Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted Red Pepper recipe

Fermented Salsa

Summer is a very short and sweet time where I live, so in order to make the most of it, I completely stopped posting anything.  Now that we are starting to back in the rhythm of fall, I am going to try and get back into it again.

I recently tried making fermented salsa, which I was incredibly excited about making.  My sister made claims about how easy it is, and she was right!  I have to admit that when I tasted my batch I wasn't so sure of the "fizzy" salsa taste, but I added the salsa to my tomato sauce tonight and it turned out wonderfully.  So, maybe I will make a few more jars...and the beauty of it is, that it is so easy to do just that.

My Inspiration and Recipes:
http://experimentingaswegrow.wordpress.com
http://ozuke.com/

Easiest Bread Ever!

I just tried this no knead bread recipe a little while ago and thought this might

 be bread I can actually sustain making semi regularly!

You just dump the ingredients in a bowl...

...and stir it up.

Then put a lid on it and let it sit for a couple of hours...

...until it looks like this.

Then you shape your loaf and stick in the oven.

The finished product!

For a detailed recipe, check out this site: http://www.frugallivingnw.com

Homemade Hot Chocolate

You can find several great recipes for homemade hot chocolate here.

Homemade Bath Fizzies

I have always wanted to try and make bath fizzies and I finally tried it this Christmas.

Here is the result..

My Inspiration: http://www.marthastewart.com/280275/how-to-make-bath-fizzies

Caramel Apples

My kids were very excited to make caramel apples as part of our apple unit.  We found a great dairy/gluten free caramel recipe here.

 

Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries are a great way to use zucchini!  I served mine with a chipotle aioli.  Cut the zucchini into strips.  Dip them into egg and then flour/seasoning mix.  Cook them in a 450 degree oven for about 10 mins. on each side or until golden brown.

 

My Inspiration: Zucchini Fries, Chipotle Aioli

Tuna Quinoa Burger

This recipe is a keeper! - http://blissdogyoga.com/2010/09/15/salmon-quinoa-burgers/

Note:  I substituted tuna for the salmon and added mushrooms, onions, and aoili.

Strawberries!

We went to a strawberry U-Pick the other day...here is what we did with them:

Strawberry Lemonade: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/strawberry-lemonade-recipe/index.html

Dehydrated Strawberries: http://puttingupwiththeturnbulls.com/2011/03/14/dehydrating-strawberries/

Strawberry Rhubarb Fruit Leather: http://www.rosybluhandmade.com/2012/06/14/diy-strawberry-rhubarb-fruit-leather/

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins: http://www.robinhood.ca/recipe-details.aspx?rid=3446

Summer Meal Ideas

I've been on the hunt for quick, easy meal ideas for the summer.  Here are a few that I'd like to try:

-Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Almonds
-Summer Vegetable Crepes
-Caramelized Onion and Pear Flatbread Pizza
-BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing
-Red Waldorf Salad
-Greek Tacos
-Salmon Quinoa Burgers

If you have any ideas, feel free to leave a comment.  I'd love to add them to my collection!

Alphabet Cookies

 Making cookies always makes everything just a little more fun! Here is my favourite Sugar Cookie recipe.

Rainbow Cupcakes (attempt #2)

Step 1: Mix up your cupcake batter (I used this recipe) and divide it into several bowls.

Step 2: Add food colouring to each bowl and mix well.  Combine all the colours back into the mixing bowl.

Step 3:  Divide the batter evenly among the cupcakes.

Step 4: Follow the baking directions for your recipe and enjoy a fun treat.  (Unfortunately, we ate all of the cupcakes before got a chance to take a picture of how they turned out!)

My Inspiration: http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/04/08/rainbow-cake-in-a-jar/

Note:  You can find my first attempt here.  I was very happy with the results this time!  Also, for anyone who is dairy free, I used coconut milk, instead of whole milk in the recipe and it turned out wonderfully.

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Delicious and simple appetizer!

My Inspiration: http://www.motherthyme.com/2011/11/bacon-wrapped-dates-with-goat-cheese.html

Maple Taffy

Step 1: Heat up 2 c. maple syrup to 235 degrees, using a candy thermometer to test the temperature.

Step 2: Pack snow onto a baking pan and pour out the maple syrup in a line.

Step 3: Let it sit for 30 seconds and then roll it up with a popsicle stick to make your maple candy.

My Inspiration: http://www.canadianliving.com/moms/food/how_to_make_maple_syrup_taffy_pops.php

Energy Bites

Here is an easy, no bake recipe for a great little snack!
http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-bake-energy-bites-recipe.html

Valentine's Day Cookies

My Favourite Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:
3/4 c. butter, room temperature
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt

Directions:
Pour sugar over butter.  Blend until fluffy.  Add vanilla and eggs.  Blend.  Add dry ingredients.  Mix and let chill for one hour.  Roll on floured surface to 1/4 inch.  Cut into shapes and bake at 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

Steak and Goat Cheese Salad

My Inspiration: http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/steak_salad/

Pad Thai

This is one of my favorite meals to make!

You can find a recipe here.

Note: I use tofu, instead of chicken, and add cilantro and peanut sauce.

Caramel Popcorn

My Inspiration: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/caramel-popcorn/