Week in Review

I feel like I have gotten back on track this week. Although I am having a difficult time deciding what to include on next week's menu. I have only come up with one thing! I better put my thinking cap back on. But before I do that, here is this week's review.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Ladies and gentlemen, my Irish grandmother would be proud. This may look a little mushy (well it kind of was), but this meal sure did turn out just as I anticipated. My recipe didn't call for it, but I added some carrots and celery for flavor. The beef sure did take a long time, but the prep was simple. And do you see that slice of homemade Irish soda bread? I can't take credit for that one. My mother made a loaf to pair with our meal. It was divine as always!

Chicken Spaghetti

For this dish, I mixed all of the ingredients together on Monday night, and had my sous chef place it in the oven to bake on Tuesday. If I didn't prepare these types of meals (the kind with a number of ingredients and steps) ahead of time, this household wouldn't eat until 10 o'clock at night. This one is always a crowd pleaser. And it holds up pretty well for reheating.

Pork Chops with Couscous

Pork chops were a first for this kitchen. I remember eating them as a child. When I shared this recipe with my mother, she turned up her nose. These bone-in chops were pan seared with chicken broth, shallots and mixed fruit (I used Craisins - it is what I had on hand). The flavoring was actually very delightful.

To see what I decided on for the week, check back in on Sunday!

Wednesday's Words: Healthy Cooking

I don't consider myself a health nut. And I certainly don't always watch what I eat like I know I should. But in an attempt to implement healthy cooking into our lifestyles, I tend to buy reduced or low-fat ingredients. Believe it or not I cannot tell the difference, but my better half likes to thinks he can. Sometimes just to please his taste buds I buy the regular version of what I am looking for. Make no mistake, I am sure the slight increase around my waistline is no coincidence. 

Do you ever try to "trick" him into believing you are cooking with the real thing?

Editor's Note: Some reduced or low-fat items can have an adverse effect on your recipe. The most notable one I can think of is Cream of Chicken soup. If you try to substitute with the 98% fat free version, your dish will be runny. I learned the hard way!

This Week's Menu

Monday

Corned Beef and Cabbage
Served with Homemade Irish Soda Bread

Tuesday

Chicken Spaghetti
Served with Garlic Bread

Wednesday

Pork Chops
Served with Couscous

Thursday

Leftover Chicken Spaghetti

Week in Review

This week's menu was about saving time. And it did. I will be back on track next week…I hope! Once all the busy-ness dies down, it is easy to see how much we take free time for granted!! 

Halibut Topped with Mango Salsa

This may look like chicken folks, but it is fish! Halibut to be exact. The mango salsa was an unexpected (but satisfying) surprise combined with the flavors of the fish. I added some texture to the linguine with olive oil and breadcrumbs. I saw my aunt toss egg noodles with breadcrumbs and decide to do the same. I am glad I did! I also tossed fresh spinach with lemon juice, olive oil and fresh feta to give us some greens.  

Chicken Enchiladas with Black Beans and Yellow Rice

I made these on Monday night. It was the easiest recipe. My initial thought of using the remaining corn tortillas failed me. They broke at rolling. I had my sweet companion run out for some flour tortillas (okay he was already out running an errand, so I lucked out!). On my way home from work I decided to stop for guacamole to pair with the meal...I can thank Whole Foods for that! In the end, this was not the winner of the week. The enchiladas did not reheat as well as I would have liked. Oh well, now I know for next time! 

For next week I am planning something in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Wish me luck!

Wednesday's Words: Vegetable Blanching

Today's segment is short, but sweet. One of my pre-blogging meals called for blanched broccoli. Being the novice cook that I am, I took to the Internet for assistance. After three minutes in boiling water and a minute in iced water, I present you with blanched broccoli.

And what was that recipe calling for such a thing? Broccoli Beef on the back of the Uncle Ben's brown rice box no less.