Sometimes I’m inspired by a cooking technique or cuisine. But most of the time I’m inspired by an ingredient. Today’s inspiring ingredient: bok choy. In this transition between Winter and Spring, bok choy is a food we can’t get enough of. It promotes digestion and gives us a wallop of vitamins and other things that strengthen […]
Bok Choy Quinoa Pilaf Read More »
I’m always a little hesitant to make sauces and pastes. I know that they are the secret to fantastic flavors exploding in my dishes, but they seem so overwhelming. I hardly know where to begin. Where some people can see infinite possibilities with a mango chutney, all I see is a dipping sauce for my
I love this gratin recipe. Comforting creamy vegetables without the heaviness of a lot of butter and cream. And, as far as gratins go, it really couldn’t be easier. Instead of making a flour and butter roux, this gratin relies on slightly caramelized vegetables that bring both the comfort and the flavor to this recipe. While from
Winter Rainbow Gratin Read More »
This recipe screams Autumn. Creamy, dense sweet potato dumplings are tossed in a chunky medley of lightly toasted pine nuts and bread crumbs. This is perfect for a rainy/snowy day. Serve with a crusty sourdough bread and you have a recipe for bliss. Making gnocchi from scratch is an art. So, make the Rustic Pine
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Rustic Pine Nut Sauce Read More »
During this transitional time of year, Lemongrass Risotto is perfect. Like all risottos, it is creamy and comforting, just what we crave as the air gets brisk. Yet, the lemongrass makes this risotto bright and refreshing, reminding us of those beautiful summer days. Risotto is a rice dish, but it is very different from
Lemongrass Risotto Read More »
I know. This sounds a little strange. But if you have been waiting to try one of my recipes, this is the one to try. It is fairly simple and oh so delicious! This chili starts with a rich peppery base. I sautéed onion, garlic, and an assortment of peppers together. When they were soft, I added
Spicy Eggplant Chili Tacos Read More »
It’s the State Fair in Minnesota. Twelve days of fun, friends, and of course, food. For those of you not familiar with the MN State Fair, it’s HUGE! Over 1.7 million people attend the Fair every year. It’s the second largest state fair in the United States. The MN State Fair was originally designed as
Polenta Eggplant Casserole Read More »
I had good intentions. But the mushrooms forced my hand… And I am so glad they did! I rarely buy mushrooms because Martin hates them (little slugs) and I don’t love them. I don’t know what possessed me five days ago to purchase some pre-sliced button mushrooms…OK, I wanted to use them on a sandwich…
Potato Casserole with Peppery Tomatoes Read More »
It’s zucchini season! Almost everyone I know has a plethora of the delicious green summer squash. Zucchini can have a bad rep; it can turn into mushy grossness if cooked improperly. But don’t give up on this versatile veggie! Zucchini is high in a ton of vitamins and minerals, my favorite being potassium. Potassium helps with circulation
Simple Summer Vegetable Stir-fry Read More »
I searched online. I read my favorite recipe books. And in the end, I abandoned the idea of making a meal from a recipe. I had wanted to make chilled cucumber soup with a beet salad, but alas, a trip to the grocery store was not in my immediate future. What to make? I
Thai-inspired Stir Fried Veggies Over Rice Read More »