I have made many a Mac n Cheese (Gruyere Broccoli, Almost Fire Version, Jalapeno Bacon) and it is probably the cornerstone of my culinary career. For Easter, it was requested that I make mac n cheese and I wanted to use the basic foundation and switch it up a bit so I added jalapeno which is an old and common friend, and introduced a new ingredient in pancetta.
I had some extra summer squash or good ol yellow squash around and wanted to incorporate it into a hearty dinner somehow. Usually I would just saute it and serve it on the side, but I have done that too many times and it is sort of boring. This was a quick and easy way to use something as simple as squash in a new and tasty way.
Posted in Sides
Tagged bacon, bread, chicken broth, garlic, oil, onion, pepper, salt, summer squash, yellow squash
We got some new toys for Christmas that we did not ask for but were very glad to receive – an electric pressure cooker and a deli slicer! This is the first of many possibilities that these new pieces will lead to. They both debuted on this dish which is mostly inspired by Travel channel type shows about Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches like Al’s. I have never been to Chicago but would love to visit and seeking out one of these sandwiches would be one of my first stops. These toys made this a really quick and easy dish because we had the right tools!
Posted in Beef
Tagged au jus, Beef, beef broth, bottom round, chuck roast, deli slicer, easy, electric pressure cooker, garlic, meat slicer, onion, pepper, provolone, quick, red pepper flakes, salt
We are back from Christmas break and starting it off with a pretty simple dish of chicken cordon bleu and creamed spinach. It is just chicken pounded thin then rolled up with ham and cheese inside. As easy as it sounds.
Posted in Chicken, Uncategorized
Tagged baked, beaten egg, chicken, creamed spinach, easy, ham, oregano, panko breadcrumbs, pepper, rosemary, salt, swiss cheese
Another use for versatile and reasonably priced tuna steaks! This was a tuna steak that was seasoned in taco spices, grilled, shredded, and placed on a lettuce leaf taco. Late summer tomatillos led to a fresh green salsa type sauce on top and sauteed fajita veggies brought together the many tastes from a similar family that don’t usually overlap.
Posted in Seafood
Tagged cilatnro, garlic, green salsa, grilled, lettuce leaf, onion, pepper, romaine, sauteed fajita veggies, sour cream, taco, tomatillos, tuna steak
WAIT! Don’t throw those pumpkins away! This fall we have been making an effort to try some new seasonal recipes as you may have noticed, and this has got to be the pinnacle of that. What is more fall than pumpkin! This is similar to an Alfredo sauce with pumpkin as the main ingredient with the help of cheeses and cream.
Tagged asiago, half and half, heavy cream, immersion blender, onion, parmesan, pasta, pepper, pumpkin, puree, salt, sauce
I recently ordered a homemade mozzarella and ricotta making kit. I have tried to make the mozzarella twice, and both times it has not quite worked out. The problem is that most standard grocery store milk has been pasteurized at too high of a temperature and the enzymes have been damaged and cannot form strong enough curds. I have just learned all of this by the way. So when this happens, it says to use the mixture as a cheese spread which I have used here to make finger sandwiches for a recent party. Look forward to a successful mozzarella post soon, but in the meantime….makeshift party finger sandwiches!
Posted in Appetizers
Tagged Baguette, finger sandwiches, garlic powder, grilled, mozzarella, pepper, red peper flakes, ricotta, roasted tomatoes, salt
