Butternut Squash Tahini Spread

Are you ringing in the New Year with a bang?  I never would have predicted that becoming a parent would have any impact on end of year celebrations. Kids love any reason to celebrate.  With hats, horns and worldwide attention, what kid wouldn't want to be part of that.  Our kids are no exception and New Years Eve is one of their favourite nights of the year.  When they were younger we would celebrate well before the actual stroke of midnight, but as long as it included a countdown and kisses, they were happy.

Winter Vegetable Lentil Salad with Lemon Parsley Yogurt Dressing

I can't believe 2012 is coming to an end already.  Honestly, the older I get the faster time goes by.  New Years Resolutions have never really been my thing, but I do enjoy the rest of the world taking them on.  Surrounded by so many people suddenly interested in healthier eating is a dream come true every January. It's the one month a year that loving veggies and grains seems to be the norm.  I can't wait to see what the blogosphere will drum up in the weeks to come to meet our healthy eating resolutions.

Carrot, Parsnip and Apple Soup

Keeping things real simple here for you and me.  I don't know about you but these last few days before Christmas always sneak up on me.  In spite of all the work to be done, I simply refuse to get stressed out about it.  Don has always been a huge fan of Christmas and every year he reminds me to enjoy every moment.  Watching the kids' holiday concerts, decorating the house and baking ridiculous amounts of cookies truly is a blessing.  The ability to spoil our children and those we love is not something to complain about.

Pomegranate Salsa Crostini

 Looking for a showstopper appetizer this holiday season?  You just found it!  Perfect for your next family gathering or even New Years Eve party.  Not only do they look festive, they taste mighty fine as well.  All the components can be made in advance, making for a quick assemble when your guests arrive.  I travelled to two different parties with these in tow and putting it together took about five minutes.

Thai Coconut Mushroom Soup

It was a dear friend's birthday last week.  She is an amazing mother of four children and a true friend to me for the last twenty years.  I volunteered to bring lunch to her home to celebrate the big day.  With an 18month old underfoot, it's sometimes easier to avoid fancy-shmancy restaurants.  With the other three children at school, she put the big guy down for a nap and we settled in to this tasty soup.

Savoury Curry Granola

We all have recipes we are famous for.  The one that family and friends routinely ask us for the recipe or servings of.  In my case, that is hands down granola.  It is somewhat of a shock to me that I don't have a granola recipe on this site yet, given the multitude of granola I have made in this lifetime.  A couple years ago I made several creations for a friend's wedding favours.  All of them were sweet concoctions with a small twist.  Think spicy chocolate cherry, pina colada and apple caramel.

Roasted Carrot Soup with Dukkah Spice

 

 I hate when Don is right.  Doesn't really matter what it's about, I just kinda figure I should win most arguments we have.  Funny thing is, he agrees with this.  Most times if I put up any sort of resistance, he will relent and say "you're right."  Now don't go thinking I'm some sort of bully or that he is any kind of pushover, both are far from the truth.  It's more that over the years we have both come to this realization.  My memory is far better than his, so he always trusts my version of history.  I read a ridiculous amount of news articles in various papers, so my knowledge of current events is usually greater.  And when it comes to food?  Well, it's fair to say most days he wouldn't dare disagree with my thoughts on what makes a good meal.

Spicy Gingerbread Cupcakes

For several years our family has been building elaborate gingerbread houses.  There is a local contest we enter and the kids love this family tradition.  Each year a theme is released and we custom build our structure around that theme.  This year the theme is “Christmas Carols” which is much better than some of the past ideas. We’ve built homes for Disney Christmas, Tropical Christmas and Santa’s workshop.  None of these were particularly fun from my perspective because it limited our creativity. Other times we have done Christmas around the world and Christmas movies; both of which were really fun. 

Seafood Gumbo

When it comes to favourite meals in our home, seafood is always the top of the list for both Don and Josilin. Since the kids were young, Don has told them both that in order to be a true to their Cape Breton heritage, they must love fish. But it is the one protein I struggle to cook the most. My favourite preparation is fish tacos, but the other three all say “you can’t taste the fish!” They want their seafood flavours to shine and dominate. I kinda want them hidden.