Archive | freezer RSS feed for this section

Grilled Vegetables {and 10 ways to enjoy ’em…}

veggies - platter c

My favorite farmers’ market is finally in full swing, and there’s nothing better than spending a weekend morning, coffee in hand, strolling from booth to booth.

Sometimes I go with a plan, other times I go looking for inspiration.  I always come home with what looks good that day – and it’s fun to see how the offerings change as the season progresses.  No matter what I pick up, there’s a good chance it’s going on the grill!

Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.  Other than a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper, they don’t need anything else.  One of the great things about a platter of grilled veggies is that it’s an easy make-ahead buffet item or side dish that is wonderful served at room temperature.  If I’m asked to bring a dish to a picnic or summer dinner with friends, this is it — I’m not taking up their oven space, and it’s ready when they are!  And isn’t it gorgeous?!

The grilling can be done a few hours before, leaving the grill free for burgers, and you free to enjoy your guests.

Added bonus:  a big batch of grilled veggies can be used in a number of other simple summer dishes.

Continue Reading →

Cowgirl Turkey Burgers

cowgirl turkey burgers

Greetings from Couer d’Alene, Idaho! I’m spending a few days with my best friend and her horses, and we have worked up an appetite! (Those stalls don’t muck themselves, now, do they!?)

While I love spending time in the kitchen, spending a few gorgeous days in this beautiful place with these precious ponies takes priority on such a quick trip. So when we get back to the house at night – exhausted, sore and filthy… we want something delicious, but easy!

On the menu? Cowgirl Turkey Burgers! Maybe you’ve had a bad turkey burger experience. I’ve been there! I’m betting the burgers you’ve tried were either dry or flavorless or both. Several versions I’ve experimented with were too. But when a friend introduced me to these… WOWZA!

Continue Reading →

Chicken Enchiladas w/ Salsa Verde

chicken enchiladas with salsa verde

Hola amigos!

While I’d love to commit to a big ol’ Mexican feast with homemade tortillas and an authentic mole sauce, this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration falls in the middle of an absolutely crazy schedule.  {I’m not even Mexican anyway, so I don’t feel obligated…}  This weekend, I’m going for another one of my it’s-so-simple-I-could-make-it-in-my-sleep recipes.

Start the evening with some sliced jicama sticks, chips and guacamole or a make-ahead dip…  Serve the enchiladas with rice, and maybe a side of black beans, roasted corn and tomatoes*, and you’ve got yourself a meal.  Pour your favorite tasty adult beverage, turn on your favorite background music {that’d be Gypsy Kings for us}, and you’ve got yourself a fiesta!

Continue Reading →

Roasted Cauliflower

roasted cauliflower

I can eat this like it’s popcorn.

If you’re not a raw cauliflower fan, I understand.  Raw “cruciferous” vegetables, as they’re called, can be a little off-putting.  (For you, and those around you, if you get my drift.)

But just like with onions, roasting or caramelizing them changes some of their chemical properties, producing a wonderfully rich, almost sweet flavor.

But enough from “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”

Are you trying to get more vitamin C and fiber into your day?  This is a good option.  Preparing it is fast and easy, and makes a great substitute for a higher carb side dish.  It’s versatile too –  like a perfect pair of black pants, you can “dress it up, or dress it down.”

Continue Reading →

{Trick Your Children!} Healthier Macaroni & Cheese

macaroni - plated

Moms the world over have devised some very creative ways to get their kids (or husbands) to eat more vegetables.  Today’s adaptation is one of my all-time favorites.

Years ago I discovered a couple of Diane Seed’s wonderful cookbooks.  The recipes are simple and straightforward, but unique.  And the illustrations are delightful.  When I got rid of my cookbook collection this is one I couldn’t part with. One of the first recipes I tried was her “Tagliolini with Creamed Carrots.”  Besides being delicious (and a little bit naughty) it struck me how much this tasted like homemade mac and cheese, and had that out-of-the-box orange color.  Hmmm, what if I used elbow macaroni instead of tagliolini?  Might kids fall for this sneaky way of eating more vegetables?!

Since I forgot to have children (where did those years GO!?) I needed to borrow my “victims.”  So I experimented on my niece and nephew.  While they didn’t believe for one minute that this was mac n’ cheese out-of-a-box, they loved it.  Continue Reading →

{Meatless Monday} Grilled Vegetable Sformato

sformato edited

For my sister’s birthday a few years ago, I gave her a gift certificate to a cooking class that we could do together. Since she’s not a big meat eater, I chose one that focused on great vegetarian dishes. With more and more “experts” talking about the health benefits of cutting back on meat, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to add to my repertoire either.

The class was taught by the wonderful Robin Asbell and held at Cooks of Crocus Hill.   We had a great time, and  over a few glasses of wine, learned to make a bunch of new dishes.  Robin’s “Grilled Vegetable Sformato” was our favorite.

Continue Reading →

Pear & Fig & Caramelized Onion Flatbread

pear fig flatbread

We are getting a little anxious for spring and summer to arrive here in Minnesota…  When it does, we fire up the Weber regularly.  When I got over my fear of the grill (I was sure I’d blow up the house) I started grilling everything!

Our favorite go-to griller?   It’s flatbread, hands down!

{First, a note about grilling:  If you’re a charcoal purist, forgive me, but for “Grilling 101” I needed the heat control of gas.  Speaking of heat control, you’ve probably already figured out not to get too close to your subject to peek for doneness.  I’ve been known to melt my mascara just enough to threaten sealing my eyes shut.  Anyway, I hope to move up to charcoal someday, but right now, I just light a charcoal-scented candle to create the ambiance.  I’m kidding about the candle.  Kind of.*}

Back to the pear & fig flatbread…

Continue Reading →

Zucchini-Pecan Flaxseed Bread

bread zucchini nuts on cutting board with title

Now would be a good time for global warming to make an appearance.  Enough already with the cold and snow!  I don’t know about you, but I’m so over the big pots of stew, and ready to hit the farmers’ market for lighter, fresher, warm-weather fare!

Right now, I’m planning a “turtleneck burning” party.

In the meantime though, my kitchen is still cranking out comfort food…
Continue Reading →

Curried Chicken & Mango Dip

Curried Chicken Mango Dip

I had an amazing group of women over last night for a networking/happy hour of sorts. Since almost all of the guests were folks I’d never met, I decided to stick with some of my tried-and-true apped’ouevres.  This one is pretty much a slam-dunk every time…

It’s an adaptation of a recipe that a caterer traded with me after a party years ago.  It’s great because it’s super easy to throw together the day before, it freezes well (before it’s baked) and you can lighten it up a little if you like.

Continue Reading →

Hugh Grant and Beet Ravioli

photo by Bon Appetit

photo by Bon Appetit

Living in downtown Toronto was a great adventure. If a city can be credited for expanding my taste buds, this was it. For four and a half years we explored a few of its many Chinatowns, the Greek district, Little Portugal and the melting pot that was Queen Street. All within walking distance or a subway ride from our condo.

We ate out a LOT. Husband jokes that every maitre’d in the city knew us a “the couple without a kitchen.” The cooking bug had yet to take hold, but I like to think of this as my “research” phase. Continue Reading →