Evelyn Chartres Author
Main Dish

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a de-facto comfort food. This recipe opts to bake the meatballs in the oven so they remain intact during cooking. These seasoned meatballs, coated in sour cream, can really brighten the mood at the table and is sure to become a family favourite!

This recipe feeds 6 to 8 people.

Ingredients

  • 1⅛ cup (265 ml) of dry bread crumbs
  • 1 cup (235 ml) of heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of butter (divided)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) of finely chopped onions
  • 2 cloves (5-10 g) of crushed garlic
  • 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef
  • ½ pound (225 g) of ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Herbes de Provence or Italian Seasoning (divided)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of ground allspice
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (235 ml) of beef broth
  • 1 cup (235 ml) of sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of flour

Preparation

  1. Pre-heat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of butter. Add onions and garlic then sauté until onions are transparent.
  3. In a large bowl, mix bread crumbs and cream. Then quickly add onions, garlic, beef, pork, 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of herbes, salt and pepper.  Kneed the contents until you have a consistent texture.
  4. Using a heaping tablespoon of meat, roll into meatballs. Place meatballs on greased 17×11 inch (44×28 cm) pan or cookie sheet. Space them out to fit approximately 40 meatballs.
  5. Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the centre is no longer pink. On occasion, roll the balls to prevent them from cooking on only one side or sticking to the pan. Once cooked, set aside.
  6. In a large saucepan on medium-high bring broth to a boil. Reduce to low once it comes to a boil.
  7. Combine sour cream and flour into a small bowl then mix well. Stir mixture into the broth, then cook for five minutes while stirring constantly. Do not bring to a boil.
  8. Add meatballs and cook for five minutes. On occasion, place a lid on the saucepan then shake the contents so every meatball gets evenly coated.
  9. When complete, garnish with remaining herbes and serve.
19 November 2018 By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Main Dishes, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Dijon and Maple Salmon

In la Belle Province, maple syrup is a major industry and a frequent contributor to breakfasts in my family. Over time, this ingredient has migrated for use other meals, and this recipe is a prime example.

This recipe is a delightful combination of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, sweet onions and garlic. Once baked, it creates a heavenly fusion of flavour. Sweet and tangy, every bite is different from the last. Love it!

This recipe feeds 2 people.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (225 g) of salmon fillet(s)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of butter
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) of Dijon mustard
  • ⅓ cup (80-100 ml) of maple syrup
  • 2 cloves (5-10 g) of finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mg) of finely chopped sweet onion
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of dill seeds
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Filet fish into a ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick slices then pat dry.
  3. Butter both sides of the filet then site aside.
  4. In a bowl, mix mustard and maple syrup until you have a consistent finish. Taste to confirm that you have the right balance of sweet and tangy. Generally, you can adjust by adding more maple syrup.
  5. (Optional) Tear some aluminum foil wrap to fit individual pieces, then place in a bowl or plate to create a cavity. This allows to cook on the grill, and keeps individual portions warm until it’s ready to serve.
  6. In a baking dish pour ½ sauce to create a base, then top with fillets.
  7. Pour remaining of sauce onto the fillets, then sprinkle: garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and dill seed.
  8. Place in oven about 15 minutes or until the salmon is a consistent colour and flakey.
  9. Remove from oven then meal is ready-to-serve.
22 October 2018 By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Main Dishes, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Crying Lamb

Featured - Crying LambCrying lamb is said to have its origins from communities that used shared ovens. The meat is cooked above the vegetables absorbing any drippings which adds to this meals distinctive flavour.

This ready-to-serve recipe is sure to attract some attention during its preparation and cooking. It’s great for family gatherings and has a traditional feel that is sometimes missing from modern dishes.

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces (285 g) of potatoes cut into small cubes
  • 8 ounces (225 g) of parsnips or carrots cut into small slices
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) of finely chopped onions
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) of sliced red peppers
  • 2 cloves (5-10 mg) of pressed garlic
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil
  • 2 pounds (900 mg) of lamb shanks
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of thyme
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dill
  • 4 tablespoons (15 ml) of lemon juice (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large bag or sealable container, mix all ingredients up to and including the olive oil.  Mix until contents are evenly coated before placing them in an oiled stoneware container.
  3. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes to soften potatoes and parsnips.
  4. Remove from oven and stir contents.
  5. Mix thyme, dill and lemon juice into a small container. Cover lamb shanks in mixture and set aside.
  6. Using an oiled skillet sear the lamb shanks on every side for a minute or so.
  7. Top stoneware with a grill and place the lamb shanks overtop to make sure that any drippings will pour onto the vegetables.
  8. Return to the oven and cook for about an hour until the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) for medium or 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
  9. Remove from oven, let stand for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Meal is ready-to-serve.
23 April 2018 By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Main Dishes, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Brochettes de Crevettes Mariné à Vinaigrette Italienne

A shrimp marinade made with a homemade Italian vinaigrette. Ingredients are readily available, easy to assemble and the flavour will blow you away!

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of salt
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) of balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) of olive oil
  • 1 clove (5-10 g) of garlic (pressed)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of herbes de Provence
  • 1 pound (450 g) of shelled shrimp

Instructions

  1. In a sealable bag place all ingredients and shake until you have a consistent mixture.
  2. Refrigerate for at least four hours (preferably overnight) to marinate the shrimp.
  3. Soak the skewers in water for an hour to prevent burning while over the grill.
  4. Arrange the shrimp on the skewers, set aside some of the vinaigrette.
  5. Grill over a barbecue and baste occasionally with vinaigrette. Meat is ready once it has a consistent pink colouring.
  6. Pull from grill, ready to serve.
26 March 2018 By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Main Dishes, Recipes, Sides Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Fondue au Fromage

A cheese fondue is one of the better known variants. White wine and cheese slowly melted into a thick dipping sauce. I prefer to use a french baguette to dip, since the hard crust will give you a surface for the forks to bite into.

Be careful not let the cheese come to a boil, that will cause the fondue to curdle. If your cheese fondue is too thick add some wine. Alternatively add more cheese or cornstarch to thicken the fondue.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups (355 ml) of dry white wine
  • ¾ pound (350 ml) of shredded old cheddar cheese
  • ¼ pound (115 ml) of shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ pound (115 ml) of shredded havarti
  • 2 cloves (10-15 g) of garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of cornstarch
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) of cognac (optional)
  • 1 French bread baguette

Instructions

  1. Cut baguette into ¼ inch (0.6 cm) slices and set aside.
  2. In a heavy pot add wine, cheese and garlic. Mix and melt contents under low to medium-low heat, careful to never bring cheese to a boil.
  3. Stir occasionally, until you have a consistent finish.
  4. Add nutmeg, pepper and cognac, continue to stir. Add cornstarch as necessary to thicken the sauce.
  5. When ready transfer to the fondue pot, maintain heat and serve.
26 February 2018 By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Desserts, Main Dishes, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,