Cranberry Pineapple Panna Cotta Parfaits

Elegant striped parfaits make a festive holiday dessert that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly–but no one can tell by looking!  Cranberries colour the red layer, and coconut milk in the white panna cotta layers adds creamy richness.  And the taste is perfectly sweet, thanks to a medley of fruit, a touch of coconut sugar, and pure honey. These parfaits are the ultimate make-ahead dessert.  That means less stress … Continue reading Cranberry Pineapple Panna Cotta Parfaits

Lentil Samosas with Tomato Onion Chutney

Gluten-Free Lentil Samosas with Tomato Onion Chutney

Bite into a lentil samosa and let warm spices of India chase away winter’s chill. Tomato and onion chutney provides a rich companion sauce with a hint of natural sweetness. As a holiday starter, game day appetizer, or enticing buffet option, gluten free samosas offer flavour, protein, and crunch.  While I still love the bold flavours of Tex-Mex this time of year, Indian samosas are … Continue reading Gluten-Free Lentil Samosas with Tomato Onion Chutney

Lamb, Zucchini and Mashed Potato Pie

My family absolutely loves this hearty casserole, which is why I am willing to make the mashed potatoes from scratch.  But if you happen to have leftover mashed potatoes, you’ve got yourself one of the easiest, most satisfying suppers ever! Lamb is not a meat I grew up eating much, but I love it now.  Not everyone feels the same way about lamb, but after … Continue reading Lamb, Zucchini and Mashed Potato Pie

Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing

Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

Vibrant red pomegranate contrasts with fresh splashes of green parsley in this quinoa salad with a bright citrus dressing. This salad has everything I am looking for.  Not only is it eye-catching, it’s healthy, crunchy, satisfying, and tied together with a perfectly balanced, tangy citrus dressing.  Salads that are too sweet are not my style.  The beautiful red pomegranate, however, does not take this salad over the … Continue reading Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

Slow-Cooker Succotash with Quinoa and Butternut Squash

With plenty of savoury flavour and the convenience of the crock pot, finally, here is an appealing succotash recipe that makes me grateful and glad! Skeptics like me need some convincing that succotash is a dish worth serving. Though I would like to be as thankful as the my immigrant ancestors were for basic sustenance, bland food does not incline me toward celebration. My opinion … Continue reading Slow-Cooker Succotash with Quinoa and Butternut Squash

Chocolate Dipped Banana Bar with Toppings

Chocolate Dipped Banana Pop Bar

When I saw this super idea at Hidden Ponies to make marshmallows pops with melted chocolate and assorted toppings, I knew we had to try it with bananas.  Because I’m just not that into corn syrup. As much as we like sprinkles, to avoid artificial colours this time, I rummaged through my cupboards and the refrigerator and found a healthier array of coatings–pretzels, pomegranate fruit, … Continue reading Chocolate Dipped Banana Pop Bar