Roasted Chicken with Caramelized Parsnips
I thought of this Donna Hay recipe after I made Molly Steven’s Braised Chicken with Hard Cider and Parsnips over the weekend. I decided to make Molly’s recipe after this rave review and this one. Actually, her recipe is all over the blogosphere. Who knew that it would take me TWO years to find the cookbook and begin to blog about this stunning recipes. I feel so out of the loop. Bare with me. You will be seeing a lot more of her recipes.
Anyway! I decided to pull this old recipe from the archives because although Molly Steven’s braised parsnips give Donna Hay’s a run for her money, they still are not as good. The simplicity of baking the parsnips with just brown sugar and butter is genius and still ceases to amaze me.
Sunday Night Pork Shoulder Ragu
I have never chopped onions and garlic at 8am. Never.
But because of my plans for Sunday, I knew I had to get an early start on this dish. I did all of the normal protocol: chop, saute, simmer, scrape the brown bits, but when it came to cooking on the stove for 2 hours, I just didn’t have time for that. So, I heated the oven to 250 degrees, put a lid on my dutch oven and left my pork shoulder to do what it does best. I got home at 4:00, 8 hours later, and I smelled the ragu down the hallway of my building. I came in and opened the oven. Took the lid off, and began to stir. The pork just shredded. Read the rest of this entry »
Cannellini Stew with Pork and Rosemary
Our best friend Dane just moved into a gorgeous loft in Pioneer Square. Erik got recruited to help him hang pictures, decide where furniture should go, and help him change burnt out light bulbs. I got recruited to provide sustenance. What is new?
I actually had made this soup the day before on my day off after a long weekend of Nutcracker shows. But, as I was making it, I was just imagining all of the flavors melding together so beautifully on the next day. It took all of my willpower not to serve it that night for our dinner, and so when I was told we were going to help Dane the next day, I knew this would be a perfect opportunity for my stew to makes it’s debut.
This stew reminds me of Christmas with its little specks of red and green. It is actually surprisingly healthy as far as comfort food goes. I did however treat the stew with a final drizzle of garlic olive oil that Dane had at his house just to put the stew over the edge.
Spaghetti with Hazelnut-Spinach Pesto
I love the idea of hazelnuts and spinach in a pesto. It sounds so healthy, and delicious.
Hazelnuts have been popping up everywhere in my monthly cooking magazines. But, I never would have thought to put them in pesto. For years, my sister and I have begged for my Mama’s pesto recipe. She always just says, “I put a little of this, and a little of that. Whatever, I have on hand.” One time, my Sister was making pesto at her house and she had my Mama on the phone telling her exactly what to do. After she tasted the pesto, it tasted nothing like what she remembered it to be. Maybe it is the fact that my Mama grows all of her own herbs.
I feel like this recipe would be right up my Moma’s alley. Sometimes she uses almonds or walnuts in her pesto, instead of pine-nuts. I will now have to tell her that she can successfully substitute hazelnuts!
I made this meal for my best friend, Lindsi, while we waited around for a dress rehearsal that we were not in. She proclaimed that is was her new favorite pasta dish:)
Island Pork Tenderloin Salad
Fresh fruit and vegetables? A salad? Tropical themes? It must be getting sunny in Seattle.
That it is! And, I am such a happier person when the sun is shining. I take any excuse to walk the dog, sit outside and read a book, or even just leave the house to do errands on foot, rather than in my car.
We also just got back from a fabulous weekend in Quincy, Washington at a winery and spa called Cave B. It was a magical two days. Cashew even befriended the vineyard dog, a girl Lab named Cuvee, who slept with us in our cabin! Erik and I tasted some delicious wines, had an excellent local and organic dinner, got a hot stone massage, and I dare say a little bit of a suntan.
This meal was much needed after lots of wine, and heavy eating. It was just the right amount of refreshing food to keep you satisfied, but not feel too full. And, when it is hot, I hate feeling too full!
What is your favorite summertime meal?
French Onion Soup with Gruyere Croutons
So, it is not getting warmer in Seattle. Not at all.
I should not be making soup in the middle of June. Is anyone else having a problem with this weather? Luckily this weekend, Erik and I are taking a trip to a winery in Eastern Washington. I looked at the weather there. It’s an average of 90 degrees and no clouds. I am smiling just typing this.
This recipe a homage to Paris. I was there at this time last year with my Mother and Sister for a little girls vacation. The food there was beyond amazing, but I wasn’t brave enough to recreate the gourmet delicacies that I had. I will just leave those tastes until I can visit again. Maybe next time I will go with my hubby.
Gorgonzola Herb Sliders
I have been mad at Seattle. But, today we made up. It finally got above 70 degrees. I mean, it IS the middle of June….but, we are no longer in a fight.
My new culinary obsession are sliders. I think it is because when you eat anything miniature, it just tastes better and seems more impressive. I have been craving a burger since the weather has finally decided to get a little warmer, so this is what I came up with.
The “gourmet” part of this burger is that you nestle a morsel of gorgonzola cheese in the middle. When you take a bite, the cheese melts all over the burger and down your chin. It is well worth the napkins.
Spicy Chicken Sausage Rigatoni
This month’s Bon Appetit was filled with delicious pasta recipes that were fairly easy to make, and fast enough for a weeknight meal.
After a few modifications, I decided on this recipe because:
First: I LOVE anything spicy.
Second: Erik eats anything that has sausage in it, or on it.
Lastly: I love chopping onions and garlic.
This is actually on the healthier spectrum as far as pasta dishes go. Chicken Sausage, two cups of spinach, tomatoes. I am sure if you were really on a “health kick” you could also make whole-wheat pasta. I have not been able to get that one past Erik yet.
Tomato Feta Salad
Ahh! Warm Weather. That means outdoor grilling, sunbathing, and fresh summer salads. It also means TOMATOES!
Tomatoes are probably one of my favorite foods. I like them all ways, all kinds, all shapes, all sizes. However, the bittersweet and ironic part of my love affair with tomatoes is that my husband is not a huge tomato fan. He only eats them cooked or in salsa. Basically, he only eats them when they don’t taste like tomatoes. There goes my options.
I decided to make this salad for a family get together that we had over the weekend. I hoped that Erik would give this salad a try….and he did. We are making progress!
Turkey Meatloaf with Smashed Red Potatoes
This meatloaf is dedicated to my best friend, Drew. She also happens to be the wife of my husband’s best friend. Are you still with me?
Best friend is actually an understatement. Drew is more like my long lost sibling. Someone who I believe I was destined to be friends with. My children will only know her as Aunt Drewey.
She introduced this meatloaf to me on the wildest Valentine’s Day I have ever had. 2008. We drank too much wine. We shaped our meatloaf into a heart.
Drew, as promised, here is your meatloaf.
