Through my client work, I have experience building platters of all kinds. Putting together a smoked salmon platter is like painting a blank canvas and creating a work of art. It’s not just about piling ingredients onto a tray, but about balancing flavors, colors, and textures. The best part is it’s a lot simpler than…
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Homemade Bagel Chips (Only 3 Ingredients!)
Homemade bagel chips are a versatile snack that have found their way into my heart! Originally a clever way to use up stale bagels, they’ve now become a staple in my kitchen. I use them to accompany a smoked salmon platter, dip them in chip dip or hummus, or spread them with cream cheese or…
How To Make Everything Bagel Seasoning
One of my favorite things about making my own everything bagel seasoning is that it is soooooo simple. All I have to do is take out pantry items I already have on hand, measure them into a jar, and shake them together. No fancy techniques or special equipment are required! Of course, everything bagel seasoning…
Easy Pickled Onions
I’m excited to share how to make pickled onions with you! This pretty condiment adds sweet and tangy flavor and looks beautiful on almost any meal. I usually make a batch for tacos, but you can also use them on these sheet pan cheeseburger quesadillas, this smoked salmon platter, Mexican street corn salad, and so…
How To Make Crème Fraîche + 50 Crème Fraîche Uses
Have you ever had crème fraîche? In the restaurant world, it’s a common ingredient for finishing dishes, especially anything with smoked salmon. I didn’t realize how easy it is to make at home! All you need is whipping cream, buttermilk, and time. I describe crème fraîche as a love child between sour and heavy cream.😂…
25 Easy Cinco De Mayo Recipes
Get ready to amp up your at-home fiesta with this collection of 25 easy Cinco de Mayo recipes! I’ve handpicked a delicious lineup that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. And there you have it – an easy and varied collection of 25 easy Cinco…
Paloma Mocktail
If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing and flavorful non-alcoholic beverage, look no further than this Paloma mocktail. This drink is perfect if you want a sophisticated sipper without the buzz of alcohol. For an authentic Mexican touch, this recipe calls for Jarritos grapefruit soda. If you can’t find Jarritos, or simply prefer to…
Raspberry Margarita Mocktail
I love love love margaritas, but sometimes I need a non-alcoholic alternative that packs a flavorful punch. I don’t always want to drink water! This vibrant and refreshing raspberry margarita mocktail has quickly become one of my go-to’s. It’s basically the perfect way to enjoy the classic margarita flavor without alcohol. One of my favorite…
How To Make Basic & Rich Simple Syrups
Even if you’re an avid home cook or baker, you may not be familiar with the magic that plain simple syrup can bring to your dishes. I honestly think simple syrup is a must-have in any kitchen. You can use it to enhance drinks like this raspberry margarita mocktail or this Paloma mocktail, desserts, and…
Maritime Fish Chowder
As much as I love my Nova Scotia seafood chowder recipe, it can be pretty expensive to make, so that’s where this classic recipe for Maritime fish chowder comes in. There’s really nothing quite like it to warm you up on a chilly day. Inspired by the flavors of Nova Scotia, fish chowder is the…
Shrimp Nachos
Whether hosting a Cinco de Mayo get-together or enjoying a quiet night at home, these easy, cheesy shrimp nachos are perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks! With Mexican-inspired flavors, easy quick prep, and lots of customization options, you should treat yourself to a tasty seafood twist on classic nachos. And for some extra wow…
Lemon Posset
If you like the sound of lemon bars, lemon curd ice cream, and lemon buttermilk cake, then you are going to LOVE this English lemon posset recipe! A posset is a traditional British lemon cream dessert that showcases the simplicity of combining cream, sugar, and citrus together. This easy yet elegant dessert is a perfect…
Carrot Cake Cookies
These carrot cake cookies are the perfect marriage of classic carrot cake and chewy oatmeal cookies. They really bring together the best of both worlds – spiced carrot cake flavor and the convenience of a hand-held cookie. Inspired by my Mum’s carrot cake recipe, these easy homemade cookies are a fun dessert for Easter or…
Brown Butter Banana Bread
Brown butter banana bread is a delicious twist on traditional banana bread with an extra layer of flavor and richness. Brown butter is made by cooking butter until it turns a deep, nutty brown color, giving it a caramel-like taste that pairs perfectly with sweet bananas. This loaf is moist, fluffy, and loaded with banana…
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Who can resist a classic cookie recipe? Not me that’s for sure. I kind of have a thing for old-fashioned cookie recipes like these snickerdoodles without cream of tartar and these brown sugar shortbread cookies. You can’t go wrong with tried, tested, and true! Chocolate chip pecan cookies are a beloved treat that combines rich…
Chicken Florentine Soup
Chicken Florentine soup is a creamy, flavourful dish found in many Italian restaurants. When you see the word “Florentine” in a recipe it’s usually an indication the dish is prepared with spinach in the style of Florence, Italy. The main ingredients in this recipe are cream, chicken, spinach, and gnocchi. I use 10% half-and-half cream…
Pistachio Ice Cream
Pistachio ice cream is a flavor I don’t often see where I live. I wish I could give you an accurate flavor description, however, the best I can do is to tell you it’s a gorgeous balance between nutty, sweet, and creamy. If you’ve tasted it before, you already know how amazing it is, and…
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
I’m always brainstorming ideas to use up leftover rotisserie chicken (I’m looking at you chicken Florentine soup) and when I first made these chicken bacon ranch sliders my family went wild for them! There is one caveat attached here. Though super delicious, these tiny chicken bacon sandwiches are SUPER RICH, so they’re not an everyday…
Blueberry Cake Donuts
I love wild blueberries and rightfully so since I live only an hour from the blueberry capital of Canada! Until now, I’ve stuck with traditional recipes like blueberry chocolate chip muffins and blueberry white chocolate scones. I also have to mention my Nova Scotia blueberry grunt—it’s one of the most popular recipes on my site….
Bang Bang Sauce
Bang bang Sauce, with its unique blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors, has become a favorite in many households and restaurants across North America. While it gained significant popularity in the West through restaurants like Bonefish Grill, its roots are deeply embedded in Asian culinary traditions. The sauce draws inspiration from various Asian sauces…
Biscoff Ice Cream
Making homemade no-churn ice cream at home is such a special treat in the summer and this no-churn Biscoff ice cream recipe is no exception! It’s got a simple whipped cream base combined with sweetened condensed milk which comes together in just a few minutes. The base is then layered with smooth ripples of Biscoff…
Lavender Sugar
Lavender is one of those flavors that can go from soft and subtle to overpowering very quickly, but when it’s good? It’s very good! I love using a touch of lavender for baking recipes like these lavender sugar cookies, raspberry scones, and this homemade vanilla frosting. In my opinion, making a batch of DIY lavender…
Instant Pot Dulce De Leche
Dulce de leche is a sweet spread originating from Latin America. Made by simmering milk and sugar together until caramelized, it is traditionally cooked for hours, low and slow on the stovetop. It’s essential to note that variations of dulce de leche can be found throughout Latin America, each with its unique twist. The exact…
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to clarify a common misconception: this whipped cream cheese frosting does not contain whipped cream or whipping cream. Instead, it focuses on the rich and tangy essence of cream cheese whipped to light perfection. I find store-bought frostings so overly sweet, masking the true flavors of their ingredients…
Pesto Mayo
Pesto mayo is one of my all-time favorite recipes! I usually try to make a batch of homemade basil pesto beforehand, but if I don’t have the time or ingredients, store-bought pesto works too. You really do need an immersion blender for this recipe. I’ve tried to make it in a blender and it just…
Pesto Gnocchi
Pesto gnocchi is a quick and easy recipe using shelf-stable, store-bought gnocchi. Usually sold vacuum-packed, you can often find pre-made gnocchi in the pasta aisle of the grocery store. The texture of pre-packaged gnocchi varies between brands, but it generally cooks in four to six minutes. I always keep it on hand to cook as…
Small-Batch Cinnamon Rolls
The hardest part of making these small-batch cinnamon rolls is waiting for the dough to rise. That being said, once you make them, it’s hard to go back to a no-yeast version. I use buttermilk in this recipe because I love the flavor, and always have it on hand. If you don’t have buttermilk use…
Mango Pico De Gallo
Mango pico de gallo is a delicious, refreshing salsa perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues. The salsa is typically served as a dip with tortilla chips, however, I also serve it with grilled chicken, bacon wrapped shrimp, and these roasted chickpea tacos. One thing I love about tomato mango salsa is how quick and versatile…
Shredded Chicken Salad
I love to use leftover rotisserie chicken to make recipes like this chicken Florentine soup and these chicken bacon ranch sliders. This shredded chicken salad recipe is another easy way to rescue those legs and thighs languishing in the fridge! I add red grapes, toasted almonds, and sour cream to kick it up a notch….
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Is there any childhood treat more beloved than a classic Rice Krispie square?! I vote no and this chai-spiced Rice Krispie treats recipe proves I have been obsessed with them for years. I made peanut butter Rice Krispie treats to try something different. I also made a rich shiny chocolate glaze to go with them,…
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
This snickerdoodles without cream of tartar recipe is my most popular cookie recipe, and my family and I love these brown sugar shortbread cookies, but I have other cookie recipes that also deserve a chance! Take these chocolate chip sugar cookies for example. I mean come on, how can you not love this sweet buttery…
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Hearty comfort food is a small pleasure in life. Whether it’s a bowl of homemade molasses baked beans, creamy pesto gnocchi, or Dutch oven beef stew, there’s just something so perfect about hot homemade food when it’s cold outside. This is my mother’s recipe for beef stew. I’m thankful to have this recipe because she…
Dehydrated Marshmallows (Oven Method)
I don’t know what’s wrong with my marshmallows. I’ve tried multiple brands but every time I add them to cookie dough, they completely melt into the cookies as they bake. I’m talking like, you can’t even tell marshmallows were there except for the empty holes they leave behind. How are all these other food bloggers…
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Fall has arrived and I am here for it! It’s time to turn on the oven to make date and orange scones, Dutch oven apple crisp, and these pumpkin banana muffins. If you like moist banana muffins, you will love them! One of my favorite seasonal recipes, the muffins are tender, buttery, and not too…
Matcha Cookies With White Chocolate Chips
I love white chocolate (as you can see with these blueberry white chocolate scones or this raspberry white chocolate loaf cake). Marrying green tea powder and white chocolate together in these soft matcha cookies is a gorgeous combination! The matcha adds an almost grassy, slightly bitter, earthy flavor, while the white chocolate chips are creamy…
Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
If you are looking for a fluffy and moist breakfast muffin look no further. These easy blueberry chocolate chip muffins are one of our favorite morning snacks! Blueberries and chocolate may seem like an unlikely combo, but they actually work really well together (like in these blueberry white chocolate scones—yum). I add a touch of…
Rocky Road Ice Cream
I live in Nova Scotia, Canada, where I don’t remember Rocky Road ice cream being a commonly-available flavor when I was a child. That being said, we did have a flavor called Heavenly Hash which is sort of the same thing: chocolate ice cream swirled with teeny marshmallows, chocolate chips, and (I think) chopped nuts….
Roasted Chickpea Tacos
Thank you to Graves Beans for sponsoring this post. All views and opinions are my own. Though not strictly vegetarian, I cook plant-based meals often. These roasted chickpea tacos have become one of our favourite weeknight meals! Once the chickpeas are roasted in the oven or air fryer, everything comes together very quickly. My favourite…
Spicy Garlic Aioli
You need roasted garlic to make this spicy garlic aioli (you can make this air fryer roasted garlic in about 25 minutes). Once the garlic is roasted and cooled slightly, the aioli comes together in less than 5 minutes! It’s such a treat and it’s the BEST with fries. The main difference between mayonnaise and…
Earl Grey Yogurt Cake
This Earl Grey yogurt cake combines two of my favorite things—tea and cake! Whether classic Twinings or a loose-leaf blend from a specialty shop, you can’t go wrong with the citrusy, floral flavor of Earl Grey tea. Mixed in one bowl, this single-layer cake has a soft and moist vanilla base. Before starting, I grind…