Spiced Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes...

This may look like a complicated recipe – but do not get discouraged! Most ingredients go into a slow cooker – so you put it all together in the morning and by the time you are ready to serve dinner you will only have couple more little steps to finish it! Spiced Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes: 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch-thick half-moons 1 28-ounce...

Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew...

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 pounds lamb steaks (top round or shoulder), bones removed and meat cut into 2-inch pieces salt and black pepper 4 carrots, cut into 3-inch sticks 1 onion, sliced 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained 4 ounces green beans, cut into small pieces (about 1 cup) 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley,...

Asparagus and Soft Eggs on Toast...

4 slices of your favourite  bread (white sandwich bread is not recommended) 1 lb. of  asparagus, tough ends trimmed 2 tablespoons of olive oil salt and black pepper 8 large eggs 1/4 cup Parmesan (1 ounce) Heat broiler. Place the bread and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Broil until the bread is toasted, 1 to 2 minutes...

Ravioli with Spinach and Bacon...

1 pound ravioli (fresh or frozen) 6 slices bacon 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 bunches fresh spinach, thick stems removed (about 8 cups) salt and black pepper 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Cook the ravioli according to the package directions. Drain and divide among bowls. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a paper towel–lined...

Chicken Cutlets with Smashed Potatoes and Peas...

1 pound small new potatoes (about 10) salt and black pepper 1 10-ounce package frozen peas 2 scallions, sliced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 8 small chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds) 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons olive oil Place the potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes, adding the peas in the last 2 minutes; drain. Gently mash...

Five Easy Dinners...

One for each day of the week! This will take some of the stress of trying to figure out what to make for dinner away – just get the recipes, include the ingredients in your shopping list and you will love the results! Here is the plan: 1. Chicken Cutlets with Smashed Potatoes and Peas: http://www.mama-knows.com/recipes/chicken-cutlets-with-smashed-potatoes-and-peas.html 2. Asparagus and Soft Eggs on Toast: http://www.mama-knows.com/recipes/asparagus-and-soft-eggs-on-toast.html 3....

Simple Vegetable Purees for your Baby...

Here are a few suggestions of variations for homemade vegetable purees for your baby. And as with all my recipes and instructions – they are very simple and very good for your baby: Broccoli and Cauliflower: Place about 1/2 lb. of broccoli or cauliflower florets into a steamer and cook for about 10 minutes – until tender. You can use either one of these vegetables or mix them half and half. When tender, drain,cool...

Homemade Fruit Purees for your Baby...

You can get quite creative with making fruit purees for your baby. It is a great way to include vitamins into the baby’s diet and generally, your baby will like the taste. I would recommend tasting your fruits first – ones such as apricots can be little sour so mix them with fruit that is naturally sweet – like a mango. If you choose rips fruit, you will not have to worry about sweetness. Try these...

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs...

I am thinking – it is spring and we are all just wanting to be outside. And yes – that would also mean that barbecues are being fired up full blast. I will be posting regular grilling recipes – but for now, I want to add one that is delicious, takes little time to prepare and will give you more time to actually be outside! Personally – I love my slow cooker and I use it a lot. It’s great...

Cleaning with Toothpaste...

Here is another one of household hint tips, cleaning with an items that is already in your home, but may not have thought or known about its added uses. Toothpaste is a combination of mild abrasive, a detergent and an anti-bacterial agent  – and that makes it a potent stain fighter. You need to stay away from gel toothpastes and the formulas designed for tartar control and whitening – stick to to the standard...