Food | Travel | Family | Life
We make these cheesy chicken enchiladas with leftover rotisserie chicken. Makes an easy and tasty dinner that everyone loves.
Around here, rotisserie chicken goes a long way. We eat it for one meal but leftovers are used the next day for a different meal and then the bones are used to make stock. Nothing gets wasted. We use the leftovers in sandwiches, pasta, salads and these enchiladas.
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Make perfectly cooked Instant Pot quinoa in just one minute. Fast and easy.
The Instant Pot is clearly one of my favourite appliances. It has made making dinner for the family easier, especially when time is limited. From lasagna to ribs, it’s been great to make almost anything. It’s nice to just dump things in and walk away and get other things done.
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Summer is here and we couldn’t be happier. As the temperature goes up, our desire to eat lighter increases and salads become more frequent around here. This is a new one that we have added to our routine. This kale & cauliflower salad with almonds is hearty, you won’t even miss the meat, if you decide to have a vegetarian meal. For us, dressing is a big deal and this lemon tahini dressing is perfect.
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Disclaimer: We were hosted by the Marriott Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio for two nights. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While travelling to Texas for a cruise last month, we decided to book an extra couple days to explore San Antonio. We were expecting to spend a few days in the sun. Instead, we ended up in Texas during a winter storm!
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I know, it’s Fall and feels like Winter and definitely the time for comfort food. Comfort food like soups and stews and casseroles are the usual things that come to mind but this salad may also provide you with the comfort you need.
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With all those fresh ingredients out there, summer is the best time for salads. I have to say, simple salads are just not for me. I love a salad with all the extras, like nuts and cheese.
This is one of my favourite salads. I first had a variation of this salad five years ago at Julie’s potluck. It was a copycat of Earl’s West Coast Salad and had delicious prawns and the most amazing dressing. Since then, I’ve made this salad many times, each time simplifying it a bit more so that I could make it anytime.
I use whatever greens I have on hand – romaine, spinach, kale – anything will do. It’s rare that I add the prawns, making it a perfect side salad that goes with anything. I also just use roasted nuts, something I always have on hand. The salad calls for strawberries but I just use what’s in my fridge. The avocado adds the perfect creamy touch. You need to try this salad, I’m sure it will become your favourite too!
Quinoa Salad
1 head of lettuce
2 cups cooked quinoa
8 large strawberries, quartered
1 avocado, cut into cubes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup roasted pecans
2 TB cilantro, chopped
Citrus Honey Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup oil
1 TB rice vinegar
1 TB honey
1 TB lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp Dijon mustard
salt
pepper
Combine dressing in a jar and mix well. Place all the ingredients for the salad in a bowl and dress with the vinaigrette.
It’s so nice to have fresh corn in the summer to add into salads and meals. Here’s a great way to cut the corn off the cob with ease and not a lot of mess – with a bundt pan!
There’s been a lot going on the last couple months in Calgary. From restaurant openings, new menus and celebrations, it’s been busy! Here’s what’s been happening!
PZA Parlour
This new restaurant is located in the SW, taking over the space that was once home to Red Robin. The decor is great and the restaurant features a planter wall and even a Vespa.
I came for a bloggers dinner and we were treated to an amazing meal!
From crispy calamari to cheesy pizza to the best doughnuts topped with Nutella!
Thomsons Restaurant Summer Menu
I was invited to check out Thomsons new summer menu. We tried their Apple & Brie Grilled Cheese as well as their signature dishes like their Steak Bites made with Alberta Beef. I also loved their nachos, especially with their lime sour cream.
They have quite a list of cocktails to enjoy as well. Perfect for enjoying on their patio.
Second Cup Reimagined
Second Cup Coffee Co. unveiled its first-ever cafe of the future in Calgary. With a completely new look, you would never guess that this was a Second Cup!
Some of the items that stood out were:
The Slow Bar which features the Steampunk – a coffee brewing system that is uses technology to brew the perfect cup of coffee.
A Wireless Charging Station
Community Wall Mural
The new concept store in Calgary is located in the Braeside Shopping Centre.
Veg-In YYC
Veg-In YYC is a new vegetarian cafe open in Downtown Calgary. From sandwiches to burgers, these meals are made using the freshest ingredients. These vegan and vegetarian dishes have an east indian influence. Don’t forget to get your chai or lassi!
Good Earth Coffee House opened its first location on 11th Street in Calgary 25 years ago! Since then, its grown to over 45 locations nationwide. Congrats on your anniversary!
It’s looking like its going to be another fantastic week. Days that are hot, the kitchen is the last place I want to be. We happily throw things on the bbq, while hanging around on the deck. We tend to eat a little lighter when it’s hot and salads become main meals, using whatever is in season.
Grilling stone fruits like nectarines and plums and then adding them to greens makes a delicious salad, definitely not boring. The fruit takes minutes to cook and really brings out the flavour of the fruit. Olive oil and balsamic are all that’s needed to dress the salad. We also can’t forget the cheese, the perfect finishing touch.
Grill the fruit by cutting it in half, rubbing it with a little oil and placing it on the bbq. After a couple of minutes, remove from the heat and place on top of your favourite greens, like arugula. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, add salt and pepper and top with a sprinkling of feta. This is great as-is or made heartier with some chicken or beef.
Looking for something a little different than the traditional Mother’s Day lunch? How about Trunch? Available at Pampa Brazilian Restaurant, Trunch is the perfect blend of brunch, lunch and tea.
I was invited to Pampa to check out what they were cooking up. This is no ordinary brunch!
Pampa has an amazing salad bar featuring fruit and charcuterie platters, fresh house breads with jams and cheeses along with 40 salads, dressings and sauces. I loved the beef carpaccio and the fresh mint dressing was amazing. I may have used that with my meat.
They also have some hot selections like french toast, brazilian crepes and eggs. Meat is carved tableside, and you can enjoy a limitless amount. For Trunch, you can enjoy Pampa sausage, leg of lamb, chicken, marinated pork loin, barbecued pork belly and my favourite, Picanha or the rumpstake. Your delicious meal will be followed by freshly brewed House Apple tea.
This is a unique experience to celebrate with the people you love. My 7 year old loved everything about Pampa, enjoying every juicy bite of meat and even eating some vegetables.
Trunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning with a special Mother’s Day Trunch on May 7th and 8th, which will include a surprise gift for each mom. Pampa is also offering a Victoria Day Trunch on Sunday, May 22nd and on Monday, May 23rd, which will feature a unique cheese bread-making demonstration at noon. Don’t worry dads, a special Father’s Day Trunch will be served on Sunday, June 19th. Adults can enjoy Trunch for $29.50 per guest while children aged 12 and under can dine for only $15.95 per child. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (587) 354-3441.
Cheers to all the fabulous mothers!