Back yard time brought to you by @preschoice and @realcanadiansuperstore The planter and all the plants were from Superstore. The patio furniture is from @shoppersdrugmart Combined with fresh fruit and veggies, chicken and the new #pcblacklabel gold barbecue sauce! Berbere roasted baby potatoes and chicken basted with the gold bbq sauce, asparagus, grilled peaches and nectarines and cinnamon grilled pineapple with just a little more of the BBQ sauce Books brought to you by @winnipegpubliclibrary . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties #cookinggoodeats
I watch @flashfoodinc for goodies from my local @realcanadiansuperstore especially the produce boxes at $5. I try and treat the boxes like mini @masterchefcda mystery box challenges This time I took inspiration from a box filled in part with Lemons, Limes Avacados. Now #Summer and #tequila seem to go hand in hand - but I don’t drink I cook with my alcohol lol One of my summer favourites is Tequila Lime Chicken ❤️ Chicken marinated in Tequila, lime juice, oil, jalapeños, and some salt the barbecued with some simple veggies and served with a side of coconut rice with salsa and guacamole! . . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties #cookinggoodeats #summerbbqs
Should be looking @altonbrown outside Meridian Hall today waiting the Toronto Show - turns out instead we stumble upon @chefmichaelbonacini restaurant, and a massive dog fountain right across the street on the way to @thesultanstent to see belly dancers! . . . . . . . . . . . #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #mentalhealth #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties #mentahealthawareness #paralyzedbyfear #fear #whatifs #resolutions2021 #onething #dowhatscaresyou #dowhatscaresyouchallenge #dowhatscaresyouthemost #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta
It shouldn’t work - it doesn’t make sense but it’s soo good! @geoffreyzakarian Chicken Ramen Pot Pie from #TheKitchen #extraspecial because it was made during an amazing Video call with a good friend months ago. @millersmeats meats had chicken tenders on sale. Such a great meat to use in this type of application. . . . . . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties #cookinggoodeats
Thank you @jusso116 for the wonderful anniversary present. An amazing @cameo message from @simonmajumdar ❤️ And to @simonmajumdar thank you for letting me (and others) reach out for support and encouragement it means a lot. I’m happy to say it seems like most of my ability to taste is back which means I’m back in the kitchen ❤️❤️ . . . . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties #cookinggoodeats #happyanniversary
More to follow but I’ve in sensory overload heaven Such amazing selection of international products! I didn’t know @saveonfoodscanada had an international location!! We are talking lunch options from perogies, hot wings, appetizers, Chinese food, dim sum, fresh popcorn, just in the ready to eat area never mind the rest of the selections! . . . . . . . . . #foodie #ywgeats #yegfood #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties
So great things the couple of days. First I ran into @emilykatelynbutcher at the grocery store. I was checking my phone and looked up and I could recognize even with the mask on. (If you don’t know she was a boss on @foodnetworkca recent season of #TopChefCanada) I then totally geeked out and was very excited to hear about her upcoming plans. Man I would give anything to spend some time in the kitchen and learn from her! I also ended up telling her about my JackFruit and durian experiments. @cnd_monkey has been asking for a while to try durian. Well we found some frozen durian while at @seafood_city_canada and decided to give it a whirl. It smells as bad as they describe - but the taste and texture is amazing! I have to do some more thinking on what to use it for in the future. I also picked up a jackfruit originally thinking of doing a pulled pork type dish but instead went more of a pulao dish not following any specific recipe. Turned out really good - served it over a cilantro lime rice! Onto more culinary adventures! . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #40while40 #fearless #FearlessForties
One of my favourite #dutch foods. I have been missing my family there so much and thinking of Annie. One of my most memorable and favourite foods was #kroketten I first had it when I as in Netherlands at the age of 13 and years later when I finally got to go back I was just as I remembered. Served with fries, frits sauce and Dutch mustard for the kroketten. So important we brought back frozen packages from Netherlands on every trip we’ve made. Now with what’s happening in the world I wanted to find a way to be with family. I hunted down a recipe and learned about the roots of this food which is just a humble way of using leftovers. It’s made from left over roast or cooked beef, a simple gravy, herbs and spices then breaded and deep fried. Made me feel like I was back with the family overseas and I could feel the love. . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery @claudioaprile1
My loving husband @jusso116 made one special request for his #50thbirthday - a sugar coma! Haha just joking - but it basically was the request as he asked for a Skittles Cake. After sending me some inspiration pictures I went to work. First sorting 2 huge family size bags of @skittles and a bowl size bag with the help of @cnd_monkey Next up was testing how to insert the skittles tasted into the cake. First was a silly move of trying skittles with milk (ftr bad idea they curdle the milk) Next up was trying skittles dust (pulverizing skittles and then subbing for some of the sugar. (Weird consistency) So finally I went back to basics and did 4 by am baking mistake of not properly adjusting baking powder ratio (that was fun) good cake just dense. So started again and made probably my best vanilla cake ever - one layer for each of the 5 standard skittles flavours. Each layer is topped with a skittles butter cream matching the layers color. Eg the green has green skittle butter cream only flavour and coloured by skittles themselves! Finally covered in a fresh coating of the leftover buttercream, then covered with white chocolate @kitkatcanada because the regular family size where no where to be found. Then topped off with skittles pouring down over the cake. (The layers make not look even in the plate but that’s just from moving the massive 8” tall slice of cake!) . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #covidbirthday #covidbirthday2021 #skittles #skittlescake #kitkat #kitkatcake
For my amazing daughter - a classic vanilla cake with cotton candy butter cream icing between layers, green apple icing covering the cake before being covered in fondant. Because my daughter is extra special she got two cakes for her birthday! Unfortunately the one cake she asked for a watermelon cake didn’t happen because well... I hate 🍉and I had nothing for the flavouring so she instead asked for a vanilla cake. I made her this cake in the shape of a watermelon ... Long story short on her actual birthday she didn’t get to eat this cake and was only got to eat the chocolate cake. . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #watermelon #cakedecorating #cakesofinstagram #covid #covidbirthday
Sometimes things just don't go the way you envisioned ... Believe me - I did not envision little man licking the sugar off the raw cookie balls. But he did. More than once. (Note... always ask who made the cookies if I offer you one). But we had fun. And we got edible (albeit not toddler germ free) cookies out of the deal. So tonight, I threw away my expectations, set aside the need for perfection, and made some tasty cookies with little man. I just ... let it happen. Now excuse me while I go to bed early from how exhausted this throwing caution to the anxious wind has made me. #anxiety #anxietyawareness #anxietywithkids #anxiousasamother #toddlerslobber #nextmasterchefcanada #donttellgordanramsey
A special night. Mess dinners were always such a great experience as a cadet. This year is no different. @rcsccjtcornwellvc is doing an amazing and wonderful job keeping the #seacadets engaged. They held a virtual Naval Mess dinner with all of the traditions so we broke out the good stuff for our PO2 @cnd_monkey_art She started with a Caesar salad with bacon; @gordongram individual beef Wellington; Pomme Purée and glazed carrots from @chefthomaskeller. Dessert was a parfait of Rosetta cookies bites, cherries, whip cream. 2020 may be an incredibly difficult year with many things changed and an entirely new normal but it doesn’t meant it can’t have great moments. . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Sunday night supper: Bruschetta with toasted French bread Caesar salad, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes with chives, braised sirloin roast with baby carrots, gravy and a creamy horseradish sauce. All gluten free except the Baguette. Yes one set of regular Yorkshire pudding and one set of GF (for reference the last pic with the typical Yorkshire shape but small was my first attempt at a GF version - the two other pics of the round and cut in half was my recent attempt at Yorkshire - some modifications to deal with the GF flour) (special thanks to C & C for the help talking through adaptions to the recipe with me). . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #sundaynightsupper #covid #family
So COVID has had many impacts on food supply chains - when one of our pork processing places in Manitoba was hit I was very concerned about not being able to get bacon (or at least that my story I’m sticking to - not I was up at 3 am watching @joshuaweissman explain how easy home made bacon was 😉) I found myself some pork belly and then set off trying to find a local source of Prague powder - shout out to @millersmeats for help with that. I cured one bacon au natural and then the second with thyme, rosemary, bay leave and juniper berries. Let it sit for 4 days and then gave the bags a flip. Let sit another 4 days then a friend lent me his @webergrillsca @webergrills Smoky Mountain - smoking them over a mix of soaked and dry apple wood chunks. Had to let them cool in the fridge overnight before I could finally taste them! 🤤 lets just say I may be picking up some more pork belly to make some more before it gets ... well 🍁🍂 and I have to send the smoker home to it’s original family. . . . . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #cbcmbsummer #cbcmb #1031exchange #smoking #bacon #baconlover
@webergrillsca @webergrills I am spending the afternoon smoking some pork belly aka future bacon (thanks @joshuaweissman) using a friends Weber Smokey Mountain (which he never manages to get to temp and stay at temp but when I follow Their YouTube video it stays the perfect temp...) and I thought about the door on the side for loading more charchol or wood chips or chunks,.. especially because the water bowl hangs down so low in this model ...why not have it hinge at the top? Would save head and smoke! . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #smoking #bacon
After being inspired by the trip to @stleongardens I happened upon a huge piece of Mahi Mahi. I ended up making three dishes over two nights: Pan fried Mahi Mahi with a white wine pan sauce; served over sautéed spring onion and beet greens with a candy cane beet and apple salad with a goat cheese dressing. Panko and Coconut breaded chicken that had been marinated in buttermilk served over roast baby potatoes with a roasted spring onion and the same beet salad. The next night I still had Mahi Mahi and left over beats so I made supper for the neighbour but made @chefwolfgangpuck herb crusted Mahi Mahi with beurre blanc sauce with cherries tomatoes from my @officialaerogarden Shout out to those special people who provided help and inspiration for this dish ❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Absolutely blown away today visiting @stleongardens I have been following their Instagram posts for a while and today we finally had the opportunity to swing by. I am *not* allowed in there unattended in the future! So many things I wanted to bring home with me!! I managed to make it home with only a *few* things - candy cane beets, lg spring onions, cauliflower, lemonade apples, sour cherries, edible flowers, haskaps, pickerel cheeks and a steak and kidney pie for 🇬🇧 And this was after restricting myself. The strawberries looked amazing as did all of the desserts. It totally reminded me of being at a summer version of Festival du Voyageur - the only disappointment - and there is one and it is a big one... I didn’t realize they had honey sticks at the cashier until after I had already checked out and was on my way out 😂 guess I’ll have to go back! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
“Always look on the bright side of life” 🎶 The only upside if COVID and mail being delayed is that some birthday presents were delayed in the mail. Very thankful to my amazing extra parents for the wonderful card and the *excited giggle* vanilla bean paste! *happy dance* Also means the opportunity to cook a meal for family - and when you ask my dad to bring home a few herbs... he brings home two 4L ice cream pails full - so of course chimichurri was on the list!! Served with bone-in ribeye “steaks”, lemon garlic shrimp, dill roasted baby carrots, cucumber salad, Caesar salad, mashed potatoes, roasted baby peppers The ribs were left to dry Ave overnight @altonbrown style My sous chef made the caramel sheet to make caramel dust for dessert - unfortunately it was far too humid in the house ... upside the “dust” we did get tasted like cotton candy. Not pictured the Bartlett Pear Thyme Sorbet (just a little food...) . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Had a Great Birthday. Started the day with an early morning video chat with my Mother and Father-in-law all the way from 🇬🇧miss them and family overseas dearly ❤️ hoping one day we will have a new normal with many things that can make society and families better. One of those things I the ability to travel and see family. As much as FaceTiming is wonderful I miss the hugs and seeing the family. Received a wonderful package from my Uncles. I know another is on its way from England soon with exciting things. We then did something really strange - we went out for supper @olivegarden it was a surreal experience in a lot of ways however it was also nice because it was quieter than. But how you get in, menus, the menu itself all just different. Nothing really stood out as unusual until getting salt and pepper. I mean at this points we are used to masks so it was definitely the pepper. I am filled with joy from the messages and texts for my birthday making me feel special and as I have already been able to be spoiled with the addition of the two sets of @modcuisine lately I decided to be like Bones and give gifts - Justin received a book about his game Destiny and sandals and Cadence a graphic novel she has been asking for. ❤️ ❤️ Focused on the next years goals - running, weight, mental health, reading for fun, studying and learning more about food, learning to balance and finding inner peace ❤️🧡 . . . #thanks #thankful #birthday #birthdaygirl #birthdaycake still needed #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #love #family #food
So I have been collecting and studying cookbooks and recipes for a while. Trying to learn and understand more about cooking. One of my favourite shows has always been #GoodEats because of the time that @altonbrown would take to explain the how’s and why’s. A few years back when MasterChef Canada first came out I asked my parents if they thought I could do it and my mom said I relied too much on recipes. She was both wrong and right. I could cook on my own a lot of things without recipes but I just felt something was still missing. So I read and watched more - whatever I could get my hands on. I read cookbooks like I would read my text books from university. Taking notes, highlighting, making notes in the margins. It was around the same time that my mom made the comment a friend introduced me to the @modcuisine series - I have had their at home version hanging out in my @amazon wishlist when I discovered it was significantly discounted. I have been devouring the book since I got it - the book is half art for the amazing pictures but it is so much more - it has the explanations and since behind the kitchen. I have included a picture with my glasses for size reference and it weighs over 10 lbs but I’m head over heels in love. I managed to take a short break from reading to make supper thanks to another @goodfoodca box - Asian-Style Chicken Bowls with Ground Cherry Vinaigrette. Still impressed with their recipes, ingredients and portions. I’m hoping to be back and up into the kitchen soon ❤️ Also really dumbfounded that I just learned about culinary “stages” unpaid internships. For a couple of years there have been a few chefs I have wanted to write and say - hey I want to come visit your restaurant and learn from you can I come for a week and just learn from you in the kitchen but thought it was a weird idea - turns out it’s not. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Day 85 - the monkey made dinner care of @goodfoodca Stir-Fried Pork & Udon Noodles with Crispy Greens & Zucchini Again another successful meal - easy to follow instructions and high quality ingredients with enough for leftovers again ❤️ This was the last of the 4 meals from our meal kit delivered last week. I got the box through a promotion where the friend gave us a free box. The free box was 3 meals for 2 people or 2 meals for 4 people - I decided to pay the extra and go for 4 meals for 4 people for a grand total of $62 (normally would be $150) I can’t see using a meal box on a continual basis long term; however even with full price the meals come out to ~$38 per dinner which is frankly about $10 less than each of us getting fast food from McDonalds or even Subway so for weeks where you know you are going to be busy the meal kits make sense. It has relieved a lot of anxiety around what to cook each night for us (yes I love to cook - but with the other things going on right now - it’s nice to have a menu laid out, the ingredients packed in a bag you just have to grab from the fridge and eats enough anyone can cook it.) No I’m not sponsored I have always just wondered about the kits. I stand by what I said before the value for the GoodFood box is great - proper size portions and quality ingredients. . This allowed me to work on making some more masks which are available $5/mask (except the Jets Masks) they are all set up for elastic behind the ear but can also be converted to a tie up mask. Also have pockets for filters if you wish. Again every mask sold gets 1 donated for @cnd_monkey_art #PassionToPurpose Project. .... in other exciting news found a Tupperware pickle container for $3.50 beyond excited! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Day 83 - not much happened today other than making Good Food from @goodfoodca Today was Beef & Bulgur Kefta Lettuce Cups with Cucumber Tabbouleh & Tzatziki It was a good, easy and refreshing meal! Everyone loved it. we seriously have so much of the lettuce leftover it is going to be great to use for the next couple of days! Again nice size portions leaving everyone full and satisfied with leftovers for the next day. We ordered a meal for 4 people as there are 3 of us - it makes a good lunch or supper on left overs nights! Getting very excited for the tomatoes that are starting to turn red ❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #mygoodfood
Day I have no clue anymore ...we will call it day 81 because that’s the count on my @officialaerogarden ... but on another count we just recently passed day 365 - one year since I went off work. It is surprising to be here a year later and still very uncertain of what will be happening with work - thanks to COVID many of my programs had been put on hold but they seem to be starting up slowly and differently now everyone not sure how things will work going forward which is anxiety riddled at the same time yet soothing because it is at least nice to know I have company in the I have no idea what’s about to happen ship. Like many people have said #weareinthistogether but what “this is” is so different for everyone. We are still working on finding a routine and balance both for me and now with a new household dynamic. I happy to have some help this week from @goodfoodca - a friend shared a free meal kit box so for the next week while we are trying to work on some stuff we have one less thing to worry about - meal planning and prepping. The gardens are growing well - the lettuce had an extreme hair cut last week and is growing back strong! The tomatoes are like on the verge of turning red (I hope) and the herbs are taking over! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
More amazing and healthy meals by @marcmahoney A selection of some of the best eats over the last couple of weeks includes lamb, duck, veal, fishcakes, fresh cod, seafood chowder, chili, pasta, homemade hummus, and heaps of colorful veg! . . . . . #pandemicpositive #goodeats #healthyfood #roastedduck #roastedlamb #veal #fishcakes #seafoodchowder #chili #nextmasterchefcanada #eastcoastlifestyle
So going through my baby box which my parent finally found (...quaran-cleaning) and I found a recipe book that I would guess is from grade 5 or 6. I cannot remember the context but it was hilarious reading my recipe and wondering why I would suggest to cook a cat. I read a few others - human stew for dinosaur; even one on how to make one million dollars. Considering my husband is English I find it hilarious that HP sauce was an ingredient. . . . #childhood #imagination . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery (note: not cats, humans or dinosaurs were cooked in the process of developing these recipes)
Day 19 - brought to you by the letter D - d for depression and D for distraction. One of the side effects of taking my medication is an impact on my memory - I took some scallops out to defrost the other night and put them on a cookie sheet. They weren’t ready in time for supper so I was going to put them away for the next night after eating but I didn’t want 🐾🐾🐕🐕 someone you get their noses into it so I put the pan into the oven (it was cold and not used - just somewhere that is puppy proof). I was going to go back in 10 minutes to put them in the fridge... cue the next day around lunch time when out of no where I remember that they had been left in the oven 🤢🤢 let me tell you just leaving the oven open will not clear the smell. I ended up having to clean the oven. Now for the positives - I would normally use paper towel but given the current situation I leaned back on something a grandparent taught me - I used crumpled up news print (flyers) to wipe down the grease and oven cleaner before I washed with a cloth and warm water. Honestly the paper worked better than anything before. Given that we have lots of time these days and my kitchen has been converted into a sewing room to make masks - I figured I would try something that could be cooked slowly. I pulled out my tagine and made Spiced Chicken and Lentils. Combing ras el hanout and sumac with chicken, squash and dates cooked low and slow before before adding lentils. It was a great way to use pantry items and new techniques. The garden is growing well and it is nice to have them to look at while sewing. While I may not be cooking or baking I am still using the room for creation with passion and love. Really cooking has been about spreading and sharing love ❤️ mask making for front line workers is helping me fill my heart. . . . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #depression #ptsd
Day 17 - no pictures Day 18 - braved @costco to pick up supplies for three families and spoke with some workers that we’ve come to know well over the years who asked about our masks and where to get some. I told them I had made them and offered to sew them some and leave them in my mailbox. The evening was a blur but got them done and out just in time for pick up. The kitchen has officially become my sewing room now and not so much a cooking room but both acts are driven by live and caring ❤️ If you or a loved one are an essential employee who needs a mask let me know!! I am using fabric and supplies I have in the house to make them. Donations will be accepted so that I can buy more fabric to help make more masks for other front line workers and charities who are working with the less fortunate. Anyways this week has been a blur. . . . #cbc #cbcmb #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Very happy to get some mail today from @realcanadiansuperstore for being a #pcinsiders especially during this time of self isolation and when #Winnipeg actually living up to its #Winterpeg reputation for having all four seasons in a week - going from hanging outside to hat and mitt weather 😶 No a great excuse to make some homemade pizza ❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #pcinsiderscollection
Day 10 - the @officialaerogarden is amazing - the tomatoes vines have just burst up and the lettuces are growing well. The Basil, mint and parsley are just starting to be visible cannot wait to see the growth in the next day or two. I have to reaffirm that I’m not allowed to have any form of plants ever as I well... let’s just say my parents are surprised I kept my kid alive - but honestly if it doesn’t bark, meow or cry to be fed I probably will kill it 🤭 but this has been so easy an amazing I pulled a metaphorical thread in my house today. I had the deep fryer still out from yesterday so a bunch of stuff needed to run through the dishwasher. When I got up it needed to be emptied and reloaded. I took out the microwave lid and went to put it away and realized how dirty the microwave was - so I started cleaning it. That lead to me emptying the pot and pan drawer, vacuuming and washing it out and then finally putting the liner we bought 5 years ago My husband walked into the kitchen was was 🤭😯 I then watched project runway with the kid while husband had his counselling session. I started making supper (stew) but was running late so I started and left finishing instructions for DD. She rocked it!! I usually have always done stew in the crockpot but in wanting to learn about braising I went to cooking it low and slow in the oven and the meat has never been better and more tender 🤤 I came down and made mashed potatoes and realized we didn’t have any bread so I made cheddar biscuits. Cue the light bulb that the deep fryer was still out - so we also deep fried the biscuit remnants - OMG amazing. Talking with my counsellor he asked me to be mindful and think about how I’m feeling and when - especially when happy and not anxious. I felt overwhelmed at supper - such a great night with really amazing food and it was something I could start and hand off ❤️❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Day 8 - so many pods growing I am so excited to see them grow. I love to cook and bake so I hope that this means many more people are doing some baking at home with the family and taking advantage of time despite all the chaos out there. I actually cleaned my fridge today (like took everything out - washed the shelves in the sink and let’s be honest when was the last time anyone did that?) We also had a left overnight - kept it simple for food made sure we aren’t wasting. It was nice to sit down as a family again - we don’t get to do that on a regular basis. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Day 3 - the post comes late in the day (actually very early in the morning) the video is something that popped up in memories today. It is such a fitting testament for today. As a child my Opa lived very close to us. He had been hurt in an attack when someone tried to take his life and he suffered partial paralysis and long last effects. Every Sunday night would be family dinner and Opa would be over - even on the nights or days when my mom worked as a nurse she would find time to make sure we had a good supper. I have memories of being in the garden at the farm with my Memere when she would pick a ripe tomato and take salt and pepper from her apron pocket and eat the tomato just like an apple. I have spent the last number of days trying to get my parents home from Portugal and I sit here nervously waiting to make sure none of their flights are cancelled before they make it back to Canada. They let me know that at the hotel they were staying at (@tryplisboa_aeroporto) had Canadians that were stuck and couldn’t get home. I am so thankful that they were on the flight they were on and I cannot wait to be able to have a family dinner with them again. I know that the social distancing and self-isolation are hard - but I’m relieved to see that the world is slowing down for some people and they are taking the time to cook or bake as a family. Food and cooking is so much as the root of family and friendship. I pray that everyone’s loved ones get home safe and sound. I carry optimism as my first plant looks like it is starting to sprout. We can and will get through this together (but from at least 6’ apart for now 😘🥰❤️) . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #masterchefcda #masterchef #anxiety #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #puppies #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #dogstagram #doggo1031 #germansheppard #dogsofinstaworld #bestdog #dogoftheday #puppygram #dogs_of_instagram #ilovemydog #winnipeg #covid #covid_19
It has been a long time where I really felt like myself or felt productive. Today was a good day - I didn’t sleep well and that’s still an issue but today instead of letting anxiety rule me I pulled a metaphorical thread. I looked at something that had been needing to be done for far too long and did it (nothing but - actually really small but easy, that lead to another small easy thing being done) I did a couple of those small things and it was amazing. So I went into the kitchen with a little concept of a meal - I knew the protein had a suggestion for the starch from a friend. I turned the music on and just cooked no judgment was allowed because I was singing (and maybe slipping some carrot chunks to a puppy ...) I thought of the things I have read and seen and tried to rely on my instinct (nothing something I trust these days). What I came out with was - bone in pork chop cooked in my @misenkitchen stainless steel skillet, served over a potato hash with carrots, corn and edamame with a spicy peach chutney. I learned/reinforced a couple of things - non-stick pans a good but for browning anything stainless or cast iron like why I have used my non-stick so much? The fat you cook something in is really important. Salt as a flavour enhancer and constantly tasting and adjusting across the different tastes makes a huge difference. It was the best meal I have cooked in a while - the pork was tender but had such an amazing crust on the edge. Today was a good day. Literally only regret I have is not trying fresh pineapple in the chutney but there’s always tomorrow! ❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Meals are pretty basic when hubby is away. But when he gets home I'm reminded of just how fortunate I am to live with such an amazing chef. It was a seafood weekend with salmon cakes and seafood chowder. Healthy and delicious! . . . . #eatwell #healthyeating #fitlife #nextmasterchefcanada #gourmet #eastcoastlifestyle #seafood #superfoods #salmon #quinoa #kale #fitmom #mombod #mombodredefined
I made lamb chops once back in the early 2000’s and hated it (probably was way over cooked looking back). When I met @jusso116 he introduced me to the idea of minted lamb burgers one of his favourites from back home - they have become one of my favourite burgers. I have come a long way to now including making my own mint sauce. Such and easy and quick meal - one of the best things is the burgers aren’t greasy and can be easily cooked indoors. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Every feel like your being stared at or followed? Watched the @bingingwithbabish @buzzfeedtasty pasta video the other day and it made me want to go back and try the recipes out. I made the Pasta Aglio e Olio a fee months back. So today was the Fettuccini Alfredo - which I’ve made from scratch before but this time I made two changes. First - despite all my instincts I did not put any salt in the dough; salted the water to taste like the ocean and then finished in the sauce. It was by far best pasta I have ever made - the texture and flavour was amazing! The puppies I think agreed as they wouldn’t leave my side lol. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #anxiety #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #puppies #puppiesofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #doggo1031 #germansheppard #dogsofinstaworld #bestdog #dogoftheday #gsd #gsdofinstagram #gsdfamily #labradorretriever
Been trying to read through #saltfatacidheatcookbook it is taking time reading only a couple of pages at a time. I wanted to work on the salt portion and braising as a technique. I made a wet rib with garlic, two kinds of salt, olive oil, thyme and rosemary then vacuum sealed the meat for two days before cooking. Braised of the beef short rib plate in the oven for 3 1/2ish hours at 250°and served it over cheese polenta. The dish looked much better before I added the gravy #ohwell #nextime wasn’t sure what sauce to serve I wanted to do something with red wine but I made gravy with some bourbon that needed to be used. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
I love visiting the grocery store for inspiration - especially ethnic stores as they carry things the regular supermarket doesn’t - like beef short rib plates; fresh water shrimp and amazing pork ribs. I only got the beef ribs and keep them long. Now looking at so many ideas on ways to cook them. Options include: braising; oven roasting, smoker (but it’s cold outside like -11 so not sure I want to spend the day outside) sous vide, pressure cooking. Thoughts?? . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Celebrating the monkey turning 14 - finished her cupcakes with the blue sugar “ice” (poured sugar) and the cherry sugar “fire” (pulled sugar) unfortunately the first batch of pulled sugar got too hot so had to redo it and with the left overs had some fun making some “dragons beard” definitely not the right sugar temp for it but still conceptually worked and tasted good! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Today marks the monkeys 14th Birthday! She is such an amazing child in many ways and her heart is so big! She spent the weekend starting her Bronze Level @dukeofedcanada award working on her art with lessons from an amazing mentor; followed by Bronze Medallion class. Then she spent some time figuring out what she wants to do for her service to the community. Sunday was amazing as we spent the evening cooking #torodoki cupcakes for her birthday making a two flavour cup cake (red velvet and vanilla) topped with butter cream icing in vanilla and cherry flavour topped with blueberry glass and pulled cherry glass. No better way to hang out with a kid to celebrate her passions. We could not be more proud of you and everything you accomplish! You are fearless and a warrior! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Attention beef lovers - @realcanadiansuperstore on St Anne’s in Winnipeg has Tenserloin on sale for less than $10/lbs - that’s more than half off!! As in three pieces for $20ish makes a great steak; tartar or Wellington -> walk don’t run The prices are like got out of bed and got dressed to come get some good price!! ❤️❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #pcinsiders #pcpoints #pcpointsdays #pointsdays #freegroceries!!
Hey collective of people - anyone in the Winnipeg area have a food processor or a meat grinder they are willing to part with or no longer need? The family across the back lane is looking for them. Thank you! ❤️❤️if you know anyone willing to donate theirs to the family hit me up!! . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Made the best of PC points days - Stocked up on some amazing deals including essentials like toilet paper; paper towel and fun things like Coconut Cheerios which are amazing BTW! Made out really well - ended up getting 75,000 ($75) worth of points plus some additional for a total close to $100 in free groceries for my next trip - not bad considering I spend just over $200 today!! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #pcpoints #pcpointsdays #pcinsiders
You can also sign up for PC insiders and get free pick up! Hi, Sign up for PC Insiders and get 25% off an annual subscription! Insiders score extra PC Optimum points, skip fees on PC Express, and much more. Use my referral code to sign up: CL1730 https://secure.pcinsiders.ca/en/sign-up?promoCode=CL1730&utm_source=Refer%20A%20Friend Not applicable for Quebec residents. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #pcpoints #pcpointsdays #pcinsiders
Been working on some stuff literally and mentally trying to work through and clean out the old. Also finding parts that I thought were lost - parts of me lost and original recipes passed down thought to be lost but found again. One highlight is the support and protection offered by family - paintings from my daughter and a fire extinguisher from my parents for Christmas. (Good idea for those who play with torches while cooking!!) ❤️ Just remembering life is a journey that’s not always about the destination. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #family #familyiseverything
Less stuff and being more present - I still have yet to post my reflection post for entering 2020 - but in short my word to focus on this year is “present” - as in being present in the here and now. Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift that’s why it’s called the present. Being present in the here and now - thankful for the small simple moments which mean so much more. I’ve written about the amazing family who has moved in across the back lane - they are new to Canada and don’t speak English and I don’t speak their language (ok at this point about 5 words for each of us). The most amazing experiences I have had in the past two months have come in sharing time with them. It is an interesting reflection that one of the first words we have each learned in the others language is thank you - شكرا One of the best memories I have with my daughter over Christmas is sitting on their floor playing hand games for fun because ... it was something we all understood and it didn’t require “stuff”. The other thing I have learned or awakened to is the universal language of food. We sometimes get a simple knock at the door from their youngest son and they have sent over amazing plates of home made food. I think that this is a sign of love from them as it brings warmth to my heart. This past week we were fortunate and privileged enough to celebrate two birthdays with the family and shared the joy over some simple cupcakes that I made. Again the warmth and love is amazing - we have become extended family ❤️ it was funny as the their Dad and I were both using google translate on our phones to say we are now family at the same time. Don’t underestimate the simple moments - lets uncomplicated life and enjoy being present. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #present #mindfulness #interacpresent
Ok - so I love my monkey lots and one day way before Christmas she said to me she wants to try eating bone marrow ( it was inspired by a cooking show we were watching) so since then I’ve casually looked around for beef bones (long not short). This weekend we finally went to a butcher and acquired a bone they happily sawed in half. Total cost $4 so not too pricey to experiment with. I cleaned the bones and then bribed them overnight. Roasted them in the oven with a herb oil on top. Results? Well you only live once and you should try everything once - this was our once! We have a rule that you need try three bites of something new. So we did - the consistency was like butter, the taste was well.. we don’t know how to describe it lol it’s like trying to explain to someone what fish sauce tastes like it’s weird but good but odd - ultimately the texture was just not for us - but it was a great adventure ❤️❤️ At least I know where to get bones on the cheap in the future for the puppies who were dying to try some. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
So I got these @misenkitchen equipment for Christmas - so excited!! I got the misen 8” chef knife last year and fell in love - when they did a redesign on their products - I was interested in comparing - I got the 8” chef; utility knife; 10 and 12” non stick and 10” stainless frying pans. Unfortunately the first time using the new knife I was a little over zealous in my practicing for Master Chef Canada I ended up including the part where i call a medic (aka Mom) and super glue a cut closed. I used the pans in prepping Christmas dinner at my parents on the induction and the pans performed well. Tonight I decided to try the “non-stick” egg test (in part because it seems like fun and because the puppies won’t let us eat eggs unless they get some too!) Warmes up the pans over medium-ish heat and then used one to reheat the fried rice and others to make eggs. While I was slightly disappointed the egg didn’t just slip and slide it was definitely not hard to flip over and did not stick at all. I didn’t use any oil or butter in the pan - just egg and pan! I give the pans and knives 👍👍 The puppies give them 🐾 🐾 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #misen #misenmade
Blessed by new family members. Many have talked about the stress that this time of year brings. Three years ago we made a change and we cook family supper days before or after Christmas. This year I spent the weekend cooking some traditionally family food (tourtiere, mashed potatoes, cornbread) some updated family foods (brined turkey, sous vide ham) and some new foods to welcome our new extended family which includes @suvilasolomon her family and parents who flew from India to be here. We now have new traditions of time with family mixed with Indian and Canadian dishes that will carry forward. Merry Christmas from our family to yours - and remember above all else no matter what you believe this time of year is about family - so forget the rest of the “stuff” and enjoy the moments and simplicity of being with family and friends. . . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #christmas #misenmade #interac #InteracChristmas
It’s been a while since I’ve been in the kitchen but finally had a little motivation today to do some simple cooking. After watching reruns of #TheKitchen I saw @geoffreyzakarian Piccata Mustard recipe and figured it would go good with some pork tenderloin. So I sous vide the pork after rubbing it down with the mustard and then seared it off and served it with coconut rice, edamame beans and Caesar salad (one of the only consistent things I’ll eat these days) it was very good if I do say so! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
TBT - so I can’t speak highly enough of my monkey she’s an awesome kid in so many ways with such an amazing spirit and energy and just the biggest heart ever. Like many kids she has such a curiosity about her. I know (and I’m married to) picky eaters. My daughter has never been picky with her food and she loves to experiment and try things (right now she’s insisting on trying steak and kidney pie I made and then wants to try bone marrow next... yup my kid!) but she’s also been in the kitchen since she was little - from helping pick what she wanted for lunches, to helping pack them, to eventually cutting and making her own; being involved in cooking and giving her a voice to say “hey I want to try making this with you”. Get your kids in the kitchen - it’s never to early and honestly aside from the house burning down the worst that’s going to happen is a mess (just don’t give them a box of corn starch and I promise it won’t be that bad to clean up!) . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #tbt #kids #kidsofinstagram #getkidscooking #getkidscookingathome #getkidscookingfromscratch
For my final #Thanksgivine2019 post I want to say I’m thankful for: - the opportunity to cook and experiment on my family - not everything always turns out and sometimes I try weird; unknown or unusual stuff and they often are the ... victims of the successes and failures - but ultimately they provide me unwavering support - thankful for a husband who puts up with my; loves me and supports me and is amazing extra dad to my daughter - I’m thankful and lucky for an ex-husband who is an amazing dad and Ex-BIL who is a great uncle - and beyond that lucky enough that when their plans to visit family got changed by snowmageden 2019 that we could all have a #Misfit ThanksGiving - I am so thankful for a new friend and her family truly blessed and lucky to have found her and glad they joined us for their first Canadian Thanksgiving ❤️(your family now!) - Thankful for my parents (who not only let me come and take over their kitchen to cook but mom who cleans up after!) and Dad who’s encouraging and open - the support and love you shown in these past few months has meant more than ever. - I cooked all alone until the end without my mini sous chef - my daughter. I am thankful for such amazing; caring; loving; wonderful; motivated and courageous person. Beyond your years in wisdom, motivation, actions and understanding....only show your a 13 year old still when trying to find something lol ❤️😘 I really noticed not having my extra sous chef hands for the big and reduced family meal. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
I am thankful for family and friends that let me experiment on them with my cooking. I had seen persimmons in the store often and I have always wondered what they were, what they tasted like. So I finally decided to pick some up - I tried on just as a fruit and then did research on how you eat, cook l, prepare or bake them and decided on making a Maple Persimmon Upside Down cake with a Maple Cream on top (not pictured as It was eaten and is also apparently good on pumpkin pie!). The cake was good, not to dense and not overly sweet. The persimmon is an interesting fruit something I want to explore some more. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #thanksgiving #happythanksgivng #persimmon #persimmons
I feel guilty when people talk to me about my food. I have had people say that we must eat amazing meals all the time. I want to be clear when I post pictures of my food it’s food I made because this is a passion and it’s like therapy. However, we don’t eat fancy home made stuff every night. This is a picture of our supper from yesterday - steak done sous vide (btw a little wine in with the herbs is amazing). The gnocchi? @olivieripasta cheese stuffed and the pesto? Classico from a jar. Do what inspires you and what you enjoy. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Today had some great moments - meeting Chef Lynn; grocery shopping with a friend; making cranberry orange loaf (a sure first sign of spring); and then working with my daughter on modifying the flavours to a cranberry and citrus loaf which is even more amazing than the original. Baked one in my new pan from the @chefannaolson line courtesy of @lgcanada #makingkitchmemories - start them young - she’s 13 and has been baking and cooking since she was young enough to stand in the kitchen . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Had an amazing day - #chefcrush got to meet Chef Lynn Crawford one of the Canadian Iron Chefs - she was so sweet and nice! She sign a copy of her cook book for me - so I know have two cook books signed by 2 Iron Chefs in one week 🔪🔪 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #ironchefcanada #foodnetwork #foodnetworkcanada
When it’s cold outside (6C ❄️🍁) and your still waiting for your furnace to be fixed - it’s a really good time to bake and roast things in the oven ❤️♨️homemade Mac and cheese; roasted chicken for something special tomorrow and hey steak was on sale for $5 so why not?! Hey @chef_lynn I know your in Winnipeg tomorrow if you don’t have any plans for supper your welcome to come over would love to have you in the kitchen! . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #anova #sousvide #sousvidenerd
Ok so - it’s late (again) and I’m baking but this has been on my mind FOREVER now - so I had to make this tonight - It is a Balsamic Cherry Brownie. I couldn’t wait for it to cool all the way before trying it never mind plating it nicely with some ice cream or whipped cream. The fried cherries have been soaking in balsamic vinegar overnight then added to the batter. I got the idea watching too much Cooking TV. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #lgkitchenmemoryrescue #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
A very big thank you to @lgcanada and @chefannaolson for the box of goodies and signed cook book! I can’t wait to bake something tomorrow. The bakeware has an amazing weight to them. #excited . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #lgkitchenmemoryrescue
Someone ask me about my cheddar biscuits - and I’ve been wanting to make stew but actually braise the beef instead of using the slow cooker... well just over 3 hours later and using no recipe but a basically guidelines we managed to have braised beef stew in a red wine sauce over crispy polenta cakes served with cheddar biscuits! Best.Stew.Ever! Hands down most tender and flavourful! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
After an intensive discussion with the sous chefs about what we should make for supper they were a little tuckered out - so we made @altonbrown pumpkin soup #amazing which is roasted in the whole pumpkin - served with herb mashed potatoes; roasted chicken breast and chimichurri. Not a bad way to start off fall 🍁🍂 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #puppies
The sous chef @halleyscommet.w00f and Marshmallow were hard at work in the kitchen with me making a root vegetable tarte tatin (omg amazing) with roasted mushrooms (roasted in the @lodgecastiron) after the tarte tatin was flipped out so it picked up a bunch of the flavours and left over savoury caramel. Served with roasted chicken breast and beurre blanc! I know get it Julia Child I do! but thanks goes to @altonbrown for the recipe 😜 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Working away in the kitchen with two new sous chefs today - Marshmallow and Lunar (it’s been a while since she’s hung in the kitchen) but watch as she discovers the other sous chef asleep on the job! 🤣😴 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery . . . #puppies #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #doggo1031 #germansheppard #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram
Made a pear and gingerbread upside down cake in the @lodgecastiron - it’s been on my list for a long time and the pears have been on sale so I finally had the chance to make it tonight. ❤️ . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
You are awesome There is no such thing as “perfect” except for the Unachievable picture you set in you head of how “It ought to be” So know this you are you - and part of being who You are a human is failure almost more than Success (think about how many months it takes for To learn to walk as baby) So know this - you are awesome; you are loved by Someone and you are worth it. So I have been seen memes around about being Kind and gentle and watching what you say because You know what a person is going through. Someone Just said to me the most inspirational and perfect thing The “invisible” disease of mental illness. But this goes Beyond this. We have been so afraid to speak out it Real life when we have positive and uplifting comments. Like the other day I was grocery store with my daughter And this lady walks by (probably younger than me) but Honestly I lover her outfit; hair and shoes - like she looked On point and amazing. Daughter and I talked for a while If we should say something as we stocked her through The store so we could check out the rest of the outfit. And then I saw screw it and say “We don’t want to sound Creepy - but honestly you look amazing - your dress; hair And shoes are on point” the I said sorry for bugging her She replied “No it was great I needed that today” So why is it so hard to reach out to someone you know; To someone you don’t and just say that - this or that Is pretty awesome and you should know! So be kind and be caring but be open to the possibility Of being vulnerable through kindness. So I challenge you all #BeKindto100PeopleProject - be kind To 100 random people in the next 100 days and speed Some what should be just a little EXTRA ordinary in our life! Be that drop in the pond and let the ripples role across the World and share your stories! . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery . . . #puppies #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dog
I love my kid so much - she is an inspiration in many ways 🦄 she has been my clam in the storm at times and I have been hers. She works hard and is dedicated student and cadet who achieves her goals - including making the honour roll and top cadet of the intake at camp! That being said if @masterchefcda thinks three judges @claudioaprile1 @chefmichaelbonacini and @chefalvinleung are tough - they got nothing on my daughter! During the family dinner the other day when she got dropped off she walked into the kitchen and asked her to help finish the carrot purée - she picks up a forks tray the carrots says they need more seasoning and seasons with kosher salt from high above the dish - then starts getting out equipment and rocks out the purée! That being said she takes some deconstructed lemon merengue pie for school for lunch and an extra for the cooking teacher (who also taught me back in the day) The teacher apparently loves it ... Cadence’s “feedback” - it’s ok and then when she gets home proceeds to give detailed feedback and suggestions ❤️😘🤣🤗 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
When life gives you lemons make lemon meringue pie screw the lemon aide! Lol 😜had left over curd after making my dad his GF Meyer lemon meringue pie and was too lazy to make actual pie so I went with deconstructed lemon meringue pie. Cooked off some shapes in pastry dough, and the cut out portion for the pastry crumble. The made meringue cookies to work on my meringue game (starting this at 1 am ...not the best idea). Finally served it up this morning in my dessert cups - one set of which I finally got back after 6 years (but that’s another story). . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Had a family dinner and I figured it was a good time to play with plating - Made bone in pork loin roast; sous vide tomahawk steak; roasted baby potatoes; carrot and parsnip purées; red wine pan sauce; peach chutney; chimichurri. also made lemon meringue pie (but now pictures). Not plates exactly the way I wanted - I wanted to do drops of the purées across the plate instead of strips but had issues with squeeze bottles. Oh well - it was delicious! . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #tomahawksteak #tomahawk
Experimenting with different food. went to @sobeys and they had elk and bison tenderloin steaks on sale - something I’ve never cooked so i figures why not. Started with the elk steaks served them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes (shout out to @lilaboro for her technique); roasted garlic and parsley butter carrots with a red wine pan sauce that was so amazing and only broke when I moved it out of the pan to a glass to pour out of 😞 Still delicious even it was 11:30pm lol . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Found a bone in pork loin chop and instantly knew I wanted to cook it - oven roasted with an herb rub down served of creamy cheesy polenta; green beans with a spice nectarine chutney - yes nectarine not peach - same flavour type profile, no peeling necessary and ... the were on sale 😘😜👍 . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
Cooking while camping requires getting back to basics in so many ways. I love cooking in @lodgecastiron #notsponsored #yet ... over the campfire - read more about it on my blog post http://www.extraordinarylifeofme.ca/2019/08/simplicity-maybe.html . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery
So in the adventures of cooking I have been wanting to make pork chops for a while now but haven’t been able to settle on what I wanted to do. I have done pork with southern peach salsa and I’ve also done it with apples but I wanted to try something different. I also have peaches and nectarines that I wanted do something with. So I kept trying to figure out where I wanted to go cooking wise so I went with that theme where do I want to travel? I have been reading a bunch of different books lately and have learned; - apparently peaches and nectarines are basically the same and only 1 gene makes one fuzzy and the other one smooth - not to mention they are sooo good right now. - that peaches originate from China and they symbolize immortality and unity and brides often carry peach flower bouquets - I have cassia buds hanging that I found and wanted to do something with so I have also been reading my spice and herb bible and came to the inspiration of Chinese Five Spice. So I made my own five spice blend to use to make Five Spice Pork chops with a five spice peach chutney (with onions, garlic, ginger, peppers and some vinegar) served over a corn and edamame succotash and brown rice. Yum! Not sure I like the playing as I cut the chop ... next time probable leave the cop whole and cut the peaches and nectarines smaller. . . . #homecook #nextmasterchefcanada #masterchefcanada #homechef #homecooked #yummy #canadianfood #chefsofinsta #cookingfromscratch #learntocook #chefintraining #masterchefcda #masterchef #thekitchen #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyproblems #depressionhelp #depression #ptsd #ptsdrecovery (ps thank you @beardedprairiechef for the succotash suggestion)