Maple Raisin Tart

 I decided that with Mother's Day on the horizon I would surprise my mother with a treat, so I decided to try something that my mom would enjoy and that's something sweet. I personally am not much of a sweet/dessert eater but I know many out there can be and in moderation I guess it can be okay. I have not made many desserts in the past and can say that the first time I tried this I learned that you should keep the pie shell in the foil while it cooks. The second time though was a charm and I even enjoyed a piece myself with the family who gave me rave reviews. I made sure to search all over the net trying to find something that my mom would enjoy and I substituted some of the ingredients for healthier choices like raisins. The pie shell that I chose was flaky as I feel a pie should be, the messier the better and to top it off once your ready to serve, add a scoop of your favourite ice cream or whip cream. I think all the mothers out there would appreciate an effort from their kids and hope all you moms enjoyed your special day.

Inspired by Checkout 51

MORE SWEET TASTING RECIPES
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SWEET AND SPICY CHICKEN THIGHS
HEARTY TOMATO SOUP
SAVOURY SHRIMP FRIED RICE
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Maple Raisin Tart Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 55 minutes  Serves: 4

Ingredients

Sauteed Spicy Greens

Its been a while since I have added a side dish recipe to go along with some of the main entrees I have posted, I figured a side dish that is quick, easy and full of nutritional value that goes along with any entree from fish, to meat, to chicken would be ideal to add at this time. Green beans are one of my favourite vegetables, they are packed calcium and potassium and are a good source of vitamin A, C and K. When I was growing up my family always made sure that we had a side of something healthy even if it included things that I enjoyed eating. This green bean recipe is all about steaming and then a quick sautee. You will need a basket that fits a pot add a bit of water into the pot to start the steaming process of the greens, once they are tender to your liking, you can throw out the water and cook/sautee the greens in the same pot, this keeps things a little cleaner. I decided to use ingredients that my taste buds would enjoy but you may like to experiment as thats what cooking is all about.

Inspired by FoodNetwork

MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES
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HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES
STEAMED TO SKILLET VEGETABLES
MUSHROOMS SAUTEED WITH GARLIC
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Sauteed Spicy Greens Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes  Cook Time: 12 minutes  Serves: 2

Ingredients

Broiled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Rub

Well since I got such a great response with my last fish recipe I though I would share another, for those that have been following me now for a bit of time you all know that my family are big fans of fish and one of the better and tastier fishes is salmon. You can mix and match so many different ingredients and cooking styles when it comes to salmon that this fish is always such a good choice to eat. Salmon is right up there with my favourite fish to cook and of course eat. You can decide to use a baking dish or pan to broil the salmon, then load the salmon up with minced garlic and lemon rind. This will give it the taste that many of you will enjoy. A little seasoning and your done, it is such a quick and easy recipe that people will thing you actually spend quite a bit of time on it. Serve with lemon wedges or even orange wedges depending on which you may prefer.

Inspired by Family

MORE FISH RECIPES

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GARLIC BAKED BASA FISH
BROILED SALMON WITH MARMALADE GLAZE
BROILED SQUID WITH MONTREAL STEAK SPICE
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Broiled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Rub

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 7 minutes  Serves: 4

Ingredients

Blackened Sole Fish

As spring approaches and for those that may have over indulged during a harsh and cold winter, its a great time to bring a healthy dish of fish back into your menu. I had the luxury of having my family serve plenty of different kinds of fish when I was growing up, some weeks we would eat more fish then any type of meat and it was always seasoned to perfection accompanied by a special side of vegetables. I inherited this trait as I have gotten older except that I chose to always make sure that I bake or broil the fish over any type of pan frying. You can use a baking dish or baking sheet to cook the fish and make sure you select a type of white fish. I've gone with sole as this is one of my favourite types of white fish. The spices make a great combination of taste and flavour, I recommend using some all purpose seasoning but it could have a bit of a kick for some.

Inspired by Family


MORE FISH RECIPES
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BAKED TILAPIA WITH GARLIC BUTTER MIX 
WHOLESOME SPANISH RICE WITH CLAMS
QUINOA THAI TUNA
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Blackened Sole Fish Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 5 minutes  Servings: 4

Ingredients

Hearty Tomato Soup

With these super cold winter days up here in the Northeast part of the continent, there is nothing quite like a warm and delicious hearty soup. I have enjoyed various types of soups growing up as a child and I have carried on that tradition as I have gotten older over the years and what's better then a warm filling meal when the temperatures outside drop below zero at this time of year. I don't have the time to be making my own broth so Campbell's broth work quite well but for those that enjoy homemade broth, go for it. I like to make sure that any vegetarian soup is loaded with vegetables. Potatoes are always a must for hearty soup and so is a form of pasta. I used fusilli but penne and rigatoni also can work. Then it is good time to load up the soup with a tonne of vegetables, add your favourite types to the pot for even more enjoyment. The key ingredient in this recipe is the condensed can of tomato soup. This gives you the thickness you want without have to blend or puree any of the vegetables. When your done you might just not want to share this soup with just anyone.

Inspired by Cook with Campbells

MORE SOUP RECIPES
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PORTUGUESE CALDO VERDER SOUP
SWEET POTATO, CARROT AND CORIANDER SOUP
EUROPEAN EGG DROP SOUP
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Hearty Tomato Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 30 minutes  Servings: 6

Ingredients

Game Day Nachos

Nachos a meal that you can share with family and friends while watching some of the best sporting events that bring out a large gathering, whether its at a local bar, a family or friends house, who doesn't get excited when a massive plate of good old fashion nachos drenched in cheese and meat makes it's appearance. Nachos are a great appetizer or even for some a main entree and with the Super Bowl on deck, this will get that party started right for those hosting events. I chose to substitute ground beef with a healthier choice of lean ground turkey, loaded two kinds of cheese but hey for cheese lovers out there, you can go with three or four kinds. Use a pizza pan or large oven proof platter. The important thing is that you can make this nacho recipe all about you with the ingredients you want to use. Lets just remember load the nachos up, no one likes nachos with barely any toppings, we want that stuffed drenched. This will not be a meal those watching calories will enjoy but its ok to indulge every now and then.

Inspired by Super Bowl Recipes

MORE SPORT EVENT RECIPES
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OVEN BAKED SEASONED CHICKEN WINGS 
PARMESAN CHICKEN BITES
SLOPPY BACHELOR BURGER 
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 Game Day Nacho Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 50 minutes  Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients