cuisine

Mastering Basic French Cooking with Motrin #MakeitHappenMonday

July 13, 2015 by Kathryn 47 Comments

I have a lot of different interests and hobbies, but if there’s one thing that I especially love, it’s a challenge. The type of challenge doesn’t matter as long as I’m trying something new and that passion has led to so many great experiences, from swimming with whale sharks to perfecting restaurant-quality Chinese fried rice.

Now I’m teaming up with Motrin to take on a new challenge over the next two weeks. It’s one that I’ve thought about for quite some time. Since I love cooking as much as I love new challenges, I’ve decided to master three classic French recipes that will require learning some brand new cooking techniques. French food is so delicious and I’ve always wanted to be able to make a few of the most beloved dishes.

I’ll be starting with a simple appetizer that looks impressive: Coquilles St. Jacques. Served in natural shells, it’s always a beautiful way to start a meal. Then I’ll perfect a flavourful Coq au Vin for a main dish. Finally, I’ll attempt flambé for the first time with Crepes Suzette for dessert! [Read more…]

Home Cooks Will Love Woll Diamond Plus Cookware and PushPan Bakeware from Pangea Sales-Giveaway

December 12, 2013 by Kathryn 180 Comments

New kitchen essentials are a great gift for anyone that loves to cook or bake, and since top-of-the-line products can be pricey, it’s a great way to treat a loved one to quality cookware that will be loved for years. Pangea Sales Inc. is an Ontario-based distributor of high-quality and unique cookware and bakeware at discount prices including the fabulous Wilkinson PushPan bakeware and Woll Diamond Plus cookware. I recently received the Wilkinson 9” PushPan and the Woll Diamond Plus 9.5” fry pan to test out myself and I couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen.

I have been lusting over Woll Diamond Plus cookware for some time so I was especially excited to try out the fry pan. I have a love-hate relationship when it comes to cookware. I love the convenience of non-stick, as long as it’s a variety free of PFOAs, but I hate the fact I can’t use metal utensils with it. I invariably end up forgetting in the bustle of cooking, using metal on the surface and ruining it. On the other hand, as much as I love the durability and convenience of stainless steel, I hate how some foods stick to it so badly.

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Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations Meals Make Eating Right Easier-Giveaway

April 3, 2013 by Kathryn 156 Comments

If there’s one thing I take seriously, it’s my boys’ nutrition. I make sure that they have three balanced meals and healthy snacks every day. But when it comes to my nutrition, I’m not nearly as sensible. Like so many parents, I tend to put the needs of my boys first and then neglect my own meals. Lunch is a perfect example. I pack Zackary’s school lunch every morning and make Benjamin a healthy kid-friendly lunch every afternoon, but some days I don’t bother eating lunch at all.

fresh inspirations thai chicken That’s one of the reasons that I looked forward to the chance to try the new Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations. These fresh-tasting new meals in six flavours are a step up from the original Lean Cuisine meals and feature a clever “Simmer and Steam” tray that allows each ingredient to cook perfectly.

One of the reasons I generally don’t eat frozen meals such as these is because they don’t cook evenly. With the Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations meals, the sauce and protein simmer in a separate dish as the vegetables and grains steam to perfection. Then the two components are mixed together. As an added bonus, if you prefer a little less sauce in your meal or you like keeping your meat and vegetables separate, you can mix up your lunch just the way you like it! Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations come in six delicious flavours: [Read more…]