8 “Easier Than You Think” Recipes

Here are 8 delicious recipes that are easier than you think to make. We’ve included tips and clear instructions to change the Intimidation factor to a Wow factor.

Let’s face it. We’re creatures of habit and routine. Most of us tend to stick to the same meals over and over. They’re in our comfort zone, we can make them by rote with little effort or thinking. Once in awhile, however, you want something a bit different, a bit more impressive.  If you’re like us, you might come across a recipe and say “looks great, but probably too complicated or too much trouble”.

Well, we’ve researched, tried, tested and simplified a few of these potentially intimidating recipes. Each uses a particular method or technique, but when broken down, they are not daunting at all.

We only included recipes that work well and are easier to make than we thought.  None of the recipes below require any new-fad or special equipment. We hope you will be inspired to try one.  Five of the recipes are vegetarian.

Simple Grilled Pizza get the recipe

With fresh store bought dough, this is a quick and easy meal or appetizer. Crunchy outside, soft inside. Obviously you can use any toppings you like. We’ve included some tips to ensure your success.

Canadian Maple Planked Salmon get the recipe

The salmon comes out super moist and tender with a mild smoky flavour.  The glaze is scrumptious, rich and flavourful. I get lots of rave reviews on this one. Cedar planks are sold at hardware stores, Costco (in summer) and even many grocery stores. Tips for using the plank method  – very easy – are in the post and the whole recipe takes under 30 minutes to make. So worth it!

Chocolate Hazelnut Buttercrunch Toffee get the recipe

We love this stuff and it kills us to pay so much money for a few little pieces wrapped in pretty cellophane or cardboard. Don’t be intimidated by using a candy thermometer. With clear instructions, it’s pretty straight forward. Really. There are lots of variations and it makes a very special gift.

Honey Garlic Chicken or Beef get the recipe

This recipe uses a technique called Chinese velveting which coats the meat or chicken in a mix of egg whites and cornstarch to seal in the juices for tenderness while creating a crispy coating.  It’s really easy and works very well.  We’ve included the tricks we learned. You won’t be disappointed – better than take out.

Vegetable and Shrimp Tempura get the recipe

We won’t lie. There is a bit of technique involved in this recipe, but once you get the hang of it after a couple of tries, it’s not daunting at all.  In our experience, there are three important tips for success and these are included in the post. You can also use ready-made tempura batter found in Asian grocery stores.

Easy Skillet Pizza get the recipe

After half a dozen pizzas, we can say this is a fairly fool proof recipe if you follow the instrucations. Crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. Yes, buying the dough may be cheating a bit, but we figure a store that makes hundreds of pizzas doughs a week probably has the recipe down pat. Toppings are your choice.  So versatile. And great.

Colourful Summer Vegetable Rolls get the recipe

Bursting with freshness, colour and textures, these pink-wrapped Vegetable Summer Rolls are a perfect light appetizer before any meal. Clear tips on how to make them are included in the post. After a few rolls, you’ll have the technique nailed. The fillings are up to your imagination.

Prime Rib (Reverse Sear) get the recipe

This classic prime rib roast recipe uses the reverse-sear method to create mouth watering, medium-rare meat throughout the entire roast. Yes, this method takes much longer to cook, but you can make the roast over an hour ahead of serving and still serve it hot. Less stress for company!