DANIELLE AT HOME

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I’ve been teasing this recipe for a few weeks now and it’s finally time to share! My recipe for the most delicious and juicy cheeseburger you will ever make!

I don’t eat a ton of red meat, but when I do I want it to be a perfectly cooked steak or the juiciest cheeseburger. Every few weeks I will crave a delicious cheeseburger and let’s get real a drive thru burger, or a pre made patty just aren’t going to cut it! One of two things happen; we order burgers from this amazing burger only restaurant we love (Bin4, get half salad half fries and the truffle aioli… thank me later!), or I make these burgers!

Now these burgers are pretty classic, there’s nothing surprising about the ingredients. The secret here is that the mix ins make this burger patty a touch wetter then other recipes. This really helps keep the burgers extra juicy! Another thing that takes these burgers tot he next level, good quality cheese. Sorry guys no kraft singles or American cheese in this house. Delicious high quality old cheddar cheese. My favourite brand for this is Armstrong.

Other then the ingredients in this burger the most important steps to get a juicy burger is in the mixing! Do not over mix your meat, if you do the burger texture will be weird. It gets tough and starts to resemble meatloaf not a meaty juicy burger.

Now for this you have to use your hands… I know I don’t like it either but it really is the only way to combine the ingredients and form the patty’s. Remove your rings, wash your hands and get in there.

My final tip to make abetter burger is to make a well in the middle of the patty. This way the burger won’t puff up into a round ball, it will stay nice and flat.

Ok there you have it my tips on how to make this delicious cheeseburger. If meat’s not your thing try this turkey burger recipe.

Classic Cheeseburger

Juicy delicious beef patty topped with old cheddar cheese. Perfect for your summer BBQ!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 buns (I used pretzel)
  • burger topping of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Add beef, egg, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, salt and pepper to a bowl. Using your hands gently combine mixture. Form meat into four burger patties. Place on a sheet pan, press a well into the centre of the patty.
  • Preheat your barbecue to high heat. While the grill heats prepare your buns (I love pretzel buns!) and toppings. Suggested toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Grill burgers over high heat for 7 to 8 minutes per side with the lid closed. Add cheese in the final minute of cooking. Remove from grill and assemble burgers.

Notes

Adapted from myrecipes.
Keyword Barbeque, Burger, Cheeseburger, Summer
Classic Juicy Cheeseburger - YUM!

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2019 Father's Day Gift Guide!

Father’s Day is coming up quick… it’s next Sunday if you haven’t checked your calendar! Today I’m sharing my picks for the best Father’s Day gifts for any type of Dad. Or maybe just my Dad? I know he would enjoy all the gifts on this list.

2019 – Father’s Day Gifts

Yeti Cooler – I am a huge fan of Yeti products. I’m sure you can tell the’ve made it into my gift guides before. Now this cooler is expensive theres no way to sugar coat it, but if you have a dad that goes camping, fishing or is super into the outdoors this is the perfect cooler for him. It’s a great size for day trips and it’s such high quality! It’s on my wish list and I’m defiantly not a Dad!

Sonos Speaker – My Dad is a huge music fan, he’s always going to concerts and cranking up his radio. I love portable speakers and have a few around my house, but my parts dont have any. I think this Sonos one would be perfect for my Dad to play music all over the house. Oh and it has an Alexa built in!

Spiceology Gift Set – Ok my Dad loves spices, you should see my parents spice cabinet it’s actually ridiculous! I think my Mom would kill me it I bought this set for my Dad, but I know he would love it. Fun spice mixes perfectly made for the BBQ isn’t that every Dad’s thing?!

Drill Set – Dad’s and all men love power tools, heck lots of woman too! And upgrading Dad’s drill is a great idea. My Dad is constantly using power tools, building something, fixing something and his drill could probably use an upgrade.

Game of Thrones Monopoly – Ok I fall into the small category of people who have never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones. I know! I’m that awkward person at work standing around the cubicle listening to everyone discuss the series finales, but having no idea what they are talking about. My Dad on the other hand loves Game of Thrones and would love this game. Perfect for our family game nights!

Webber’s Ultimate Grilling – This is a cookbook I think most men could get behind. Who better to teach you how to grill then Webber? My Dad loves to grill and use all his spices (see above). This book would take his grilling skills to the next level!

Nest Video Doorbell – Ok this gift is for the tech Dad, do you have one of those? I don’t… but I think everyone would enjoy this gadget. This doorbell lets you see who is at your door and you can talk to them through your phone. I think this is a great security feature! No more stolen packages! One thing I’ve learned about Dad’s is that they love peace of mind, and this will give them just that.

Whiskey Wedge – This is such a fun gift. My Dad enjoys a good cocktail and rye whiskey has been his go to drink for a very long time. I think this whiskey ice wedge would be a fun addition to his bar cart.

There you have it my gift guide for Father’s Day 2019. I hope this helps you pick something extra special out for Dad! Check back this Friday for a great Father’s Day recipe that’s sure to make his mouth water!

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Happy Friday friends!! Today I’m sharing a fun twist on a classic mimosa, perfect for your weekend brunch! I love mimosas I think they are such a fun addition to any brunch. A Caesar or a Bloody Mary is delicious and great for brunch but they are a bit of work. Sure you can batch them but you need all kinds of crazy toppings and not everyone loves savoury drinks. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t enjoy a mimosa. Also you can make them virgins so everyone can enjoy!

I’m planning to make these for Sunday brunch. Recently our lives have been so busy that my husband and I haven’t had a ton of time together. Spring is his busy season for work, so it’s been a lot of late nights and extra hours on the weekends, but this too shall pass right? Of course it will. We decided that during this busy time Sunday mornings are reserved for us. Just the two of us sharing a meal and connecting. I’m really cherishing our mornings and I want to continue this new tradition even when our lives slow down a bit.

Since starting our new Sunday tradition I’ve been trying out lots of new recipe for breakfast. Of course we love waffles, banana pancakes and lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes. Now of course coffee works to wash any of those tasty meals down but a mimosa just makes things extra special!

These mimosas are so simple, just smash up some strawberries and mint. Add orange juice and top each glass with bubbly! And if you want to make these none alcoholic swap the champagne for sparkling water.

These are a must try for any weekend brunch! Make a big ol pitcher and relax this weekend!

Strawberry Mint Mimosa

Sweet strawberries, fresh mint and orange juice topped with champagne!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle Champagne (or sparkling water)
  • 3 cups Orange Juice (I prefer pulp free)
  • 1 1/2 cup Strawberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Mint Leaves

Instructions
 

  • Add strawberries and mint to a pitcher. Using the back of a spoon muddle mint and strawberries together until strawberries are broken and mint is bruised. Add orange juice, stir and place in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Fill glasses with juice mixture about 1/3 full. Top with champagne and enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from Half Baked Harvest.
Keyword Breakfast, Brunch, Cocktail, Mimosa, Weekends
Springtime Strawberry Mint Mimosa! So yummy!

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Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil

We love to cook asian inspired food in our house. It’s easily my husbands favourite cuisine and it’s in my top 3 as well. What I love about cooking with asian flavours is that the meals are so fast to throw together and they are so versatile. You can swap our flavours and re invent or refresh a dish so easily. And I freakin’ LOVE noodles!! Give me all the noodles. I really love them. Ramen, rice noodles, vermicelli, egg noodles; bring them all on. Today we’re making long broad egg noodles (tagliatelle woks in a pinch!) sautéed with bok choy, red onion and ground turkey, drizzled with spicy garlicky chili oil. Seriously yummy and so so flavourful!

Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil
Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil
Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil

This recipe is essentially two recipes in one. Part of what makes this recipe so delicious is the amazing chili oil!! It’s super tasty and allows everyone to determine their own heat level for this dish. The great thing about this oil is that you can make extra and keep it in your fridge for topping other things. I love a little drizzle on pan fried chicken or even added to a skillet of veggies for some extra flavour.

Now the base of this noodle bowl is so simple to throw together. The noodles, ground turkey and bok choy cook up so fast. This whole recipe only takes 30 minutes to prep and make! Which is perfect because that’s about all I have time for on a weeknight.

This is a must try if you’re a noodle fan! Enjoy!

Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil

Delicious asian inspired dish. Broad egg noddles tossed with sautéed bok choy and ground turkey. Top it off with spicy garlic chili oil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 4 colves garlic, sliced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 8 ounces broad egg noodles (asian preferred, but can sub tagliatelle)
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp chili paste (sambal oelek)
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 4 baby bok choy, trimmed

Instructions
 

  • In a wok melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add garlic, red pepper and ginger to the oil. Cook for 5 minutes until garlic softens. Add sesame seeds and cook for another minute. Pour into a small bowl and set aside.
  • In a large pot cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
  • Meanwhile whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and chili paste and set aside.
  • Brown turkey in a wok over medium high heat. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook for about 5 minutes. Add red onion, green onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the red onion begins to soften. Add sauce and bok choy to the pan. Simmer sauce until it thickens and coats turkey, about 5 minutes.
  • Add cooked noddles and two tablespoons of chili oil to the wok. Toss to coat. Serve in a shallow bowl. Top with remaining green onions and additionally chili oil if desired. Yum!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Half Baked Harvest
Keyword 30 minute meal, Asian Food, Chili Oil, Fast, Noodles, Sesame, Weeknight Dinner
Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil - Delicious 30 minute meal!!

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Light airy and delicious pancakes…

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Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. Now of course most mornings I’m gulping down a smoothie on my way to work, but on the weekends it’s a whole other story. I always try to make a special breakfast at least one morning of the weekend. We flip back and forth between sweet and savoury. Sometimes it’s eggs, bacon and hash browns and other days it’s waffles or pancakes.

Today’s pancake recipe is for those who like things on the sweeter side. This recipe is inspired by my dad. He loves lemons, he is even trying to grow lemons in his backyard. His next crop is expected to be a big one and I’m really hoping he will share. Anyway he loves all things lemon, citrus and tart flavours. He actually made similar recipe to this on for me once and it was pretty tasty.

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These pancakes have ricotta, lemon, vanilla and lots of blueberries. The ricotta adds a really nice fluffy texture to the pancakes. Lemon juice flavours the pancakes with just enough tart and sweet flavour. Now of course these pancakes have all the delicious components of a classic pancake recipe, and by that I mean butter and vanilla. In my opinion all pancakes require vanilla and copious amounts of butter. Once the batter is prepared (be sure not to over mix) fold in those juicy blueberries. So yummy!

Serve these pancakes with butter, real maple syrup an a squeeze of lemon juice! Such a delicious combo and the perfect weekend breakfast. Give them a try!!

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Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes

Yields: 18 pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 3 tbsp Sugar
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Milk (I used 2% but any dairy or non dairy works)
  • 3/4 cup Ricotta Cheese (I had whole milk ricotta on hand but you could use any)
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • Zest of One Lemon
  • 2 tbsp Butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup Blueberries (I prefer fresh but frozen works in a pinch)

Directions:

In a large bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together, set aside. In a medium bowl whisk milk, ricotta, eggs and vanilla. Once combined add lemon juice, lemon zest and butter to the wet ingredients, the wet ingredients will curdle. Don’t be alarmed the curdling is normal and it won’t affect your batter.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Fold until just combined. Make sure to keep some lumps, a lump batter makes a better pancake. Fold blueberries into batter.

Heat a fry pan or electric griddle over medium/medium high heat. Pout 1/3 cup batter onto the skillet and cook on one side until golden brown and bubbles begin to form on the top. Flip and cook on the other side until golden brown and cooked though.

Serve with butter, maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon.

Recipe adapted from Cooking Classy.

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Packed full of berry flavour and perfect for spring.

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Today I am sharing my new favourite cake recipe. It’s pretty fitting to share a cake on your birthday right! Yep it’s my 26th birthday today! This year has gone so fast and I can’t believe I’m turing another year older. Twenty five was a huge year for me, I got married, was in a wedding, attended weddings, saw friends and family become Mamas for the first time, lost my Grandma, changed jobs twice, got asked to be a bridesmaid (again!), made the biggest purchase of my life (more to come on that!) and started this BLOG! This year was big! I’m heading into 26 more confident, wiser, more patient and ready to tackle anything life throws my way. I though it would be hard to say goodbye to this age since 25 was so great, but I’m actually ok with turning another year older. I’m grateful for my life and ready to see what the second half of my twenties has in store.

Now enough about me let’s talk cake! I made this cake with Mother’s day in mind, fun fact we always celebrate my birthday, my grandmas birthday (we’re birthday twins!) and mother’s day all at once. So cake is always the dessert of choice. My grandma was what inspired this pink cake! She loves pink and since mother’s day and her birthday get rolled into one I think she deserves a pink cake. She’s also turning 90 this year, so believe me when I say we are celebrating hard this weekend.

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I made this cake a naked cake because I don’t like too much frosting. Plus the actual cake is quite sweet. Between the cake layers and strawberries you really dont need too much buttercream. So let’s break this thing down!

Cake Layers: The cake layers are strawberry flavoured. I use a strawberry purée to flavour the classic vanilla cake layer. This also tints the cake a slight pink colour which is a perfect compliment to the bright white frosting!

Filling: Fresh strawberries! Pretty self explanatory, but you can’t have a strawberry cake without it if you ask me!

Frosting: A classic vanilla frosting! This is always my go to frosting, it’s highly requested in my house! It goes well on just about everything including this cake.

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Ok guys no excuses, this cake is almost as easy as a boxed one, but so much better! Make it for your Momma this Sunday or heck make it in honour of my birthday!! xo

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Strawberry and Cream Naked Cake

Yields: 2 layer cake

Ingredients:

Cake Layers:

  • 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups White Sugar
  • 5 Egg Whites
  • 1/3 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
  • 1 pound Strawberries

Filling:

  • 10-12 Strawberries, sliced

Frosting:

  • 1 cup Salted Butter
  • 4 – 5 cups Confectioner’s Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Half & Half (or whole milk)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Cake Layers:

In a blender or food processor blend 1 pound of strawberries until smooth. Add blended strawberries to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture reduces and starts to thicken slightly about 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool fully in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight.

Pre heat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans, set aside.

In a bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Add butter to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on high for 2-5 minutes until the butter is pale yellow or white in colour. Add sugar to the whipped butter. Mix on medium until fully combined. Add egg whites and whip on high until combined and fluffy. Add sour cream and vanilla mix on medium low until well combined.

Add half of the dry ingredients on low until just combined. Keeping the mixer on low slowly drizzle in half of the milk until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk mixtures. Add strawberry purée to batter and mix on low until combined.

Pour batter into cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely before assembling and icing.

Buttercream Frosting:

Add butter to the bowl of stand mixer. Whip on high for at least 5 minutes until pale in colour and light and fluffy. Add confectioners sugar on low until well mixed. Add vanilla and half and half to the bowl. Continue to whip on high until frosting is fluffy and is you desired consistency.

Filling & Assembly:

Trim tops of cake layers to level if necessary. Place cake layer on your cake plate or cake stand. Place about a cup of frosting on first cake layer. Spread slightly to cover. Cover frosting with layers of sliced strawberries. Place second cake layer on top. Cover the cake with the remaining frosting. Keeping most of the frosting on the top of the cake. Decorate with whole strawberries. Place in the fridge for an hour to set before serving.

Adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction strawberry cake and buttercream frosting.

 

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Want to really kick your next Mexican feast up a notch? Make homemade queso. It’s actually really easy!

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Ok guys today I am sharing what might be the best recipe I’ve ever shared! Seriously this queso dip is bomb! And it’s insanely easy to make for any party or even for Cinco De Mayo! Which check your calendars is coming up on Sunday!

I love queso whether its from the best tex-mex restaurant or out of a jar from the grocery store I will eat it. I do prefer to eat real food though, not necessarily health food but really food with ingredients I actually recognize. Most commercially prepared queso has processed cheese, some how it’s gross and delicious at the same time. I won’t judge you for having either opinion! Also please note although I will eat processed queso from a jar I won’t eat Cheese Wiz or Velveeta… go figure!

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This queso recipe has jalapeños, onions, cumin, cream cheese, chipotle, jack cheese and sharp cheddar! Defiantly the kind of ingredients I want in my queso. This recipe has just enough spice to warm your mouth but isn’t over the top. Personally I like my salsa hot, my queso medium and my guacamole mild. Anyone else?

Essentially you cook the jalapeños and onions together then add the rest of the ingredients and heat together slowly. Seriously simple. Serve it warm with lots of chips! Or pour it over chips and your favourite nacho fixings for the ultimate and most delicious nachos you’ve ever tasted.

Ok guys this recipe is a must make for Cinco De Mayo!

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Queso Dip

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 cup Onion, diced
  • 1 Jalapeños, chopped with seeds and ribs removed (keep the seeds if you like it spicy)
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 2 ounces Cream Cheese
  • 1 1/4 cup Whole Milk
  • 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp All Purpose Flour
  • 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo, finely minced
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

In a fry pan over medium low heat sauté onions, garlic and jalapeños until loft and onions are translucent. Season with cumin and continue to cook for another minute or two. Add cream cheese to the pan. Melt and combine with vegetables. Add milk to the pan and warm through.

Combine shredded cheese with flour. Add cheese and flour to the pan. Heat and stir until the cheese fully melts. Stir chopped chipotle peppers to the mixture. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings accordingly.

Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Adapted from Half Baked Harvest.

 

 

 

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Mother’s day is in less then 2 weeks people! Are you ready? Have you bought a gift for your momma? I haven’t… sorry mom I promise I’m working on it. Here’s the run down of what I think any mom would love to receive this year.

Mother's Day

Jewelry Dish – This adorable jewelry dish would be perfect for any mom especially if paired with one of the jewelry pieces I’ve picked out in this post. I love keeping jewelry dishes on my nightstand and bathroom. Perfect for wedding rings (although I never take mine off), necklaces and earrings you forget to take off before bed.

Let Me Feed You – Doesn’t this title just scream mom (or grandma!). Kidding aside this cookbook is amazing and a must buy for anyone who likes to cook, your momma included.

Dyson Blow Dryer – If you’re planning on really spoiling your mom this year get her the Dyson blow dryer. Now I don’t own on but I’ve used one and I’m here to tell you it’s amazing! It’s on my wish list and it would be a serious treat for mom.

Ugg Slippers – I love these slippers they are so cozy and perfect for the house. They are a bit of an investment though. Well worth it but we all know mom’s don’t spend money on themselves so we have to treat them and these slippers are a well deserved treat.

Rose 31 Perfume – Have you smelt this perfume. I feel like it’s a universally enjoyed scent. I love it and I know you momma will love it too. I love being spoiled with a new perfume and again mom’s just wont buy these things for themselves!

Kendra Scott Necklace – These necklaces are popular for a reason, they never go out pf style. They are so cute and such high quality. And sooo many gem colours to choose from. And perfect on that jewelry dish!

Tea Press – This little tea press is the sweetest thing! I’m obsessed, and rose gold! Perfect for the tea loving momma.

Mama Ring – This ring is so sweet and cute. I think it would be the perfect gift from kiddos to their mama! So cute and sweet and totally on trend.

Ok friends I hope this helps you finish your shopping for your Mamma!

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Fresh pasta and spring vegetables tossed in a creamy and cheesy sauce…

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I’m a serious pasta lover and I’m really surprised I haven’t shared more pasta recipes on the blog yet. I have shared a few, lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs, but that’s just not enough carbs! We’re going to change that. Today’s recipe contains tender and delicious spring vegetables, a ricotta cream sauce and fresh linguini. It’s perfect for spring.

The vegetables in this pasta are the true star. Asparagus, snap peas and english green peas. The asparagus and snap peas are sautéed in olive oil with minced garlic and shallots. This gives the vegetables a delicious flavour. Toss the frozen english peas in at the end to warm through and infused with delicious flavour.

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Now the sauce is super simple. It’s just a few ingredients warmed together and reduced slightly. The sauce is just milk and ricotta cheese that is liberally seasoned with salt and pepper. Once the sauce vegetables and pasta are combined that’s when the magic happens…. and the magic is parmesan cheese and pasta water. It is the ONLY way to pull a pasta dish together. Toss a bit of pasta water in with your pasta and sauce to loosen and have all the components combine. The parmesan cheese melted into the pasta takes the flavour over the top! It takes things from delicious pasta to NEXT LEVEL delicious pasta!

Ok now run to the store get your ingredients and get cooking. I promise this recipe will deliver!

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Spring Vegetable Pasta with Ricotta Cream Sauce

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces Snap Peas
  • 8 ounces Asparagus, trimmed and sliced in half
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 cup English Green Peas (fresh or frozen)
  • Shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 12 ounces Linguini (I used fresh but dry also works great)
  • 3/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Milk (I used whole but 2% would also work)
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

In a sauté pan over medium low heat sauté shallots, garlic, snap peas and asparagus for 5 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Toss peas with the other vegetables until heated though, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook pasta according to package instructions. Before draining remove one cup of pasta water and set aside.

Meanwhile add ricotta and milk to the pan. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed though, simmering and slightly reduced. Season with salt and pepper.

Add vegetables and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until combined. Depending on how dry your pasta is you will need to add pasta water. I always add at least a 1/4 cup but typically add about 1/2 cup. In addition to the pasta water add the parmesan cheese. Toss the pasta until the water in combined with the sauce and the cheese has melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately and top with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Adapted from Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas.

 

 

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Hey friends! I’m back with another entertaining post. Today we’re talking all thing Cinco De Mayo!

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I love celebrating EVERYTHING! Plus a holiday that includes eating guacamole and drinking margs! That’s right up my ally! We always celebrate Cinco De Mayo by having a few couples over for tacos or fajitas and margaritas. I usually get some fun festive decorations and we really enjoy a fun night of drinking and eating with friends. This year I’ll actually be heading home from my best friends bachelorette party so I won’t be doing my usual celebrating. I’m pretty bummed. So I’ve decided that next year I’ll have to go all out a throw a serious party. Until then here’s my Cinco De Mayo entertaining round up!

Festive banners – Guys if you’re throwing a fiesta you must have lots of bright fun colours. I like neutrals and white as much as the next gal but this is not the time or the place for neutrals!

Gold Balloons – Does anyone throw parties without metallic balloons anymore? I’m seriously asking? I defiantly don’t. I love the cute sayings you can make out of the mini ones and this pre made fiesta script is perfect for over your food display. Also since you hang it no need for helium… win!

Taco Rack – Perfect if you want to put assembled tacos or fajitas on your food buffet. They keep things so neat and tidy. Plus your tacos look so much more appetizing!

Margarita Glasses – Ok as much as I love a lime margarita on the rocks in a short glass there is something so fun about a festive margarita glass. I love the look of these one’s with the blue and white designs. Plus super thick glass so you dont have to worry about chips!

Pinata – Ok guys I’m turning 26 this year and I still haven’t had a pinata at a birthday yet. Is 26 too old for that? Regardless of your age I think a pinata is totally Cinco De Mayo party appropriate. And totally fun!

Colourful Dinnerware – I love festive plates and these ones are perfect! Super fun bright colours and they are great not only for Cinco De Mayo but for all your Summer entertaining. These one’s are made to look like Mexican tiles, they couldn’t get better!

Ok guys now all you need to do make a pitcher of mags and a big tray of tacos!