Guest Post by Anne Simpson: Making the Most of It

“Waste not, want not.” Wise words from a bygone era that prove useful in these times of soaring fuel and grocery prices! “Extreme frugality” has made a comeback it hasn’t seen since the thirties, when it was a habit borne of necessity. If your own grocery budget is being stretched to the limit (and crowded … Read more

Butternut Squash Pasta with Wonton Wrappers

Homemade ravioli or tortellini made easy with wonton wrappers, and a cheesy butternut squash filling. 1 1/2 cups butternut squash, cooked and mashed 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 package wonton wrappers In a medium bowl combine squash, cheese, garlic powder, … Read more

Guest Post by Jay: Bok Choy and Bacon Chow Mein

My 4 and a half year old daughter Ariel is fascinated with wacky vegetables. It all started after her class took a trip to the market during a unit on fruit and vegetables. One that she found very funny was ‘bok choy’ or ‘butt choy’ as she kept accidentally calling it. Of course us laughing … Read more

Guest Post by basilmomma: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

I tend to overbuy pantry items when they go on sale. From pasta to beans I have quite a selection. I just never know what I will need to have on hand and I like to be prepared 🙂 Last December there was quite a shortage of canned pumpkin around here. It seemed like every … Read more

Brown Sugar Syrup

A quick and easy homemade syrup that tastes great on pancakes and waffles. 2 cups brown sugar 3/4 cup water 1/2 tsp maple flavouring Stir ingredients together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. We usually have maple syrup on our pancakes or … Read more

Black Bean and Sausage Enchilada Casserole

This enchilada casserole has all the great taste of enchiladas, but less time and effort. Red Sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 crushed garlic cloves 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon dried oregano 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon dried basil 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground cumin 1 … Read more

Portuguese White Beans

A flavourful Portuguese meal of navy beans slow-cooked with bacon and sausage. 2 1/2 cups dry navy beans, washed and sorted 1/4 pound bacon, diced 1 pound chorizo or linguica, sliced 2 large onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup tomato paste 2 teaspoons paprika 2 bay leaves 3 cups chicken stock or low-sodium canned chicken broth 1-2 cups … Read more

Whole Chicken in a Crockpot #MOLOmonday

Here’s a super easy way to cook a whole chicken, and make chicken soup the next day. 1 small whole chicken 1 small onion paprika, seasoning salt, and garlic powder for seasoning Rinse the chicken and remove any bags from the cavity. Peel the onion and place the whole thing inside the cavity. If it doesn’t fit … Read more

Fruit-Filled Mini Cereal Bars, Revisted

Food and Whine’s healthy cereal bars with a new and improved crust! Filling: 1/2 cup dates 1/2 cup blueberries 1/2 cup strawberries 1/4 cup water or juice Dough: 2 cups flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or a combination) 1/2 tbsp baking powder 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp flaxseed meal 2 tbsp wheat germ 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 cup butter … Read more

Italian Sliders with Turkey Meat Squares

It’s cool to be square. These meat squares fit perfectly into slider buns and are so much faster to make than meatballs or patties. Turkey Squares 1 lb ground turkey 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated 3/4 cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs 1/4 cup grated parmesan 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 egg 1 tsp … Read more