8-Ingredient Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta, Peas and Spinach

8-Ingredient Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta, Peas and Spinach

Richelle Fortin
Comfort Food, Cooking for Two, Recipes for 2, Pasta Dishes, Pasta

When you're craving something comforting but don't want to spend all evening in the kitchen, this creamy orzo risotto with pancetta, peas and spinach hits all the right notes. It's the kind of dish that feels indulgent, yet comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Instead of arborio rice, this quick risotto uses orzo pasta, which cooks faster and still delivers a luscious, silky texture. The pancetta brings a salty depth, while fresh peas and baby spinach add a welcome pop of spring colour and freshness. A touch of butter and shaved Parmesan finish it off with just the right amount of richness.

5 Ingredient | Sheet Pan Sausage and Sweet Potato Roast for 2

5 Ingredient | Sheet Pan Sausage and Sweet Potato Roast for 2

Richelle Fortin
5 Ingredients recipe, Comfort Food, Crowd Pleasers, main meal, Roasted Supper Meal

This 5-ingredient sheet pan sausage and sweet potato roast is my kind of cooking — simple, cozy, and full of flavour. Perfectly portioned for one or two people, it’s a no-fuss dinner that comes together in under an hour with minimal prep and cleanup.

I used locally made sausages from a nearby butcher (support local!) paired with sweet potatoes, grey shallots, grainy mustard, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a sweet and tangy finish. Roasted all together on a parchment-lined sheet pan, it’s both rustic and refined, and easily scalable — whether you're cooking for 2 or 8.

Growing for Fall and Winter: A Garden with a Purpose

Growing for Fall and Winter: A Garden with a Purpose

Richelle Fortin
Gardening, Preserving

As spring unfurls her tender green fingers, I find myself planning more than just a garden — I'm planting the beginnings of meals shared on frosty nights, the spark of summer’s heat captured in a fiery sauce, the earthy comfort of roasted roots long after the leaves have fallen.

This year, I’m growing with preservation in mind. Each seed I tuck into the soil carries the hope of jars lined up neatly in the pantry, of flavors deepened by time, of nourishment ready when the earth sleeps.

Vintage Rum Cake

Vintage Rum Cake

Richelle Fortin
Cakes, Vintage Recipes, bundt pan cake

In honour of sweet memories and timeless flavors

This cake is a tribute to my parents, whose wedding cake was—of course—a rum cake. My father often reminded me, “They just don’t make them like they used to.” And he was right. This decadent dessert brings back all the nostalgia, the richness, and the celebration that a real rum cake should. Sweet, buttery, and infused with just enough rum to feel special, it's the kind of dessert that turns any Sunday supper or festive gathering into an occasion.

Buttery Lemon Brownies with Glaze – A Bright & Easy Spring Dessert

Buttery Lemon Brownies with Glaze – A Bright & Easy Spring Dessert

Richelle Fortin
Baking, Brunch, Cakes, Crowd Pleasers, Spring Desserts, Easter

Soft, citrus-infused, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, these buttery lemon brownies are the perfect sweet treat for Easter, spring brunches, or any sunny get-together.

Say hello to your new favorite spring dessert! These Buttery Lemon Brownies are everything you love about a classic fudgy brownie—minus the chocolate and full of vibrant citrus flavor. With their rich, buttery texture and bright lemon glaze, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.

Rustic Mediterranean Bread with Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Prosciutto

Rustic Mediterranean Bread with Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Prosciutto

Richelle Fortin
Bread Making, Homemade Bread, Italian Recipes

This Mediterranean Bread is the ultimate fusion of rustic homemade bread and bold, flavourful ingredients. Try it for your next gathering or as a special treat to elevate your everyday meals!

If you're looking for a bread that goes beyond the ordinary, this Mediterranean Bread is the perfect choice. Packed with vibrant flavors from roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and prosciutto, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of savory goodness. This bread is delicious on its own, making it a great option for picnics or casual gatherings, but it truly shines when dipped in high-quality olive oil with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or balsamic vinegar. Whether served alongside a meal or as a standalone treat, this rustic loaf will quickly become a favorite.

Richelle's Iced Tea | Made Easy | A Family Tradition

Richelle's Iced Tea | Made Easy | A Family Tradition

Richelle Fortin

Over the years, I perfected my own method, tweaking it until it became just right. I still make it daily during the summer, and it has become a signature drink at my house. Friends and family know they can always count on a cold, refreshing glass when they visit on a warm spring or summer day. Some have even gone out of their way just to stop by for one!

Junie's Pasta | Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Linguini – A Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Dish

Junie's Pasta | Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Linguini – A Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Dish

Richelle Fortin
Comfort Food, entree, main meal, Pasta Dishes

There’s something truly special about cooking for loved ones, especially when they’ve traveled from afar. My niece, visiting from California, grew up just a few hundred feet from my home, and having her back always brings joy and nostalgia. She has always loved my mushroom and chicken pasta, so I wanted to make it for her—but with a twist. Instead of the usual cream, I opted for ricotta to create a rich yet lighter sauce. The result? A luscious, flavor-packed pasta dish perfect for feeding a crowd.

Baby Biscotti Recipe – Nutritious & Iron-Rich Teething Biscuits

Baby Biscotti Recipe – Nutritious & Iron-Rich Teething Biscuits

Richelle Fortin
Baby Recipes, Cookies, homemade Biscotti, Healthy Baby Recipes

As a grandmother and passionate home cook, I love making biscotti for babies and toddlers—especially for teething little ones. These homemade biscotti are not just a soothing treat for sore gums; they are also packed with nutrition.

What I enjoy most about making these is knowing that I’m offering something wholesome—something parents feel good about giving to their little ones. My goal is always to use high-quality ingredients that provide both nourishment and satisfaction.

The Ultimate Fondue Broth Recipe

The Ultimate Fondue Broth Recipe

Richelle Fortin
Crowd Pleasers, Family Time

There’s something magical about fondue nights. Whether you're cozying up with your sweetheart, hosting a lively family dinner, or enjoying a fun night with friends, fondue brings people together like no other meal. Even kids love the excitement of dipping bite-sized goodies into a simmering pot of flavorful broth! Plus, making your own fondue broth is way more affordable than buying pre-made versions—without any mystery ingredients!

Authentic Greek Marinade for Pork or Chicken – Easy & Flavorful!

Authentic Greek Marinade for Pork or Chicken – Easy & Flavorful!

Richelle Fortin
BBq, braising, Marinades

Marinating meat makes a huge difference when grilling or broiling! A good marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also allows you to use more affordable cuts without compromising on flavor.

I love using large Ziploc bags for marinating because it lets me massage the marinade into the meat while also reducing dishes. I also feel that removing the air from the bag helps the flavors penetrate the meat even better—who knows!

Giant Oreo and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

Giant Oreo and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

Richelle Fortin
Desserts

If you love Reese’s and Oreos, this recipe is a dream come true! A giant dessert that combines these two treats into one indulgent masterpiece. With a crispy Oreo crust, a smooth peanut butter center, and a luscious chocolate topping, this dessert is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires no baking! Perfect for a party, birthday, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. Keep in mind—it’s super sweet, so small slices are all you needI

Cream of Carrot Soup Recipe – Velvety & Flavorful!

Cream of Carrot Soup Recipe – Velvety & Flavorful!

Richelle Fortin
Comfort Food, Soups

Today, I’m excited to share with you my beloved Cream of Carrot Soup—a recipe that has stood the test of time! This soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years, making its way to dinner tables for cozy family meals, large gatherings of 200, and elegant first-course presentations. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with deep flavors that make it a true comfort dish.

What’s even better? It’s versatile! Whether you enjoy it as a warming appetizer or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwichfor a heartier meal, this soup never disappoints. And for those following a plant-based diet, this recipe is easily adaptable—just swap the butter for olive oil, use vegetable stock, and replace the cream with coconut cream.

Spelt Flour and Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries

Spelt Flour and Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries

Richelle Fortin
Cookies, Crowd Pleasers

Spelt Flour and Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries

These wholesome cookies are perfect for families, gatherings, and after-school snacks. Packed with energy and flavor, they offer a delightful chewiness with just the right touch of sweetness. The best part? You can easily customize them to suit your preferences—swap the cranberries for raisins, add nuts, or even throw in some chocolate chips.

Cranberry & Cream Cheese Muffins with Orange

Cranberry & Cream Cheese Muffins with Orange

Richelle Fortin
Muffins, Homemade

This muffin is so perfect for cold winter days, the tartness of the cranberries, the creaminess of the muffin batter, no need for butter really, but I am sure it is awesome with butter too!

Once you are comfortable with the base of this recipe it will also be easy to substitute the cranberries with blueberries because blueberries and orange are a great combination too.

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