Orecchiette with kale and cannelloni beans. We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020968-pasta-with-spicy-sausage-broccoli-rabe-and-chickpeas?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We modified the ingredients based on our pantry: first, kale instead of broccoli rabe, cannelloni beans instead of chick peas, and chicken broth instead of white wine. For the sausage, we used a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage. (Apr. 2020)
Chicken cacciatore with mushrooms
We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015416-chicken-cacciatore-with-mushrooms-tomatoes-and-wine?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Based on our pantry, we used ½ cup dried shiitakes (instead of porcini) for the dried mushroom and corresponding 1 cup of mushroom soaking liquid. We also used 29 oz (two 14.5 oz cans) of no-salt diced tomatoes, which we pulsed in our handheld processors. We omitted much of the… Continue reading Chicken cacciatore with mushrooms
Simple charoset
During the pandemic, we tried to make charoset based on our pantry. We generally followed this recipe: https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Basic-Charoset-511621 Our modifications: first, we used a mix of Fuji apple and Anjou pear, and we left the skin on. Second, in lieu of the 1 Tbsp each sweet red wine and honey, we used 2 Tbsp pomegranate… Continue reading Simple charoset
Blanched spinach
We bought 1 lb of fresh baby spinach, but we don’t have an immediate use for it. We tried this simple blanching method: http://beyondwonderful.com/how_to/preparing/blanch_spinach.htm After plunging the cooked spinach in a large bowl of ice water, we moved it to a large wire mesh colander to drain for 30 mins. After that, we manually squeezed… Continue reading Blanched spinach
Banana-nut muffins
Pantry baking. We tried this recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/banana-muffins/ We used 3 ½ medium sized well-ripened bananas and 1 cup walnut pieces. This recipe yielded 15 muffins, which we baked for a total of 19 mins (5 mins at 425, 14 at 350). (Apr. 2020)
Crispy hash browns
We tried this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/06/shredded-hash-browns-recipe.html Our modifications: we used Simply Potatoes shredded potatoes (about 8 oz), which we microwaved in a paper towel-lined flat bowl for 1 min. We then heated 2 tsp ghee (clarified butter) in a cast iron pan, and we cooked until browned on one side, sprinkling with salt and pepper (about… Continue reading Crispy hash browns
Simple carrot and carrot salad
We tossed this together based on our pantry: Wash and pat dry two celery stalks, and cut into 1 inch diagonal pieces. Wash and peel 2 medium carrots, then cut into ½ inch diagonal slices. Add about 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped parsley. Drizzle with a fruity white balsamic vinegar (we used about 1 Tbsp pomegranate… Continue reading Simple carrot and carrot salad
Jamie Oliver’s baked eggplant parmesan
We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1901-jamie-olivers-eggplant-parmesan?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Based on our pantry, we used 28 oz pureed tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. This led to a thicker sauce, which we might in the future dilute with some water or chicken broth before baking. We also omitted the fresh basil, as we did not have any on hand. (Mar.… Continue reading Jamie Oliver’s baked eggplant parmesan
Chinese chicken and shiitake mushroom soup
We tried this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_soup_with_ginger_and_shiitake_mushrooms/ Our modifications: first, instead of chicken thighs, we used ½ chicken, which we carved into standard pieces (breast, thigh, drumstick) and did not cut into the bones. Our inspiration was this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/chicken-mushroom-soup/ Second, I guestimated that 1 oz = 12 dried shiitakes, which we soaked in 3 cups boiling… Continue reading Chinese chicken and shiitake mushroom soup
Indian stewed split red lentils
We tried this recipe: https://www.cookstr.com/Indian-Recipes/Stewed-Split-Red-Lentils. We reduced the ghee from 1 Tbsp to 2 tsp. (Mar. 2020)
Cooking Adventures 