Spiced Pearl Couscous with Roasted Squash

Spiced Pearl Couscous with Roasted Squash

This is a perfect side dish to serve with a weeknight dinner. It has roasted squash, couscous and warm fall spices. 

This recipe calls for pearl (Israeli) couscous - not to be confused with Moroccan couscous. If you’re not familiar with the different types, here’s a quick synopsis:

Moroccan Couscous – This smaller variety has a fluffier and lighter texture and is likely easier to find in grocery stores. The instant version of Moroccan couscous cooks in approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Some supermarkets may also sell whole-wheat versions.

Israeli (Pearl) Couscous – Approximately the size of a large round peppercorn, its size and texture (slightly chewy) are the most noticeable differences to Moroccan Couscous. It requires a slightly longer cooking time, about 14 minutes. Also available in whole wheat varieties.

Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Here’s an easy colourful soup recipe to try this fall. The ingredients are simple and perfect for fall: squash, apple, onions, garlic, apple juice and a hint of nutmeg. 

It’s served it with a dollop of sour cream on top, but if you don’t have sour cream in your fridge, not to worry, it’s still delicious on its own.

Apple Upside-Down Cake with Crystallized Ginger

Apple Upside-Down Cake with Crystallized Ginger

Here’s a yummy and decadent apple cake to try this fall. It reminds me of a gooey, caramelized candy-apple cake with loads of crystallized ginger. 

It’s starts with the bottom layer of apples placed onto a layer of melted butter and brown sugar. A simple white cake is on top and crystallized ginger is sprinkled throughout. 

Banana Rhubarb Loaf

 

This loaf is a good way to use your ripe bananaand fresh local rhubarb. It’s a nice combination of sweet and sour (and not too sweet!).  It also has wheat germ and is flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla. The loaf is good for breakfast, as a snack or as a dessert with ice cream.

Easy Chicken and Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas

Chicken, Roasted Veggie Enchiladas

I’ve made this tasty meal numerous times and it never disappoints. If you wish to turn it into a vegetarian meal, simply substitute out the chicken and add one peeled eggplant, cut into cubes, to the roasted veggies. If you do use chicken, you’ll need to plan ahead and either cook some chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store. It’s a perfect weekday meal.  

Easy Chicken and Roasted Veggie Enchiladas

Glorious Fennel Bulb + Inspiration For Home Cooking

Food, glorious food

You may recognize this phrase from the famous play, “Oliver.” I personally couldn’t agree more.


Food is many things to many people; comfort, celebration, tradition, routine, sustenance, even medicine for health. The list is as endless as there is variety of foods available in the world.


I personally feel the true, goodness of fresh whole foods sometimes gets lost amongst all the noise and chatter about the function of food: from the numerous diets (keto, paleo, vegan), to the experts constantly “revealing” what we should and shouldn’t eat. 

And then there is the packaging. Boxes of packaged goods boasting to be the healthiest, most natural, most sustainable food out there – or the most likely to help you lose weight. 

Finally, don’t even get me started about the celebrity chefs, who make meal prep look so darn easy.

I agree daily cooking can be a chore and a bore. There are (many) days I just don’t feel like cooking. 

I understand some people hate cooking and prefer takeout and pre-made meals. 

I realize food is a competitive market and is a big business. 

I appreciate that some do not have a positive or healthy mindset regarding food. And I know that maintaining a healthy weight has been tough for many. 


But let’s put aside all the babble around food for a minute, turn the story around, and look at all the goodness food can bring:


Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Muffins

I hope you are all enjoying yourselves in your kitchens this spring, cooking delicious meals with ease – and more importantly – relishing the process.

I have to be honest.... that's not always the case with my home cooking.  At time I need a little inspiration to motivate myself into the kitchen.

I find a change of season, like spring, inspires home cooking because of the availability of fresh local foods.

Strawberries are typically the first to appear at our local Farmers Market, so, in an attempt to energize home cooking this spring, here is a  strawberry recipe to try. 

Easy Strawberry and Raspberry Sauce

Strawberry Raspberry Sauce

Here’s a perfect sauce to have with ice cream when you have unexpected guests or family and friends. It’s also good on yogurt or even pancakes.

I like this recipe because it’s not too sweet, which allows the taste of the fruit to shine.

Yummy Bran Muffins with Sliced Strawberries

Bran Strawberry Muffins

Here is a light, yet satisfying bran muffin. It’s super simple to make and delightfully tasty. It does call for two cups of plain yogurt, which seems like a lot, but it’s the secret to the success of these muffins. 

I added sliced strawberries on top, but you could omit that and add one cup of blueberries to the muffin batter if you prefer.

Kale Salad with Strawberries, Fennel, Dried Cranberries and Walnuts

Yummy Kale Salad with Strawberries + more

Kale Salad with Strawberries, Fennel, Dried Cranberries and Walnuts

If you’re looking for a delicious kale salad with a splash of colour, then try this kale version with fennel, strawberries, dried cranberries and walnuts. It’s served with a simple vinaigrette made with maple syrup.

Kale Salad with Strawberries, Fennel and Walnuts