Monday 30 September 2013

The Best Coffee You'll Ever Order



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Susan

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Sunday 29 September 2013

What you need to know to prepare for a move


I found a great article about moving that you just might enjoy. 


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Susan

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Friday 27 September 2013

The Best Ever Upside Down Roast Chicken


Ingredients
3 – 6 lb free range whole chicken* 2 medium/large onions 2 large carrots 2 celery stalks 1 lemon 6 cloves garlic 1 tbsp olive oil** Handful of fresh herbs (for example rosemary, thyme, basil and cilantro Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Chop onion, carrots, celery and 5 garlic cloves. Make a bed for the chicken in the bottom of a roasting pan. Rinse the chicken in cold water. Slice remaining garlic clove into 4 pieces. Make 4 slits in the lemon and insert the garlic cloves. Insert the fresh herbs and the lemon with the garlic in the chicken cavity. Rub tablespoon of olive oil outside chicken, add salt and pepper. Place chicken upside down in the roasting pan on top of the vegetables. (By placing in oven upside down, the moist darker meat juices will trickle into the white meat making it very moist).
Keep oven at 450 for a 1/2 hr then reduce to 350 degrees for about 2 hours or until done.
*Free range chicken is so much better than grocery store chicken. Find a local farmer and buy a chicken. Once you taste the difference you will know what I mean. This chicken was purchased from the Sault Ste Marie farmers market. This chicken was from:  

**Always use a top quality olive oil to be sure you are not getting one that has been diluted with other types of oils. I purchase mine at The Country Way, Sault Ste Marie. They have great products and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. http://www.thecountryway.ca/



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Susan

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Thursday 26 September 2013

Lamb Tikka Masala


Ingredients
4 lamb chops * 1 cup goats milk greek yogurt Plain 2 tbsp fresh lime juice Dash of salt Sauce 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger 4 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons garam masala 1 tsp sea salt 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, thinly sliced 2 cup crushed tomatoes ¼ cup tomato paste 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 6 cardamom pods, crushed 1 ½ cups light cream 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation
Combine garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander and garam masala in a small bowl. In a large bowl add yogurt, salt lime juice and half the spice mixture, stir well. Add Lamb chops and toss to ensure it is well coated. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight. Cover and chill remaining spice mixture.
Heat oil in large sauce pan. Add onion, crushed tomato, cardamom, and pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until onions are soft. Stir frequently. .Add balance of spice mixture and cook, over medium high heat while stirring often, until bottom of pot begins to brown and sauce becomes thickened. You may add more crushed tomatoes if you like. Add cream and chopped cilantro. Simmer on fairly low heat until sauce begins to thicken. (About 20 minutes or so) Preheat broiler. Line a baking tray with tin foil and place a rack on top. Place lamb chops on rack in a single layer. Broil about 5 minutes or until lamb becomes almost blackened in spots.
Add lamb to sauce in pot and allow to cook until chicken is cooked through (about 20 minutes). Stir often. Serve with a slice of lime and cilantro for garnish. *I got my lamb chops at the Sault Ste Marie Farmers Market from Valleyfield Farm. Their meats are free range and grass fed.  
Serve with Saffron Rice

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Susan

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Wednesday 25 September 2013

Committing to a mortgage with your honey? Consider these house hunting essentials


(NC) House-hunting couples have many important decisions to make together – from deciding on a new-build condo or century-old bungalow to agreeing on the ideal neighbourhood and the type of mortgage that will work best for them.
According to research from TD Canada Trust, 73% of Canadians bought or expect to buy their first home with their significant other. Since a home is the biggest purchase most couples will make, Farhaneh Haque, director of mortgage advice at TD Canada Trust, provides her top three tips to ensure couples are on the same page before hitting any open houses.
Air out financial closets – Couples should be open and honest about their current financial situation and financial history. If anything could affect the ability to secure a loan together, afford monthly mortgage payments or interest rate increases, be upfront about it.
Start on the same foot – From a home office to a kitchen made for entertaining, couples should set a budget and discuss the key characteristics they want in a home, and what they are and are not willing to compromise on.
Saying 'I do' to a mortgage – Couples need to give as much thought to their mortgage as they do to their dream home. This includes discussing the size of the down payment, amortization period, type of mortgage and payment schedule.
“The last thing couples want is an unwelcome surprise when they're about to sign on the dotted line,” Haque said. “By speaking with a mortgage specialist well before you've entered the pressure-cooker of the house hunt, couples can make informed decisions that can save money and stress in the long run.”

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Susan 

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Tuesday 24 September 2013

The Season to Buy and Sell Real Estate



Is any season!  Did you know I have a Tumblr? Check it out here.

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Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Monday 23 September 2013

Location matters: 5 factors to consider in your home search



You’ve probably heard the real estate mantra: “Location, location, location.” It’s the key deciding factor in your new home search – and for good reason.
The location of your home dictates a lot of things: quality of life, school choices, commute times and social interactions. Even if you find the home of your dreams, never sacrifice on location. If you can’t seem to find the right home in the right location, you might need to adjust your price range or wish list as a compromise to get into the neighborhood you love.
If you’re thinking of buying a house, consider these five location factors:
Schools
If you have children, this is probably at the top of your consideration list. Make sure you thoroughly research schools that serve the neighborhoods you’re most interested in to ensure you get the exact quality of education you want for your kids. 

Commute times
Pick your neighborhood wisely so you don’t wind up spending more time in traffic than actually enjoying your new home. When you embark on your home search, pay attention to how far your desired neighborhoods are from public transit (buses, commuter rails, subways, etc.), as well as major highways. Decide how much traffic you’re willing to deal with going to and from work every day and whether the tradeoff of living in your dream neighborhood is worth the extra commute time.

Lifestyle
Do you want to live in a historic urban neighborhood? Looking for a quiet, family-friendly suburb? The quality of life you desire is dependent upon your lifestyle needs, and you want to live in a place that will, above all else, make you and your family happy. Drive through the neighborhoods you’re interested in, walk around, and visit small businesses to get a better sense of what living in those places might be like. In other words, don’t just rely on online searches and reviews to make your decision; you have to see it all for yourself.

Local amenities
Do you want to live near amenities like restaurants, shopping and family attractions? Or are you seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle? Keep these items in mind as you embark on your home search.

Resale value
It seems odd to think about selling down the road when you’re thinking about buying, but property values are an important consideration for buyers who might want to move again in five or 10 years. Your RE/MAX agent can help you determine average prices for your target neighborhoods. Also, look at property taxes over the years to get a sense of how much (or how little) those payments could fluctuate in the future. 

Find a RE/MAX agent who can help you find your perfect fit – great location and all.


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Susan 

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Friday 20 September 2013

Steps for hibernating your outdoor power tools


(NC)—Your lawn mower, trimmer, and other outdoor power tools will benefit from some upkeep before they hibernate for the long winter ahead. According to Scott Ride from Husqvarna, the world's largest producer of outdoor power products, “following a few simple steps before storing your gas-powered tools will ensure a hassle-free start next spring. It will also extend the life of your small gasoline engines.”
These tips from the pros will set you up for nothing but success:
Give it a clean. The fluid left by cut grass is rather corrosive. That's why it is extra important to clean gardening tools and mowers, especially before storage. Look for mowers with a water hose connector allowing for easy cleaning of the cutting deck. Just attach the hose, turn on the water and start the engine.
Drain the fuel. Gasoline left in fuel tanks over the winter will break down, leaving deposits and build-up that will plug up the fuel system.
Take it to the professionals. For the best results – and prolonged product life – give your products the deluxe, service and maintenance treatment, like the job done at a Husqvarna dealer, says Ride.
Oil it up. Use an oiled cloth to wipe metal areas and add a couple drops of machine oil on moving parts.
Keep your equipment protected. Store your lawn equipment indoors if possible. If storing outside protect your equipment in a tool shed or with a tarp.
Recharge the battery. Remember to fully recharge the battery at some point during the winter months, that way you'll ensure a flying start to the spring season.
Keep a close eye. Check your lawn equipment when it is stored. Mice and other vermin like to chew on wires and will nest in your machines.
Soak the trimmer line. A professional trick for trimmer service is to remove the trimmer line and let it soak in fresh water. By doing so, it will maintain its flexibility, be able to handle more strain and last longer. 
Prepare for the snow. With your summer tools ready for storage, now is the time to get your winter tools ready for use. Fill your snow blower with gas, check and change the oil, and test the spark plugs and tires.
More information about proper tool maintenance and service is available online at www.husqvarna.ca.

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Susan

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Thursday 19 September 2013

Squash Chickpea Red Lentil Soup




This soup is a meal! Perfect for a fall day. I used all fresh organic veggies for this.

I doubled this recipe so I could share some with family. It would also be great to make extra and freeze for one of those days when you don’t have time to cook or just don’t feel like cooking.
Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup dried chickpeas (or use 3 large cans of Organic Chick Peas) 
4 pounds squash, (peeled, seeded and cubed) I used 2 acorn and 1 kabocha 
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into approximately 1/2-inch pieces 
1 small can tomato paste (or homemade) 
1 large onion, diced 2 cup red lentils 
8 - 10 cups vegetable broth ( I used homemade broth that I had in the freezer 
2 tablespoon fresh ginger minced 
1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced 
2 tablespoons ground cumin 
2 teaspoons allspice 
1 ½ teaspoons cardamom 
 Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup lime juice bottled or ½ cup fresh lime juice

Soak chickpeas in enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches for 6 hours or overnight. (check package for a quick soak method.. Bring to a full boil. Remove from heat and let stand for about an hour or until tender. If desired use well rinsed, canned chickpeas.

In large pot place a small amount of olive oil. Saute onion, garlic and ginger for a few minutes. Add chickpeas, squash, carrots, lentil, broth, tomato past, cumin, allspice, cardamom


Cover and cook on stove over medium high heat for about 2 hours. Add lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. You can also place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on medium for about 6 hours.
I like my soup blended, so I used an immersion blender to blend all ingredients to a nice creamy soup. Add more vegetable stock if desired.
I served with peanuts and cilantro on top.

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Susan

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What's HOT in Kitchen Design Trends



Great article here.

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Susan

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Wednesday 18 September 2013

Tips for a stress-free dinner party


(NC) Even for the most sophisticated home chef, preparing for a dinner party is a major challenge. While fresh ingredients are the foundation of a great recipe, it may mean numerous trips to the market when you can least afford the time.
So how can you keep your stress level at a minimum without sacrificing the freshness of your meal? Celebrity chef, Lynn Crawford, tells us how:
Embrace the season: Take advantage of what the season has to offer. The autumn harvest produces some of the most delicious and rich vegetablesof the year, so theme your menu accordingly. Not only will seasonal produce be the freshest and most readily available at the grocery store, it's also the height of flavour and nutrition.
Let your menu be your guide: Whether you're shopping at home by picking herbs from the garden or making a trip to the grocery store, be sure to cross reference your menu with your grocery list to avoid any last-minute ingredient runs.
Shop in advance: It is possible to shop early without compromising taste or texture of your fresh fixings. Today, you can get refrigerators that actually help keep your food fresher, longer. For example, retailers tell us that KitchenAid refrigerators with the Preserva food care system uses innovative technology to keep your fridge and freezer at optimal humidity and temperature level to extend and maximize the freshness of your food.
Do your prep work: Avoid creating a menu that requires everything to be prepared and served immediately. For example, choose a dessert recipe that can be made a day ahead. Individual components for salads can also be prepared in advance – simply toss together and dress immediately before serving.
It is possible to avoid pre-party stress and focus on what you love most – the cooking and the entertaining.

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Susan

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Tuesday 17 September 2013

Be prepared for Canada's colder months


(NC) We know the cold weather season is coming – but we don't know just how frigid the temperatures will get. So make sure you're ready for the fall and winter chill by weatherizing your home.
Home weatherization is a simple do-it-yourself project that helps increase indoor comfort and control heating costs, but many homeowners wait until the last minute to insulate their houses. Become a weatherizing pro by preparing now with these tips for the cold weather season.
Deny drafts. Stop drafts in their tracks by adding seals to your doors and windows. For doors, choose a product made of durable EPDM rubber that won't freeze or crack, such as a Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seal from Duck brand. For windows, install insulating plastic window film, such as Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits, to provide an added barrier between the winter chill and your home.
Check your insulation. If you live in an older house – typically prone to air leaks ( you might have to add extra insulation. Insulation effectively seals the gaps in the draftier rooms of the house, and it's also great for reducing noise, which means you won't feel the cold air or hear outside noises like loud snow blowers or that whipping winter wind.
Inspect hidden sources of leaks. Did you know that electrical sockets and light switches on exterior walls can let cold air into your home? Socket Sealers insulating seals from Duck brand are quick to install – just place behind a socket or light switch cover – and help keep that hidden chill out.
These tips are just a few simple solutions to help you transform from a last-minute draft dodger to a weatherization pro. More information is available at www.duckbrand.com

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Susan

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Monday 16 September 2013

Great Real Estate News


The Canadian Real Estate Association is raising its forecast for the number of homes that will change hands this year, after August’s home sales came in 11.1-per-cent higher than a year earlier.
“National sales have improved more quickly than anticipated,” said the association, which represents the country’s realtors. “This likely reflects the transient influence of buyers with pre-approved financing making purchases before their lower pre-approved rates expire, particularly in some of Canada’s most active and expensive housing markets.”

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Friday 13 September 2013

Make Your Own Salsa






Homemade Salsa for Canning
This makes about 7 pints. Adjust quantities to make desired number or jars
5 lbs tomatoes
2 green peppers 
1 yellow pepper 
1 orange pepper
1 1/2 large onions 
5 cloves of garlic 
4 jalapeno peppers (adjust more or less for heat) 
1/3 cup cilantro 
1/3 cup lime juice 
1/3 cup white vinegar 
1 tablespoon cumber 
2 tsp black pepper 
2 tsp sugar for each pint
Prep: Blanche tomatoes, remove skin and dice. Cut onion and peppers into small pieces, Mince garlic, jalapeno and cilantro. Add everything expect sugar into a large pan and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for about 1 hour.  
While this is cooking, sterilize jars and lids. Fill 500 ml jars with hot salsa with 2 tsps or sugar into each jar. Leave about 1/2 in space at top of jar. When done filling jars, put on tops and seal. Set in hot bath for 10 minutes, remove.
You will have fabulous salsa! This may be a little more watery then processed salsa. I use the extra liquid for soups and flavouring.



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Susan

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Thursday 12 September 2013

Proper masking protocol when painting


(NC) Before beginning your painting project, it's important to take the time to mask your surfaces in order to achieve beautiful results. By following a few simple steps, your surface will be ready for a fresh paint job that is sure to dazzle.
With all painting jobs, cleanliness is a first priority. Clean the surface of all dirt and oil with a damp cloth, and allow the area to dry. Grimy walls can cause paint to run, and dust and debris can keep painter's tape from adhering properly.
Next, take a piece of painting tape and place it on the wall to check its adhesion level – it should stay put, but also remove easily and cleanly. Avid DIYers tell us that the best painter's tape for professional results – without the premium price – is Painter's Mate Green. Not only does it easily bend and adhere to hard-to-mask areas, but it can also be applied to properly-prepared painted surfaces, including glass, trim, woodwork and metal.
When applying your tape, make sure you have enough to cover the entire area, including baseboards, window and door trim, and where the ceiling meets the wall. Over-stretching the tape can potentially ruin your paint job, so be sure to apply with care. After the tape is applied, it is important to press it firmly to the surface with either your fingers or a burnishing tool to create a tight bond which helps prevent paint bleed.
While the paint is still wet, carefully remove the tape from your walls to prevent any peeling.
Proper masking can frame your projects for eye-catching results every time. More information is available online at PaintersMateGreen.com.

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Susan

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Wednesday 11 September 2013

Quality produce is putting money where our mouth is


(NC) As farmers' markets bustle again with harvesting activity, it is clear that Canadians continue to embrace the local and organic food movement, even if it costs them more at the check-out. In fact, according to a survey commissioned by the KitchenAid brand, 55 per cent of Canadians are willing to pay more for premium fruits and vegetables, be it organic, locally grown, or free trade.
We can buy in abundance, but the biggest challenge is keeping it fresh and preventing spoilage. Take a look at these tips to preserve your premium fruits and vegetables long enough to enjoy them:
Keep them separated: Understand that some fruits and vegetables shouldn't be stored together. Apples, a fall favourite, produce a gas called ethylene as they ripen. This gas can prematurely ripen foods that are sensitive to it, like yams, so be sure to keep ethylene-producing foods away from ethylene-sensitive foods.
Embrace new technology: Today you can actually get refrigerators that help prolong the life of produce. This is especially important if you are buying from a farm or roadside stand, since local fruits and vegetables are allowed to fully ripen before being harvested. They will require proper refrigeration to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. Retailers tell us that KitchenAid refrigerators with the Preserva food care system are equipped to tackle ethylene gas, humidity, temperature control and odours – all of which contribute to the over-ripening of fruits and veggies. This refrigeration innovation can actually help keep food fresher, longer – lettuce, for example can last up to four days longer.
Resurrect your vegetables: When your veggies begin to lose their lustre, try placing them in ice water for several minutes. The cool water permeates the skin and restores crispness. Another option is to add these veggies to soups, stews and stir fries to use them up before they spoil.
Know when it's time to toss: Dispose of rotten fruits and vegetables straight away as they can quickly spoil or contaminate other foods.


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Susan 

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Tuesday 10 September 2013

The payoff of buying locally


(NC) It's a well-known fact that technology has changed the way consumers shop. The world is at their fingertips as they browse the Internet for their latest purchase. The planet has become one big outlet where people can buy practically anything from another continent as easily as going to their corner store.
“Through the ease of online purchases, people can forget that their choices directly influence our local neighbourhoods,” said François Ramsay, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Affairs for Yellow Pages Group, a company offering digital marketing solutions for small businesses in Canada. “Choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars in a local business directly benefits the local economy and helps small businesses thrive, leading to sustainable and dynamic communities.”
Consumer experience and satisfaction is another reason why people should think about buying locally. Small establishments often offer exceptional customer service thanks to personalized one-on-one attention. They often have unique and original product selections and are located close to homes and worksites. Relationships are built between customers, local business owners and staff, making shopping an enjoyable and memorable event. Since local business owners often reside in the same neighbourhood, they also prioritize community causes and invest personally in the area's welfare and future.
Finding local goods and services nearby is simple thanks to a variety of local search solutions such as the Yellow Pages mobile app.
Make a local purchase today and support Canadian small business owners. Put your neighbourhood first.

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Susan

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Monday 9 September 2013

Are you environmentally trendy?


(NC) The ever-growing emphasis on environmentalism has certainly impacted consumers of all age groups. Whether it's food, clothing or even the appliances you bring into your home, consumers have turned what once seemed daunting into a trendy, feel-good practice that all can enjoy.
Here are some trend-worthy tips on how you can be even kinder to Mother Nature:
• Up-cycling is the new recycling. We've all heard of recycling our clothes but what about up-cycling? This sustainable concept encourages consumers to convert potentially wasted material into new materials or products, extending the items' lifetimes. YouTube and Pinterest are swarming with fun and catchy ideas on how you can turn anything from drab to fab.
• Save your H2O. There are loads of tips available to consumers on how to save water around the house. One area often focused on by energy specialists is water consumption in the shower. For example, a product by Delta Faucet called H2OKinetic gives you a brand new shower experience. Within each showerhead is an internal system that controls the speed, movement and droplet size of the water, creating the feeling of more water than a standard shower flowing at the same rate. Additional details can be found at www.deltafaucet.ca.
• Just cool it. With almost half of a home's energy consumed by heating and cooling, it's often recommended to keep an eye on the thermostat. Industry experts agree that every degree below 20◦C during colder weather can shed 3-5% off your energy consumption. New technologies in thermostats to control temperatures remotely from a cell phone makes this task a cinch.
• Clean the green way. Want to skip the chemical cleaners? Why not consider using common household items to help keep your home spit-spot? Not only will cleaning with simple ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice save you money, it can also be gentle to our planet. Check out Pinterest for a plethora of uses from these seemingly-simple ingredients.
There are countless tips about reducing our carbon footprint. These simple yet practical tips can help your family become 'environmentally trendy'.

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Susan

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Friday 6 September 2013

DIY Painting Your Garage Door


Happy Friday Friends!  I found this great post on how to paint your garage door.  Just go here and you'll learn all about it!

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Susan

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Thursday 5 September 2013

Chicken Enchilada Casserole with Tomatillo Sauce


Tomatillo Sauce
1 lb Tomatillo 1 white onion 1 jalapeno pepper 4 cloves of garlic 1 tsp cumin Juice of ½ lime ½ cup fresh cilantro Salt and pepper to taste
Turn on oven to 400 degrees. Line baking tray with foil. Slice Tomatillos in half, quarter onions, slice jalapeno in half remove seeds. Peel and slice garlic in half. Roast in oven until everything starts to nicely brown. Even slightly blackened is ok. Toss all ingredients into food processor or blender, add lime juice and cilantro. Pulse until mixed into a sauce.


Cassarole 1 Cup Basmati Rice 1 can organic black beans 6 free range chicken breasts 2 cups vegetable stock (I used my homemade stock from the freezer) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion - minced 4 cloves garlic - minced 2 tbsp chili powder 3 tsp paprika 2 tsp cumin ¾ cup plain yogurt (I used organic greek goat’s milk yogurt) 2 cups Salsa 11/2 cups raw organic cheese (I used a mixture of Cheddar and mozzarella.

Cook basmati rice in vegetable stock. When finished add rinsed organic black beans to rice. Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika and 1 tsp cumin. While this is cooking bake or boil chicken breasts until juices run clear. Shred or dice the chicken meat. Heat olive oil in large fry pan. Add onions and sauté. When almost transparent, add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Add chicken meat, chili powder, paprika and cumin. Stir. Then add yogurt and salsa. In casserole dish or 9 x 11 dish, lightly cover bottom with about 2 tbsp of Tomatillo Sauce. Then add the rice and bean mixture. Spread all but about 2 tbsps of the Tomatillo Sauce on top, ½ the cheese, then add the chicken mixture. Top with remaining Tomatillo sauce and sprinkle cheese on top.


Cover with tin foil at bake at 350 degrees for about ½ hour. Garnish with cilantro and serve with guacamole. Enjoy!



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Susan

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Decorating Trends 2014: How to add intrigue to a favourite room


Seaside Harmony gives you the colours of sun, surf, and sand. A cool palette of blue-green and white, plus the warm peach with white, revives the spirit. Design elements: minimal furnishings, sculptured driftwood, and sea glass. Behr Paint Colours: Ocean Liner (T14-1), South Peach (T14-2), Miami Weiss (T14-3), Edgewater (T14-4) and Sky Blue (T14-5).


 Urban Alternative applies neutrals like olive and burnt orange to showcase skills and craftsmanship in wood, metal and stone work. The atmosphere is modest, relaxed and attainable. Design elements: distressed wood treatments, raw metal finishes, filament lightbulbs and earthbound shades. Behr Paint Colours: Boho (T14-6), Offbeat (T14-7), Film Fest (T14-8), Hipsterfication (T14-9) and Coffee Bar (T14-10).


Grand Reign captures the imagination with a sense of opulence, romance and mystery. Use luxurious detail, colour, and ornamentation. Choose a rich, masculine look, or delicate and feminine. Design elements: jewelled colours, layered textiles, guilded frames, and decorative mouldings. Behr Paint Colours: Imperial Jewel (T14-11), Coronation (T14-12), Grand Soirée (T14-13), Cloisonné Blue (T14-12) and Minuet Rose (T14-15).


Natural Avocation expresses respect for the things that intrigue you. In your favourite room, give any curious mind a rich colour experience in passions like botany, geology, archaeology and celestial events. Design elements: weathered maps, antique books, geological artifacts and illustrations of birds, plants and insects. Behr Paint Colours: Arboretum (T14-16), Archivist (T14-17), New Shoot (T14-18), Sunday Afternoon (T14-19) and Amaryllis (T14-20).

(NC) If you feel you've waited long enough to give your rooms a fresh coat of paint, now is the perfect time to take the home decorating plunge. Check out the dynamic trends for 2014 below:
Experts at Behr Paint tell us that the coolest concept right now is about expressing yourself, especially your passion for people, places and things. As a guide, the paint company has developed the 2014 Colour Trends to help spotlight the intrigue of history, hobbies, and nature. Illustrated in eye-catching images, the themes are Seaside Harmony, Urban Alternative, Grand Reign, and Natural Avocation. To achieve a similar look in your own home, take a cue from the visuals and colours noted below, with more details online at www.behr.com and at The Home Depot.

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