Thursday
Bow ties with tomatoes, feta and grapes (recipe in the comments)
Steamed fresh green beans and wax beans
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
We're, once again, adding to our repertoire of summer entree salad. I am always a fan of mixing grapes or other sweet fruit into more savory dishes and so this was an automatic recipe for us to try. While you do cook the pasta, everything else is chopped fresh or whisked together and just combined for an easy and relatively heat free cooking process. Since it's actually gotten relatively warm here this past week, that's very nice. The outcome was good, but not perfect. We both thought it was better without the feta cheese, which was too pungent. I might try a mild goat or even some shredded Monterrey Jack. Otherwise, very yummy and we'll be working on perfecting it :) Our initial ideas for changes are in the posted recipe.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tomatoes, grapes, basil
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: I think this would save fine.
Reaction
J: "Yummy, but a bit too many flavors."
M: "Summery."
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday
Tijuana torta (recipe in the comments)
Grilled zucchini and summer squash
Hot tea
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This is a super easy dinner and very tasty. We chose to have it because M's mom left this morning and I gave my second exam of the summer. Things were, needless to say, busy. However, this was the perfect dinner to come home to AND the leftover portion was perfect as lunch today. The torta is just a hollowed out whole grain baguette with a spiced bean mixture and some melted cheese that you spread guacamole and sprinkle cabbage on to. Cap with the top of the baguette and you're done! Yum! Also, the local squashes are just getting better and better and the simple grilled preparation is perfect here.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Cheese, squashes
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: Probably best fresh, but I was genuinely surprised at how good this was the next day for lunch.
Reaction
J: "Oh gosh, this was GOOD!"
M: "Muy simple e filling!"
Tijuana torta (recipe in the comments)
Grilled zucchini and summer squash
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is a super easy dinner and very tasty. We chose to have it because M's mom left this morning and I gave my second exam of the summer. Things were, needless to say, busy. However, this was the perfect dinner to come home to AND the leftover portion was perfect as lunch today. The torta is just a hollowed out whole grain baguette with a spiced bean mixture and some melted cheese that you spread guacamole and sprinkle cabbage on to. Cap with the top of the baguette and you're done! Yum! Also, the local squashes are just getting better and better and the simple grilled preparation is perfect here.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Cheese, squashes
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: Probably best fresh, but I was genuinely surprised at how good this was the next day for lunch.
Reaction
J: "Oh gosh, this was GOOD!"
M: "Muy simple e filling!"
Tuesday
Alyssa's pulled pork sandwiches (recipe in the comments)
Corn on the cob
Asparagus salad
Watermelon
Hot tea
Walking to get ice cream cones (Thank you Sweet Jenny's!)
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This is an amazing secret I've been keeping from you! This is one of our BEST crock pot recipes and we got it from one of our closest friends in California, Alyssa, who often made this for us. It is SO easy and makes some of the best, not to mention leanest pulled pork around. Everyone should make this - it's perfect for company too.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Shallot, trimming pork, bacon, watermelon
Time: 15 minutes prep, 8 hours to cook, 25 minutes to pull everything else together
Make ahead: Absolutely.
Reaction
J: "My go to company dinner for summer!"
M: "Perfect BBQ."
Alyssa's pulled pork sandwiches (recipe in the comments)
Corn on the cob
Asparagus salad
Watermelon
Hot tea
Walking to get ice cream cones (Thank you Sweet Jenny's!)
______________________________________________________________
This is an amazing secret I've been keeping from you! This is one of our BEST crock pot recipes and we got it from one of our closest friends in California, Alyssa, who often made this for us. It is SO easy and makes some of the best, not to mention leanest pulled pork around. Everyone should make this - it's perfect for company too.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Shallot, trimming pork, bacon, watermelon
Time: 15 minutes prep, 8 hours to cook, 25 minutes to pull everything else together
Make ahead: Absolutely.
Reaction
J: "My go to company dinner for summer!"
M: "Perfect BBQ."
Monday - Out to dinner at Verbena
We chose to go out with M's mom to Verbena, a restaurant very close to our house. We mostly chose it because it is so close and we'd heard some good things about the new chef there. Now, I'm ruing the fact that we haven't gone before. This is certainly a place that vies for the position of best restaurant in the Buffalo area and it's less than four miles from our home. Everything we had was perfectly prepared, beautifully presented, and incredibly tasty. The service was impeccable. We will be back. Soon. Very soon.
We chose to go out with M's mom to Verbena, a restaurant very close to our house. We mostly chose it because it is so close and we'd heard some good things about the new chef there. Now, I'm ruing the fact that we haven't gone before. This is certainly a place that vies for the position of best restaurant in the Buffalo area and it's less than four miles from our home. Everything we had was perfectly prepared, beautifully presented, and incredibly tasty. The service was impeccable. We will be back. Soon. Very soon.
Sunday
Smoky ham and corn salad (recipe in the comments)
Local canteloupe
Hot tea
Custard puffs (Thank you DiCamillo!)
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This recipe came in a list of recipes for meals that required no cooking, perfect for hot summer days. Today wasn't really that hot, but it was warm and the salad made use of some of the earliest local corn here in Western New York. We all loved it and LOVED how easy it was to make, but the final menu was a bit thin on substance. I think we'll serve it with bread next time. BUT I know there will be a next time, because it was so good.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, corn, ham, melon
Time: 15 minutes
Make ahead: You could make the dressing and chop everything, but I would toss last minute.
Reaction
J: "Truly an excellent dinner salad."
M: "Exquisite summer salad."
Smoky ham and corn salad (recipe in the comments)
Local canteloupe
Hot tea
Custard puffs (Thank you DiCamillo!)
______________________________________________________________
This recipe came in a list of recipes for meals that required no cooking, perfect for hot summer days. Today wasn't really that hot, but it was warm and the salad made use of some of the earliest local corn here in Western New York. We all loved it and LOVED how easy it was to make, but the final menu was a bit thin on substance. I think we'll serve it with bread next time. BUT I know there will be a next time, because it was so good.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, corn, ham, melon
Time: 15 minutes
Make ahead: You could make the dressing and chop everything, but I would toss last minute.
Reaction
J: "Truly an excellent dinner salad."
M: "Exquisite summer salad."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday - Dinner at Canal Fest
So, tonight was our first full day with Grammie and we ended it with a bang - another fair! This one is on the Erie Canal. It turned out that even though Canal Fest is bigger in general than Old Home Days there was a smaller midway. We had a lot of fun anyway though - even though it turns out that T isn't ready for bumper cars :) We all had hot dogs or Italian sausage for dinner and were returning to some rides before considering our next "course" when the skies opened up and DUMPED rain on us. I have never been so wet as I was when we got back to the car simply from a rainstorm! Anyway, it made for a rather smaller (though probably healthier) dinner than planned. Despite this, we had a good time and T "likes gettin' rained on himself"...
So, tonight was our first full day with Grammie and we ended it with a bang - another fair! This one is on the Erie Canal. It turned out that even though Canal Fest is bigger in general than Old Home Days there was a smaller midway. We had a lot of fun anyway though - even though it turns out that T isn't ready for bumper cars :) We all had hot dogs or Italian sausage for dinner and were returning to some rides before considering our next "course" when the skies opened up and DUMPED rain on us. I have never been so wet as I was when we got back to the car simply from a rainstorm! Anyway, it made for a rather smaller (though probably healthier) dinner than planned. Despite this, we had a good time and T "likes gettin' rained on himself"...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday
Irish beef hand pies (recipe in the comments from April 1, 2009)
Broccoli with lemon
Hot tea
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So normally if we repeat a meal this quickly it's because we loved it or because we have some new method we really want to test out. In this case, this meal was only ok the firs time and we had no great revelations for how to improve it, BUT it made so many that we have a bunch frozen. Since M's mom is arriving after dinner tonight and we MUST wash the dog tonight, easy was called for. Nothing is easier than something you can take frozen and cook in your oven while you wash the dog :) This is the plan.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Eeasier than last time
Chopping: Nothing
Time: 35 minutes (30 of which is baking)
Make ahead: Apparently.
Reaction
J: "Still only ok, but not hurt at all by freezing."
M: "This seems better when it's this easy to prepare."
Irish beef hand pies (recipe in the comments from April 1, 2009)
Broccoli with lemon
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
So normally if we repeat a meal this quickly it's because we loved it or because we have some new method we really want to test out. In this case, this meal was only ok the firs time and we had no great revelations for how to improve it, BUT it made so many that we have a bunch frozen. Since M's mom is arriving after dinner tonight and we MUST wash the dog tonight, easy was called for. Nothing is easier than something you can take frozen and cook in your oven while you wash the dog :) This is the plan.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Eeasier than last time
Chopping: Nothing
Time: 35 minutes (30 of which is baking)
Make ahead: Apparently.
Reaction
J: "Still only ok, but not hurt at all by freezing."
M: "This seems better when it's this easy to prepare."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday
Tuna noodle bowl (recipe in the comments)
Grapes
Hot tea
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I can't believe we haven't blogged this! This is one of our oldest and most amazing recipes. Its easy to make, truly a one dish meal, and super yummy. I think we make this all the time, but apparently not that often since it hasn't made it onto Ten dinners? yet. Regardless, it's an awesome dish, universally well liked, and very easy to make. This also makes exceptional leftovers. We love this and many people have borrowed this recipe.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Carrots, snow peas, red peppers
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: This is awesome leftover and perfect for taking to parties/pot lucks or just for lunch the next day.
Reaction
J: "Yet another oldie, but goodie."
M: "Everyone likes tuna noodle bowl."
Tuna noodle bowl (recipe in the comments)
Grapes
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
I can't believe we haven't blogged this! This is one of our oldest and most amazing recipes. Its easy to make, truly a one dish meal, and super yummy. I think we make this all the time, but apparently not that often since it hasn't made it onto Ten dinners? yet. Regardless, it's an awesome dish, universally well liked, and very easy to make. This also makes exceptional leftovers. We love this and many people have borrowed this recipe.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Carrots, snow peas, red peppers
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: This is awesome leftover and perfect for taking to parties/pot lucks or just for lunch the next day.
Reaction
J: "Yet another oldie, but goodie."
M: "Everyone likes tuna noodle bowl."
Wednesday - Pre date night dinner out with T at La Tolteca
M and I had planned to go out to see Harry Potter tonight and (since the movie is 2.5 hours) we didn't want to put T down, eat out, and then start the movie. Otherwise, we'd get home so late we'd be zombies! So, we took T out for Mexican right after work/preschool. We went to La Tolteca once when we were here looking at houses and were not very impressed, but people kept talking about it so we tried again. I don't know if it was just better dishes we ordered or if the first visit was a very off night, but this visit was great. All of us enjoyed it - especially T.
Beef verde tacos (M)
Shrimp fajitas (J)
Soft taco and cheese enchilada meal (T)
Everything was yummy, not greasy, and flavorful. Also the chips and salsa get a big thumbs up, which is critical for a good Mexican place. We'll be back!
M and I had planned to go out to see Harry Potter tonight and (since the movie is 2.5 hours) we didn't want to put T down, eat out, and then start the movie. Otherwise, we'd get home so late we'd be zombies! So, we took T out for Mexican right after work/preschool. We went to La Tolteca once when we were here looking at houses and were not very impressed, but people kept talking about it so we tried again. I don't know if it was just better dishes we ordered or if the first visit was a very off night, but this visit was great. All of us enjoyed it - especially T.
Beef verde tacos (M)
Shrimp fajitas (J)
Soft taco and cheese enchilada meal (T)
Everything was yummy, not greasy, and flavorful. Also the chips and salsa get a big thumbs up, which is critical for a good Mexican place. We'll be back!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday
Smoky corn and black bean pizza (recipe in the comments from January 26, 2008)
Mexican bean salad
Hot tea
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We've been making this unusual pizza for a long time, but haven't had it since we moved to Buffalo. The BBQ sauce base it what makes it so good. As you can see from the date the recipe was posted it's very a-seasonal. We were hoping to do it on the grill (instead of the oven) tonight, but it's raining pretty hard and we just didn't want to deal. Since we don't have Trader Joe's here,we tried KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce and it was quite good. The bean salad makes it sound like a lot of beans in the meal, but it ends up working really well.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, avocado
Time: 20 minutes, 12 of which is baking (when I make the salad)
Make ahead: If there are leftovers, we both like this cold, but I always make it last minute because it's so quick.
Reaction
J: "Smoky goodness."
M: "A twist on pizza"
Smoky corn and black bean pizza (recipe in the comments from January 26, 2008)
Mexican bean salad
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
We've been making this unusual pizza for a long time, but haven't had it since we moved to Buffalo. The BBQ sauce base it what makes it so good. As you can see from the date the recipe was posted it's very a-seasonal. We were hoping to do it on the grill (instead of the oven) tonight, but it's raining pretty hard and we just didn't want to deal. Since we don't have Trader Joe's here,we tried KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce and it was quite good. The bean salad makes it sound like a lot of beans in the meal, but it ends up working really well.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, avocado
Time: 20 minutes, 12 of which is baking (when I make the salad)
Make ahead: If there are leftovers, we both like this cold, but I always make it last minute because it's so quick.
Reaction
J: "Smoky goodness."
M: "A twist on pizza"
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday
Artichoke pasta (recipe in the comments from April 16, 2008)
Olives, etc from the olive bar
Salad
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is still one of my favorite meals and M really seems to be enjoying it more. We recently began adding nutmeg to the sauce and I think that pushes it over the top in yumminess. As usual though, we try to ahve an M centered side with this and so he got to pick some of his favorites from the olive bar at Wegmans. The whole meal went together beautifully and felt quite festive, while remaining incredibly easy. Always good news, yes?
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Artichoke hearts, parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan
Time: 25 minutes
Make ahead: You can pre-make the sauce and toss it with fresh pasta.
Reaction
J: "A true favorite."
M: "I think I really like this."
Artichoke pasta (recipe in the comments from April 16, 2008)
Olives, etc from the olive bar
Salad
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is still one of my favorite meals and M really seems to be enjoying it more. We recently began adding nutmeg to the sauce and I think that pushes it over the top in yumminess. As usual though, we try to ahve an M centered side with this and so he got to pick some of his favorites from the olive bar at Wegmans. The whole meal went together beautifully and felt quite festive, while remaining incredibly easy. Always good news, yes?
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Artichoke hearts, parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan
Time: 25 minutes
Make ahead: You can pre-make the sauce and toss it with fresh pasta.
Reaction
J: "A true favorite."
M: "I think I really like this."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday
Sweet potato burritos (recipe in the comments)
Salad with salsa verde dressing
Graham crackers and icing
Hot tea
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This is a crazy recipe that we tried when the blog was off duty. I'm completely unclear what drew me to it initially, but it still seems nutty even now that I know how good it is! The filling to these burritos is mashed sweet potatoes, kidney beans, mustard, soy, chili powder, and cumin. The blend is truly fantastic. Given that it has been extraordinarily cool here for July, this warm dish seemed perfect. That said, we're looking forward to the forecasted hot week ahead!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Sweet potatoes
Time: 30 minutes (with 12 minutes of baking)
Make ahead: You could make the filling whenever and stuff the burritos right before you bake.
Reaction
J: "Do not fear this recipe!"
M: "You'd never guess."
Sweet potato burritos (recipe in the comments)
Salad with salsa verde dressing
Graham crackers and icing
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is a crazy recipe that we tried when the blog was off duty. I'm completely unclear what drew me to it initially, but it still seems nutty even now that I know how good it is! The filling to these burritos is mashed sweet potatoes, kidney beans, mustard, soy, chili powder, and cumin. The blend is truly fantastic. Given that it has been extraordinarily cool here for July, this warm dish seemed perfect. That said, we're looking forward to the forecasted hot week ahead!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Sweet potatoes
Time: 30 minutes (with 12 minutes of baking)
Make ahead: You could make the filling whenever and stuff the burritos right before you bake.
Reaction
J: "Do not fear this recipe!"
M: "You'd never guess."
Saturday - Belated Birthday Party for T
The weekend of T's actual birthday we had just gotten back from DC, he was starting at his new preschool and I was about to start teaching my new class. Unsurprisingly, we put off having a party - until today! We had a great time with friends and kids and just the right amount of chaos. Also, we had great food, which always makes makes for a good party!
Veggies and dip
Lemon and dill hummus
Tzatziki
Pita
Mixed herb chevre and crackers
Fruit kabobs (Thank you Cathy and Chris!)
Caprese salad (Thank you Stephanie!)
Pretzels
Cheese Its
Pizza from Great Northern Pizza Kitchen
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting
Graham crackers with extra frosting to spread
The weekend of T's actual birthday we had just gotten back from DC, he was starting at his new preschool and I was about to start teaching my new class. Unsurprisingly, we put off having a party - until today! We had a great time with friends and kids and just the right amount of chaos. Also, we had great food, which always makes makes for a good party!
Veggies and dip
Lemon and dill hummus
Tzatziki
Pita
Mixed herb chevre and crackers
Fruit kabobs (Thank you Cathy and Chris!)
Caprese salad (Thank you Stephanie!)
Pretzels
Cheese Its
Pizza from Great Northern Pizza Kitchen
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting
Graham crackers with extra frosting to spread
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday
Lima bean spread (recipe in the comments)
Multigrain flatbread
Local feta
Fresh cherry tomatoes
Sauteed baby bell peppers
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
M and I love dips, but rarely do appetizers. So, occasionally we make a dinner of a dip. Here's a new one we've tried that HAS to be a regular in the rotation. This is amazingly healthy and SO good. This was also a perfect Friday meal - easy to accommodate grocery list making, but also festive to celebrate the weekend. Yippee!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Herbs, peppers, feta
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: You could make this days in advance or even freeze it.
Reaction
J: "Dippity-doo!"
M: "This is too good to be lima beans."
Lima bean spread (recipe in the comments)
Multigrain flatbread
Local feta
Fresh cherry tomatoes
Sauteed baby bell peppers
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
M and I love dips, but rarely do appetizers. So, occasionally we make a dinner of a dip. Here's a new one we've tried that HAS to be a regular in the rotation. This is amazingly healthy and SO good. This was also a perfect Friday meal - easy to accommodate grocery list making, but also festive to celebrate the weekend. Yippee!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Herbs, peppers, feta
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: You could make this days in advance or even freeze it.
Reaction
J: "Dippity-doo!"
M: "This is too good to be lima beans."
Thursday
Grilled fish tacos (recipe in the comments from May 5, 2008)
Black beans and rice
Canteloupe
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
Since our time in southern California, M and I have loved fish tacos. If you've never had them, they aren't much like beef tacos. They're very Baja style - grilled fish, fresh (and crunchy) veggies, lots of cilantro, and lime. They were very much a year-round food in California, but now they are very summer for us. It was quite warm for here today (close to 80) and we foresee a dip in temps so we wanted to get them in before the cool down. What a great meal!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Monterrey jack, cabbage, tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, limes
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: You can chop all the toppings ahead, but grill the fish last minute.
Reaction
J: "One of the few things I miss about California!"
M: "Still so good!"
Grilled fish tacos (recipe in the comments from May 5, 2008)
Black beans and rice
Canteloupe
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
Since our time in southern California, M and I have loved fish tacos. If you've never had them, they aren't much like beef tacos. They're very Baja style - grilled fish, fresh (and crunchy) veggies, lots of cilantro, and lime. They were very much a year-round food in California, but now they are very summer for us. It was quite warm for here today (close to 80) and we foresee a dip in temps so we wanted to get them in before the cool down. What a great meal!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Monterrey jack, cabbage, tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, limes
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: You can chop all the toppings ahead, but grill the fish last minute.
Reaction
J: "One of the few things I miss about California!"
M: "Still so good!"
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday - Take out from The King and I
Today was one of those days at work. I have four unplanned meetings this afternoon, which means I did none of the *work* that was supposed to be done during that time. When teaching a summer course, that means I have to do that work that evening or it doesn't happen. Anyway, I came home to a couple hours of extra prep for class, so take out happened. It's wonderful that we have such great Thai take out to turn to on such nights.
Steamed Thai dumplings
Thai salad
Green curry with chicken
Beef with Thai hot sauce
Hot tea
A perfect meal for the work weary soul :)
Today was one of those days at work. I have four unplanned meetings this afternoon, which means I did none of the *work* that was supposed to be done during that time. When teaching a summer course, that means I have to do that work that evening or it doesn't happen. Anyway, I came home to a couple hours of extra prep for class, so take out happened. It's wonderful that we have such great Thai take out to turn to on such nights.
Steamed Thai dumplings
Thai salad
Green curry with chicken
Beef with Thai hot sauce
Hot tea
A perfect meal for the work weary soul :)
Tuesday
Curried tofu salad (recipe in the comments)
Sourdough rolls
Cucumbers with rice wine vinegar
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is a new approach to tofu and a perfect summer salad. It's sort of like egg salad, but more flavorful. Best, it is another use for the Major Gray's chutney that we used in the Curried potato salad with tuna from last week. I always like to have a couple uses for specialized condiments like that so they don't totally clutter up my refrigerator. This is a great summer meal because there is no cooking required and it's INCREDIBLY quick. I think this would be awesome stuffed into pita or in cucumber boats for a different take on the salad.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Celery, grapes, scallions, walnuts, cucumbers
Time: 20 minutes
Make ahead: We enjoyed leftovers for lunch the next day, but I thought it was best room temperature, so fresh mightbe the best option.
Reaction
J: "Tofu-licious."
M: "Perfect summer tofu!"
Curried tofu salad (recipe in the comments)
Sourdough rolls
Cucumbers with rice wine vinegar
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is a new approach to tofu and a perfect summer salad. It's sort of like egg salad, but more flavorful. Best, it is another use for the Major Gray's chutney that we used in the Curried potato salad with tuna from last week. I always like to have a couple uses for specialized condiments like that so they don't totally clutter up my refrigerator. This is a great summer meal because there is no cooking required and it's INCREDIBLY quick. I think this would be awesome stuffed into pita or in cucumber boats for a different take on the salad.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Celery, grapes, scallions, walnuts, cucumbers
Time: 20 minutes
Make ahead: We enjoyed leftovers for lunch the next day, but I thought it was best room temperature, so fresh mightbe the best option.
Reaction
J: "Tofu-licious."
M: "Perfect summer tofu!"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday
Roasted tomato spaghetti (recipe in the comments from April 17, 2009)
Salad with balsamic dressing
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
As often happens with a new dish we love,we repeat pretty quickly. We first made this on April 17th and it's already back in the rotation. I can only surmise that this happens so we can solidify something really good in our memory. It also sometimes occurs when a recipe is only so-so, but we have plans for how to really improve it. This is definitely a case of the former. We were blown away by this recipe the first time and the repeat didn't disappoint. What a winner and SUPER easy!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Grape tomatoes, basil, Parmesan
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: I think this is best last minute.
Reaction
J: "Still incredible."
M: "Simple really does = good."
Roasted tomato spaghetti (recipe in the comments from April 17, 2009)
Salad with balsamic dressing
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
As often happens with a new dish we love,we repeat pretty quickly. We first made this on April 17th and it's already back in the rotation. I can only surmise that this happens so we can solidify something really good in our memory. It also sometimes occurs when a recipe is only so-so, but we have plans for how to really improve it. This is definitely a case of the former. We were blown away by this recipe the first time and the repeat didn't disappoint. What a winner and SUPER easy!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Grape tomatoes, basil, Parmesan
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead: I think this is best last minute.
Reaction
J: "Still incredible."
M: "Simple really does = good."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday
Jacques leek and potato soup (recipe in the comments)
Ciabatta
Salad with creamy garlic dressing
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is one of our oldest standards. We briefly belonged to a cookbook club, with disastrous results, but the one good outcome was this cookbook: Julia and Jacques Cook at Home. It's a collaboration between Julia Child and Jacques Pepin - two amazing French chefs. They are cooking more for an average audience than usual though, perfect for us. This was the prelude to an even more beloved book: Jacques Pepin Fast Food My Way (thank you, Mom!). Anyway, this is our favorite and most often repeated recipe from this cookbook and it screams summer to me. It's easy and so good you just won't believe you produced it.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Leeks, onion, potato, watercress
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead:It's even good cold.
Reaction
J: "I am a Francophile!"
M: "Maybe our best soup???"
Jacques leek and potato soup (recipe in the comments)
Ciabatta
Salad with creamy garlic dressing
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
This is one of our oldest standards. We briefly belonged to a cookbook club, with disastrous results, but the one good outcome was this cookbook: Julia and Jacques Cook at Home. It's a collaboration between Julia Child and Jacques Pepin - two amazing French chefs. They are cooking more for an average audience than usual though, perfect for us. This was the prelude to an even more beloved book: Jacques Pepin Fast Food My Way (thank you, Mom!). Anyway, this is our favorite and most often repeated recipe from this cookbook and it screams summer to me. It's easy and so good you just won't believe you produced it.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Leeks, onion, potato, watercress
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead:It's even good cold.
Reaction
J: "I am a Francophile!"
M: "Maybe our best soup???"
Saturday
Mideastern sandwich (recipe in the comments)
Kohlrabi with rice wine vinegar
Pickled beets
Hot tea
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T and I cooked while M got my bike from the bike shop (needed anew chain). We all wanted to eat together so that we could go for an evening bike ride and enjoy these warm nights. This is an unusual sandwich and makes a ton of food with very little meat. The result with our local ground beef (from the farmer's market) was wonderful. I like the sweet flavors the spices and raisins give this and love the combo of the filling with yogurt and sprouts. It was a great dinner and an excellent bike ride.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Eggplant, onion, parsley, kohlrabi
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead:This saves very well - we had it as a picnic on Sunday
Reaction
J: "Yet more middle eastern flavors make my week!"
M: "The best summer sandwich!"
Mideastern sandwich (recipe in the comments)
Kohlrabi with rice wine vinegar
Pickled beets
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
T and I cooked while M got my bike from the bike shop (needed anew chain). We all wanted to eat together so that we could go for an evening bike ride and enjoy these warm nights. This is an unusual sandwich and makes a ton of food with very little meat. The result with our local ground beef (from the farmer's market) was wonderful. I like the sweet flavors the spices and raisins give this and love the combo of the filling with yogurt and sprouts. It was a great dinner and an excellent bike ride.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Eggplant, onion, parsley, kohlrabi
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead:This saves very well - we had it as a picnic on Sunday
Reaction
J: "Yet more middle eastern flavors make my week!"
M: "The best summer sandwich!"
Friday - Dinner at Old Home Days
So the parade on Tuesday was the kick off of our local carnival and we deemed T ready for a true night at the fair this year. Our church was doing a fundraiser dinner there (homemade bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut, and rye bread), which was AMAZINGLY excellent. But mostly there were rides. T loved them and we loved riding with him. It was a real old fashioned evening at the fair and SO fun to share. I can't wait for next year(or for Canal Days in a couple weeks!)!!!!
So the parade on Tuesday was the kick off of our local carnival and we deemed T ready for a true night at the fair this year. Our church was doing a fundraiser dinner there (homemade bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut, and rye bread), which was AMAZINGLY excellent. But mostly there were rides. T loved them and we loved riding with him. It was a real old fashioned evening at the fair and SO fun to share. I can't wait for next year(or for Canal Days in a couple weeks!)!!!!
Thursday
Broiled falafel (Thank you Fantastic Foods)
Tomato cucumber relish
Yogurt with goat cheese and garlic
Whole wheat pita
Grapes
Hot tea
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I gave my first exam today and so we needed an easy, relaxing summer meal. Fantastic foods is an organic manufacturer and we love their falafel which you can broil, rather than fry. This makes it about 10X healthier for you than falafel you get out. We make it with a chopped mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, parsley, chili pepper, and lemon. We top this with yogurt mixed with a couple spoons of goat cheese a smidge of salt and miced garlic. It's fantastic AND easy.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, cucumber, scallion, pepper, garlic
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead:This saves very well - lunch Friday was excellent :)
Reaction
J: "Thank goodness there is reasonably healthy prepared food!"
M: "Mmmmph!"
Broiled falafel (Thank you Fantastic Foods)
Tomato cucumber relish
Yogurt with goat cheese and garlic
Whole wheat pita
Grapes
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
I gave my first exam today and so we needed an easy, relaxing summer meal. Fantastic foods is an organic manufacturer and we love their falafel which you can broil, rather than fry. This makes it about 10X healthier for you than falafel you get out. We make it with a chopped mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, parsley, chili pepper, and lemon. We top this with yogurt mixed with a couple spoons of goat cheese a smidge of salt and miced garlic. It's fantastic AND easy.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, cucumber, scallion, pepper, garlic
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead:This saves very well - lunch Friday was excellent :)
Reaction
J: "Thank goodness there is reasonably healthy prepared food!"
M: "Mmmmph!"
Wednesday - Out to dinner at Torches
Yesterday was M and my wedding anniversary. We, obviously, couldn't go out last night because who could miss the parade??? Not us. So, we went out one night late. We went to Torches, a restaurant we have only been to once before, and that was on New Years Eve and you can't really gauge a place on a night like that. We enjoyed it then and were ready to try it "for real".
I have to be honest, the night began rather roughly. M ordered a dry martini up with a twist and was presented with a wet, slightly dirty, martini up with three olives. we thought about keeping it, but there were a couple other martinis still on the bar and we thought we might have gotten the wrong one. So, the waitress took it back and, it wasn't the wrong one, but the bartender re-made it. Meanwhile, while waiting for the next martini, we ordered and M asked for the veal shank (yes, they have free range veal at Torches!) special. The waitress says, "Oh, didn't I tell you, we're out of that. What else do you want?" There wasn't anything else on the menu that M really wanted as much, but he ordered the steak frites. At this point drink two came and was so "dirty" that all you could taste was salt. It was, literally, undrinkable. We were seriously considering leaving, but instead we told the waitress again. The owner came over and made M's drink himself. It was perfect and that segued into a MUCH better, in fact truly excellent, meal.
Appetizers:
Grilled calamari (M)
Pot stickers (J)
Main:
Steak frites (M)
Salmon with kalamata tapenade, lemon hummus, and tabouli (J)
Dessert:
Bananas foster cheesecake
There was not a single food mis-step. We had a great night and came away very certain that our rough start was not typical. We will definitely be back :)
Yesterday was M and my wedding anniversary. We, obviously, couldn't go out last night because who could miss the parade??? Not us. So, we went out one night late. We went to Torches, a restaurant we have only been to once before, and that was on New Years Eve and you can't really gauge a place on a night like that. We enjoyed it then and were ready to try it "for real".
I have to be honest, the night began rather roughly. M ordered a dry martini up with a twist and was presented with a wet, slightly dirty, martini up with three olives. we thought about keeping it, but there were a couple other martinis still on the bar and we thought we might have gotten the wrong one. So, the waitress took it back and, it wasn't the wrong one, but the bartender re-made it. Meanwhile, while waiting for the next martini, we ordered and M asked for the veal shank (yes, they have free range veal at Torches!) special. The waitress says, "Oh, didn't I tell you, we're out of that. What else do you want?" There wasn't anything else on the menu that M really wanted as much, but he ordered the steak frites. At this point drink two came and was so "dirty" that all you could taste was salt. It was, literally, undrinkable. We were seriously considering leaving, but instead we told the waitress again. The owner came over and made M's drink himself. It was perfect and that segued into a MUCH better, in fact truly excellent, meal.
Appetizers:
Grilled calamari (M)
Pot stickers (J)
Main:
Steak frites (M)
Salmon with kalamata tapenade, lemon hummus, and tabouli (J)
Dessert:
Bananas foster cheesecake
There was not a single food mis-step. We had a great night and came away very certain that our rough start was not typical. We will definitely be back :)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday
Curried potato salad with tuna (recipe in the comments)
Arugula salad
Watermelon
Hot tea
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Tonight is the opening of our town's summer festival, "Old Home Days", which starts with a parade. As this is a not to be missed event, we planned dinner around it. T and I made the potato salad this afternoon and we all ate early, so we could get out and watch. The parde was great and dinner was incredible. We discovered this recipe last summer and it is truly transcendent. Also, it's incredibly easy to make. The only note I really have is that this one is dependent on the Major Gray's chutney - I don't think it's as good with plain mango chutney. So, you probably have to buy an unusual ingredient. Trust me though - this is worth it.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Potatoes, shallot, watermelon
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead:This is great warm or cool.
Reaction
J: "A celebration pre-celebration!"
M: "Off the hook!"
Curried potato salad with tuna (recipe in the comments)
Arugula salad
Watermelon
Hot tea
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Tonight is the opening of our town's summer festival, "Old Home Days", which starts with a parade. As this is a not to be missed event, we planned dinner around it. T and I made the potato salad this afternoon and we all ate early, so we could get out and watch. The parde was great and dinner was incredible. We discovered this recipe last summer and it is truly transcendent. Also, it's incredibly easy to make. The only note I really have is that this one is dependent on the Major Gray's chutney - I don't think it's as good with plain mango chutney. So, you probably have to buy an unusual ingredient. Trust me though - this is worth it.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Potatoes, shallot, watermelon
Time: 30 minutes
Make ahead:This is great warm or cool.
Reaction
J: "A celebration pre-celebration!"
M: "Off the hook!"
Monday
Garlic cream farfalle with broccoli (recipe in the comments from January 7, 2009)
Arugula salad with carrots and red cabbage
Garlic cream farfalle with broccoli (recipe in the comments from January 7, 2009)
Arugula salad with carrots and red cabbage
Hot tea
_____________________________________________________________
Today was long and tiring and comfort food (quick!) seemed critical. This dinner hit the spot and was both good for us and so yummy. Sometimes that's all a meal needs to be :)
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Broccoli florets, grating Parmesan
Time: 40 minutes
Make ahead: Do this last minute
Reaction
J: "Pasta saves the day - again."
M: "Hits the spot for summer too."
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday
Spicy Basque-style tofu (recipe in the comments)
Saffron rice (recipe in the comments)
Steamed Swiss chard with nutmeg
Hot tea
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We often cut out chicken recipes and never make them, so I recently went through our chicken file and pulled out recipes I thought we could convert into tofu meals. I was especially excited about this one,as we have no tofu recipes anything like this and both of us LOVE these flavors. Also, I love our saffron rice recipe and we never make it. This turned out to be wonderful and I love the tofu with it. We did make a few additional changes (reflected in the recipe in the comments) that I think will make it even better, including using all mild chilies. While tonight's was excellent, it was bit on the spicy side for both of us, meaning T is an unlikely contender :)
FYI: I just steamed the chopped chard leaves (discarded the stems) in the microwave (just with the moisture from washing the leaves) and tossed with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Yum.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tofu, olives, parsley, chard
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: I'd do this last minute.
Reaction
J: "Basque in the goodness!"
M: "Zesty! Perhaps overly so?"
Spicy Basque-style tofu (recipe in the comments)
Saffron rice (recipe in the comments)
Steamed Swiss chard with nutmeg
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
We often cut out chicken recipes and never make them, so I recently went through our chicken file and pulled out recipes I thought we could convert into tofu meals. I was especially excited about this one,as we have no tofu recipes anything like this and both of us LOVE these flavors. Also, I love our saffron rice recipe and we never make it. This turned out to be wonderful and I love the tofu with it. We did make a few additional changes (reflected in the recipe in the comments) that I think will make it even better, including using all mild chilies. While tonight's was excellent, it was bit on the spicy side for both of us, meaning T is an unlikely contender :)
FYI: I just steamed the chopped chard leaves (discarded the stems) in the microwave (just with the moisture from washing the leaves) and tossed with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Yum.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tofu, olives, parsley, chard
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: I'd do this last minute.
Reaction
J: "Basque in the goodness!"
M: "Zesty! Perhaps overly so?"
Saturday - Happy 4th of July!!!!
Hamburgers ("Brazilian" for J, recipe in the comments from May 26, 2008, plain for M)
Baked beans
Grilled zucchini and summer squash
Watermelon and honey dew
Beer!
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Burgers are so traditional for the 4th that we rarely do that, but both of us had a hankering this year. The "Brazilian" ones are an old recipe of my mom's that I think make the most perfect burger ever. My only caveat is that you need to use slightly fattier meat than we usually do. Bison isn't as good here. Today we used grass-fed beef from our farmer's market and it was wonderful. M wanted something a bit plainer and his were also wonderful. The rest is just classic 4th and was heartily enjoyed. We can see the fireworks (with only a bit of blocking) from our front porch and so we got to see them for the first time since 2005 (T still goes to bed at 7 and since we're so far north they start very late here - around 10 - which isn't realistic for T). It was great to see them again. Dinner and explosions were after a great day too - touring a navy ship, lunch on the marina, walking to our local playground with T and C (the awesome dog), and enjoying the backyard for dinner. What a holiday! Happy summer!
Hamburgers ("Brazilian" for J, recipe in the comments from May 26, 2008, plain for M)
Baked beans
Grilled zucchini and summer squash
Watermelon and honey dew
Beer!
______________________________________________________________
Burgers are so traditional for the 4th that we rarely do that, but both of us had a hankering this year. The "Brazilian" ones are an old recipe of my mom's that I think make the most perfect burger ever. My only caveat is that you need to use slightly fattier meat than we usually do. Bison isn't as good here. Today we used grass-fed beef from our farmer's market and it was wonderful. M wanted something a bit plainer and his were also wonderful. The rest is just classic 4th and was heartily enjoyed. We can see the fireworks (with only a bit of blocking) from our front porch and so we got to see them for the first time since 2005 (T still goes to bed at 7 and since we're so far north they start very late here - around 10 - which isn't realistic for T). It was great to see them again. Dinner and explosions were after a great day too - touring a navy ship, lunch on the marina, walking to our local playground with T and C (the awesome dog), and enjoying the backyard for dinner. What a holiday! Happy summer!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Parmesan, parsley, scallions, squash, melon
Time: 40 minutes
Make ahead: You can make the burgers whenever and grill right before serving.
Reaction
J: "A 4th to remember."
M: "No wonder this is traditional!"
Friday, July 3, 2009
Friday
Pan bagna (recipe in the comments from June 13, 2008)
Artichokes
Pan bagna (recipe in the comments from June 13, 2008)
Artichokes
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This dish always seems like classic summer to me. It requires no cooking and has a yummy blend of tuna, veggies, capers and olives. What's not to love. I also think sandwich-like meals seem especially summer-y. Now, that said, it was barely 70 here today, so (yes on the day before July 4th) we're having to make our own summer, but at least it's not 100! It's supposed to be warmer during the day tomorrow AND sunny, so here's to a summer-y 4th!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tomato, pepper, scallions, garlic, olives, thyme (if fresh)
Time: 25 minutes
Make ahead: I make the filling and then add the crumbs last minute and load it into the bread just before serving. You can eat this the next day, but it's not quite as good.
Reaction
J: "Summer even if the weather doesn't agree."
M: "The perfect summer dinner."
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday - Take out from Bamboo China
So, based on several recommendations when we were up for take out tonight, we tried a new Chinese place, Bamboo China. I think it's a combination of our personal taste and what we ordered (pretty standard American-style Chinese fare, not their Korean stuff), but we weren't very impressed. It looks like we'll be back to Golden Duck next time...
So, based on several recommendations when we were up for take out tonight, we tried a new Chinese place, Bamboo China. I think it's a combination of our personal taste and what we ordered (pretty standard American-style Chinese fare, not their Korean stuff), but we weren't very impressed. It looks like we'll be back to Golden Duck next time...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday
Creamy avocado and white bean wrap (recipe in the comments)
Melon
Whole wheat tortilla chips and salsa (totally unnecessary)
______________________________________________________________
This is a new recipe from an article in Eating Well on no-cook supers. It's perfect for summer and sounded fantastic when it was in the mid-80s and sunny last week. Now that it's barely getting to70 each day, it seemed like maybe this would seem un-seasonal. We were pleasantly surprised in that regard. And even more pleasantly surprised with how WONDERFUL tasting this is. The recipe is dead on - a perfect blend of creamy and tart. It is also VERY filling. I ate two chips and one burrito and feel stuffed! The last, and potentially most wonderful this, is how truly easy this is. Ingredients to table in 20 minutes or less!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Chipotle chile, cilantro, shallot
Time: 20 minutes
Make ahead: I would do this fresh.
Reaction
J: "Surprisingly heart and super yummy!"
M: "Hearty e zesty!"
Creamy avocado and white bean wrap (recipe in the comments)
Melon
Whole wheat tortilla chips and salsa (totally unnecessary)
______________________________________________________________
This is a new recipe from an article in Eating Well on no-cook supers. It's perfect for summer and sounded fantastic when it was in the mid-80s and sunny last week. Now that it's barely getting to70 each day, it seemed like maybe this would seem un-seasonal. We were pleasantly surprised in that regard. And even more pleasantly surprised with how WONDERFUL tasting this is. The recipe is dead on - a perfect blend of creamy and tart. It is also VERY filling. I ate two chips and one burrito and feel stuffed! The last, and potentially most wonderful this, is how truly easy this is. Ingredients to table in 20 minutes or less!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Chipotle chile, cilantro, shallot
Time: 20 minutes
Make ahead: I would do this fresh.
Reaction
J: "Surprisingly heart and super yummy!"
M: "Hearty e zesty!"
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