Archive for November, 2008
by TT on April 23rd, 2012 | Appetizers, Side Dishes
I will start with a disclaimer. Do not make this recipe as a way of replacing french fries for people who love them. Although they are salty and have a similar shape, no fan of the french fry will think of these as an equivalent substitute. That being said, these green bean fries will be enjoyed when presented as a secondary salty snack or side dish.
Personally, I am not a fan of most french fries. They tend to be heavy in grease or oil and are unappetizing to me. So, for me, switching to green beans is an easy
by TT on June 13th, 2011 | Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes
As I was preparing this post, I was thinking about my affinity for greens. Although I tried, I couldn't think of a green that I don't like. Escarole, swiss chard, kale, callaloo, and spinach are among the leafy vegetables I enjoy. In fact, the green I like least is iceberg lettuce, as it lacks flavor. Most other greens deliver fabulous flavors, some with more bite than others, and make a great side dish or ingredient in a salad.
With a love for these vegetables, I try to share it with my children. I understand that kids aren't supposed to adore vegetables,
by TT on April 13th, 2011 | Healthy Cooking, Main Dishes, Recipes, Side Dishes
Last night was the perfect night for a little bit of recipe experimenting. Due to business travel and sporting events, I had only one other person at home with me, my 13 year old who had the start of a cold. As she was a bit under the weather, a bowl of pasta was all she really wanted. With no other diners, I wouldn't have to consider if the meal was filling enough or would get eye rolls from teens.
I had two summer squash in the refrigerator, which seemed like the perfect replacement for noodles in lasagna. I didn't have
by TT on April 4th, 2011 | Healthy Cooking, Main Dishes, Recipes, Side Dishes
I have dabbled in the world of vegetarianism, so I am fairly comfortable with creating menus that do not include meat. In fact, my 13 year old has been eating a vegetarian diet for five months, which has helped me create meals with meat that easily are transformed into vegetarian-friendly versions. However, last weekend I had a curve ball thrown at me. My husband decided he would try a week of being vegetarian.
If I have a decent amount of experience with cooking vegetarian dishes, why would his announcement be challenging? The first reason is that he does not enjoy legumes
by TT on December 30th, 2010 | Main Dishes, Recipes, Side Dishes
Cheese is a favorite food in our house. Whether served simply with crackers, added to a recipe, or heated into a wonderfully gooey concoction, we like to keep an assortment on hand at all times. In fact, when we have three or fewer varieties in our dairy drawer, someone usually announces that it's time to buy more. Yes, we live with a houseful of mice.
Over the past few years, our entire household's cheese palate has expanded. The kids all have favorites, from smoked to gouda to fresh mozzarella to wedges of parmesan. While that does make for slightly more expensive
by TT on December 22nd, 2010 | Appetizers, Recipes, Side Dishes
I think I have become obsessed with caramelizing foods. As I started to write this post, I did a quick search of caramelized items in previous recipes. I found recipes for the following caramelized items:
onions,
apples,
puréed squash, and
bananas. While it may be a bit of an obsession, what is there not to like about foods with a sweet finish?
On a recent weekend, my husband and I spent our Sunday afternoon watching Christmas movies and cooking. So, instead of planning a big Sunday dinner, we opted for an afternoon of appetizers. One of the
by TT on November 5th, 2008 | Breakfast Dishes, Recipes, Side Dishes
All of my children and my husband love bacon. So, for a lazy weekend breakfast or a summer burger barbecue, there is often the request to have bacon with the meal.
However, the mess from cooking bacon on stovetop (even when using a lid or a splatter shield) often makes me want to suggest a different ingredient. Though, with four little smiles asking, "Pleeease. . ." I usually cook the bacon and deal with the mess after the meal.
Recently, someone suggested that I cook the bacon in the oven. I have to admit that I was skeptical. I figured that the
by TT on November 4th, 2008 | Appetizers, Recipes
At our house, almost all of the family members are fans of Sunday football. However, that doesn't mean that Sunday afternoon is spent watching every game. In fact, the only reason the kids are fans of football is that it is our day for eating munchies.
Being foodies, my husband and I prefer to make the appetizers that we will be eating. Sometimes he and I choose a theme and all of the dishes to go with it. Other times we ask each child to pick a favorite snack for us to make.
This past weekend, our 11 year old daughter requested
