Is there anything better to cap off a busy week (and to kick off the weekend) than an order of takeout? Usually by the time the clock strikes 5 on a Friday evening, the last thing you want to do is spend your precious time cooking supper (and cleaning those darn dishes). Believe me, I get it. Takeout can absolutely have a place in any home as a special treat - not a weekly (or daily) habit. Plan for days that you'll pick up take-out, try not to rely on it as a mealtime crutch

PEI is in for a doozy of a snowstorm today. As I type this, I’m gazing out the window watching the winds gusting and snow falling. There's really nothing to do but get cozy inside and hope the power stays on! As an entrepreneur there is really no such thing as a snow day (boo!), but I do still love the excitement of a good old-fashioned island storm. With a fire roaring and hot coffee poured, I’m all set for a cozy workday at home. It's the perfect opportunity to put my sl

In my mind, macaroni & cheese is synonymous with comfort. When I think of mac & cheese, my mind drifts to visions of my mom’s homemade dish, oozing with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. There is no surprise that this was the very first thing I cooked when I moved out of my family home, searching for that connection to comfort and familiarity. I set out to make a healthier version of this family favourite without sacrificing the smooth creamy texture

Who doesn't love the simplicity of split pea soup? It's warm, comforting and filling - an autumn trifecta! Pea soup has been a cold-weather staple in my household for as long as I can remember. When I haul out my grandmother's recipe, I know I need to dedicate at least half an hour to washing, peeling and chopping all sorts of vegetables. That's why I have been so keen to streamline her recipe without sacrificing flavour. I think I have a winner here! Using frozen chopped

Happy first day of autumn! Bring on the sweaters, blankets, scarves and slippers - I’m ready! After being spoiled by an amazing Island summer, I welcome the change of seasons (and the slower pace). Cooking in the summer usually features quick meals with light flavours and the only heat comes from the BBQ or a campfire (I wouldn’t dare turn on my oven in August!). With a slight chill in the air and an abundance of vegetables from our garden harvest, I’m anxious to heat thin

Hummus was one of my first foods, given to me by my loving grandmother (or “Sittie” as my sister and I called her). My great-grandparents came to Canada from a small village in Lebanon in the early 1900’s bringing their cultural traditions with them. When my family arrived from “the old country”, they wanted to assimilate as much as possible (hence my very English last name, Michael). They were one of the first families from Lebanon to settle in Prince Edward Island and th

The idea for this recipe came to me while on my in-law’s fishing boat this summer. With a spicy Caesar in one hand and a steamed Island mussel in the other I thought, “Why dip in butter when you could dip in a deliciously spicy Caesar?” This concept immediately caught on with everyone on board and the Spicy Caesar Mussel was born! The next day, my Dad dropped by with 10 lbs of mussels in tow (how lucky am I?) and we decided to take this concept to the next level – steam the

This recipe doesn’t need much introduction (or direction). It has been my go-to smoothie recipe for the past year or so now, I simply can’t get enough! How can you possibly go wrong with chocolate, peanut butter and bananas? Of course if you (or someone in your household) has a peanut allergy you can simply leave the peanut butter out or you can replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a flavour boost. I buy bananas in bulk knowing we can’t possibly eat them all befo

I have a quick, cool-down treat for you today, and one that is both parent and kid approved - Homemade Smoothie Pops! We've featured smoothies on the blog before (Mint Chocolate Smoothie); I like them because they're easy, versatile and most of all because they taste so darn good! I'm not one to fuss with a smoothie recipe because as long as there is a solid amount of fruit in the mix, it will no doubt taste delicious. I picked up a frozen pop mould for .98 cents at a local g

Is there anything better than a picnic with someone you love? Whether you’re on a beach, in a park, on your deck or on your living room floor – picnics make mealtimes sweeter. I’ve never had a picnic basket of my own, so over the years I would make do with a canvas bag and plastic plates, cups and utensils. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this – especially if you can reuse your dishes for environmental (and economical) purposes. I have had many memorable picnics thi