Summer Sizzlers

I hope you are enjoying the new look and name of my blog! As you can see from latest posts, I love trying new recipes! I owe a great thanks to my friend Serena for getting me hooked on blogging about food! Let me know if you try the recipes and like them!

I believe my love for trying new recipes also stemmed from a wonderful creating called Pinterest. I am sure some of you have heard my ranting and raving about how awesome it is for teaching, but LET ME TELL YOU...It is just as splendid when one needs cooking ideas! Last trip to the grocery store we bought cod fillets. Well after deciding to cook them this week I went onto Pinterest, searched cod and found a wonderful recipe!

Blackened Cod with Mango Salsa

Blackening Rub:

1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar (I used cane sugar)
1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until it is a paste.

Mango Salsa:
1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1 Tbsp finely diced red onion
1/8 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 jalepeno pepper diced, seeds removed
juice from half of a lime
pinch of salt
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro chopped

 Mix all of the ingredients together (This can be made a few hours ahead. Just taste before serving and adjust as needed.)

1 lb cod

What to do: 

1. Preheat your oven to 400F.
2. Start by wiping the flesh of the fish with a dry paper towel to remove any extra moisture.
3. Rub the blackening paste on both sides of the fish.
4. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, sear the fish (2-3 mis per side).
5. Remove the fish and place it on a cookie sheet covered in tinfoil. Cook for 10 minutes.

Serve on top of steamed rice. Top fish with salsa, a lime wedge and fresh cilantro!

Any leftover salsa? Bake a pita to make chips and then eat the salsa with pita! Delish and healthy snack!

Today I had my inlaw ladies over for lunch and wanted to make a salad. Again I started looking through my pins on Pinterest to see what Salad ideas I had wanted to try. I decided to go with a pasta salad. I have a sister-in-law who eats a gluten free diet so this salad was easy to accomodate. The recipe called for ham, but I had leftover chick peas that I wanted to use up and decided that was a healthier option for protein in the salad. I had also though to try chicken..maybe next time!

Ranch Pasta Salad

For the dressing you need:

1 cup Greek yoghurt

1/4 cup Miracle Whip

1/2 Tsbp dried parsely

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried dill

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp dried thyme

The rest of the ingredients:

 Cooked rice fusili pasta (I guestimated on this but they suggest 1 lb)

1 1/2 chopped brocoli

1 cup chick peas (or ham or chicken)

2 large carrots sliced

1/2 yellow bell pepper diced

1/2 red bell pepper diced

1 cup of cheese cubed

1/4 cup red onion chopped

What to do:

1. Combine yoghurt, miracle whip and spices. Whisk and set aside.

2. Cook pasta according to the package. Drain and rinse in cold water and then drizzle a tad of oil so it doesn't stick.

3. Combine, pasta, veggies and 3/4 of the dressing. Add additional dressing if needed.

4. Refridgerate for at least an hour.

Feeds 5 females! 

What is your latest favorite recipe. Please share with me!! I am eager to try new things!

Along with healthy eating one also needs some physical activity and of course some R & R! Being a teacher I am very thankful to have had lots of time to do the above lately. Here's a little proof!

We camped north of Lloyd at a place called Ross Lake (how ironic!). We biked twice, this day 14 kms through the sand hills, around lakes, in bear country. Very fun adventures were had.

We also had leisurely (still a good arm workout!) kayak trips around the lake.

 I love reading, but reading while catching some rays is even better! If you like reading "A House In the Sky" is a must read. "The Fault in The Stars" is one of my to reads! Since the beginning of summer I have finished 4 books. My goal is 10..can I make it?!

My husband and I took our first camping trip to the Kannaskis. We hiked the trails at Johnston Canyon...maybe venturing a little beyond where we should have! Here we are down at the water lever exploring the caves and walking in behind the falls! So much fun!

Lastly, if you were thinking of printing off a summer photo album, or your wedding album (like me) or just a canvas of your summer adventures...I HAVE A SECRET FOR YOU...Shutterfly has their 40% off everything Christmas in July running until Tuesday the 29th...so go check it out!

Signing off!

Domestic Diva

Today I must say I did feel like a domestic diva, as I managed to clean our apartment and bake two different things!

I have had so much fun in my kitchen lately, so I thought I had better share with you! Last weekend much to my husbands bantering, I decided to make up a week menu. I just feel way better going into the week with meals planned! I don't think he'd be bugging me anymore because he loved a few of the meals!

Lloydminster just opened up a new Home Decor store called Real Deals...the next closest place to have Real Deals is Okotoks, so I feel pretty lucky to live in Lloyd! On my first visit I fell in love with this chalkboard thing, so it is now hanging on my wall  with our nightly menu!

Cajun Chicken Pasta.... I have made this once before, but it was too bland, so this time I remember to add extra spice and it was great!! For all of you calorie counters, healthy eaters, this is a low calorie meal!

Ingrediets:
8 oz of cooked linguini
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1/3 cup skim milk
1 Tbsp flour
3 Tbsp light cream cheese
1 lb chicken strips
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1Tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
fresh cracked pepper
2 scallions, chopped
salt to taste

1) Prep all of your veggies

Yes I have the coolest epicure mustache cutting board!

2) In a blender make a slurry by combining milk, flour and cream cheese. Set aside.

Yes I have awesome colourful bowls and a mixer to match! <3 (Amazing wedding gifts)

3) Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt
4) Prepare pasta according to package directions
5) Heat a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; spray with cooking spary and add half of the chicken. Sauté 5-6 minutes or until done. Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. Set aside.

We are loving our new Wok pan! It's very deep, so worked great for this meal!

6) Add olive oil to the skillet and reduce to medium heat; add bell peppers, onions and garlic to skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes.

7) Add mushrooms and tomatoes and sauté 3-4 more minutes or until veggies are tender.

8) Season with 1/4 tsp salt, garlic powder and pepper and 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning

9) Reduce heat to medium-low; add chicken broth and the slurry stirring for about 2 minutes

10) Return chicken to the skillet; cook another couple of minutes then add linguine; toss well to coat. Top with scallions and enjoy

Today I did a little baking for myself and a little for my husband. Try to guess which was for me and which was for him!

Here is the bread cut in half to fit in this old school dish (another amazing wedding gift!..See why I love my kitchen so much?)

Nutella Banana Bread

2 1/3 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 mashed bananas

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup Nutella

1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9 in loaf pan

2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together banana, butter, sugars, and vanilla until combined. 

4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.

5. Reduce mixer to low speed and slowly add flour mixture, just until combined.

6. Heat Nutella in the microwave for about 20 seconds

7. Add 1/3 of the batter to the Nutella and mix.

8. Place 1/2 of the banana batter into the loaf, then the Nutella mixture then top with the remaining banana batter. 

9. Use a knife to gently swirl batter (Do this quite a bit, because I didn't do it enough)

10. Bake for 50-60 minutes

Banana Bread Protein Muffins

This recipe is so easy! 

The ingredients:

2 ripe bananas

3/4 cup egg whites

1/4 cup honey or 1/2 sweetener

1/2 greek yoghurt

3/4 oats

2 scoops protein powder

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease muffin trays, or better yet put in liners!

2. Place all the ingredients in a blender (or food processor) and blend until the mixture is smooth.

3. Divide the mixture into the muffin tins

4. Bake for 15-18 minutes.

I hope you enjoy some or all of these recipes!

Spring Is On It's Way...MAYBE?!

As I sit here typing away I am listening to the pitter patter of snow melting and hitting my deck! One of my favorite sounds of this time of the year! Sun is shinning into my living room. Can I ask for a better Sunday afternoon?

I realize that I really fell off the boat with this blog thing, but I am trying to make time! A friend recently asked to post about my wedding planning to here I go!

December 19th the man of my dreams asked me to be his wife...OF COURSE I said yes! We decided upon the 18th of April which was only 4 months away. I little scary to start, but really now I don't think I would want any longer to plan my special day! Here are a few things that I would pass on to any future bride:

1) Pinterest: It has been my lifesaver for getting ideas on about everything from cakes, to favors, to centerpieces.
2) Etsy: I have ordered probably 3 things off of Etsy..including our rings!! I have been so happy with everything I have ordered from there!
3) Shutterfly: I wanted a photo guest book and I decided to try using Shutterfly. Again I was super happy with the result. For any of you ladies with families that like making photo books, check out Shuttefly. It's fab!


Food: I always try sharing something food wise because I love trying out new things!

Here is a simple easy breakfast that tastes really fab! It is called banana pancakes, but it is only 2 ingredients! 2 eggs and 1 banana! It is light, gluten free, and very scrumptious!

Another breakfast recipe that I found on Pinterest that was a great success was Raspberry Baked Oatmeal. I am sure if you are not a raspberry fan like me you could add whatever kind of berry you like!

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup nonfat milk
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups raspberries
• heavy cream, whipped or plain

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a second mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, yogurt, milk, oil, vanilla, and eggs.
5. Pour the wet ingredients onto the dry, and add the raspberries.
6. Fold gently to combine.
7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden.
9. Serve with cream, whipped or not.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 45 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 8

For freezing: The dish can be frozen at step 7. Simply wrap well and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe. To bake from frozen, add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.

Fitness: I love adding fitness things because like food, I love experimenting and learning more from other people. As of right now I am in an Back Bend Challenge. It is incredible the feeling you get trying something new and succeeding. With yoga the thing I love is every time is a little different. and with practice you can get better! The other bonus is whether I am doing a yoga class or just trying things on my mat at home, I always work up a sweat. If you do not do yoga I highly encourage you to start. It has such great benefits relaxation wise. As a teacher my mind is ALWAYS racing. When I do yoga I force myself to focus on what I am doing and focus on relaxing my body rather than the millions of other thoughts that want to creep in! If you need ideas just search on Pinterest! 

Hope you all are enjoying your Sunday as much as I am!

Fall Fever

Wow! I can't believe my last post was almost 7 months ago! After trying a few new recipes, I was inspired to come on here and share them with you. 

But first.... FALL <3 <3 <3... I am in love with fall right now! I have had beautiful runs in the under vibrant colored trees. Running in crisp air over crisp leaves with geese flying over! Well! That just makes me all warm and fuzzy thinking about it. I have really appreciated that in every season, there is something to be thankful for and to enjoy! I got exctied putting back on my boots, leggings and fall coat!

Training to run a 5K to support my collegue Lisa who is battling with Breast Cancer. 

Fall sunsets <3

My fondest memory of fall ... geese. <3

My touch of fall in my humble abode.

Onto the recipes:

1) Pumpkin Spiced Muffins- I have an amazing cook friend Serena who is always posting amazing recipes onto her blog. So this one came from her and was a big success this weekend! Thanks Serena if you are reading this! 

Before!

PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS

Muffin Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups of Flour

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Cup Pumpkin Puree

3/4 Teaspoon Pumpkin Spice Mix

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

2 Large Eggs

1 1/4 Cups Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

(I use Himalayan Crystal Salt) 

Icing Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla

2-3 Tablespoons Milk

(Depending on the consistency you want)

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.

In one bowl, mix pumpkin puree, coconut oil, pumpkin spice mix, 

eggs, sugar, baking soda, and salt together.

In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. 

Combine the two bowls. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Yields 12 Muffins.

For the icing, mix the 3 ingredients together.

Drizzle icing over muffins.

After!

2) Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder (Crockpot)- Soo delish! Sorry no pics!

INGREDIENTS:

1 can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (Remove most of the seeds)
1 anaheim pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups chicken stock
6 small red potatoes, peeled and diced small (I would cook a little prior)2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded 
2 chicken breasts
1 (30-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Delisciousness!

I know I haven't been on here for quite some time! I have been trying some scrumptilicious foods thanks to Pinterest that I could't help but share! I highly suggest you try!

Tonight's supper was a MUST DO AGAIN SOON type! It's called Parmesan Garlic Chicken!

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp of olive oil- in cookie sheet
Potato wedges (I did chunks)
Carrots
2 Chicken Breasts

Paste: (Mix together and spread over chicken)

1Tbsp of olive oil
1/4 cup of Paremsan Cheese
2 cloves of garlic

Bake at 400

It honestly was sooooo mouth watering, it was easy and it was quick and it's pretty healthy!

Breakfasts:

Favorite breakfast #1- Overnight Oatmeal

3/4 cup of oats
3/4 cup of milk
berries of your choice
a splash of maple syrup for sweetening


Favorite breakfast #2- Banana Pancakes (FLOURLESS)

1 banana
1 egg
1Tbsp of nut butter (Haven't tried this yet)

All you do is beat these together and fry them! Looks just like pancakes and tastes like banana pancakes! Most delicious!

Another great crockpot meal: Slow Cooker Jambalaya

1 chicken breast cut into cubes

1 lb of spicy italian sausage cut up

1 (28oz) of diced tomatoes, juice included

3 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes

1 can of chicken broth

2 tsp oregano

2 tsp parsley

2 tsp garlic

2 tsp cajun seasoning

1 tsp cayenne

1/2 dried thyme

1 package of rice (Uncle Ben's of your choice)

Cook on Low for 7-8 hrs or 3-4 on high. Put in rice only for the last 15 mins!

Love your Canadian Girl Next Top Chef

Eating Clean 12/12/12

12/12/12 meant nothing really to me until I saw someone mentioning this is the last time we will have this type of day! Ah ha moment for me! We can't have 13/13/13 ever! 

Well here are the last few days:

Tuesday:

Bfast- Cooked oatmeal with mixed berries and a tsp of honey to sweeten

Am snack- Pomegranate seeds

Lunch- My favorite salad: Diced peppers, cucumber, celery, carrots and feta (usually I have chicken in it as well). I used Greek and feta dressing to top it off and make it oober delicious! 

PM snack- Celery and hummus

Supper- My favorite thing seems (Scrambled eggs with peppers, spinach and feta)

Can you tell I like feta? I just like how it feels a lot lighter in my stomach. I know it's high in sodium..but still!

Wednesday: 

Bfast- Fiber one bar

Am snack - Edamame beans and pear

Lunch- Same salad as yesterday

PM snack- Celery and hummus, Fiber 1 bar

Supper- Salmon burger - I bought these salmon patties at Superstore and thought I would try them. You can bbq them or fry them so today I fried them. I used my ancient grains toast instead of a bun and stuck some lettuce and cheese on it. Quite delish! 

Until tomorrow! xxx

Eggaliscious

So after being away this weekend I will not be tracking all my meals and snacks but tell you some highlights.

Friday morning was the best of all breakfasts! I got inspiration off of Lauren Conrad's website and turned it into my own thing. Do try it sometime!!

Ingredients: One egg, red pepper, spinach, avocado and feta. The feta I use after the scrambled eggs are done. There is definitely more veggies than eggs, but it just tastes soo wonderful!

Other foods worth mentioning:

I was away all weekend and trying to keep the eat clean type of food going..while watching UFC Saturday night I came across a wonderful healthy option on the menu. Thin crust peperoni and feta with multigrain crust! Yes it's not the perfect meal, but it feels way less greasy with the feta cheese and just tastes scrumptious!

Grapefruit- I used to eat this fruit alot as a kid, but haven't much in past years. How delicious this food is and very healthy for you!

Something I would like to try. I found this on a girl's Instagram. It is Greek yogurt  almonds, all bran  googiberries, but I am sure you could vary this mix and it still taste delish! I will let you know once I try it!

Fitness- If you are away and can't get to the gym there are still ways to get exercise in. Try this: hiking 15 mins in powder that sometimes you sink down up to your knees. No need to do the leg press when you have this workout!! Snowboarding is like my drug...it gives me such a high. I just wish I could get the high every weekend! 

Until next time! 

xxx