#menuideas

Are you searching for some menu inspiration for your upcoming Fourth of July party? Well, look no further! We’ve got you covered with a range of ideas that will surely impress your guests and make your celebration a hit!

An impressive, easy to make, vegetarian appetizer. Perfect for your next get together. 

Wonton wrappers topped with mozzarella cheese, Coconut Thai BLENDABELLA, shredded carrots, cilantro, and a delicious homemade peanut sauce. They are quite pretty to look at and a perfect absolutely delicious appetizer. This is a wonderful handheld food. Right after I finished my shoot I couldn't help but devour more than several. 

I wrote this recipe for a contest being held by BLENDABELLA and it’s one you’ll want to try.  

The crunchiness of the wonton wrapper, the coconut Thai mushroom blend, and that peanut sauce! A magnificent blend of flavors. This is so simple to put together and I highly recommend making this for your next get together. Gameday yes! Intimate get together yes! Easy weeknight meal yes! This appetizer is what you need. 

BLENDABELLA is diced portabella mushrooms blended with vegetables and herbs. There are several regional flavors like Thai Coconut which is what I used. They also have Zesty Mexican and Rustic Italian. You can find them on INSTAGRAM. 

Makes 12 Mini Thai Wonton Pizzas

INGREDIENTS for Peanut Sauce

This  recipe makes about 2 cups so you will have extra

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon ginger paste 

INGREDIENTS for Mini Thai Wonton Pizzas

12 square wonton wrappers

olive oil spray

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated carrots

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 jar BLENDABELLA Thai Coconut (purchase online at Giorgio Foods)

DIRECTIONS for peanut sauce

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside until ready to use. 

DIRECTIONS for Mini Thai Wonton Pizzas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place 12 wonton wrappers on a parchment lined cookie sheet. LIghtly spray tops of wonton wrappers with oil. 

Bake 5-6 minutes. Turn off oven. Add cheese to tops of wonton wrappers and place back in the oven. Leave oven off. Let sit in oven 5-6 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Oh Canada! Menu Ideas for the Ultimate Canada Day Celebration

Canada Day is right around the corner which means it’s time to start planning the big 151!

We are unbelievably fortunate to live in such a diverse country that is practically bursting with regional delicacies from different cultures across the country.

Whether you live on one of our breathtaking coastlines or under the big sky of the prairies or up in the rugged north, every corner of our country has something uniquely Canadian worth featuring this July 1st.

But where to start?

Your own community, of course! The “shop local” trend has been picking up steam for while now – and for good reason! The best produce, meats, dairy and even wine and beer are often found in your own backyard. The freshest foods never travel far so check out your local farmers market to start your menu planning of right.

courtesy: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/11/roasted-brussels-sprouts-bacon-pecans-maple-balsamic-recipe.html

Consider some charcuterie. A gorgeous plate of well chosen Canadian meats and cheeses are always a hit, particularly when paired with some of that amazing Okanagan or Niagara region wines. Check out https://www.dairygoodness.ca to get some great ideas!

Granted, we we’re not all fortunate enough to wake up to the sound of the ocean every day but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying some amazing pacific salmon or Atlantic lobster this summer.

  I feel especially lucky to hail from a province that has the best beef in the world! But our options on the prairies are not limited to steak and burgers alone, consider bison or venison as another possibility to wow your guests this year.

courtesy: http://www.dinnerwithjulie.com/2013/11/27/12-days-braised-bison-short-ribs-espresso-balsamic/

  Of course, what Canadian food list would be complete without a shout out to the classic Poutine – or even a poutine bar if you really want to get creative your Canadiana.

recipe: https://food52.com/recipes/25906-vegetarian-poutine

  Segway into my favourite part of any meal – Dessert! And in the great white north, anything goes! Beavertails? Fruit Pies? Nanaimo Bars? Smores? Happy Canada Day indeed.

  Finally, no Canada day celebration is complete without a beverage or two and, lucky for us, there are a plethora of amazing craft beers, ciders and wines across almost every region to choose from. You could even concoct your own celebratory cocktail with some of that local fruit from the farmers market and your favourite spirit. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!