Perfect brown rice takes work, and it’s achieved by following the package directions. To help it, we found that you need less liquid than than you think. Perfect Brown Rice 2 c. brown rice, rinsed 1 small yellow onion, minced 1 Tbsp. olive oil 3-1/4 c chicken stock In a heavy bottomed pan over […]
Side Dish
Beans & Greens
This dish doesn’t sound like much, but the combination makes it perfect: savory, substantial, and flavorful. It’s so versatile that you can substitute whatever green or bean you have on hand. On top of that, it’s so easy that it’s a no-brainer on a weeknight – we make it at least once a week as a […]
Herbed Brown Rice Pilaf
It sounds simple, and it is. But it’s beyond delicious, and is a great match for just about any meal where you need a side dish. 2 Tbsp. EVOO 2 whole garlic cloves, lightly smashed 1 lg yellow onion, diced small (about 1 cup) 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced 2 tsp fresh thyme, de-stemmed 1 […]
Herbed Quinoa
In an effort to use my herbs from the garden, I’ve come up with this simple side dish that is light and brightly flavored. You could use any combination of herbs you have – here’s the selection I chose. Herbed Quinoa 1-1/2 c quinoa, rinsed 2 c chicken stock 1 c water 1 medium yellow […]
Everyday White Rice
This is a great side dish when you want something quick to go with dinner. While we don’t eat much white rice in our house, there are a lot of good memories. My dad taught me how to make rice when I was growing up. I remember one night he made the best rice i […]
Green Chile & Cheddar Cornbread
Having never made cornbread before, I threw caution to the wind and created this gorgeous bread. I know I’ve read about something like it before, but I couldn’t find it. And we had a huge pot of chili on the stove . . . it’s Packer Sunday after all. So give this bread a try […]
Roasted Beet, Orange, & Fennel Salad
I invented this salad after a trip to the farmer’s market last fall where I bought too many beets. Now I buy beets not only for this salad, but to roast and keep on hand to add to chopped salads throughout the week. I’ve made this salad for two different dinner parties, and it has […]
Apple, Fennel, & Celery Slaw
This slaw is great for picnics because it’s mayo-free, and pairs perfectly with meats that take a long time on the grill – like ribs or barbecued chicken. Maybe best of all, it doesn’t even require heat, which will keep your kitchen cool on long summer days. Make sure to let this one sit in […]
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Capers and Anchovies
This recipe is adapted from the Thanksgiving issue of Food & Wine magazine – Chef Michael Symon did a special spread. When Todd saw this – being a Brussels sprouts fanatic – we went to the store to get the ingredients. As one who enjoys Brussles Sprouts, this recipe made me LOVE them. We did […]
Black Bean Cakes with Guacamole & Tomato Salad
Believe it or not, I saw Emeril making this dish while I was writing a grocery list and looking over my cookbooks. See, I subscribe to the method of extreme weekday menu planing – so I find 4 to 5 dishes that I think fit my weeknight meal criteria: healthy, quick, cheap, and easy. I […]
