Sunday, September 26, 2010

Spicy Chicken and Veg Kebabs

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Summer is the ultimate time for barbecuing with friends. So before it gets too cold, try to use the barbecue as much as possible. Kebabs are of one of my favourite things to barbecue, they're easy to make and you can customize whatever meat or vegetables you want on it. Also, if you have a vegetarian over, you don't have to make a whole different meal for them, just make their kebab all veggie! Kebabs are great.

I do like things spicy, so if you don't, just don't add the chili flakes, or maybe just add a little. But I highly suggest you do, they will taste that much better.

Spicy Chicken and Veg Kebabs
Serves 4
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 red onion
  • 80z of mushrooms (about 12 mushrooms)
  • 1 clove of minced garlic
  • 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp of dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp of paprika
  • 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp of onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp of cayenne flakes
Directions:
  1. Cut chicken, peppers and onions into bite size chucks and around the same size. Place them into a large bowl.
  2. Into the bowl add the rest of the ingredients and mix together well.
  3. Preheat the barbecue to medium high heat while you skew the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Grill the skewers for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Turn the skewers occasionally.

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Balsamic BBQ Sauce

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Giada De Laurentiis is one of my favourite chefs. Her dishes are simple, delicious and full of flavour. Her enthusiasm and love for food makes you believe that you can recreate any of her dishes that she features on her shows. To me, the food she cooks is very attainable, not complicated, with simple ingredients and cooking techniques that anybody can do.

This BBQ sauce was featured on her show Everyday Italian and is also found on the food network website. This recipe makes quite a bit of sauce which you can package up in glass jars and give to your friends and family as a gift. Homemade BBQ sauce is a great gift for anyone who wants change up the flavour of their regular chicken or steak meals.

Balsamic BBQ Sauce

For the Balsamic BBQ sauce:
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the chicken or steak:
  • 4 pieces chicken (any combination of breast or leg-and-thigh pieces) or 4 pieces of New York strip or Club strip steak
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by 1/3, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. For the chicken or steak: Place a grill pan over medium heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with some of the BBQ sauce using a pastry brush. Place the meat on the grill. Place the remaining BBQ sauce, still in the small saucepan, over low heat or on the edge of a gas or charcoal grill and allow to gently simmer while the meat cooks.
  3. Cook the chicken about 8 minutes per side. Cook the steaks starting at about 4 minutes per side until a meat thermometer reads the desired temperature, 120 degrees F for medium rare, 135 degrees F for medium (about 6 minutes per side), 155 degrees F for well done (about 9 minutes per side). Continually brush the meat with BBQ sauce every few minutes. Remove the meat from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve with the heated BBQ sauce alongside.
  4. Alternately, the chicken can be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken skin side up in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce all over the top of the chicken. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Mitzi's on College

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After hearing and reading reviews of bad service at Mitzi's on College, I was reluctant to go. A few friends had said the food was great but the service was horrible. Blog TO had mentioned the same thing. I have been to this restaurant four times now, three times in one week, and I have yet to discover where people are getting this bad service.

The staff is lovely and they make you feel as if you are over at a friend's house for brunch. The patio's relaxed atmosphere is a great place to recharge from a late night out while people watching from your seat.

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Their menu will also aid in revitalizing your body with fresh fruit juices or homemade granola and yoghurt. But if you are like me, and need to fill your stomach with hearty food, you should try their famous sweet oatmeal pancakes, usually topped with seasonal fruit coulis or sauces. They also serve your regular bacon and egg breakfast and scrabbled egg specials that are fantastic.

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Another great reason to try Mitzi's is that it seems their menu changes almost weekly, so you know the food you are getting is fresh and in season.

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Mitzi's on College
890 College Street
Toronto, ON
(416) 533-7400

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