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!

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!

Week in Review

This week was extra special...for this week's twist, Schell's Kitchen had a guest chef! The chef approached me by offering to give me the week "off." I told them they had a challenge on their hands. Just because I wasn't the one in the kitchen didn't mean I was going to take the week off from blogging! So friends, that menu I posted on Sunday was courtesy of the guest chef. And just who was that guest chef? My husband!

Instead of deciding at the last minute what he was going to prepare the night of the actual meal, I kindly reminded him he needed to decide his menu on Sunday. Bless his little heart. This peach of mine doesn't do well with planning, he is a spur of the moment kind of guy. The grocery shopping was complete on Sunday and cooking commenced on Monday! So there you have it, this week's review proves your man does have it in him.

Reuben Sandwiches

These sandwiches sure were satisfying to say the least. The chef decided to pair both corned beef and pastrami topped with sauerkraut, Swiss and Russian dressing. Nothing like a nice loaf of rye to top it off!

Stacked Enchiladas with Refried Beans

I am sorry to say readers, I made the conscience decision not to share this meal's portrait. Although it was tasty as could be, it just did not look appealing! This casserole-like dish lost its shape once it was plated. It was still a success even though I don't have a picture to prove it. Well, I do have a picture, but you might question if it truly was a success (especially next to a slop of refried beans)!

Gnocchi with Steamed Vegetables

I don't recall ever sampling gnocchi, but the chef loves it. Obviously why he added it to this week's menu! And my gosh this was good! The potato-filled gnocchi was store bought (this kitchen hasn't quite graduated to homemade items yet) and the thyme-butter sauce was a recipe from our friend Giada over at the Food Network...although, the chef told me he "doctored" it up a little. The steamed veggies of choice were fresh broccoli and yellow squash.

Since I have a package of corn tortillas used in one of this week's recipes, I am planning on using them in a recipe next week too. Stay tuned!

Week in Review

My waistline is taking a hit from these menus of mine. I decided to cut down on our caloric intake this week. If you saw this week's menu you may have noticed. As the week went on I realized my menu was a tad less labor intensive (and a tad less impressive!). I decided that was okay. We all need a little reprieve every once in a while.

Stuffed Green Peppers

I had my family over for my mother's birthday on Monday. The stuffed pepper was just the perfect amount to leave enough room for a birthday Bundt cake (or cakes...four to be exact...I couldn't quite decide on one flavor). You can't tell from the picture but these puppies were stuffed with brown rice sautéed with onions, sausage, mushrooms, and the excess pepper (I am seeing a trend with my use of the word "sauté..."). I paired this dish with a Caesar salad and some miniature wheat rolls.

Chopped Salad with Sautéed Shrimp

My better half wasn't home for dinner this night. Maybe you could tell...this dish isn't very manly. I cannot tell you how easy it is to incorporate fresh fish into your meal. And it’s just so refreshing when you have been eating a lot of meat and chicken. I used ingredients I had in my fridge for the salad's ingredients (romaine and iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, and mushrooms). I tossed everything in extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topped with a little feta cheese.

Grilled Chicken with Mixed Vegetables

I rounded off the week with something on the lighter side. I had a little extra rice mixture from the peppers that kept fairly well to add to our meal (yes I know, I have slightly contradicted myself by using more than a day old leftovers!). Grilled chicken is great when you do not have a lot of time. I thawed the breasts the night before (I keep a box of individually packaged skinless, boneless breasts in my freezer at all times - they are a life saver), let them marinate in store bought dressing during the day and they were ready for grilling by dinnertime. I kept my mixed veggies simple with roasted red onion and Brussels sprouts, oh and some mushrooms too.

I am already starting to plan my menu for next week, so don't forget to tune in on Sunday!

Week in Review

It has proved to be another..er kind of..successful week in Schell's Kitchen. I was pleasantly surprised when the preparation of two meals was less labor intensive than I expected! This week's review should have your mouth watering!

Meatloaf Minis with Mashed New Potatoes and Green Beans

I have to tell you meatloaf is not one of my all time favs. Well, this my friends had me at hello. The idea of a mini meatloaf is genius. It gives everyone just enough and you don't a leftover loaf of meat sitting in your fridge (and you know how I feel about leftovers!). This recipe called for a twist...diced white cheddar cheese.

Homemade Pizza

I came across a recipe titled "Sunny-side-up Egg and Pesto Pizza." I am not one for expanding my pallet all too much, but I thought I would try something new. I am sorry to say folks, but this might not be one I would try again.

Pesto-stuffed Chicken with Rice Pilaf

I didn't intentionally plan two meals calling for pesto on purpose, but I'm glad I did. I can rest comfortably knowing that $6.99 jar (don't tell my husband!) wasn't going to waste after just one use. I decided to add sautéed spinach to the meal. Fresh spinach is a favorite in this household. This meal was a nice way to end the week. 

Until next time friends, Bon Appétit!

Week in Review

I am still trying to master the time it takes to prep my meal all the way until the meal is plated. As a result, sometimes it feels like just as we are sitting down to indulge, the rest of you are getting ready for bed! But, since practice makes perfect I must be on the road to perfection! This week proved to a successful week in Schell's Kitchen, so without further ado here is my week in review: 

Fish Tacos with Spanish Rice

I marinated tilapia in a pineapple ginger marinade. For quick and easy garnishes, I used black beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cheese (I did not have the traditional Cotija typically used as a taco garnishing, so I substituted with Feta).

Bacon-wrapped Filets with Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach

So, I was feeling adventurous and decided to add some surf to our turf. I also sautéed onions with the mushrooms and spinach (and some fresh minced garlic too!).

Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan Pull-Aparts

This was the meal of the week that consumed a tad more time than expected. Let's hope for better luck next time!