Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

We tried this Ina Garten recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/balsamic-roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe-1996813 Our modifications: first, we used 2 slices precooked bacon instead of pancetta. Second, we washed, trimmed, and halved the Brussels sprouts. We carefully dried the brussel sprout halves with paper towels (to maximize browning and minimize steaming) before tossing the bacon and sprout halves with ¼ cup olive… Continue reading Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Celery, carrot ribbon, and parsley salad

We tossed together this simple salad based on our pantry: 7 celery heart stalks (or 4 celery stalks), cut along a 1-inch diagonal; 2 medium carrots, peeled and then shaved into ribbons (using a textured peeler), and 2 Tbsp Italian parsley, roughly chopped. We served this with a simple French vinaigrette: https://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/186480832981/basic-french-vinaigrette-details-here (July 2019)

Chicken dill soup from scratch, pressure cooker style

I tossed this together based on our pantry: first, place two large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2.5 lb) in a large (8 qt) pressure cooker. For aromatics, add 1 large onion (peeled and quartered), 7-8 garlic cloves (peeled and slightly crushed), 3 stalks celery (mainly the leafy tops, cut into 3-inch lengths), 2 carrots… Continue reading Chicken dill soup from scratch, pressure cooker style

Homemade blueberry pie filling

We tried this recipe: http://chocolatewithgrace.com/homemade-blueberry-pie-filling/ The recipe called for 2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries. Because we had 2 ½ cups frozen blueberries on hand, we increased the other ingredients by 25%: 2 ½ Tbsp (2 Tbsp plus 1 ½ tsp) cornstarch, 5/8 cup (½ cup plus 2 Tbsp, but we reduced by 1 Tbsp)… Continue reading Homemade blueberry pie filling

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

Oven-roasted salmon with lemon-herb marinade

This NYT recipe offers a fusion of western herbs and Asian flavors including soy amd sesame oil: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/5824-salmon-with-lemon-herb-marinade We marinated for 45 mins and then placed the salmon (shaking off excess marinade) in a lightly oiled Le Creuset oval baking dish. We baked at 425 for 30-35 mins. We used 1.5 lb salmon filet, so… Continue reading Oven-roasted salmon with lemon-herb marinade

Beef barley mushroom soup

We followed this recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/rich-beef-barley-soup-recipe-2041687 Our modifications: first, we used 1 lb each oxtail and boneless beef roast. Second, we added 8 oz cremini mushrooms (cut into bite-sized pieces - halved, then each half cut into 3-4 pieces) to the carrot and celery mixture. Following the instructions, we cooked the barley separately, then we drained… Continue reading Beef barley mushroom soup

Oven fried chicken

We tried this Skinnytaste recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/oven-fried-chicken/ Our modifications: first, instead of bran flakes, we used a combo of 2 cups cornflakes and ½ cup breadcrumbs, and we omitted the salt. We placed the cornflakes, breadcrumbs, and dry spices in a handheld food chopper so that all of the coating would be evenly blended (see Note… Continue reading Oven fried chicken

Whole roast chicken with Brussels sprouts

We tried this recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/whole-roast-chicken-with-40-brussels-sprouts Our modifications: first, based on prior reviews complaining of undercooked chicken and because we used a 5 ½ lb bird, we increased the total cooking time from 50 mins to nearly 2 hours (120 mins) at 450. Second, we started with the chicken breast side down, but at the 30… Continue reading Whole roast chicken with Brussels sprouts