We’re coming into the holiday season and getting closer to a full lock-down. Given the second wave of the pandemic is upon us, I love to spend my extra time experimenting with yummy recipes. If you’re a foodie like me and love to watch cooking shows or follow recipes on Pinterest, here are a few recipes I’ve put together for a night in, that’s affordable, looks fabulous and tastes delicious.
Here are few tips and tricks to make grocery shopping faster.
- When I feel intimated or don’t know where to start I like to make lists. Write out the ingredients on paper or enter in your phone so that once you are at the grocery store you know exactly what you are looking for
- I like to throw things together by smell and taste so don’t be afraid to add a little more salt or sauce
- Think about what you’re craving these days and what would excite you for a meal
- You can always modify your recipes especially the ones I’m going to put on this page
Now put on your mask and head to the store to grab your yummy dinner ingredients. (By the way all of these recipes serve up to 4 people)
Bruschetta with Gluten free Baguette (or use a fresh non-GF baguette if no allergies)
I like to pre-make the bruschetta mix a few hours in advance so it can sit in the seasoning and really marinate the flavours.
Shopping list:
- 1 container of Grape Tomatoes
- 2-3 Garlic Cloves (depending on how many you’re making for)
- 2 tsps. dried Oregano seasoning
- Olive oil (to be drizzled on the baguette pieces)
- Sea salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese (block – you can grate fresh)
- Gluten free Udis (or brand of your choice) Baguette
- 1 Spanish onion (use half)
Directions:
- Dice up tomatoes, onion and garlic together. Add oregano and pepper in a large bowl
- Seal the bowl and place it in the fridge (2-3 hours ahead or leave out if you’re making the baguette right away)
- Preheat the oven to broil high (depending how strong your oven is, sometimes I have it on low broil) & layer a cookie sheet with parchment paper
- Cut the bread into even rounds and with an extra garlic clove rub each slice of bread so the garlic seeps into the bread
- Sprinkle on some olive oil and salt
- Place the bread into the oven for 2-5 minutes depending on how crisp you like it
- Take baguette out and add bruschetta mix on top
- Grate a thick slice of parmesan on top
- 1 tsp. Serve on a festive plate
Feta, Sunflower seed and massaged Kale salad with Tahini and Balsamic glaze dressing
Shopping list:
- 1 large bunch of fresh kale (avoid pre-bagged kale, it can go bad very quickly)
- 1/3 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tbsp. Sunflower seeds
- ½ cup Tahini
- 1 tbsp. Balsamic glaze
- 1 tsp. Dried oregano
- ¼ cup Olive oil and drizzle for dressing
- Sea salt
Rinse the kale and put in a drying cloth to make sure all the water is absorbed
- Cut the kale into small pieces and take away the stems
- Add olive oil and salt to the kale and start massaging the kale (yes, massage the kale. It’ll absorb the olive oil and salt and soften.)
Roasted Carrot, Apple, Thyme Soup
Shopping List:
- 1 lb. Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 Apples- any tart apple you like, peeled and chopped
- 1 Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 2 sprigs fresh Thyme (dried works as well-1 tsp.)
- 3 cups Chicken (or vegetable) broth
- ¼ cup of heavy cream (optional)
- Sea salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven 400F
- On a large baking sheet, combine carrots and apple, drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper. Top with thyme and transfer to the oven to roast for 20 minutes
- With 5 minutes remaining on the vegetables, heat 2 tbsp. olive oil on medium-heat in a large heavy bottom pot. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden/ tender
- Once roasted, transfer the vegetables to the pot, cover with broth and stir to combine. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add cream if you wish
- Top with more thyme and a little bit of parmesan cheese on top
Pour yourself a glass of wine, find your favourite holiday movie and enjoy this delicious trio of recipes!
Enjoy and don’t be afraid to experiment!