Category Archives: appetizers

Gin Gingered Spot Prawns

Posted on May 1, 2013 by

Where do you usually get YOUR ideas for meals? Cookbooks? Food blogs? Pinterest? All of the above? Me too. But today, my idea for dinner came from an unlikely source: a quick chat before a meeting. Even before a fellow … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, seafood | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Personalized Veggies ‘n Dip

Posted on February 24, 2013 by

This one definitely comes under the “Why didn’t I think of that?’ category. I pinned it last week, as I thought it was such a good idea. It makes more sense than having everyone crowd around one plate of veggies. … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, kid's cooking, salads, side dishes, vegetables | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Crab and Avocado Bites

Posted on February 24, 2013 by

Ingredients 1 baguette, sliced on the diagonal extra virgin olive oil  (for brushing the baguette slices) 2 avocados salt and pepper 1 Tbsp. lemon juice pinch dried chili flakes 4 ounces lump crabmeat 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint 2 tsp. freshly … Continue reading →

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Rosemary Gruyere and Sea Salt Crisps

Posted on January 26, 2013 by

Here’s another good one from Smitten Kitchen’s new cookbook.  Author Deb Perelman writes, “Dough can be made a day in advance. It will keep longer in the freezer. Baked crisps keep for up to 2 days at room temperature in … Continue reading →

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Smoked Cheddar Cheese Straws

Posted on December 16, 2012 by

We love these! They’re really fast and easy to prepare. Best part? They taste like junk food, but they’re made from real ingredients: butter, cheese, flour, chili pepper. How can you go wrong? I’ve made these several times to have … Continue reading →

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Nuts . . . and Squirreling Things Away

Posted on November 14, 2012 by

One of the first food blogs I started following way back when was Deb Perelman’s Smitten Kitchen. It has an inexplicable charm, likely because of the balance of her passion for all things food-related and her light-hearted wit. Reading her … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, breakfast, nuts, preserving/drying food | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Greek “Nachos” with Feta Drizzle

Posted on August 20, 2012 by

As many of you know, I participate in the Food Matters Project. Here’s how it works. “Each week, one member of the group chooses a recipe from the book. This member is the “host” for the week. The group cooks the … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, Food Matters Project recipes, salad dressing, vegetarian meals | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Summer Rolls with Thai Chili Sauce

Posted on August 12, 2012 by

Who wants to cook in hot weather? Summer has now arrived in full force here on Vancouver Island and it looks like it’s here to stay for a while. When I discovered that Alyssa from Everyday Maven had chosen Summer … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, Food Matters Project recipes, seafood | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Mediterranean Romesco Sauce

Posted on July 29, 2012 by

It’s worth the effort to make this sauce, if only for the aroma in the kitchen while preparing it.  You’ll also be doing your body a favour if you make it, however. It is full of rich antioxidants and cancer-fighting … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, Food Matters Project recipes, sauce, vegetarian meals | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Updated Tea Sandwiches

Posted on July 1, 2012 by

My mom passed away recently. During the last few days, we’ve spent several hours reminiscing about life at home when we were kids. One of the things we had a good laugh over was some of the food Mom made. … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, breads, Food Matters Project recipes, vegetarian meals | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Watermelon-Feta Stacks

Posted on July 1, 2012 by

It’s July. In a teacher’s world here in Canada, that means summer. And to me, summer memories always included watermelon. Dribbly chins, seed-spitting contests, and the cool refreshing sweetness of a fruit kept cold in its own natural container are … Continue reading →

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Honey Lime Wings

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

So easy. So fast. So good. Two main ingredients: 1. lime 2. honey I haven’t cooked chicken wings for a very long time, mainly because they have such a high fat content. It’s Friday night however, and munching on wings … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, Chicken, sauce | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Rethinking Bruschetta . . . and Remembering Italy

Posted on May 14, 2012 by

This week’s Food Matters Project challenge was to break away from the traditional bruschetta topping of chopped tomatoes, onions and herbs and to rethink the possibilities. It was fun dreaming up different combinations to top a slice of toasty, garlicky … Continue reading →

Posted in appetizers, breads, Food Matters Project recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Lemon Ginger Spot Prawns

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

Spot prawns are abundant in our area and my husband and his buddy are adept at harvesting them from local waters. Over the years we have tried several ways of serving them, but this recipe is our favourite. about 30 … Continue reading →

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Stinging Nettle Spanakopita . . . or should that be Nettlekopita?

Posted on April 17, 2012 by

This recipe adaptation is a no-brainer. Simply replace the fresh spinach in your favourite Spanakopita recipe with fresh nettle leaves. You will instantly increase the nutrient value of your dish without changing its appearance or taste. Not only that, but … Continue reading →

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