Tuesday
Gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes (recipe in the comments from December 27, 2007)
Warm beets with garlic and dill
Asian salad greens
Sourdough bread
Lemon pecan shortbread
Chocolate gelato
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We had some of our favorite people in Buffalo over for dinner tonight, which merits a more elaborate dinner than usual. We last had this soup as a Christmas Eve meal and I have a similar reaction: though this is a very simple soup, the ginger flavors make it seem amazingly festive. This is definitely another February meal - warming yet light. The beets are just canned beets sauteed with garlic and topped with fresh dill. It very yummy and makes an unusual and colorful side dish. The cookies and gelato were lovely additions from our friends and I wanted to eat WAY more cookies than was reasonable :) We were back close to 40 today with sun and I am very much hoping for February to be warmer than January.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Onion, ginger, cabbage, potatoes, parsley, dill
Time: 40 minutes
Make ahead: I made the soup while waiting for a workman to come to the house this morning and it was lovely tonight.
Reaction
J: "Ginger is too good to reserve for special occasions."
M: "Great company food."
Showing posts with label A repeat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A repeat. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday
Pasta with chickpea and garlic sauce (recipe in the comments from November 28, 2008)
Steamed broccoli rabe and lemon
Hot tea
English toffee
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As we commented the first time we made this, the sauce is creamy without the cream. I still find the outcome amazing. How does this get so rich seeming without any fat other than the oil you saute the garlic in??? The chickpea is amazing. I love the freshness of this dish and I think you may notice a subtle shift as we move into February. We still make warming meals, as we are still in the depths of winter, but I think many of them look forward to spring. The grape tomatoes and lemon in this forecast warmer days to come. This is a promise we're most focused on here in Buffalo right now! That said, it was sunny and in the upper 30s again today. How sweet.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Moderate
Chopping: Garlic (crushed and minced), grape tomatoes, parsley, broccoli rabe
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: You can make the sauce ahead and toss over freshly cooked pasta.
Reaction
J: "This is always startlingly good."
M: "Surprisingly hearty!"
Pasta with chickpea and garlic sauce (recipe in the comments from November 28, 2008)
Steamed broccoli rabe and lemon
Hot tea
English toffee
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As we commented the first time we made this, the sauce is creamy without the cream. I still find the outcome amazing. How does this get so rich seeming without any fat other than the oil you saute the garlic in??? The chickpea is amazing. I love the freshness of this dish and I think you may notice a subtle shift as we move into February. We still make warming meals, as we are still in the depths of winter, but I think many of them look forward to spring. The grape tomatoes and lemon in this forecast warmer days to come. This is a promise we're most focused on here in Buffalo right now! That said, it was sunny and in the upper 30s again today. How sweet.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Moderate
Chopping: Garlic (crushed and minced), grape tomatoes, parsley, broccoli rabe
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: You can make the sauce ahead and toss over freshly cooked pasta.
Reaction
J: "This is always startlingly good."
M: "Surprisingly hearty!"
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday
Saag tofu (recipe in the comments from January 2, 2008)
Basmati rice
Okra supreme (recipe in the comments)
Here's another one that we made last January! Now that said we made this again last April, but still it may argue that we are on some sort of cycle - just a long one. This is one of our favorite tofu recipes and is a great way to pack in those leafy greens. You use a full pound of baby spinach in this and once it's done you can't believe how little volume it takes up! We're happy to have something relatively easy to make and warming as we have been having the same record low temperatures as the rest of the country and are craving warm and spiced fare.
You get the okra recipe since the main dish is a repeat. This is a super easy Indian side and is guaranteed to be enjoyed by people who swear they don't like okra - so long as they like Indian flavors. It's very intensely spiced, but not very spicy. The yogurt tones it down and makes for a creamy texture. Enjoy!
Saag tofu (recipe in the comments from January 2, 2008)
Basmati rice
Okra supreme (recipe in the comments)
Hot tea
Here's another one that we made last January! Now that said we made this again last April, but still it may argue that we are on some sort of cycle - just a long one. This is one of our favorite tofu recipes and is a great way to pack in those leafy greens. You use a full pound of baby spinach in this and once it's done you can't believe how little volume it takes up! We're happy to have something relatively easy to make and warming as we have been having the same record low temperatures as the rest of the country and are craving warm and spiced fare.
You get the okra recipe since the main dish is a repeat. This is a super easy Indian side and is guaranteed to be enjoyed by people who swear they don't like okra - so long as they like Indian flavors. It's very intensely spiced, but not very spicy. The yogurt tones it down and makes for a creamy texture. Enjoy!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tofu, onion, garlic, ginger
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: This is great the next day.
Reaction
J: "This is one of our most beautiful tofu meals. Yummy too!"
M: "Tasty tofu!"
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday
Soup beans (recipe in the comments from November 6, 2007)
Turnip and collard greens with onions
Company corn bread
Today was a glorious day! It was in the upper 20s all day and brightly sunny. We got around 4" of snow last night, but today was bright and virtually wind-free. It was the *perfect* time for our first foray sledding. Last year T was less than thrilled about sledding, but apparently he was just waiting for Buffalo snow. He loved it! We went to our local hill with some of our neighbors and, despite being uncertain initially, had a ball! We came home and prepped a hearty dinner of beans and cornbread. The beans cook for around 2 hours, so they're best done ahead. After that, we watched T's first episode of Sesame Street. He LOVED it and it made me cry to enjoy it with him. What memories! We came home from church this evening and dinner was basically ready for us to enjoy together (We're eating with T more often these days). Anyway, this was the perfect end to a wonderful Sunday.
Soup beans (recipe in the comments from November 6, 2007)
Turnip and collard greens with onions
Company corn bread
Hot tea
York peppermint patties
Today was a glorious day! It was in the upper 20s all day and brightly sunny. We got around 4" of snow last night, but today was bright and virtually wind-free. It was the *perfect* time for our first foray sledding. Last year T was less than thrilled about sledding, but apparently he was just waiting for Buffalo snow. He loved it! We went to our local hill with some of our neighbors and, despite being uncertain initially, had a ball! We came home and prepped a hearty dinner of beans and cornbread. The beans cook for around 2 hours, so they're best done ahead. After that, we watched T's first episode of Sesame Street. He LOVED it and it made me cry to enjoy it with him. What memories! We came home from church this evening and dinner was basically ready for us to enjoy together (We're eating with T more often these days). Anyway, this was the perfect end to a wonderful Sunday.
Prep notes
Difficulty: Super easy, but LONG cooking time.
Chopping: Ham
Time: 10 minutes to prep, about 2 hours to cook (plus time for cornbread and greens)
Make ahead: Absolutely. Thin with a bit of water it it gets to thick.
Reaction
J: "It's been WAY too long."
M: "Stick to your ribs goodness, Y'all!"
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday
Black bean burrito bake (recipe in the comments from November 5)
Avocado and tomato salad
Black bean burrito bake (recipe in the comments from November 5)
Avocado and tomato salad
Hot tea
Vanilla ice cream
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There's something about this dish. It's one of the easiest things we make and, yet, it's just incredible. It's flavorful, unusual, and comforting. How often does that happen??? Besides it gives us a chance to have an avocado salad - an experience we relish. T has started to like avocados more and so it's now universally exciting (for a long time he didn't like plain avocados, but loved guacamole - who knows what drives his tastes???). The countdown to the move has gotten very low (10 days!) so we're looking for easy and yummy. This was perfect. We spread the salsa more evenly over the burritos and thought the result was especially moist and good.
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Chipotle chili, grating cheese, avocado, tomato
Time: 15 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake
Make ahead: It best to make this fresh.
Reaction
J: "More decadent than it should be."
M: "Spreading the salsa was the right thing to do. Very good tonight."
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday
White beans ala Pines of Rome (recipe in the comments from February 15)
Rice
Lemon scented broccoli
Mini oatmeal raisin cookies
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We had this back in February as a re-vamping of a meal we've made for many years that just needed a boost. It was fantastic then and fantastic a second time. The new recipe (actually quite different from the original) is truly outstanding. We had the beans with roasted garlic bread last time and I think I liked that better than over rice, but it was still excellent. Sometimes trying an old stand-by in a new way is really rewarding.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Onions
Time: 25 minutes
Make ahead: The beans keep for several days.
Reaction
J: "I'm still VERY impressed with this version."
M: "The new version is even better than I remembered."
Friday, June 6, 2008
Friday
Smoky corn and black bean pizza (recipe in the comments from January 26)
Sliced oranges with cinnamon
Hot tea
Oatmeal raisin cookies
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This is an easy dinner and, boy, do we need it! It's been a crazy week of planning for the move, having prospective new tenants for the house we're renting now over to look it over, trying to keep things normal for T, packing, etc. Anyway, we need a relaxing night and this is it. Tasty, easy, and comforting - if unusual. We made a few changes tonight (more BBQ sauce, yellow pepper) and both liked it, but not as well as the original. That said, we think the original could use a tweak too. Maybe red onion next time.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Super easy
Chopping: Tomato, oranges
Time: 20 minutes, 12 of which is cooking
Make ahead: This is actually good cold, but I make it fresh since it's so fast.
Reaction
J: "Is it pizza or is it BBQ?"
M: "It's like one step away from perfect. What is that step???"
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tuesday
Pad Thai (recipe in the comments from 11/11)
Cucumber salad
Hot tea
Pralines
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This is an unsurprising repeat. M and I love pad Thai and this recipe is pretty easy and tastes great. In fact I have come to like our version of pad Thai better than most versions I try at restaurants. I think the extra dose of vegetables and lime really kick this recipe into high gear. It's a wonderful dish to make on a busy night because it is pretty easy and it can sit. It's good hot,warm, or even cold. We have used this many times as picnic fare. Be sure to watch the volume on your rice noodles. We used a new brand and didn't look at the package very clearly and it was more noodles than the recipe calls for. This made the flavors less intense and we had to add sauce ingredients at the end. It still turned out yummy.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy with two chefs (see post from 11/11)
Chopping: Peanuts, garlic, carrots, cucumbers
Time: 40 minutes
Make ahead: It saves well, but I haven't had the best luck reheating it. Serve leftovers room temperature or cold.
Reaction
J: "Did I really get seconds?"
M: "Mmmmmm" (said while scooping the remains out of the pot with his fingers!)
Pad Thai (recipe in the comments from 11/11)
Cucumber salad
Hot tea
Pralines
______________________________________________________________
This is an unsurprising repeat. M and I love pad Thai and this recipe is pretty easy and tastes great. In fact I have come to like our version of pad Thai better than most versions I try at restaurants. I think the extra dose of vegetables and lime really kick this recipe into high gear. It's a wonderful dish to make on a busy night because it is pretty easy and it can sit. It's good hot,warm, or even cold. We have used this many times as picnic fare. Be sure to watch the volume on your rice noodles. We used a new brand and didn't look at the package very clearly and it was more noodles than the recipe calls for. This made the flavors less intense and we had to add sauce ingredients at the end. It still turned out yummy.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy with two chefs (see post from 11/11)
Chopping: Peanuts, garlic, carrots, cucumbers
Time: 40 minutes
Make ahead: It saves well, but I haven't had the best luck reheating it. Serve leftovers room temperature or cold.
Reaction
J: "Did I really get seconds?"
M: "Mmmmmm" (said while scooping the remains out of the pot with his fingers!)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday
Spicy red lentil dahl (recipe in the comments from January 18)
Naan
Cucumber salad
Hot tea
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My mom is a big fan of another dahl recipe we have made in the past. It is truly amazing in taste, but involves a LOT of oil/butter. This makes it a heavy meal to eat and, of course, not the best for you. This is our first time making the lighter dahl for my mom, who really liked it. This one is a bit more complex in flavor, though easier to prepare. I think the mixture of spices is truly fantastic and the coconut milk adds richness without being overwhelming. This is also excellent warm or cold, making it great picnic/camping fare. All in all a great first homemade dinner after our trip!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Onion, garlic, cucumbers
Time: 25 minutes
Make ahead: Yes
Reaction
J: "Dahl-licious!"
M: "Classic M and J. Yum!"
L: "I think I like this one just as well!"
Spicy red lentil dahl (recipe in the comments from January 18)
Naan
Cucumber salad
Hot tea
______________________________________________________________
My mom is a big fan of another dahl recipe we have made in the past. It is truly amazing in taste, but involves a LOT of oil/butter. This makes it a heavy meal to eat and, of course, not the best for you. This is our first time making the lighter dahl for my mom, who really liked it. This one is a bit more complex in flavor, though easier to prepare. I think the mixture of spices is truly fantastic and the coconut milk adds richness without being overwhelming. This is also excellent warm or cold, making it great picnic/camping fare. All in all a great first homemade dinner after our trip!
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Onion, garlic, cucumbers
Time: 25 minutes
Make ahead: Yes
Reaction
J: "Dahl-licious!"
M: "Classic M and J. Yum!"
L: "I think I like this one just as well!"
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday
Saag tofu (recipe in the comments from Jan 2)
Jasmine rice
Cucumber salad
Hot tea
Candy
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Apparently we didn't look back at the blog when we planned tonight's dinner as a welcome meal for my mom, L. We made this for her when she was visiting last January!!! I have no recollection of doing so, but, luckily, she liked it then and liked it now!!!! This is a great tofu recipe with plenty of leafy green spinach, without the heaviness of the saag dishes you get in most Indian restaurants. Trust me, I love that heaviness when I'm there, but am not inclined to cook that way at home. Anyway,this is a fabulous dinner that relies on our "no fail tofu" preparation. M was at a work related dinner, so it's just mom and I for reactions tonight.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tofu, onion, garlic, ginger, cucumbers
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: This saves very well.
Reaction
J: "Tofu and spinach - what could be better?"
L: "Very delicious! A great combination of flavors."
Saag tofu (recipe in the comments from Jan 2)
Jasmine rice
Cucumber salad
Hot tea
Candy
______________________________________________________________
Apparently we didn't look back at the blog when we planned tonight's dinner as a welcome meal for my mom, L. We made this for her when she was visiting last January!!! I have no recollection of doing so, but, luckily, she liked it then and liked it now!!!! This is a great tofu recipe with plenty of leafy green spinach, without the heaviness of the saag dishes you get in most Indian restaurants. Trust me, I love that heaviness when I'm there, but am not inclined to cook that way at home. Anyway,this is a fabulous dinner that relies on our "no fail tofu" preparation. M was at a work related dinner, so it's just mom and I for reactions tonight.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Tofu, onion, garlic, ginger, cucumbers
Time: 35 minutes
Make ahead: This saves very well.
Reaction
J: "Tofu and spinach - what could be better?"
L: "Very delicious! A great combination of flavors."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Thursday
Trollop pasta (recipe in the comments from November 14)
Green beans with warm balsamic bacon dressing
Hot tea
Candy
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It's a repeat!!! This shouldn't be surprising since we're just back form a trip and looking for easy things to make from staples. Also, I fessed up back in November that if we did only make ten dinners, this would maybe be two of them. I've missed it and am happy to be wrapped in its comforting yumminess. I think that every time we make this we say that it's better than usual -maybe we just can't remember quite how good it really is between times. Regardless, this is a great meal and should definitely be in your arsenal.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Green olives, parsley
Time: 20 minutes
Make ahead: Make the sauce ahead and toss with fresh pasta
Reaction
J: "Can we move in with the trollops?"
M: "Still the best."
Trollop pasta (recipe in the comments from November 14)
Green beans with warm balsamic bacon dressing
Hot tea
Candy
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It's a repeat!!! This shouldn't be surprising since we're just back form a trip and looking for easy things to make from staples. Also, I fessed up back in November that if we did only make ten dinners, this would maybe be two of them. I've missed it and am happy to be wrapped in its comforting yumminess. I think that every time we make this we say that it's better than usual -maybe we just can't remember quite how good it really is between times. Regardless, this is a great meal and should definitely be in your arsenal.
Prep Notes
Difficulty: Easy
Chopping: Green olives, parsley
Time: 20 minutes
Make ahead: Make the sauce ahead and toss with fresh pasta
Reaction
J: "Can we move in with the trollops?"
M: "Still the best."
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