How to Caramelize Onions

Originally published on June 12, 2016

Caramelized onions are the perfect addition to any dish (and I mean any dish – I absolutely love them!) but they can be tricky to make. This is because there’s a massive difference between carmalized onions and fried onions, and it’s very easy to get the latter, even if that’s not what you’re looking for.

Fried onions are thrown into a pan, usually over a moderately high heat and while they do soften, they still retain the sharpness that’s so distinct to the onion. Caramelized onions on the other hand, are quite different. Caramelized onions are cooked for a long time. They need this time so that the sugars can slowly be coaxed out, turning the onions entirely brown (not black or charred), and very sweet. It’s from this sugar that the onions get the name carmalized onions, and it’s also the reason they’re so very, very good.

This recipe calls for 5 onions, which might seem like a lot. But remember, onions cook down to a much smaller size when being cooked. And even if you’re left with an abundance, the onions will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.

Just one more thing about these onions before we move on to the recipe. You’ll notice that the recipe also calls for the onions to be sliced “Lyonnaise,” but just what the heck does this mean? Many, many cooks cut their onions with the grain, that is, from side to side instead of top to bottom. This is a big mistake. Slicing your onions this way will cause them to quickly break down, and you’ll be left with little onion bits instead of nice slices. Also, slicing your onions Lyonnaise also just makes for much better-looking onions when they’re done, and it’s what will separate you from the amateurs.

Ingredients:

  • 5 onions, sliced Lyonnaise 
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 
  • Wine, vinegar, lemon juice, or broth (optional)
  • Salt

Directions:

1.) Place a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and the oil.

2.) When the butter and oil have melted together, add the sliced onions, along with a generous pinch of salt, and toss to complete coat them in the fat. Stir, keep over medium-low heat and let cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until the onions are very soft and entirely brown. The level of carmalization you take the onions to is up to you, but you definitely need to remove them from the heat once they turn dark brown. Otherwise, you’ll be left with burnt onions instead of carmalized ones. Also remember to stir the onions regularly while they are cooking so they all brown evenly and they don’t get stuck to the bottom of the pot.

3.) Once the onions are finished cooking, you can use the wine, vinegar, lemon juice, or broth to deglaze the pan. This step isn’t necessary, but doing so can lift any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, and will give you onions even more flavour.

4.) Serve and enjoy!

Copycat Two Bite Brownies

Originally published on June 18, 2016

Copycat recipes are some of my favourite kinds. You get to play around in your kitchen trying to get that dish to taste *just* right, and once you do, well, there’s a certain feeling of accomplishment that will have you strutting around like a superhero for a little while. I really thought copycat recipes couldn’t get any better. And then I added chocolate into the mix.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a muffin tin, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2.) In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter on medium speed. Add cocoa powder and mix well. Add sugar, egg and vanilla and continue to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add the flour and mix just until the flour has been completely incorporated into the mix.

3.) Using your fingers or two spoons, drop about 2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin tin.

4.) Place in the oven and bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or until the brownies are fully set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not over-bake, as the brownies will turn out quite hard!

5.) Serve and enjoy!

Grilled Chicken Legs with Beer Marinade

Originally published on June 21, 2016

Here in Ontario, Canada it has been hot for the past few days. I mean it’s been stifling, sweaty, don’t-you-dare-turn-on-that-oven kind of hot. So when we’ve absolutely had to eat, everything has gone outside to get cooked on the grill.

After just a couple of meals, barbecue sauce can quickly become overplayed, so when I need something a little different, tinkering around with different marinades is usually the way I go. Beer is most definitely not my favourite thing to drink (not since my college days), but it goes hand in hand with barbecue, and makes for a really great marinade for these grilled chicken legs.

  • 12 chicken legs
  • 1 bottle of beer, the darker the better
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 

Directions:

1.) Place the chicken legs into a large bowl or resealable freezer bag. Mix together all of the other ingredients, pour them over the chicken legs and stir and mix thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is entirely coated. Place the chicken legs into the refrigerator and let marinate for 6 – 24 hours, turning occasionally.

2.) When chicken legs are finished marinating, coat the grill with oil and preheat to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When hot, remove chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to shake or drip off. Place on the grill and cook for about 10 – 12 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear.

3.) Remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

4.) Serve and enjoy!

Grilled Potato Wedges

Originally published on June 24, 2016

It’s no secret that hot summer days are perfect for grilling. And it’s also no secret that on those days, I try to take everything out to the barbecue. Meats, starches, sides, it all goes on the grill. But what do you do when you just know potato wedges would be a perfect starch to accompany your meal, but you still don’t want to turn on your oven? Well, I just solved your problem. It’s one I’ve had for years and I typically just settle on another starch, usually baked potatoes.

But grilled potato wedges are possible, and they’re so, so easy. What’s even better? They take a fraction of the time to cook. Instead of the usual 45 minutes in the oven, we’re talkin just over 10 minutes!

  • 4 – 5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, sliced into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for the grill)
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

1.) Preheat a grill on both sides to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Close the lid so that the grates can get really hot.

2.) Place the potato wedges into a large bowl, add the olive oil and seasonings, and toss to thoroughly combine.

3.) Turn off the flame on one side of the grill. Place the wedges on the hot side of the grill (the side with the flame) and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.

4.) Move the potato wedges over to the cold side of the grill (the side with no flame.) Close the lid and grill for another 10 minutes, until the wedges have softened and are completely cooked through.

5.) Serve and enjoy!

Easy and Affordable Beef on a Bun

Originally published on June 30, 2016

Beef on a bun is one of my favourites whenever I find myself at a fair or carnival this time of year. I like getting it there because to make it at home with all of that pricey roast beef, is more than I’d like to spend on a weekday dinner. That is, unless you adopt my trick and use stewing beef instead of that lean sliced stuff. It’s so easy in the slow cooker, just make it the same way you would beef stew (except ya know,without all the veggies and gravy and stuff), smother it in barbecue sauce and then pile it onto the freshest buns you can find. It’s so yum, you might think you’re back at the carnival.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds stewing beef, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 4 – 5 cups beef broth
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1.) Heat the two tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the stewing beef in batches if necessary. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan or the beef won’t brown. Sear the beef until is browned on most sides.

2.) When the stewing beef is just about done browning, but not quite, add the onions and the garlic. Stir to mix, and then add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

3.) Place the stewing beef in the slow cooker and add just enough beef broth to almost, but not entirely, cover the beef.

4.) Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 – 8 hours, until the beef is tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

5.) Remove beef from the broth and set aside just until it’s cool enough to handle, then shred with your hands or with two forks.

6.) At this point, you can either press it down on one side into a frying pan to get some crispy bits before dousing in barbecue sauce, or just toss it in barbecue sauce.

7.) Pile high on hamburger buns, serve and enjoy!

Good Old Fashioned Fried Chicken!

Originally published on July 20, 2016

I’ve made fried chicken several times and it’s always hit or miss. Will it turn out? Won’t it? Who knows, because I’ve had a different result each and every time! Luckily, I’ve learned a few things from both my hits and misses, and now I believe I know what those are. Other than the actual chicken, there are three things you need to make great fried chicken: flour, buttermilk, and lard.

  • Flour. This is for coating the chicken. Don’t use bread crumbs, don’t use panko, you don’t need them and they’ll probably even burn up in the pan. Just toss the chicken around in it so that it’s fully coated, let it sit, and that will be all the starch you need.
  • Buttermilk. Okay, this one gets a little tricky. Yes, you do need to marinate your chicken in slightly acidic milk before you fry. This helps it stay juicy while it’s undergoing the fiery wrath of your pan. But – it doesn’t need to marinate overnight or all day in the fridge. I got mine ready and just left it to sit while I got the table set and the rest of dinner ready. That was plenty long enough. And it also doesn’t have to be real buttermilk. I mean, why spend that kind of cash when you don’t have to? No, no, no. Instead, just add a tablespoon or two of white vinegar to white milk, stir it up and let it sit for about 5 minutes. There. You’ve just made buttermilk.
  • Lard. Yes, lard. Don’t be scared, you’re not going to be eating it by the spoonful. Did you know that lard is actually a healthy fat to use when frying at very high heats? This is because lard has one of the highest smoke points of all the oils, so you can turn that dial waaay up before you start seeing those wispy curls of smoke. Once your oil is that hot, it will immediately seal the outside of anything you put in it – including delicious fried chicken. Once that outside has been seared, excess fat can no longer nestle right alongside the actual meat that’s frying – meaning that less of it ends up on your plate. If you really, really despise the idea of cooking with lard, peanut oil also has a high smoking point and is one that’s often used for fried chicken. But I still recommend using the lard.

And now, for the recipe that scored me a home run!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lard
  • 8 chicken legs
  • 4 cups buttermilk (or milk/vinegar substitute)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • Salt

Directions:

1.) Mix together the paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place buttermilk into a large bowl and then shake half of the seasonings in. Stir to thoroughly combine, and then place chicken in. Let chicken marinate for half an hour to an hour (or longer, depending on how much time you have. If it’s going to be any longer though, make sure to put the chicken in the fridge while marinating.)

2.) Place flour into another large bowl and add the remaining half of the seasoning, along with a teaspoon of salt. Note that salt is placed in the flour, but not in the buttermilk. This is because salt can quickly dry meat out, especially if it’s sitting in for a long period of time. However, because you still need salt for flavour, putting it in the flour still gives that to you without any fear of drying out the chicken.

3.) When the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the buttermilk, one piece at a time, and drop it into the flour. Shake or toss to entirely coat the chicken in the flour, then lay it on a baking sheet. After all the pieces of chicken have been coated, leave the chicken to sit in the buttermilk/flour on the baking sheet or on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.

4.) When the chicken is ready, heat the lard in a large cast-iron skillet until it is very hot (turning my burner to mark 8 worked for me.) When the fat is shimmering and piping hot, start placing the chicken in. Brown the chicken on both sides (this should take about 3 minutes per side), then lower the heat right down (I put mine down to 2), and cover it with a lid. Cook chicken for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

5.) Remove fried chicken from the fat and allow to drain on paper towels or on a wire rack.

6.) Serve and enjoy!

Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

Originally published on July 21, 2016

I’ve tried several different versions of homemade macaroni and cheese before. Each time, no matter what I do it seems, I get the same result. My kids push it around their plate, and hold the noodles up to the light like they’ve never seen noodles before. Seriously, I think I might have the only kids that don’t like mac and cheese.

I was starting to get a complex about it until I saw Daphne Oz on The Chew making her very own version, but using butternut squash instead. How interesting! And it looked exactly like macaroni and cheese when she was done. Now, just so that she’s not cheating completely, she does add some Parmesan into hers and so did I. But unlike Daphne’s, there are no breadcrumbs in mine (I love ‘em, my kids don’t).

Ya know what? I served this for lunch the other day and after I noticed things had fallen silent, I checked to see two nearly-empty bowls sitting in front of them! Yes, my children. The ones who hate homemade macaroni and cheese, and even the one that hates butternut squash! I’m going to be living on this victory for the next week!

  • 1 fairly large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

1.) Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. When boiling, add elbow macaroni, stir, and turn heat down to medium-high. Cook until the macaroni is just al dente, then drain and set aside.

2.) While the macaroni is cooking, place the butternut squash into a separate large saucepan and pour milk over top. Turn heat to high, bring to a boil, then cover and lower heat to a simmer. Cook until the butternut squash is fork-tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

3.) Transfer butternut squash and milk to a blender, along with the stock. Daphne doesn’t put her stock into the blender but mine was so think I had to loosen it up. The two ingredients come together very soon in Daphne’s version so it’s not a big deal. She also uses chicken stock while I keep mine completely vegetarian. Blend until very smooth.

4.) Heat butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add onion and cook for just 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the butternut squash puree into the skillet and add nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt and pepper.

5.) Add the macaroni to the skillet and turn to thoroughly coat in the “cheese” sauce. Cook for 5 minute or so, just long enough to heat everything through again.

6.) Serve and enjoy!

Red Wine Reduction Sauce

Originally published on July 25, 2016

Wanna know why Red Wine Reduction Sauce is so popular in gourmet restaurants? Because it sounds sophisticated and elegant, but is so easy to make and can just be left simmering on the stove or in a bain marie. It’s just as sophisticated when you make it at home and I mean, come on. Steak and red wine? They were made to go together!

Ingredients:

  • 1 perfectly cooked steak , with reserved pan juices 
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3/4 cup of your favuorite red wine 
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

1.) If the pan juices are cold, reheat over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for about 2 minutes.

2.) Add the wine and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits from the pan. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil before reducing heat to medium and simmering for about 7 minutes. During this step, you want the red wine to reduce by about half and become slightly syrupy. Remove from the heat.

3.) Add the butter, one cube at a time, and whisk until it’s thoroughly incorporated before adding another cube and repeating the process. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.

4.) Serve and enjoy!

Jen’s Greek Pasta Salad

Originally published on August 31, 2016

I have no explanation as to why it took me so long to get this recipe up on the site. One of my very good friends, Jen, gave it to me when my babies were still babies, and she actually gave me the recipe after giving me a massively sized bowl of it – apparently no one in her house ate it at the time. And ya know what? No one in my house eats Jen’s Greek Pasta Salad either, and that’s just fine with me, because it means I can eat it straight out of the bowl.

Ingredients:

For the salad:

1/2 bag dried fusilli, macaroni, penne, or other short pasta
1 green pepper, chopped in large dice
1 red onion, sliced 
1 cup cucumber, chopped in large dice
1 tomato, chopped in large dice
1/2 cup canned black olive, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup Feta cheese
Salt

For the Greek salad dressing:

2 fresh garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1.) Place a large pot of heavily salted water over high heat and bring to a rapid boil. Add dried pasta, stir, and cook for about 7 minutes until pasta is al dente. Drain, and rinse with boiling water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta.

2.) While pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. Mince the two garlic cloves on a cutting board and sprinkle with the salt. Slide the blade of the knife back and forth over the garlic, mashing it and turning it into a paste.

3.) Place the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sugar, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic, and black pepper into a blender. Blend until all ingredients are incorporated. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

4.) Place the pasta and other salad ingredients into a large bowl. Pour as much dressing as you’d like onto the salad and toss to combine well.

5.) Place the salad into the fridge for one hour to meld flavours and chill all ingredients. Toss again just before serving.

6.) Serve and enjoy!

Grandma’s Casserole

Originally published on September 6, 2016

This summer was not the best for us. It was all going fine with sun and sand and everything else, and then my grandma fell. She’s 94 and broke her hip, so it was off to Niagara for us where it was a bunch of hospital visits and other stuff to go along with it. So needless to say, Gram has been on my mind.

During one of my hospital visits, Grandma and I got talking about a casserole she made us when we were kids. It’s very simple, with just pasta, hot dogs, and some eggs, but man – was it good! I don’t remember a time when I would see this on my plate and not have the entire thing gone in 60 seconds. It was so good as a matter of fact, that after we talked, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. That pasta, those hot dogs, and those eggs that nestled into all the nooks and crannies like suction cups, just waiting to be cajoled out. Mmm, delicious!

This version does modernize my grandma’s a bit, mostly just with fresh herbs, and I don’t remember if she actually put bread crumbs on it. But just like when I think of her meatloaf, when I think of Grandma’s Casserole, I think bread crumbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 package macaroni, or other short pasta (about 5 cups)
  • 5 eggs
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pepper

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.) Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. When boiling, add pasta, stir, and cook until just al dente. Drain, and set aside.

3.) While the pasta is cooking, cook the hot dogs as you usually would, either on a grill or in a pan. When finished cooking, slice them thinly and set aside.

4.) Melt the butter in a small saucepan on the stove. Remove from the heat, then add the bread crumbs and a pinch of salt and stir to fully combine.

5.) Add the pasta, hot dogs, parsley, chives, cheese, salt and pepper to a large bowl and stir to combine well. Pour into a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish and distribute evenly.

6.) Beat the eggs slightly and pour over the entire casserole. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over top. Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the bread crumbs are golden brown and toasted. When removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it.

7.) Serve and enjoy!