We spent more time inside this past month because according to the weatherman we had the coldest February since the early 1900s (or something ridiculous like that – insert crying emoji face here). But, it was the perfect month to do indoor projects and stay in cooking some delicious meals.

So grab a coffee and come on over for my favourite things from this past month PLUS what to cook in March!

One of my favourite recipes I made this month was my mom’s Chicken Noodle Soup. The flavours being back so many memories of my childhood; the soup is like a hug in a bowl!

We also tried this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Sweet Potato Noodle Stirfry from Ambitious Kitchen; OMG, so tasty and you could easily swap in your favourite noodles instead. And, I also did a collaboration recipe with Botanica Health over on Instagram; these Reishi Hot Chocolate Granola Bars have been a huge hit!

I’ve been curling up with good food and reading a ton too. Some of my favourite reads right now: The Art of Gathering which talks about all of the ways we gather with people from events to meetings to dinner parties, and how to shake things up to create more meaningful gatherings. And, The Year of Cozy is such a lovely book to cruise through for recipe and crafts inspo for the colder months.

With March being a bit of a ‘shoulder month,’ as I like to call it, sometimes I’m not too sure what to cook! It can still be Wintery weather OR it could be a brilliantly warm Spring. So with that said, here’s my recipe inspiration for what to cook in March:

Carrots – Chicken Noodle Soup

Citrus – Saskatoon Berry Lemon Scones

Leeks – Swiss Chard, Goat Cheese & Leek Frittata 

Parsnips – Pinto Bean & Thyme Pot Pies

Peppers – Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sweet Potatoes – Tex-Mex Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas & Kale

So many delicious dishes to take us from one season to the next. And, if you make any of these dishes I’d love to see your creations! Tag me @cookinginmygenes or #cookinginmygenes on Instagram.

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post What’s In Season – Monthly Favourites appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Back in March 2015 I started writing Cooking in my Genes to share my family recipes, what I love to cook for family and friends now and some foodie travel adventures.

I actually took my blog ‘live’ while on a layover in the Minneapolis Airport! I was on my way to visit my brother and the first recipe I posted on the blog was one we created on that visit – Mike’s Mac & Cheese. This recipe is still one of my favourite recipes to date that I love to make out at the cabin or for a dinner party at my house.

So to celebrate my 2-year blogging milestone I’m giving away some of my favourite things with a sweet little contest!

There are a couple different ways to enter and THREE prizes to be won.

Thank you to all those who entered & celebrated with me! This contest is now closed.

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post My Blogaversary Contest appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Does anyone else feel like February FLEW by and all of sudden we’re headed into March? March has me dreaming about Springtime, sunshine and fresh flowers and this set of party cups and party plates make me want to host a Spring party!

But, before we get there I have some favourites from February to share with you.

February turned out to be a very full month for me…I had a Super Bowl / birthday party and my team also WON which was exciting!  We ate a ton of food including my Kettle Chip BBQ Chicken Nachos and these Coconut Chicken Fingers that I served with ranch and hot sauce for dipping.

I cooked a lot at home and have a couple of new favourite recipes in our dinner rotation including these Slow-Cooker Banh Mi Rice Bowls and these Spicy Chicken Sweet Potato Meal Prep Magic Bowls. Both recipes are so delicious and make perfect weekday lunches too!

We went to the cabin for the Family Day weekend and with all of the snow it was just magical.

I spent a lot of time reading and finished this book, The Best Kind of People. I was hooked on this book from the beginning; it was soooooo good. Then I started on another book that I’m loving called Fates and Furies; half of the book is told from the perspective of the husband and the other half is from the wife’s perspective which makes it so interesting. I would highly recommend both books.

I also cooked a classic recipe which is the first I ever posted on the blog! Named ‘Mike’s Mac & Cheese,’ it’s a dish I created with my brother and its perfect for those cozy winter days. Plus, the mac & cheese leftovers freeze really well.

And to top off the month I attended an event at one of our local restaurants called Modern Steak. If you are in Calgary, you must check it out! We sampled a few of their steak offerings paired with wines and I’m telling you it is a must! Perfect for a date night or night out with your friends.

Now I’m really excited for March because it’s my BLOGAVERSARY!

On March 15th, 2015 I posted my first blog post on Cooking in my Genes and it’s been quite the adventure ever since! I love this cooking community and so grateful to have you all following my recipes and stories. I’m going to be doing a giveaway of some of my favourite things to celebrate so stay tuned!

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

Cookinginmygenes.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, Cookinginmygenes.com may make a commission from that click and/or purchase. All opinions are my own, and all brands featured represent what I personally like and support.

The post What’s In Season appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

I am in love with the holiday season, the baking, the social gatherings and the holiday movies, it all makes me SO happy!

Not only do I love cooking and baking for my family and friends, one of my other favourite things to do is search for the perfect gift for the people I love.

Inspired by my gift-giving, my favourite local shops and love for cooking I’m sharing with you my go-to gifts for the holiday season.

For the foodie in your family this cookbook, A New Way To Dinner, is filled with easy, everyday dinner recipes and helps you meal-plan too

For those who love a little sparkle, Flora Italia is a Calgary-based company creating beautiful jewelry (you may even have to gift yourself something it’s so gorgeous!)

If you want to get creative in the kitchen make a batch of my marshmallow pops as gifts

For those who like to stay-in, this Vintage Dominoes set or this fun vintage Clue boardgame will add some fun entertainment

The perfect hostess gifts are these Snowy Pine & Balsam Fir Candles that smell like Christmas

For the tea-drinker in your life any of these tea blends

For the coffee-drinker enjoy some of the best local coffee from Calgary with a coffee subscription

Something to keep the traveller in your life organized, this compact traveller kit

We can’t forget the kids! For the kids in your life (or the kid in you) this classic holiday tale, The Polar Express

And for something truly Canadian, this Hudson’s Bay Classic Throw Blanket

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post What’s In Season – Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.