Karen's Cooking Blog

Niagara offers an array of beautiful fresh produce and fruit; this is a great time to start experimenting a new way of eating. You can try new recipes and/or rework your favorites with a conscious decision to eat more seasonal fruits and vegetables. Not only will your palate be impressed but there are health benefits too. Here are some of the great benefits of eating seasonally: Tastes Better In-season produce is fresher and tastes better, sweeter and perfectly ripe. When fruits and vegetables are picked for consumption that have been naturally ripened on the vine or the tree and harvested...

What happens if you eat a tomato everyday?  Eating tomatoes daily will ensure that you get an array of nutrients which will help in better functioning of your body. ... Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants which helps in flushing out the harmful free radicals from the system. Thus, preventing cancer and other deadly diseases.   Tomato Bruschetta Bread Ingredients 8 slices French or Italian bread 2 cloves garlic, halved 1 teaspoon of olive oil 2 tablespoons of minced onion 1 large tomato, diced pinch dried oregano pinch pepper 2 teaspoons of grated parmesan cheese   Directions Under...

LEEK AND ROQUEFORT SALAD with Mimosa Vinaigrette   Thinking ahead:  The leeks can be cooked in the morning, then cooled, covered, and refrigerated.  The vinaigrette can be prepared as many as 24 hours in advance and kept in a sealed container.   Leeks and Potatoes 12 small creamer potatoes, scrubbed 1 ¼ pounds leeks, root ends trimmed      Put the potatoes in a saucepan and add enough cold water to cover.  Salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a sharp...

What does charcuterie mean literally? Charcuterie (shar-KOO-ta-REE) is a specific term with origins reaching as far back as 15th century France; literally translated, it means the products of a fancy pork butcher. Modern charcuterie does often include pork, but the definition has widened to reflect a dish served throughout many cultures. We have evolved since the 15th century now a board can include vegetables, fruit, cheese, and dips. And dinner is served.   Here are some easy items to prep on Sunday so your Valentine charcuterie on Monday Night   Cheese compliment 1 soft cheese 1 hard cheese 1 smoked cheese Vegetable...

Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated. It's light and creamy with a slightly grainy texture and delicate flavour that can be used on its own or in sweet and savoury dishes. This white cheese is loaded with protein. The high-quality whey found in ricotta may promote muscle growth and help lower blood pressure.   Vegan Ricotta Ingredients 1-16 oz block (about 396g) firm or extra firm tofu, drained but not pressed 1/4 cup unfortified nutritional yeast Juice of 1 large...