Everyday Living Food & Lifestyle
Winter Salad With Green Dressing
CRANBERRIES are rarely eaten raw due to their acidic and sour taste. They are typically consumed dried, in a juice, sauce or as supplements. Dried cranberries are typically sweetened with sugar or a sugar alternative.
Related to blueberries, bilberries and lingonberries, cranberries are a rich source of plant compounds and antioxidants which include flavonoids and polyphenols. These help in keeping blood vessels healthy and cranberries vitamin C and calcium content assist in maintaining strong bones.
There are a multitude of ways to enjoy cranberries as they can be added to muffins, tarts, breads, stuffing, smoothies, spritzers, sangria or a salad as shown in the WINTER SALAD WITH GREEN DRESSING recipe below.
Prep Time: 25 min Cook Time: 35 Min Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- • 1 small butternut squash
- • 2 tbsps olive oil
- • 1 tsp coarsely ground salt
- • 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- • 1 small can sliced pears OR peaches drained
- • 1 small can beets drained, rinsed and cut in halves
- • 6 cups arugula OR baby spinach leaves
- • 1 cup chopped walnuts
- • 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
- Dressing:
- • 2 garlic cloves chopped
- • 3 green onions sliced
- • 1 cup Greek Yoghurt
- • 1 cup of fresh coriander and parsley leaves
- • 2 tbsps honey
- • 2 tbsps mayonnaise
- • Juice of half a lemon
- • 2 tsps olive oil
- • 1⁄2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- • 3⁄4 tsp salt or to taste
directions:
• Pre heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
• Slice butternut squash into 1 inch thick pieces and remove seeds, pith and skin.
• Place squash pieces in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Line a baking tray with foil and place the squash pieces on it. Bake on middle rack of oven for approximately 30 mins or until tender. Allow to cool and then cut into bite size pieces.
• In a blender place the garlic, green onion, yoghurt, honey, mayonnaise, parsley, coriander, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth and then slowly add the olive oil and pulse for a few more seconds.
Place arugula or spinach leaves in a large salad bowl. Arrange the squash pieces, beets, pear or peach slices around the edges of the bowl and the walnuts and cranberries in the center.
Serve with Green dressing and crusty, sourdough or ciabatta bread.
Bon Apetit....
Jen’s Cooking Tips
• I have used fresh butternut squash in this recipe but you can substitute it with frozen cooked squash to reduce cooking time.
• You can substitute the walnuts with candied pecans.
• Left over squash can be frozen in an air tight container for up to six months.
• You can use any herbs you like in this version of Green Goddess Dressing such as basil, tarragon, mint or dill.
• For extra flavour add a teaspoon of anchovies.
• Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
YOU WILL NEED:
• Butternut Squash
• Canned peaches or pears
• Spinach or Arugula
• Canned beetroots
• Walnuts or Pecans
• Cranberries
• Greek Yoghurt
• Herbs
• Mayonaise
Latest Recipes
Tortellini and Spinach Soup
Tortellini is an Italian bite size pasta which is stuffed with ricotta or parmesan cheeses, pork meat, sausage, dried mushrooms, herbs and vegetables. This ring shaped pasta is traditionally...
Tortellini and Spinach Soup
Tortellini is an Italian bite size pasta which is stuffed with ricotta or parmesan cheeses, pork meat, sausage, dried mushrooms, herbs and vegetables.
This ring shaped pasta is traditionally served in a broth but tomato, mushroom and meat sauces are also popular. Italy is recognized for its food culture and the work of rolling out the dough evenly and then cutting it into small squares, followed by the stuffing and shaping of the tiny tortellini is an art in itself.
Tortellini and Spinach Soup is the perfect week night supper that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. It is delicious on its own or with a tossed salad and garlic or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 15 min Servings: 4 - 5
Ingredients:
- • 1 package Spinach or cheese stuffed tortellini (350 gm)
- • 1 tbsp Olive oil
- • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- • 6 tbsps tomato paste
- • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves stems removed
- • 2 carrots chopped
- • 10 cups of low sodium chicken broth
- • 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
- • Salt to taste
- • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- • 1 cup half and half cream
- Garnish:
- • Grated parmesan cheese
- • Parsley leaves
- • Red chilli flakes (optional)
Directions:
1. Place the olive oil, onion, garlic and carrots in a medium size pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent approximately 4 – 5 mins.
2. Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper stirring frequently. Next add the broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until the tortellini is al dente, about 5 mins.
3. Reduce heat to low and gently add the half and half cream and the spinach leaves and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes or until spinach leaves are wilted and then remove from heat.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, parsley leaves and chilli flakes (optional).
Bon Apetit....
Easy Turkey Chilli
TURKEY is a large bird which is rich in protein and other nutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium. It provides many of the same calories as chicken and most people are easily able to digest it......
Easy Turkey Chilli
TURKEY is a large bird which is rich in protein and other nutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium. It provides many of the same calories as chicken and most people are easily able to digest it.
Ground turkey is an inexpensive way to consume turkey and over the years has grown in popularity as a subsItute for ground chicken. Rich in vitamins and minerals it can contribute to a healthy diet as it is low in fat. Dark meat is more flavourful but has more calories than white meat without the skin.
Turkey can be added to soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers or chilli as shown in the EASY TURKEY CHILLI recipe below.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 1 HourServings: 6
Ingredients:
- • 1 lb lean ground turkey
- • 2 tbsps olive or vegetable oil
- • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- • 1 900 ml carton (low sodium) chicken broth
- • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- • 1 small can corn niblets drained and rinsed
- • 1 540 ml can black beans drained and rinsed
- • 1 540 ml can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- • 1⁄2 tsp chilli powder
- • 2 tsps ground cumin
- • 1 tsp dried oregano
- • 1 tsp salt
- • 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
directions:
In a large pot add olive or vegetable oil, chopped onion, garlic and red pepper. Saute the vegetables for 3 - 4 minutes unIl onions are sofgtened and then add the ground turkey. Saute the turkey for 4 - 5 minutes unIl cooked through.
Add the chilli powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper and continue to cook for a couple of minutes.
Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn and diced tomatoes and blend in with the turkey.
Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil and then reduce heat and allow the chilli to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, sIrring occasionally.
Garnish the Turkey Chilli with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped coriander leaves or taco chips and sliced avocado if preferred.
Bon Apetit....
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Flatbread Pizzas
FLATBREADS are used to create wraps and quesadillas but the most popular use of flatbreads is pizza Rich in fiber, flatbreads are typically unleavened bread and do not contain yeast. Flatbreads.....
Flatbread Pizzas
FLATBREADS are used to create wraps and quesadillas but the most popular use of flatbreads is pizza.
Rich in fiber, flatbreads are typically unleavened bread and do not contain yeast. Flatbreads originated in ancient Egypt but today are produced and enjoyed around the world. Some of the most popular flatbreads are Focaccia, Naan, Tortillas, Pita, Oatcake, Green Onion Cake, Torta and Injera.
Flatbreads have a lower caloric and carbohydrate content due to their thinner crusts and are ideal as appetizers or light entrees as shown in the FLATBREAD PIZZA recipes below.
ROASTED RED PEPPER AND OLIVE FLATBREAD
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 10 - 12 min Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- • 1 flatbread
- • 1 1/2 cups of roasted red peppers sliced
- • 1/2 cup seedless black olives halved
- • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
- • 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano leaves
Directions:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on flatbread, then top with sliced roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, oregano and basil leaves. Bake on middle rack of pre-heated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 -12 minutes. Serve immediately.
Bon Apetit...
PEACH AND PROCIUTTO FLATBREAD
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 7 - 8 min Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- • 1 flatbread
- • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 1 1/2 cups sliced peaches
- • 6 – 8 slices prosciutto
- • 3 tsps balsamic vinegar
- • 3/4 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
- • 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
Directions:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on flatbread, then top with sliced peaches, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, gouda cheese, basil leaves and chilli flakes. Bake on middle rack of pre-heated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 7 – 8 mins. Serve immediately.
Bon Apetit...
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About Me
Jennifer
Hi there, I am Jennifer Puri and welcome to CookLaughLive. The recipes presented here are simple, quick, and relatively healthy and are inspired by my family and friends and my love for cooking.
As a mom and grand mom I appreciate the value of simple recipes that don’t take a lot of time to prepare and use fresh, tasty and mostly inexpensive ingredients.
I live in Calgary, Alberta and in addition to testing, preparing and photographing recipes, I also enjoy reading, getaways to the mountains, interior decorating and the occasional “friendly” political discussion.
“Food is how we bring people together and show love.” - Giles Duley
Thanks for being here
Jennifer
Read MoreDid You Know?
Did You Know that taking time out of your day to take care of your skin could be so rewarding.
January 17th 2025
SKIN is your largest organ and protects you from bacteria, injuries, chemicals and helps keep your body at the right temperature.
FACIAL SKIN is particularly vulnerable but there are SIX simple steps you can follow to neutralize damage to your skin....
Taking time out of your day to take care of your skin could be so rewarding.
Use MOISTURIZER daily to help keep your skin hydrated.
Use an antioxidant rich SERUM daily to help reduce brown spots and uneven skin tones.
Use FACE MASK SHEETS once or twice a week
Use gentle FACIAL PEELS to help strip away dead skin every second month
Use SUNSCREEN outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage
Use a JADE FACIAL ROLLER 4-5 times a week to massage your skin
My daughter gifted me a Jade Facial Roller a couple of years ago and I have included it in my arsenal of facial “skin defenders” ever since. Inexpensive, easy to use and keep clean, the rolling motion of the Jade Roller helps stimulate blood flow, improve skin tone and reduce puffiness. See the Jade Roller Video Tutorial below..
THE FOODS WE EAT also help our skin look brighter and fresher. Some of the foods that benefit our skin and help it retain its youthful appearance are:
- Nuts and Seeds
- Citrus Fruits
- Berries
- Avocadoes
- Leafy Greens
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Oatmeal
- Oily fish
- Green Tea
- Eggs
- Turmeric
Lastly drinking WATER helps keep our skin hydrated and is one of the easiest and best beauty treatments of all time.
Now you know..
Sephora For Skin Care
Published mid month focusing on topics that are interesting, informative and engaging.
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We offer creative financial solutions for your business, your vision.
For more information call us at (403) 714-2572 or email jennifer@redriverleasing.com
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