Top 12 Recipes of 2012 – What a great year!

Dec 31, 2012 by lovelypantry

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, spent with family and friends. I took the week off to do my last-minute running around, making sorrel, baking cakes, doing some light housework, spent a day out of town… the family was quite busy. I even surprised myself when I realized that I had not physically been on the computer for 3 whole days. This type of scenario does not happen often. But it was all for a good cause, seeing as it was the most wonderful time of the year.

Well, it’s the end of 2012 and as I reflect, I know very well that I have much to be thankful for. I’m satisfied with my accomplishments in blogging and I’m ready for what 2013 has to offer. Bring it on! There’s so much more to be done! I feel like making some changes at The Lovely Pantry. I’m still tossing some ideas around in my head so I’m not 100% sure what I’ll be doing. Growth is a wonderful thing.

I don’t do resolutions anymore. If I really want to accomplish something, I will just do it. It’s just a matter of timing and priority. There are a few recipes that I plan to conquer in the new year. I’m creating a list of things I want to learn, both in and outside of the kitchen. As a life long learner, I don’t feel comfortable if I’m not growing in some way or the other. Looking at my posts throughout 2012, I see lots of growth. I see improvement in my photography and in the types of recipes that I’ve challenged myself with.

 

Lets take a look at what had people’s attention. Here are the top 12 posts for 2012 at The Lovely Pantry!

 

 

 

 

The top 3 posts:

Cristina Ferrare’s Fall Off The Bone Chicken Thighs

This is my most popular post to date!

 

Hoisin Salmon with Quinoa & Zucchini

Everyone seemed to enjoy my very easy freestyle salmon. It went nuts on Pinterest!

 

Whole Wheat French Toast

I guess it must be true when folks say “simple is best”. This post has always been popular, ever since it was published in February 2012.

 

The remaining posts are in no particular order.

 

Polenta, Parmesan, Mozzarella and Tomato

 

Roasted Pumpkin & Coconut Soup

 

Bavarian Apple Torte

 

Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding

 

Black Bean Soup With Hot Roast Pepper Sauce

 

Grilled Polenta Cakes

 

Jamaican Sorrel

 

 Banana Coconut Coffee Cake with Macadamia Nut Streusel

 

Jamaican Christmas Pudding

 

I want to say a very special thanks to the #SundaySupper family. It feels good to be a part of such an incredible group of people who share a common cause – to get families together to enjoy a home cooked meal on a Sunday. It could be on any day of the week, as long as it is possible. Sharing ideas for meals for your family is what I enjoy doing, and I spend a lot of time sharing on Twitter and Pinterest. Congratulations Isabel, for your amazing success! I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for #SundaySupper!

 I really love my little blog. I’m quite fond of the wonderful people and communities I’ve joined along this journey.

I want to thank each and every one of you who read/comment on my posts.It means so much to me.

To the friends that have made recipe suggestions and offered advice with regards to technique/instructions, I thank you!

For those that have suggested The Lovely Pantry to friends/family who are looking for meal ideas, have an interest in Jamaican cuisine, or who are just wanting to know how to use a certain ingredient… I appreciate you!

Consider joining me on Facebook and Twitter to keep up whats new on TLP, or just stop by to say hello.

 Have a blessed and wonderful New Year!

Happy 2013

~Lyn

 

 

 

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National Blogging Day of Remembrance #SandyHook

Dec 17, 2012 by lovelypantry

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Risotto Pie

Nov 30, 2012 by lovelypantry

Today I’m sharing a recipe I tried out of curiosity. I love trying new recipes, and after looking through the ingredients, I knew I couldn’t go wrong. I did however add a few items to give some more flavour and of course, a pop of colour. I have made risotto a few times and most definitely enjoy everything about it. The texture, the possibilities, even the technique – I like it. I’ve made risotto the traditional way, by stirring consistently. I’ve also baked risotto, with excellent results. I’ve never made Risotto  Pie, though. Until now.

This recipe is adapted from a cookbook called “Gluten, Wheat & Dairy Free” – I want to make everything in this book. The recipes are so easy and delicious looking! I won’t necessarily prepare each recipe based on the exact ingredients (whether it be gluten-free, wheat free or dairy free) but it will be good for my readers to know that it can be adapted to suit your personal preferences and sensitivities. Those are the recipes I enjoy the most!

 

 

 

I’m so glad I added the sweet corn and mushrooms. The corn adds a little sweetness to this savory dish. And the mushroom gives that added flavour and texture.

 

 

This pie is quite delicate so care should be taken when transferring to a serving platter.

 

 

I garnished with some fresh spinach and a few carrot shavings.

 

 

This is Risotto after all. But I tried my best to resist adding cheese…for as long as I could.

 

 

My husband and I really enjoyed this Risotto Pie. It was different, it was interesting.  I enjoyed my serving with Parmesan cheese! I just couldn’t help myself.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this recipe today!

~Lyn

 

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Black Bean Soup With Hot Roast Pepper Cream for #SundaySupper

Nov 4, 2012 by lovelypantry

It’s November and the boots and coats are officially necessary when going outdoors. The weather has been terrible and watching the news has been quite depressing. Hurricane Sandy did some serious damage in the Caribbean as well as the East Coast of The United States and parts of Eastern Canada. My heart goes out to all those affected. While I was making this soup, I thought about my friends/family in Jamaica who went several days without electricity – and some without water. Thankfully, everything is returning to some sort of normal, as life indeed has to go on.

I really like this weeks theme for #SundaySupper. There’s nothing better than a home-made soul warming meal on a wet, cold, gloomy day. I don’t know about you guys, but I feel better when I’m with my family eating a nice soup or stew with the family! I was so impressed with the line up this week,  I encourage you all to check out the wonderful dishes prepared by my fellow food bloggers. This weeks #SundaySupper is being hosted by Susan from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen.

My recipe today comes from a book I bought while I was in Jamaica last year called Caribbean Food Made Easy by Levi Roots. I didn’t have to make many changes at all. Most of the ingredients I already had on hand – whether in my fridge or in my pantry. I’m really thinking about having soup more often. My husband absolutely loved this soup and asked me to kindly note this soup as a definite favourite. Enough said! This soup made about 6-8 servings and I was able to freeze 3 servings for lunch this week.

I should note that I used Scotch Bonnet Pepper in this recipe. I have never been able to fully enjoy spicy food. Seriously. But somehow this soup hit the spot in the best way, because I enjoyed it immensely! I also did an extra step because I’m picky with my gravies and creams. I strained the pepper cream – which was a task because it is rather thick. This step is totally optional, but I do like the smooth creamy texture that resulted in me doing so.

 

 

 

Here are the soul warming recipes brought to you by the #SundaySupper team! Please share, pin, email, print, make and enjoy!

Main Entrees: 

• Carrot, Parsnip and Lentil Casserole – Happy Baking Days
• Chicken with Herbed Dumplings – Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Chicken pot pie – Gotta Get Baked
• Cholula Chicken Enchiladas – Kwistin’s Favorites
• Eggplant Parmesan – The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
• Roasted Roots and Fruits with Sausage – Shockingly Delicious

Chili/Stews:

• Beer-Braised Beef – Sustainable Dad
• Bigos {Authentic Polish Hunter’s Stew} – From Fast Food to Fresh Food
• Brunswick Stew and Rice – Big Bear’s Wife
• Calico Beans – Home Cooking Memories
• Carbonnade Flamande – The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Chicken Cacciatore {Hunter Style Stew} with Easy Creamy Polenta –Webicurean
• Chicken & Mushroom Stew On Egg Noodles – Galactosemia in PDX
• Cowboy Beef Stew – Comfy Cuisine
• Ham and String Beans – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Hearty Moose Meatball Stew – Mrs. Mama Hen
• Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Lentil and Chorizo Stew – Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Seafood Gumbo and Soul Warming #SundaySupper Wine Pairings – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• Soul Warming Hearty Beef Stew – In The Kitchen With KP

Soups:

• 30 Minute Black Bean Soup – Supper for a Steal
• Black Bean Soup – Basic and Delicious
• Black Bean Soup with Hot Roast Pepper Cream – The Lovely Pantry
• Canadian Beer Cheese Soup – Juanita’s Cocina
• Chicken Soup with Dumplings – The Messy Baker
• Chicken Tortilla Soup – Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Coconut Curry Chicken Soup – Damn Delicious
• Easy Chicken and Dumplings – My Catholic Kitchen
• Easy Italian Wedding Soup – Family Foodie
• Easy Wonton Soup – Soni’s Food
• French Onion Soup – Momma’s Meals
• Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings – I Run For Wine
• Lasagna Soup – Cravings of a Lunatic
• Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup – Mangiamo
• Lentil and Bacon Soup – Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Lentil Soup with Spinach – Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Peppery Mulligatawny Soup with Cherry Tomatoes & Cilantro – Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Pozolillo Verde {Green Chicken & Corn Pozole} – La Cocina de Leslie
• Red Lentil Soup with Crispy Aromatic Coriander – Chattering Kitchen
• Roasted Jalapeno Soup – Chocolate Moosey
• Rule of Thirds Soup – What Smells So Good?
• Seafood Chowder – Noshing with the Nolands
• Spanish Garlic Soup – Pippi’s In The Kitchen Again
• Spicy Gumbo Z’herbes – Pescetarian Journal
• Spicy Korean Brisket Soup {Yukgaejang} – Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup {Jjamppong} – Kimchi Mom
• Spicy Udon Noodle Soup – My Trials In The Kitchen
• Turkey Noodle Soup – Magnolia Days
• Tuscan Bean Soup – The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Twisted Chicken Noodle Soup – The Meltaways
• Warm You Up Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Daily Dish Recipes

Desserts/Beverages:

• Hot Fudge Pudding Cake – That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• White Hot Chocolate with Orange – GirliChef

Join on us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper.  In the evening we will meet at 7pm EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat.

All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.

We’d also love to feature your Sunday Supper Soul Warming Recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board and share them with all of our followers, too.

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Roasted Pumpkin & Coconut Soup for #SundaySupper

Oct 7, 2012 by lovelypantry

Its Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and my family and I are having a great time celebrating family, birthdays and friendships. We have so much to be thankful for!

Earlier this week while I was preparing for the weekend meals, I picked up some pumpkin…without knowing what I was going to make with it. I came across this recipe and I was sold! I don’t make soup very often but I surprised myself with this one. It was simple, awesome and perfect for #SundaySupper. This weeks #SundaySupper theme is All Things Orange, showcasing some wonderful Autumn recipes from some of our fabulous food bloggers. Look out for a wonderful selection of recipes using ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes and butternut squash, to name a few. I’m so excited to see all the wonderful creations! This is my first season actually cooking with pumpkin so I know I’m going to be inspired. This is truly my favourite season!

This weeks host is Pam from The Meltaways! As always, please be sure you join us on Twitter throughout the day for #SundaySupper. We’ll be meeting up at 7:00 pm EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat where we’ll talk about our favourite recipes featuring our favourite fall colour. All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, or you can follow us through TweetChat. We’d also love to feature your recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board and share them with all of our followers, too.

I hope my Mother is reading this post. She will be pleasantly surprised to know that I actually cut up and roasted pumpkin. *gasp* Ok so I didn’t do all the work. I bought a piece of pumpkin weighing about a kilogram. I removed the skin, chopped it into cubes, then roasted it. Originally, I was going to use the canned pumpkin puree but I really wanted to cook with the real thing. It may have taken me a few minutes longer to prepare, but I believe it was worth it. The flavour says it all!

 

 

 

I picked up this piece of pumpkin at the Asian supermarket. It happened to be labelled “Jamaican Pumpkin” so that I would pick it up. I prefer buying pumpkin pre-cut anyway. Less chance of me wasting it. This portion was just right for what I needed it for.

 

I liked the simplicity of this recipe. I loved the use of coconut oil as well as coconut milk. This soup is just bursting with goodness. I really missed the presence of chicken or even yellow yams and dumplings in my soup. Perhaps that addition will be made after my next visit to the Asian supermarket.

 

 

This could be the perfect appetizer for an Autumn dinner, and a great choice for entertaining.

 

 

A warm crusty bread, like Ciabatta is a lovely compliment to this soup.

 

 

 

Here’s the lineup for this weeks #SundaySupper:

 

Sunrise  (Breakfast and Brunch)

• Paula from Vintage Kitchen Notes is bringing her Orange Ricotta Pancakes
• Erin from Dinners Dishes and Desserts is baking up some Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Heather from Girlichef is bringing Pumpkin Doughnuts with Spiced Buttermilk Glaze
• Nicole from Daily Dish Recipes is making Pumpkin Donut Puffs
• Patti from Comfy Cuisine is bringing  Classic Orange Marmalade
• Sunithi from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz is making Spiced Pumpkin Ricotta Muffins with Craisins and Walnuts
• Wendy from The Weekend Gourmet is cooking up some Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal
• Jamie from Mama Mommy Mom is bringing Butternut Squash Butter
• Chelsea from Chelsea’s Culinary Indulgence is bringing Pumpkin Spiced Donuts with Chai Icing
• Kris from In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maureen made Sweet Potato Pancakes 

 

High Noon (Soups, Salads and Sandwiches)

• Renee from Magnolia Days is serving up some Butternut Squash Soup
• Beate from Galactopdx is bringing her Carrot Ginger Soup
• Jen from Juanita’s Cocina is making some Curried Sweet Potato Salad With Cranberries and Pecans
• Megan from I Run For Wine is making Skinny Roasted Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage Soup
• Sarah from What Smells So Good is filling our bowls with some Spicy Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup
• Alice from Hip Foodie Mom is coming with her Roasted Carrot and Red Quinoa Salad
• Susan from The Wimpy Vegetarian is making Cider – Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
• Tora from Tora’s Real Food is bringing Butternut Squash and Tomato Soup
• Melanie from From Fast Food to Fresh Food is making Monty’s Pumpkin Soup
• Lyn from The Lovely Pantry is bringing Roasted Pumpkin & Coconut Soup
• Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic is whipping up some Mandarin Chicken Salad

 

Sunset (Dinner and Main Dishes)

• Sarah from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends is offering up some Pumpkin Ravioli
• Shelia from Pippis In The Kitchen Again is serving her Roasted Squash and Ricotta with Honey
• Pam from The Meltaways is making Spooky Stuffed Peppers
• Patsy from Famfriendsfood is bringing her Carrot Souffle
• Laura from Small Wallet Big Appetite is bringing Chicken and Sweet Potato Fritters
• Mehereen from Chattering Kitchen is making Sichuan Orange Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Tammi from Momma’s Meals is making Hearty Pork Stew
• Kristin from Kwistin’s Favorites is making Orange Chicken
• Soni from Soni’s Food For Thought is cooking up some Rigatoni with Pumpkin Ricotta Sauce
• Shelby from Diabetic Foodie is cooking up some Moroccan Vegetable Stew
• Dara from Generation Y Foodie is bringing Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
• Brandie from Home Cooking Memories is sharing a DIY Baked Sweet Potato Bar
• Amber from Mama’s Blissful Bites  is bringing Rice and Fig Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
• Valerie from Val’s Food and Or Art made Double Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash

 

By The Bonfire (Sweets, Snacks and Sips)

• Brie from Brie’s Bites is making Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bites
• Carla from Chocolate Moosey is making Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Butter Caramel Sauce
• Heather from Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks is offering up some Pumpkin Cake Truffles
• Shelia from Cooking Underwriter is bringing Sweet Potato Bacon Beet Salsa
• Anne from Webicurean  is making some Drunken Pumpkin Bread
• Karen from In The Kitchen With KP is making Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips
• Leslie La Cocina De Leslie is making Sweet Potato Atole
• Seet Fei from My Trials in The Kitchen is bringing Sweet Potatoes Mini Balls
• Tara from Noshing With The Nolands is bringing Oranges En Suprise
• Susan from The Girl in The Red Kitchen is making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scone with Pumpkin Glaze
• Conni from Mrs. Mama Hen is making Orange Glazed Poundcake
• Isabel from Family Foodie is baking up Moist Pumpkin Bread
• Cindy from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings is baking up a Vegan Pumpkin Orange Cake
• Brenda from Meal Planning Magic is whipping up some Creamy Pumpkin Dip
• Laura from Family Spice is making some Unprocessed and Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
• Kathya from Basic and Delicious is baking up Butternut Squash and Carrot Bread
• Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake is serving up Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
• Stephanie from The Cookie A Day Challenge is whipping up some Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Katie from She Like Ruffles, He Likes Truffles is bringing Pumpkin Harvest Cookies
• Nancy from Gotta Get Baked is baking up some Orange Macadamia Dark Chocolate Cookies
• Angie from Big Bear’s Wife  is bringing Orange Soda Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes
• Katy from Happy Baking Days is bringing Carrot Cake with Orange Glaze
• Sandra from Midlife Road Trip is bringing Orange ya glad it’s fall! Hungarian Apricot/Walnut pastries

 

 

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Rice and Crunchy Baked Chicken with Vegetables, Guest Post by Sandra of Sandra’s Easy Cooking

Aug 10, 2012 by lovelypantry

Today I have a very special guest post by Sandra of Sandra’s Easy Cooking. Sandra was one of the first food bloggers that I came across shortly after joining Foodbuzz a year ago. Ever since, I have been enjoying Sandra’s recipes, stories and photographs. Sandra is one of the nicest foodies that I have come across and I’m so glad I met her. Please check out her blog and see the healthy meals that she creates. She’s a woman with my own heart! We eat to live and take great care in what we put into our bodies! A few of my favourites from Sandra are: Caribbean Chicken Curry With Rice, Dinner Frittata, and Thai Green Chicken Curry, as well as Banana and Apple Nut Muffins! Guys, if you don’t know of Sandra, please go to her blog and get to know her! 

Sandra, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule in order to contribute to The Lovely Pantry! I understand the limited time we mothers have when we have little ones, so please know how much I appreciate you!

Enjoy today’s post by Sandra: Rice & Crunchy Chicken with Vegetables.

***

My name is Sandra from Sandra’s Easy Cooking. I am honored and grateful that Lyn asked me to guest post here on her beautiful blog while she is on vacation. I enjoy spending time here looking at her amazing pictures as my mouth is watering every time I visit.

I have great meal for you all today. It is nutritious and delicious like my eldest son would say.

My blog is full of balanced meals and I try to keep it that way in hope that my readers can have and find an idea what to make for their next meal. I tend to try always something new and experiment with other cuisines so this particular recipe have a lot of Asian influences. Since I am cooking at least twice a week Asian based meals, I wanted to share this recipe with Lyn’s readers too. 

Now let me show you how I made this delicious and pretty easy dish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made two versions, one for meat lovers and the other for vegetarians. So use your imagination and add your twist on this dish.

 

Serve it HOT and Enjoy!

 

Thank you Lyn for inviting me today to be your guest, and thank you all for reading!

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