this is a page for
Category: Recipes
As part of the planning, I knew I would have Thai basil, ginger, and cilantro left over from the Drunken Noodles meal, so it was time for me to make one of my favorite dishes – fried rice. Fried rice is one of the ultimate dishes in that you can make it so many different ways with whatever ingredients you have on hand. But tonight, it is not just any fried rice, but yellow curry fried rice. I have had several different variations of this dish at restaurants; some with pineapple, some without, some with Thai basil, some without, etc. Tonight I am making the version without pineapple just because I have so many vegetables planned. Again, the key to this dish is prior preparation. I find my…
Back in August, I posted ‘Cheater, cheater… pizza eater!‘ on how to make a custom pizza quickly using Papa Murphy’s $5 Fave pizza. Today, this is the real deal – pizza from scratch. Yep, you read that correctly… homemade pizza dough for one. I apologize to my Chicago friends in advance as this recipe is more like a New York style pizza, but I will get to a Chicago style pizza eventually! This recipe takes a bit of planning to allow the dough to rise, but overall was simple to make when using a food processor. Since it takes time to make, let’s get cracking! Save Print Homemade Pizza Dough Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 24 hours…
Feeling like something spicy? Feeling like something incredibly satisfying? How about robust flavors? Well, if all this sounds great to you, may I suggest tonight’s meal – Drunken Noodles! I made this recipe with chicken, Thai basil, cilantro, fish sauce, ginger, shallot, scallions, cabbage, carrot and a host of other supporting ingredients. Yes, I used a chicken breast (of course) but thinly sliced beef, prawns, etc work equally well. The challenge of this dish is in the preparation. Have everything ready to go before you start because once you get started, it comes together quickly. I’m hungry, so let’s dive in! Save Print Drunken Noodles Cuisine: Thai Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 40…
Prepare to have your taste buds engaged! This recipe for Swedish Meatballs produces a wonderfully flavorful meal that is well worth the effort. This recipe can be made with just ground beef, but it comes alive with a mix of beef and lamb (or beef, lamb and pork!). The addition of nutmeg and allspice with a slight hint of cinnamon really warms up the flavors and deepens the creamy gravy augmented with sour cream. Are you intrigued now? If so, let’s get to it! Save Print Swedish Meatballs Ingredients For the meatballs: 12 oz ground beef (or 8 oz ground beef and 4 oz ground lamb or pork) ½ onion, finely diced or grated ½ tsp allspice ½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp summer savory ¼…
Earlier this year, I was perusing a book on old style cocktails from very high end establishments around the world. I came across this smoked old fashioned and decided to try it. With a few adjustments, I found something that has never failed to impress and delight friends and acquaintances. Now, I want to share it with you so you can share it with your friends! Save Print Smoked Old Fashioned Prep time: 5 mins Total time: 5 mins Serves: 1 Earlier this year, I was perusing a book on old style cocktails from very high end establishments around the world. I came across this smoked old fashioned and decided to try it. With a few adjustments, I found something that has never failed…
Lunch… today I decided to make a quick lunch and share the results with you. It is a simple meal of pancetta, shaved brussel sprouts, and tortellini fried in butter and the pancetta renderings. The only seasonings… a little salt (very little since we are using panceta, a type of Italian bacon), freshly cracked black pepper, and minced garlic. Simple, but quite delicious. And need I mention fast! Tortellini with Pancetta and Brussel Sprouts Ingredients: 4 slices of pancetta, cut into 1/2 inch squares 4 – 5 brussel sprouts, shaved (cut into a chiffonade) 6 oz fresh cheese tortellini 2 tsp butter 1 small clove garlic, minced salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste shredded Italian cheese (optional) Preparation: Begin by cooking the pasta per…
It is now soup season and this one is tasty… and easy! This recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower. The simplicity of the recipe belies the wonderful depth of flavor this soup has. Since most of the cooking happens in the oven, you gain some time to finish other tasks if desired. Also, this soup can be tweaked to suit your tastes, but I am delivering my ‘go to’ recipe here. Ready, set, let’s cook! Coriander Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Prosciutto Bark Ingredients: 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into flowerets 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp ground coriander salt fresh cracked pepper 3 slices prosciutto 3/4 cup vegetable broth (or chicken stock if desired) 1/2…
Here is another recipe I used to cook for the family when the girls were little. It is a great recipe to put together quickly, then eat later after the chops have cooked in the gravy for a bit. Even the gravy has a super simple shortcut, which I will provide in the Notes below. I paired this dish with White Rice and Sauteed Garlic Green Beans as a complete meal. Season each side of the pork loin chops with salt and pepper. Add the onion and garlic powder to the flour and stir to incorporate. Flour each side of the chops and shake off the excess. Save the flour for a later step. Heat a medium frying pan or skillet over medium medium high heat. Add the…
This dish is a great side for many main dishes – steak, chicken, pork, etc. Also, this dish can be tweaked for different flavor combinations. Today, I’ll write up the basic recipe… and in the Notes below I will discuss some of the options for additional flavor enhancements. Sauteed Garlic Green Beans Ingredients: 6 oz fresh green beans 1 clove garlic, slivered salt pepper 2 tsp olive oil Preparation: In a medium saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When shimmering, add the green beans and toss to coat. Cook the green beans for about 5 minutes tossing them to keep them from burning. Add some salt and pepper to taste, tossing to distribute. Then add the garlic and toss to incorporate. Continue…
Well, I am sure everyone knew I was up to something when I made a loaf of banana bread, right? Of course I was… I had this idea for banana bread french toast and I just had to try it. And guess what? It was delicious! So I am here to share with you what I did… let’s get cooking! Banana Bread French Toast Ingredients: 4 slices of banana bread, approximately 3/4 inch thick 2 eggs, beaten 1 tbsp whipping cream 1/4 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional) 1/4 tsp allspice ((optional) 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional) butter Preparation: Add the vanilla, cream, and spices (if desired) into the beaten eggs and mix well. Heat a griddle or large frying…