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turducken

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Nothing says the holidays like a big turkey dinner with friends and family. This year, thanks to Echelon Foods, our family dinner consisted of the mother of all turkeys, a turducken!

A turducken is a turkey stuffed with a chicken, stuffed with a duck and then stuffed with stuffing. They have one with a chicken and apple stuffing so this non-pork eating girl was happy to finally try one!

Although it was available in some local stores, I was happy to have been able to order the turducken from Costco. Online shopping is the best!

Cooking a turducken can’t get any easier! You take it out of the wrapper and stick it in the oven. It’s already seasoned and tied, all ready to go!

As the turducken cooked, the house was filled with an amazing aroma, getting us hungry by the second. Dinner did not disappoint! It was juicy and tasty and was  a hit with everyone – even the picky eaters! The juices contributed to a fantastic tasting gravy. 

We left the table with full bellies, all of us ready for a nap!

Echelon Foods provided me with a turducken to try. All opinions are my own.

slow cooker cinnamon almonds

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The slow cooker is a wonderful thing. It makes the best tasting chili, tender ribs and the juiciest chicken. When I saw this recipe for cinnamon almonds made in the slow cooker, I was curious. Could it really be used to make sugar and cinnamon coated almonds and actually turn out well? Yes!

Unlike most recipes made in the slow cooker where you can just walk away until it’s done, this recipe requires a little extra attention, but not much. Cooked on high, these almonds are stirred every 20 minutes, to ensure that the nuts don’t get burnt.

These were delicious! They were super easy and super tasty. Put them in a little jar, and they make the perfect homemade gift for the holidays!

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds 
From Crockpot 365

cooking spray
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg white
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups whole raw almonds  

Use a 4-quart slow cooker. Spray the stoneware well with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set this bowl aside 

In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla extract. Pour the almonds into this bowl and stir well to coat. Add your cinnamon mixture to the top of the nuts and toss with spoons to fully coat. 

Put the almonds into the slow cooker and cover. Cook on high for 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. After 2 hours, take the nuts out of the slow cooker and spread them on foil or parchment paper.

candy cane bark and the sweet holiday blog hop

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Today I’m teaming up with some amazing Calgary bloggers for a Sweet Holiday Blog Hop. We are all sharing something sweet for the holiday season.

This has been shared before but this candy cane bark is definitely worth mentioning again. The two layers of chocolate topped with crushed candy canes is always a hit. It’s super easy to make and is definitely a fan favourite. Click here for the recipe.

Are you ready for some more tasty treats? Follow along on our blog hop! Simply click on each of the links below and check out everyone’s delicious creations. Have fun and pin away!

Bakers Beans (Orange Gingerbread Cookies)
Because I Like Chocolate (Vegan Nanaimo Bars)
Dinner with Julie (Sticky Toffee Pudding)
Dish N The Kitchen (Salted Pistachio Sablés)
Heather’s Eats (Butter Tarts)
Merry About Town (Nutella, Pretzel and Cranberry No-Bake Cookies)
Miss Foodie’s Gourmet Adventures (Hazelnut Shortbread)
Scrumptiously Fit Food (Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies)

christmas crack

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Last year, one of the favourites found in my Christmas baking boxes was Christmas Crack. I was intrigued when I saw it on Julie’s blog and once I made it, I knew I was in trouble. Who knew that crackers with butter, sugar and chocolate could make something so amazing….and addictive!

I did a little holiday baking today for neighbours and friends and whipped up a batch of these. If you have a little self control and don’t eat them all, these are perfect for gifting.

For step by step instructions with pictures, check out Dinner with Julie.

Christmas Crack
From Dinner with Julie 

1 1/2 sleeves salted saltine crackers
1 1/4 cups butter
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips  

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment, foil or a silicone mat to prevent clean-up after (and to make it easier to get the crack out); line with saltine crackers, placing them right together.  

In a medium saucepan, bring the butter and brown sugar to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it bubble for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and pour it evenly over the crackers. Spread it with a knife to fill any gaps. 

Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until deep golden.  

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes and then scatter chocolate chips overtop while the caramel is still hot. Let sit for a few minutes, then spread with a knife until smooth. 

Cool completely before breaking into pieces.

cookies for the holidays!

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It’s December! That means it’s time to get baking for all those cookie exchanges, holiday parties and homemade gifts for family and friends. Here’s a round up of some cookies perfect for the occasion!

Cherry Jam Palmiers
One of the easiest cookies to make, these palmiers are fast with only a handful of ingredients.

 

Peppercorn Shorbread
An odd combination, but these buttery peppery cookies are delicious!

Hazelnut Nutella Cookies
Soft and chunky, these are the perfect cookies to leave for the big man!

Lavender Shortbread
A little bit of lavender goes a long way in these buttery morsels.

Mint Chocolate Cookies
Mint and chocolate are a match made in heaven. These cookies are soft and rich and pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk.

Chocolate and Almond Whipped Shortbread
These are one of my favourites and always a fun one for the kids to decorate. They are whipped for ten minutes and are buttery and delicious!

Heart Sugar Cookies
Made with love, the glaze on these babies is so delicious!

Chocolate Dipped Walnut Shortbread
The humble shortbread is elevated by the addition of walnuts and dipped in chocolate.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone is happy for a classic at a cookie exchange. These chocolate chip cookies are decadent and delicious.

sticky toffee pudding cake

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I’m excited to be participating once again in The Great Cream Challenge! This month, we were asked to come up with a Holiday Classic Dessert. I decided to go with the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake. The rich date cake is soaked with a sweet and buttery toffee sauce and topped with cool whipped cream. So good, it is a hit with both adults and kids!

To get the recipe, click here. While you’re there, I would love your vote! You will be entered to win a stainless-steel cookware set! Thanks for your support.

german chocolate cake

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It was my mom’s birthday on Tuesday. We had a fun day getting manicures and pedicures done. We didn’t manage to go for dinner until the next day because of all of Q’s extra curricular stuff but there was time for cake!

For mom’s cake, I wanted to try something new. Although I had never tasted German chocolate cake, it always seemed like something I would love. Nuts and coconut and chocolate – who wouldn’t?.

I had received a package of The Decadent chocolate cake mix from President’s Choice so I cheated with a mix. It was a delicious cheat and the cake turned out moist and delicious.

As for the filling/frosting, it was cooked on the stove and then cooled before using on the cake. It was sooo good! I was a struggle to not eat it by the spoonful as I frosted the cake. I won’t tell you if I won that battle or not. This is definitely one to make again and again.

Coconut Pecan Frosting/Filling for German Chocolate Cake
From KraftRecipes.com

4 egg yolks
1 can evaporated milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
7 oz flaked coconut
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Beat egg yolks, milk and vanilla in large saucepan with whisk until well blended. Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 12 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add coconut and nuts; mix well. Cool to desired spreading consistency. 

president’s choice holiday 2014

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It’s always fun to see what President’s Choice comes up with every
holiday season. They always have fun products and tasty treats that
everyone seems to love. This year was no exception!

Focused on food creations from around the world, this year President’s Choice is marketing to foodies. Like the Harissa Hummus from Morrocco, designed for the lavour seeker, which hubby loved! For the sweet tooth, like me, the PC Mini Cheesecake Cupcakes with Coconut Icing were a winner. With items like Habanero Aioli from Chile and the Goose Fat from France, there’s something for everyone.

I’m especially loving President’s Choice right now with their Crave More campaign. The fact that they have no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours is a huge plus when shopping for my family.

5 dips for your grey cup party

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The Grey Cup is this weekend and the Calgary Stampeders will be playing! Whether you’re into football or not, it’s a great excuse to have a party. Here are some great dips that will make your football party a success. Go Stamps Go!

Salsa and Chips
A must have at any sports party!

Roasted Red Pepper Dip
This one seems to make an appearance at most of our family parties.

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ooey, gooey, cheesy…need I say more?

Jalapeno Hummus
Delicious with a kick.

Lemon Curd
A citrus dip for your fruit and cookies, perfect for dessert.