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Easiest dinner recipe the whole family will love. Shepherds Pie recipe

My kids are the pickiest and my husband is even picker. Actually I lied, my son is like me and will eat almost everything but my daughter on the other hand is exactly like her dad and unless she’s tried it and loved it which is rare she won’t even touch it! Luckily for me I found a few recipes that the WHOLE family loves and this is one of them.

It’s the easiest recipe to follow and it takes only 4 main ingredients plus spices. Plus if you prefer you can substitute almost everything for whatever you prefer. Eg you can sub out the meat for a non meat option or just take it out completely. Well enough babbling you can find the recipe below sorry I didn’t take more photos I’ll add them in the next time I make it – which will probably be sooner rather than later ! Enjoy and let me know in the comments if you try it out!

INGREDIENTS

Filling

3 tablespoons olive oil

I large yellow onion (diced)

1lb Ground turkey (or lean ground beef) whichever you prefer (I used one large pack)

2 teaspoons Italian seasons (or a mix of basil and oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Pinch of tumeric (optional)

Pinch of cumin (optional)

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn and peas)

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon minced ginger

1 pack of any gravy you prefer ( I used the club house sheppards pie mix

Potato topping

4-6 medium sized russet potato’s

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Ground turkey (or lean ground beef) whichever you prefer (I used one large pack)

RECIPE

1. add the oil to a skillet on medium high heat, sauté until translucent and add in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 5 minutes but ensure to keep stirring to avoid the onion from burning

2. Add in the ground turkey (or beef) and break apart with a wooden spatula. Stir and add in all the spices. Stir well and let cook until the meat is browned 7-9 minutes.

3. Add in the gravy (or sheppards pie packet) along with one cup water.

4. Add in the frozen vegetables and bring mix to a boil for 5 minutes until even tables are cooked through. Summer and set aside mixture.

potato topping

4-6 medium/large sized russet potato’s

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup milk

1 cup fresh shredded cheese (*optional* cheddar works best)

RECIPE:

Meat filling

1. add the oil to a skillet on medium high heat, sauté until translucent and add in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 5 minutes but ensure to keep stirring to avoid the onion from burning

2. Add in the ground turkey (or beef) and break apart with a wooden spatula. Stir and add in all the spices. Stir well and let cook until the meat is browned 7-9 minutes.

3. Add in the gravy (or sheppards pie packet) along with one cup water.

4. Add in the frozen vegetables and bring mix to a boil for 5 minutes until even tables are cooked through. Summer and set aside mixture.

Potato mixture

1. Put all the potato’s in a large pot. Cover the potato’s in water and bring the water to a boil. Cool until potato’s are tender – I use a fork to test this (approximately 15 minutes)

2. Drain potato’s , peel and mash. Add in the milk and butter and salt to taste. Add in more milk if the potato’s are not smooth enough!

Assemble the pie

Spread the meat mixture evenly onto a large baking dish. (I used 9 by 9). Spread the mixture evenly and add on the potato mixture using a spoon. I also use a spatula to spread the potato’s evenly.

Sprinkle the cheese on top of the pie

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 400° F.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 5-6.

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Tips for day trips with kids

💫 Tips for taking day trips with your kids this summer 💫 We took a day trip to @ripleysaquaca yesterday wnd it was great! We’ve done the aquarium quite a few times so we knew what to expect. Taking kids anywhere in my opinion is a mission but we can definitely prepare to make it easier and more fun!

Here👇🏽 are my top tips to enjoy day trips with kids ! *SAVE this post for your next trip*

Take them places where they can be active – the aquarium as perfect for this because there were so many hands on activities and spaces where the kids could be kids 🙂

Try to prioritize sleep -if possible plan around naps. We went to the aquarium right after my nieces nap and it was great! The daytime is very busy though so I recommend to visit in the evening for a quiet experience. PS: @ripleysaquaca has extended summer hours – 9am – 11pm.

Bring an umbrella stroller or carrier for your little ones for when they get tired of walking and for on the go naps If necessary! Avoid big bulky strollers and wagons as much as possible especially if your trip is during peak season.

Bring snacks that you can eat on the go/ in the stroller or schedule in time to stop and eat – also make sure to check ahead of time if your venue allows food to be brought in/ if they have an operating cafe or restaurant. The @ripleysaquaca cafe is currently closed however they do have vending machines throughout the building.

BE FLEXIBLE and know that not everything will go as planned! Kids will be kids so be prepared to go with the flow! Have realistic expectations and you won’t be so disappointed!!

Have fun and let me what day trips you have planned this summer ?

#tips #parent #parenting #parentproblems #parentlife #parenthood #kids #kidsactivities #summervibes #aquarium #ripleysaquarium #toronto #kidsdaytrip #momlife #motherhood #summertime #toddlermom #travelblogger #travellingwithkids #kidswhottravel

recipe

Truffle Mac and cheese

My 4 step creamy home made Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese. It is a family favourite and it is so easy to make. My husband and I add some portobello mushrooms, truffle oil, siracha and chives/onions to ours and it’s the perfect meal for us all. Plus it features Ontario dairy so I know it’s nutritious and full of all that good stuff to help keep my family strong and healthy . @ontariodairy #inspiredbydairy

Recipe below 👇🏽

Let me know if you try it and what you think and don’t forget to look for the blue cow logo when you’re stocking up on ingredients to ensure that you’re only buying the best local Ontario dairy! 

Ingredients : 

Pasta : 8 oz macaroni

Butter: 1/2 cup room temperature 

All purpose flour : 2 tablespoons 

Ontario dairy Milk: 2 cups

Ontario Cheddar cheese : 2 cups shredded 

Ontario Monterey Jack cheese : 1 cup shredded 

For adult servings : 

1 cup Portobello mushrooms (sliced)

Truffle oil 

Siracha (optional) 

Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated 

Fresh chives or green onions (chopped) 

Salt & pepper (to taste ) 

Recipe :

  1. cook macaroni according to package , drain and set aside.
  2. In saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add mushrooms. Cook on medium low heat until softened , add salt and pepper to taste and set aside .
  3. In saucepan melt butter over medium heat, once melted add flour and stir well. Add milk and continue to stir. Add in both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and lower heat. Stir until sauce thickens and is smooth.
  4. Put macaroni into serving dish and pour cheese sauce on top of macaroni, mix well.
  5. Sprinkle with parmasen (add mushrooms and Siracha for the adult portions and top with truffle oil and chives), serve and enjoy!
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Why you need to choose Chicago for your next getaway!

Chicago is one of my favourite cities in the world and for good reason. Chicago is constantly evolving and every time I visit I fall in love with the city more than I did during my last visit. There’s so much to do, explore , eat, see and did I mention eat? So here are my favourite things about Chicago and all the places you need to see, things to eat and what to do.

Fly Porter

We flew from Toronto to Chicago at the end of November and the flight was great as always. We have flown Porter many times before and this time was no different. Check in was a breeze , the staff was friendly and kind and the entire experience was really enjoyable. I love flying and I love flying with an airline who really cares about its passengers. Complimentary snacks, beverages and ample legroom, are the things that make me the happiest. They offer a wide range of amenities. Porter is committed to effortless travel, great onboard services and offers travel focused on comfort and style. Book your next flight here!

Where to eat- Deep Dish Pizza

Hands down the best deep dish pizza in Chicago has to be Lou Malnati’s. Founded in 1971 there are over 50 locations across Chicago and for good reason. We couldn’t get enough. The classic deep dish was mouth watering. The crust is not too thick and is crispy even with the heavy toppings. The calamari was just right and the staff were friendly and kind. We let the server know it was our first time eating there and she was quick to help us make a choice, answer all our questions and give us her recommendations. It did not disappoint!

Where to eat-The best breakfast

If you like mouth watering pancakes and the most delicious waffles you’ve ever had then Wildberry Pancakes and Café is the place for you and before you ask, yes it’s worth the wait! With two locations in Chicago it is definitely something you don’t want to miss. The endless menu has an incredible selection of the most scrumptious breakfast, lunch and brunch items and the service is so welcoming ! The portions were huge, the prices were great and honestly we wish we had more time during our trip so we could have gone more than once. The photos don’t even do the food justice, it was so good.

Where to get the best view

The best views-The Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower. If you’re looking for 360 degree views of the city from the top of the world that are unbeatable then the Skydeck is where you need to go. Formerly known as Sears Tower , this 108 story skyscraper even has a glass ledge. At 1,353 feet in the air the ledge is a glass boxes that extends out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, so stepping into the box makes you feel like you are floating above the city. We also had the pleasure of checking out the brand new interactive Chicago experience. A huge indoor experience sharing all of Chicago’s best and most well known history included with your ticket to the Skydeck.

Where to stay

Steps from the Chicago River and Magnificent Mile the Swissotel was the perfect hotel for us and one I would highly it recommend if you want to be near all the action and right where the river meets the lake. The Swissotel is the perfect combination of European style and contemporary Swiss elegance and breathtaking views. It has a glass triangle shape designed to look like the sail of a ship and it stands out for its beautiful style and central location. The perfect place to stay wether you’re looking to be right in the middle of all the action or if you’re looking for a rest and relaxation.

Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

If you didn’t go on a boat tour did you even visit Chicago? We were lucky enough to grab a seat on one of the Wendella 90 minute Chicago River Architecture boat tours, and it did not disappoint. We got unbeatable views of Chicago and it’s 130 year old architectural history. They also had a full service bar located right on board so you can fully enjoy your on board experience! The tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and funny which made for the perfect tour and the boat itself was stunning. The tour goes right through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago river. A must-see on any visit to Chicago. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time here.

Luckily for us, this trip was right before Christmas so we got to take in all the stunning Chicago Christmas sights and they did not disappoint. We visited the Bean, took a stroll through millennium park , grabbed a coffee and watched the buskers. We spent a full day at the park, we just sat near the Christmas tree and watched everyone skate on the stunning rink. All in all it was the perfect trip and we can’t wait for our next one !

Recipes

My famous chicken fajitas made with @mapleleaffoods Prime Raised Without Antibiotics Chicken Breast.

FAJITAS FILLING

  • 3 boneless skinless Maple Leaf Prime RaisedWithout Antibiotics Chicken Breasts
  • 1 medium onion, chopped well
  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 whole lime

SEASONING

  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1/5 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (my secret ingredient)
  • salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Guacamole(optional)
  • Salsa
  • Shredded cheese
  • Tortilla (any type you prefer)

Recipe:

  1. Cut chicken into thin slices put aside
  2. Mix all seasonings in a small bowl and put aside
  3. Heat pan on medium heat and add in olive oil
  4. Once oil is hot, cook onions until translucent add in fresh garlic and cook for another minute
  5. Add in chicken slices and cook in the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add all the seasoning, mix well and let chicken cook for another 2-3 minutes until chicken is almost cooked completely.
  7. Add in peppers cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is cooked to your liking. I like my peppers crunchy, so I only put them in at the very end.
  8. Serve with tortillas and toppings and sides of your choice including the lime.
  9. Enjoy !!