Based on a friend’s suggestion, I broke down and picked up an Instant Pot. I scored a sweet deal on the Instant Pot Duo Mini, a small, feature-packed cooker perfect for Cooking4OneandaHalf. Of course, I tested it per the instructions, then tested it with white rice, then with small red beans. The results were good, the time to cook was quick, and overall I was satisfied with adding this device to my cooking repertoire. So, I needed to cook something in it to really showcase the quick and tasty results so often touted by others. I decided on Chicken Noodle Soup. I know, you could claim I was working with a dish that probably has hundreds of recipes on the web – and I did…
Recently, my wife Ana surprised me with a delicious Dominican dish – sancocho. This stew of beef, chicken, sausage, potato, yucca, plantain, squash, corn, and more is a veritable ‘stick to your ribs’ type of meal. Sumptuous and satisfying, this treat is a labor of love and usually served on special occasions simply with white rice. Well, I can say this – it was a special occasion to come and find this dinner waiting for me! Now to work on the recipe… Thank you baby, te amo mas cariño mio! Enjoy…
I know, you can get this soup from a can. Campbell’s Chunky, Progresso, etc… there are plenty of options. Most are tasty and make for a quick meal. Yet, making clam chowder at home is really easy. I challenge you to try this recipe and even tweak it as you desire. I am positive you will enjoy the results. Since this recipe makes enough for two as a perfect first course or appetizer, maybe you can use this dish to get your Valentine’s Day dinner started off on a delicious note! Save Print Clam Chowder Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 45 mins Serves: 2 Ingredients 6 oz chopped clams 1½ cups golden…
Tonight I made another robust meal – beef bourguignon. Okay, okay… you can stop rolling your eyes now, this recipe is what I consider my best approximation for a quick and easy beef bourguignon. I did not go through untold number of complicated steps to make this meal. I also did not cook it for 3 hours because I used a shortcut. Of course, I bet you are skeptical… it is only natural. But you can rest assured this dish was stupendous, if I say so myself! Go ahead, make it and see for yourself… your skepticism will be assuaged (and your taste buds rewarded!). Save Print Beef Bourguignon Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 1 hour 20 mins Total time: 1…
Tonight I made a flavorful soup for a cold winter night using the rest of the potatoes and cabbage I had from last week’s shopping. The basic recipe comes from Rachel Ray, but of course, I changed it. The primary changes were to add hickory smoked bacon and two types of paprika, something I felt would provide depth of flavor. To be honest, I would expect to see this recipe in a Central or Eastern European home cookbook with all it has going on. This recipe does make more than 1 serving, so expect leftovers… which is not a bad thing! Save Print Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potato Soup Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 1 hour 15 mins Total time: 1 hour…
As I mentioned in a previous post, Autumn is a perfect time to spend some time making soup for dinner. To me, there is something relaxing about cooking and preparing a soup is probably the most relaxing culinary endeavor for me (except maybe baking…). This soup is a sweet and savory meal highlighted by warm spices (ginger and cloves), brown sugar, and thyme packaged in a velvety cream. To give the soup some ‘tooth’, I add crispy linguiça sausage bits and the renderings to provide a salty aspect. Enjoy this soup on a chilly fall evening with a some warm rustic bread and I think you will agree it is a winner worth the effort. Save Print Creamy Acorn Soup Prep time: 20…