7 Scrumptious Seasonal Soups

We can’t deny it any longer, it’s starting to get cold. That extra sweater you’d wear in the morning but ditch at noon is staying on longer and longer, your open-toed shoes have moved to the back of your closet, and you’ve even brought out your scarf once or twice. As the days get shorter and frosty temperatures continue to greet us, most will begin to feel the overwhelming urge to snuggle up with a good book, blanket, and a cup of tea. We know everyone loves getting cozy when it’s cold, so we thought we’d share some simple and delicious soup recipes to tide you over this season. Check ‘em out below and stay warm!

Sausage, Potato & Spinach – One pot is all you need to enjoy this savory goodness. These tasty ingredients combine in about 30 minutes to create the perfect weekday meal. You could also try doubling the recipe and make a week’s worth of lunches. Yum!

Image via Damn Delicious

Red Lentil – This vegan soup is one seriously hearty dish, and it also clocks in at about 30 minutes of cooking time. One of the reasons we love making soup so much is that is it super easy to make. Chop veggies, add broth and a few spices, then leave it on the stove and do whatever you need to do for half an hour. Another amazing weekday dinner!

Image via The Kitchen

Chicken Pot Pie – You will need a slow cooker or crockpot to make this dish, so if you don’t have one skip along to the next recipe. (That said, you probably should get a slow cooker because they are amazing.) Anyway, this cross between a soup and a stew is amazing. It’s rich, warm, and just what you need on a cold day.

Image via Baked By Rachel

Kale & Chickpea – Expecting guests with dietary restrictions? This soup’s for them, (unless they’re allergic to kale or chickpeas!). All kidding aside, this dish is vegan and gluten free, making it a good choice to serve your food conscious guests. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious!

Image via The Washington Post

Roasted Vegetable – This is a pretty classic recipe, but we just had to share it. Roasted vegetable soup is a staple dish during the winter. It’s easy to make, lends itself to lots of variations, and can feed an army if you’ve got enough vegetables!

Image via Savory Lotus

Carrot, Ginger & Potato – Do you love rich, creamy soups but are worried about what they’ll do to your waistline? Then this recipe is for you! Enjoy all the flavor and richness of a cream-based soup and stick to your diet!

Image via Averie Cooks

Mulligatawny – Add a little spice to your seasonal soup rotation with this eastern dish. Its complex flavors will impress every dinner guest, but it’s pretty easy to make. Mulligatawny is fun to say and twice as good to eat!

Image via The Wanderlust Kitchen

We hope these soups help keep you and your family warm and cozy through the fall and all winter long. Make sure to share your favorite fall dishes with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we’d love to see what you cook up!

Looking for more ways to get your family and your home ready for fall? Visit the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you! Discover the latest trends in home decor and design, get expert advice, see your favorite home and garden celebrities, and more. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show of your choice when you connect with us on Facebook. Visit our Facebook Ticket Deals and save big!

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Veg Out! 10 Sensational Summer Salads

Why is it that the final days of summer always seem to be the hottest? Everyone wants to soak up the last bit of the season, but scorching temperatures tend to dictate what we can and can’t do – especially when it comes to meals. Most, (ourselves included), will avoid cooking in this heat. Having the oven on for hours, broiling a roast, doesn’t do anyone any favors. It contributes to the temperature of the home, making it considerably warmer, and a pot roast isn’t really the most refreshing meal after a long day in the heat.

Ordering in every night may be convenient and doesn’t require any cooking, but we’ve got an even better idea: summer salads! Check out these delicious, nutritious, and best of all cool, recipes and save your money and your waistline. We’ve got ten tasty salads that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Check them out below!

Tomato, Cucumber & Avocado – Seems like avocado’s being added to everything these days, and for good reason! This veggie is yummy and crazy good for you. Pair it with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and light dressing, and you’ve got yourself a seriously awesome salad.

Image via Green Valley Kitchen

Spinach & Tortellini – We love this unique pasta salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, and filling. Bring it to a potluck, or keep it all to yourself. We’re sure this dish will be a hit, whatever the crowd.

Image via 3 Boys Unprocessed

Grilled Peach & Arugula – We’re big fans of sweet and savory combinations, and this salad mixes these flavors well. Not only does it look beautiful with its blend of green, blue, peach, and white, but it tastes great.

Image via Two Peas And Their Pod

Strawberry Avocado Couscous – Ah couscous, the dish so nice they named it twice (sorry, little couscous humor for you). Anyway, this salad has everything: grains, veggies, and fruit. Best of all? This dish is a snap to make!

Image via Damned Delicious

Roasted Chickpeas & Zucchini – Ok, this recipe does call for roasting, and you know what that means: turning the over on. If it’s way too stinking hot for that, save this salad for fall. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

Ramen Noodle – Skip the roasting in this recipe to save on time and also so you don’t sweat to death. We find the noodles to be plenty crunchy on their own. This cute east meets west creation is totally delicious and super simple to make.

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Israeli Salad – This is one zesty treat. Finely chopped cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes combine with olive oil and lemon to create a truly refreshing dish. Top with chicken, or don’t, it’s up to you.

Image via Feasting At Home

BLT Pasta Salad – Who doesn’t love BLTs? Adding bacon makes just about any dish better. Instead of your traditional bacon, lettuce, tomato on bread, throw out those buns, do a little chopping, and add some pasta. It’s such a fun variation on this classic sandwich.

Image via Baker By Nature

Spicy Sweet Potato – This unique dish combines sweet potato, beans, tomatoes, avocado, and a little bit of heat. No, we’re not talking about turning on your oven, it’s time to hit the spice rack instead. Cumin and chili powder kick this dish up a notch, and we’re digging it.

Image via Frugal Living Mom

Blackberry Bacon Blue Cheese – Not only is this salad fun to say (who doesn’t love alliteration), it’s also fun to eat. Blackberries, bacon, and blue cheese combine in the ultimate sweet and savory salad. What a sublime dish!

Image via The Recipe Critic

We hope these delicious salads help keep you and your family fed and cool for the rest of the 

summer. Have a favorite salad we didn’t feature here? Share the recipe and some snaps of it with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram. We’re always looking for new dishes to try!

Speaking of cool ideas, here's another: get your Marketplace Events Home Show tickets early to save big! Right now, you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

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Scrumptious & Simple 3 Ingredient Desserts

As summer begins to wind down it seems our social engagements start winding up. Maybe we’re all trying to soak up the last weekends of the season, or we all used July to catch up on sleep and are now bursting with energy. Whatever the reason, most of our social calendars will be fairly full for the rest of August.

If you’re one of the many busy bees burdened with get togethers, lunches, brunches, dinners, playdates, and more, let us help you out before you lose your head. We’ve compiled a list of super easy and yummy desserts that are sure to wow at any gathering. Check ‘em out below and prepare your taste buds!

Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie – Crazy simple to make (all of these recipes only require three ingredients) and so enjoyable! The refreshing combination of watermelon, coconut water, and lime cannot be ignored. One sip will have you hooked.

Image via Minimalist Baker

Oreo Truffles – These cute treats look amazing, and are so easy to make. Three ingredients, six steps, and you’re done! Will these kill at a party? Yes! Will they take you hours to make? No! Sounds pretty good to us.

Image via Chef in Training

Peanut Butter Cake – Staying away from gluten shouldn’t result in you having to spend tons of time in the kitchen making desserts or skipping out on them altogether. This flourless peanut butter cake is delicious, easy to make, and gluten free. You’re welcome.

Image via Kirbie's Cravings

Mint Chocolate Mousse – (Mostly) everyone loves chocolate! Surprise friends and family with a light, airy, decadent, vegan, mint chocolate mousse. They won’t be able to resist.

Image via Vegan Family Recipes

Banana Chocolate Chip Bites – Think three ingredients is too many? This sweet snack only needs two: bananas and chocolate chips. Blend some frozen bananas together, add chocolate chips, form in cupcake tray, and you’re golden. These fairly healthy bites are perfect for playdates and (when September comes) after school snacks!

Image via The Baker Mama

Shortbread Crisp – This recipe calls for apricots, but you could use all sorts of fruit in this crisp. It’s paleo friendly, vegan, and a great thing to serve if you aren’t sure about food allergies.

Image via Whole New Mom

Green Tea Ice Cream – Just because a dish isn’t widely available in North America, doesn’t mean you can’t make it easily. This recipe doesn’t require any churning, and (like all the recipes we’ve listed here) only needs three ingredients. Green tea ice cream is delicious. It’s not too sweet and is a nice, refreshing treat on a hot day.

Image via Eugenie Kitchen

We hope you and yours like these simple desserts, so you can have more time to spend together enjoying the final days of summer. Have another easy dessert recipe? Make sure to share it with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – simple sweets are our favorite!

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Ready, Set, Shop: Smoothies To Help You Survive Holiday Shopping

Retailers all over North America are having their biggest sales of the year this weekend. Although many stores are generously staying closed for Thanksgiving Day itself, this positive shift in priorities is not expected to take away from the madness that is Black Friday. If you’re planning on hitting the sales with the best of them, then you’ve got to be prepared – and no, we’re not just talking about wearing comfortable shoes. Shopping in that kind of environment with such a high volume of eager consumers requires some serious stamina and dedication. You’ve got to be ready to run, jump, and stand for hours on end. To help keep you in top physical and festive shape for tomorrow, we’ve got a list of holiday smoothies for you to try. Get your blend on first thing tomorrow and enjoy these seasonal, healthy beverages that are sure to help keep you going from morning to night.

1. Sugar Cookie Protein Shake - You'll be glad you had this smoothie when you see a pair of shoes at 40% off that you've got to have...and they're the last ones on the shelf!

Image via Complete Recipes (provided by DolceLover)

2. Dairy-Free Eggnog Protein Shake - Have a dairy allergy? We've got you covered. Get the protein you need without feeling sick.

Image via Undressed Skeleton

3. Pumpkin Nog - This beverage is less of a meal replacer, but it's very tasty and full of fiber and vitamin A.

Image via The Green Forks

4. Cranberry & Rosemary Juice - Getting up really early in the morning (way earlier than you're used to) and drinking something viscous doesn't agree with everyone. And that's ok. So we included this delicious and powerful cranberry juice. Chalk full of vitamin C and antioxidants it'll keep you going all day.

Image via In Sonnet's Kitchen

Vegan & Gluten-Free

5. Peppermint Hot Chocolate - Although this is more a treat and less of a smoothie, it is vegan and gluten-free so we thought it was a good idea to keep it on the list. Make a batch early in the morning, throw it in a thermos, and take it to go. We think it'd be perfect for a late afternoon pick-me-up as the day begins to wear on you.

Image via Minimalist Baker

Vegan & Gluten-Free

6. Gingerbread Smoothie - Loads of vitamins, vegetables, and protein. Tastes just like a cookie. What an amazing way to start a day of holiday shopping!

Image via F For The Family

Vegan Modifications Available

If you're getting up early for Black Friday shopping, we've got to ask: how early is early? Who are you buying for? Will you get the majority of your gifts at these sales? Let us know below!

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Let Them Eat Cake (And Stuffing, And More): Gluten-Free & Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

The increasing prevalence of dietary restrictions can make planning your Thanksgiving dinner a nightmare. Keeping track of which guests can and can’t eat gluten, dairy, and meat gets complicated, and that’s before figuring out what you’re going to serve those who have to avoid certain ingredients. While we can’t simplify your diners’ preferences, we’ve got a list of delicious gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes that are sure to delight this Thanksgiving. These aren’t your average alternatives either – they might even tempt those without restrictions! Check them out below.

3 Stupendous Side Dishes:

1. Mushroom Stuffing - Ok, so this isn't technically stuffing because you aren't stuffing it in anything, but it tastes pretty darn close and will satisfy those around your table who have gluten allergies and/or don't eat meat.

Image via Tasty Yummies

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

2. Corn Bread - If you have a gluten allergy, we've got good new for you: you still can't have a dinner roll (sorry!) but you have can this! Gluten-free corn bread is a great alternative that complements most of what's served at Thanksgiving.

Image via Babble

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

3. Quinoa & Broccoli Casserole - Sure you could serve a lot of light salads for your vegan and gluten-intolerant guests, but that doesn't exactly scream Thanksgiving. Why not try making this hearty but healthy casserole instead? It's heavy, warm, and filling, just as the pilgrims intended.

Image via the pretty bee

Gluten-Free  & Vegan

3 Marvelous Main Dishes:

1. Meatless Loaf - The thing we love most about this dish is that it's not a pretender. A lot of faux meat dishes attempt the taste and texture of the meat they're imitating, but not this one! Instead, it simply features the flavors associated with Thanksgiving (sage, rosemary, thyme, etc.). It's seasonal and original.

Image via FatFree Vegan

Gluten-Free  & Vegan

2. Sheppard's Pie - Hearty and delicious, what else can we say? This could become a fall staple.

Image via One Ingredient Chef

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3. Mushroom, Chestnut & Cranberry Tart - First of all, how good does this look? It's a little more complex than the other recipes, but the finished product is amazing. This is definitely a crowd-pleaser, whether you do or don't eat meat, dairy, and gluten.

Image via Jamie Oliver

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3 Delightful Desserts:

1. Caramel Apple Pie - It's vegan and it tastes delicious, do you need any other reasons to serve this?

Image via Healthy. Happy. Life.

Vegan

2. Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Bars - Easy to serve and easy to make. The best part? No baking required!

Image via the kitchn

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3. Pumpkin Pie - It might not be as American as apple, but pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. With this recipe everyone can enjoy it, plus the praline and coconut pecan crust sounds divine.

Image via gluten-free goddess

Gluten-Free & Vegan

With Thanksgiving coming up we've got to ask: do you have your menu planned? Will there be several around your table with some sort of dietary restriction? How do you navigate food allergies? Let us know below.

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TASTY TUESDAY: Gluten-free Nettle Gnocchi from Chef Brian Skinner

Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and raw cooking are Chef Brian Skinner’s specialty, but he doesn’t discriminate. At his vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver, The Acorn, Brian’s tasty vegetable dishes turn carnivores’ heads too.

Born and raised on the west coast, Brian received formal culinary training at Vancouver Community College before refining his skills throughout Europe and the United States. A champion of the sustainability movement, Brian helped develop the first menu in the world that notes the carbon footprint of each dish at Otarian Restaurant in New York.

Once back in Vancouver, Brain taught at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and now mans the kitchen at The Acorn.

THE RECIPE

*Gluten-free Nettle Gnocchi with Morel Mushrooms, Peas, Mint, Pine nuts & Pecorino*

GNOCCHI:

2 pounds russet potatoes

3-4 cups of raw stinging nettle (pureed or juiced)

1-1.5 cups of all-purpose gluten-free flour

1 large egg

1 pinch of salt

1 pinch of nutmeg

Olive oil

1. Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake in a 375F oven for 60-90 minutes until soft.
2. While potatoes are baking, puree or juice the stinging nettle. Set aside.  
3. When the potatoes are cooked, immediately cut them in half and scoop out the flesh while it is still hot. If allowed to cool, the resulting gnocchi will be gluey in texture.
4. Blend the potato flesh in a mixer with the paddle attachment until smooth, then incorporate remaining ingredients (stinging nettle, gluten-free flour, egg, salt and nutmeg), blending until smooth.
5. The mixture should not be sticky to the touch. If it is, add small increments of additional flour until desired texture is reached.
6. A ball of dough should have formed. Roll the ball out into a line that is ¾-inch thick. Cut the line into 1-inch long pieces. Dust with flour and place in the fridge to chill.

TOPPING:

Your preferred amount of:

Morel mushrooms

Green peas

Pea shoots

Mint

Pine nuts

Pecorino cheese

Butter

Crème fraiche

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a soft boil.
2. While the water is heating, slice morel mushrooms in half and lightly sauté in butter with a pinch of salt.
3. Blanch green peas for 2 minutes in boiling water then add the gnocchi. Boil for 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface. Immediately toss in olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Serve together with pine nuts, crème fraiche, pea tendrils and fresh mint leaves.

______________________________

See Brian cook up other goodies on the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage presented by Edible Canada at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday Oct.18 at 4PM.  Purchase your tickets online today and save $3 on regular adult admission.  

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