Join Me in My Addiction!

Thank you for visiting my blog...and for allowing me to share with you my addiction. I love to collect recipes. I love to read cookbooks. I have been collecting recipes for as long as I can remember, and on any given day there are one or two (or more!) cookbooks residing on my nightstand!

This blog is chronicling my adventure as I fulfill my resolution of trying (at least) one new recipe each week. I hope that you enjoy!

I invite you to join me in my journey, simply by clicking the "Join this Site" link below. And please feel free to comment on any of the recipes, and pin away. Thanks, I look forward to sharing with you!

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Flash #Giveaway! Kellogg's Innovation Prize Pack

Happy Sunday everyone!  

I hope that all is well with you!  It's another beautiful day here, the sun is shining, it's wonderfully warm, and my oldest is gone to hockey.  Yup, hockey.  Fall is around the corner and with fall comes a world of new things, including this new product line-up from Kellogg's!

Kellogg's Innovation Prize Pack | Addicted to Recipes contest




And, guess what?!  One lucky Addicted to Recipes reader is going to win a fabulous prize pack like this one from Kellogg's valued at $50!  Enter via the easy Rafflecopter below. Contest open to Canadian residents only...and is open for TODAY only!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Easy Sticky Honey Sesame Drumsticks

I'm always looking for an easy dinner to make for my boys, especially now that we are into the hot days of summer (record breaking heat wave last week!).  I saw this recipe in Canadian Living, and figured I needed to give it a try.  I did modify it to suit my plans - here is the recipe:

Easy Sticky Honey Sesame Drumsticks (source: Canadian Living, August 2013)
Easy Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken | Addicted to Recipes

8-10 chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, sesame oil and soy sauce,  Add in the minced garlic and whisk again.  Pour the mixture into a resealable bag, add the chicken.  Seal the bag and put into the refrigerator.  Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours.  I put ours together in the morning and let sit in the marinade all day.

Preheat oven to 400F.  Line a baking dish (parchment paper or tin foil) and place the chicken in the dish.  Pour the marinade over the chicken.  Place in oven and bake for abut 25 minutes (or until the chicken juice runs clear).  When done, remove from oven, put chicken onto a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.  Serve and enjoy!

VERDICT:
This is an EASY recipe, perfect for hot summer days (as long as you have a/c in the house!).  The flavour is nice, and the drumsticks are a beautiful golden colour when cooked.  We enjoyed these, and will make them again!





Thursday, July 17, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Strawberry Lemonade

We are in the midst of a heat wave here, record setting temperatures!  Yesterday, it was 44 celsius in our back yard (that's 111 F!).  I love the heat of summer, though not the fires that come with the heat.  Here's hoping for some rain (lightening free) to help our forest fire fighters in their battles around the province.

Today's Throwback Thursday recipe is for Strawberry Lemonade.  Love making fresh lemonade for my family...check out the recipe here!

Strawberry Lemonade | Addicted to Recipes

Mom's Peanut Butter Bars

Growing up, my Mom often made us great treats for dessert.  Whether it was her chocolate chip cookies (secret family recipe!) or her cinnamon buns, we were lucky to have a Mom who liked to bake.  Another of our favourites were her Peanut Butter Bars (think Reese Peanut Butter Cups, but homemade) - she's been making these for us since we were kids.  It's easy to make, no baking required.  I used natural peanut butter and it turned out the same as using regular peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Bars (Source: My Mom's Recipe Binder)
Peanut Butter Bars | Addicted to Recipes


2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup butter, melted
1 - 1 1/4 cups peanut butter
1 3/4 cups icing sugar
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

In a large bowl, mix together the graham crumbs, melted butter, peanut butter and icing sugar.  Press firmly into a wax paper lined 8x8 or 9x13 pan (depending on how thick you like your layers - bigger pan = thinner layers).  Put into the fridge to start to set, about 10 minutes.  Remove from fridge, melt chocolate chips, pour over the peanut butter layer.  Return to the refrigerator, allow the chocolate to start to set, approximately 10-15 minutes.  Remove from the fridge again, cut into squares (must do this now, or once the chocolate is completely set it will crack when you try to cut the bars later).  Keep refrigerated.  These also freeze well.

VERDICT:
These are a long-time favourite treat of mine!  Super easy to make.  As mentioned, I made these using natural peanut butter this time, and they turned out the same as using regular peanut butter - yay!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Ahhhh, the dog days of summer.  They are upon us now. I am on holidays. Which means in moments of silence (eg, when the toddler is napping), I have a few minutes to work on some posts.  I've been trying new recipes all along, even though I haven't been posting frequently.  Here's hoping I can get back into the swing of things now that life has slowed down!
Meal Plan Monday | Addicted to Recipes

I still prepare a weekly meal plan - it is SO helpful for us.  Here is this week's plan:

Sunday: Steak, Salad, Grilled Beets

Monday: Homemade Hamburgers and Salad

Tuesday: Pork Chops, Dawn's Baked Beans, Salad
 (in case you hadn't noticed...we have salad with every dinner)

Wednesday: Pork Kebobs, Leftover Baked Beans, Salad

Thursday: Soft Tacos (with Homemade Taco Seasoning), Salad

Friday: Grilled Salmon, Grilled Vegetables, Salad

Saturday: Clean out the fridge night! (leftovers!!)
 
Enjoy your meal planning!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Hello friends! It has been a while.  Life outside of Addicted to Recipes has been rather hectic.  Spring as sprung, and we are on the go non-stop - between our jobs (hubs and I both work full-time, plus we own a business, plus I've been working a lot of overtime...20 hours of OT last week), our kids (both active in swimming, guitar, tennis, hockey and more), and our hobbies (gardening, camping, sports, etc)- I just haven't been on my computer much to put recipes to posts.  Things should start to settle now that we are heading into summer...lots of vacation time coming for this girl!

Meal Plan Monday | Addicted to Recipes

Here is this week's meal plan:

Sunday - BBQ Pork Chops, Dawn's Baked Beans, Salad

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Soup & Sandwiches - my hubby and I are taking a pottery class together on Tuesday, so we'll need a quick dinner before we head to class 

Wednesday - Soft Tacos with Homemade Taco Seasoning

Thursday - BBQ Chicken, Salad, Grilled Vegetables

Friday - Homemade pizza

Saturday - Steak, Potato Salad, Asparagus

Happy Meal Planning!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Hello friends! It's been a while since I have posted - life has been busy...spring has sprung and we are into cleaning mode and spending time outside.  I'm still doing my meal plans every week, but just haven't been great at posting.  But here is this week's plan:
Meal Plan Monday | Addicted to Recipes
Sunday - Curry Chicken and Rice

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Beef and Peppers stir fry

Wednesday - Soft Tacos with Homemade Taco Seasoning

Thursday - Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Friday - Spaghetti & meat sauce

Saturday - Pizza night!

Happy planning!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday | Addicted to Recipes
Hello friends!  Happy Monday to you!  How was your weekend?  Ours was lovely - it's SPRING!  Yippee!  Though that does mean it's time for spring cleaning...I don't always hear YIPPEE when I write out that daunting to-do list! 

I hope that your weekend was wonderful.  I've got this week's meal plan ready, hopefully you will find some inspiration here!

Sunday - Drumsticks, Dawn's Baked Beans, Salad

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Salmon, Rice and Peas

Wednesday - Soft Tacos (with homemade taco seasoning)

Thursday - BBQ Chicken, Grilled Vegetables 

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Steak, Baked Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus

Have a great week!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Throwback Thursday

It has been a quiet week here at Addicted to Recipes.  The kids are on spring break (for 2 weeks!) and we've been enjoying some extra time with them (meaning a few later nights, staying up reading with the oldest since he doesn't have school in the morning) - and at work, it's been very busy with year end, number crunching and reading way too many spreadsheets.  I've also been catching up on MasterChef Canada episodes, did you see that creation for Nanaimo Bar Periogies this week?  Wowzas!

I know I recently shared this Throwback Recipe for Nanaimo Bar Ice Cream Cake, but given I'm now craving Nanaimo Bars after watching MasterChef, I just had to share it again!  The link to the original recipe is via the title.  Enjoy!
 

Nanaimo Bar Ice Cream Cake | Addicted to Recipes

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Throwback Thursday

Hello friends! Welcome back to this week's Throwback Thursday.  Today I am sharing a favourite from last summer.  Oh how can't wait for summer to come and to make these!  Link to the original recipe is in the title below.


Cajun Halibut Burgers | Addicted to Recipes

Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

My boys are big fans of pulled pork.  You've seen the recipes that I have posted for Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork (my hubby loves this one) and BBQ Pulled Pork.  And we all know that I like trying new recipes, so when I came across this recipe over at 100 Days of Real Food, I thought I should give it a try!  Here is the recipe:
Crock Pot Pulled Pork | Addicted to Recipes

Approx. 3 lbs of pork (loin, shoulder, roast), halved
3 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, peeled and halved

In a bowl mix the spices together (paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme).  Add in the honey, the red wine vinegar and the olive oil, mix well to make a paste.

Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the halved onion.  Lay the pork on top of the onion.  Spoon the paste over the pork - there will be way more paste than pork, and that's OK.  The extra paste will run down along the bottom of the crock pot and the onions will love that flavour. 

Cook for 8 hours on low, after 8 hours, shred the pork with a fork.

VERDICT:
This one is another hit - it was very tasty.  We turned ours into sandwiches (of course!) and served with coleslaw.  Added bonus, an easy list of ingredients that are standard stock in our pantry.  Will certainly make this again.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Hello everyone! I'm a little late in posting this week's meal plan - after a very busy weekend at the rink (playoff tournament for our oldest son's hockey team)...and then said son ended up being sick last night, obviously the priority was to support and care for our little guy.

He's having a rest right now, which means that I have a chance to pop on and share this week's plan.  Here it is!

Sunday - Southwestern Chicken Chili

Monday - Leftover Southwestern Chicken Chili

Tuesday - Balsamic Roast Beef and Mixed Green Salad

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Curried Cauliflower Soup (recipe coming soon!) & Salad

Friday - Butter Chicken

Saturday - Leftovers

Have a great week!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Southwestern Chicken Chili

I've shared with you a recipe already from the Best of Bridge Volume 3 (check out the recipe for Brie with Sun Dried Tomatoes here) - and today I am excited to share yet another recipe with you.  Now first, anyone who knows me is thinking, chili? You? You hate chili... which is true.  I have never liked chili.  But, in true Addicted to Recipes fashion, I was looking to try something different, and came across this recipe.  So I made it, and for the most part, I liked it! (it was just those darn kidney beans that I could have done without).  Here is the recipe:

Southwestern Chicken Chili | Addicted to RecipesSouthwestern Chicken Chili

Make it a meal with a salad and crusty rolls

2 1⁄2 lbs chicken breasts (I used boneless, skinless)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder (use all of it!)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons ground coriander (I substituted tarragon)
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 28-oz (796 mL) can tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons  lime juice
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 12-oz (341 mL) can corn kernels, drained
1 14-oz (398 mL) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 14-oz (398 mL) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a Dutch oven, brown chicken in oil. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are soft. Add chili, cumin, oregano, coriander, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste, lime juice and sugar to chicken mixture. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour. Add corn, kidney beans, chickpeas and green pepper. Simmer 30 minutes more.  Serve and enjoy!


-----------
Excerpted from The Complete Best of Bridge Cookbooks, Volume 3 by The Best of Bridge Ladies © 2013 www.robertrose.ca. Reprinted with publisher permission.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Throwback Thursday

Hello everyone!  I know, it's been a quiet week here at Addicted to Recipes.  We went on a little vacation, which meant that the blogging went on vacation too :-)  I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things - and am back today with this week's edition of Throwback Thursday!

This is a great breakfast / brunch - and perfect when you have a house full!  Link to the original recipe in the title below.


Easy breakfast, especially with a house full of company!



PS, have you voted for me yet?  Would you ,could you? I've been selected to participate in the Melt Magazine Recipe Challenge, and if I win, my recipe for Fresh Spring Rolls will be published in the next edition of the magazine!  Head on over here to vote for Fresh Spring Rolls!

Monday, March 3, 2014

Kellogg's New Product Line-Up - and GIVEAWAY

The days that we come home to the big red box sitting on our doorstep are always fun days.  Just before we left on holidays, we received a box from Kellogg's containing samples of their new products:

Kellogg's

  • Kellogg's TO GO Breakfast Shakes in Chocolate and Vanilla
  • Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Fruit Crunch Bars in Strawberry and Apple Cinnamon
  • Special K Chocolately Red Berries Cereal
  • Special K Protein Morning Shakes in Cafe Latte and Mocha
  • Special K Pastry Crisps in Cookies & Cream and Chocolately Caramel
  • Special K Cracker Chips in Salt & Vinegar

My hubby was eyeing up the Cracker Chips right away, he's a fan of salty, crunchy treats.  Me, I'm more of a sweetheart, and the Pastry Crisps will be making their way into my food stash at work the office.  Hello, chocolate!!  The kids are happy to see the Nutri-Grain bars as these make their way into the treat bag for those days at the rink (which will be continuing well into spring as our oldest has now decided to play spring league hockey).

How would you like to win your own pack of new products from Kellogg's?  The contest is open to Canada only, enter via the Rafflecopter below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Throwback Thursday

This weekend mark's our 8th wedding anniversary!  Time goes by so quickly, it feels like just yesterday that we were in Vegas getting married (yes...a Vegas wedding...and it was SO FUN!) Yet, when I sit down and look at the pictures and think about all the good times (and some challenges) - we've really had a wonderful 8 years of marriage.  I'm lucky to be married to such a great guy!

So, in the spirit of love and anniversaries, this week's Throwback Thursday recipe is one of my hubby's favourites...
 
 
Nanaimo Bar Ice Cream Cake | Addicted to Recipes
 
 



 
What is your partner's favourite dessert?

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Salsa Turkey Meatloaf

Me and meat loaf.  I've said it before and I will say it again, never been a big fan.  But my boys love meatloaf.  So, in Addicted to Recipes fashion, I keep trying new recipes, in hopes of finding one that will turn me on to meatloaf.  Here we are with a new recipe, Salsa Turkey Meatloaf.  It's another recipe from the binder - no idea where the recipe came from.

Salsa Turkey Meatloaf

Salsa Turkey Meatloaf | Addicted to Recipes
2 eggs
3/4 cup salsa
3/4 cup panko
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 375F.

In a bowl, beat the eggs.  Add in 1/4 cup salsa, the bread crumbs, onion, green pepper, chili powder, salt, thyme and pepper.  Mix in the turkey.

Pat evenly into 8 x 4 inch pan.  Cover with the reserved salsa (1/2 cup).  Baked for 1 hour 20 minutes, or until meat thermometer registers 185F.

Remove from oven, sprinkle the cheese on top, bake again until the cheese is melted.  Remove from oven, let stand 5 minutes, drain off fat, and serve.

VERDICT:
I made this for my boys for dinner on a night when I had plans with girlfriends.  I came home to a very happy husband...and zero meatloaf left in the fridge.  When my sons got up in the morning, both told me how much they liked their dinner.  Score!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Apple Sauce

Apple Sauce | Addicted to RecipesOne of my favourite desserts when I was a kid was homemade apple sauce.  I just loved the smell of it cooking (I am a huge cinnamon fan).  Warm apple sauce with vanilla ice cream, oh my, so good!  Apple sauce is such an easy recipe to make, and perfect when you have apples that are starting to "go".  Here is how I make my apple sauce:

4 apples
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Dash cloves
1/4 teaspoon all spice
1 - 2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup water

Wash, peel, core and slice the apples.  Put into a pot, turn pot on to medium.  Add in the water, brown sugar, lemon juice, honey, cloves, all spice, and cinnamon.  Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and let the apples cook down until they reach your preferred consistency for apple sauce.  Eat as a snack, or serve warm as a dessert - over ice cream or with cream.  Yum!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Throwback Thursday

Hello friends!  This week for Throwback Thursday I am looking back at a special treat that I made for Valentine's Day a few years ago.  This was a rich, delicious meal that my hubby and I both enjoyed. 



Valentine's treat! Rich, tasty lobster fettucine

Are you making anything special for your Valentine?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Brie with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Recently I received a copy of The Complete Best of Bridge Cookbooks, Volume 3, published by Robert Rose.  Once again, I am in love with a cookbook!

There are so many great, classic Best of Bridge recipes in that cookbook - a collection that if you don't have, you should! My mother-in-law had taken a read through the book and commented over and over on the different recipes - so many of them are ones she has used or still uses.  

We were having a late dinner the other night, so I made sure there was a little appetizer to hold the family over until dinner was ready.  I went with a classic, Brie with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.  Here is the recipe:


Brie with Sun-Dried Tomatoes 
Found on page 62 of The Complete Best of Bridge Cookbooks, Volume 3 (snack, appetizer, holidays, entertaining)

4 oz (125 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, 
finely chopped

3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced

6 oz (175 g) Brie cheese

2 tablespoons (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix tomatoes and garlic and pile generously on cheese. Sprinkle with parsley. (it’s not necessary to 
remove rind from cheese.) 

Heat in oven at 350F (180C) for a few minutes until cheese is soft. Serve with bagel chips or crackers.

VERDICT:
Oh so good!  What a great blend of simple ingredients.  Such nice flavour, this snack devoured by everyone in the family!


Excerpted from The Complete Best of Bridge Cookbooks, Volume 3 by The Best of Bridge 
Ladies © 2013 www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Banana Coconut Muffins

I was in the mood for some new muffins...I had some ripe bananas to use but didn't feel like making banana bread.  Enter good ole Pinterest, a search for "banana" and in front of my eyes all sorts of inspiration!  I picked this recipe from ZagLeft because it had a short list of ingredients, and had coconut :-)  Here is the recipe:

Banana Coconut Muffins | Addicted to Recipes
Banana Coconut Muffins

3 ripe bananas
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350F.  Prepare muffin tin (I lined with paper liners).

In a large bowl mash the bananas, add in the melted butter, egg and vanilla, mix well. 

In a separate bowl. combine the flour, baking powder and salt.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, combine just to mix.  Fold in the coconut.  Spoon into the prepared muffin cups.  Bake 22-25 minutes.  Remove from oven, cool and serve.  Enjoy!

VERDICT:
I wasn't overly thrilled with these, however, the kids loved them. Inhaled them, actually.  For me, there was something missing...maybe some walnuts.  Yes, I'll have to give them another try with walnuts, because really, I have never met a muffin that I didn't like!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

It's our Family Day long weekend this weekend, and what fun weekend we've been having.  The kids had a sleepover with their cousins at my parents' house, which gave hubs and I a date night!  We went out for dinner and to a hockey game, and while our team lost, it was still a nice evening.  Today is a day off from work and school, and we have created a "Family Day" tradition of having a little bowling party, followed by a pizza party!  So looking forward to that later with my extended family (our in-laws all live out of province, and their family day is next weekend).

However, I still put together a meal plan for the week...and here it is!

Sunday - Beef in Beer Pot Roast

Monday - Family Day Pizza Party (out for dinner)

Tuesday - Leftovers with salad

Wednesday - Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad

Thursday - Broccoli Cheddar Soup (crock pot) and quick bread

Friday - Valentine's Day...dinner to be decided!

Saturday - Butter Chicken

Enjoy your week - and to all my friends also enjoying Family Day - have a GREAT day!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Beef Stroganoff

Always looking for a new recipe to try, that's me! I know, Beef Stroganoff is a classic dinner, and too many is also comfort food.  Believe it or not, I've never made it before.  I figured "no time like the present!"

Here is the recipe I used, modelled after this recipe over at The Hungry Apple.

1 tablespoon olive oil
Beef Stroganoff | Addicted to Recipes
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs steak
1 lb mushrooms, washed and cut into pieces
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups sour cream
Flour
Fresh ground pepper
Egg noodles
1/4 cup cold water

Slice the steak into thin strips.  Lightly sprinkle with flour and grind fresh pepper over the steak (to taste).  Set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil.  Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes.  Add the steak, continue to sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until most of the pink is gone.  Add the mushrooms and broth, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

While the beef mixture is simmering, cook your egg noodles, according to the package directions.

After the beef has simmered for 15 minutes, make a roux with 1/4 cup cold water and 1/3 cup flour.  Add the roux to the broth and whisk well.  Add the sour cream and whisk again.  Serve over cooked egg noodles.

VERDICT:
This was really tasty.  The kids thought there were too many mushrooms, so next time I would make this with less mushrooms than what is called for in the recipe.  Otherwise, this was a nice, comforting dinner!  Will make it again!

Friday, February 7, 2014

Keep Calm and Cook On - February

Keep Calm and Cook On | Addicted to Recipes

Hello everyone!  How is February going for you?  Hard to believe that January is done.  Seriously, it went FAST!  So here we are, back at the first Friday of the month, which means the first day for the monthly Keep Calm and Cook On recipe link party.  Before we get to the party, did you check out the features from last month's party?

This month's theme is...yes, you guessed it...

VALENTINE'S DAY

I would love for you to share with everyone your favourite Valentine's themed recipes!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Keep Calm and Cook On - January Features

Hello friends!
 

Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful "favourite" recipes at the Keep Calm and Cook On recipe party in January!  Be sure to come back for the February party, which goes live tomorrow!


Here are the featured recipes from the January party!

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks from Noshing with the Nolands

 
 

 Raspberry Cheesecake Bars from Baker Becky

 
Amazing Monkey Bread from Madame Deals



Easy Black Forest Cake from Turnips 2 Tangerines


My Homemade Recipe for Starbucks Skinny Dolce Latte from Skinny Kitchen

 
Thank you again everyone for sharing your recipes at the party!

Throwback Thursday

Oh my! How did it get to be Thursday already?!  The week seems to have flown by.  I feel like I blink and it's Monday.  Blink again and it's nearly Friday.  We have a long weekend coming up, which is exciting.  Family Day is on Monday, and we are looking forward to our Family Day tradition of BOWLING!  Should be fun, especially with a group aged 2 through their mid-60's.

Here's this week's Throwback Thursday recipe...SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN.  One of my favourites...just might have to make some this weekend!

Butter Chicken - Slow Cooker | Addicted to Recipes

Monday, February 3, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday | Addicted to Recipes
Hello everyone, how was your weekend?  Anyone suffering from Super Bowl over-indulgences?  

Our weekend was great - our oldest was in a hockey tournament and he had an absolute blast.  The youngest and I didn't go to the tournament, we stayed home and hung out and we too had a blast!  Sunday of course was the big game, but lucky me, my hubby went to a buddy's to watch, so we were football free all day (insert happy dance! LOL).  This week we are looking forward to Family Day long weekend...yeah!  In the meantime, I still had to think ahead about dinners.  Here is a our meal plan for this week:

Sunday - Stew (as requested by the 6 year old)

Monday - Turkey Sausage, Perogies and Roasted Broccoli

Tuesday - Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Butternut Squash Soup

Friday - Pork Chops, Salad, Roasted Vegetables

Saturday - Appy Night!

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Toasted Chili Chickpeas

Toasted Chili Chickpeas | Addicted to Recipes
I was looking for a new snack for around home, and possibly something that I could take to work.  I've had this can of chickpeas staring at me in the cupboard for a while, so I thought I'd better come up with something to do with them.  I was in the mood for a crispy snack, and came across a recipe for Crispy Chickpeas in my current Food Network Magazine.  Here is the recipe that I used:

1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Himalayan salt, ground fine
1-2 teaspoons chili powder

Open the chickpeas, drain and rinse.  Lay the chickpeas out on a paper towel to dry.

Preheat oven to 350F.

Put the dried chickpeas in a bowl.  Toss with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and chili powder.  Spread onto a parchment lined baking sheet, baked in the centre of the oven for 45-55 minutes.  Remove from oven, allow to cool thoroughly.  Enjoy!

VERDICT:
I loved these.  Obviously I couldn't wait for them to cool completely before I taste tested, but the ones that did make it to fully cool, were worth the wait.  The chickpeas get crunchier as they get cooler.  Addicted.  Our toddler loved them too!  I will make them again!


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Turkey Noodle Soup

Hard to believe that I am talking turkey a month after Christmas!  But the turkey leftovers are long gone, except for the turkey that my Dad froze for us after he cleaned off the turkey at Christmas - and so, it is time for a Turkey Noodle Soup.  Here is my recipe:

Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey Noodle Soup | Addicted to Recipes


1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 cups turkey or chicken stock (I used organic chicken stock)
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
Dash of red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon parsley
2 cups egg noodles
2 cups of turkey, diced

In a large pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil until the onions start to soften, approximately 3 minutes.  Add in the minced garlic.  Sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Add in the chicken stock, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat.  Add in the potato cubes, simmer for 5 minutes.  Add in the carrots, celery, red pepper flakes, pepper and parsley.  Simmer for 15 minutes.  Add in the noodles and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.  Add the diced turkey, allow the turkey to warm through.  Serve and enjoy!

VERDICT
A nice, hearty soup in the middle of winter, no matter how mild winter is this year :-)  A nice change to chicken noodle soup.  Tasted great!

Monday, January 27, 2014

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday | Addicted to Recipes
Here we are...Monday again. Hard to believe...it's nearly February!  How was your weekend? Ours was relatively quiet...the usual swimming / hockey / tennis / groceries / laundry - it wasn't crazy busy and still seemed to fly by.  We've got a busy week coming up, so I've planned ahead with our meals:

Sunday - Lasagne (chock full of veggies, cuz that's how I roll)

Monday - Leftover lasagne

Tuesday - Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Coleslaw -  I'm trying a new recipe this time, but if you want to check out some of my other pulled pork recipes, this one for Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is very popular, as is this one for BBQ Pulled Pork.

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Soup in the slow cooker...just not sure which one yet :-)

Friday - Leftovers / clean out the fridge... and Mama's going out for dinner with the girls!

Saturday - Hockey tournament...looks like take out.

Happy planning!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Ahh yes, turkey leftovers.  We hosted Christmas dinner at our house this year, which means we had lots of turkey leftovers.  I got to experiment and try some new to me recipes for those turkey leftovers.  This time we went for a delicious Turkey Pot Pie, great comfort food!

Turkey Pot Pie | Addicted to Recipes

Here is my recipe:

1/4 cup butter
1/3 - 1/2 cup onion, diced
3/4 cup carrot, washed, peeled and sliced
2/3 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup peppers (I used red and yellow)
2 stalks celery, washed and sliced
2 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth (I used organic chicken broth)
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 cups turkey, chopped
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Puff Pastry (2 sheets)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Turkey Pot Pie | Addicted to Recipes
In a large saucepan, melt the butter.  Add in the onions, sauté until soft.  Add in the other vegetables, continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Reduce heat, pour in the white wine, continue to cook until the wine has cooked off.  Add in the chicken broth and seasoning, bring to a boil.  Add in the flour to thicken.  Once thickened, add in the turkey, heat through.

Line a pie plate with puff pastry (I used the pre-made butter puff pastry, found in the frozen food section), fill the pie with the turkey mixture.  Top with another sheet of puff pastry.  Pinch the two sheets of pastry together, add in a few "breathing holes" on top of the pie (I just used a knife to cut a few slits into the top of the pie). 

Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, or until top of pie is golden.

Serve and enjoy!

VERDICT:
This was a big hit with our family.  Everyone inhaled their dinner...and my hubby asked if I was making another one for dinner the next night.  Looks like this is a keeper :-)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Throwback Thursday

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, so I thought it was fitting if I shared a Valentine's inspired recipe for this week's Throwback Thursday!  These cookies are so pretty.  A bit of work (especially if you are home alone with the kids!) - but they are well-received!

Here is this week's Throwback Thursday Recipe - Valentine's Heart Cookies! (link to the original recipe in the title).

Valentine's Heart Cookies | Addicted to Recipes

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Breakfast Cookies

Yes, you read that right.  Breakfast Cookies! Here at Addicted to Recipes, I'm a big cookie lover, always have been, probably always will be.  Y'all also know that I also love muffins.  But I've been into shaking things up a bit, and decided I wanted to try some breakfast cookies.  I saw some for sale at the grocery store the other day, so I took the little flyer about the cookies, read the ingredients, did some research, improvised, and this is what I came up with.
Breakfast Cookies | Addicted to Recipes

Breakfast Cookies

1/2 cup peanut butter (I used natural peanut butter)
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup oats
1/2 cup coconut (I used medium shredded)
1 cup (combined) of flax seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, raw sunflower seeds, raisins, cranberries, pitted/diced dates

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, honey, butter, egg and vanilla.

In a second bowl. combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, oats and coconut.  Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just to combine.

Fold in the seed and fruit mixture.  Spoon onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes, remove from oven and cool slightly before moving to a cooling rack.  Store in an airtight container. Makes 2 dozen cookies.

VERDICT:
I love these, perfectly easy grab and go snack, especially for my work morning.  I can't send these to school or daycare because of the peanut butter, but we can take them to work.  The kids like them too...which is great for a "healthy" cookie!