Wednesday, August 4, 2010

it's a keeper



And you thought I wasn't a part of the blogging world anymore, HA! I am, albeit sporadically, still here. The following post is meant serve as a bow around my finger.
Every once in a while I will make a stellar dinner. Is that OK to say? After eating every last bite, Jason and I will look at each other and know that the particular meal was a keeper. BUT, when I go to menu plan, I tend to forget any meal I've ever made. It's a mental block really, perhaps just so this little post would be written.


Below is a list of my favorite meals to prepare, with a bit of side information. I'll continue to add to it periodically, so that I can glance back when I'm off to the grocery store and have forgotten my faves. So here it goes:
  • Turkey Tacos: fresh corn from the cob, avocados, and tomatoes. Note, hard shells are making a comeback.
  • Salad with Marinated Chicken: fresh spinach and romaine, tomatoes, grapes, feta, grilled chicken (marinade: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, basil). Note, cornbread is fantastic with this meal. 
  • Pasta Fagiole & Wheat Ciabatta: large pasta shells, homemade sauce, pinto beans, Uncle Tony's recipe (enough said).
  • Turkey Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries: made with ground turkey, cooked spinach, sautéed onions and garlic. Note, if there is someone out there that doesn't like sweet potato fries, I want to meet them. Also, this burger topped with caramelized onions is phenomenal. Anything with caramelized onions is phenomenal.
  • Grilled Pizza: LOVE!!!! whole wheat pizza dough, whatever toppings are on hand (new fave: hummus, feta, kalamata olives, chicken- thanks Ang!) Brush dough with evoo, grill each side 3 min. add toppings, grill to perfection.
  • Shepard's Pie: Ground Turkey with shredded carrots, onions, allspice, corn, mashed potatoes Note, it took seven years to make a good mashed potato, still haven't perfected it. Don't forget the whole berry cranberry sauce.
  • BBQ Chicken Chili: Shredded Chicken, BBQ Sauce, grated carrots, onions, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste. Served on a roll- fabulous. With homemade mac and cheese- even better.
Wowza, I love this list and hope to keep adding to it. Maybe you can help, what's your favorite meal to prepare??

4 comments:

  1. Sheppard's Pie is my fav, but you already have that one on the list...what about chicken fajitas...the more color, the bettah! What about your famous chicken salad recipe too? Quick and easy once the chicken is cooked! Oh yeah, another easy crock pot dinner...pulled pork sandwhiches. And did you know, I am no longer intimidated by a whole chicken?!

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  2. These all sound delish! My favorite tip to make great mashed potatoes is putting them in your KitchenAid with the beater attachment, putting in milk, butter, sour cream (or creme fraiche-the best!, or even greek yogurt) and seasonings and letting it beat for a while. Guaranteed smooth and fluffy!

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  3. Not the beater attachment, the egg-whipping one. The metal wisk. That's it. Sheesh. Sorry, pregnancy brain! :)

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  4. Oooooh thanks for the suggestions! You can't go wrong with pulled pork. Beck, I have yet to acquire a KitchenAid, but perhaps if I stay busy enough in the kitchen I will! Wait, did you say pregnancy brain?!

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