Chai Tea Shortbread Cookies with #GayLeaFoods Plus KitchenAid Giveaway

When I think back to memories of prepping for the Holidays way back when, the enticing scent of baked goods in my moms kitchen would instantly pop into my mind.
Coupled with the sounds of Christmas Carols humming in the background, this is just one other reason why Christmas just happens to be my absolute favourite holiday.

It's not every day you get the feel-good, deep-in-your-soul, solacing kinda feeling then when you remember such memories that bring back the child in you. One of the recipes that always recaptures my childhood during the holidays is my moms Shortbread Cookies.
Tender, Buttery goodness.

What I love about Shortbread Cookies is that it's adaptable - you can do so much with it just by adding a few things like rosemary or toffee bits. I also love the savoury variety which you can achieve with some cardamom. Add in some shredded coconut and voila! Delicious curry and coconut delight!
You see, definitely so much you can create with a good shortbread recipe.
It is the easiest, most versatile cookie you can make. And every baker needs to have their own fool-proof recipe in their arsenal.

I love a good Chai Tea so I thought I would combine the two to create an exotic twist to comfort.
I am planning on serving these over the holidays with a combination of other Shortbread concoctions and also would make a great gift for neighbours, friends, family, teachers, etc.
Just place in cellophane wrap or mason jars complete with some pretty ribbon and tag and you've got delicious, home-made gifts anyone will love to receive.

Here's my recipe - hope you enjoy!

CHAI TEA SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Ingredients:
1 lb. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup and 3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp of loose leaf Chai Tea (or 3 teabags)




Method:
In a food processor, combine the flour, cornstarch and chai tea until well combined; put aside in a bowl.

In a stand-mixer, combine the softened butter, salt, and sugar. Whip on medium speed for 5-6 minutes, until the butter becomes pale and white, and increases in volume. On low-speed, mix in the flour, cornstarch.

Divide dough into two and spread each out on parchment paper. Roll into 1.5" - 2" logs, twist ends and refrigerate for an hour (until cold & firm) to overnight (you can freeze from here as well).

When you're ready to bake, pre-heat oven to 150 degrees, cut shortbread cookies and place onto parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, until the edges just begin to color. (Shortbread should remain more white in color.)

Remove cookies onto cooling tray and let cool. Enjoy!

Happy baking!

Thanks to Gay Lea Foods and Mom Central Canada, ONE grand-prize winner (one winner across all 15 blogs) will win a KitchenAid® Classic Series Stand Mixer.
I absolutely LOVE mine and there's so much deliciousness you can create with a KitchenAid® Stand Mixer.

Simply enter via rafflecopter below for a chance to win! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And that's not it!

I'm also giving away a Gay Lea “Our Table: Shared Meals” cookbook!

A compilation of popular (and yummy!) recipes and
includes everything from breakfast to dessert, and every eating occasion
in-between. It’s a great asset to have heading into the holiday season,
whether it’s for yourself, or a gift to a love one!

To enter this giveaway, make sure you're following us on Facebook and enter via rafflecopter below.








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While on Facebook, don't forget to visit Gay Lea Foods and Enter to Win some AMAZING prizes in their Shortbread Bliss Contest! Plus more great shortbread recipes!
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Disclosure: I am part of the Gay Lea Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

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Italy Meets Mexico: Mexican Bruschetta #Recipe

Blending two different cultures when creating meals is quickly becoming the new craze in cooking.

This is quite the norm with my cultural background as there is such a diversity with our dishes offering a usual mix of Chinese, Spanish and Filipino cuisine.

Two of my favourites, Italian and Mexican, mingle to create a real delicious appetizer, Mexican Bruschetta.

I have this really addictive taste for fresh, crispy crunch loaves of bread.

When I was younger, my grandma use to make fresh bread and would just dip it in olive oil (the really good stuff!). I loved it!

Ever since then, I have been trying to master making my own bread from home - but never have I come close to even duplicating the way she use to make it.

Combining my love for French Bread and an Italian Antipasto favourite of mine with my family's love for Mexican Food, I created my own spin on Bruschetta with my Mexican Bruschetta.

MEXICAN BRUSCHETTA

Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

Yields: 6 Servings 

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette 
• Olive oil 
• 2 - 3 Mexican Chorizo
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow red pepper, sliced
• 3 - 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup of Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 avocado for garnish, sliced
• 1 tsp of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning 

Method:

1) Remove the casings on the Chorizo and crumble/chop onto a separate plate

2) Cut the baguette diagonally in 1½” slices and using a pastry brush, coat each side. 

3) Cook the Chorizo in olive oil in medium heat

4) Add the onions and garlic and cook unto translucent

5) Add peppers and tomato and cook until tender

6) Add mushrooms and Old El Paso Seasoning, stir together and cook for 5 minutes

7) In a separate pan, toast both side of the the bread and place on large plate

8) Spoon Bruschetta toppings on top of each slice of bread

9) Add some Avocado slices atop or as garnish on the sides if you like

I hope you all enjoy this appetizer as much as me and my family and friends do!

Try and mix things up next time you're planning your meals or next event. It's fun and unique and you just may create something brand new for your family to enjoy for the years to come.

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Disclosure: I’m part of the Old El Paso Ambassador program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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Chocolate Banana French Toast with Gay Lea's Newest Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Spreadable Butter

As an avid baker and cook, you can only imagine my elation when I received notice that I was selected as one of the newest Gay Lea Brand Ambassadors!

Gay Lea has been a staple brand in our family kitchen for the longest time!

I remember making many of my grilled cheese sandwiches during my college years using Gay Lea Butter to my first attempt making a cake! As there were some hits and misses among the successful attempts, one thing's for sure -- licking the spoon was always a must! 

Fond Gay Lea memories, indeed.

Their dairy products are not only known because of the brand name but because they simply taste wonderful!

Their latest product to hit shelves is their Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Spreadables Butter with Canola Oil.

Check out that buttery, brown sugary and cinnamon goodness!

The first thing that popped into my head when I saw this product was FRENCH TOAST!

French Toast was not only a childhood favourite of mine but now it's a family tradition for us to serve French Toast on Sunday mornings in our home. 

It's much requested for breakfast but also for dessert after dinner too!

As much as I love the original way of making the beloved French Toast, I like to take it a notch higher for my family by including a couple of their favourite things.

For us, it's bananas and chocolate (nutella!).

CHOCOLATE BANANA FRENCH TOAST 

This is a truly decadent treat that your family and especially the kids will enjoy!
It's also a nice treat for you too. Go ahead, indulge!

Ingredients:

• 10 Slices of Bread
• Gay Lea Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Spreadables Butter
• 4 Eggs
• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 Cup of Milk
• 1 Tsp Sugar
• Nutella
• Bananas
• Icing Sugar
• Canola Oil
• Strawberries and/or Blueberries (optional)

Method:

1) In a shallow bowl, beat eggs with fork and stir in vanilla, milk and sugar 

2) On Medium Heat, heat up a tablespoon of oil in griddle or skillet

3) Butter both sides of one bread with Gay Lea Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Spreadables Butter and the one side of another bread with nutella
4) Add sliced bananas on top of nutella bread and then close together with the buttered bread

5) Dip in liquid batter so that entirely coated and then add to griddle
6) Transfer bread slices to griddle or skillet, heating slowly until bottom is golden brown. Turn and brown the other side.

Serve French Toast with chopped strawberries and/or blueberries with a sprinkling of icing sugar and/or maple syrup.

Yes, it's as delicious as it looks!
(Please refrain from licking the screen).

One of my readers will WIN a One Year Supply of Gay Lea's Newest Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Spreadables with 12 FPC's (that's a whole lotta butter and French Toast!)

To be eligible to win, leave me a comment telling me what you would make with the new Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Spreadables Butter and enter via rafflectoper below for more additional entries.

Open to Canadian Residents only (excluding Quebec).
Contest ends 10/25.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Disclosure: I am part of the Gay Lea Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.” 

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Don't Fear the Carbs! with Dempster's® Thins Plus #Giveaway

Thank goodness for guilt-free carbs!
Dempster's® has recently come out with "the best THINS since sliced bread!". Featuring their latest yummy creation, Dempster's® Thins.
As part of their weight management product line, Dempster's® brings you Thins in White, Brown and Multigrain Bread and Tortillas.

I enjoy brown and multigrain bread and they work well with specific kinds of sandwiches but my heart still belongs to white bread.

My daughter can sniff out the difference when making her sandwiches no matter what I do; she also loves white bread!
I say "Don't fear the Carbs!" Well, I can say that now with Dempster's® Thins products.

Try out these delicious sandwich favourites for you and your family with the new Dempster's® Thins and enjoy some guilt-free carb-o-licious indulgence.










We love grilled cheese in our family, especially my daughter, but I wanted to create one that was hubby-friendly too!
A measly grilled cheese just will not cut it for him.
But I think I have just the thing...

... just add the Bacon! Duh!
No man can ever say NO to bacon. No women for that matter (you know I'm right, ladies).

BACON GUACAMOLE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bacon
• 4 slices of Dempster's® Thins Bread (any you like)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons pressed avocado
• 2 tablespoons crushed tortilla chips

Directions
1) Cook bacon until crispy; set aside.
2) Butter one side of each side of bread and place two slices in a heated skillet, butter side down.
3) Spread each bread slice with avocado then layer cheese, bacon and tortilla chips. Top each with one slice of remaining bread, butter side up.
4) Grill over medium heat, flipping once, until golden brown or until cheese is melted.

I'm a sucker for anything guacamole and bacon. Just saying.

And for something a little more light, and a great option for the kids, try out my Turkey & Tomato Panini. It's all in the sauce!

TURKEY AND TOMATO PANINI

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 8 slices Dempster's® Thins Bread
• 8 ounces thinly sliced deli turkey
• 8 tomato slices
• 2 teaspoons canola oil

Directions:
1) Heat up your Panini Press or if you don't have one have four 15-ounce cans and a medium skillet (not nonstick) ready by the stove.

2) Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, Parmesan, basil, lemon juice and pepper in a small bowl. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the mixture on each slice of bread.

3) Divide turkey and tomato slices among 4 slices of bread; top with the remaining bread.

4) Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 panini in the pan. Place the medium skillet on top of the panini, then weight it down with the cans. Cook the panini until golden on one side, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, flip the panini, replace the top skillet and cans, and cook until the second side is golden, 1 to 3 minutes more. Repeat with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining panini.

Enjoy!

To learn more about Dempster's® Thins products visit them at: www.dempsters.ca/.
They're also social and if you want to catch some great recipes and deals like coupons and contests, check them out on Facebook.

I'm giving away 2 sets of 4 Dempster's® Coupons for you to try the new Dempster's® Thins for yourself!
To win, simply leave a comment below telling me what your FAVOURITE SANDWICH is!
Easy!
*Open to Canadians only.
Contest ends October 1st, 2013.

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Disclosure: I am part of the MLF Connects Blogger Program and receive perks and compensation as part of this program however all opinions expressed are my very own.

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Mexican Fiesta Made Easy: Chicken Tortilla Lasagna #Recipe plus #Giveaway

Get ready to Mex-it-up!

My family and I like to have fun in our home with Mexi-Mondays (choice of Tacos, Quesadillas, Mexican Rice and Chicken, Fajitas, etc.) and would make it fun by incorporating a little bit of fun like watching a Mexican Movie - we love Selena and Nacho Libre (ha-ha!) in our home! For the adults, we enjoy La Bamba or Desperado. 

Or even just cooking and dining to some beautiful Mexican music. I have such a fondness for Mexican music - it's so charming and cheerful. And not to mention, it really gets the party started in the kitchen.

My husband and I sometimes like to dance around and the kids like to dance along! It's always a good time.

Here's one of our favourite songs of all time, Voltare from Gipsy Kings (a very popular Mexican band).

Ever since the school year started, my schedule has changed drastically and a little kitchen dancing can be such a nice stress-reliever. But easy, quick-to-make, delicious and filling meals is what matters the utmost to me, especially now more than ever.

As you already know, I am a big fan (and brand ambassador) for Old El Paso (Check out my recipe for Mini Tex-Mex Meatloaf!), as I find their quality of products always make for a variety of swift and tasty recipes.

There are some days when tacos just won't cut it and I want to provide my family with something new and delicious at the table for Mexi-Mondays. Mondays are one of my busiest (4 cups of coffee...) kind of days, but I love how easy this recipe is to make.
Are you a fan of Lasagna? How about Chicken?
Then you will LOVE my Chicken Tortilla Lasagna!
This is a kind of meal that will surely have you dancing to the dining table.

CHICKEN TORTILLA LASAGNA
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
Yields: 4-6 hearty servings

Ingredients:

- Olive Oil or Canola Oil (or whatever oil you prefer to cook the chicken in)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Medium-sized onion, chopped
- 1 pack of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- Package of large Flour Tortillas (or whole wheat - I like Dempster's Tortillas!)
- 2 cups of Old El Paso Salsa (Mild if you're eating with small children)
- 1 1/2 cups of Old El Paso Refried Beans
- 2 cups of sour cream
- 1 cup of guacamole
- 1 cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese
- chopped fresh cilantro

Method:

1) Rub the OEP Taco Seasoning all over your chicken breasts
2) At medium heat, heat some oil in a frying skillet, cook the onions until transparent and then add in and cook your chicken breasts

3) While your chicken is cooking, make your sauce combining the salsa, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole (yummy!)

4) Once chicken is cooked and cooled, shred and put into a bowl

5) Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees celcius.
6) Arrange your Tortillas on a lightly oiled flat baking sheet and then create your lasagna in the following order:

a) Sauce

b) Chicken

c) Cheese

d) and Repeat!

7) Usually I have up to 3 stacks of Tortillas in the middle and top off with 4th Tortilla and lots and lots of Cheddar Cheese.
Pop into the Oven and bake for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbling.
Let sit out to stiffen for 15 minutes then cut into triangular pieces.
Serve with a nice dollop of sour cream and top with some cilantro. I also like to include some of the special sauce on the side as well.
Delicioso!

This is yet another example of the delicious meals you can create using Old El Paso products.
Feel free to follow Old El Paso Canada on Facebook or Old El Paso Ambassadors for more great recipes at hashtag #youmexiCAN on Twitter and Facebook.

To help you Mex-up your dinner routine, I am giving away an Old El Paso Prize Pack worth $75!

1) Leave a comment below telling me what your favourite Mexican dish is
2) Submit via rafflecopter plus chances for additional entries

Rules:
Open to Canadian Residents only.
Winner will be randomly selected on October 1st, 2013.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: I am participating in the Old El Paso Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills, and received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own. 

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#Wrap It Up with Dempster’s® Tortillas: Easy Fish Tacos & Tortilla Snickerdoodles #Recipes

There are few things that thrill me more than being able to whip up new and delicious recipes that take up only a few minutes of your day and with very little mess. I have enough clutter and too little hours in a day already.

It is truly amazing how much one can create using Tortillas.

You're going to want good quality and tasty tortillas though and of course that comes with Dempster’s® Tortillas and they recently just rolled out some new ones!

I had to try their new POM 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas and incorporate them into some easy-to-make recipes that my family loves.

I've got two scrumptious recipes - one savoury and one sweet - made using Dempster’s® Tortillas that will have your family wanting more!

And of course it's quick and easy to make so that leaves you, mom, with a lot more time on your hands. Perhaps an uninterrupted bubble bath

We love fish in this home and one evening while contemplating what to make that was quick and efficient for the family while rummaging through my fridge, I decided to make a favourite that we love using all the ingredients we already had - Fish Tacos!

EASY FISH TACOS

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

- Dempster's/POM Tortillas

- Frozen Battered Fish (I love using Jane's Battered Fish Bites - perfect for fish tacos!)

- 1 cup Black Beans

- 1 cup Corn

- 1/2 Diced Red Onion

- Chopped Cilantro

- 1 Tomato Diced

- 1 Lime cut in half (1/2 for toppings, 1/2 for taco sauce)

- Lettuce

- Taco Seasoning (We love Old El Paso!)

- 1/2 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise

Method:

1) Bake Frozen Fish Bites as per directions (usually about 15-20 minutes depending on how much you are making)

2) Once Fish is baking, prepare Toppings and Sauce

Toppings: Combine Black Beans, corn, red onion, tomato, cilantro and squeeze half a lime and mix.

Fish Taco Sauce: Mix equal parts Mayo with Taco Seasoning and a nice squeeze of half a lime.

That's it! And believe me, it's yummy!

3) Final Step is to put together your Fish Taco (any way you want!)

This is my layer: Tortilla, Fish, Lettuce, Toppings and then sauce.

Wrap it up and you're good to go! 

Enjoy!

If you're looking for dessert or just a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth that's easy to make, you'll love my Tortillas Snickerdoodles!

TORTILLA SNICKERDOODLES

Total Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:

- Small Dempster’s® Tortillas (less than 8 inch or if you have larger ones like I did, just cut them in half)

- Cream Cheese

- Strawberry Jam (or any other flavour jam you prefer)

- 1/2 cup of sugar

- 1 Tbsp Cinnamon

- Frying Oil

Method:

1) Spread a layer of cream cheese on tortilla and then spread about 1 tsp jam on top of cream cheese.

2) Roll up tortillas and secure each with a toothpick.

3) Heat 1 inch of oil to 350 degrees or until you add a drop of water and it starts to sizzle

4) Fry the wraps until golden brown on both sides 

5) Drain on paper towels for about 15 seconds.

6) Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow plate and roll the wraps in the cinnamon/sugar combination.

Enjoy!

I can dedicate an entire blog post alone to how much you can create with Dempster’s® Tortillas, but Dempster’s® made it easier for you by sharing their Dempster-licious ideas here: www.WrapItUp.Dempsters.ca.

More Info

They're also Social! 

Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

And right now, you can also snag yourself some coupons here.

If you visit them on their Facebook page, you also have a chance to win yourself $5000 with Dempster's Wrap & Win Game.

Play the Game here!

If you do end up winning that $5000, just remember who shared the 411 with you? *wink*wink*

Enter below to win Eight Dempster's Coupons redeemable for any Dempster's Product.

Ends September 9th, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: I am part of the MLF Connects Blogger Program and receive perks and compensation as part of this program however all opinions expressed are my very own.

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