Chicken Ciabatta - epicurious.com (just like the one at Earl's)

I gather all ingredients together.  Could not find fig jam so used dried figs and smashed them down.

I have very good luck with Safeway brand Ciabatta

First time I made this recipe I had too many herbs stuck on the raw chicken; this time I added them to the olive oil.
I squish dried herbe between my fingers to release the oils and increase flavour.

I like to thinly slice chicken instead of pounding it flat.  I use boneless, skinless breasts (I buy on sale then freeze them)

Pan fry chicken until no pink remains.  Recipe on line suggests getting colour on them and finish cooking in the oven.  You can add the apples slices to cook both at the same time.  Everything stays warm.  You could add the brie at the end for a few minutes.

Apples can be wrapped in parchment or foil to prevent burning/drying our.

Finished

Nachos (or could turn into tacos - soft or hard shell)

Gather together your toppings

You want ground beef crumbles so use your spoon or flipper to cut the meat into tiny pieces.   I used lean ground beef; you see liquid, not fat.  I buy it on sale then freeze in small amounts.

I use taco seasoning, the liquid (instead of water) is from the salsa.

I love the mango salsa from Costco! I freeze it in small amounts, defrost then strain extra liquid off.

I keep the meat hot then offer the topping tray (forgot the sour cream!).  You can make tacos, hard or soft shells as well as individual nachos in an scoop!

Perogy - so many spelling choices!

I like to boil then fry mine

Fried bacon, then added the onion, I add back into the fried perogies.  I serve sour cream on the side.  I bought these frozen and followed the suggestions on the bag.

Salmon

fresh salmon, dill and garlic seasoning and lemon pepper

I sprinkled with seasonings then pushed the sesame seeds into the fish.

boil new potatoes  (start in cold water).  Boil water for the beans then cook until crisp, drain water.

Put drained beans back into the pan, make sure all water is gone then add butter and garlic

Dinner is served

Difference between granulated sugar and berry sugar

Berry sugar on the right is used in meringue, whipping cream, shortbread and in cotton candy machines.
Regular granulated sugar  is used in baking.....confectioners sugar or icing sugar is used mostly for icings.

freezing cheese - it is supposed to defrost and be crumbly

The black diamond cheese (mozzarella) in the picture was frozen.  I defrosted it at room temperature.  IT grated beautifully; it should have fallen apart in dry chunks....I can not explain it!

Mexican lasagna (Kraft Canada)

I have made th is so many times, I no longer use the recipe.  Find it on Kraft Canada website.

I use lean ground beef to avoid disposing of the fat.  I buy it on sale, package it and freeze.
Cook until all pink is gone, then season with taco seasoning.

Layer a tortilla shell, meat, salsa and grated cheese - I do 3 layers.

Just maybe I used  too much cheese....

Slice into pie wedge and serve.

Gum drop cookies

My old recipe was the same as the one on the bag, except the old one uses shortening and I prefer butter

Ingredients gathered together

Bring your butter to room temperature (hid it so someone does not use it to make lunch!)

Cream the butter and sugars together.

Pack brown sugar until it holds it shape.  You can scoop out and level white sugar.

I always crack an egg into a dish to make sure no shell goes into the food.

Love that these containers have a lip for getting a level measure of leavener.

Gum drops added

Clean the bowl with the spatula

recipe says it makes 60; not if you use the larger scoop on the right ( I got 20)

Finished!!

Red Curry Chicken

Collect ingredients - I bought a bag of red curry paste (also available in a jar)

I butterflied chicken breasts, pan fried them and added low fat coconut milk.

Recipe called for 15 mL (1 Tablespoon) red curry paste.

Yes, I do cook rice in the microwave!!

Stir fry any combo of vegetables that you like.

assemble rice

curry chicken + a generous amount of sauce

add vegetables

Pancakes - variations and care of non stick pans

batter (thin) from scratch or prepared (I like the presidents choice brand), I use my hand wand to mix the batter and I have a perfect size ladle from Ikea

banana, chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes.

Clean your spatula or flipping the next pancake will be difficult.

The front pan is a crepe pan.  When I purchased it I was told NEVER to use oil.  Cook, wipe clean.  Apparently oils will  build up and ruin your non stick pan!  This pan is 8 years old.....