As I mentioned recently, this time of year I stop by local orchards on a weekly basis. When I went to an orchard a couple weeks ago, I decided to check out their winter squash offerings. With cool weather making itself permanent, I have been craving squash. However, I tend to stick with the same squash time and again: butternut or acorn. So, when I arrived at the orchard, my goal was clear- any squash but those two!
This large orchard did not disappoint me. They had quite an assortment of squash available. I immediately knew I would pass on the
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
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
Roasted Butternut Squash
by TT May 9th, 2009 | Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
Planning our menu for a mid-week dinner, I had decided on a pork tenderloin and broccoli, but I needed one more dish to complete our meal. Although some sort of potato or rice dish would work, I was looking for something lighter. I also wanted to make a dish that would add some color to our plates.
Lacking inspiration, I decided to peruse the produce department of our grocery store. Spying the squash section, I chose a butternut squash for our dinner. I love butternut squash but tend to use it most in fall and winter. As we hadn't eaten it
Lacking inspiration, I decided to peruse the produce department of our grocery store. Spying the squash section, I chose a butternut squash for our dinner. I love butternut squash but tend to use it most in fall and winter. As we hadn't eaten it