Portrait by Alan Dayton, 2007
The kitchen in our century+ home was in need of a makeover when we made the purchase in 2009.
In late 2010 we hired a carpenter friend to do the renovation and by the spring of 2011 we had a beautiful new L-shaped kitchen. The peninsula houses a 5-burner Jenn Air cooktop. Seating for 5-6 people. When not being used as a cooking platform, the cooktop is enclosed with the cedar cover. Great when having a gathering, the peninsula works great as a bar/serving area. A Bosch double convection oven also occupies the space. The original kitchen space has a double sink, 12-foot countertop, refrigerator & dishwasher.
I love my kitchen!
In late 2010 we hired a carpenter friend to do the renovation and by the spring of 2011 we had a beautiful new L-shaped kitchen. The peninsula houses a 5-burner Jenn Air cooktop. Seating for 5-6 people. When not being used as a cooking platform, the cooktop is enclosed with the cedar cover. Great when having a gathering, the peninsula works great as a bar/serving area. A Bosch double convection oven also occupies the space. The original kitchen space has a double sink, 12-foot countertop, refrigerator & dishwasher.
I love my kitchen!
Apple & Quince Compote I love making compotes. This mixture is apple and quince. We have a quince bush in our front garden and this year it provided us with a dozen quinces. Not many, but because they are quite tart, just add 2 or 3 quince with the other fruit of choice. www.sabysiren.com/apple-quince.html |
Apple Cake With an abundance of apples in my keeper, I decided to make 'Mom's Best Apple Cake' recipe. This is a family favourite. A couple of changes were made to the recipe... reducing the amount of sugar significantly and 'Monk Fruit Sweetener' was substituted. If you haven't heard of monk fruit, google for more information. Since reducing the quantity of sweetener, I then drizzled maple syrup over the unbaked cake. Delicious! www.sabysiren.com/applecake.html 
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Chicken Wings with Veggies & Dips
Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is quick & easy. Just follow the instructions in the air fryer manual, and voila, you'll feast on these tasty morsels in a fraction of the time it takes to oven bake them.
Since receiving the air fryer from our son, chicken wings have been on the menu often. Just add your favourite rub, sauce, a few veggies on the side, and you'll yum your way through the tasty wings.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-wings.html
Chicken Shawarma
The first time we ate my homemade shawarma's, my husband said, 'It's great to be able to source the ingredients to create these flavour combinations'. We purchase our fresh herbs, spices, cheese along with farm fresh fruit, vegetables, organic meat & fish at the Western Fair Market. Weekends only.
Yes, the shawarma's do take time to prepare, but worth it. The condiments that adorn the shawarma are delectable and without them it wouldn't be a chicken shawarma.
All the recipes are included under the Food menu.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-shawarma.html
The first time we ate my homemade shawarma's, my husband said, 'It's great to be able to source the ingredients to create these flavour combinations'. We purchase our fresh herbs, spices, cheese along with farm fresh fruit, vegetables, organic meat & fish at the Western Fair Market. Weekends only.
Yes, the shawarma's do take time to prepare, but worth it. The condiments that adorn the shawarma are delectable and without them it wouldn't be a chicken shawarma.
All the recipes are included under the Food menu.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-shawarma.html
Pita Bread
It seemed like a daunting task the first time I made pita bread. Following the video was my saving grace. This recipe is from the 'Eating Out Loud' recipe book by Eden Grinshpan. Everyone who has sampled the pita bread has loved it. The video link is posted on the pita recipe page along with the written instructions. Enjoy the challenge ... I believe you'll be happy with the outcome.
www.sabysiren.com/pita-bread.html
It seemed like a daunting task the first time I made pita bread. Following the video was my saving grace. This recipe is from the 'Eating Out Loud' recipe book by Eden Grinshpan. Everyone who has sampled the pita bread has loved it. The video link is posted on the pita recipe page along with the written instructions. Enjoy the challenge ... I believe you'll be happy with the outcome.
www.sabysiren.com/pita-bread.html
Falafels
I love falafels ... so I searched for a recipe that works well. I am happy to pass it along.
Step-by-step instructions with photos make this recipe easy to follow. It shows 3 different ways to prepare the falafel balls. I prefer frying them in a couple of tablespoons of avocado oil. The falafels turn out crunchy outside with a soft inside.
www.sabysiren.com/falafel.html
I love falafels ... so I searched for a recipe that works well. I am happy to pass it along.
Step-by-step instructions with photos make this recipe easy to follow. It shows 3 different ways to prepare the falafel balls. I prefer frying them in a couple of tablespoons of avocado oil. The falafels turn out crunchy outside with a soft inside.
www.sabysiren.com/falafel.html
Tacos
I truly love tacos! Over the years I have developed the recipe to our liking. We make homemade salsa. (I will add the recipe soon). Make your own taco seasoning ... it's easy. The recipe is included just a click away at the link below.
Top your tacos with tasty delights that will make the recipe your own. I always wish I could eat just one more. Por favor, disfruta!
www.sabysiren.com/tacos.html
I truly love tacos! Over the years I have developed the recipe to our liking. We make homemade salsa. (I will add the recipe soon). Make your own taco seasoning ... it's easy. The recipe is included just a click away at the link below.
Top your tacos with tasty delights that will make the recipe your own. I always wish I could eat just one more. Por favor, disfruta!
www.sabysiren.com/tacos.html
Pasta, Grilled Italian Sausage with Sautéed Vegetables
Another true favourite in my cooking repertoire is pasta. Trying to be gluten-free isn't the challenge that it once was. Costco is a source for organic gluten-free pasta as is the internet. GoGoQuinoa.com makes good pasta. We've enjoy their macaroni many times that is made from organic white rice, & organic red & white quinoa. Great for mac & cheese. Well.ca sells an abundance of GoGoQuinoa products too! Chickapea.com spirals are made with chickpeas and lentils.
As mentioned before, we shop at the Western Fair Market on weekends. Purchasing our meat from Country Style Meats, their homemade gluten-free Italian sausage is tasty and not too fatty. On the grill or oven-baked, cook the sausage, slice it up, then add it to the cooked pasta & vegetables. Top with freshly-grated parmesan or reggiano cheese purchased from All 'Bout Cheese that is located in the Western Fair Market. Don't forget the vegetables...
www.sabysiren.com/pasta-sausage--veggies.html
Another true favourite in my cooking repertoire is pasta. Trying to be gluten-free isn't the challenge that it once was. Costco is a source for organic gluten-free pasta as is the internet. GoGoQuinoa.com makes good pasta. We've enjoy their macaroni many times that is made from organic white rice, & organic red & white quinoa. Great for mac & cheese. Well.ca sells an abundance of GoGoQuinoa products too! Chickapea.com spirals are made with chickpeas and lentils.
As mentioned before, we shop at the Western Fair Market on weekends. Purchasing our meat from Country Style Meats, their homemade gluten-free Italian sausage is tasty and not too fatty. On the grill or oven-baked, cook the sausage, slice it up, then add it to the cooked pasta & vegetables. Top with freshly-grated parmesan or reggiano cheese purchased from All 'Bout Cheese that is located in the Western Fair Market. Don't forget the vegetables...
www.sabysiren.com/pasta-sausage--veggies.html
Pork Schnitzel
If you enjoy schnitzel as much as I do, preparing them for you and your family is worth the time invested. Usually I purchase a small pork roast, not too fatty, that can be sliced into 1/2 inch pieces. To flatten the pieces, pound them on both sides. As pictured in the bowls below, first coat both sides of the schnitzel with flour, next with the whisked up egg & finally the breadcrumbs. Add your favourite dried herbs to the crumbs for added flavour. Serve your schnitzel with your favourite side-dish and a salad. Don't forget the fresh lemon wedges! 
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Stir Fry
My husband Dennis is our stir fry master. We prepare this meal when we have an abundance of vegetables. Stir frying is easy and the outcome is delicious! Cooking the prepared ingredients in a wok or a fry pan, combine your favourite sauces to the wok ingredients to enhance the meal. Add chicken or shrimp that has been marinated ahead of time. Enjoy your stir fry over rice or noodles. With or without chicken or shrimp, you will love the flavours that have melded together.
www.sabysiren.com/stir-fry.html
My husband Dennis is our stir fry master. We prepare this meal when we have an abundance of vegetables. Stir frying is easy and the outcome is delicious! Cooking the prepared ingredients in a wok or a fry pan, combine your favourite sauces to the wok ingredients to enhance the meal. Add chicken or shrimp that has been marinated ahead of time. Enjoy your stir fry over rice or noodles. With or without chicken or shrimp, you will love the flavours that have melded together.
www.sabysiren.com/stir-fry.html
Chicken Pot Pie
Comfort food, for sure! Chicken, fresh or frozen vegetables, and pie crust is all you need. Put it all together and you'll have a delicious pie to serve family & friends. A green salad on the side and your dinner is complete.
Making the perfect pie crust is an art. Since I have rarely had a good experience with the making pie crust, I feel very fortunate to have a friend who makes flaky pie crust. Whenever I request a shell or two, they seem appear at my door. Lucky for me!
For the pie filling, dice up some leftover chicken, thaw mixed veggies, or steam up your own, mix it all together with some herbs and spices, & a bit of flour. Fill the pie crust, add the top crust and crimp edges. Bake and serve.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-pot-pie.html
Comfort food, for sure! Chicken, fresh or frozen vegetables, and pie crust is all you need. Put it all together and you'll have a delicious pie to serve family & friends. A green salad on the side and your dinner is complete.
Making the perfect pie crust is an art. Since I have rarely had a good experience with the making pie crust, I feel very fortunate to have a friend who makes flaky pie crust. Whenever I request a shell or two, they seem appear at my door. Lucky for me!
For the pie filling, dice up some leftover chicken, thaw mixed veggies, or steam up your own, mix it all together with some herbs and spices, & a bit of flour. Fill the pie crust, add the top crust and crimp edges. Bake and serve.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-pot-pie.html
Chicken Stock Pot
Making homemade stock isn't as daunting a task as you may think. There are commercial stocks not too heavily ladened with salt; for me homemade is the way to go. I have 'Better than Bouillon' condensed organic stock in my fridge or a liquid 'Bovril' in my cupboard for those times I don't have homemade stock at the ready.
My stock may turn into a soup, added to a sauce or utilized to make gravy.
In the dutch oven, I'll fill it up with water to a couple of inches from the brim. Leave room for the stock ingredients. You may use a chicken carcass with meat left on the bone. I prefer to make my stock with baked bone in, skin on thighs. You will find further instructions on the recipe page.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-stock.html
Making homemade stock isn't as daunting a task as you may think. There are commercial stocks not too heavily ladened with salt; for me homemade is the way to go. I have 'Better than Bouillon' condensed organic stock in my fridge or a liquid 'Bovril' in my cupboard for those times I don't have homemade stock at the ready.
My stock may turn into a soup, added to a sauce or utilized to make gravy.
In the dutch oven, I'll fill it up with water to a couple of inches from the brim. Leave room for the stock ingredients. You may use a chicken carcass with meat left on the bone. I prefer to make my stock with baked bone in, skin on thighs. You will find further instructions on the recipe page.
www.sabysiren.com/chicken-stock.html
Chili
A favourite comfort food at our house, we enjoy eating chili on a fairly regular basis. Either fresh or thawed & reheated from a past making, chili is always delicious. Chili freezes well.
Another way to eat left-over chili is inside a wrap. Add the garnishes, fold the wrap in half and either grill it in a panini grill or a stove-top skillet.
www.sabysiren.com/chili.html
A favourite comfort food at our house, we enjoy eating chili on a fairly regular basis. Either fresh or thawed & reheated from a past making, chili is always delicious. Chili freezes well.
Another way to eat left-over chili is inside a wrap. Add the garnishes, fold the wrap in half and either grill it in a panini grill or a stove-top skillet.
www.sabysiren.com/chili.html
Paleo Bread
Grain free, gluten free, dairy free bread made with almond flour. Grinding roasted almonds in place of the almond flour is what I use. The result makes for a coarser nuttier texture. Either way, this bread is tasty.
Recently I've been baking it in a 8" x 8" cake pan instead of a loaf pan. The bread bakes more evenly. The middle of the loaf can be slightly undercooked if using ground nuts. I believe this happens because the nuts are unable to absorb the moistness of the batter the same way a flour mixture would.
This bread loaf is good with your morning beverage, with afternoon tea or a great snack anytime of the day.
www.sabysiren.com/paleo-bread.html
Grain free, gluten free, dairy free bread made with almond flour. Grinding roasted almonds in place of the almond flour is what I use. The result makes for a coarser nuttier texture. Either way, this bread is tasty.
Recently I've been baking it in a 8" x 8" cake pan instead of a loaf pan. The bread bakes more evenly. The middle of the loaf can be slightly undercooked if using ground nuts. I believe this happens because the nuts are unable to absorb the moistness of the batter the same way a flour mixture would.
This bread loaf is good with your morning beverage, with afternoon tea or a great snack anytime of the day.
www.sabysiren.com/paleo-bread.html
Asian Style Meat Sauce
Since my brother first introduced me to this dish in the '90's, it has become a household favourite. My version has evolved over the years to include the sauces you'll see here. Purchase the sauces at major grocery store chains or at an Asian market. In London ON, United Supermarket on Adelaide Street is my go-to for Asian products.
If you have had your fill of this versatile meat sauce over pasta or rice, there are alternatives.
The sauce can be used as the base for a shepherd's pie, chili, or heated and eaten in a wrap.
www.sabysiren.com/asian-style-meat-sauce.html
Since my brother first introduced me to this dish in the '90's, it has become a household favourite. My version has evolved over the years to include the sauces you'll see here. Purchase the sauces at major grocery store chains or at an Asian market. In London ON, United Supermarket on Adelaide Street is my go-to for Asian products.
If you have had your fill of this versatile meat sauce over pasta or rice, there are alternatives.
The sauce can be used as the base for a shepherd's pie, chili, or heated and eaten in a wrap.
www.sabysiren.com/asian-style-meat-sauce.html
Oat & Tahini Breakfast Cookies
Always looking for new breakfast items, I found this recipe. Healthy ingredients, crunchy and flavourful. I'm happy with the result so I decided to share.
The recipe calls for orange zest...I replaced the zest with Grand Marnier...yummy!
www.sabysiren.com/oat--tahini-breakfast-cookie.html
Always looking for new breakfast items, I found this recipe. Healthy ingredients, crunchy and flavourful. I'm happy with the result so I decided to share.
The recipe calls for orange zest...I replaced the zest with Grand Marnier...yummy!
www.sabysiren.com/oat--tahini-breakfast-cookie.html
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