My Food Blog
Delicious Recipes, Meal Planning, Tips, & More
Blueberry Muffins that Rock
Looking for a fantastic but super easy recipe for blueberry muffins? This is the one! And it comes from the best recipe book around: Muffin Mania. I made this for my daughter and it was just so easy - she inhaled them immediately. I was a bit hesitant as the recipe...
Twist on a Caesar Salad
I found a recipe for "Skinny Caesar" on Pinterest and as I made it, I found that there were some elements I really loved, and others that for me were....meh. I used Rick as my guinea pig (shhhh! Don't tell him that!) and he texted me from work telling me the salad was...
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Before you scroll to the bottom for the recipe, I want to share with you a bit of a story. Katelyn is now 16, but when she was around 9, her dad and I separated. Katelyn was a competitive dancer and her dad and I made the difficult decision that we could not...
Are all Fry Pans Created Equal?
Something I have always been curious about, is what is the difference between cast iron and nonstick pans? I knew cast iron lasted forever, but I also thought that they were ridiculously expensive and maintaining them was just much too cumbersome. Turns out, I was...
Air Fryer Calzones
I was looking for something that was easy, handheld, and something I could serve up poolside. I began to scour the recipes I saved over the years to find something that resonated. I came across this recipe and thought it checked all the boxes and I was not...
Air Fryer Roast Beef
My grandmother used to make pot roast that would make the staunchest vegetarian salivate. I vaguely remember her saying that she would go to the butcher and pick up the roast along with "suet the size of your fist". Suet, by the way, is fat. She would put the suet on...
Be Smart, Use Your Fliers
Are you one of those people that put the weekly flyers in the recycle bin? I know so many people who do this. You are not alone. I have asked friends why and the resounding answer is that they have no interest in leafing through the flyers, it just takes too much...
Emulsify… Who Knew?!
I was making a Beef Ragu the other day with Tagliatelle pasta-which by the way was super fantastic-and I learned a new term. Emulsify. I mean, I thought I knew what this meant but not related to pasta. When adding olive oil to a salad dressing, one would add it to the...
Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Chimichurri is the newest love in our house. I know it has been around for a long time, but we recently discovered this divine combination of fresh flavors. Last summer, when the world started to open up, our first stop for dinner was a local restaurant called Pretty...
Char Grilled Beef with Avocado and Tomatoes
Got steak and wondering what to do with it other than salt and pepper? This is a fantastic dish that kicks it up a notch with these 3 sumptuous add ons! Grill your steaks on the BBQ, then add avocados, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. I know, it sounds super...
Glazed Sirloins
If you love steak the way that we love steak, then THIS recipe is for you. Seriously. My family looks forward to BBQ season because they know this recipe will always be in the rotation. I mean, yes, I do make steak with salt, pepper, and garlic but this marinade takes...
Broccoli Buffet Salad
I know I am aging myself here....but back in the day, bringing a Broccoli Salad to a potluck was one of the go-tos. As I think about going to a baseball tournament where I need to bring "something", my brain automatically comes back to this salad. It is crisp, tasty,...
Goat Cheese and Pear Salad
Are you looking for the perfect side dish to bring to a potluck or to serve to a large group? Look no further! This is the one! Years ago, my hubby Rick and I went to our friend's place for dinner. They were always amazing at pulling together fantastic food that...
Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin
Did someone say bacon?! Making pork with bacon seems to be an ideal pairing, right? On top of that, this dish takes 10 minutes to prepare, then you walk away for 4 hours. AND there are only 5 ingredients! This is made with pork loin, and that means that there is a...
Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash
I don't know about you but when I was a kid, the word "Goulash" did not sound remotely appealing. Although after my Mom made it, it was pretty good. As I have mentioned in previous posts, and for those who know me...my Mom had a few (very few) recipes that she would...
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
If you know, then you know. Slow cooking is brilliant-with the right recipe. I have tried many different slow cooker recipes for my family and many times, they have told me NEVER to make it again. Why? Slow cooking requires liquid and as a result, meat tends to get...
Easy University/College Dinners #1: Balsamic Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Freshman 15. Ever heard of it? Back in my day, I witnessed it first hand by watching so many people inhaling the gravy and french fries in the cafeteria for lunch then gorging on KD for dinner. I was one of the majority of my peers with no idea how to shop, no idea...
Easy University/College Dinner #2: Fussili with Italian Sausage
Remember how I mentioned the Freshman 15? Yup, it's a thing. It is very real and the reason is that not many students know how to cook for themselves. The result is a multitude of take-out, fast food, high fat, and KD. 15 pounds are gained like that-visualize me...
Easy University/College Dinner #3: Korean Beef on Rice
Who says you can't have amazing flavour on a budget? This is a family fave and as steak has been on sale a lot recently, this is an ideal dinner that your post-high school student can make. All the ingredients are items that are on hand, and there are only 5! Super...
Easy University/College Dinners #4: Shrimp Tacos
This is the perfect dinner to make when your kid student has come home from school and needs something quick before sitting down to study for exams. Full of flavor, lots of protein to stay focused, and a delish handheld meal. And it checks all the boxes-quick? Check....
Easy University/College Dinners #5: Balsamic Chicken Goat Cheese Wraps
I am a big believer in repurposing meals. My kids are not a fan of leftovers-eating the exact same thing the next day-so I get a bit creative and use the same items from a previous meal, and use it for something completely different. With a little forethought and...
A Complete Storage Guide
Have you ever made chicken in the oven, put it in the fridge, and wondered at what point is it no longer safe to eat? Do you do the sniff test? Or how about veggies that you made last week. Do you think they are good to eat until you see a bit of fur growing? Well,...
School Lunch Suggestions
The kids are going back to school! And you know what that means? It means that you are making lunches for them to take to school, which you haven't done in about 2 years. I know! Me neither! Take a deep breath and let's walk through this together. Take a mental note...
Common Mistakes you May Be Making When Cooking with Garlic
I find garlic to be one of the most flavorful additions to just about any dish. Although what I have learned is there are ways you may be using garlic that is just...well...wrong. Check out the below points and if you are a garlic lover like me, be sure to check out...
Feel Like you are ALWAYS in the Kitchen? 6 Ways to Dodge That Bullet.
As the world is starting to open up, my son Nate is back to baseball. Last week, we were packing up from one of his games and I happen to run into a Mom of a kid who used to play with Nate a few years ago. I asked how she was hanging in and this was her response: "I...
Instant Pot Beef Bulgogi
As I mentioned in a previous post, I (like thousands of other people during the Pandemic) bought an Instant Pot. I kept seeing friends of mine posting on social media about how easy, quick, and tasty food was in this contraption. Needing to understand what the hype...
Do You Like Butter Chicken?
The kids and I LOVE Butter Chicken. I mean, I have ordered from 2 different restaurants for take out and 1 dinner was a smidge spicy. Katelyn loved the flavours but could not take the heat. She loved it so much that she ate the entire bowl with tears streaming down...
Instant Pot Pad Thai
"What's all the hype about this Instant Pot thing?" I know, I thought the same thing. A friend of mine would post tons of recipes on Facebook that she made for her family of 23 (ok, so that is a slight exaggeration... they are a blended family of 8) and they all...
Epicure: The Road So Far
I just heard about Epicure about a year ago. And truth be told, I was a smidge skeptical. I mean, crack open a packet and add seasonings to make a delicious meal. Simple. Easy. Quick. And, healthy, not to mention a great time saver. Too good to be true? So, I checked...
Veggies and Why You Do Not Need to Lose Your Shit When Your Kid Refuses To Eat Them
This weekend I went out for dinner with a couple of girlfriends that I have not seen in AGES. We always chat about our relationships, our irks, our passions, and this time, we happened to talk about food. My ears perked and I found myself sitting up a bit straighter...
Mango Chicken Salad
If someone said to me, "Hey Carolynne, if you could only have one salad to take with you on a deserted island, which one would you chose?" THIS IS THE ONE! I mean, the bold flavor of fish sauce with the crunchy, crushed peanuts and the sweet mango...seriously. Ok, I...
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa
This salad is crisp, sweet, and perfect for the summer! I love the combination of fresh cilantro with a burst of lime. Even more decadent is the perfect bite when you pop the avocado, chicken, and mango in your mouth. Tasting the drizzle of dressing with a hint of...
Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado and Bacon Salad
When the weather is hot, I crave salad for lunch. It's gotta be light and it's gotta be tasty. For me, I crave protein and crisp lettuce. I feel that I need protein so that I do not have that 3pm snack craving (which is usually chocolate). I like chicken in my salads,...
3 Easy and Delish Chicken Marinades
My cousin and I were talking a couple of weeks ago. "Carolynne, what is SassyGrub?" "Well, I help people to save time and money in the kitchen." Which got me thinking. If it isn't clear to her, then it probably isn't clear to you either, right? What the heck is...
Summer Party Planning in 4 Easy Steps
Graduation is imminent, summer is here and that means... yup, you guessed it... Summer parties! I am planning to have a few summer pool parties-socially distanced of course-with a few of my friends, family, and neighbors. My head is already spinning with which...
Are you Spending More Money During This F$@*ing Pandemic?
Me too. I remember the days when I would wake up in the morning, pack each kid their lunch which consisted of sandwiches or left overs, a fruit, a few packaged treats like a granola bar along with a juice box and call it a day. They would come home after school, raid...
The Perfect….and I do Mean PERFECT Mashed Potato
I had no idea that making mashed potatoes was almost an artform. I used to make mashed potatoes and really thought nothing of it, until one Christmas, I thought it would be amazing to use a hand held blender to make the creamiest mashed potatoes in the world! And the...
Korean Short Ribs
I'm not even sure if I can say Korean Short Ribs without salivating. We save these tasty morsels for special occasions and Father's Day is just around the corner. What does Rick want for Father's Day? You guessed it... these finger lickin' bites. When you set your...
Slow Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes
I am always on the lookout for potato recipes. I tend to cook potatoes the same way every time in a rotation: roasted, mashed and baked. I have found this amazing little recipe that I served with trout and now I will definitely be adding this to my rotation. When you...
4 Common Cooking Mistakes
Whether you think of yourself as Bobby Flay re-incarnate or not, there are a few cooking tips to keep in mind when grilling, cooking and sautéing. The Frequent Flipper/Stirrer Your food needs to cook. In order to cook, sometimes you just need to leave it alone. I...
Rhubarb Squares
Rhubarb is in season now! Ok, so I'm going to be honest here. We are not rhubarb eaters in my house, but I believe that you may be. And that is why I reached out to my friend Erin who is a rhubarb Queen. She makes everything from jam to desserts with it and her family...
Air Fryer Sweet Potato French Fries
Sweet potato fries are in season in Ontario in the spring and potatoes are a healthy side dish! Why are they healthy? Let me share the ways: Nutritional A great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Rich in antioxidants protecting you from inflammation. Healthy Gut...
Green Beans Almondine
Keep it super-simple! This is code for, I don't have the freaking time to pull together a side that will take an hour to create. All right. Now that we have this really clear, first I am going to tell you that this is something that is a step above steamed green...
Broccoli with Lemon Sauce
I really enjoy making this side dish because it is SO easy and it tastes SO delish! Don't be mistaken though-this is not a sauce that is on the broccoli, rather it is fresh lemon juice, zest and olive oil that make it "saucy". The flash of diced red peppers not only...
Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
I am always looking for new potato recipes. When I cook potatoes, I rotate through mashed, roasted and baked, but I know there are other options. And then I found this recipe that was a great change, and super tasty! My family is a bit strange-Nathan loves roasted and...
Brussel Sprouts in Pancetta
Let's get real: anything cooked with pancetta is amazing, am I right? My Kid Nathan, my son, is 13 and is not a fan of veggies. At all. Most kids will at least eat carrots, but mine...it is a struggle. Whenever I find a veggie that he will venture to put on his plate...
Boobies in Brine
You know those magazines that you see on the rack? You know, the rack that the grocery store strategically place mere inches from your face as you wait in line to put your groceries on the belt? This recipe came from one of those magazines in 2005! I am seriously a...
Grammie Russell’s Apple Crisp
What do you think about when you close your eyes and visualize your grandma? I think of green bean casseroles, melt-in-my-mouth pot roast (oh my gosh, I am actually salivating) and baking. Usually it is apple crisp, but she was a Jedi when it came to whipping up food...
Peach Prosecco
I'm going to give you an image. Are you ready? There you are. Walking along the deck of the cruise ship with the wind blowing in your hair on the Pacific Ocean. You are walking along the deck investigating everything the ship has to offer: unique gift shops, exquisite...
Favorite House Smoothie
My daughter Katelyn and I have gone on a few hikes together along with the dog, and inevitably, I crave "something" when I get home-more than water, but less than a meal. Katelyn then opened up the world of smoothies to me. Did you know that there are not only...
Eggs Benedict-Malinowski Style
You know those little greasy spoons where the ambiance is a little run down with the torn fabric on the banquette, the dated pictures on the walls and the paper place settings? Yeah. Me too. It's those hole in the wall spots that scream personality, have the...
Keto Friendly Candied Pecans
Jenn is my travel buddy. So far, we have gone to Chicago and Boston together and our next venture will San Francisco-once we are able to travel across borders again. It was on our last trip to Boston where she told me her secret to losing weight and staying mentally...
Pesto Pasta
Katleyn is developing her own style, her own palette and is starting to dabble in the kitchen. At 16, she is just starting to become adventurous with putting ingredients together that sound appealing to her, so, this recipe was her creation! The kid loves pasta. She...
And That’s a Wrap! Chicken Wrap…that is.
My kids really only like peanut butter sandwiches. Other than that, sandwiches are not their favorite. I, on the other hand, could eat PB and J every day of the week-in fact, my dad did! It takes a bit of brain power to think about alternative lunches for me and the...
Beef Salad Nacho Bowl
I love beef nachos and when toying with the idea of adapting the same ingredients into a salad....well, hell yes! So, let me give you a smidge of history before I talk about this flavorful lunch: Katelyn is 16 and at some point wants to be a vegetarian. She has cut...
Bring on the Buddha Bowl
I don't remember exactly where I found this recipe from, but I adapted it and had no idea how much Katelyn would love it. "Mom, can you made that again all week for lunch?" At first, I had to read the recipe, and continuously review each step before moving to the...
Korean Beef
I WANT STEAK! Every now and again, my kids say this to me-in the most kind and loving way. And every now and again, Rick will say to me.... "I feel like steak". I mean seriously, what is not to love? I love me a striploin with salt, pepper and garlic on the BBQ....
Maple Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
This is a simple and tasty dinner. If you are looking for a dish that your kids can make while you finish that one last email for work, this is the one! There are 5 ingredients plus the chicken and because this dish uses thighs, it is super juicy and tender. Listen,...
Easy Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Our family loves fajitas and I love making them because I consider it a one-pot meal: veggies, protein and starch all rolled into one, literally. My son is....well, not picky per se, but he definitely has a particular pallet. He is a meat and potatoes kinda guy and if...
Baked Salmon with Avocado Salsa
"Mom, can we have that salmon dinner that has the avocado on top?" Magic. Freakin' magic when I hear anything that starts with, "Mom can we have....." Right? It's a double fist pump moment that sets my heart a-flutter! I love to try new recipes and in order to make it...
Whole BBQ Lemon Chicken
The sun is shining, the weather is warm and the last thing you want to do is cook inside, this is the perfect meal for you. Chicken is so insanely versatile and we eat it almost every other day. We toggle between boneless skinless breast and thighs to bone in breasts...
Spring Asparagus-3 Ways
Spring has sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where the birdies is? I know, an odd little phrase, and this is what my Dad would say every now and again, particularly when spring was in the air. You know, when the grass is a bit greener, the days a longer and the sun...
Why You Think Meal Planning Sucks and 5 Tips to Get It Done
How many times have you thought to yourself, "This week is the week I will meal plan. I will get prepared and I will be successful, dammit!" However, the plan doesn't materialize. Folding the laundry is more appealing than planning dinners. Netflix is WAY more...
The Best Beef Stew You Will Ever Put In Your Mouth
I am always looking for an amazing "big ass pot" of food that tastes great the first night and tastes just as amazing when heated up for lunch and/or dinner the next day. This recipe hit the jackpot on both counts! I mean, the flavors, the texture, the beef that...
Hey Sassy Friend!
Welcome to the world of SassyGrub! Here, you will find recipes that have gone through the intense approval process of my family, foodie thoughts that ramble through my brain on a regular basis as well as tips to help you get from A to B in record time. Save time and...
Butternut Squash Soup
The snow is upon us and you know what that means? SOUP! So, my family is a bit weird. My kids will not eat soup. Full stop. My husband and I love it and we make it just for ourselves and eat it for lunch on the regular. In fact, this week, we are having soup and...
Whisky Maple Apple Crisp
Whisky Maple Apple Crisp You'll LOVE this combination over, and over, and over again! 6 Each Apples, peeled, cored and diced into bite size pieces.3/4 Cup Brown Sugar1 Tsp Cinnamon2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Or more, if you like things a bit sweeter!)1 Cup Whisky (Of...
Chicken Piccata Linguine With Steamed Broccoli
Chicken and pasta in a simple, silky lemon sauce. You know those nights when you want comfort, elegance, and a meal that your family will inhale? This is your dish. I serve this meal for my family on a regular basis as it is so easy. Traditional Piccata has capers,...