Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe As the weekend rolls around, the favourite dishes from the takeaway menu call louder than ever. However, I love imitating those recipes at home as they take out the time, energy and expense of going out. Plus, they taste just as good as the real thing. The recipe I am sharing this week is inspired by the staple appetizer, Chicken Lettuce Wraps at P.F. Chang's restaurant. These Chicken Lettuce Wraps feature ground chicken and veggies in an addictive sweet and salty sauce all nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves. The perfect low-carb dinner for busy weeknights! WHY THIS RECIPE WILL BECOME YOUR NEW FAVORITE There’s a lot to love about these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Here’s what makes them a favorite in my home: HEALTHIER TAKE ON A RESTAURANT CLASSIC: These wraps are made using fresh ingredients and have the same flavor as you would enjoy in a Chinese resta...

Skip to Recipe There’s something special about slowing down and treating yourself to a beautiful breakfast or brunch on a bright sunny morning. Since it is strawberry season, head to the farmers market or pile up those cartons of juicy berries at the grocery store because I’ve got the perfect breakfast for using those little beauties. This Toast features roasted juicy and sweet strawberries, creamy, luxurious whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey topped on a slice of perfectly toasted crusty bread. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking to elevate your breakfast game, or craving a quick but fancy snack, this toast is here to make your day. WHY ROASTING THE STRAWBERRIES IS WORTH THE EFFORT Roasting the strawberries might sound so fancy, but it is incredibly easy and it is what takes the recipe to a whole new level. The process brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and intensifies their flavor. The ca...

Skip to Recipe When the weather warms up in spring, I try making room for those meals that are light and refreshing. With a bounty of spring veggies incoming, what better way to get your fresh food fix than eating a colorful salad? This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Edamame Salad is a healthy and vibrant salad that is packed will flavor and at the same time full of nutrients. Loaded with fluffy quinoa, colorful crunchy veggies, protein-rich edamame and a nutty, creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave you craving for more! It is completely plant-based and packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it extremely wholesome and satisfying. Oh, and the best part ? It gets ready in just 20 minutes and stores beautifully in the fridge, making it a great option for busy weekdays. INGREDIENTS IN THIS THAI-INSPIRED QUINOA SALAD Quinoa...

Skip to Recipe Longer, brighter days are here, and with the change of seasons comes a ton of new recipes. Nothing captures the essence of spring like a vibrant plate of Pasta Primavera. Al dente pasta and crisp-tender spring vegetables are tossed in a light creamy sauce, and sprinkled with generous amount of Parmesan. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner to serve your guests, Pasta Primavera delivers a satisfying combination of freshness and comfort. ORIGINS OF PASTA PRIMAVERA While Pasta Primavera means “spring pasta” in Italian, the dish itself is entirely American. This pasta rose to popularity when it appeared on the menu at New York’s Le Cirque restaurant in the 1970s, and became one of the most buzzy dishes in the city at the time, and quickly trickled down to restaurants across the country. WHY YOU WILL LOVE THE RECIPE? Vegetarian : This pasta i...

Skip to Recipe Weekend getaways, dinners cooked outside, and drinks on the deck. Yes, that’s what summer is all about! With summer slowly approaching, I want to share a recipe that has everything you need to make your next cookout unforgettable. Looking to steal the spotlight at your next gathering? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are just what you need! Tender chunks of chicken that have been threaded on to skewers, baked until golden brown, and coated with the most delicious garlic parmesan butter sauce! WHY YOU WILL LOVE THE RECIPE? Flavor-Packed : These skewers are so juicy and bursting with buttery, garlic flavor in every bite! Easy to Make : The ingredient list for this recipe is pretty standard that you keep around in the pantry so you can whip up the skewers in a matter of minutes! Extremely Versatile : This recipe is extremely v...

Skip to Recipe Are you on the look out for a speedy midweek meal? My 30-Minute meal is perfect for those busy nights- super easy, quick, minimal ingredients but you know you’ve got a well-balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy. The Caribbean Coconut Salmon Curry is a vibrant dish that brings the vibrant, exotic flavors of the Caribbean islands to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned salmon fillets pan-seared and combined with a robust, super flavorful and scrumptious coconut curry. Pair alongside some white rice and/or some steamed vegetables for an epic weeknight-friendly meal! WHY YOU WILL LOVE THE RECIPE? Simple Yet Impressive : This dish comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, and gets ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy night in or even a dinner party where you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. ...

Skip to Recipe With Easter just around the corner, there's no better time to whip up a batch of sweet homemade Hot Cross Buns! Once you discover how easy it is to make your own buns, you will never go back to the shop-bought ones again! While it is traditional to make them for Good Friday, they are great all year round, whenever you are craving a nice treat. Super fluffy, delicious, breakfast buns that are flavored with orange, warm spices, raisins, and finished with a cross on top. The ultimate treat for your Easter feast! WHAT ARE HOT CROSS BUNS? Hot cross buns are sweet, lightly spiced buns marked with a cross on top traditionally made or eaten on Good Friday, marking the end of the Christian season of Lent. It is believed that the iconic bun first appeared in 12th Century, where English Monks would decorate the freshly baked treat with a piped dough cross on Good Friday to commemorate the Day of the Cross. T...

Skip to Recipe Easter season is upon us! Whether you are planning to celebrate with your family, or you are entertaining a crowd, I am sure you would like to put on a spectacular and decadent spread. But why not serve your guests a tantalizing appetizer to nibble on after all that egg hunting and before they dig into the big feast. Lightly toasted baguette slices, creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze create an easy and quick appetizer. Perfect to serve at your next family dinner, holiday gathering, or even at a weekend brunch! WHAT IS CAPRESE BRUSCHETTA? Bruschetta (pronounced broo-sket-ta) is a slice of bread toasted in the oven or grilled, often rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, tomatoes and salt. This Caprese Bruschetta is essentially an appetizer that features the flavors of the classic Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil) served on to...