Parmesan Baked Asparagus

Now we need to eat our veggies and I fell in love with fresh asparagus over 20 years ago when we first moved here and found it really wasn’t that slimy goo in a can. Ever since then it really has become my favourite veggie to serve.   You will need: 1 bunch of asparagus,…

Mushroom Risotto #1

Risotto is my most favorite “rice” dish ever and this one is absolutely the best.   You will need: 6-8 cups chicken stock 1/4 oz. dried mushrooms 8 oz. fresh mixed mushrooms 7 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots 1/2 cup white wine (chardonnay) 1 cup Arborio rice 4-6 tbsp. unsalted…

Coffee Martini #3

I figure you have guessed by now what my favourite flavors are…if you guessed chocolate, coffee and a few others, you now can figure why I really like this one.   You will need:   3 parts Coffee Vodka 1 part White Chocolate Liqueur   Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with cracked ice and…

Work, Play, Pack Day

Getting closer to our big move. Today Don has dental surgery so I get to do my “I’m your nurse” day thing, along with more packing. Also have some last minute tax stuff to finish up for Don. In case you are even interested, only 9 more sleeps until we move. YIKES! That will definitely…

The Meaning Of True Friends

Yesterday, a group of friends held a dinner for us before we move away. It was truly from the heart. The bond felt between 8 friends is hard to put into words except we were led on a path where we were meant to be. The laughter, lively conversation, singing impromptu-like and never knowing the…

Coffee “2” Martini

Okay, okay, I used the word martini a little loosely, but since I only deal with martinis, I couldn’t do it any other way.  On a cool/cold evening, sitting in front of a fireplace with a blankie over your lap this is the drink of choice…   You will need 3 parts coffee vodka 1…

Red Grapefruit With A Twist

If you like grapefruit and are not on cholesterol medicine this is a new way to have a small bowl of fruit with breakfast. You will need: 2 red grapefruit brown sugar pistachios With a sharp serrated fruit knife, cut away the peel and white pith. Slice into thin rounds and divide into 4 of…

Britain’s Wedding of William and Kate

I was one of probably millions who braved the wee hours of the morning to watch this from beginning to ALMOST the end. Being a hat lover and owner of several myself, I was blown away with the hats. I absolutely loved looking with mouth open at some of them. Splendid indeed! The two Princes…

Coffee My Way Martini

I love coffee and I really like martinis and use them as a signature drink BUT what if you switched it around and served it with dessert?   Try this:   3 parts Vanilla Vodka 2 parts Bolivar liqueur (Canadian coffee liqueur) 1 part chilled espresso 1 part Frangelico liqueur   Pour all the ingredients…

Twice Baked Squash

This is so tasty, so give it a try. Not hard or difficult.'(just like the potatoes)   Serves 4 2 butternut squash (about 5 1/2 lbs in total) Pinch of salt and pepper 9 tbsp. sour cream 1 tsp. paprika 3-4 tbsp. panko crumbs, lightly toasted Butter Preparation: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut the…

Diana Foster Bananas

This is such a classic dessert,  you can’t make a mistake.   2 tbsp. unsalted butter 4 tbsp. brown sugar 2 ripe bananas 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 3-4 oz. rum (try cinnamon vodka for a variation) Ice cream Preparation: In a fry pan, melt the butter and brown sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved….

Puffed Cauliflower with Cheese

Serves 4-6 1 medium cauliflower 1/4 cup butter 2 tbsp. butter for brushing dish 1 cup light cream Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup fine bread crumbs panko crumbs for topping 3 eggs, separated 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower into florets, cook until tender and…