Stuffed shells with bolognese sauce

We followed this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/6609-manicotti-with-cheese-filling-and-bolognese-sauce?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share As a shortcut, we used 2 ½ cups of premade bolognese sauce (24 oz Rao’s bolognese sauce). To reduce sodium, we used 1 oz finely chopped prosciutto (down from 2 oz). We also used 12 jumbo shells, which we parboiled for 10 mins; the 12 stuffed shells filled a… Continue reading Stuffed shells with bolognese sauce

Spinach lasagna

We tried this Mark Bittman NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9616-spinach-lasagna?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We used 4 cups of Rao’s marinara sauce (see Note 1 below), 1 ¼ lb fresh spinach, and twelve 6-inch long dried lasagna sheets. To parboil the spinach and lasagna, we boiled water in a low-walled Dutch oven, then first parboiled the spinach (one bunch at a… Continue reading Spinach lasagna

Cheesy white bean tomato casserole

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019681-cheesy-white-bean-tomato-bake?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, we sauteed 4 garlic cloves and 2 small diced shallots in a 10-inch cast iron pan. Second, we increased the tomato paste (from 3 oz to 4-5 oz) and added 1 small fresh hothouse tomato (diced). Third, instead of water we added ½ cup chicken broth (but… Continue reading Cheesy white bean tomato casserole

Baked mac and cheese

We tried this recipe from Food Network, which calls for only American cheese rather than creamier cheeses: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chef-joes-baked-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1915004?soc=itksocialshareSMS%7Cios%7Cp Our modifications: first, given the size of the 9x12" casserole dish, the amount of elbow macaroni seemed off. So instead of cooking ½ lb (2 cups) macaroni, we made the full 1 lb box. In retrospect, this… Continue reading Baked mac and cheese

Apple blueberry crisp

We followed this apple crisp recipe but substituted two of the apples with 1 pint fresh blueberries: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/apple-crisp-1960784 Our modifications: first, we peeled, cored, sliced 3 Gala apples and placed into a medium mixing bowl. We tossed them with juice from ½ a lemon, 1 Tbsp flour, and slightly less than 2/3 cup white sugar… Continue reading Apple blueberry crisp

Syrian baked kofta with pomegranate molasses and tahini

We tried this recipe from Mayada Anjari’s The Bread and Salt Between Us. First, preheat the oven to 400. Second, make the kofta by combining 2 lb minced beef, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 small minced onion, 2/3 of a bunch(about 1 cup) minced parsley (leaves and tender stems only), 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp… Continue reading Syrian baked kofta with pomegranate molasses and tahini

Pressure cooker lasagna casserole

We tried this recipe: https://www.hippressurecooking.com/pressure-cooker-pasta-casserole-a-cheesy-meaty-mess-mezzemaniche-pasticciate/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry we used 1 large carrot, 2 stalks celery, 1 large onion, and 3 large garlic cloves - all minced in a handheld blender. We increased the beef to 1 1/3 lb and used 15 oz tomato sauce plus 2 heaping Tbsp tomato paste… Continue reading Pressure cooker lasagna casserole

Savory shallot kugel with breadcrumb topping

We tried this low-fat version of sweet kugel, but we modified the flavors to make it savory: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/251508/simple-noodle-kugel/ First, preheat oven to 350. Coat a 9x13" glass baking dish with cooking spray. Second, Boil 10 oz wide egg noodles, drain, and cool with cold water, and set aside to drain. Third, heat 2 Tbsp butter… Continue reading Savory shallot kugel with breadcrumb topping

Cauliflower parmesan

We tried this NYT recipe, with modifications: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017170-cauliflower-parmesan First, instead of dredging the cauliflower in egg and breadcrumbs and deep frying it, we oven-roasted the cauliflower florets (tossed in a little olive oil and sprinkled with a little salt and pepper) at 425 for 30 mins, tossing midway. Second, to mimic the breading, we lightly… Continue reading Cauliflower parmesan

Simple au gratin potatoes

We tried this recipe, which calls for cheddar cheese: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/simple-au-gratin-potatoes Our modifications: first, we halved this recipe but found a 2-quart casserole dish to be the right size (a larger casserole dish may be needed for the full recipe). Second, we rubbed the inside of the casserole dish with a smashed garlic clove, then lightly… Continue reading Simple au gratin potatoes