Sunday, May 18, 2014

Strawberry Bruschetta

Every year I tend to go overboard when I see strawberries on sale.  I usually will eat the majority of the pint before even contemplating what to make with them…and not have enough left!  The cycle repeats itself over and over-you would think I would learn, right!  It’s very annoying if you ask meJ

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Baked Cheesy Refried Bean Taquitos

As you all know by now, I love Mexican food.  Everything about it makes my mouth water and my stomach grumble.   I love the spice combinations and bold flavors.  It doesn’t get any better than thatJ  These darlings are packed with refried beans, spices and cream cheese & baked in the oven.  Serve with a salad or some Mexican rice and you’ve got yourself a fine meal!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Stuffed Mushrooms with Bacon & Boursin

I’ve always loved mushrooms but they were forbidden in our household as a child.  When we were young, Marlina had an adverse reaction to one so my parents assumed she had an allergy..and that was the end of having them in the house.  But once in a while Marlina would sneak a mushroom {at a friends!} with no type of adverse reactions.  However, when my mom found out she was doing this, well, let's say it was not a pleasant experience!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Lately, I’ve been having a hard time planning dinner- I need to get more organized, and fast!!  I usually try to plan a week in advance but with work being so hectic lately; it’s hard to find the energy.  I guess I shouldn’t complain-steady work is always a good thing.  Except that I have no life-awwwJ.  Anyways, besides my complaining, I was so excited to have days off and it was hard to prioritize what I wanted to make first.  So, I started out with something easy that I knew would be super awesome and wanted to share with you all immediately!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Baked Coconut Shrimp (Healthy!)

I don’t think I’ve posted many shrimp recipes, so this is definitely appropriate.  And it’s a good one!  My mom used to make shrimp all the time and it took years for me to develop an appreciation for it.  Unfortunately, she’s developed a slight allergy to it and can’t have it anymore.  What she used to make with the shrimp I can’t even re-create.  Mhmmm yum!  But trying to get any recipe from her is damn near impossible! J 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Bacon, Scallion & Caramelized Onion Dip

Chips are pretty much THE classic snack of all time. My sisters and I used to fight over who got the last crumb when my parents would buy it for us.  We loved chips so much that we never get the chance to make our own dip {except maybe the good ole sour cream & onion soup mix dip!}.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cheesy Party Bread

We had a Dr. Who party with appetizers earlier last month, and I’ve been DYING to try this recipe.  I needed an excuse to make it, and this gave me a reason!  I wanted to hog it during the 50^th anniversary special, but I had to be polite.  Hahhaha-darn social standards!!! 

Friday, Dec. 6, 2013

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

A brief absence from the blog has made me miss it so much!!  I went to Vancouver for a couple days on union business.  It was great-I learned lots & am proud to be a part of it.  When I was down there, I found out that FBC 2014 will be in Vancouver next year-exciting!  Mar and I are planning on going-are you?!! :D

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos

I love taquitos and I’ve been holding these back for a while.  So sorry!  The pictures never did them justice, so I never felt it was appropriate to share.  Now is the time to share them.  Oh I’ve waited to this day for so long!!! *Happy dance*

Monday, November 4, 2013

Smoked Salmon Dip

Before I started blogging, I had a huge scrapbook of recipes that I had collected.  Some of them I made multiple times, while others I wrote down to try.  This recipe is one that was passed on from a friend, and I am unsure of its original source.  It’s one of those reliable recipes that you know will be a hit at parties-I don’t think anyone can resist just one!  And it’s so simple to make, just whip up all the ingredients, place in the oven & you’re done!   

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013

Red Onion Marmalade

The thought of red onion made into marmalade may not seem too appealing at first, but after trying it, I must say I’m hooked.  It’s REALLY good.  I tried this last year after a co-worker had offered it to me, and although I was intrigued by the idea, I was also slightly hesitant.  But you only live once and I was so happy with the way it tasted I needed the recipe, ASAP!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Gravlax

I am kinda picky when it comes to fish.  Don’t get me wrong-I love my sushi & cold smoked salmon, but that’s pretty much it.  I don’t particularly like cooked fish-weird, I know.  This recipe is similar to one that I tried many years ago & loved.  So when one of our friends had given us some salmon, I knew I had no choice but to make it again! 

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012

Cheese Ball

 

Every year I highly anticipate goodies that our family members send.  I wish I was more organized to send baked goods (maybe next year-let’s see if we can pull off Christmas Dinner first!).  Even though I do a lot of baking on my own, I still enjoy treats from others and more likely to eat them.  My parents went to the Philippines last year after spending some time with my Aunt & Uncle in Alberta before leaving.  When they returned from the Philipines, my Aunt had given them a cheese ball along with a selection of nuts and other goodies to bring home with them.  I immediately stole the cheese ball and shamelessly snuck spoonful’s from the fridge (Yes, I did this! I had no crackers!) until it was gone.

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

Cheddar-Pecan Crackers

It seems weird to make crackers when you can buy them, and spend virtually no time doing so except debating on which ones to get.  I may be crazy but I definitely prefer making my own-so much more satisfying knowing what the ingredients that are in each cracker and to share them with others.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Double-Cranberry Crostini

I know cranberries are considered mainly for usage at Christmas and Thanksgiving, but I couldn't help but feel that with the way the weather has been, we may just get it.  I mean it was almost -5 over the past weekend!  Mother Nature seems slightly confused, and I really hope the weather improves soon.  Last year we had mainly rain...so the winter was fairly depressing.  We let the rain dictate our lives and didn't get out as much as we should have...NOT letting that happen this year!  Anyway, I figured it would be nice to try out a cranberry recipe, as I know it's something (well, for me anyway) that sits in the freezer all summer long awaiting to accompany the next turkey dinner.  I thought this would be great for a summer appetizer!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Tomato & Goat Cheese Tarts

I bought Ina Garten's Back to the Basics last year while in Vancouver.  I remember that during this trip, Marlina and I talked about starting a blog.  I was so excited at the idea so I splurged and bought 4 cookbooks at Chapters, spending a ridiculous amount of money.  To this day, I haven't regretted those purchases.  I'm slowly working my way through Ina's books and love how simple (for the most part!) and delicious the recipes are.  I bookmarked this recipe several times and was surprised that I never made it sooner.  Now I can say that I have, and will be making it more in the future.