Classic Cream of Tomato Soup (with bacon base)

Classic Cream of Tomato Soup

Classic Cream of Tomato Soup

I’m definitely blogging this recipe, since this is where I catalogue  all my favourite recipes. This soup starts with a base of bacon so it’s unlike cream of tomato soup as we know it.  It sounded unusual to me at first,  but bacon and tomato is a classic combination so I went ahead and made  it and continue to make it often. It’s delish, I tell you.  This soup’s  got a smoky and savoury richness that you don’t usually find in vegetarian versions of this soup. Continue reading

Mediterranean Dip

Mediterranean Dip

This dip is easy to put together and is packed with fresh Mediterranean flavours — it’s nice to have in the afternoon on the deck, or if you have some friends drop over.  As ‘entertaining’ season begins (at least for me, being at the lake), it’s nice to have some easy appetizer ideas.  As usual, you can modify this to your taste. Continue reading

Chicken Piccata (Lemon Chicken)

chicken piccata (lemon chicken)

This is a family favourite that I’ve been making for years.  It’s a classic and I’ve been asked several times to post the recipe and method.  It is essentially easy with relatively few ingredients, however, it does involve some technique.  Once you complete the recipe following all the steps, you will have a good understanding  of it’s simplicity but also of the necessity of the technicalities. It is fairly quick to prepare (and even moreso when you know how to do it), but I find prepping the ingredients ahead allows you to cook it quickly and efficiently.  I use coconut milk but feel free to substitute 35% cream. Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Beet Salad

Beet Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

Obviously you can prepare this any time of year, and no need for heart-shaped beets all the time. Enjoy.
Continue reading

Comforting Winter Dinner Ideas

Perfect winter day

Hello friends.

Here are some links to some comforting dinner ideas from some other blogs/cooks that I think have a good handle on cooking.  I haven’t had time lately for recipe development and blogging so I’m sending you all some links that I hope you will find useful.

Don’t forget to check the ‘soup’ section of this blog – all of my recipes are very soothing and easy to follow with minimal fuss and ingredients.

I hope these soothe your soul, and warm you up. Remember when you are cooking to use your instincts and add some love and positive energy as you go.

Chicken Pot Pie  http://annies-eats.com/2009/11/11/chicken-pot-pie/

Louisiana Chicken Pasta http://annies-eats.com/2009/07/10/louisiana-chicken-pasta/

Meditteranean Orzo Chicken Bake http://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2012/01/mediterranean-chicken-and-orzo-bake.html

Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry http://www.simplebites.net/coconut-ginger-chicken-vegetables-slow-cooker-challenge/?doing_wp_cron=1327460623

Italian Chicken, Bean and Tomato Soup http://www.erinsfoodfiles.com/2008/11/soups-on.html

Beef and Green Bean Stirfry http://joelens.blogspot.com/2012/01/beef-green-bean-stir-fry.html

Bean and Pasta Stew http://www.thekitchn.com/cozy-winter-recipe-onepot-past-135992

Tandoori Chicken https://cookwithandrea.com/2011/06/09/tandoori-chicken

Ginger with her snow suit on