Layered Taco Bake on Simple Bites

Layered Taco Bake on Simple Bites

March 5, 2010  |  Main Dish  |  2 Comments  | 

Yesterday was my first post on Simple Bites! I shared the recipe for this very yummy Taco Bake as well as some helpful tips on how to get your kids (or adult counterpart) to eat their veg. You can read the post here. I'd love to see you there and hear your veggie tips too!

Thin Crust Pizza Dough and a Simple Sauce

Thin Crust Pizza Dough and a Simple Sauce

March 3, 2010  |  Breads, Main Dish  |  17 Comments  | 

Thank you everyone for your well wishes last week! We are feeling much better after a very restful weekend. I try and make a point of making as many things from scratch as possible. Not only is it healthier and cheaper then eating out, but it's darn satisfying when you are able to make something that is better then store-bought or is restaurant quality. Pizza was always one of those things that I didn't make at home very often because my husband simply preferred the frozen or pizza shop variety. In large part, it was because most homemade pizzas are doughy and...

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Creamy Ham and Rice Soup

Creamy Ham and Rice Soup

February 26, 2010  |  Main Dish  |  10 Comments  | 

My sonny boy and I have not been feeling very good these days. We pace around the house sniffling and sneezing and saying, "Owie. Owie". Well, that last part is only him, although I must admit that sometimes I'm tempted to chime in. These hazy days make eating not so much fun and it has been a struggle for Max to get anything down his poor little swollen throat. So, I figured it was time for some warm and hearty soup. This Ham and Rice Soup is comfort in a bowl. It's creamy, chunky and satisfyingly delicious. A warm bowl of yummy...

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Two Tasty Ways to Use up Dry Bread

Two Tasty Ways to Use up Dry Bread

February 24, 2010  |  Breads, How-to's, Ingredients, Sides  |  13 Comments  | 

Nothing is more frustrating to me then wasting food. Whether it be because I burnt something, forgot about it in the back of my fridge, made something less then stellar, or simply bought too much of it. Whatever the case, I hate to throw away food. One of those foods that seems to always go bad before it's eaten in our house is bread. One of my largest hinderances to baking fresh bread is knowing that it will probably go stale before we are even halfway through it. And, since I don't like anything to be a hinderance to me in...

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Butter Tart Slice a Canadian Treat made Simple

Butter Tart Slice a Canadian Treat made Simple

February 19, 2010  |  Cookies & Bars, Pastries, Sweets  |  13 Comments  | 

The first time I made this recipe was in my first year of marriage and I accidentally subbed three cups of flour for the three teaspoons called for in the recipe. It became more like a cake then a tart, but it was still delicious. You'll never guess what happened this time I made it. I put in three tablespoons of flour instead of three teaspoons. Dang it! Why is three teaspoons so hard to remember! I have made it the correct way, I promise, and it looks and tastes just like this, just even more gooey. Butter Tarts are considered a...

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Fruity Red Onion Vinaigrette & A Simple Salad

Fruity Red Onion Vinaigrette & A Simple Salad

February 17, 2010  |  Condiments & Seasonings, Gluten Free, Sides  |  8 Comments  | 

I made this salad for my company over the weekend. I had plans to make a couple different salads but we all liked this one so much that we couldn't seem to stay away from it. Sorry Mr. Caesar, you have been trumped. This is my favourite homemade vinaigrette so far. Most are too oily for my taste, but this one melds together so perfectly it's hard to tell the ingredients apart. I was quite surprised at how fruity the vinaigrette tasted. In fact, I was asked what type of fruit was in the dressing. I suspect that could be in part,...

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Barcelona Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Marshmallows

Barcelona Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Marshmallows

February 12, 2010  |  Beverages, Candy, Chocolate, Gluten Free, Sweets  |  17 Comments  | 

Company arrived yesterday for a four day stay. It always feel nice to have visitors from home because it helps bring our two worlds together. We haven't made many plans yet and are keeping things pretty relaxed. Growing up we always had a house full of visitors, especially around special occasions. So, for me to have a houseful over Valentines and to play the hostess, makes me a happy woman. My mom was always very good at creating a relaxing and welcoming environment in our home. A place where people could come as a reprieve and just be themselves. She instilled in...

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Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Two

Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Two

February 10, 2010  |  Main Dish  |  9 Comments  | 

When I was first married I made every possible situation into a celebration. That first year of marriage we celebrated every monthly anniversary along with every romantic holiday in between. I love setting aside a special time to spend with the ones you love with no distractions. That first year gave me ample opportunity. Things have changed a bit since we had Max and especially since we moved halfway around the world with no free babysitters to call upon. Now, a lot of the romantic days are spent together as a family. But honestly, I really don't mind. I know that my...

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Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Towers

Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Towers

February 5, 2010  |  Creamy, Fruit, Sweets  |  16 Comments  | 

About a month ago I received an email that got me very excited. It was from Aimee, asking me to consider becoming a contributor for a new site called Simple Bites. I headed over to check it out and knew that I just had to be a part of it. Simple Bites is a collaboration of mommy food bloggers who are passionate about simple, real food and are dedicated to "real food for the family table". Although I'm ecstatic and extremely honoured to have been asked to be a contributor, I'm even more excited about what the others have to offer and learning...

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Maple Walnut Apple Chips

Maple Walnut Apple Chips

February 3, 2010  |  Appetizers, Gluten Free, Kids, Snacks  |  9 Comments  | 

I think I'm in love. Or maybe I'm just confused because my hubby is off in Russia this week and I'm just trying to fill the void. Whatever the case, these Maple Walnut Apple Chips are addictive. Just look at that name and tell me that your mouth doesn't start to water. I had pretty high expectations, even though I'm not usually a fan of dried fruit. Partly because this is an Anna Olson recipe (I "love" her) and partly because the description sounded too good to be true. Let me tell you. These blew me out of the water and...

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