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Casual Dining

Easy Baked 4-Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Crumb Topping

By Denise Pare-Watson

Everyone needs a dish that can be put together quickly from handy pre-made products. This tortellini pasta dish can be pulled together with a few pantry items and be on the table in less than one hour.  This comfort food dish takes just a few minutes to mix together and 30 minutes to bake.  The result is a bubbling and tasty dish that the family will love.  The leftovers are even better the next day and ideal in school lunches.  It is also a great dish for potlucks and can feed a large crowd of hungry people.

Baked Tortellini Dish
Easy Baked 4-Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Crumb Topping
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Filed Under: Casual Dining, My Recipes, Pasta Dishes, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Kid Friendly, Meatless Monday, Pasta, Pasta Dishes, Tortellini

Crispy Sage and Bacon Pasta

By Denise Pare-Watson

My herb garden is overflowing with sage, rosemary, parsley, chives, mint and basil.  Time is running out, so I need to use as many fresh herbs as possible in my favourite family dishes.   One of our best is this super quick pasta dish made with a few uncomplicated ingredients – Crispy Sage and Bacon Pasta.  In the process of crisping the sage leaves, you need to use fresh sage leaves which is a key feature of this delicious pasta dish.  You will have it on the table in the time it takes to cook the pasta.  Just pour a glass of wine, relax and enjoy this delicious herb from your garden.

Crispy Sage and Bacon Pasta
Crispy Sage and Bacon Pasta
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Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
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Filed Under: Casual Dining, Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes, Pasta Dishes, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Bacon, Fresh Herbs, Gluten Free Recipes, Pasta Dishes, Sage

Pineapple Tepache – A Summer Mocktail

By Denise Pare-Watson

I have been making kombucha in the Urb’n’Spice kitchen for some time now, and as summer approaches, I wanted to try out some other fermented drinks that do not require the more protracted wait times between the first and second fermentations that kombucha requires.  Pineapple Tepache (pronounced tay-paw-chay) is a good choice because you can produce a refreshing mildly fermented beverage in three days by using three simple ingredients:  the rind of the pineapple, brown sugar (or piloncillo, which is a raw form of pure cane sugar in Mexico) and spices of your choice all combined with filtered water.  Pineapple Tepache is considered a non-alcoholic beverage because it has a short fermentation process.  The resulting mocktail (an iced drink without alcohol typically made from juice, herbs or spices and soda water) is a satisfying fizzy tropical thirst-quencher, which can be enhanced with a squirt of lime, and sprig of mint and a splash of soda or seltzer or even Prosecco.  

Pineapple Tepache in a frosty glass
Pineapple Tepache

Tepache originated in ancient Mexico. The word “Tepache” was a drink made from corn but over time, it has been urbanized and has evolved into two distinct drinks:  Tepache and Tejuino.  Tepache is a partially fermented drink made from pineapple, water, and brown sugar whereas, Tejuino is a fermented drink made from corn.  Tepache is made from the pineapple scraps that would typically be thrown away in the compost.  Yeast naturally lives on the peeling of the pineapple  and this yeast helps to ferment the tepache, so it is important to consider an organic pineapple if you can.

An organic pineapple

Pineapple has distinctive properties, including a unique enzyme (found only in pineapple) called bromelain, which aids with digestion.  In addition to this, pineapple is a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals; namely, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, calcium, iron and a high source of Vitamin C.  Minerals in pineapple include thiamine, riboflavin, folate, fibre, magnesium, manganese, potassium, beta-carotene and antioxidants.  When you make Tepache, probiotics are generated as part of the fermentation process.  All in all, pineapples are delicious, nutritious and make one of the most refreshing summer non-alcoholic drinks that I have ever tasted.  Give it a try!  You will enjoy it!

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Filed Under: Beverages, Casual Dining, Fruit, Garnishes, My Recipes, Preservative Free Tagged With: Beverages, Fermented Drinks, Gluten Free Recipes, Mocktails, Pineapple, Summer Drinks

How To Make The Best Chili – A Blend and Extend Recipe

By Denise Pare-Watson

Everyones chili preferences are very personal; for example, hot and spicy, meaty, vegetarian – the sky is the limit.  Chili maestros will always tell you that they make The Best Chili.   Well, I am here to tell you that I make the ‘best chili’ and this is the recipe that will back up that claim!  If you have been following my blog, you will know that I have been experimenting with recipes that are ‘Blenditarian’, (also known as ‘Blend-and-Extend’ in Canada).  By definition, ground meat recipes are stretched with finely chopped mushrooms.   For my version, I add finely chopped vegetables with the mushrooms to create an even more aromatic flavour.  This represents a more sustainable and nutritious approach to healthy eating.  This all ties in very well with the new Canada Food Guide recommendations of eating less meat and more vegetables. I have created a base called Savoury Meat, Mushroom and Vegetable Blend.  This blend (or base) can be used in a wide variety of easy to make recipes.

How to Make the Best Chili | urbnspice.com

In this post, you will learn how to prepare this base blend to utilize it to make a fabulous chili – “The Best Chili”.  I make the blend base ahead of time and freeze it in family size portions. Once you have the blend base made, dinner can be on the table in less than ten minutes.  Enjoy!

This Meat, Mushroom and Vegetable base can be used to make many dishes such as:  Spaghetti Sauce; Sloppy Joes; Taco Salad; Hamburger Soup; Beef, Cheese and Macaroni Casserole; and much more. (Refer to “What Else Can I Do With This Recipe?” Section below to learn more).

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Filed Under: Blenditarian Recipes, Casual Dining, Gluten Free Recipes, Main Dishes or Entree Options, Meat Dishes, My Recipes, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Blenditarian Recipes, Chili, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy

How to Prepare Spatchcock Chicken

By Denise Pare-Watson

 

Urb’n’Spice Tips and Techniques Series

Chicken is one of the most versatile of all meats or poultry.  It is prepared in a variety of ways in the Urb’n’Spice kitchen, such as Herb and Butter Sunday Roast Chicken, Pan Roasted Chicken with Creamy Asiago Sauce, or Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Strawberry Salsa.  The opportunity to flavour chicken is limitless.  In this post, I will teach you How to Prepare a Spatchcock Chicken, and also show you how to make a Quick Poultry Rub that will give any poultry dish a delicious flavour.

A Spatchcock Chicken is essentially a chicken that has had the backbone removed.  This allows you to butterfly or flatten the chicken more easily for grilling or roasting. Removing the backbone can be done with a sharp pair of kitchen utility shears or a chef’s (French) knife – not a serrated knife.  Alternatively, your butcher can easily remove the backbone for you. Once you have mastered the spatchcock technique, you will be able to create a delicious meal in the oven or on the grill in a much shorter time than roasting a whole chicken.

Spatchcock Chicken with Quick Poultry Rub | urbnspice.com 

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Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
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Filed Under: Casual Dining, My Recipes, Poultry Dishes, Urb'n'Spice Tips and Techniques Series Tagged With: Chicken, Cooking Techniques, Gluten Free Recipes, Main Dishes, Poultry Dishes, Roasting, Tips and Techniques

Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas

By Denise Pare-Watson

 

This recipe for Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas is Grey Cup Party food at its best!  It is quick and easy to put together, but more importantly, delicious!  They are little pizzas made in a handheld form. Make lots – your guests will be clamouring for more.

Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas | urbnspice.com

Make lots! They will disappear very quickly!

I was involved in a food challenge a few years ago that wanted us to develop original recipes for the Little Potato Company. On my blog, you will find the results of my creativity including a family-sized version of Smashed Potato Pizza, as well as Sausage and Potato Stuffing, Bacon Cheese Potato Cups and Potato Crusted Quiche (all gluten-free recipes).  I have re-invented the Smashed Potato Pizza and made it into small appetizer sized pizzas.  These Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas have the crispy edges that are so appealing and flavourful.  Toppings are kept simple given the well-seasoned smashed potato base; sliced grape tomatoes, chiffonade of basil, sliced green onion, mozzarella and bocconcini cheese, and crispy bacon bits.   Don’t forget to serve the Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas with Dressed Up Sour Cream….

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Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Casual Dining, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Preservative Free, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Appetizers, Gluten Free Recipes, Grey Cup, Potatoes, Small Plates

Spicy Sausage and Cabbage Fry with Greek Yogurt Sauce

By Denise Pare-Watson

The Inspiration of Urb’n’Spice Series

Sometimes inspiration can be derived from necessity. Have you ever gone to the grocery store to purchase a specific ingredient or item and it ends up to be something entirely different than what you expected? This recipe was developed due to a case of mislabelling. I actually needed to buy mild Italian sausage, however, the package was mislabelled and I bought a spicy version instead. Not wanting to waste food, my original meal plan was altered to accommodate this Spicy Sausage and I created the following Spicy Sausage and Cabbage Fry with Greek Yogurt Sauce.

The ingredients for this dish have originated from all over the world: Hot Italian sausage; Chinese Napa cabbage; Canadian mushrooms; Greek yogurt sauce and Asian inspired seasonings. It all comes together into a balanced fusion dish. I encourage you to try it as it is a delicious, quick and nutritious meal.

Spicy Sausage and Cabbage Fry | urbnspice.com

Spicy Sausage and Cabbage Fry served in a flour tortilla

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
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License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Blenditarian Challenge, Blenditarian Recipes, Brunch Dishes, Casual Dining, Condiments & Accompaniments, Dairy Free Recipes, Egg Free Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, Main Dishes or Entree Options, Meat Dishes, Refined Sugar Free Recipes Tagged With: Blend and Extend, Blenditarian Recipes, Mushrooms, Quick and Easy, Sausage

Back-to-School Blenditarian Sloppy Joes

By Denise Pare-Watson

BLENDITARIAN CHALLENGE SERIES

Prelude: Blenditarian.Com has initiated a monthly challenge that incorporates their Blenditarian approach into creative and fun dishes.  To clarify for my readers, a Blenditarian is “one who believes the mighty, meaty mushroom makes meals more delicious, nutritious and sustainable.”  This approach stretches ground meat by adding finely chopped mushrooms to create a flavourful and more nutritious dish. The theme for the month of August is all about incorporating “The Blend”(mushrooms + meat) into a back-to-school weeknight dinner dish.  As Blenditarian.com suggests, “It’s that time of year: school is back in session and schedules are jam-packed. Make back-to-school dinners tastier and better-for-you by adding The Blend (mushrooms + meat) – a quick and easy technique that’s perfect for adding nutrients to dishes for those who are always on the go or simply looking for a way to incorporate more veggies into meals.”  Therefore, I am sharing a recipe below for Back-to-School Blenditarian Sloppy Joes that you will want to try!

Back-to-School Blenditarian Sloppy Joes | urbnspice.com

This recipe utilizes a package of savoury meat blend (the first Urb’n’Spice Blenditarian recipe).  I keep several pouches in my freezer for quick meals like this and for other quick meals like date night spaghetti sauce, chili, and hamburger macaroni casserole (recipes coming soon in future Blenditarian posts).  This recipe for Back-to-School Sloppy Joes can be made in under ten minutes with just a few additional ingredients.

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Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Blenditarian Challenge, Blenditarian Recipes, Casual Dining, Main Dishes or Entree Options, My Recipes, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Back to School Dinners, Blenditarian Recipes, Ground Beef, Quick and Easy

Panini Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Herb Dressing

By Denise Pare-Watson

We all have a go-to dish for our summertime get-togethers – my family favourite is a grilled vegetable platter.   We love this dish because any type of grilled vegetables are delicious and nutritious and you can use any vegetables that are in season. It can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature which makes menu planning easy. I like to serve the vegetables with a simple dressing made from fresh herbs from my garden. Panini Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Herb Dressing is a dish that may well become your go-to summer favourite.

Panini Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Herb Dressing | urbnspice.com

Panini Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Herb Dressing

This Panini Grilled Vegetable Platter is very easy to pull together. I have created a herb and spice seasoning for this recipe called Grilled Vegetable Seasoning Blend (recipe below) that compliments a variety of vegetables. To save time, I use a Panini grill rather than the bbq, which is very efficient as the Panini grill cooks both sides at once which negates the need to turn each piece. In addition, I can grill the vegetables in batches while I am puttering about in the kitchen doing other things. Once the vegetables are grilled and plated, I drizzle a little balsamic and fresh herb dressing on top (recipe included below). If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.  This vegetarian summertime dish is gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free and preservative free.  For heartier fare, serve the grilled vegetable platter with cedar planked salmon and boiled whole new potatoes (buttered with fresh dill)….

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Casual Dining, Dairy Free Recipes, Egg Free Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, My Recipes, Preservative Free, Refined Sugar Free Recipes, Vegetables, Vegetarian Dishes Tagged With: Grilled Vegetables, Salad Dressings, Seasoning Blends, Spice Blends, Vegetables

Savoury Blenditarian Brunch Pork with Vegetables & Fine Herbs

By Denise Pare-Watson

BLENDITARIAN CHALLENGE SERIES

Prelude: Blenditarian.Com has initiated a monthly challenge that incorporates their Blenditarian approach into interesting and fun dishes.  To clarify for my readers, a Blenditarian is “one who believes the mighty, meaty mushroom makes meals more delicious, nutritious and sustainable.”  This approach stretches ground meat by adding finely chopped mushrooms to create a flavourful and more nutritious dish. The theme for the month of June is all about incorporating“The Blend”(mushrooms + meat) into brunch dishes. For this reason, I have developed a recipe for Savoury Blenditarian Brunch Pork (or Turkey) with Vegetables & Fine Herbs.

A Thai dish called ‘larb’, which is one of the most popular street foods in Thailand, has inspired this Savoury Brunch Blenditarian Pork (or Turkey) with Vegetables & Fine Herbs dish. The addition of many types of vegetables just adds to the appeal. I enjoy having vegetables cooked in creative ways to produce different textures. I also like the idea that the dish can be served warm, cold or at room temperature.

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Savoury Blenditarian Brunch Pork with Vegetables & Fine Herbs | urbnspice.com…

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
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License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Blenditarian Challenge, Blenditarian Recipes, Brunch Dishes, Casual Dining, Dairy Free Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Main Dishes or Entree Options, My Recipes, Quick and Easy Dishes, Vegetables Tagged With: Blenditarian Recipes, Brunch dishes, Dairy Free Recipes, Fast and Easy Dishes, Gluten Free Recipes, Healthy Dishes, Pork, Weight Watchers

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Meet Denise – The Urbnspice Chef

Welcome to Urbnspice - A Taste of Heart and Home. Inspiration in my kitchen is often a trip to the market or an experimental coincidence! Come and join me on this culinary journey where I share my passion for the creative, technical and teaching components of the profession and unravel culinary quandaries for you with fun and easy to follow user-friendly recipes, tips & techniques.
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