I spent several days with my parents last week. On my last evening there I decided to cook dinner for the three of us. Knowing that my mom enjoys lamb and my dad doesn't, I decided to make two types of meatballs: lamb for us and beef for my dad. With lamb as the entrée, my mind immediately went to Greek-inspired dishes for the rest of the meal. So, I made tzatziki in which to dip the meatballs and took a shortcut and bought pita bread. For a vegetable side dish, I was leaning toward eggplant.
I wanted to keep the
Green Bean Bake
by TT December 17th, 2012 | Recipes, Side Dishes
When we think about dishes special to the holiday season, there tends to be a focus on sweet items. It seems that almost everyone has a grandmother, uncle, or other relative who makes a delicious cake or special batch of cookies every year. However, there are other dishes that grace the dining table only at the holidays. That was true for a member of our team, Jacob P., who fondly remembers Green Bean Bake. Jacob had the following to say about this veggie side dish, "I like green bean casserole because I have memories of eating it at
Incredibly Simple Hash Browns
by TT October 22nd, 2012 | Breakfast Dishes, Recipes, Side Dishes
Last week I experienced a cooking failure. Planning to make a ham dinner, I decided to try my hand at homemade au gratin potatoes. While the cheese sauce was delicious, the potatoes were a bit on the al dente side. And potatoes, as opposed to pasta, shouldn't be served al dente. I placed the baking dish back into the oven for more baking. . .and then a little more baking, but to no avail. The dish was a flop. My husband was kind and ate a serving, but I knew the dish was a flop.
The next day I decided
The next day I decided
Ricotta-Topped Zucchini
by TT July 16th, 2012 | Appetizers, Recipes, Side Dishes
Living next to a farm, we have easy access to fresh produce during local growing seasons. Even better, our farm very kindly lists what new items are in season on their roadside sign. Thus, when I travel anywhere outside of our neighborhood, I am aware of what is ripe and ready for my kitchen. At the end of last week, I noticed that summer squash and zucchini had been added.
Both my husband and I love zucchini and have used it in a multitude of ways: in place of noodles in lasagna, in soup, stuffed with spinach, in quick bread.
Both my husband and I love zucchini and have used it in a multitude of ways: in place of noodles in lasagna, in soup, stuffed with spinach, in quick bread.
Green Bean Fries
by TT 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
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