Yesterday we celebrated our Thanksgiving Katie Aaron and Asher , Ian Seggie Deb and Rob Belanger and David and I .. We had roast beef. and Yorkshire puddings ! The Beef I marinated for 2 days I rubbed the roast in garlic and Dijon Mustard 2 table spn flour add few ground pepper an1 pkg of Onion Soup Mix and 1 bullion stock roll the roast in the flour mix .. I placed in the amazing Tupperware marinating dish!
Appetisers were Debbie’s amazing Surprise Dip, I did the Cornucopia with my dip and bacon wrapped pickles and sweet potato Chips all home made !! I made Acorn Squash soup and Pumpkin Bread it was amazing and complimented each other . Then to the main course Roast beef, Yorkshire Puddings, the roasts trivet Carrots, Turnip and a little Sweet Potato, Brussels roast potatoes and a creamy garlic Mash Potatoes were from our garden.. Desert a Sherry Trifle and pumpkin pie a feast for sure What made it special was we spent it with family and it was Ashers first Thanksgiving
David and I love to travel, Like NYC visits , were for restaurants We ate at the Gordon Ramsay NYC, after watching Anthony Bourdain No Reservations and he did a NYC tour of places he likes to eat so David and I tool note of all the Deli’s Restaurants and we went to most of them Oh my gosh we didn’t eat meat for a few weeks after that trip , we ate at Katz Deli its claim to fame “Where harry met Sally …. Then. Manganaros Deli for lunchRuss and Daughters Deli Oh my the 21 Club oh my gosh Keens Chop House we ate the same meal Anthony Bourdain had .. The First time we went to NYC we stayed at the Waldorf Hotel Ate at he amazing restaurants in the hotel Had an New york Steak in NYC a Waldorf Salad in the Waldorf got the piano player to play Ill take manhattan as we drank a Manhattan you, my great memories.. The first time we went to NYC was for a St Paddys day, we were going ti to a Cigar Shop The n We met Billy Connoly there and also we went to Trump Tower and Saw and Met George from the Apprentice .. Took a great walk and carriage ride around Central Park Saw where John Lennon was Shot The Dakota Building .. I love NYC we have been 3 times each time for a different reason I even saw Phil Collins in Concert Phil Collins up close and personal as he performs an EXCLUSIVE evening of 60s Motown and Soul classics at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City! Then after that we went to the 21 Club had Caviar and the best Vodka,
Upscale former speakeasy serving classic American fare in an old New York setting.Address: 21 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Each trip away we have amazing memories, and food we want to make .. More of our trips to come
My sons birthday It has always been a rule in our family. If it’s your birthday. You get to pick where and what you want to eat. Ian wants English fish and chips. Moms way. I have made a slaw. With a buttermilk dressing. I love Fish n Chips ohh add a curry sauce like back in the UK it is truly amazing
The Slaw I make, is a creation Cabbage green and red red peppers , onion, apple , Carrots, Buttermilk a little mayo, garlic dill and lemon spice , it is pretty amazing .. David loves it.. Sunday we will be having our Thanksgiving dinner and it will be Ashers first thanks giving , so i will be taking lots of photos, both of our dinner and family.. We aren’t having turkey this Thanksgiving we will be having beef and Yorkshires Yummy !! We have a lot to be Thankful for an amazing family, grandkids!!
David and I were just chatting about how little garbage we have on a weekly basis as the food I cook is all from scratch! We out the recycle garbage out once a month and the household garbage every 3 weeks.. I guess we are eco friendly. I found this on line and found it very interesting
10 Tips for Eco-friendly Cooking
Going green is rapidly becoming the norm, and the kitchen is a great place to start making environmentally friendly changes to your lifestyle. From the food you buy to the way it’s cooked and stored, you can save energy, reduce your carbon footprint and keep an eye on your budget in many different ways.
Eco-friendly cooking not only benefits the environment; it’s healthier for you and your family, too. Choosing organic vegetables keeps chemicals out of your body, as well the air, soil and rivers.
Many eco-friendly habits are also budget friendly. And these days, who isn’t watching every penny? Finding ways to cook more efficiently — like using the right appliance for the job — can help you reduce monthly energy costs. And you can cut your total supermarket bill by reusing products like aluminum foil and glass containers, buying and cooking food in larger quantities and making the most of leftovers.
Read on to discover our top 10 eco-friendly cooking tip
Eco-friendly cooking not only benefits the environment; it’s healthier for you and your family, too. Choosing organic vegetables keeps chemicals out of your body, as well the air, soil and rivers.
I find we do spend a-lot less on food
Shop with a reusable bag. Bring a recycled or reusable shopping bag with you to the grocery store every time you shop, so that you don’t waste plastic or paper grocery bags. If you forget your bag, ask the clerk to use as few bags as possible, and skip bags for larger items like milk jugs — just carry them by hand or in your personal shopping cart.
Reduce packaging waste. Choose grocery items that use less packaging, and buy in bulk when possible. Look for items that are packaged in products that can be reused or recycled, such as egg cartons made of environmentally-friendly paper, not foam.
I find we do spend a-lot less on food , Preparing meals in a more environmentally friendly way isn’t hard. It just means making a few adjustments in the way you shop for, cook, and serve food — quickly become second nature to you, and will help preserve nature itself for everyone. It becomes a habit and I find myself thinking planning meals a few weeks ahead . Even my Dr was pleased with me yesterday, I m heading for a pretty big surgery, because we changed out eating habits it has helped my condition!! Must run as we have an after school class .. Chat later
David and I have been together a long time now, its funny what ever we do , wether it be in the Kitchen cooking , teaching a Bricks4kidz Class or just life in general.. We know what each other is thinking lol, we even finish each others sentences and say things at the same time.. Sounds crazy but true.. We have been together since I was 16 and David 17 … He is the love of my life, everything I do I do for him We have been through a lot together good and bad He supports me in everything I do even when I started to crochet the #Hugs4Cops Blankets at first he thought it was a little crazy, then he seen the impact they have had on first responders See below for the 2 fave recipes David cooks
Truffle Chicken Yummy
1 chicken
truffle oil, what even is your fave
fresh ground black pepper
Herbs de Provence
1 apple pricked and place inside the chicken if roasting if going on the rotisserie you don’t need an apple
if baking in the oven pre heat oven at 380 .. you will love this chicken oh my the skin is amazing
Chicken with a Leek Sauce delicious Mmmmm
2 pounds medium leeks (white and pale green parts only) sliced very fine
6 spring onions slices
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup chicken boullion
1/3 cup heavy cream
Heat oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat ,, then brown chicken on both sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Add wine to skillet and deglaze by boiling over high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, until reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 1 to 2 minutes. Add leeks and remaining 2 tablespoons butter and salt and pepper to taste, then simmer over moderately low heat, 8 to 10 mins then add bouillon , when cooked slice chicken place on plate with leek sauce on top serve with rice or a baked potato
From the first time I saw David I knew I wanted to marry him.. David He is the most amazing , understanding, kind person He is an amazing cook, I love it when he cooks supper .. My fave thing he cooks is his chicken in a creamy leek sauce!! He truly makes me a better person.. David were in this together!! Love you to the moon and back
made pizza from scratch. Pizza sauce from home grown tomatoes and herbs , I love making pizzas and breads I try different flour and sugars today for the bread I used brown sugar , boy did the yeast react fast and the flavour is amazing … Baking bread and cooking for friends and family is my stress relief. This past year has been a tough one
Today while David was sleeping after a night shift George and I went to the back yard and raked leaves .. George is such a mischief and a great dog it was twice the work as he kept taking leaves out of the wheel barrow
A beautiful fall day here in FortMcMurray. David loves soup. A few days ago he mentioned. Mulligatawny soup. Hmm. I have never made this before so here goes. I guess the proof in in the soup. As usual I make little changes. I made a double batch. this soup is full of ofdifferent flavour levels Oh my gosh a must to try
!/2 cup diced onion
2 carrots diced
2 stalks celery chopped
1/4 cup butter
3 teaspoon curry powder
2 tbl spn flour
1 tsp Cumin
1 small apple cored and chopped
1/4 cup millet or rice
salt to taste
2 tsp chopped garlic
fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch of cream
1/2 cup plain Yogur
7 cups chicken stock
Saute onions, celery, carrot, and butter in a large soup pot. curry, cumin salt pepper and garlic, flour and cook 5 more minutes. Add chicken stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.
Add apple, millet, chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until rice is done.
Serve with a dollop of yougurt It smells and tasted amazing
Spices and why they are good for your health
Turmeric, also known as the golden spice, is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America.
It gives curry its yellow color and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years to treat various health conditions.
Studies support its use and show that it can benefit your health.
But coupling turmeric with black pepper may enhance its effects.
This article reviews the potential health benefits of combining turmeric and black pepper.
Reduces Inflammation
Curry powder is a medicinal superfood, it is packed with healthy spices. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow characteristics. Studies show that turmeric’s active compound, curcumin blocks several inflammatory chemicals reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Aids Digestion
The combination of spices in curry powder can supply you with potent antioxidants. This mixture of spices can help improve your digestive system and improve the health of your gut. Adding curry powder to your diet will promote efficient food digestion and will increase the number of good bacteria in your bowels. By keeping your levels of good bacteria high you will help your body eliminate waste, and prevent germs from causing diarrhea and gas.
Blood Sugar Control
Turmeric is a very healthy ingredient and is one of the main spices in curry powder.
These 2 cookery books my mom gave to me when I got married and moved on to our own home, I always go back to these Every year my Christmas cake was out of these , until I saw Paul Holly Wood make a Christmas cake so for the last 2 yrs I have made Paul Hollywood’s cake
My version of the royal wedding cake. Lemon sponge made with organic lemons and organic eggs. Lemon curd (homemade). With elderflower butter cream I love the royal family and have always followed them.. As we live in Canada and couldn’t join the celebrations in the UK I decided to try make my version of the Royal Wedding Cake it was amazing
In March, Kensington Palace announced that pastry chef Claire Ptak of London’s Violet Cakes was chosen to bake Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s cake for their May 19 royal wedding. The cake will be a lemon elderflower cake covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers. It is meant to evoke the season and “incorporate the bright flavours of Spring.”
Omg I was on the PBS coverage from the uk with my pic. I jokingly said I’m ready for the royal wedding. Omg I cried. I had it in pvr. I was shocked I am in shock Felt as though I was at the Royal Wedding I was UK Annie oh the Country 93.3 radii show with Brad Kart and when Kate and William got Married I was also UK Annie on the radio giving up dates of the wedding TY Kenny Jones the he was on Country 93.3 here in Fort McMurray
Early start today just got a call from the Hospital I have to go for blood work, ugh George and I hit the trains fairly early, its a beautiful fall day !! Today I think we will have the Veggie Chilli I made and froze a few days ago, I really miss when I don’t have to cook,
These pics are from 2014 George was just 1 year old and Colin and Bailey so young .. Seriously where does the time go !! Im busy this morning putting lessons together for Bricks4Kidz !!
Today’s plant based cooking Mush room soup. Shitake,Cremmini,White & Oyster Mushrooms with a veg stock. Texas Caviar for snacks making a herb Bread A little plant based comfort food. This soup is very decedent and I serve with a dollop of Sour Cream and some white truffle oil !! Cold nights are coming so time to make my 30 min soups, you can freeze them and just defrost after a busy day
Carrots, turnip, celery,leeks and in another pot truffle chicken bones boiling tomorrow soup. Mmmmm
Stewed Links one of Davids faves growing up in Scotland I cut up onion , Have a some chicken or beef stock add a couple of Roma tomatoes, a stalk of celery, 2 carrots diced , add breakfast sausage to stew. Once to the boil simmer in another pot peel potatoes to mash or even rice.. I also do a kale or Swiss chard with onions.. Its a simple meal, kids love it and if you wanted to make it a little fancy you could, do one of the Gourmet sausages, my faves are from Irvings farm and butchers shop in Camrose, they have amazing pork products Irving’s Farm Fresh
The pot is half full with veggies This is a dish that is a comfort food, Davids mom used to male this for then, I had never heard of this until I met David. Stewed Links Stewed Sausage David said his mom hated to cook lol Growing up We would do this once a month for the kids, you can also puree the veg to make the gravy thicker . If ever you are in or around Edmonton and come across a farmers market you will find Irvings farm fresh ltd there They pork products are amazing We stayed with Alan and Nicola during Evacuation in 2016, David worked on the farm and I did the cooking .
Plant based diet is amazing Started off the day with a spinach , banana, flax smoothie! Made a Veg , bean stew , a Veg Bean chili for through the week . We feel so energised with this and weight is dropping off, plus we don’t feel as though we miss out on anything Love it try it .. Start f a busy week Here with my business Bricks4Kidz, After Schools in 4 Schools and just sent out emails to meet with other schools , we are booking in to April next year for the in School classes.
Eating right, getting exercise and lot of sleep is important for mental and physical well being We start of the day with a walk in the trails it is just so beautiful out there, I wore gloves today as there was a wee nip in the air, as yet no snow, I hear Calgary go snow!! I am going to head to Walmart to buy some yarn and start a #Hugs4Cops Blanket.. I am also going over my lesson plans for the Simple Machines ..
Davids BBQ Ribs My Macaroni salad and 2 x baked potatoes & fresh bread
my Macaroni Salad varies from time to time ,
1 1/2 cups macaroni, today I chopped 3 spring onions( Green Onions) some times apple or celery but the most part its onions Aged cheddar, a good 2 tsp horseradish, seasoning salt and mayo some times instead of horseradish I use wasabi its amazing
I baked bread and am boiling 4 medium potatoes , and making twice baked potatoes , to do this you boil potatoes with the skins on them I will half if they are large today I didn’t I boil them approx 45 mins then run cold water r over them to cool. once cool, I half the potatoes, scoop out the centres an place in a large dish, add you fillings , your choice, I love adding tuna and green onions always a little garlic to the potatoes and fill the potatoes skins and sprinkle cheese on top bake in oven 25 mins or so until crispy and golden. David really loves these quite often this is our main meal along with a garden salad of veggies and dip ..
David takes great pride in his ribs some times smoked ribs some times BQ ribs not sure todays .. Oh boy what else can happen , the water tank is leaking so David is fixing it so I’m doing the ribs never done. Ribs before. So here goes! I will tell you after supper how they were.. OG MY GOSH!!!! They were so tender and amazing with a little smoky Flavour !!
Home made bread, home made red pickled onions and an aged cheddar cheese or a nice smoked gouda, or even a mix of your fave cheese.. ready to be grilled in the skillet along with Chicken Soup Katie made and it is delicious .. Katie and Aaron are new parents and are doing an amazing job with their new baby, big sister grace ( springer) is being a good bog sister to.. Kate and Aaron love to cook and have some really great family dinners .. From the day Kate and Aaron met they had a real connection and have been growing from each other daily. Gracie is Aarons first dog he took the dog ownership to the next level, Miss Gracie is George’s big Sister, same parents different littler.. David gave Aaron a smoker and wow some of the recipes Aaron does are amazing He really like garlic lol Katie is an amazing young lady everything she does she does extremely well .. One of the proudest days of nay life She was a stunning bride Now Aaron and Kate are parents, and Asher is absolutely perfect I am one proud Gram I love my family
Butter Chicken About a month or so ago Save On Foods ad the large box of chicken breast on for $19.50 reg $39.00 I got a deal, why not.. I used 3 chicken breast for the Butter Chicken, say $10 a can of tomatoes $0.97 Walmart 1 1/2 onions ! Bag at walmart $1.87) say $0.50 1 stick butter to cook onions and chicken $1 . 2 table spns SKYR $0.50 , 1 jalapeño $0.50 , a little sugar spices $15.34 I did a double batch with these ingredients it will do 6 adults .. Ill make rice Id say all for under $20
Spaghetti sauce again I made a double batch this will feed 8 adults! 2 cans of tomatoes @ $0.97 x 2 1 can Tomato paste $0.67 Ground pork 1 1b on sale $5.99 1 onion $0.50 , oregano from my garden, 1 tbl spoon garlic $0.25 a little salt Pkg spaghetti $2.00 $11.35 Not to bad hey I will make a salad from produce out of the garden , plus I have Naan Bread In the freezer I made last time I made butter chicken,
3 Bean Chilli
Again a double batch will feed approx 8 adults 1 can tomato paste $0.67 1 Jalapeño $0.50 Chilli Spices $1.98 1 Onion $0.50 1 can dark kidney beans $0.87 2 cups dried black beans soaked and cooked in the pressure cooker For $900 gram bag $2.57 I used 1/2 = $1.25 Navy Beans $2.57 for 900 grams again half a bag $2.57 = $1.25 1 tall spoon garlic $0.50 = $7.52 Add rice under $10 eating well feeding approx 8 adults What a great morning I will make a salad from produce out of the garden .. I am loving this Blog Today we had a Beatles playlist on and I was cooking up a storm
When we eat meat it is an ingredient not the biggest part of your meal..
Davids first day off so I asked what he waned for supper, Chips n egg .. One of our fave movies is Shirley Valentine .. We must have watched this movie 200 times maybe more it our go to feel-good movie!! Each time we said Oh I really want to go to greece.. We got the mane of the tour bus Manoula’s Beach Hotel; and them we booked out Greece vacation it was a mid September !! 4 nights in Athens, 10 days in Mykonos .. We stayed where the movie was filmed, the tavernas where Shirley is now called the hippie Fish , Was Sunset Taverna.. We drank wine on the beach, we go to know the owner of the Taverna and the owner was in the movie, His name is George and he carried shirley’s table and chair to the beach so she could drink wine , by the sea.. It was a fab holiday.. the pic pf Bailey in the dress we bought for her in Greece
Happy Thursday to you all, What a beautiful fall day .. Heading down town and then grad a McDonalds coffee .. Hubby has worked 21 days out of 25 so it is really great to have him home .. David also loves to cool, I look forward to this … Going to buy some wool to make more #Hugs4Cops Blankets
Tonight a special dinner for a very hard working man, my hubby!! I making some of his faves thank you to dave on goods for the amazing Chicken wings .. its wing Wednesday
Home made Spring rolls Veggie and a scallop veg stir fry,.. I lovetocoook especially for family and my hubby who is my best friend, a great farther and grandad.. Below my youngest daughters wedding, man David really looks great in a kilt, look at my daughter oh my gosh stunning
Well I was going to make Chicken soup as I boiled the chicken carcas last night , but I also watched Jamie over 30 min meals .. He made a chicken pie. Here is my version of it , Jamie used Mushrooms, Not I..
2 chicken breasts, left over from chicken , stock from boiled chicken bones , I add 1 small leek, 2 stalks of celery onions and carrots left from trivet, 1 small pepper (orange one ) add chicken stock, salt ,pepper, garlic a little flour to thicken the pie filling and 2 tbl spns light sour cream, Jamie uses fresh cream!! place in pie dish .. I bought the puff pastry as it is time consuming to make, roll it out so as bigger than your dish then roughly fold sides in , making it look really rough and ready, puff pastry is very forgiving,, I added a little decor on top , funny so did Jamie Oliver, I got a few giggle at Jamie , Most of the time I cut the pastry making it tidy but mot of the time put a rose and leafs as decor.. Also a salad from my garden!! We had a side of my home made baked beans they are delish!!
We decided to change our Diets about 3 rs ago whenI got sick and I was scared I thought I had cancer, It was just before evacuation the Fort MCMurray Fire, So lots of delays with Drs appointments and tests!! that was a crazy year, My Dr said Ann you have to find a way to relax, so he said how about Yoga, i did this a little,I felt like a human pretzel.. Still do a little yoga! .. I then found a bag with wool and Crochet hooks from quite a few yrs ago.. So I made the grand Kids (Colin and Bailey only had 2 at the time ) I crochet blankets for them. Bailey said Oh Gram this is like a big warm hug!! So Rewind a few yrs back 2013 I think it was?? EPS Police Dog got Killed Quanto!!, My heart ached, I read the handlers story, I am not going to lie I cried and hugged my dogs.. I knew I had to do something, in my small way!!
Kate and I did a Scrap Book Collage for the police dog handler and on it was a msg from the dog to the handler and a msg from the handler to the dog, Pics of the dog and his handler,I had help from an amazing EPS officer ty Sir.. I presented this to one of the EPS Dog handlers, it was quite an emotional moment. Ohh my, for some reason My heart went back to that!! I got to thinking there is a lot of hatred in this world towards Police, how can I help!! Light went on .. Well Bailey said my blanket was a Big Warm HUG!! I Have it I will crochet #Hugs4Cops Blankets every stitch a hug from me telling them I care, we care and we appreciate, respect their work.. I have had requests for from friends and family of police officers requesting a blanket for someone with PTSD, or I follow them on social media, amazing people . I some times customise to their police colours, sometimes colours attract me.. I have got a lot better at crocheting it is an on going learning experience.. I don’t do this for recognition, I do this because I care and there is to much hate towards police in this world.. I have received 3 Challenge coins , i was resented to be By an amazing officer and gentleman From @EPS AFPAElliott , the other by Chief Mike Serr Abbotsford Police , the 3rd one was from Kitimat RCMP from an amazing officer Thank you all I love y’all !! I have had a couple of radio interviews and one by the Gazette the RCMP Magazine, I am truly humbled .. On with my crusade I guess after Nov 27th I will have a lot of recovery time after surgery, so Im thinking more #Hugs4Cops Blankets Every Stitch a Hug!! More to follow I have a Bricks 4 Kidz Class
Happy Monday to all my followers, near and far Love y’all Lets look after ourselves Mentally and physically, I know in nov Im heading for a big surgery, I’m thinking positive Chron’s/Colitis is no fun, this is one reason why we decided go to a plant based diet , meat is a ingredient hot the huge part of the meal. Tomorrow a little about the loves of my life my Grand kids and family I love to the Moon and back then at some point a little about My #Hugs4Cops Blankets i Crochet and my Challenge Coins I have 3 of them Live Laugh and Love
Fun facts on black beans
Here are some key points about black beans. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Because of their fiber content, black beans help to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract. They also provide fuel for the healthy bacteria in the colon.
I also used my pressure cooker on the Instant to cook navy beans and made baked beans they are delict with a smoky taste.. When I cook the black bean burgers I will add a pic on here .. I have then with a little salsa and guacamole
Black Bean Burgers again a recipe is an idea one way
16 tbl spoons cooked or 1 16 oz can of black beans mine were dried beans black beans place them on a cookie sheet place them in a 350 oven for 15 lions to dry so the soggy or mushy
in a bowl add beans mash with a fork,
1/2 red pepper diced
1/2 small onion diced
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
hot sauce your choice
lea and perrins sauce (Worcestershire )
garlic
salt and fresh ground black pepper
Mix with spoon the form in to bean patty’s I freeze mine until needed Remainder of black beans I cooked may go in to a Veg Chilli, one way I love black beans in place 1 cup per person in to microwave or pan to heat up add about 1 tbl spn malt vinegar black pepper add hot sauce to if you like enjoy ! Yummy a great snack on bonfire night Nov 5th BTW My Birthday is Nov 4th I always got Fireworks for my Birthday Hmm
Baked Beans
Place 2 cups dried navy beans in pressure cooker or soak overnight for about 10 hrs
2 cups navy beans
Small can plum tomatoes oureed
garlic to taste I used 1 tbl spn
2 tbl spns nutritional yeast
hot sauce
smoked paprika about 1 tbl spn to taste
give a stir and VIOLA you have baked beans , full of smoky goodness for these chilly days
Intuitive Chef 