A few days ago my sous chef and I made amazingly delicious spicy honey chicken thighs and we were eager to get dinner finished all in one swoop (essentially all grilled – coincidentally without any dishes to clean!). Now, I clearly have an admiration for sweet potatoes – but I have to admit, I am not…
Vegetable
Smoky Corn Chowder with Sweet Potatoes, Shrimp and Applewood Bacon
It’s mid-March and this winter has been relentless – I suppose it wanted to have one last jab before the first day of spring this coming Thursday. Needless to say, we had gobs of snow and thus, a snow day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for the snow day but the warmer weather ahead…
Beer Braised Brats with Peppers and Onions and Mustard Two Ways
Because if we’re not going to cook with wine, beer can do the trick, right? And folks, it does wonders to this dish. I mean, wonders. First, we used brats that were infused with Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch (which by the way, were amazing). We bought them from Total Wine last Saturday, because naturally that’s where we…
Cajun Shrimp with Garden Vegetables in a Southwest Cream Sauce
This is a spectacular dish bursting with flavor. All of these gorgeous, bright colors are really exciting (it makes me look so forward to the fresh vegetables of summer, especially corn… yum.). And can I quickly touch on the fact that it was a 70 degree evening with a perfect sunset? I even have proof! Summertime,…
Asian Chicken Lettuce Boats with Thai Peanut Sauce
Okay, so maybe this isn’t the best thing to make for say, the first few dates with your new flame… but man, these are good. Crunchy, spicy, saucy and just a tad bit messy. At least it was for me! Somehow my sous chef managed to have a perfectly clean plate and hands. And here…
Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Bacon, Peppers and Onions
The sous chef: “Gosh, you and bacon!” Me: “Are you jealous?” The sous chef: “I don’t want to talk about it” Yes, we revert to our bacon ways. But who’s complaining? Not the sous chef, I promise! Friends, this is a perfect go-to weeknight dinner. And it is so, so delicious. I love the tender,…
Marinated Sirloin Steak Kebabs with Garden Vegetables
My sous chef and I are moving this weekend and we’ve championed one motto for dinners this week: easy peasy. Or ‘simple dimple’ if you ask my sous chef (don’t tell him, but I don’t think that’s an actual expression!). Folks, it doesn’t get any simpler than this. A grill is a beautiful opportunity to…
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cayenne
There is no hiding my admiration for sweet potatoes; not only are they tastier than your typical spud, they have significantly more vitamins and minerals. But who wants to hear about health benefits, right? I know I just want to talk about the yummy, creamy goodness of sweet potatoes. At least you know while you…
Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon with Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas
The not-so-closet seafood addict strikes again: succulent, sweet, and a hint of spice. This might have been the most delicious salmon I have ever enjoyed (and sous chef approved by leaps and bounds). Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for the smoky flavors of cedar planked salmon; but the preparation of this salmon makes…
Braised Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Cipolline Onions and Mushrooms
Sunday. Dinner. That is all. It’s perfect. Do I overuse the word perfect? Probably. Am I too excited for food? Probably. But folks, this is an unbelievable recipe. It’s actually the first time I’ve ever made it, an original Fine Cooking work of genius, and it most certainly will not be the last. This chicken is melt-in-your-mouth…