My Life

Fairy Zen Garden

I have to give credit to my daughter for this idea. I’m sure she saw the idea somewhere on YouTube as I think she has seen every craft video out there! So, with her idea in mind we headed to our local Michael’s store to gather supplies. Thankfully, she had been collecting fairy garden trinkets for a couple of years and was able to re-purpose a lot of the materials.

We picked up the little wooden box, sand and little tools which cost all of $15 and came home for her to create her little zen garden. The little house lights up and is so adorable as a nightlight in her room. The fairy house trinkets can get pricey so keep an eye out in the clearance isles in your local craft store. It will be cool to change it up while the season’s change as I foresee a Christmas themed Zen Garden in my future!

Great little project for kiddo’s and it really is quite relaxing! There is something about raking sand that just chills a person out, ha ha! Who would have thought?

October 22, 2019 By
Desserts/ Main Courses

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

One purpose for this blog is to challenge myself to make things I have never made before and to learn, learn, learn! So, first up was homemade cranberry sauce as I thought, ‘heck, I can do this!’. After looking up various recipes, which were pretty much all identical and consistent, I quickly realized that preparing your own cranberry sauce is SOOOO EASY!!! I’ll never go back to the canned jelly, never!!! Well, maybe if I’m in a pinch, I should never say never. Ha! Turned out so great that I’m sharing this for you so you can have the recipe for Christmas. Enjoy!

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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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Prep Time: 15 Minutes – Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

Easy recipe to prepare your own cranberry sauce! Perfect to pair with your turkey dinners!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups - Cranberries
  • 1 Cup - White Sugar
  • 1 Cup - Water
  • Zest of One Small Orange

Instructions

1

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water together and bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar.

2

Add cranberries to saucepan and bring back to a boil.

3

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes or until the cranberries burst

4

Add in orange zest and simmer for 5 additional minutes

5

Lightly mash the cranberries so all of the cranberries are well blended together

6

Remove pan from heat and let cool completely and then pour into bowl to be refrigerated for about 15 minutes

7

Serve immediately or refrigerate.

October 14, 2019 By
My Life

Happy Thanksgiving 2019!

Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone and we had such an amazing weekend with our family and friends. Friday night was a great night to catch up with some friends, eat some pizza and have a very in depth conversation about our Canadian Politics…who calls an election during a family holiday anyways?! Ha Ha!

We woke up early on Saturday morning to get prepared for our Thanksgiving Appy Hour! I came up with this idea earlier in the week as we have quite a few family members and didn’t really want to host a formal sit down dinner as many others were having that dinner again (including us) the following day. So, the challenge was to create Thanksgiving inspired appetizers to serve and to make sure the wine, beer and kid punch was a plenty! Here was the menu:

  • Fresh Turkey Sliders with Swiss Cheese
  • Dressing/Stuffing Bites
  • Cranberry Brie Puff Pastries
  • Mashed Potato Bar – Toppings such as gravy, cheese, bacon, onions

Our family also provided some delicious salads and sweet potatoes to round it all out.

IT WAS A HIT! For me, the whole purpose of these family holidays is to surround ourselves with the people we love and appreciate, eat food, drink wine and share many laughs. Providing this type of set up really allowed us to be relaxed and informal… and that’s the way I like it.

I was so proud of my boy to have cooked the turkey on his own in the morning (help from Dad) as well, what a great skill to learn at a young age.

I will be posting some recipes from the weekend that you might perhaps incorporate into your Christmas festivities. Stay tuned!

From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings!

October 14, 2019 By
Appetizers

Dressing Bites

Yesterday, we hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for our family and decided to something a little more unconventional and unique so, we turned our dinner into Thanksgiving Appy Hour! My son wanted to cook the turkey so we started in the morning with all of our preparation. It was pretty awesome to see him roll up his sleeves with Dad to get the turkey prepared just right. Once the turkey was in the oven, I got to work on these cute little Dressing Bites. I find that our purpose for these dinner’s is to reconnect and enjoy each others company so what better way than to keep things more relaxed with food spread all over to nibble and munch on. Although there was a lot of prep work with these bites, it was definitely worth it and I think it would make a great appetizer to bring to anyone’s place during the holiday seasons. Enjoy!

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Dressing Bites

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Prep Time: 30-45 Minutes – Cooking Time: 15-17 Minutes

A twist on a family favourite dish over the holidays. Perfect appetizer for those holiday parties!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup - Butter
  • 1 loaf - White Bread
  • 3-4 stalks - Celery (finely diced)
  • 1 - Large Sweet or White Onion (finely diced)
  • Ground Sage - Generous amount to taste
  • Poultry Seasoning - Generous amount to taste
  • Pepper
  • 1/2 cup - Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 2- Eggs

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2

In a large bowl, break apart bread slices in to small pieces. Generously add sage and poultry seasoning to the bread mixture and mix well. I found it was easier to use my hands. I didn't put any measurements on the spices because I just add enough sage and poultry seasoning until each piece of bread is slightly coated and it tastes good. I use more poultry seasoning than sage, probably a ratio of 3:1. This really depends on how much flavour you would like to have...I usually like A LOT! Set aside.

3

In a large pan, melt butter. Add celery, onion and pepper to taste. Saute until celery and onion become soft. Let mixture slightly cool.

4

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and chicken broth.

5

Once the butter mixture has slightly cooled (still warm to the touch), add to the bread mixture and mix well. Then add the egg mixture and mix well.

6

Using your hands, take a tablespoon (or a touch more) size of dressing and form small balls. You will have to make sure you form them tightly so they stay together while baking. You will get a yield of 2-3 baking sheets full depending on the size of balls you make.

7

Bake for 15-17 minutes until they have a nice crisp to them.

8

They are great to serve with gravy or cranberry sauce!

October 13, 2019 By
Wine

Meiomi – Pinot Noir

My amazing friend Angela came by one Saturday to whip up two of her favourite recipes (Skinny Italian Meat Balls and Skinny Tater Tots) and brought a Pinot Noir to pair with the dishes and she did a fantastic job! Meiomi (pronounced may-OH-mee) is a California based wine and uses a blend of three Pinot Noir grapes. It’s light, rich, earthy, and opens to reveal intense fruit aromas and highlights chocolate and toasty oak notes. It goes great with pasta, pizza, lamb, turkey or steak-like fish filets (e.g., salmon, tuna, swordfish, etc.)

October 9, 2019 By
Friends of Sweet Thyme

Cooking with Angela

I’m a thrilled to have my very first guest chef on the blog that has provided not just one, but TWO recipes to share as well as a recommendation on a Pinot Noir to pair beautifully with her dishes. I met Angela a few years back when we professionally worked together in our community and we hit it off right away. What I love about Angela is that she is a strong, driven woman and she is incredibly creative! She is a support when you need her and always has the voice of practicality and reason. When Angela came over to the house just last week, we had so much fun chatting, giggling, cooking and of course…taste testing! What I love about the recipes that she provided is that they are packed with veggies and a whole lot of deliciousness. The two recipes that she has contributed are the Skinny Tater Tots and the Skinny Italian Meatballs and I promise you will not be disappointed as both are packed with a ton of flavour.

Let’s get to know Angela a little bit more!

Why did you pick these recipes?

                I’m always looking for ways to get healthy food into my family so they need to be tasty, easy to eat and quick for our hectic lifestyle. About 3 years ago we decided to cut down the amount of red meat and processed foods we eat. Ground beef and tater tots were a staple in our home. Even though ground turkey isn’t considered as flavourful as beef I was determined to make it that way! And who doesn’t love tater tots? But making them with zucchini, spices and cheese…there is just something compelling about that. Making traditionally β€œnaughty” foods a bit healthier and just as yummy is challenging and I’m always up for a challenge!

Do you have a favourite memory in the kitchen?

                My favourite memory in the kitchen is cooking with my Oma when I was little. She took me under her wing as far back as I can remember and taught me many traditional German foods. Standing on the kitchen chair with the radio playing, the soft drone of my Opa watching hockey in the background and the smell of fresh baked bread is what I remember every time I step into the kitchen to make something from β€œscratch”

Tell us something unique about you!

                I’m a published photographer (wedding fashion)

                I love wood working and have made several pieces of furniture as well as home dΓ©cor

                I’m writing an autobiography

                I’m a wine aficionado

                I love to sew and am making a patchwork quilt

What’s your favourite wine?

                Hands down…Amarone but anything red, full bodied and full of deep smoky flavours!

Thank you so so so much Ang for taking time to contribute and I know these will be recipe hits in other homes too! Enjoy!

October 9, 2019 By
Main Courses

Skinny Italian Meat Balls

These little gems are so versatile that you can serve them on a bed of tomato sauce, paired with a crisp salad or you can add them to your signature spaghetti dish. They are lean and mean! This recipe is another contribution from Angela and you can meet her ‘here’ on the blog. Enjoy!

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Skinny Italian Meat Balls

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By Angela Zuba
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes – Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup - panko bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp - low sodium soy sauce
  • 2-3 cloves minced garlic (or 2 tsp garlic paste)
  • 1/4 sweet onion - finely diced
  • 2-3 white mushrooms - finely diced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced spinach
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red or yellow pepper
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes or cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the tomato sauce and mix well. If mixture is too 'wet' to form solid balls, add more panko 1 tbsp at a time. Let mixture rest for 10 minutes to marry flavours.

2

Heat a skillet over medium heat with 2 tbsp of olive oil. While olive oil is heating, form meat balls (about 1 tbsp each)

3

Once oil is hot enough to sizzle the meat, place meat balls in the pan and turn regularly to brown all sides and cook through.

4

Heat tomato sauce in a small saucepan. Serve as dipping sauce or as a 'bed' for the meat balls.

5

Alternative Cooking Method: Perform steps 1-3 except do not cook the meat all the way through. Brown on all sides then put skillet into the oven pre-heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Or transfer meat balls to a baking dish and continue cooking in oven.

October 9, 2019 By
Appetizers

Skinny Tater Tots

I grow so much zucchini in my garden every year so I was elated to get my hands on this recipe. These little Tater Tots are no joke, they are packed with flavour and they were awesome for leftover lunches the next day, bonus! Super easy to prepare and delightfully healthy, what else can we ask for???!! Thanks so much for the contribution Angela, I’m sure this will get rave reviews!

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Skinny Tater Tots

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By Angela Zuba
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes – Cooking Time: 15-20 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 Medium Zucchini's, shredded (about 3 cups)
  • 2 Medium Carrots, shredded
  • 3-4 Mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar or Jalapeno Jack
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan or Romano Cheese
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tsp Dried Savory
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Powder
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of pepper
  • Panko Breadcrumbs as needed

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

2

Place shredded zucchini in a kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess liquid.

3

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the panko. Mix well.

4

Add panko as need so that the tots keep their shape while forming.

5

Spoon 1 Tbsn at a time and shape with your hands into tater forms

6

Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until golden brown.

7

Serve with your favorite sauces...I like hot sauce!

8

Enjoy!

October 9, 2019 By
Desserts

Apple Crisp

Well, we survived ‘Snowmagedden 2019’!!! I honestly haven’t seen a storm like this in a very long time…55 cm of snow, in September! The schools closed, the city bus system stopped, power was lost across the city and the everything came to a standstill. It was so nice to be able to stay in and snuggle up with the fire with some delicious coffee and apple crisp! Nothing smells more like Fall like the smell of Apple Crisp baking in the oven and I was grateful that I had all of the ingredients in the kitchen. It is my absolute favourite dessert to prepare during October and it is always a hit with the family. As you can see by the picture, I have prepared the apple crisp in mini dishes however the recipe below is for an 8×8 baking dish. Enjoy!

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Apple Crisp

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Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes – Cooking Time: 45 Minutes

A cozy, fall dessert that will fill your home with delicious aroma's that will put you in the Autumn mood!

Ingredients

  • 7 Golden Delicious Apples - Peeled and sliced
  • 2 tsp - Lemon Juice
  • 3/4 Cup- Old Fashioned or Rolled Oats
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 3/4 Cup - Flour
  • 1/2 Cup - Cold Butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp - Sugar
  • 2 tsp - Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp - Nutmeg
  • 1 Cup - Brown Sugar
  • French Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions

1

Preheat Oven to 350 F degrees. Lightly grease 8x8 baking dish.

2

In a medium bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon and nutmeg to apples. Place in the prepared 8x8 dish.

3

In a separate bowl, mix together oats, salt, flour and brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and using a pastry cutter or a couple of forks, cut the butter into the oat mixture until mixture is well blended into pea-sized crumbs. Spread over the apple mixture.

4

Bake for 45 minutes until it is bubbly!

5

Best served with french vanilla ice cream! Enjoy!

October 8, 2019 By
2
Appetizers/ Main Courses

Prosciutto Pear Pizza

Pizza making can be such a creative process and it’s great to think outside the box when it comes to putting different ingredients together. My daughter loves pears so I thought I would start there and while I was looking in the fridge, I had some leftover prosciutto which I thought would pair quite well together. I went back and forth between picking a cheese and eventually landed on a mild gouda cheese to give it that pizza flair. Next up was the sauce and when I think of ham, I think of honey mustard so I concocted my own version of it and I encourage you to play around with the recipe. I have a tendency to just dump ingredients in a bowl and hope for the best so I will do my best to put some measurements to the recipe. Enjoy!

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Prosciutto Pear Pizza

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Prep Time: 10 Minutes – Cooking Time: 15 - 20 Minutes

Sweet and Savoury and beautifully crafted to create a gourmet pizza that will definitely impress your guests!

Ingredients

  • 1 Package - Naan Bread (4-6 pizzas)
  • 1 Package Prosciutto
  • 1 Pear
  • Finely Sliced Red Onion - To taste
  • 1 Wedge - Mild Gouda
  • Spinach or Arugula
  • 1 teaspoon - Whole Mustard Seed
  • 2 Tablespoons - Honey
  • 1 teaspoon - Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon - Olive Oil
  • Drizzle - Balsamic Glaze (I use Nonna Pia's from the grocery store)

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.

2

While oven is heating, mix the honey, mustard seed, dijon mustard and olive oil in a small bowl with a fork to smash up the mustard seed a bit. You may need to make another batch depending on how many pizza's or how thick you brush it on. Brush honey mustard glaze on to the naan breads. Then in whichever order you prefer, layer the prosciutto, pear, onion, gouda and spinach on the naan bread. Place on baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until just lightly browned. I usually broil the pizzas for a couple minutes at the end just to get the cheese bubbling. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pizza's and enjoy! Preferable with a nice glass of red!

October 3, 2019 By