allow crepe to continue cooking until egg is set. Season with pepper, if desired.
Top with Cheese and allow to melt, top with a layer of ham. Fold in half, and then in half again.
Voila--brunch perfection!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What are you waiting for?
Had some sad news today about the lovely lady who was Madeleine's school crossing guard. She passed away on Monday from the side effects of Cancer treatment. I can't say what it is exactly that is effecting me so strongly. I have been overwhelmed with sadness and grief today...seems there may be a few things underlying the surface here.
I didn't know her that well. We had a little 2 minute chat each day as I walked to or from school with Madeleine, which I enjoyed--she always had a little gem to share. She had a beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed, no doubt, the children will be sad she isn't coming back this time.
But I think there is something deeper here, that sometimes is only revealed by an unexpected death or other major event.
A sense of longing to get this life moving closer to the dream. A sense of urgency to get out of the rut, and not get so bogged down with the daily grind that I forget to experience the joy in each day or forget where it is I am going. A sense of sadness that I have already let time slip by...waiting...for what? More money, more time, a better situation...???
I guess what it is I am getting at here is what are you waiting for? We have this habit of waiting...for a special occasion, waiting for the right time, waiting....waiting...waiting...
So--no more waiting--pick your fanciest dinner, set the table, invite the company, indulge in your favourites..today, tomorrow, every day.
~~~
Here is one I have only made for company--although I'm not sure why, it makes such a great sandwich for lunch or picnic. Next time I make this, it will be just for us...I'm not waiting any more.
Antipasto Loaf
1 baguette
1 block cream cheese (room temp)
3tbsp pesto
1/2 cup sun dried tomato(in oil) drained and chopped
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 tbsp fresh grated parmesan
2 cups baby spinach chopped coarsely
Cut baguette in half horizontally and remove a little bread from the centre of each half. Mix cream cheese and pesto until well blended. Spread evenly on bottom of both halves.
Top bottom half with tomatoes, artichokes, parmesan and spinach. Top with other half of baguette, press firmly together. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refridgerate up to 24 hours. Slice and serve.
I didn't know her that well. We had a little 2 minute chat each day as I walked to or from school with Madeleine, which I enjoyed--she always had a little gem to share. She had a beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed, no doubt, the children will be sad she isn't coming back this time.
But I think there is something deeper here, that sometimes is only revealed by an unexpected death or other major event.
A sense of longing to get this life moving closer to the dream. A sense of urgency to get out of the rut, and not get so bogged down with the daily grind that I forget to experience the joy in each day or forget where it is I am going. A sense of sadness that I have already let time slip by...waiting...for what? More money, more time, a better situation...???
I guess what it is I am getting at here is what are you waiting for? We have this habit of waiting...for a special occasion, waiting for the right time, waiting....waiting...waiting...
So--no more waiting--pick your fanciest dinner, set the table, invite the company, indulge in your favourites..today, tomorrow, every day.
~~~
Here is one I have only made for company--although I'm not sure why, it makes such a great sandwich for lunch or picnic. Next time I make this, it will be just for us...I'm not waiting any more.
Antipasto Loaf
1 baguette
1 block cream cheese (room temp)
3tbsp pesto
1/2 cup sun dried tomato(in oil) drained and chopped
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 tbsp fresh grated parmesan
2 cups baby spinach chopped coarsely
Cut baguette in half horizontally and remove a little bread from the centre of each half. Mix cream cheese and pesto until well blended. Spread evenly on bottom of both halves.
Top bottom half with tomatoes, artichokes, parmesan and spinach. Top with other half of baguette, press firmly together. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refridgerate up to 24 hours. Slice and serve.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Devote your Attention...
"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. "On this food journey of mine, one of the things I have learned is that eating is much more enjoyable when you devote your attention to it. It is so much more satisfying when you savor each bite--enjoy the flavour, the colour, the texture.
~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story
Incidentally, I found I am able to EAT LESS by eating with such devotion--because I am more satiated and satisfied by a meal I have actually tasted, savored and enjoyed--rather than one I ate with mindless distraction.
No matter how busy the day, no matter how long the to-do list, devote your attention to your meal. It takes no more time to do and is so much more satisfying. You have to stop what you are doing to eat anyway--why not make it a beautiful experience every time you do it?
We only ever got this dish when my Dad was working late or not home for dinner--he didn't consider it a suitable choice for dinner! We didn't get it often, but we sure did enjoy it!
Ham Flan (quiche)
(this one came from Aunt Dona...)
1 9" unbaked pie shell (you can buy the frozen variety if you like--but I usually have some pastry in the freezer that I can quickly roll out)
2 tbsp butter
1 chopped onion
6-8 sliced mushrooms
1 cup cubed ham
1 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like marble or cheddar)
1 eggs beaten
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
salt and pepper
Saute onion and mushrooms in butter until tender. Sprinkle ham, cheese, onions and mushrooms on bottom of pie shell.
Combine eggs and milk, gradually add to mixture of flour, salt and pepper. our into pie shell and bake at 375 30-40 minutes or until knife inserted in centre comes out clean.
Let stand 5 min before cutting.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Are you worth it?
Would you cook the same if you were cooking for just yourself as you do for your family? Do you value yourself enough to nourish your body it the way it deserves to be nourished?
As women, I think it is easy for us to nurture others more than ourselves. I think it is in our nature to care for our families, feeding them well, while sometimes not nurturing ourselves the same way.
If you are in the habit of setting a New Tune for the New Year, perhaps you should make it about caring for your own body as much as you care for others. Love yourself and every inch of your body enough to feed it well, nourish it,and take care of it-every day. You deserve it!
Chick Pea and Almond Butter Sandwich
1 19-oz. (540 ml) can chickpeas rinsed and drained
Three tablespoons (45 ml) almond butter
Olive oil
1 or 2 fresh green onions, thinly chopped
juice of half a lemon
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 - 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) minced parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Whole-wheat pita pockets cut in half
12 slices cucumber
Using a Quick Chef chopper or food processor blend chickpeas until mashed. Add seasonings,lemon juice, almond butter, olive oil and chopped onion--mix thoroughly.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. (This mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight.)
At serving time, open a pita pocket and stuff with the chickpea mixture. Slide in some cucumber slices.
So yummy, so good for you!
Enjoy!
As women, I think it is easy for us to nurture others more than ourselves. I think it is in our nature to care for our families, feeding them well, while sometimes not nurturing ourselves the same way.
If you are in the habit of setting a New Tune for the New Year, perhaps you should make it about caring for your own body as much as you care for others. Love yourself and every inch of your body enough to feed it well, nourish it,and take care of it-every day. You deserve it!
Chick Pea and Almond Butter Sandwich
1 19-oz. (540 ml) can chickpeas rinsed and drained
Three tablespoons (45 ml) almond butter
Olive oil
1 or 2 fresh green onions, thinly chopped
juice of half a lemon
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 - 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) minced parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Whole-wheat pita pockets cut in half
12 slices cucumber
Using a Quick Chef chopper or food processor blend chickpeas until mashed. Add seasonings,lemon juice, almond butter, olive oil and chopped onion--mix thoroughly.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. (This mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight.)
At serving time, open a pita pocket and stuff with the chickpea mixture. Slide in some cucumber slices.
So yummy, so good for you!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
What???
Bil told me this morning about an article he read online (Toronto sun online-egg vs. double down) that stated "Eggs are worse than the KFC Double Down". WHAT???
This kind of headline grabbing sensationalism is so crazy and confusing to so many--I am a pretty informed consumer, with more than average info on food, disease, and health--and I find it so frustrating and confusing sometimes to have to sift through this craziness in our news media to try and find out the truth, and/or make educated decisions about food choices. This kind of misleading info is exactly why our food industry and our news media need to change--to be in favour of the health of the consumer.
What is your reaction to a headline like that?
Can you fathom that a highly processed, mechanically separated, sodium laden, trans fat filled meat only sandwich is better for you than a simple egg?
Now, let's be fair--the article was about the cholesterol level in an egg vs the cholesterol level in a Double Down (...which if you do some research you will find that science has proven it is NOT the amount of cholesterol that you ingest that is the problem--it is the amount of trans fat, saturated fat, inactivity and low amounts of vegetable fiber that are the REAL cholesterol problem...but that is another post altogether!...)
It was not comparing the sodium levels, the trans fat levels, the level of processing involved or any other relevant topic when it comes to making healthy choices. So, in regards to the cholesterol level--yes an egg does have a higher level of cholesterol than a Double Down- they got that part right.
But seriously...an egg is worse than a Double Down? Seriously?...
So in protest, here is my Egg Salad recipe--me and my Dad's ( ...nice grammar, huh?) favourite sandwich. You don't always need a funeral to enjoy one...
Egg Deliciousness
( aka Egg Salad Sandwiches)
6 hard boiled eggs peeled and chopped
1 green onion chopped very fine
1 small rib of celery chopped very fine
1/4 red pepper chopped very fine
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp dill
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Add a little more mayo of too dry. Spread on Grandma's homemade bread (buttered first of course) and top with a little lettuce if you like.
Enjoy!
This kind of headline grabbing sensationalism is so crazy and confusing to so many--I am a pretty informed consumer, with more than average info on food, disease, and health--and I find it so frustrating and confusing sometimes to have to sift through this craziness in our news media to try and find out the truth, and/or make educated decisions about food choices. This kind of misleading info is exactly why our food industry and our news media need to change--to be in favour of the health of the consumer.
What is your reaction to a headline like that?
Can you fathom that a highly processed, mechanically separated, sodium laden, trans fat filled meat only sandwich is better for you than a simple egg?
Now, let's be fair--the article was about the cholesterol level in an egg vs the cholesterol level in a Double Down (...which if you do some research you will find that science has proven it is NOT the amount of cholesterol that you ingest that is the problem--it is the amount of trans fat, saturated fat, inactivity and low amounts of vegetable fiber that are the REAL cholesterol problem...but that is another post altogether!...)
It was not comparing the sodium levels, the trans fat levels, the level of processing involved or any other relevant topic when it comes to making healthy choices. So, in regards to the cholesterol level--yes an egg does have a higher level of cholesterol than a Double Down- they got that part right.
But seriously...an egg is worse than a Double Down? Seriously?...
So in protest, here is my Egg Salad recipe--me and my Dad's ( ...nice grammar, huh?) favourite sandwich. You don't always need a funeral to enjoy one...
Egg Deliciousness
( aka Egg Salad Sandwiches)
6 hard boiled eggs peeled and chopped
1 green onion chopped very fine
1 small rib of celery chopped very fine
1/4 red pepper chopped very fine
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp dill
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Add a little more mayo of too dry. Spread on Grandma's homemade bread (buttered first of course) and top with a little lettuce if you like.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Fast doesn't have to equal junk....
Every find yourself running short on time for cooking dinner? Think you have lots of time, only to realize you have half an hour until dinner is on the table? Ever come home late from work and need dinner quick?
I think most of us, even if not on a regular basis, find this the case every once in a while. Occasionally I have been tempted to stop on the way home and pick up something quick--I usually find myself disappointed at the results. So much "quick food" is junk! It doesn't taste that great, and is full of ???? who knows what! What I would love to see, is someone to offer food that is fast/quick to prepare--but is just as healthy and money conscious as what I would make at home--am I asking too much??
In any case, I have come up with quite a few quick meals at home. Here is one--just perfect for days like today--where I was short on prep time...
Roasted Vegetable Naan Sandwiches
(depending on the number of sandwiches you need--you can adjust the quantities accordingly--this recipe is for 2-3 sandwiches)
1-2 red or yellow peppers, seeded and cut into wedges
2 small tomoatoes or 1 large sliced thinly
1 large onion, sliced into rounds, same thickness as tomatoes
olive oil
salt and pepper
Lay prepared vegetables in a single layer on a cookie sheet and lightly drip olive oil over--toss or turn over veg. to coat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Place in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes-1/2 hour .
In the mean time mix and set aside:
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1tbsp dried herb/garlic seasoning or dried pesto seasoning
When vegetables are done--nice and soft and golden brown--take out of oven and heat Naan bread (sprinkle with water and cook for 4 min at 400 degrees).
When Naan is done, cut in half, spread both sides with sandwich spread and top with roasted vegetables. Easy, fast, delicious!
Enjoy!
I think most of us, even if not on a regular basis, find this the case every once in a while. Occasionally I have been tempted to stop on the way home and pick up something quick--I usually find myself disappointed at the results. So much "quick food" is junk! It doesn't taste that great, and is full of ???? who knows what! What I would love to see, is someone to offer food that is fast/quick to prepare--but is just as healthy and money conscious as what I would make at home--am I asking too much??
In any case, I have come up with quite a few quick meals at home. Here is one--just perfect for days like today--where I was short on prep time...
Roasted Vegetable Naan Sandwiches
(depending on the number of sandwiches you need--you can adjust the quantities accordingly--this recipe is for 2-3 sandwiches)
1-2 red or yellow peppers, seeded and cut into wedges
2 small tomoatoes or 1 large sliced thinly
1 large onion, sliced into rounds, same thickness as tomatoes
olive oil
salt and pepper
Lay prepared vegetables in a single layer on a cookie sheet and lightly drip olive oil over--toss or turn over veg. to coat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Place in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes-1/2 hour .
In the mean time mix and set aside:
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1tbsp dried herb/garlic seasoning or dried pesto seasoning
When vegetables are done--nice and soft and golden brown--take out of oven and heat Naan bread (sprinkle with water and cook for 4 min at 400 degrees).
When Naan is done, cut in half, spread both sides with sandwich spread and top with roasted vegetables. Easy, fast, delicious!
Enjoy!
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