Recipe Time: 
Pumpkin Black Bean Turkey Chili


This is one of my favorite fall recipes! It's perfect on a cold day with a fresh loaf of bread. There are many different versions of this recipe, but this is my own personal take. 

I got a little excited when cooking this recipe and ate it before I took a picture. So I am using a picture from "Fix-It and Forget-It", but mine looked something like that. 


Ingredients: 
1 Pound of Ground Turkey (or Chicken)
1 Red Pepper
1 Yellow Pepper
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Small Zucchini
1 Can of Diced Tomatoes
1 Can of Black Beans (Drained and Rinsed)
1 Can of Yellow Corn
1 Can of Pumpkin Puree
2 Cloves of Garlic
1 tsp of Cumin
2 tsp of Chili Powder
1 tsp of Parsley 
1 tsp of Oregano
Chicken Broth


Directions: 
1. Chop Zucchini, Peppers, Onions, and Garlic into small cubes. 
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, onion, peppers, and zucchini. Cook for a few minutes, until veggies are tender and turkey is browned. 
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute. 
4. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, yellow corn, pumpkin puree, and spices. 
5. Add enough chicken broth to loosen everything up a bit. 
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. 
7. Optional: Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream. 


This is a quick and easy recipe everyone will enjoy. Make a big batch because it makes for great leftovers! 


Happy Eating! :)
~meg xoxo

Recipe Time
Blackberry Pineapple Mojito

Mojitos and margaritas have always been in competition for the ultimate summer patio drink. During my recent trip to Vegas I decided that this summer belongs to the mojito.
Ever since then I have been trying to find an easy Mojito recipe I can make back home. I found this recipe on www.myrecipes.com and thought it looked tasty and fool proof! This would be an ideal drink to have while sitting on your patio on a hot summer day! 


Ingredients:

2 teaspoons sugar
3 blackberries
3 small chunks fresh pineapple
6 or 7 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus a wedge for garnish
1/4 cup light or dark rum
1/4 cup seltzer


Preparation:

1. For simple syrup: put sugar and 2 tsp. water in a glass bowl and microwave on full power for 10 to 15 seconds, or until sugar is dissolved.
2. Drop blackberries, pineapple, and mint leaves into a sturdy glass and crush to a pulp with the end of a wooden spoon. Add the simple syrup, lime juice, and rum.
3. Pour the contents into an old-fashioned glass and then back into first glass; repeat until thoroughly mixed, then pour back into old-fashioned glass. Add ice cubes and seltzer; stir. Garnish with sprig of mint and lime wedge.

Recipe from: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/blackberry-pineapple-mojito-10000001816267/

ENJOY!


~ meg

Recipe Time: Coconut - Red Curry Pumpkin Soup

Here is a quick and healthy soup recipe I found that will warm you up on a cold winter day (or a typical spring day in Edmonton...) 


Ingredients:
3 cups chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
2 teaspoons chili sauce with garlic
1/8 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup light coconut milk
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Chopped cilantro


Instructions: 
1. Combine the first five ingredients in a saucepan, stir till smooth. 
2. Add coconut milk and stir with whisk. 

3. Cook for one minute or until throughly heated. 
4. Remove from heat and add lime juice. 
5. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with cilantro. 
ENJOY!

I found this great recipe in the "Fall 2009 Weight Watchers 20 Minutes Recipe" Magazine. 

Recipe Time: Martha Stewart Cranberry-and-Orange Vodka

(Image from http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/infused-vodka)

This is an easy recipe I found on marthastewart.com. Fruit-infused vodka is a great handmade gift for the holiday season. 


Ingredients: 
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 piece of fresh orange peel
1/4 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of water
3 cups of high quality vodka


The best thing about this recipe is that you can substitute the cranberries and oranges for any type of fruit and create your own personalized fruit vodka.  


Directions:
In a saucepan, heat cranberries, sugar, and water until the sugar dissolves. Pour the cranberries and the liquid into a large glass jar; stir in orange peel and vodka. Cover and let stand in large glass jar for at least 3 days. Strain before serving. 


When gifting your vodka I would suggest attaching a cocktail recipe that works with your personal fruit vodka. 

Recipe Time:
Girls' Night Out!

One of my favorite things is Girls’ Night Out! Most of the time we end up staying in rather than actually going out, but it’s the best time ever! We usually each bring an appetizer and some wine, and just sit around the table and eat, drink, and laugh all night. I usually try to make something new and unique to bring, and this time I decided to use a Martha Stewart recipe I saw on Oprah a couple months ago. Enjoy!

Fancy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Tomato, brie, green apple, pear on sundried tomato loaf.

I like this recipe because its not only easy but very versatile; you can use any type of fruit, veggies, or cheese you like.

Ingredients:
Green Apple
Pear
Brie
Sundried Tomato Loaf
Tomato
Margarine

Method:
1. Cut apple, pear and tomato into thin slices
2. Cut load into thin slices
3. Cut Brie into thin slices
4. Warm up pan
5. Butter the outside of bread
6. Grill sandwiches until light brown
7. Remove, slice and serve warm

This recipe turned out to be a GREAT success! Everyone loved them and once again fun times were had at Girls’ Night Out!

Thanks Martha Stewart!

Recipe Time: Cranberry Banana Oat Bites


A naturally sweetened morning snack with a mixture of fruit and nuts. Excellent as a breakfast bite or a hearty snack. 

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Rolled Oats
1 Cup White Flour
1/4 Cup Oil
4 Ripe Mashed Bananas
1/2 Cup of Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 Cup of Dry Cranberries
1/2 Cup of Chopped Almonds
1/4 tsp of Cinnamon
1 tsp of Baking Soda
1 tsp of honey- if desired a sweeter taste. 
Note: You can add any dry fruit and any nuts you like. 


Method:
1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl including berries and nuts. 
2. In a separate bowl mix mashed bananas and oil. 
3. Add wet and dry ingredients together. 
4. Drop tbsp onto greased baking sheet. 
5. Bake at 350 F for 10-15 minutes. 
ENJOY! 


Recipe created by Megan & Nikki