Karen's Cooking Blog

Niagara offers an array of beautiful fresh produce and fruit, which is a convenient way to start experimenting with new ways of eating. When you try new recipes, reworking your favourite dishes to contain more seasonal fruits and vegetables will not only give your palate something new to taste, but your health will also benefit too! Here are some of the great benefits of eating seasonally: Tastes Better In-season produce is fresher, sweeter, perfectly ripe, and better tasting than off-season produce. When fruits and vegetables are picked for consumption that have been naturally ripened on the vine or the tree...

What happens if you eat a tomato everyday? Eating tomatoes daily will ensure that you get an array of nutrients which will help promote the better functioning of your body. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants which help flush out harmful free radicals from your system. Thus, preventing cancer and other deadly diseases. In today’s blogpost, I will be sharing with you a simple tomato-based recipe that you can try at home.  Tomato Bruschetta Bread Ingredients 8 slices French or Italian bread 2 cloves garlic, halved 1 teaspoon of olive oil 2 tablespoons of minced onion...

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. Ingredients 12 small creamer potatoes, scrubbed 1 ¼ pounds leeks, root ends trimmed Directions 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 knife. Drain, transfer to a small...

  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 for your Valentine charcuterie on Monday Night. Cheese compliment 1 soft cheese 1 hard cheese 1 smoked cheese Vegetable compliment Thin sliced carrot...

Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat (10 percent fat, of which 6 percent is saturated to be exact). 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. In short, there are many healthy benefits that can come from incorporating this simple cheese into your diet. Which is why in today’s blog post,...