6 Cozy Fall Soup Recipes

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

A classic fall favourite, this creamy soup is rich, velvety, and full of cozy flavours.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Stovetop):

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add butternut squash, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until squash is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk or cream.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of cream or roasted pumpkin seeds.

Directions (Crockpot):

1. Combine all ingredients except coconut milk/cream in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk/cream before serving.

2. Hearty Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Stovetop):

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add sweet potatoes, lentils, spices, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
3. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Directions (Crockpot):

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir well.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir and adjust seasoning before serving.

3. Apple and Cheddar Soup

This sweet-and-savoury soup is a unique way to enjoy fall’s apple harvest.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Stovetop):

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add apples and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Pour in broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes until apples are soft.
3. Blend until smooth, then stir in milk and cheese until melted.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top.

Crockpot Directions:

1. Add apples, onion, and broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Blend the soup and stir in milk and cheese just before serving.

4. Savoury Pumpkin Soup with Sage

Celebrate fall with this flavourful, herb-infused pumpkin soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Stovetop):

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until softened.
2. Add pumpkin puree, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pour in broth and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and heat through. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh sage.

Crockpot Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except cream in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir in cream before serving.

5. Rustic Italian Minestrone

This veggie-packed soup is hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup small pasta (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Stovetop):

1. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pot until softened.
2. Add zucchini, beans, seasoning, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes.
3. If using pasta, add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

Crockpot Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except pasta to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in cooked pasta before serving.

6. Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A creamy, protein-packed soup that’s as comforting as it is filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 3/4 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Crockpot Only):

1. Add chicken, wild rice, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, stir in heavy cream, and heat for another 10 minutes.
4. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Fall is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy seasonal ingredients, and savour warm, hearty meals. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or letting your crockpot do the work, these cozy fall soup recipes will make your autumn days even more delicious. Happy cooking! ����

The post 6 Cozy Fall Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul 🍂 appeared first on Sheppard Centre Apartments Blog.

1. Kool-Aid Fried Chicken Sandwich – A deep-fried chicken filet topped with a Kool-Aid-flavoured reduction sauce, served in a hamburger bun.
2. SpICE Cream Chorizo Fries Supreme – Fries topped with cheddar cheese sauce, chorizo sausage, vanilla ice cream, and more, blending spicy and sweet flavors.
3. Tzatziki Cheesecake – A New York-style cheesecake topped with tzatziki buttercream and pita chips.
4. Footlong Deep Fried Mozzarella Stick – A massive mozzarella stick served in a hoagie bun with various toppings.
5. Deep Fried Pickle Oreos – Oreos stuffed with pickles, battered, deep-fried, and garnished with dill.
6. Avocado Coconut Ice Cream – Avocado-flavoured ice cream garnished with coconut shavings, served in a coconut bowl.
7. Sweet or Spicy Mochi Funnel Cake – A mochi donut funnel cake with a surprise sweet or spicy flavour.
8. 15-Inch Diameter Donut – A giant donut weighing over 2 pounds and measuring 15 inches in diameter.
9. Banh Mi Tacos – Tacos inspired by the Vietnamese Banh Mi, with options like Saigon Fried Chicken or Crispy Fish.
10. Wasabi Ice Cream – A wasabi-flavoured soft serve ice cream served in a charcoal cone and topped with seaweed.

The CNE is the ultimate playground for food adventurers, offering a chance to indulge in some of the most creative and unconventional eats you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re daring enough to try some deep-fried pickle oreos or simply want to enjoy an extra large donut, 2024’s CNE food lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience. So grab your fork, loosen your belt, and get ready for a wild ride through the weird and wonderful world of CNE eats!

The post The Wild and Weird Foods at the CNE 2024: A Culinary Adventure appeared first on Sheppard Centre Apartments Blog.

1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This vibrant salad is packed with protein, fiber, and fresh flavours.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup avocado, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss everything together until well mixed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour for enhanced flavours.

2. Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavour, these spring rolls are a perfect light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled

Instructions:

1. Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water for 10-15 seconds, then lay flat on a clean surface.
2. Arrange a small amount of shrimp, carrots, lettuce, mint, cilantro, basil, and noodles in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
4. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

3. Caprese Stuffed Avocados

A twist on the classic Caprese salad, this dish is both creamy and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Scoop out a small portion of the avocado to create more space for the filling.
2. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves. Serve immediately.

4. Spicy Tuna Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are a healthy, spicy, and crunchy delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• Butter lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, and soy sauce until well combined.
2. Place a spoonful of the tuna mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
3. Top with julienned carrots and cucumber. Roll up and enjoy.

5. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A light and tangy chicken salad that’s perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, celery, grapes, almonds, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined. Serve on whole grain bread, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens.

6. Black Bean and Corn Tacos

These no-cook tacos are packed with flavour and perfect for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Small flour or corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until well mixed.
3. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas. Serve with your favourite toppings such as avocado, salsa, or cheese.

No-bake dinners are not only a great way to beat the heat but also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy fresh and healthy meals. These recipes are easy to prepare, full of flavour, and perfect for hot summer days. Enjoy staying cool while you eat well!

The post Take a Break from the Oven: 6 No-Bake Dinner Recipes for Hot Days appeared first on Sheppard Centre Apartments Blog.

Join us on a journey to unravel the mysteries of these nutritional powerhouses and discover the top superfoods that can supercharge your health and vitality.

What Are Superfoods?

At their core, superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that are particularly beneficial for health and well-being. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that support optimal functioning of the body and may even help prevent chronic diseases. What sets superfoods apart from ordinary foods is their extraordinary concentration of beneficial compounds, earning them the "super" moniker.

The Top Superfoods

1. Blueberries: These tiny but mighty berries are bursting with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which have been linked to improved brain function, reduced risk of heart disease, and enhanced immune function. Blueberries are also rich in fiber and vitamin C, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.

2. Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is renowned for its heart-healthy benefits. Omega-3s are essential fats that support brain function, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. Choose wild-caught salmon for the highest levels of omega-3s and opt for grilled or baked preparations for a healthy meal.

3. Kale: Hailed as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, kale is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and potassium. It's also loaded with antioxidants and fiber, making it a versatile and delicious addition to salads, smoothies, soups, and stir-fries.

4. Quinoa: Often referred to as a "super grain," quinoa is actually a seed that's packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans. Quinoa is also gluten-free and incredibly versatile, making it a staple in many healthy diets.

5. Avocado: Creamy, delicious, and incredibly nutritious, avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're also rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Enjoy avocados sliced on toast, mashed into guacamole, or blended into smoothies for a creamy boost of nutrition.

6. Chia Seeds: Despite their small size, chia seeds pack a nutritional punch. They're loaded with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds are also highly absorbent, forming a gel-like consistency when mixed with liquid, which can help promote hydration and aid digestion. Sprinkle chia seeds over yogurt, oatmeal, or salads, or use them to make chia pudding for a delicious and nutritious treat.

7. Turmeric: This golden spice has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been linked to reduced inflammation, improved brain function, and lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Add turmeric to curries, soups, smoothies, or golden milk for a flavorful and health-boosting kick.

8. Greek Yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, Greek yogurt is a nutritional powerhouse that's rich in calcium, probiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and immune function, while calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt and add your own toppings like fruit, nuts, and honey for a delicious and nutritious snack or breakfast option.

Superfoods may not possess supernatural powers, but their exceptional nutritional profiles certainly make them worthy of the title. Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help support overall health and well-being, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and boost vitality and longevity. So go ahead, embrace the power of the top superfoods and let them fuel your journey to optimal health and vitality!

The post Unveiling the Power of The Top Superfoods: What Makes Them Super? appeared first on Sheppard Centre Apartments Blog.

Need some inspiration to start using those tomatoes? We've got 5 simple tomato recipes to get you started!

5 SIMPLE TOMATO RECIPES

1. Fresh Salsa

Salsa is so easy to make, and the difference between store-bought and freshly made is huge!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup onion, diced
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh jalapeño pepper (including seeds)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together gently.
2. Enjoy (yes, that's literally it!)

2. Simple Tomato Sauce

Often, when we think about homemade tomato sauce, we think labour and time-intensive… but that doesn't have to be the case!

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs ripe tomatoes, stems and core removed
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 3-5 fresh basil, roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Put your tomatoes into a pot with oil and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring often.
3. Once the tomatoes soften, smash them up to get a sauce-like consistency.
4. Continue cooking until the sauce is thick. When it’s almost done, add the basil.
5. Optional: Blend in the blender for a smoother sauce – or don't if rustic is your style!

3. Caprese Salad

Based on taste, one would think this is a fact (read: hard to make) salad. But really, it's so, so simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups balsamic vinegar
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, thickly sliced
• Large bunch of fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Reduce your balsamic vinegar to a thick sauce by bringing to a gentle boil over low heat – about 15 minutes. Let cool.
2. Arrange your tomato slices and mozzarella in alternating slices on a platter.
3. Tuck the whole basil leaves in between the tomato and cheese slices.
4. Drizzle the balsamic reduction on top, then drizzle the olive oil on top of that.
5. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.

4. Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Gooey cheese and warm, soft tomatoes. Mouthwatering, no?

Ingredients:

• 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup chopped basil
• 1 tbsp oil oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your sliced tomatoes on the parchment paper.
3. Top each tomato slice with a layer of parmesan and then a layer of mozzarella.
4. Sprinkle basil on top and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is all melty, then broil for 2-3 minutes to give it a bit of a crunch.

5. Simple Tomato Soup

Forget the canned stuff – go fresh. And of course, don't forget to pair it with a grilled cheese sammie!

Ingredients:

• 10-12 medium tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 small garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 ½ cups water, low sodium vegetable stock, or chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, water/stock, tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more salt as needed.
3. Blend the soup, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Yum…

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO STORE TOMATOES

In the fridge or on the counter? It's a question many of us grapple with.

You really should try to use fully wiped tomatoes as soon as possible, but if you can't, refrigerating them is best to keep them fresh. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before using them (once you take them out of the fridge).

A few other tips for storing tomatoes:

• If you get tomatoes from the grocery store, they'll have been previously refrigerated. Leave them on the counter until they are fully ripe, then store them in the fridge for later use.

• Home garden tomatoes and tomatoes you buy at a farmers market stand you trust will not have been previously refrigerated. If they are not ripe yet, remove the stems and store the tomatoes upside down on a large tray until they ripen.

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