Tis the season for gatherings, right? Usually I love to bring a hostess a gift from the kitchen, something to make their life easier in the days after they’re nice enough to host me at their place, but sometimes a gift from the kitchen just isn’t as appropriate (or you’re just out of time!) and a bought gift will have to be the way to go. When situations like that turn up, I try to focus on things that are super affordable and readily usable. Things like barware, festive napkins, hot chocolate assortments, or artisan food items are affordable go-to’s that are a small enough gift to not break the bank, but personal enough to wrap up one or two items and have your host or hostess feel special.
Stumped on what to get the new homeowner in your life for the holidays? Look no further!
Hey guys! Since summer is over here in Edmonton, and it’s been snowing/trying to snow the past while, I thought now would be a good time to share a couple of easy ways to save fresh, delicious herbs to enjoy throughout the winter before you can’t find them as easily at markets and the grocery store. I won’t be mentioning pesto in this post since I have this one that explains the basic methodology you’d need to use – BUT, pesto can be frozen and is another great option. 1. Infused Oils Recently, I was invited to dinner at my good friends’ Bridgette and Nick’s house. I always ask, can I bring anything? And they always say no, and put on these amazing dinners (seriously, the best). This last time, I was determined to bring a a small gift that brought a little of me to them- so I made…
Hey! Today I wanted to share a super easy plant-based dish that is vegetarian but can be made fully vegan by omitting the eggs. This is pretty hearty so I’m not sure that even the most dedicated meat eater would want to add meat, though. But you do whatever makes you happy! Lentils with Kale and Mushrooms Serves eight for $9.22 or $1.15 per serving 2 cups of dried lentils -$1.32 1 package of sliced mushrooms – $3.34 Shredded zuchini- $0.78 1 bundle to 2 bundles of kale (or frozen kale) – $1.97 Chili Flakes, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper, olive oil *optional add on- 1-2 eggs per serving (as pictured) – $1.81 Cooking your lentils is easy- just follow the instructions on the package! While they cook in a pot, put your mushrooms in a pan with thyme, chili flakes, pepper, garlic (minced) and a small amount of olive oil.…
I’m all about giving credit where credit is due- this recipe was 100% my mum’s brainchild. She likes to call it “Use Up Pasta”, she literally puts everything but the kitchen sink in terms of delicious vegetables in it. Whatever is lying around is fair game. This version has carrots, mushrooms, zuchini, celery, spinach and onions. But you use whatever you need to use up, that’s kind of the idea! I apologize, since these weren’t my groceries I’m not sure on what the costing would be, but I wanted to share this recipe because I feel like I harp on never throwing food away, and this is perfect for using up veggies that may otherwise not get used. Kitchen Sink Pasta Italian sausage Small pasta (mini shells, penne, rotini) Leftover veggies Tomato Paste Start by taking your Italian sausage and breaking it up in an electric skillet or large frying…
Hey! Today I wanted to talk about something I do pretty much every year with my mum- custom flower pots. While my mum probably could afford to purchase pre-made planters and pots of flowers, she makes her own each year and says that the best way to save money on having a nice yard is to take the time to learn how to do it yourself. The type-A’s amoungst us will also appreciate that these are 100% customizable to your own color and varietal preference. So lets get started! When you’re within a day or two of having time to plant, get to the local greenhouse or big box store and start looking at plants. As you are looking, keep in mind where you’re wanting to put these plants- if they’re going in a shady area, find some that are shade lovers by reading the tags inserted in the…