www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, September 11, 2013 | 22 Fall Registration Muffin Frittatas make a grab and go lunch September is a busy month. It is that time of year for families to get back to schedules, school and activities. These frittatas are made in muffin tins so they can be grab and go, or sit down friendly. These perfect portions are packed with protein from the eggs and healthy vegetables. Pack them in your child's lunch for a nice change from a sandwich. Muffin Frittatas 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter 1 onion, chopped ½ tsp (2 mL) dried oregano ½ tsp (2 mL) salt ½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper 1 sweet red pepper, seeded and chopped 1 small zucchini, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 4 oz (125 g) chopped smoked turkey, about ½ cup (125 mL) 1½ cup (375 mL) all-purpose flour 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder ¾ cup (175 mL) 2% milk 4 eggs 2 cups (500 mL) shredded Swiss cheese 3 tbsp (50 mL) minced fresh parsley (optional) 1. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat, add onion, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add red pepper and zucchini; continue cooking until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes and smoked turkey. Set aside. 2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together. In another bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Stir dry and wet ingredients together. Fold in vegetable mixture, cheese and parsley, if using. Stirring gently to combine. 3. Using a ½ cup (125 mL) measure, fill twelve paper muffin cups placed in a muffin tin. Bake in 425°F (220°C) oven until puffed, firm and golden, about 25 minutes. Variations Bacon, Cheddar and Green Onion Muffin Frittatas: In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon, over medium-high heat, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove, cool and crumble. Remove all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) of bacon fat. Add 3 green onions, thinly sliced and cook over medium heat, until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled bacon. Follow now with step 2 of above recipe, substituting shredded Cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese. Red Onion, Mushroom, Rosemary and Goat Cheese Muffin Frittatas: In a large skillet, cook ½ cup (125 mL) minced red onion with 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil over medium-high heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add 2 cups (500 mL) coarsely chopped mushrooms and ½ tsp (2 mL) crumbled dried rosemary leaves. Continue cooking, stirring, over medium heat until mushrooms are golden, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Follow now with step 2 of above recipe, substituting 1 cup (250 mL) crumbled goat cheese for Swiss cheese. Sweet Green Pepper, Ham and Cheese: In a large skillet, cook 1 sweet green pepper, seeded and diced with 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 4 oz (125 g), chopped black forest ham. Follow now with step 2 of above recipe, substituting shredded Cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese. Tips ·Freeze individually and warm up as you need. Make sure to double wrap each frittata. Before reheating, thaw in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 minutes or warm in microwave for approximately 30 seconds. ·For picky kids use their favourite treats that are already in the fridge. Advertorial Let cool slightly before removing from tin. (Make ahead: wrap individually and refrigerate for up to 3 days, re-warm as needed.) Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Yield: 12 servings of mini frittatas Canadian Dance Company is all about family For nearly 30 years, the Lupien name has been synonymous with the highest quality dance instruction in a positive, family-oriented environment. Directors Allain and Dawn Lupien have raised their own four children within the walls of Canadian Dance Company, each of whom has followed in their parents' footsteps and have become well-respected dance instructors and professional performers. Most recently, the youngest of the siblings, Isaac Lupien, has become well-known for his role as `Eldon' on Family Channel's "The Next Step". But the family feeling at Canadian Dance Company does not stop at the Lupien name. Each week hundreds of dancers and their families walk through the doors of CDC looking for a safe, supportive home where they can be encouraged to express their passion for dance. "We happily bring our five children to CDC, which is 40 minutes away from our home, 6 days a week because the environment at this studio is so positive and the children are all so well taken care of and valued as individuals" says CDC parent, Jody Lipke. "Although the range of ability in our children varies, each one of them feels genuinely cared for and valued. Each and every one of them feels special and appreciated. The end result, are children who believe in themselves; children who have confidence; children who desire to push themselves and grow because they know that their teachers see greatness in them. The integrity of the team at CDC is second to none. There is no dancer that gets left behind as long as they are willing to put in the effort." Unique to Canadian Dance Company, the C.O.R.E. team, made up of key leaders of the company, meets weekly to ensure that each individual, whether a recreational or competitive student, is receiving the best dance instruction. Beyond that, the C.O.R.E. team aims to make sure all members of CDC feel as though they are part of an extended family. Samantha Lupien, head of administration and dance instructor/choreographer, says "we want people to feel that even if they're only at CDC for one hour, it's the best hour of their week. That's a true confirmation that we are succeeding in our community." Located in Oakville, Canadian Dance Company continues to be one of the most respected, creative dance schools in North America. Proud of their ability to produce champions and encourage dancers of all ages and abilities to share their love of dance, Allain and Dawn Lupien feel that "whether it's a recreational or competitive student, even if it's just for fun, you do it to the best of your ability and you love it. We strive to inspire students to learn and create while finding a confidence that will last the rest of their lives." This past July, Canadian Dance Company's Competitive Team travelled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to compete in Showstoppers American Dance Championships, winning not only 1, but 7 out of 8 National Championship titles. Along with these titles, dancers also took numerous other top results throughout the week, including top soloist. Throughout the summer, a number of CDC students were involved in filming Season Two of "The Next Step", several of whom have landed key roles on the show. "The Next Step" is a popular new fictional television series airing on the Family Channel. "The experience with `The Next Step' has given our dancers the confidence to work in a professional environment, feeling completely prepared for this endeavour" says Allain Lupien. "It's wonderful to be on set and watch our amazing dancers thrive in their element. They've made us extremely proud." With an enthusiastic team of experienced and qualified teaching staff, Canadian Dance Company is proud of their ability to recognize potential and inspire creativity. Aiming towards nurturing each individual student's love for dance by giving them an outlet to express their passion, CDC is known for bringing out the best in dancers by stimulating their minds, challenging their abilities in a positive way and helping each student to achieve their goals. Not only does CDC provide professional level training, but also an environment where students build spirit and are prepared with life lessons that go beyond the stage for years to come. For information on CDC's variety of fun, family-oriented programs for children, teens, and adults alike, you may visit www. canadiandancecompany.com.