Appies, Sides, Sauces
Flo’s Homemade Salsa
My mother-in-law, Florence, has made jars of salsa for me each year for closer to twenty years, until last year. Last year I decided it was time for me to start making my own, using her recipe. The main difference between Mom's recipe and mine is that I don't peel the...
Santa Fe Salad with Cajun Chicken
My favourite salad at Earl's Restaurant is their Santa Fe Chicken Salad. This recipe is delicious, and my best attempt to copy their version. This recipe was gleaned from looking at other recipes on the Internet, enjoying the Santa Fe Chicken Salad at Earl's, and...
Caesar Salad
A variation of Garlic Lover’s Caesar Salad ... and my new favourite Caesar. An easy to prepare and tasty Caesar Salad recipe. Ingredients - 2 - 3 anchovie fillets 6 to 8 garlic cloves 2 egg yolks 1/2 - 3/4 cup (125 - 185 ml) olive oil 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon 2 tsp red...
Easy Garlic Sour Cream Dip
This is simple dip to make and works with chips, fresh veggies and quesadillas. It also lasts for at least a few days in the fridge. Easy Garlic Sour Cream Dip Ingredients: 2 cups no-fat or low-fat sour cream (works with regular sour cream too) 4 to 10 crushed garlic...
Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad
This is a quick and delicious dinner salad, or lunch. Be prepared to use breath mints after eating and for the next day. There is a lot of flavourful garlic in the dressing. This recipe was made for 2 people only but there is enough dressing to make it for 6 people....
Red Cabbage Delight With Hummus, Pesto & Dates
This is an usual combination that has a delightful flavour and texture! My friend Violet, who is both a vegan AND a gourmet chef, introduced me to this easy to make, beautiful looking and delicious appetizer. Easy to make, using store bought pesto and hummus, or take...
Hummus Made Easy
A simple and tasty hummus made without tahini. Great with cut up pita, fresh veggies, crackers, etc. Ingredients for Hummus: 1 can (19 oz - 540 ml) chickpeas, drained 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup (60 - 80 ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60 ml) tahini (optional) 3+ garlic cloves, crushed...
Quinoa Vegetable Salad
One of my favourite ways to eat quinoa is cold in a salad. This is a recently discovered favourite after having a lunch with my friend Kathleen Hatley (MyClutterCoach.ca) at the Italian Deli on Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge. (It used to be Crumbs Bakery). After...
Herb Salad Dressing
This salad dressing recipe came about when my good friend Violet Sexsmith visited for lunch a while back. Violet is a phenomenal cook, a trained chef and in more recent years a Vegan. Violet and I worked up the dressing together ... but the combination of dried herbs...
Coleslaw in Seconds
The key to ‘Coleslaw in Seconds’ is buying coleslaw in a bag. INGREDIENTS - 6 cups (1.5 liters) coleslaw (or equal parts grated carrots, green cabbage and red cabbage) 1/4 cup (60 ml) sunflower seeds 1/4 cup (60 ml) craisins or raisins 1 cup (250 ml) apples, diced...
Garlic Rosemary Roast Potatoes
These garlic rosemary roast potatoes are FABULOUS and so easy to prepare. My husband's favorite roast potato recipe!! INGREDIENTS - 2 pounds (908 grams) red potatoes, quartered 4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil kosher or sea salt, to taste black pepper, to taste 2 sprigs fresh...
Asparagus Roasted
This recipe for roasted (or barbecued) asparagus originated with my brother-in-law Allan who uses the barbecue to cook asparagus - with delicious results. Oven or BBQ works great! INGREDIENTS - 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil 16 asparagus spears 4 - 6 cloves garlic, crushed...
Oven Roasted Fries
Super easy and delicious Oven Roasted Fries. Great with a hamburger and salad - and lots of other things. Likely much better for you than fast food too :^) INGREDIENTS - 4 medium to large potatoes, cut into thin or thick fries garlic powder kosher salt and black...
Pan Steamed Veggies
My sister Linda introduced me to this method of steaming vegetables. It is fast, easy and, as long as you don't forget that it is cooking, will yield crisp veggies every time. All you need is a bit of water in the bottom of a frying pan with a lid. Simple!!...
Basil Garlic Cheese Bread
One of my brother-in-law’s (Ken) favorites. Great with spaghetti, lasagna, chili, soup, salad ... the list is endless! INGREDIENTS - 1 cup (250 ml) soft butter 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 cup (250 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh basil, chopped...
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes with a bit of a twist - garlic! So easy and so good! Ingredients - 5 lbs (2.3 kg) red potatoes, cut into chunks for boiling 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1/2 cup (125 ml) butter 1 cup (250 ml) sour cream kosher salt and black pepper, to taste Preparation...
Garlic Roasted Veggies
Use as many or as few veggies as you desire for this dish. A great way to use up vegetables that may be close to the end of their life (still good but not so pretty :^). Be careful not to overcook - vegetables should be crisp though cooked when pulled from the oven....
Greens, Craisins & Goat Cheese
An easy to prepare salad with a bit of sweetness from the craisins and tartness from the dressing. A favorite in our household. Dress the entire salad just before serving or have individuals dress their own. Ingredients - 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp...
BBQ (or oven roasted) Zucchini Mushrooms Onion & Asparagus
These veggies are easy to prepare and delicious barbecued or oven roasted. The flavour of the zucchini, mushrooms, onion and asparagus together works well. Be sure not to overcook. The onions and the zucchini are best just cooked and still a bit crisp. Ingredients -...
Three Pepper Salad
I love it when I get creative and it turns out!! We had family coming for dinner and the only veggies in the fridge were lettuce and three peppers (red, yellow and green). I decided to try something different when I realized I also had pineapple in my pantry. Do you...
Garlic Artichoke Dip
Fast to prepare Garlic Artichoke Dip. Super easy appetizer recipe! Serve while still quite warm - it thickens fast as it cools. Double for large groups. Ingredients - 6 cloves of garlic, crushed 6 oz (185 ml) jar of artichoke hearts, drained and diced 1 cup (250 ml)...
Guacamole
Simple to make. Good as a dip with tortilla chips or nachos. Ingredients - 2 avocados, peeled and mashed 1 tomato, diced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice 1/4 cup (60 ml) cilantro, chopped (optional) sea salt, to taste black pepper, to taste...
Asian Style Meat Wontons
A tasty appetizer, dim sum dish or as part of a meal of Asian dishes. Like the Veggie Wontons, except with meat. The Sweet Chili Sauce dip adds a contrast to these and enhances the overall flavour. Ingredients - package of wonton wraps 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch 1/4...
Pecan Chicken Fingers & Honey Mustard Sauce
An easy to prepare and flavourful main course, served with a salad, or appetizer. One the kids are sure to like and better for them (not deep fried). Serve with the Mayo Honey Mustard Sauce recipe below or with your favourite homemade or store bought dip. Ingredients...
Asian Style Veggie Wontons
A tasty appetizer or served as part of a meal of Asian dishes. The Sweet Chili Sauce dip adds a contrast to the wonton and enhances the overall flavour of these little guys. Ingredients - package of wonton wrappers 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch1/4 cup (60 ml) water 2 tbsp...
Garlic Lovers’ Caesar Salad
This easy Caesar Salad recipe is one of our favourites. We've been making it for about 20 years!! You’ll want (make that need) to use breath mints the morning after eating. Ingredients - 2 to 3 anchovy fillets 8+/- garlic cloves, peeled 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil 1/4...