Friday 30 January 2015

Canadian Valentine Dinner

 


 Otto Say’s
Pasta sanza vino e come il cuore sanza amore
Pasta without wine is like a heart without love

Canadian Valentine Dinner
Valentine's Day is an opportunity for people in Canada to tell somebody that they love them in a romantic way. One way you can show you love them by making a great meal for them.
Appetizer – Shrimpcargot serve two
Main Course      Prosciutto-Wrapped Beef Wellington with Mustard Cream Sauce
                               Trinity Potatoes and Vegetable
                        Chocolate Lava Cake
                                     Canadian Valentine Drink
Shrimpcargot makes 6 pieces (for 2)
Ingredients
75 gr butter
2 cloves garlic minced
6 peeled and deveined large shrimps (21-25) count
6 large mushrooms stem removed
60 gr shredded mozzarella cheese
Method
1. Preheat oven to 165 C degrees
2. Heat the butter and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the butter begins to bubble. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until they just turn pink, about 3 minutes.
3. Place one shrimp into each mushroom cap, and place into a small baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter into the mushroom caps, and sprinkle each with a pinch of mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Serve with Garlic toast
Prosciutto-Wrapped Beef Wellington with Mustard Cream Sauce ( for 2)
Ingredients
15 mL Safflower (saffron)
4 beef tenderloin medallions (150 g each), cut (4 cm) thick
2 mL sea salt
2 mL cracked black pepper
4 slices  Prosciutto
1 sheet  Butter Puff Pastry you can buy already made or recipe to follow
1 egg, beaten
125 mL 35% cream
20 mL  Tarragon prepared mustard  
1. Heat oil in frying pan over high heat. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Place in frying pan; sear for about 1 minute per side. Transfer to plate, reserving pan drippings. Refrigerate beef for 15 minutes
2. Preheat oven to 230°C. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat beef dry with paper towel. Lay prosciutto slices on cutting board; place one medallion on each slice. Wrap prosciutto around beef; set aside.
3. Roll puff pastry onto floured work surface; lightly dust top of pastry with flour. Using rolling pin, gently roll out pastry to form a 30 cm square; cut into 4 equal quarters. Working quickly, place one medallion on each pastry square; wrap pastry over tenderloin to cover completely, gently stretching pastry as you go. Pinch pastry edges together to seal. Turn Wellingtons over and place on prepared baking sheet seam side down. Using pastry brush, brush all over with beaten egg. Using sharp knife, cut slit in top of each Wellington.
4. Bake in oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until pastry is golden and crispy and beef is cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, return frying pan with pan dripping to stovetop over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 3 45 mL water. Using wooden spoon, scrape up browned bits on bottom of pan for about 1 minute. Pour in cream and mustard, whisking to combine. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve alongside Wellingtons.
5. Bake in lower shelf of oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until pastry is golden and crispy and beef is cooked to desired doneness.
6. Meanwhile, return frying pan with pan dripping to stovetop over medium-high heat. Once hot, add  45 mL water. Using wooden spoon, scrape up browned bits on bottom of pan for about 1 minute. Pour in cream and mustard, whisking to combine. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve alongside Wellingtons.
Puff pastry recipe
250 gr strong bread flour
5 ml fine sea salt
250g butter, at room temperature
About 150 ml cold water
Method
1. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Roughly break the butter in small chunks, add them to the bowl and rub them in loosely. You need to see nuggets of butter.
2. Make a well in the bowl and pour in about two-thirds of the cold water, mixing until you have firm rough dough adding extra water if needed. Cover with cling film and leave to rest for 20 mins in the fridge.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured board, knead gently and form into a smooth rectangle. Roll the dough in one direction only, until 3 times the width, about 20 x 50cm. Keep edges straight and even. Don’t overwork the butter streaks; you should have a marbled effect.
4. Fold the top third down to the centre, then the bottom third up and over that. Give the dough a quarter turn (to the left or right) and roll out again to three times the length. Fold as before, cover with cling film and chill for at least 20 minutes before rolling to use.
5. Maybe used for many things dessert, beef wellington and many items that says puff pastry

 

Sautéed Trinity Vegetables and Potatoes

 

Ingredients
2 potatoes Peeled sliced
2 medium onions sliced
4 celery ribs sliced
300 gr. sliced mushroom
50 ml. butter
30 ml. vegetable oil
Few drops Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Melt the butter and oil together in a frying pan and add the potatoes, onions, celery and mushrooms and let them cook slowly over medium heat, until they a getting a little brown for about 20 minutes or so.
2. While they are still some moisture left add Worcestershire sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Very colourful maybe used to compliment any roast steaks etc.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Ingredients
60 gr. Sugar
65 gr butter
65 gr semi sweet chocolate
2 ml.
vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
10 ml. all-purpose flour
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 230 degrees. Butter and flour four 120 gr. ramekins or custard cups.

2. In the top half of a double boiler set over simmering water, heat the butter and the
chocolate until chocolate is almost completely melted.

2. Beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and sugar together until light coloured and thick.

3. Beat together the melted chocolate and butter. While beating, slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then quickly beat in the flour and mix until just combined.

4. Divide the batter between the four molds and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The centers of the cakes will still be quite soft. Invert cakes on serving plates and let sit for about 15 seconds, then unmold.
5. Serve with sprinkled icing sugar
Canadian Valentine Drink
INGREDIENTS
60 ml. spiced rum
15 ml maple syrup
2 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (about half a lime)
2 ml. apple cider
pinch ground cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick, for garnish
Method
1. In a shaker, add all the ingredients along with 125 gr of ice, shake vigorously to dissolve cinnamon, and pour mixture along with ice into an old-fashioned glass to serve.
2. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Smile and Be Sweet

“The best way to win a friend is to listen and

Smile it only takes a minute” – Otto

Saturday 24 January 2015

Valenine in Canada


 
 Otto Say’s
Pasta sanza vino e come il cuore sanza amore
Pasta without wine is like a heart without loveValentine

Valentine's Day in Canada is an opportunity for people to tell somebody that they love them in a romantic way. It falls on February 14, the name day of two saints, St Valentine of Rome and St Valentine of Terni. In pre-Christian times, the middle of February was a time of pagan fertility festivals in Europe and allegedly the time when birds chose a mate.

What do people do in Canada


 

Many people send letters, cards, presents and gifts to the person with whom they have or want to have a romantic relationship. Valentine's Day cards are often red or pink and decorated with images of hearts, red roses, teddy bears, presents or happy couples kissing or embracing. They may be in brightly colored, perhaps pink or red, envelopes.

Many people give gifts to loved ones on Valentine's Day. Common gifts are:

§  Flowers, particularly red roses.

§  Chocolates and/or candy.

§  Teddy bears.

§  Toy hearts.

§  Sparkling wine.

§  Cosmetics.

§  Clothing, including lingerie.

§  Jewelry.

§   

Some people celebrate Valentine's Day lavishly. They may treat their partner to a themed meal in a restaurant or a night in a luxury hotel. Others may take short breaks or vacations on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine's Day can also be an occasion for a more general celebration of love and appreciation of people who are personally important to an individual. School children may help decorate their classrooms with hearts and spring birds and make cards or presents for their parents. Stores may also sell Valentine's Day themed cakes, cookies or candy. Teenagers and young adults may hold Valentine's Day parties or dances on or near February 14.

Sample menu

Appetizer –Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic

Soup –Clam Chowder

Main Course Herbed Crushed Filet Mignon

                                     With Sautéed Mushroom and Sweet onions

                                   Twice Baked Potatoes /sour cream and herbs and chives

Dessert- Marshmallow Cherry Kisses
 
Smile and Be Sweet

“The best way to win a friend is to listen and

Smile it only takes a minute” – Otto

Saturday 17 January 2015

Hearty Sandwich and Pears Dessert


 Otto Say’s
Pasta sanza vino e come il cuore sanza amore

Pasta without wine is like a heart without love

 
Green club sandwich (x 4 for four)
3 slices wholegrain or rye toast
60 gr humus (recipe below   )
1 small avocado (100g), stoned and sliced
1 handful rocket leaves
8-12 cherry tomatoes, sliced
Method
1. Toast the bread and spread humus evenly over one side of each slice. On one slice of bread, lay half the avocado, rocket leafs and tomato. Season with pepper, then cover with another slice.
2. Pile on the rest of the avocado, rocket leafs and tomato, season again and top with the third slice.
3. Cut and serve with sliced pickles
 
Hummus
Ingredients
500 ml drained well-cooked or canned chickpeas, liquid reserved
125 ml. tahini (sesame paste), optional,
70 ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus oil for drizzling
2 cloves garlic, peeled, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
15 ml ground cumin or paprika, or to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Chopped fresh parsley
Method
1. Put everything except the parsley in a food processor and begin to process; add the chickpea liquid or water as needed to allow the machine to produce a smooth puree.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve, drizzled with the olive oil and sprinkled with a bit more cumin or paprika and some parsley.
 
Pears with speedy chocolate sauce
800 gr cans pear halves in syrup
100 g chocolate, chopped into small chunks
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts
Method
1. Drain the pears over a small pan. Divide between 4 dessert glasses or bowls. Boil the syrup on a high heat until reduced and thick. Take off the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted.
2. Add 2 scoops of ice cream onto each portion of pears and pour over the hot choc sauce. Top with the chopped nuts.
Smile and Be Sweet
“The best way to win a friend is to listen and
Smile it only takes a minute” – Otto
 


 

Smile and Be Sweet

“The best way to win a friend is to listen and

Smile it only takes a minute” – Otto

 

Friday 9 January 2015

menu planning


 Otto Say’s

Pasta sanza vino e come il cuore sanza amore
Pasta without wine is like a heart without love

Following the menu planning from last edition

Here are some example menu and recipes

 

Snacks Fruits are always good, popcorn, cookies, tarts, pretzels any snacks are great with moderation

Have a glass of milk and a piece of fruit to complete your meal.

Good management of healthy eating, staying active

Be sure to eat breakfast. It provides a good start to the day

- See Water should be anytime within reason 4 to 6 glasses a day

Sample meal plan for average person
Breakfast
Cold cereal  125 mL
Whole grain toast 2 slices
1 orange
Milk 250 mL
Cheese 60 g
Tea or coffee
Lunch
Soup  250 mL
Sandwich
- 2 slices whole grain bread , 6" pita or small wrap
- lean meat, chicken or fish 90 g
- few tomato slices
- butter 5 mL
-Carrot sticks
-Grapes
-Plain yogurt 175 mL
-Tea or coffee
Afternoon snack
1 medium apple , small banana or fruit
Dinner
1 large potato or cooked noodles, 375 mL
Vegetables
Green salad with low-fat salad dressing
Lean meat, chicken or fish 120 g
1 medium pear
Milk or pure juice 250 mL
Tea or coffee
Evening snack
Peanut butter 60 mL
Whole grain crackers 4
Beverage  250 mL

 

Sunday 4 January 2015

Planning meals helps you:


Let’s start the new 2015 out right plan our meals:

Before you plan on any food you  are going to eat either  Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you must  plan your  meals ahead of time here are some  the tips on how to plan your meal for the day, week or month ,

 

Planning meals helps you:

Eat well by varying your food choices throughout the day or week or month;

Save time by planning and shopping ahead and reducing trips to the market or store.

Get meals faster on the table with less stress.

Lastly try to buy as much local as possible the food is usually better, for you it is fresher and your are supporting local economy. If you can buy local Ontario or at Canadian.

Meal planning does not have to take a lot of time. Do it when you get the chance once or twice a week or a month or when ever get the chance but try to have one.

The more you plan the easier it gets. A little planning goes a long way in helping you have healthy eating habits.

Planning tips

Involve your children in planning and preparing meals. They'll appreciate the meal more and learn important life skills .You may even end up with a capable cook to help you.

1. Menu Planning - Use a piece of paper, calendar or menu planner to write down your meal ideas

2. Grocery list – Write down the foods you need for the next few days or week depends on the item.

3. Go Shopping- Buy the foods you need on your list don’t buy what you might need.

4. Start cooking - Post your meal plan on the fridge so whoever gets home first can start the meal.

 

Meal Planning Checklist

Eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable each day.

Choose vegetables and fruit with little or no added fat, sugar or salt.

Have vegetables and fruit more often than juice.

Make at least half of your grain products whole grain each day.

Choose grain products that are lower in fat, sugar or salt.

Drink skim 1% or 2% milk each day. Drink fortified soy beverage if you do not drink milk.

Select lower fat milk alternatives.

Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often.

Choose at least one or two dinners fish each week.

Select lean meat and alternatives prepared with little or no added fat or salt.

Include a small amount fat each day.

Satisfy your thirst with water.

Limit foods and beverages high in calories, fat, and sugar or salt.

It may seem difficult to plan, but it is easier to shop and prepare meals and snacks that satisfy everyone's needs in your family.

Planning With Your Family in Mind

The types of food your family needs are basically the same for everyone and should be based on their taste and healthiness of the food.

With the large variety of foods avaible it is easy to plan meals everyone will enjoy.

The amount of food you serve varies for different family members. There are children, teens, adult and seniors you should have an idea of your own family member and their eating habits.

Example of a Grocery list you could refer to.

P .S Remember to buy as much as possible LOCAL and HEALTHY

1. Bakery and bread

2. Meats and Seafood

3. Pasta and Rice

4. Oils, Sauces, Salad Dressing and Condiments

5 .Cereals and Breakfast Foods

6. Soups and Canned Foods

7. Frozen Foods

8. Dairy Cheese and eggs

9. Snacks and crackers

10. Produce

11. Drinks

12. Miscellaneous

Sample of one day the menu. From this menu you can see what you need to buy.


Breakfast (Bacon and eggs)              Lunch (soup and sandwich)                         Dinner (stir fry with rice)

Snacks Fruits are always good, popcorn, cookies, tarts, pretzels any snacks are great with moderation