Confetti Squares

This treat is something we probably all had as children, but still love as adults. How can something so simple to prepare be so addictive. One big tip I have is to make sure the butter/peanut butter mix isn't too hot prior to adding the butterscotch chips. I have done this, and instead of being smooth and creamy it tasty grainy (sugars crystallized).

Confetti Squares

by Laureen King from ArtandtheKitchen

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 package (10oz) butterscotch chips
• 1 bag miniature marshmallows (coloured/flavoured)

Directions:

1. Put marshmallows in large bowl
2. Melt peanut butter and butter in saucepan on low heat. 
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in butterscotch chips, continue to stir until all melted.
5. Fold mixture into bowl of marshmallows. Combine well.
6. Press into 8x8 greased baking pan.
7. Refrigerate until firm.
8. Cut into 16 large squares.

Incredible Chicken Pot Pie

Is there really anything more tasty than a pot pie? This chicken pot pie in exceptional; chicken in a great stew of potatoes and veggies, topped with a light puff pastry.

Incredible Chicken Pot Pie

by Laureen King from ArtandtheKitchen

Ingredients:

1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg + 1 tsp water - for egg wash

Filling:

4 cups chicken cut into bite size pieces

6 baby new potatoes cut into bite size pieces

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup frozen green peas

1 cup carrots sliced

3 stalks celery sliced

1 medium onion diced

3 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon thyme

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup greek yogurt 

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1/4 cup flour

1 tsp Kosher salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into bite size pieces, season with salt and pepper; dust with flour.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet, add chicken and cook until done 8-10 mins. Transfer to baking dish.
3. In same skillet add potatoes, carrots, onion and celery. Saute until tender. Transfer to baking dish.
4. Deglaze skillet with chicken stock.
5. Add thyme, parsley, greek yogurt and bring to slow boil.
6. Add green peas and corn to skillet, then add back chicken, potatoes, carrots, onion and celery.
7. Stir together, then transfer to 2 quart casserole dish.
8. On lightly floured surface roll puffed pastry to cover casserole dish with 1 inch to cover sides of casserole dish.
9. Cover casserole dish with puff pastry.
10. Brush puff pastry top with egg wash.
11. Bake 425 degrees for about 25 minutes until crust golden brown.

Fuel to Go Protein Bars

Track and field season is my favourite sport!! Athletes have brutal training programs all working towards, in some cases, a race that lasts just seconds. Over the years I've had the pleasure of watching athletes run, jump and throw;  from elementary school children to Olympians.
My son has been competing in the sport for many years now and I am always trying to come up with healthy snacks and meals. Since he is allergic to all nuts except peanuts, I have had to get a little creative with ingredients. In my search I discovered Hemp and Chia seeds. These are nutrient packed little seeds  that also add some much needed protein for athletes. This recipe can be easily adapted to add some of your own favourite ingredients.

Parmesan Roast Potatoes

Here's is a quick and simple recipe to perk up your potatoes.

Broccoli Mushroom Salad

It's hard to believe a salad that is healthy can taste so good. Toss this broccoli salad with my delicious   asian dressing and you have a perfect salad to serve with grilled steak or pork chops. Next time you are asked to bring the salad for a get together, try this one.

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

This is one of my family's favourite chicken dishes. It is quick and easy to prepare; making this a great dish to whip up after coming home from work. Serve this with pasta or rice and you have a recipe the whole family will like!

Beautiful Butchart Gardens

We just returned home from a wonderful vacation to Victoria. I have never seen the Butchart Gardens and thought spring would be a splendid time to visit. Gorgeous spring flowers and trees were in full bloom covering these magnificent gardens. Some of my favourites were the tulips, hyacinths, camellias, and the spectacular Cherry Tree blossoms! I took over 200 photos, here are just a few.

Pork Rib Roast

Do you want a roast that looks impressive to serve, why not try a Pork Rib Roast. This roast will impress your guests and is much more affordable than its counterpart the Beef Prime Rib Roast. Serve your roast with some mashed potatoes and a veggie and you have a gourmet meal fit for company!

Chocolate Covered Coconut Bars

So I bought a large container of coconut oil, it is suppose to be good for you, right? Now what do I do with coconut oil. Firstly I tried frying my Panko Crusted Chicken in it. No go, my husband didn't like chicken tasting like coconut. Secondly, a friend said she just ate it out of the jar, a couple of teaspoons a day. No go, I felt like I was eating Crisco. Then luck was on my side when I saw a great looking recipe by Kasey's Kitchen  for Super Simple Coconut Bark. So thanks Kasey and here is my version of very yummy tasting Coconut Bars.

Chicken Sausage Gumbo

 Here's a true Louisiana dish! I was fortunate to have my first bowl of Gumbo in New Orleans. It doesn't get much better than that! There are many different versions of gumbo and some recipes are closely guarded "family secret recipes". My version of gumbo was inspired by Marcelle Bievenu, a great Cajun chef. Spice it up as much or as little as you like.

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Homemade Marshmallow Fondant

I was thrilled when Tara from Noshing with the Nolands asked me to do a guest post on her blog. I have been enjoying Tara’s amazing recipes and exceptional food photography since she started blogging. Today I shared with her my Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting, topped with Homemade Marshmallow Fondant. Please go to her blog to check more pictures and full recipe!  http://noshingwiththenolands.com

Oven Baked Apple French Toast

Here is a great Sunday Brunch recipe that is quick and easy to prepare. The smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven will have them all rushing to the kitchen to see what you've made. You can even make this recipe the night before!

Gluten Free Hemp & Chia Seed Oatmeal Cookies

I entered my 1st baking contest today, and am thrilled to say I won!! The contest was sponsored by Amaranth Whole Foods Market at the Enjoy Centre in St Albert, AB. This contest involved making gluten free cookies. I bought the majority of my ingredients at Amaranth, including their own special ground gluten free flour. This is one great tasting gluten free cookie with the health benefits of Chia and Hemp seed added to it. Thanks to all the exceptional judges.