Although I tend to be a planner, sometimes spontaneity can be quite nice. Late Friday afternoon, we went to the grocery store with no plan for our dinner. The only plan we had was to peruse our options at the butcher and base our meal around our meat choice.
After talking with the butcher, we decided to do a surf and turf combination of teriyaki steak tips and scallops. For a side dish, we wanted something that would compliment these items but that wouldn't take long to prepare. Being summertime and (finally) warm, a salad sort of dish seemed perfect.
I knew
Sauteed Rainbow Chard
by TT July 10th, 2009 | Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
Our Fourth of July was celebrated in a truly foodie manner. We spent the afternoon in our kitchen making various food and drink products. We made infused vodkas (one of which was made with leaves from our lemon verbena plant), two types of homemade sausage patties, chicken salad with a new twist on ingredients, and Braised Prime Rib, which was our dinner.
Having enjoyed some espinaca dip while cooking, we didn't want or need a heavy side dish to accompany our prime rib. As it was a day of playing in the kitchen, I decided to try cooking with a
Having enjoyed some espinaca dip while cooking, we didn't want or need a heavy side dish to accompany our prime rib. As it was a day of playing in the kitchen, I decided to try cooking with a
Veggie Stirfry
by TT June 19th, 2009 | Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
When we had coconut shrimp for dinner the other night, the kids and I debated what we could serve with it. Steamed broccoli or grilled squash didn't seem to make good pairings. So, we decided to go with a stirfry.
I have learned that in order for a stirfry to sell itself, it should have at least one ingredient that is preferred by each of the kids. If each knows that a favorite vegetable is in the stirfry, typically he or she will "suffer" through the other undesirable parts of it. Of course, it still requires some compromise, as not all
I have learned that in order for a stirfry to sell itself, it should have at least one ingredient that is preferred by each of the kids. If each knows that a favorite vegetable is in the stirfry, typically he or she will "suffer" through the other undesirable parts of it. Of course, it still requires some compromise, as not all
Mango Pineapple Salsa Salad
by TT June 15th, 2009 | Appetizers, Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
Our 11 year old daughter and my husband have been working together on a small container garden. Most of the plants are herbs and have been growing slowly. However, this weekend our daughter noticed that the cilantro was getting quite big and could be used for cooking.
This prompted the big question, "What can we make with cilantro?" After explaining that cilantro is a common ingredient in Mexican or Spanish dishes, she and I decided to make sort sort of homemade salsa.
In an attempt to make this dish more appealing for her, so that she would get to sample the fruits
This prompted the big question, "What can we make with cilantro?" After explaining that cilantro is a common ingredient in Mexican or Spanish dishes, she and I decided to make sort sort of homemade salsa.
In an attempt to make this dish more appealing for her, so that she would get to sample the fruits
Spiced Cauliflower
by TT May 26th, 2009 | Appetizers, Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
A while ago we purchased lamb shanks while grocery shopping. We put them in our freezer, saving them for a special "dinner for two" night. Last Sunday seemed the perfect day for cooking them. After defrosting them overnight, we slowly braised them with red wine and an assortment of spices and vegetables.
Unfortunately, while they were cooking, it seemed that fate had other plans, and the shanks were put aside until Monday. However, there was a hidden benefit to that. I hadn't planned an interesting side dish for Sunday, but with dinner delayed a day I decided to go to the
Unfortunately, while they were cooking, it seemed that fate had other plans, and the shanks were put aside until Monday. However, there was a hidden benefit to that. I hadn't planned an interesting side dish for Sunday, but with dinner delayed a day I decided to go to the